Vitamin D: ‘Provocative’ New Evidence Links Vitamin D and Other Nutrients to Heart Disease

‘Provocative’ New Evidence Links Vitamin D and Other Nutrients to Heart Disease

LPS: Lipopolysaccharide induces alteration of serotonin transporter in human intestinal epithelial cells.

Lipopolysaccharide induces alteration of serotonin transporter in human intestinal epithelial cells.

Sauna Therapy, MCP-1, BH4, Nitric Oxide and Nrf2

A well-respected expert on multiple chemical sensitivity has written an article about the benefits of sauna and exercise as therapy for MCS and a number of different conditions that are “known or thought to be related to tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency”.  The author’s hypothesis is that sauna therapy acts to through two mechansms 1) by increasing blood flow that raises levels of the “presursors” (GTPCH-1) of BH4 in vascular tissue and 2) a response activates Hsp90 to increase to raise these precursors (BH4). He also suggests that exercise may also raise BH4. (Pall)

While we agree that sauna may provide therapeutic benefits for patients with different environmental toxicant-induced conditions we believe that saunas acts on physiology in a slightly different way that supports the findings of other research studies.   In April, we reported on several studies related to sauna and Waon therapy. In addition to noting studies that suggest that sauna therapy raises endothelial expression of nitric oxide synthase and improve diabetes control, we mentioned it also has been shown to be beneficial in improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure. Warm baths may also provide relief and vascular improvement when saunas are unavailable. In addition, Linn explains that far infrared therapy studies demonstrate that endothelial cells stimulate HO-1 which is dependant on Nrf2. It also inhibits the expression of Tnf-a and endothelial adhesion complexes that are  important inflammatory mediators of several conditions under the environmental illness umbrella. Lin concludes that FIT exerts anti-inflammatory effects through HO-1. 

As we have noted above and in other blogs, there is increasing evidence that environmental illnesses including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, PTSD, diabetes, multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome are conditions caused by chronic low-level states of inflammation or the result of inflammatory mediators that alter gene expression or moldulate different components of physiology such as those that generate increased pain sensitization or the perception of it. There are many inflammatory mediators that may influence these health conditions, but recently as demonstrated by an increasing number of studies Tnf-a and MCP-1/CCL2/CCR2 seem to be extremely important. In addition, we have suggested that impairments in the Nrf2 pathway may exacerbate or even cause symptoms because Nrf2 modulates the expression of these inflammatory mediators. In other blogs, we have noted the importance of PGC-1a for mitochondrial biogenesis. Chanseaume et al demonstrated that Tnf-a inhibits eNOS generation and upregulates iNOS and contributes to insulin resistance. This author explains that NO generated by eNOS increases mitochondrial biogenesis and interestingly, eNOS is inversely related to body fat. Recent studies show that eNOS expression and mitochondrial biogenesis are down-regulated and iNOS is upregulated in the adipose and muscle tissue in obese rats and  it has been suggested that Tnf-a, which is produced in adipocytes, can regulate its own synthesis. Mitochondrial biogenesis depends on NO-activation of “soluble” guanylate cyclase and involves increased expression of PGC-1a and nuclear factor 1 (Chanseaume) which allows for enhanced respiration and ATP (Nisoli). Piantadasi recently showed HO-1 regulated mitochondrial biogenesis through Nrf2 control  of nuclear respiratory factor 1. (Piantadosi)

Borniquel describes this a little better by saying PGC-1a induces a number of genes in the mitochondrial ROS detoxification system (MRDS) and that NO regulates the system through PGC-1a. Changes in the expression of PGC-1a are reflected in alterations in the mitochondrial detoxification system and that animals that were eNOS -/- showed reduced levels of PGC-1a and activities of the mitochondrial ROS system. This author concludes that NO regulates the MRDS both positively and negatively through PGC-1a.  In the past, we have discussed at length and it is important to note here, that PGC-1a expression can be regulated by exercise and dietary influences. Momken warns that when eNOS is downregulated, moderate exercise may worsen metabolism in skeletal muscle.  (Momken) You can read more about exercise and PGC-1a and exercise in our May 29th blog called Mitochondrial Bioenergetics, Antioxidant Switches, PGC-1a and Exercise.  

As far as dietary influences, resveratrol is a polyphenol that is found in the skins of grapes and in wine that acts through SIRT1 with possible crosstalk with Nrf2.Numerous studies are reporting the benefits of resveratrol on health. Tan notes that it has the ability to induce nitric oxide synthase, induce angiogenesis and to raise SIRT1 levels and it has been demonstrated that most of resveratrol activities are achieved through the PGC-1a pathway. It has also been demonstrated that resveratrol enhances the expression of GCH1 and BH4 in cardiac muscle and that inhibition of SIRT1 blockes these effects. This would suggest that the expression of GCH1 and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) are regulated through SIRT1.  Kim has demonstrated that “upregulating PGC-1a causes a significant reduction in intracellular and mitochondrial ROS generation and NADPH oxidase activity. As a consequence, the inflammatory mediators NF-kappaB, MCP-1 and VCAM that are induced by Tnf-a are suppressed.” (Kim) SIRT1 activation has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and also can reduce the inflammatory effects of Tnf-a. (Yoshizaki)

For the last several weeks we have described how the activation by Tnf-a and other immune complexes from stress induce monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1/CCL2/CCR2) that leads to sickness syndrome. Sickness syndrome results in a number of behavioral changes that include fatigue, changes in appetite, increased pain sensitivity and also leads to changes in neurotransmission and the expression of different genes. Lately, we have discussed how one of these genes leads to a number of consequences including unexpected behaviors from altered regulations of dopamine transporters that can also make one more susceptible to chemicals that target the dopamine transporter. 

Last week we discussed how different exposure may induce the expression of several inflammatory mediators. For example, LPS can induce Tnf-a and certain environmental toxicants can stimulate MCP-1. (For more information on these studies, click on the highlighted links for redirection to the blogs where this is discussed!) As Ali explains, vascular injury may be the result of exposures to the inflammatory mediators including Tnf-a and MCP-1  that result in the loss of endothelial nitric oxide, production of ROS, and initiation of an inflammatory response.  Both NO and ROS modulate inflammation through redox-sensitive pathways. MCP-1 is now considered to be an important player in the development of a number of environmental illness conditions including MCS, PTSD, fibromyalgia, LPS-induced which is a pathway for CFS, Parkinson’s, etc.  Recently, Ali set out to determine whether tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an important regulator of inflammation and vascular remodeling. From the standpoint of environmental illness, the results of the study by this researcher are very interesting especially considering the relationship of MCP-1 to the development of sickness syndrome.  Ali’s concluded that BH4 does indeed reduce vascular inflammation but more importantly, according to the findings the reductions were the result of reductions in MCP-1 and a decrease in CCR2-mediated chemotaxis in vascular tissue and plasma.  This is one of the first studies to show the importance of MCP-1/CCR2 signaling in the response to vascular injury and identified a link between endothelial BH4 to inflammation and vascular injury.   Taking all these studies into account, we suggest that sauna therapy is beneficial because it increases mitochondrial biogenesis and reduces endothelial dysfunction through BH4 by raising PGC-1a and SIRT1 and crosstalk with Nrf2. This pathway can be also regulated through dietary and lifestyle changes such as exercise. In addition,  these studies provide  evidence that SIRT and Nrf2 can modulate pathways that lead to sickness syndrome and behaviors.

Related Posts:

• Sauna Therapy: New Research On Its Benefits, April 27, 2009

 

 Sauna Therapy: New Research On Its Benefits. HEIRS Research. April 27, 2009.  

Borniquel, S., Valle, I., Cadenas, S., Lamas, S., and Monsalve, M. (2006). Nitric oxide regulates mitochondrial oxidative stress protection via the transcriptional coactivator pgc-1alpha. The FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, 20(11):1889-1891 http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/5095975

Momken, I., Lechêne, P., Ventura-Clapier, R., and Veksler, V. (2004). Voluntary physical activity alterations in endothelial nitric oxide synthase knockout mice. American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology, 287(2). http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/5095964

Nisoli, E., Falcone, S., Tonello, C., Cozzi, V., Palomba, L., Fiorani, M., Pisconti, A., Brunelli, S., Cardile, A., Francolini, M., Cantoni, O., Carruba, M. O., Moncada, S., and Clementi, E. (2004). Mitochondrial biogenesis by no yields functionally active mitochondria in mammals. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 101(47):16507-16512. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/5095958

Pall, M. L. (2009). Do sauna therapy and exercise act by raising the availability of tetrahydrobiopterin? Medical hypotheses. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/5095856

Ali, Z. A., Bursill, C. A., Douglas, G., McNeill, E., Papaspyridonos, M., Tatham, A. L., Bendall, J. K., Akhtar, A. M., Alp, N. J., Greaves, D. R., and Channon, K. M. (2008). Ccr2-mediated antiinflammatory effects of endothelial tetrahydrobiopterin inhibit vascular injury-induced accelerated atherosclerosis. Circulation, 118(14 Suppl). http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/5095852

Mittermayer, F., Pleiner, J., Schaller, G., Zorn, S., Namiranian, K., Kapiotis, S., Bartel, G., Wolfrum, M., Brüge, M., Thiery, J., Macallister, R. J., and Wolzt, M. (2005). Tetrahydrobiopterin corrects escherichia coli endotoxin-induced endothelial dysfunction. AJP Heart and Circulatory Physiology. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/5095809

