October 13, 2004 Research Update

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

Dehydroepiandrosterone-Sulfate Inhibits Nuclear Factor-kappaB-Dependent Transcription in Hepatocytes, Possibly through Antioxidant Effect

Sorry for the long title, but this one is interesting. NFkappaB is a transcription factor that promotes inflammation. By blocking NF kappa B's action, the overall burden of inflammation can be lowered. In this study, it was shown that DHEA-s lowers the effect of KF kappa B, essentially producing an anti-inflammatory response. Why is this important? DHEA is produced by the adrenal cortex, but the production of this compound is affected by stress. More stress will produce cortisol instead of DHEA (called the "pregnonalone steal"). Follow the pattern out from there. JCEM -- Abstracts: Iwasaki et al. 89 (7): 3449 http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/89/7/3449

High Levels of Dietary Advanced Glycation End Products Transform Low-Density Lipoprotein Into a Potent Redox-Sensitive Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Stimulant in Diabetic Patients

Okay, so maybe I'm on a kick for long titles detailing biochemistry for this Update... Actually, I couldn't figure out how to shorten the title. When elevated glucose levels are present in the bloodstream they can irreversibly damage protein. Muscle, heart, heme...any protein. This is the idea behind checking hemoglobin A1C/glycosylated hemoglobin--it checks the damage occurring over the course of the 3-month lifespan of a RBC. So, it is becoming of concern that glycosylated proteins from our diet may have a negative impact on our health as well.

Circulation -- Abstracts: Cai et al. 110 (3): 285 Click here for more information

Lactobacillus GG Bacteria Ameliorate Arthritis in Lewis Rats

Okay, so this is a rat study, but if there is anyone out there who still does not believe that the bacteria in the gut has the ability to modulate the inflammation in the body then they are as out of touch with the research as most clinicians. The bacterial flora (which is considered an organ system by some researchers) has a significant impact on our health through the modulation of the immune system, production of certain vitamins (B12, K), detoxification of xenobiotics, metabolic conversion of dietary compounds and territorial protective effects against pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites... We need to be viewing antibiotic use as a severely long term detrimental effect to overcome a short term problem (in most cases...). Lactobacillus GG Bacteria Ameliorate Arthritis in Lewis Rats -- Baharav et al. 134 (8): 1964 -- Journal of Nutrition Click here for more information

Study suggests hepatitis B vaccine increases risk of multiple sclerosis

If there is someone out there that can give me a rational explanation as to why we are vaccinating newborns just minutes out of the womb for a virus that is transmitted through IV drug use, direct blood exposure or unprotected sex, I would love to be enlightened. (I can understand if the mother is HBV positive) Supporters would probably say that, at least these infants will be protected for the rest of their lives against hepatitis B. Guess again, studies are proving that the hep B vaccination immunity barely lasts five years (http://www.pidj.org/pt/re/pidj/abstract.00006454-200407000-00011.htm;jsessionid=BuBG8KjxfrUJM1AhH2iLt6bt7WvM2FWUeLHuDWv0RQjVbiKdJXSa!113108930!-949856032!9001!-1). Okay, the supporters would say...but at least the vaccine is totally safe.... Recombinant hepatitis B vaccine and the risk of multiple sclerosis: A prospective study -- Hernán et al. 63 (5): 838 -- Neuro.. Click here for more information

Teaching dogs new tricks

Sorry, but as the owner of 5 dogs (blame it on my wife....) I absolutely had to include this one. Read the commentary completely. It is about a dog's ability to sniff out bladder cancer with consistent results. The results are absolutely staggering and amazing... Teaching dogs new tricks -- Cole 329 (7468): 715 -- BMJ Click here for more information

Mediterranean Diet, Lifestyle Factors, and 10-Year Mortality in Elderly

I have been a strong supporter of the Mediterranean Diet for a long time and it's great when studies come out suggesting a FIFTY PERCENT decrease in mortality with persons following a Mediterranean-type diet. Remember that the Med diet comes out of a culture that had a low mortality from many chronic diseases. The national organizations (AHA, ADA...) come up with a diet plan they THINK will help. And don't think that special interests and the almightly dollar do not play a major role. JAMA -- Abstract: Mediterranean Diet, Lifestyle Factors, and 10-Year Mortality in Elderly European Men and Women: The HALE Pr.. Click here for more information

Effect of a Mediterranean-Style Diet on Endothelial Dysfunction and Markers of Vascular Inflammation in the Metabolic Syndrome

Same concept here applied to insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction (the lining of blood vessels..). JAMA -- Abstract: Effect of a Mediterranean-Style Diet on Endothelial Dysfunction and Markers of Vascular Inflammation in the.. Click here for more information

Caffeine Ingestion Before an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test Impairs Blood Glucose Management in Men with Type 2 Diabetes

Caffeine is known to stimulate the adrenal glands to release medullary products (adrenalin/epinephrine) and this will cause an increase in glucose floating in the bloodstream. It may be by this mechanism that caffeine ingestion in this study blunted the body's ability to get glucose out of the bloodstream. So, those of you out there that describe "coffee" as your breakfast, you may be doubly shooting yourself in the foot--release of adrenalin to break down lean muscle mass so the brain has fuel to function on, and caffeine to make sure that glucose hangs around in the bloodstream longer--not a good combination. Caffeine Ingestion Before an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test Impairs Blood Glucose Management in Men with Type 2 Diabetes -- Robi.. Click here for more information

Chronic asthma and chiropractic spinal manipulation

I came across this one in my musings and thought it was interesting. This is one of those issues that is pushed by some DCs but the evidence is not all there yet. This study found a 34% reduction in patient rated severity in their asthmatic symptoms--not something to be discounted lightly. My opinion? I think that there are patients whose asthma is mediated by the nervous system and will respond favorably to manipulation. And, since the safety of CMT is very, very high compared to the medications used to treat asthma, there is no disadvantage to attempting a trial period. However, I would also include a diet free of processed foods and refined carbs as well (which is probably why I won't be invited to a clinical trial of a single modality any time soon...). Entrez PubMed Click here for more information

Randomized controlled open study of sublingual immunotherapy for respiratory allergy in real-life: clinical efficacy and more

While we're on the subject...another safe approach to respiratory problems is sublingual immunotherapy. This concept works by inducing oral tolerance via the immune system in the GI tract--the immune system cells lining the GI tract identify the compound being given sublingually, and then send a signal out to the rest of the body that this compound is NOT an invader, thereby lowering the immune response all throughout the body, including the respiratory tract. Randomized controlled open study of sublingual immunotherapy for respiratory allergy in real-life: clinical efficacy and more.. Click here for more information

Lower Toenail Chromium in Men With Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Compared With Healthy Men

Hair and nails are an effective way to check for heavy metals and certain micronutrient status. Chromium is very effective for helping insulin do its job (chromium's nickname is Glucose Tolerance Factor or GTF), so the findings in this study are really not a big surprise. But it is nice to see that higher chromium status (as measured by its presence in the nails) protects against diabetes and CVD.) Lower Toenail Chromium in Men With Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Compared With Healthy Men -- Rajpathak et al. 27 (9): .. Click here for more information