October 3, 2002 Research Update

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

Acidic Drinking Water and Risk of Childhood-Onset Type 1 Diabetes

This article is very intriguing to me and raises several issues. The findings of this study show that acidic municipal water led to a fourfold increase in risk of developing Type 1 DM. Zinc was also evaluated, and higher levels were protective. The authors suggest that the acidity may work indirectly by fostering the growth of certain types of bacteria that influence risk. A few comments here. First, this just strengthens the case for filtered/bottled water. Second, zinc is known to help modulate the Th1/Th2 cytokine expression--might this help guide the immune system into proper development and avoid autoimmune disorders? Or might the zinc support healthy immune function and override any infections that may lead to Type 1 DM? Stay tuned...

Dia Care -- Abstracts: Stene et al. 25 (9): 1534

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Increased insulin resistance in women w/ recurrent pregnancy loss

The treatment of infertility in today's medical environment rarely addresses lifestyle factors that contribute to problems achieving and completing a full term pregnancy. In any couples having difficulty, insulin resistance should always be addressed as a primary intervention. Insulin resistance has been strongly linked with polycystic ovary disease, which is notorious for creating problems with ovulation and therefore conception.

Entrez-PubMed

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Troglitazone Antagonizes Metabolic Effects of Glucocorticoids

Ahh...the slippery slope of multiple medications; each drug designed to counteract the effects of the one before it. How about doing everything possible to reduce the steroid use in the first place, and if still absolutely necessary, using weight training and diet to manage the insulin resistance? What a novel concept!!!

Diabetes -- Abstracts: Willi et al. 51 (10): 2895

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FDA fails to reduce accessibility of paracetamol despite 450 deaths/ year

It's just Tylenol, right? Give it to your child to lower a fever, right? (Despite the fact that antipyretic therapy--lowering fever-has NEVER been studied as either safe OR effective!) Try to figure this one out-- L-tryptophan, a very effective treatment for depression that was heavily used until 1989 when 37 deaths occurred due to contaminated shipments (95% of which came from one single out of the US company...), was banned by the FDA and still is not available. If my math is correct, since that time, 5,850 deaths have occurred due to UNCONTAMINATED paracetamol. Can you say "bias?"

bmj.com Moynihan 325 (7366): 678

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Rates of Spontaneous Reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions in France

Lets follow the path here. The FDA can be paid to push a drug through before it has been properly studied. Within 7 years, about 20% of these drugs are then given black box warnings or removed from the market AFTER their release. And these warnings rely on input from the clinicians in the field using the drugs. Sound a little hairy so far? Well, it only gets better...this study finds that, despite greater than 100,000 (in France alone) adverse drug responses, less than 5% were actually reported. And chiropractic's detractors try to say chiropractic is dangerous?????

Rates of Spontaneous Reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions in France

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Why should gastroenterologists be interested in nutrition and obesity?

Umm...because it is the keystone upon which health and disease pivots? Because it holds the potential to stave off most diseases known to man? Because it can modify the progression and severity of many (if not all...) chronic diseases, many of them GI disorders? Because the GI tract is the first and largest area food we eat is exposed to? Why is this even a question?? This is a sad state of how behind medicine is when it comes to health.

Gastroenterology Online

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Cyclo-Oxygenase 2 Function Is Essential for Bone Fracture Healing

This is a clinical decision nightmare. The newest arsenal in the fight against arthritis pain is the highly overused class of drugs called COX-2 selective inhibitors (Celebrex, Vioxx). These are supposed to be safer on the GI tract. Recent concerns have arisen over potential damage to the heart with their use, and now we see that the COX-2 enzyme is needed for proper bone healing. How many patients out there are improperly given the selective COX-2 inhibitors for pain relief following joint replacement surgery or fracture? Have to admit that those pharmaceutical reps are doing a good job pushing off-label uses for their drugs!

Cyclo-Oxygenase 2 Function Is Essential for Bone Fracture Healing

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