Chanséaume, E. and Morio, B. (2009). Potential mechanisms of muscle mitochondrial dysfunction in aging and obesity and cellular consequences. International journal of molecular sciences, 10(1):306-324. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/5095864

Kim, H. J., Park, K. G., Yoo, E. K., Kim, Y. H., Kim, Y. N., Kim, H. S., Kim, H. T., Park, J. Y., Lee, K. U., Jang, W. G., Kim, J. G., Kim, B. W., and Lee, I. K. (2007). Effects of pgc-1alpha on tnf-alpha-induced mcp-1 and vcam-1 expression and nf-kappab activation in human aortic smooth muscle and endothelial cells. Antioxidants & redox signaling, 9(3):301-307. http://www.citeulike.org/group/5070/article/4858917

Yoshizaki, T., Milne, J. C., Imamura, T., Schenk, S., Sonoda, N., Babendure, J. L., Lu, J.-C., Smith, J. J., Jirousek, M. R., and Olefsky, J. M. (2009). Sirt1 exerts anti-inflammatory effects and improves insulin sensitivity in adipocytes. Mol. Cell. Biol., 29(5):1363-1374. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/4059423

Piantadosi, C. A., Carraway, M. S., Babiker, A., and Suliman, H. B. (2008). Heme oxygenase-1 regulates cardiac mitochondrial biogenesis via nrf2-mediated transcriptional control of nuclear respiratory factor-1. Circ Res, 103(11):1232-1240. http://www.citeulike.org/group/6446/article/4617070

Nutrition:Vitamin D levels ‘low across the world’

Vitamin D levels ‘low across the world’

Military Matters: More troops’ children seeking mental help

More troops’ children seeking mental help

HEIRS Health: Women, Fertility and Second-hand Smoke!

A new report suggests women exposed to second-hand smoke as adults or as children for 6 or more hours per day are  68% more likely to have fertility problems and miscarriage….Click to read the full article.

Secondhand smoke raises odds of fertility problems in women. Bio-Medicine.org. Retieved on December 6, 2008.

Update: Adrenaline and Environmental Illness: Research

Considering the sensitivity of TRPA1 to aldehydes and the cross-talk between TRPA1 and TRPV1 — this is an important study in relation to the discussion of TRPV, insulin and adrenaline.

Marchitti, S. A., Deitrich, R. A., and Vasiliou, V. (2007). Neurotoxicity and metabolism of the catecholamine-derived 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycolaldehyde: The role of aldehyde dehydrogenase. Pharmacol Rev, 59(2):125-150.

http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3272780

“Aldehydes are highly reactive molecules formed during the biotransformation of numerous endogenous and exogenous compounds, including biogenic amines. 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde is the aldehyde metabolite of dopamine, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycolaldehyde is the aldehyde metabolite of both norepinephrine and epinephrine. There is an increasing body of evidence suggesting that these compounds are neurotoxic, and it has been recently hypothesized that neurodegenerative disorders may be associated with increased levels of these biogenic aldehydes. Aldehyde dehydrogenases are a group of NAD(P)+-dependent enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of aldehydes, such as those derived from catecholamines, to their corresponding carboxylic acids……read more

Lipid Peroxidation, Oxidative Stress and Aldehydes

Oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation are important factors that lead to environmental illness and other health problems. First, for the purpose of understanding, it is important to have an idea of the biological process of lipid peroxidation.  According to Wipedia, lipid peroxidation refers to the “oxidative degration of polyunsaturated lipids where “free radicals” steal electrons from the lipids in cellular membranes. (1) Cells have membranes that surround them and their organelles that are prone to lipid peroxidation.  Normal cellular membranes contain lipids, protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) which allows for their fluidity.  In a very complex process, initiation of reactive species generate multiple reactive molecules that attack membranes disrupting their structure and fluidity which consequently causes cellular dysfunction and tissue injury. 

Lipid peroxidation begins when reactive species (ROS) such OH combines with hydrogen to make water and in this case a fatty acid radical.” (1) After production, these radicals, if allowed to go unchecked move about freely until they bump into a membrane where they can “steal” another electron.  Reactive species are generated from normal cellular metabolism and in a homeostatic environment, reactive species generation is controlled and neutralized by antioxidants. However, in periods of environmental stress ROS are produced at much higher levels and when antioxidant stores are exhausted they are free to cause cellular damage. This unbalance in reactive species and available cellular antioxidants is referred to oxidative stress  (2) and has been implicated in over 100 diseases and health conditions including those in environmental illness.  In addition to oxygen there are other reactive species that include nitrogen, chlorine, bromine and sulfur and include radicals and non-radicals.  The radicals superoxide, hydroxyl, hydrogen peroxide are three ROS species that promote lipid peroxidation.

Superoxides are highly reactive and commonly damage enzymes and cellular components and are generated by cellular processes including enzymatic reactions, the mitochondrial transport chain, the endoplasmic reticulum and endogenous bacteria. (3) In cells, the mitochondria are the biggest generator of superoxide and a prime target of peroxynitrate.  (4) Unfortunately, mitochondria are extremely susceptible to their own oxidants that must be neutralized before they have opportunity to damage mitochondrial proteins, lipids, and DNA. It is believed the effects of oxidant damage over time leads to a number of health problems including neurodegenerative diseases and ageing due, in large part, to mitochondrial dysfunction and energy depletion.  Reactive species can cause damage to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) causing ER stress, an accumulation of unfolded proteins in the ER lumen and possibly cell death. (5)

Now that we understand a little bit more about reactive species, let’s focus on the role of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and their aldehyde by-products which cause “secondary damage” and are also factors in environmental illness because their formation reduces the effeciency of detoxification and can  cause damage to proteins and DNA.  In nature, there are exogenous aldehydes such as formalin and formaldehyde and endogenous aldehydes which are produced in the body. Most aldehydes are considered toxic but there specific toxicities differ depending on a person’s genetics, dose, and the chemical themselves. For instance, malondialdehyde and HNE are both aldehydes produced from lipid peroxidation of linoleic and arachadonic acids but HNE is more toxic than malondidaldehyde. In the body, the process of biotransformation of these aldehydes is achieved by the enzyme ADH. Therefore, the proper detoxification of aldehyde is dependant on adequate stores of ADH and in many individuals the stores of ADH are not always enough to meet the demand for the biotransformation of the aldehydes. 

Aldehydes are formed both endogenously and exogenously. Endogenous aldehydes are derived in a number of ways including the breakdown of other toxicants, yeast, hormones, food we ingest and produced by intestinal bacteria and Candida. All of these aldehyde exposures, when combined, have the potential of exhausting antioxidant stores, activating inflammatory processes, increasing oxidative stress and slowing enzyme activities necessary for detoxification.  The consequences of which are experienced, more acutely, in individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia, CFS, respiratory problems, neurological problems and other acute and chronic health conditions.

In a preceding blog, I mentioned the  TRPA1 and TRPV1 nociceptors transmit pain and are implicated in neurogenic inflammation which is common in many of those who suffer from environmental illness. It has been shown, TRPA1 is activated by 4-HNE, a cytotoxic aldehyde produced when reactive oxygen species induce lipid peroxidation. (6 – 7) 4-HNE also has been shown to have negative health effects and high levels of the aldehyde have been found in patients with neurological diseases including Parkinson’s,  Alzheimers and ALS.  Lipid peroxidation is also associated with induction and exacerbation of autoimmune responses from chemical exposure as show in one study where exposure to trichloroethylene increased the formation of 4-HNE and malondialdehyde adducts in rat livers. (8)  

Malondialdehyde is another product of lipid peroxidation and a biomarker for oxidative stress. In the early 90s, it was reported malondialdehyde may be a concern in the development of cancer of the thyroid and pancreatic cells and therefore is considerered a potential occupational carcinogen. (9) As one reviews the health studies on aldehydes, one finds numerous associations of increased malonaldehyde and other endogenous and immunogenic aldehydes in patients with conditions related to environmental illness including asthma, gastrointestinal problems associated with H pylori, neurodegenerative disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, heavy-metal poisoning and numerous others. For example, dust mites are small microscopic organisms that feed on dead skin and are considered a potential environmental hazard for those with asthma and allergies. It has been reported that individuals with dust mite infestations,  presented with increased levels of malondialdehydes, higher levels of oxidative stress (10) and reduced levels of detoxification enzymes. Thereby increasing their risk for recurrence of their asthma and allergy-related symptoms. (11)  Several studies including one on CFS patients found an increase in F2 Isoprontanes from lipid peroxidation of arachadonic acid (12),  a fibromyalgia study found increases in malondialdehyde and concluded vitamins and omega 3 may be an important adjunct to other therapies (13) and lastly, higher levels of malondialdehyde were present in sheep with chronic heavy metal poisoning. (14)  One can make an important assumption from this study; malonaldehyde can be used as a marker for lipid peroxidation from environmental exposures in other organisms not just humans.  Exogenous exposures to aldehydes are usually from air pollution and pollutants and include acetylaldehydes which are also toxic aldehydes that can be found in cigarette and wood smoke. 

