James Bogash, D.C. Mesa, AZ
info@lifecarechiropractic.com
www.lifecarechiropractic.com
Antioxidant Effect of Estrogen on CMV-Induced Damage of Heart
This study brings up numerous concepts. At first glance, one might suggest that this is the route that HRT protects against heart disease in women. But then, recalling recent studies suggesting no benefit to heart disease in women using HRT, this is somewhat irrelevant. So, how can we benefit from this study? First, the damage induced by CMV is accepted; therapies/lifestyle changes to stimulate the immune system against virus may be of benefit. Next, CMV appears to increase free radical damage to heart muscles; antioxidant therapy and fresh fruits and vegetables can affect this damage. Circulation — Abstracts: Speir et al. 102 (24): 2990 http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/102/24/2990
Endotoxin Shock Related to Increased Oxidative Stress
Endotoxin shock therapies have always focused on increasing blood pressure to counteract the drop in blood pressure. Recent evidence is suggesting that this is not the reason patients die when exposed to endotoxins from bacteria in the bloodstream. Rather, if is the excessively high levels of free radical damage that leads to the fatal consequences in septic shock. This suggests that current therapy for septic shock may be misguided, and high levels of antioxidants may lead to better outcomes. It would be interesting to see a clinical trial adding high level antioxidants to current BP-raising therapies. Circulation — Abstracts: Wiesel et al. 102 (24): 3015 http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/102/24/3015
Strength training w/ fibromyalgia: comparison w/ healthy women
There are a few interesting concepts in this article. First, it confirms the recommendation to add exercise for any fibromyalgia patient. Next, the conclusion of this study suggests that fibromyalgia has a central rather than peripheral origin. I would change this somewhat to a systemic rather than local origin. Much evidence points to fibromyalgia being a state of immune upregulation, many times orchestrated in the GI tract. Ann Rheum Dis — Abstracts: Häkkinen et al. 60 (1): 21 http://ard.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/60/1/21
Immobilisation and synovial fluid IL1, TIMP, chondroitin sulphate
It’s always nice to have biochemical evidence to back up what chiropractors have been saying and doing for years–use it or lose it when it comes to joint mobility. Spinal manipulation will help to restore joint mobility after injury or postural stresses, and this study (done on canines) would support such manipulation to achieve/restore healthy joints. Ann Rheum Dis — Abstracts: Haapala et al. 60 (1): 55 http://ard.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/60/1/55
Intestinal permeability in Behçet’s syndrome
While this is a wonderful study, the author seems to have totally missed the value of the conclusions gained. He noted increased permeability of all inflammatory diseases studied when compared to healthy controls. With this result the author makes a comment on the lack of specificity of intestinal permeablity for diagnosis of Behçet’s syndrome. Well, of course. Intestinal permeability can lead to upregulation of the systemic immune system (through activation of GALT-gut activated lymphoid tissue) and potentially resultant autoimmune disease. Ann Rheum Dis — Abstracts: Fresko et al. 60 (1): 65 http://ard.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/60/1/65
A possible trigger for the autoimmune response in SLE
This is truly a novel study. Most patients with autoimmune diseases can almost pinpoint the time period that their disease began, and many correlate this onset with a sickness or flulike symptoms. This study begins to look at what may cause the immune system to begin to attack itself. The process that may be implicated is the phosphorylation pathway. When a cell dies and its proteins are not properly shielded (via phosphorylation), when the body tries to clear the dead cell, it mistakenly attacks it instead. Ann Rheum Dis — Abstracts: Zampieri et al. 60 (1): 72 http://ard.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/60/1/72
A pilot study of N-acetyl glucosamine, in paediatric chronic IBD
This may be another novel use for glucosamine to heal the damage caused by inflammatory attack on the GI tract. Couple this with natural anti-inflammatories and fish oil, as well as an anti-inflammatory diet, and the pediatric patient may be able to avoid the damaging effects of all the drugs typically used for IBD. Synergy Abstract http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/journals/processfree2.asp?contentid=apt%2E2000%2E15&filetype=abstracts&article=81337
Lyophilized, inactivated Lactobacillus increases H pylori eradication
What an interesting article!! First, if some by-product of Lactobacillus activity has the ability to inhibit H pylori in the stomach, than could this be a reason why H pylori is so prevalent? Could our processed, unfermented foods low in friendly bacteria be allowing for the rise of other bacteria in our GI tract that are not so friendly? It would be interesting to see a study with this preparation along with high dose vitamin C and added hydrochloric acid. Synergy Abstract http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/journals/processfree2.asp?contentid=apt%2E2000%2E15&filetype=abstracts&article=81339