January 18, 2001 Research Update

James Bogash, D.C. Mesa, AZ
info@lifecarechiro.com
www.lifecarechiro.com

T cell reactivity to microbial antigens, collagen in RA after new meds

Etanercept is the new drug being used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. I have always been concerned at the effects of blocking the action of TNF-gamma in the body. A more rational approach would be to use natural methods to block the production of TNF-gamma (anti-inflammatory diets, herbs, maintaining good insulin sensitivity, lowering the level of adipose tissue...). New research is suggesting that this new drug upregulates the immune system further, with the potential for even more autoimmunity--the reason the drug is used in the first place!! Ann Rheum Dis -- Abstracts: Berg et al. 60 (2): 133 http://ard.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/60/2/133

IL 13 blocks may protect cartilage

This article is a little technical and deserves an overview of Th1/Th2 inflammatory cascades. Consider Th1 as the body's attack system, to destroy things that get in. Consider Th2 as the body's defense system, keeping things from getting in. We need a healthy balance between the two. Too much Th1 can tend towards autoimmune diseases such as MS. Too much Th2 can tend towards allergies. This article suggests that IL 13 may protect against cartilage damage in the face of inflammation. IL 13 is produced as a Th2 cytokine. This further supports a healthy balance of Th1/Th2 in overall health. Ann Rheum Dis -- Abstracts: Cleaver et al. 60 (2): 150 for more info on Th1/Th2 Entrez-PubMed http://ard.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/60/2/150

H pylori augments the acid inhibitory effect of omeprazole

This is not great revelation. We know that H. pylori does not do well in a acid environment and it actually lowers the acidity of the area around itself. This does once again bring into question the use of acid-inhibitors for treatment of ulcers, especially when H. pylori is involved. Gut -- Abstracts: Beil et al. 48 (2): 157 http://gut.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/48/2/157

Age and disease related changes in intestinal bacterial populations

This is a wonderful article assessing the changes in normal flora as we age. As we age, we lose levels of the protective bacteria, and the author suggests this may be a factor in the increase in disease rates in later years. I believe a consideration here is that we produce less stomach acid as we age. Stomach acid serves a protective effect, killing off many of the bacteria that we take in orally, but lactobacillis, acidopholis and bifidobacteria are all resistant to stomach acid. So the reduction in stomach acid production may shift from protective to hostile intestinal flora. The best defense here is good offense...make sure probiotics are a consistant factor in your diet. Gut -- Abstracts: Hopkins et al. 48 (2): 198 http://gut.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/48/2/198

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

This research article suggests a link between small bowel bacterial overgrowth and liver disease. The results do suggest an increase in bacteria present in small bowel, but it is not via a change in permeability and subsequent increase in toxins from the bacteria making it into the bloodstream. The small bowel overgrowth may be incidental, or it may be shown in the next few years that there is a less direct route by which the bacteria alters liver function. Gut -- Abstracts: Wigg et al. 48 (2): 206 http://gut.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/48/2/206

Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure

The use of therapies to modulate the immune system in chronic heart failure is news to me. But this study shows a benefit in a therapy designed to support the immune system, and shows increased function of the left ventricle with this same therapy. Quite an acheivement. Add to this other natural therapies to modulate the immune system, exercise and antioxidants such as CoQ10 and I'm sure the results will improve even further. Circulation -- Abstracts: Gullestad et al. 103 (2): 220 http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/103/2/220

Soy Genistein Produces Acute NO–Dependent Dilation of Vasculature

This study shows an efficacy of soy phytoestrogens in increasing blood flow that is similar to estrogen. This vasodilation is believed to be one of the ways that estrogen may protect against heart disease. Circulation -- Abstracts: Walker et al. 103 (2): 258 http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/103/2/258

Conjugated Linoleic Acid Reduces Body Fat Mass

Based on the evidence that CLA is a PPAR-gamma ligand, much like the fancy new diabetic drugs, its effect on body mass is no great surprise. By improving insulin sensitivity, we will prevent the damage occurring to the body from elevated insulin levels. The only problem I do have with CLA is its natural source--meat, dairy and eggs. Quite a confrontation of beliefs, huh?

J Nutr 2000;130:2943-2948 Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduces body fat mass, according to a report in the December issue of the Journal of nutrition. CLA is a fatty acid found in dairy products, beef, poultry and eggs. Dr. Ola Gudmundsen, of Scandinavian Clinical research, Kjeller, Norway, and colleagues note that CLA has previously been shown to reduce body fat mass in animals. To assess the dose-response relationship of CLA with regard to body fat mass in humans, they conducted a randomized, double-blind study of 60 overweight or obese subjects (body mass index 25 to 35 kg/meters squared). The investigators report that the subjects received either placebo (9 g olive oil) or 1.7, 3.4, 5.1, or 6.8 g of CLA per day for 12 weeks. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure body composition at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. According to the report, 47 subjects completed the study. "Eight subjects withdrew from the study due to adverse events; however, no differences among treatment groups were found regarding adverse events," the team says. Further, they observed no significant differences among the groups in lean body mass, body mass index, blood safety variables, or blood lipids. "Repeated-measures analysis showed that a significantly higher reduction in body fat mass was found in the CLA groups compared with the placebo group," the researchers say. Further, they add, "the reduction of body fat within the groups was significant for the 3.4 g and 6.8 g CLA groups."