With all this in mind, one must consider ways to limit exposures to exogenous and endogenous aldehydes.  Admittedly, this is not always easy considering aldehydes are derived from sources all around us including food, air, pathogens and produced endogenously by bacteria and our own detoxification processes. However, there are several things a person can try to do to limit exposures to them:

• Reducing ones exposures to chemicals such as cleaning agents, detergents, etc. and reducing exposures to air pollution.
• Aldehydes are endogenously produced and therefore, limiting exposures that cause oxidative stress such as limiting alcohol consumption, take perscription drugs only when necessary, improving gut health and reducing sugar intake to reduce Candida overgrowth may be beneficial.
• Advocate for local and statewide bans on smoking and open leaf and wood burning to help reduce environmental pollution and associated aldehyde levels.
• Monitor indoor air quality and properly maintain, repair or replace home appliances that may be adding to poor indoor air quality such as unvented stoves, clean air ducts, etc. to reduce oxidative stress and other health effects from exogenous aldehydes and inflammation that activates other processes that generate endogenous aldehydes.
• Read labels on your food. If you do not eat organic, notice how many chemicals on the labels are listed as nitrogen, sulfur, phosphates, etc. and may be chemical irritants to the gastrointestinal tract. If you read a food label and can not pronounce it or spell it,  then you might want to think again about eating it!
• To reduce oxidative stress from normal digestion, eat plenty of vegetables with  your meal!!
• Again, limit your sugars and lower the “bad” fat content of your food! They can cause inflammation.

HEIRS Nutrition News Net on HEIRS Feeds

1. Purple sweet potato leaves reduce lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in humans.
2. A recent study shows positive evidence that ginseng health benefits are a result of the herbs ability to weaken oxidative stress and mitochondrial disfunction.

Kimberly Kramer
Health Educator and Researcher
Health Education Information and Resource Services
www.heirs-online.com
HEIRS Feeds

(1) Lipid Peroxidation. Wipedia: The Online Encyclopedia. Retrieved on September 28, 2008. 

(2) Reactive oxygen species. Wipedia. The Online Encyclopedia. Retrieved on September 28, 2008.

(3) Halliwell, B. and Gutteridge, J. M. C. (2007). Free Radicals in Biology and Medicine. Oxford University Press, Great Clarendon St. Oxford OX2 6DP, 4th edition. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3347738

(4) Pall, Martin, PhD., (2007) Explaining Unexplained Illnesses. Haworthe Press. 446 pgs.

(5) Kaufman, R. J. (2002). Orchestrating the unfolded protein response in health and disease. J. Clin. Invest., 110(10):1389-1398. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3347754

(6) Trevisani, M., Siemens, J., Materazzi, S., Bautista, D. M., Nassini, R., Campi, B., Imamachi, N., Andrè, E., Patacchini, R., Cottrell, G. S., Gatti, R., Basbaum, A. I., Bunnett, N. W., Julius, D., and Geppetti, P. (2007). 4-hydroxynonenal, an endogenous aldehyde, causes pain and neurogenic inflammation through activation of the irritant receptor trpa1. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 104(33):13519-13524. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3346232

(7) Chao (2008). Trpa1: The central molecule for chemical sensing in pain pathway? The Journal of Neuroscience, 28(5):1019-1021. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/author/Chao

(8) Wang, G., Ansari, G. A. S., and Khan, F. M. (2007). Involvement of lipid peroxidation-derived aldehyde-protein adducts in autoimmunity mediated by trichloroethene. J Toxicol Environ Health, 70(23):1977-1985.  http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3346874

(9) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (1991). Carcinogenicity of acetaldehyde and malonaldehyde, and mutagenicity of related low-molecular-weight aldehydes. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3347214

(10) Atambay, M., Karabulut, A. B., Aycan, O. M., Kilic, E., Yazar, S., Saraymen, R., Karaman, U., and Daldal, N. (2006). Dust-mites: effect on lipid peroxidation. The National medical journal of India, 19(2):75-77. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3347068

(11) Karabulut, A. B., Atambay, M., Karaman, U., Kilic, E., Yazar, S., Saraymen, R., and Daldal, N. (2006). House dust-mites: effect on antioxidant enzyme activities. Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 12(9). http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3347073

(12) Kennedy, G., Spence, V. A., Mclaren, M., Hill, A., and Belch, J. J. F. (2003). Increased plasma isoprostanes and other markers of oxidative stress in chronic fatigue syndrome. Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis 2003, 1. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/author/Kennedy

 

(13) Ozgocmen, S., Ozyurt, H., Sogut, S., Akyol, O., Ardicoglu, O., and Yildizhan, H. (2006). Antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide in fibromyalgia: etiologic and therapeutic concerns. Rheumatology international, 26(7):598-603.

http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3347876

(14) Faix, S., Faixova, Z., Boldizarova, K., and Javorsky, P. (2005). The effect of long-term high heavy metal intake on lipid peroxidation of gastrointestinal tissue in sheep. Vet. Med, 50(9):401-405. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3346450

Intestinal Inflammation: Researchers First to Link Intestinal Inflammation with Systemic Chromosome Damage

Researchers First to Link Intestinal Inflammation with Systemic Chromosome Damage

What Your Eating is Irritating to Inflammatory Bowel Disease

If you have been reading my blog or my posts on other places on the Internet, you will learn that TRPV1 has a role in neurogenic inflammation and is believed to play a role in the inflammation including generating reactive species and neuropeptides such as substance P. Past studies have shown binding sites of substance P are increased in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), (1) colitis, and Crohn’s Disease (2), fibromyalgia (3) and implicated in the neurogenic inflammation present in multiple chemical sensitivity. (4)

While the activation of TRPV1 by capsaicin, heat, pH, other noxious stimulants and and ligands is well-known, there has been debate on the activation of TRPV1 by endogenous compounts. In a recent report, researchers found diacylglycerol activated endogenous the TRPV1 recepter, at the same binding site as capsaicin, (5) the chemical that provides the “sensation of heat” in chili peppers and which individuals with inflammatory bowel disease seem particularly sensitive. (6) Diacylgylcerol is a fatty acid and is often used as a food additive in “bakery products, beverages, ice cream, chewing gum, shortening, whipped toppings, margarine, and confections.” (7)  Food products containing diacylgylcerol may activate inflammatory processes in the gut resulting in pain and other symptoms and therefore, dietary restrictions may be of benefit to individuals with these types of health conditions.

(1) Ter, Biemond, Van, and Lamers (2007). Substance p receptor expression in patients with inflammatory bowel disease determination by three different techniques, i.e., storage phosphor autoradiography, rt-pcr and immunohistochemistry. Neuropeptides, 41(5):301-306.
http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3365171

(2) Goldin, E., Karmeli, F., Selinger, Z. V. I., and Rachmilewitz, D. (1989). Colonic substance p levels are increased in ulcerative colitis and decreased in chronic severe constipation. Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 34(5):754-757.
http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3365185

(3) Mease, P. (2005). Fibromyalgia syndrome: review of clinical presentation, pathogenesis, outcome measures, and treatment. The Journal of rheumatology. Supplement, 75:6-21. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3366145

(4) Meggs, William, MD, PhD, FACEP, FACMT. The scientific case for chemical sensitivity. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3365191

(5) Woo, D. H., Jung, S. J., Zhu, M. H., Park, C. K., Kim, Y. H., Oh, S. B., and Lee, C. (2008). Direct activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1(trpv1) by diacylglycerol (dag). Molecular Pain, 4(1).
http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3362613

(6) (2003). Nerve receptor found to be key to intestinal inflammation. ScienceDaily. Retrieved on October 2, 2008.

http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3366184

(6) Diglycerols. Wipedia: The Online Encyclopedia. Retrieved on October, 1, 2008. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diglyceride

HEIRS News Net 9/29/08

HEIRS News Net 9/29/08

1. Exhaled and arterial levels of Endothelin-1 are increased and correlated with pulmonary systolic pressure in COPD with pulmonary hypertension.
2. Evidence of Inflammatory Immune Signaling in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Pilot Study of Gene Expression in Peripheral Blood
3. P28gank knockdown-derived reactive oxygen species induces apoptosis through mitochondrial dysfunction mediated by p38 in hepg2 cells.
4. Melanoma: new drug research with antiangiogenesis and oxidative stress.
5. Correlation of lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels with severity of systemic lupus erythematosus: a pilot study from single center.
6. Post-traumatic stress disorder in canada. – van ameringen m, mancini c, patterson b, boyle mh.
7. Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 activation inhibits microglial associated inflammation and neurotoxicity
8. A multivariate analysis of serum nutrient levels and lung function

HEIRS EI News Bits – Exposures and Intestinal Inflammation

Environmental exposures from chemicals, molds, etc. reduce antioxidant stores not just in cells in the respiratory tract or the point of contact but also systemically. Antioxidants are an important part of the detoxification system. Their reduction causes tissue damage through the action of reactive species and subsequently an increase in the growth of “bad” intestinal bacterial causing further reductions in antioxidant stores and decreased nutritional absorption through the loss of “good” bacteria and inflammation. “Bad” bacteria speed up the process of lipid peroxidation causing more epithelial damage and irritation and change the natural environment of the intestines. Unfortunately, symptoms of MCS can increase from the excretion of volatiles from “bad” bacteria including aldehydes and hydrogen sulfide into the intestinal tract. The release of substance P, a pain neurotransmitter, activation of nociceptors, alterations in cell signaling, and generation of more reactive species are all the result of epithelial tissue damage and lead to damages to nerves and to cellular organelles that drive cellular functions such as the endoplasmic reticulum responsible for protein synthesis and the mitochondria which produce energy.

 Recommended Resource: http://www.scribd.com/doc/3941505/Food-and-Nutritional-Toxicology

HEIRS Abstract Library: http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS
HEIRS News Net Feeds: http://www.bloglines.com/blog/HEIRS
HEIRS Weblog: www.heirsonline.wordpress.com

Kimberly Kramer
Health Educator and Researcher
Health Education Information and Resource Services
kkramer@heirs-online.com
http://www.heirs-online.com

IgE Gastroenteritis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

A recent study reported a prior diagnosis of IgE infectious gastroenteritis makes a person 5X more likely of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with a slighter increase for Crohn’s than ulcerative colitis than those with no IgE gastrointestinal illness diagnosis. This study confirms previous reports that IgE may make a person more succeptible to IBD by interrupting normal gut homeostasis.

Porter, C. K., Tribble, D. R., Aliaga, P. A., Halvorson, H. A., and Riddle, M. S. Infectious gastroenteritis and risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease. Gastroenterology, 135(3):998-999.
http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3371375

 

Next: The relationship between estrogen, environmental illness and pain. Scheduled release Sunday, October 5, 2008.

HEIRS Research: Prebiotics and Probiotics: Intestinal Inflammation and EI Relief (Part 1)

Probiotics are mostly used to populate the small intestine to improve
gut flora that have been destroyed from contaminants upon ingestion
and adverse biological conditions. One of the most common forms of
“probiotics is lactobacillus and when the small intestine is functioning
properly contains anywhere from 3-5 pounds of them”(1). Just think
about that a minute….3-5 pounds of microscopic bacteria. Wow, that is
a lot of bacteria!!!! “In general these bacteria serves several functions:
1) maintain proper alkaline/salt (or pH) throughout the entire tract
2) provides co-factors to aid in digestion to transform form into a liquid
called chime as only liquids are small enough to pass through a “healthy”
intestinal wall 3) maintain strength and integrity of the intestinal wall
4) secrete B vitamins and 5) protect the lymph nodes of the intestinal tract.”
(1) It is thought that probiotics bind to the intestinal wall to block
harmful bacteria from entering the gut and it is in this way, probiotics are
believed to aid in the prevention of diarrhea. (2) Generally, the
supplementation of lactobacillus and bifidobacteria are best used in
combination according to most of the research, although one study
released recently found that probiotics used alone were more effective.
Of course, more studies need to be done on this to prove what form is
the most beneficial. (3) In the very least, both pre and probiotics aid in
protecting the surface area of the intestinal tract and also has been
shown to reduce LDL, the bad cholesterol that has been linked to
causing hardening of the arteries and atherosclerosis. (4) To give
support for the growing body of evidence for the use of probiotics in
some symptoms of intestinal illness, the U.S. Military announced
clinical trials are being schedulesd on the effectiveness of probiotics
when added to certain foods to prevent diarrhea which is overly
common in soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. (5)

It has been found that an imbalance of the friendly bacteria to the
unfriendly bacteria is responsible for any number of health conditions,
especially in the conditions that are considered to be under the umbrella
of environmental illness. In numerous studies, positive effects from
the use of probiotics have been shown in conditions such as eczema,
colitis, yeast infections, irritable bowel, diarrhea, and several others.
The condition of rosacea is an inflammatory condition and it was
recently reported that small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was
significantly higher in rosacea patients. After treatment of antibiotics
for the bacterial overgrowth, there was a complete regression of
inflammatory lesions for 9 months. (6) Many experts recommend adding probiotics to the diet to help curb the inflammatory flare-ups from rosacea.

In general, prebiotics have a much simpler place in intestinal biology.
Prebiotics are nondigestable carbohydrates which the biota of the
intestinal tract use for food and energy, especially the good bacteria
(or what I call the good little soldiers) of the large intestine and play
a role in the immune system (including building infant immune systems)
and defending against more harmful bacteria. Just a few of these include fructooligosaccharides, natural corn starch, inulin and oligofructose.(1) Just recenly, almonds have been included in the category of prebiotics but only in the form of being crushed or chewed. (7) In another study that is still in its infancy, preliminary results have shown positive reduction in the invasion of salmonella in systemic and intestinal tissue in animal models. If future results of prebiotics studies show similar results, they could provide for protection against this harmful pathogen. In the very least, prebiotics provide another part of the arsenal of preventing health complications associated with intestinal
dysfunctions in vulnerable populations, including those that suffer with
environmental illness.

Lastly, it should be noted that while prebiotics are beneficial in stimulating the growth of normal gut flora, they have a hard time competing against other substances that exacerbate inflammatory processes. Also, to be truly effective they should be kept cold and stored correctly. In addition, because the supplement industry is improperly regulated, there are numerous companies that distribute both pre and probiotics that do not live up to their labels as reported by ConsumerLab.com an independent company that evaluates the claims of natural supplements. (9)

HEIRS Abstract Library: http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS
HEIRS News Net Feeds: http://www.bloglines.com/blog/HEIRS
HEIRS Weblog: www.heirsonline.wordpress.com

Kimberly Kramer
Health Educator and Researcher
Health Education Information and Resource Services
kkramer@heirs-online.com
http://www.heirs-online.com

1) Small World with Huge Potential: Benefits of Prebiotics and Probiotics
are Gaining Momentum. Goliath: Business Knowledge on Demand. Retrieved on July 1, 2008 http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-2955389/Small-world-with-huge-potential.html

2) Prebiotics for Improved Gut Health. S S Biridar, B.M. Patil, and V.P. Rasal. The Internet Journal of Nutrition and Wellness. 2005: 2 (1) http://www.ispub.com/ostia/index.php?xmlFilePath=journals/ijnw/vol2n1/prebiotics.xml

(4)Pre-and Probiotic combo linked to better antioxidant status. NutraIngredients.com. Stephan Daniells. Retrieved on July 1, 2008.
http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=82418-beneo-orafti-
prebiotic-probiotic-oxidative-stress

(5) Fortified Military Foods: Probiotics Aim to Promote a Healthy Gut. Newswise. Retrieved on July 2, 2008. http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/542285/

(6) Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth in Rosacea: Clinical Effectiveness of Its Eradication. A Parodi, S Paolino, A Greco and others. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. May 2, 2008. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18456568

(7) Prebiotic Potential of Almonds. Medical New Today. Retrieved on July 1, 2008. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/113176.php

(8) Salmonella Study to Build Prebioitc Knowledge. Jess Halliday. Nutraingredients.com. Retrieved on July 1, 2008. http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?id=84379

(9) ConsumerLab.com http://www.consumerlab.com/index.asp

(10) Natural Medicine: Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Facility. Jeff Jellin, Editor-in-Chief. www.naturaldatabase.com

(11) Getting To Know “Friendly Bacteria”. CAM at the NIH: Focus on Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Volume XIII, Number 2: Summer 2006. Retrieved on July 11, 2008.
http://nccam.nih.gov/news/newsletter/2006_summer/probiotics.htm

HEIRS Health Feeds 10/8/08

1. Role of oxidative stress in pancreatic inflammation Posted by HEIRS Online
2. Getting to know Dr Jacob Teitelbaum Posted By HEIRS Online
3. Killing ‘angry’ immune cells in fat could fight diabetes Posted by HEIRS Online
4. Neurotransmitter Defect May Trigger Autoimmune Disease
5. Pollution linked to appendicitis 
6. The Effectiveness Of Probiotics In IBS
7. Vitamin D Deficiency Common In Patients With IBD, Chronic Liver Disease
8. Medications as a Potential Source of Exposure to Phthalates in the US Population
10. A differential effect of 2 probiotics in the prevention of eczema and atopy: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
11. Inflammatory bowel gene uncovered
12. Form of Crohn’s disease traced to disabled gut cells
13. Yoghurt probiotic could block noxious H. pylori effects
14. Mood disorder prevalence raised in IBD
15. Immunohistochemical and morphologic basis for glutamate signaling in the rat stomach.
16. Nitric oxide and peroxynitrite regulate transporter transcription in rat liver slices.
17. The drd2 gene 957c>t polymorphism is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder in war veterans
18. What is benzene?
19. Intestinal Response To Infection Driven By DNA Of Good Bacteria
20. Chop deletion reduces oxidative stress, improves {beta} cell function, and promotes cell survival in multiple mouse models of diabetes
21. Ingenious Program Involved Dogs to Help Veterans

Good News for Chocolate and Those Who Love to Eat It!

It has been reported numerous times over the last several years about the health benefits of eating chocolate and it seems those reports are right. If you are not allergic there is a good reason to eat it, especially if you suffer from any type of environmental illness. 

An article in the October edition of the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry reports the results of a study on the levels of antioxidants and the effects of processing on cocoa powder. Antioxidants are crucial in protecting against oxidative stress and subsequent cellular and tissue damage and are easily depleted in patients with chronic and acute health conditions.  In the study, an analysis of Hershey’s Natural Cocoa Powder and other natural powders showed cocoa powder as having one of the highest levels of antioxidants and now is “among the highest” in foods with flavanols. 

In addition, the researchers analyzed how processing of Dutched chocolate (alkaline processed) would impact the levels of antioxidants. According to their report, the results showed very high antioxidant levels even after processing and even light to medium processed were still in the top 10% of foods containing flavanols according to the USDA Procyanidin Database. (2)

Recommended Product:

• Dagoba Chocolate

Notes:

• For once, it is nice to hear some good news about a product that is readily available and tastes good. So please, relax and enjoy your next cup of hot chocolate and know it does your body good. (Hot chocolate is and always has been one of my favorite comfort foods!)
• Last year it was reported compounds in cocoa may enhance brain blood flow and improve cognitive health (1)
• Procyanidins suppress endothelin-1 which have been implicated in pain response. I will be discussing the role of endothelin-1 regulation and environmental illness in my next research blog.

(1) Flavanols in cocoa may offer benefits to the brain. EurekAlert. Retrieved on October 9, 2008. http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-02/wsw-fic021607.php

(2) Re-Emphasis That Natural Cocoa Powder Has High Antioxidant Content. MedicalNews Today. Retrieved on October 9, 2008. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3390919

HEIRS Abstract Library ( http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS ) Cloud words: nutrition, antioxidants, oxidative stress, inflammation, chocolate, Proanthocyanidin

Kimberly Kramer
Health Educator and Researcher
Health Education Information and Resource Services (HEIRS)
kkramer@heirs-online.com
http://www.heirs-online.com

Useful Resource:
USDA National Nutrient Database
USDA Database for the Proanthocyanidin Content of Selected Foods – 2004

 

HEIRS Research Snippet: Nutrigenomics and Dietary Influence on Disease

Nutrigenomics is the science of how chemicals in food alter the function or structure of a person’s makeup.  In the future, readers will find that subjects and research relating to nutrigenomics will be a popular topic here for postings and blogs.  You may remember one recent blog post that mentioned quercetin and how it acts as a promoter on the P38MAPK pathway. This is the type of action that nutrigenomic researchers are interested in because it is an example of how phytonutrients alter cell signaling. Currently and even more so in the future, nutrigenomic experts will focus on the development of therapies for environmental illness and other chronic and acute health conditions by identifying and communicating the “science” behind the nutrition in food products such as herbs used in traditional and ethnomedicine.  One must not forget that many prescription drugs are derived from indiginous plants from around the world.  Hopefully, by bringing science and the study of plants together safer treatments will be developed through a better understanding of dietary influences and technical advances in sustainable food production.

Kimberly Kramer
Health Educator and Researcher
Health Education Information and Resource Services (HEIRS)
kkramer@heirs-online.com
http://www.heirs-online.com

Menopause, Estrogen and Itching!

Lately, I have read a few posts from women seeking counsel about why they suffer from chronic itching now that they have entered menopause. (The following information is not meant to be taken as medical advice or to for anyone to forgo medical treatment and I do recommend that you discuss this and any medical issue with your physician —-!!!)

It seems quite possible and often is that symptoms of itching during and after menopause are a result of low estrogen. Of course, it is no shock to most that as one enters menopause and after their body’s secretion of 2 of the 3 types of estrogen decreases significantly. However, what you may not know and what your physician may not have told you is that estrogen is a natural antioxidant and therefore helps to get rid of naturally-produced waste from cells that can cause inflammation.

Now you may be wondering what kind of inflammation. It is important to remember that every day and all day long we are exposed to environmental pollutants in the air, soil and water. These pollutants even though not really noticeable have to be detoxified by the body which depletes antioxidant stores. Have you noticed since you started going through your change — that you are more sensitive to allergans, chemicals, etc. in your environment like pet hair, pollen, someone’s elses cologne or maybe even symptoms of other health conditions now seem worse? Not all of you may have experience increased these kinds of increased sensitivities but along with the reduction in circulating estrogen from menopause there is an increased possibility of it from faster antioxidant depletion.  Menstruating women may experience similar issues as their estrogen levels fall the closer they get to “that time of the month” and PMS symptoms can be intensified from antioxidant depletion. 

One way of increasing your antioxidant level is by eating more vegetables and fruits — preferably vegetables because they are a natural source of estrogen, antioxidants and phytonutrients and lower in natural sugars.  Unfortunately, there is also a chance of blood sugar irregularities when antioxidants are depleted over the long term — so maintaining a normal blood sugar and eating a low fat diet will help because oxidants (the things that antioxidants neutralize) can increase from high fat diets. This advice is also important for women with environmental illness such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia who are also experiencing alterations in hormone levels. In addition, it is important to reduce the amounts of environmental pollutants you are exposed to such as changing to unscented detergents, natural soaps and eating more natural or organic foods. (I could give you a whole long speal on the inflammation caused by preservatives in food in the intestines – but I won’t!) This will help reduce the effects of antioxidant depletion and make a point to discuss with your physician if you need to be taking a woman’s health supplement. They usually contain high amounts of vitamin C and E and B vitamins which seem to be beneficial. Lastly, I will not bore you with the biological details but any kind of “natural” product with a smell even if it plant derived may cause antioxidant depletion because they are volatile.  It really depends on the “what” species of plant it is from and your own personal genetic makeup how these things may effect you. A common example is tea tree oil which plant derived and has antiseptic properties and is often used as a therapeutic. However, it has been known to cause reactions in some people because it is a chemical and is in the class of volatile terpenes.

Please feel free to email me with more questions.

You can also read my blog about the medicals aspects as well as patient issues at http://www.heirsonline.wordpress.com.

I also have created an abstract library with a number of abstracts and articles relating to any number of health issues. HEIRS Abstract Library: http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRScloud words: estrogen, estrogens, estradiol, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia,

HEIRS Weblog: http://www.heirsonline.wordpress.com

HEIRS website: http://www.heirs-online.com

An online web community is being formed for HEIRS as we speak and the website will be adding more interactive and informative creatives. Send me an email and I will let you know when it is up and running! And of course the online version of the HEIRS Living the Environmental Illness Lifestyle Magazine is in development.  

Kimberly Kramer
Health Educator and Researcher
Health Education Information and Resource Services
http://www.heirs-online.com
kkramer@heirs-online.com

Almonds: A Healthy Gut Food!

There are few credible published research reports that support the claims organic food is healthier and more nutritious even though we all know it is! So when HEIRS hears about it, we like to mention it!

There is good news about almonds published today October 11, 2008  in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry: that being “organically grown almonds possess a higher content of sugar, organic acids and fiber and a similar fat content.”   In past studies, almonds have shown prebiotic potential and could be beneficial in improving gut function and nutrient absorption.  It is believed their prebiotic nature is derived from their lipids (fats) which provide a ”food-like” substance for the good bacteria in the intestines. In addition, they are a good source of vitamin E and have cholesterol lowering effects.

 

Sánchez-Bel, P., Egea, I., Martínez-Madrid, M. C., Flores, B., and Romojaro†, F. (2008). Influence of irrigation and organic/inorganic fertilization on chemical quality of almond (prunus amygdalus cv. guara). J. Agric. Food Chem.

http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3398113

Kimberly Kramer
Health Educator and Researcher
Health Education Information and Resource Services
http://www.heirs-online.com
kkramer@heirs-online.com

HEIRS Office: “Greening Your Printing”

Greening the office is not just good for the environment but also makes sense and when you can save a buck or two, then all the better! HEIRS recently learned about a product called GreenPrint that no office, home office, organization or school should be without.  This software program is designed to eliminate all the “white space” on documents before they are printed and on command deletes unwanted graphics and text that have no purpose other than to waste printer ink.  According to the GreenPrint website, “if all new computers used GreenPrint, it would save more than 36 million trees every year and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 117 million tons–the equivalent of removing 23 million cars from the road for an entire year.”

In addition to reducing paper and ink waste, it has other benefits including a built-in document to .pdf converter and can save a document without the graphics “clutter” which saves server space and actually tracks how many pages and ink the user saves by using the software.  If you are on a tight budget, seeing how much money you save on paper and ink resources might just make for a happy day!  

GreenPrint is a valuable tool to save money and resources, is downloadable from the company website and is user-friendly with virtually no learning curve. The cost is free for home users, $29.00 for the Home Premium Edition and $70 -$75 for the Enterprise Edition. Volume licensing discounts are also available.

Click here to view more details

Kimberly Kramer
Health Education Information and Resource Services
kkramer@heirs-online.com
http://www.heirs-online.com

Bottled Water, Alkaline Water and Other Drinking Water Facts

There has been alot of media attention lately on the contaminants that end up in our drinking water and poor drinking water quality in different parts of the country. For that reason, we thought it important to point out some benefits and hazards found in different types of drinking water including tap and manufactured water and discuss what effects they have on our health.

First we want to mention the much-publicized claim that humans need to drink 8 glasses of water per day to achieve good health is not really true. (1)  In actuality,  the daily amount of water humans require is unique to the individual and depends greatly on genetics, health status, body type, metabolic rates, etc. and therefore everyone needs different amounts.  It is important to drink the amount of water the body requires, but not so much it leads to electrolyte imbalances or water poisoning.

So what does one look for when trying to decide whether to drink from a water source or not? This question does not have a simple answer. You may have all heard the claims that many brands of bottled water are not any more pure than tap water and in many cases this is true. (2) On the other hand, the general public can be assured of the relative safety of bottled water.  There have been reports of contaminants in drinking water but considering the bottled water business is a mega billion dollar business it is relatively safe.  Of course, if it were up to some of us, we would do away with bottled water entirely. However, for many homeowners drinking bottled water is a healthier alternative than drinking bad tasting or contaminated water from a poor water source! Under normal conditions and in most areas, homeowners on municipals systems can be assured of safe water but there are exceptions especially for vulnerable populations.

As most of you are aware, there are many potential hazards that are present in drinking water at any one time including pathogenic bacteria and other microbes, fecal sludge from human septics and farm animal waste, pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, petroleum products, etc….the list goes on and on. Unfortunately, the quality of drinking water differs from place to place and understanding this is important for people suffering with chronic or even acute health conditions because water considered safe for one person may not be healthy for someone else. For example, as a general rule we all know if water smells bad then we should not drink it. However, people that live in certain states like Florida bathe in and drink water that smells like rotten eggs every day.  This rotten egg smell comes from the water’s volatile hydrogen sulfide content which may be harmless to most people, but will activate symptoms of MCS in individuals who suffer from this health condition.  (Please note, HEIRS will be providing details about the newest technical advances for improving home water quality in an upcoming product review.)

There may be other problems lurking in the water a person may not be aware of such as it containing high concentrations of lead or copper.  “Heavy metal leaching of lead occurs from old soldered plumbing, lead pipes and lead-lined tanks and evidence of leaching copper is usually caused from corrosion of water pipes. “  (3) Heavy metal leaching is a common problem in homes, especially older ones, and can cause health problems such as metal poisoning and mental delirium. The conditions that lead to corrosion problems are dependant on several factors including “pH, flow rate, water temperature and concentration of solid such as sand.”  Take note if your water smells, has a bitter taste or is “shedding” blue-green particulates then your water is probably corrosive and should be tested and it is a good practice to test the water every few years.” (3) Remember, the more acidic the water the more likely there is more leaching and corrosion of the pipes.  Epidemiological studies have shown some correlation of drinking acidic water to health conditions such as diabetes 1 and other studies provide evidence it contributes to tooth decay.

Generally, different labs have different testing recommendations and procedures for water testing. Above all, homeowners should consider where they live and other local factors such as whether there are potential hazards associated with commercial or farming operations in the area when determining what types of water testing they should perform. For example, if a homeowner lives in a rural farming community they may want to have their water tested for pH, nitrates, VOCs, pesticide levels, and heavy metal concentrations. Whereas, a homeowner living in the suburbs with a public water supply may need to test only for heavy metals. 

We also investigated another issue that is getting a lot of Internet attention lately and that is about claims made about the health benefits of alkaline water.  Many of you may have seen some of the Internet and now TV ads from water filtration companies pitching the miraculous health benefits of alkaline water and the machines that produce it.  Unfortunately, these machines come with high price tag and many health experts post public warnings about their value.  However, some of the claims about the health benefits of drinking alkakine water seem to be true.  

In the past several years, there have been some positive reports of the health benefits of drinking alkaline water mostly on preventing bone resorption. Resorption is a common problem in patients with environmental illness, as well as, other chronic health conditions such as osteoporosis and is a particular concern for those people with inflammatory bowel disease and other intestinal disorders. (5)  It is well known most people do not get the daily recommended amounts of calcium but according to reports mineral water has been mentioned as an effective means for calcium supplementation (6).

Another sparked our interest and prompted us to do this literature review and investigation of alkaline water.  This study published in  Bone 2008 reported “alkaline water can significantly reduce bone absorption and recommended further study for its use for the prevention of osteoporosis.”  Other studies have shown that alkaline water may be of benefit for those with calcium and estrogen deficiencies to reduce bone resorption. (7) The researchers went further to suggest that bone turnover markers were better even in healthy premenopausal women who drank alkaline bicarbonate-rich water as compared to calcium-rich acidic water.  (7)

The news brief did not mention the concentrations of calcium or bicarbonate used in the study and we will release that information as soon as the article is in print. However, we did find published results from a study printed in the April 2000 edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that reported the significant prevention of resorption using ”a higher concentration of calcium-rich alkaline water as compared to a lower concentration” of calium-rich alkaline water. (8) It will be interesting to see what concentration levels of calcium and bicarbonate were used in the more recent study, since bicarbonate-rich alkaline water seems to be even more effective in preventing bone resorption.  Of course, one can not be assured of the “purity” of the source of these mineral waters either, so for the consumer that is something must be aware of before purchasing.

After reading the initial news report published today, we went out and purchased a bottle of Vichy Catalan mineral water at the local health food store. We chose one of the two brands randomly like most consumers would when shopping for such an item. Later we found the article that mentions the study calcium alkaline-water concentration of 172 mg at a level high enough to inhibit bone resorption but the inhibition decreased as the calcium concentrations in the water decreased. (6)  Unfortunately, the water we purchased has a calcium concentration of 35 mg and is far less than the calcium concentration needed to inhibit resorption.  Further analysis of data of mineral content of mineral waters manufactured (9) from companies from around the world show a wide range of mineral content of nutrients in mineral water and many brands have extremely low levels of calcium according to the published data and therefore provides very little nutritional value. With this in mind, the consumer would be wise to be careful when choosing brands of mineral water for their nutritional value as compared to their preceived overall quality of taste. 

Coming Soon: HEIRS Environmental Illess Research Community Network

Kimberly Kramer
Health Educator and Researcher
Health Education Information and Resource Services
kkramer@heirs-online.com
http://www.heirs-online.com

 

(1) Eight Glasses. Snopes.com. Retrieved on October 14, 2008.

(2) Issues: Water, Pure Drink or Pure Hype. National Resources Defence Council. Retrieved on October 14, 2008.

(3) Corrosion and Treatments. Excel Water Technologies Inc. Retrieved on October 14, 2008.

(4) Stene, L. C., Hongve, D., Per, Kjersti, and Geir (2002). Acidic drinking water and risk of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Care, 25:1534-1538.  http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3406775

(5)  Hamdani, G., Gabet, Y., Rachmilewitz, D., Karmeli, F., Bab, I., and Dresnerpollak, R. (2008). Dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis causes rapid bone loss in mice. Bone, 43(5):945-950. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3406717

(6) Guillemant, J., Le, H.-T., Accarie, C., du Montcel, S. T., Delabroise, A.-M., Arnaud, M. J., and Guillemant, S. (2000). Mineral water as a source of dietary calcium: acute effects on parathyroid function and bone resorption in young men. Am J Clin Nutr, 71(4):999-1002. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3405702

 (7) Ford, P. (2008). Alkaline water reduces bone resorption. Retrieved on October 14, 2008.

(8)  Bohmer, H., Müller, H., and Resch, K. L. (2000). Calcium supplementation with calcium-rich mineral waters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of its bioavailability. Osteoporosis international : a journal established as result of cooperation between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA, 11(11):938-943. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3405688

( 9) Mineral Waters of the World, Listed by Country. MineralWaters.org. Retrieved on October 14, 2008.

HEIRS Research: Endothelin-1, TRPV and PPAR-a

Environmental Illness: Is it a matter of activating destructive and inhibiting protective cellular processes?

• Considering that endothelin-1 is activated by any number of stress responses in different tissues where it elicits pain and has been shown in a 2006 study to potentiate the activation of the nociceptor TRPV1. TRPV1 has been implicated as a major contributor to chemical sensitivity and neurogenic inflammation. (1)
• Acticvation of the nuclear hormone PPAR-a pathway decreases endothelin-1 activation of the P38MAPK pathway in some cells and may be why glucocorticoids relieve symptoms of environmental illness in some patients. (2)
• The PPAR-a pathway seems to prevent oxidative and inflammatory mechanisms that can lead to endothelial dysfunction and therefore is neuroprotective. (3)
• If CSM acts and severely decreases PPAR-a — then why pray tell is it being offered as a long-term treatment??? (4)
• Estradiol acts to reduce endothelin-1 activity in some cells and has been shown to act through the P38MAPK pathway to reduce inflammation. There are numerous published studies showing estradiol reduces inflammation and this is another study that provides evidence of this. (5)
• Decreases in estrogens have been shown to result in exacerbations of symptoms in MCS, fibromyalgia, PMS and menopause (6)

Further reading:

*****Menopause, Estrogen and Itching by HEIRS Online

*****Good News for Chocolate and For Those Who Love to Eat It! By HEIRS Online

*****Cell Signaling in Environmenal Illness by HEIRS Online

Kimberly Kramer
Health Educator and Researcher
Health Education Information and Resource Services
http://www.heirs-online.com
kkramer@heirs-online.com
Twitter

**** Lee, S. D., Lee, D. S., Chun, Y. G., Shim, T. S., Lim, C. M., Koh, Y., Kim, W. S., Kim, D. S., and Kim, W. D. (2001). Cigarette smoke extract induces endothelin-1 via protein kinase c in pulmonary artery endothelial cells. American journal of physiology. Lung cellular and molecular physiology, 281(2). http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/tag/endothelin_1

 

(1) Plant, T. D., Zollner, C., Kepura, F., Mousa, S. S., Eichhorst, J., Schaefer, M., Furkert, J., Stein, C., and Oksche, A. (2007). Endothelin potentiates trpv1 via eta receptor-mediated activation of protein kinase c. Molecular Pain, 3:35+. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/1920866

(2) Yoko, I.-T., Takashi, M., Yoshitoshi, K., Satoshi, S., Katsutoshi, G. O. T. O., and Iwao, Y. (2004). Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α decreases endothelin-1-induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in cardiomyocytes. Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology, 44(1):s353-s356. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3416137

(3) Bordet, R., Ouk, T., Petrault, O., Gelé, P., Gautier, S., Laprais, M., Deplanque, D., Duriez, P., Staels, B., Fruchart, J. C., and Bastide, M. (2006). Ppar: a new pharmacological target for neuroprotection in stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Biochemical Society transactions, 34(Pt 6):1341-1346 http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3416164

(4) Cuzzocrea, S., Bruscoli, S., Mazzon, E., Crisafulli, C., Donato, V., Di Paola, R., Velardi, E., Esposito, E., Nocentini, G., and Riccardi, C. (2008). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha contributes to the anti-inflammatory activity of glucocorticoids. Mol Pharmacol, 73(2):323-337. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3388840 

(5) Rosano, G. M., Gebara, O., Sheiban, I., Silvestri, A., Wajngarten, M., Vitale, C., Aldrighi, J. M., Aldrighi, J., Ramires, A. F., Fini, M., and Mercuro, G. Acute administration of 17beta-estradiol reduces endothelin-1 release during pacing-induced ischemia. International journal of cardiology, 116:34-39.

http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3416116

 

(6) Menopause, Estrogen and Itching by HEIRS Online

HEIRS Pharmacy Safety: Statins and Muscle Weakness Link!

MSU researcher studies ties between cholesterol drugs, muscle problems from PhysOrg.com

A Michigan State University researcher is studying whether the most popular class of cholesterol-lowering drugs may cause muscle problems in users.

[...]

HEIRS Cardiology: H2S Protects Heart….at Low Levels!

Treating heart failure with a gas from PhysOrg.com
At low concentrations, the toxic gas hydrogen sulfide protects the hearts of mice from heart failure, scientists at Emory University School of Medicine have found.
[...]

HEIRS Research: Environmental Illness, IGF-1 and Nrf-2. Studies in Environmental Medicine.

Scientific research is starting to embrace systems theory and explore how interactions between different organ systems such as the immune and neurological system can impact each other and lead to disease or adaptation. The most recent investigation of the evolution of physiological processes are leading to new discoveries of important roles for different systems and their related function that were unknown but have provided important clues to why they evolved and were conserved in higher organisms and modern man. Olfaction is an important tool for survival and is intimately linked to other organ systems in the human body. Almost daily we learn something new about how olfactory processes, nociception and cell signaling pathways can trigger chronic inflammation and are initiated by environmental conditions such as pollution and other environmental hazards. Because we are continuously exposed to any number of different exposures at one time the inflammation that results from those exposures becomes chronic and is one reason for an increase in heart disease and diabetes. Two pathways that are activated from environmental stresses are the P38Mapk and PI3K which ultimately decide the fate of exposed cells. In the following discussion, we explore how inflammation and the maladaptive inhibition or overexpression of cell signaling may lead to environmental illness.
Recent discoveries in cellular biology have provided insight into the inner workings of cells and evolutionary biology research is beginning to reveal important evolutionary patterns in physiological systems conserved in lower to higher organisms. These two disciplines are not usually the topic of conversation when it comes to environmental illness but probably should be. Scientists often compare biological systems in different organisms to determine evolutionary lineage. Two systems that are of interest to medical researchers are neurological and cellular signaling pathways because of their importance for survival and adaptation and their evolutionary conservation from lower to higher organisms. As of today and until technology finds better solutions, studying the evolution and understanding other aspects of the science of these pathways to learn how to redirect or inhibit impaired cellular signaling to attenuate genetic influences may be the easiest way with the least consequences to prevent or mitigate negative impacts of environmental hazards on higher organsims.
Metabolic syndrome is a combination of medical disorders that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes and is an increasing health problem in human populations all around the world. An important theory about the metabolic syndrome is that it develops as a result of maladaptive environmental, behavioral and cultural influences on genetic changes made long ago that allowed the human species to migrate and exist and survive in colder climates. Some of the genes that gave us the ability to adapt to the cold so long ago had a protective effect against disease and some of them increase the risk. When one investigates certain genes that increase disease risk, there are notable patterns between certain variations and climate. Anna Di Rienzo, Professor in Human Genetics explains, “Some populations migrated out of Africa to much cooler climates and there would have been pressure to adapt to their new settings. Those genetic alterations have taken on new significance because of changes in environmental challenges such as in dietary changes and stresses exerted on human systems by different forms of pollution.” (1) This theory of disease development can also be applied to environmental illness and could be “good” genes acting badly. One finds good reason for this argument when one examines the evidence linking diabetes and other illnesses to “new” environmental stresses including physical, psychological, and chemical stressors. If one compares the changes in inflammatory processes, changes in the immune system, and the neurological system etc in metabolic syndrome and diabetes to changes in organ systems of patients with environmental illness it becomes quite clear there is a connection.
It is now accepted that physical injuries, chemical exposures and other environmental stressors, etc. can alter the functioning of these pathways through the alteration or switching on (or off) of the genes that code for them. Upon closer inspection there is commonality upon exposures to pathogens and other xenobiotics, high fat and high calorie diets on the activation, inhibition or dysfunction in nociceptors, insulin/IGF-1 and its interaction with H2O2 and Nrf-2, immune cells and the P38MAPK and PIK3/Akt pathways and their associated downstream targets which result in any number of physical illnesses. The most important of these in “environmental illness” are most likely insulin, IGF-1, Nrf-2 and H2O2 and in the long term each exert their own “pressure” resulting in poorer health status and chronic inflammation from oxidative stress that lead to health conditions such as weight loss, diabetes, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, ageing, asthma, Alzheimer’s, IBD, heart disease, MCS, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety, depression and numerous others. When homeostasis is altered enough to cause ill health, the genetic adaptive responses that were once important to survival become maladaptive. Adaptive mechanisms that involve corrective genetic mutations meant to move a species towards a more homeostatic state takes a very long time. In this case, man must advance culturally through “technology” and other means to address these stressors which is mainly by eradicating the stressors or minimizing their impact.
Genetic experts believe that there are dozens of genes that played a role in the adaptation process into colder climates. Consequently, finding the genes instrumental in increasing disease risk to environmental illness and other “associated” disorders will be a long process. Luckily with the advances in genetics and testing that process has already begun and scientists are identifying some likely targets for further investigation. Several studies in the past few years have reported discoveries in genetics related to lifespan. Calorie restriction has been found to be critical for extending the lifespan and restricting or prevents a number of diseases and signs of ageing through the down-regulation of signaling pathways. These genes that control lifespan and modulate body size and glucose are examples of genes that may be exerting a negative influence that lead to many diseases for the simple reason they result in changes in physical form that would be useful in colder climates for purposes like heat regulation and conservation of energy stores. So far, scientists have identified a number of genes that modulate lifespan to some extent in a number of organisms including yeast, worm, mice and humans. The down-regulation of these so-called longevity genes have been found to extend the lives of yeast and worms by 300% and increases their resistance to environmental stress including oxidative stress. In addition to these traits they also share homologous proteins, enzymes and antioxidant precursors in common. (2) In humans, IGf-1 is a protein quite similar to daf-16 which is the transcription factor for the longevity gene in the worm. To this point however, there has been no conclusion on whether IGF-1 does influence lifespan but there is good evidence that it probably does. What we do know is defects in IGF-1 receptor signaling causes insulin resistance and diabetes and IGF-1 deficiency is associated with cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. The results of a recent study reported that in study participants that had reached the age of 100 had an increase in insulin sensitivity and lower metabolic syndrome and that insulin-sensitizing hormone leptin and adinopectin may be an important key to that survival. (1)

The concept of metabolic rate and the effects it has on lifespan is not new. But it is does make a good representation for disease, systems theory and homeostasis control because one component of the system ultimately effects all other components in the system — in our case, the human body because all the components (organs) are intricately tied to one another through the interaction of different parts of our physiology. It is unwise to discount or minimize the role of one component (organ) in the system for this reason. To clarify this further, take the sense of olfaction for an example. Olfaction has been found to influence the lifespan of organisms and the mechanisms involved are quite ancient and probably evolved as adaptations to ensure survival. In the roundworm, lessening the organism’s ability to smell or taste increases its lifespan by 3-4 weeks (the equivalent of 90-130 years in humans) (3) and signals from the reproductive system assist in lifespan regulation . Both of these processes are regulated through daf 16 & 2. “When the DAF-2 receptor receives a signal from its insulin/IGF-like hormone, it inhibits the activity of the DAF-16 protein which normally signals cells to continue to live long and productively. When the DAF-2 gene is mutated, DAF-16’s activity increases, and the animal remains active and youthful much longer than normal and lives more than twice as long.” (4) These studies provide convincing evidence that external “cues” from the environment can act upon genes that influence lifespan and given the similarity the pathway and the human gene, the same is true of humans. IGF-1 also “helps to set up the proper nerve connections beginning during fetal development in the odor center of the brain which analyzes signals from the many odor receptors. The disruption of IGF-1 leads to abnormal sensory mapping that demonstrates it plays a critical role in wiring the brain”. (5) These finding identify IGF-1 as an important regulator between nociception, olfaction, metabolism, homeostatis and the development and control of neurological pathways that lead to and are located in the brain.

As we will see, IGF-1 function dysfunction and its related physiological interactions seem to play a very important role in many illnesses. (6) Several recent studies have revealed IGF-1 interacts with nociceptor TRPV1 and dysfunction of this interaction contributes to neuronal and vascular deficiencies in diabetes. (7) In breast cancer, IGF-1 upregulates both the expression of TRPV1 and ASIC3 channels (8). ASIC3 channels have been associated with pain and fatigue in fibromyalgia, (9) enhances the effects of catecholamines and therefore may drive post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSD) (10) and is associated with age-dependant glucose tolerance and resistance. (11) Insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) which is dependant on ATP is a protein that is stimulated by growth factor and responsible for cell survival and other processes including energy homeostasis and growth through the Akt pathway which also inhibits cell death. Because of its role in so many cellular processes, environmental factors such daylight, exercise, genetics, stress, nutritional status, and xenobiotic intake can alter its functioning leading consequences in other metabolic pathways which can effect the whole organism. (12) IGF-1 has a primary role in growth regulation which is not exlusive to humans. In dogs, “a single nucleotide polymorphism in IGF-1 is common to all small breeds and absent in larger breeds which strongly suggests IGF-1 determines body size. (13)

IGF-1 is responsible for neuroprotection and reduces neuronal death in different types of injuries and consequently, the weakening of IGF-1 signaling can result inmore oxidative stress and cell damage. It was announced that metabolic syndrome is associated with low levels of both circulating vitamin D and IGF-1 and that estrogen interacts with IGF-1 for neuroprotection in Parkinson’s Disease. (15) The evidence is starting to reveal that physical symptoms such as pain, fatigue, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction found in any number of illnesses can be attributed to the activations and deactivations and the relationships that exists between IGF-1, PI3k and Akt and FoxO/Foxa transcription factors and Nrf-2.

FoxO/Foxa are transcription factors and are important because they regulate many cellular functions including lifespan, oxidative stress resistance, cell death, energy metabolism as well as, a number of other functions. To prevent confusion it is important to understand that FoxO is a subclass of a larger Foxa which consists of over 100 proteins that function differently in different organs. In the liver, foxa 1,2,3 regulate gene expression for maintaining glucose homeostasis and is activated downstream of the insulin-stimulated PI3K/Akt pathway activated by IGF-1. (16) It has been noted that alterations in glucose metabolism and uptake may be a significant factor in environmental illness and is one in which insulin and FoxO transcription factors play a major role. It is becoming clear that insulin reduces the defense against oxidative stress which makes proper insulin and glucose control extremely beneficial for those who suffer from chronic illnesses. This relationship also demonstrates how the “connection” that develop between proteins regulate a major metabolic pathways.

“One of the most important discoveries for environmental illness patients was made earlier this year when researchers reported that insulin inhibits a master gene regulator protein known as SKN-1, and that increased SKN-1 activity increases lifespan. In worms, SKN-1 controls the Phase 2 detoxification pathway, a network of genes that defends cells and tissue against oxidative stress — damage caused by elevated levels of free radicals (byproducts of metabolism) — and various environmental toxins. For several years, researchers have known that SKN mutants are sensitive to paraquat and have reduced lifespans. These studies are important because humans have a homolog in the transcription factor called Nrf-2 that has been shown to have very similar activities and activated by natural antioxidants in food. At the time, the results of this study were released the researchers were investigating the impact of other oxidants on SKN. (17-18) In lung disease, it has been shown there is often a “decrease in antioxidant proteins that regulate H2O2 and in a study of cystic fibrosis patients, H2O2 levels were normalized with the treatment of N-acetylcysteine, selenium, an activator of Nrf-2 or the overexpression of Nrf-2. It has also been recently reported that disfunction of Nrf leads to excess intracellular H2O2 inflammatory cytokine production. While the exact mechanisms have yet to be discovered, there is evidence that IL 6 and L8 are mediated through H2O2 signaling.” (19) In endothelial cells, “long-term H2O2 exposure decreased epithelial nitric oxide (eNOS) serine phosphorylatonSer(1179) phosphorylation, and this might account for the loss of eNOS function in cardiovascular diseases where chronic oxidative injury occurs.” (20) The results of these studies support the idea that H2O2 and glutathione levels could be an important regulator of inflammatory responses in these diseases the levels of which are modulated by Nrf-2. In retinal cells containing zinc from up-regulation for the zinc transport protein and subsequent increase in the levels of antioxidants was found to be Nrf-2-dependant points out that antioxidants levels are modulated in the presense of Nrf-2. (21) In the cardiac fibroblasts of Nrf-2 -/- (null) mice, the basic “scope” of antioxidants and Phase 2 enzymes were significantly lower including those catalase and glutathione. In Nrg-2 +/+ mice, SOD and the enzymes mentioned about were inducible upon presentation of a chemical “stressor” in contrast to the inability to force the induction from the stressor in Nrf-2 null mice and were more sensitive to oxidative stress. In cardiac fibroblasts, it was concluded that Nrf-2 was an important factor in cellular susceptibility to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. The importance of Nrf-2 could explain why antioxidants are so easily depleted since insulin dysregulation is a common factor in many of these health conditions. (22) With this knowledge of the SKN/Nrf-2 is important to point out again that insulin inhibits SKN-1 and also depresses FoxO activity “by excluding them from the nucleus following phosphorylation. In the nematode, reduced insulin signaling boosts activity of the FOXO protein DAF-16 and similar to IGF-1 which leads to greater stress resistance and longer life. (17). In the case of copper, it exerts it influence by inhibiting FoxO by acting as a insulin mimetic. (23)
The recent study in which patients with fibromyalgia had significant reductions in the levels of catalase and GSH (both of which have antioxidative properties) seem to support that inhibition of oxidant stores in addition to their depletion is central to the dysregulation in fibromyalgia. (24) We propose that Nrf-1 inhibition by insulin and other fluctuations in IGF-1 are important factors in environmental illness and explains the multidimensional aspects of these health conditions better than other theories that have been proposed. After the release of the fibromyalgia study that was just mentioned, we explored the mechanism behind the inhibition of heavy metals on the catalase enzyme system. Unfortunately, catalase has the major responsibility of breaking down hydrogen peroxide which at high enough levels can be cytotoxic and is formed as a waste product from cellular processes. Catalase is also partially responsible for the break down of formaldehydes, formalin, phenols, alcohols, etc. (25) Lower antioxidant stores of either catalase or GSH can result in higher levels and potentially toxic levels of these chemicals whether supplied exogenously or produced endogenously. Peroxiredoxins are responsible for the bulk of hydrogen peroxide degradation and is upregulated by NRf-2. Therefore, proper functioning of the Nrf-2 genes is for decomposition of H2O2. (26) Research has identified that neuroprotective benefits of IGF-1 can be weakened by levels of hydrogen peroxide. Taking the above into account and that H2O2 can be a powerful oxidant that causes damage to cells and tissue it is a very good possibility that decreased blood flow found in the brain of fibromyalgia patients could be caused by damage from these substance or perfusion damage. We do know heavy metals do cause more damage when associated with oxidative stress and does inhibit catalase and hydrogen peroxide is a naturally occurring substance in the body. Keeping all this in mind, it is extremely important to keep antioxidant stores normal to provide sufficient enzymes to break down these harmful waste products which modulation of this is controlled by Nrf-2 and since insulin regulates Nrf-2, insulin must also be controlled through calorie restriction, stress reduction and other therapies.

By now, you can probably see that the flow of cell signaling can be quite complicated. One process can activate another downstream which activates another upstream (feedback loop) or run parallel to another process and then activates another pathway and mapping out these interactions can become quite tedious. In addition to the cell signaling processes we all ready mentioned, there are a few others that are the targets of researchers in evolutionary medicine and environmental illness experts and are associated with the “dysregulation” of longevity genes at least in terms of “current” environmental stressors. For instance, FoxO mediated increases in Akt (PKB) diminish insulin signaling, reduce GLUT4 (glucose receptor for skeletal muscle) and decrease insulin-dependant glucose uptake and (27) the PKB/ FoxO pathway has also been identified as being responsible for the weakening in sepsis. Investigation of this pathway in relation to LPS endotoxemia has revealed that PKB/Fox Akt/FOXO causes impairment of carbohydrate oxidation and up-regulation of muscle protein degradation. (28) It should be noted here adrenaline helps to inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory macrophages and therefore, can help to reduce this type of inflammation and sepsis. However, there is the issue of possible other complications from PTSD from adrenaline production. LPS (liposaccharides) are bacterial endotoxins and are present in cigarette smoke at high levels. (29) Other studies have also noted LPS as an additional stressor on chronic illness. It has been mentioned that “smoking one pack of cigarettes per day delivers a dose of respirable LPS that is comparable to the levels of LPS associated with adverse health effects in cotton textile workers.” (30) It has also been shown that LPS increase activity of endothelin-1. The presence of which causes a dramatic rise in neutrophils. When LPS and cigarette smoke are combined they have potentiating effects on inflammatory processes. Endothelin-1 also stimulates nociceptors and sensitizes them to painful stimuli. (31)

As one can see from all of these studies, environmental disease is extremely complicated. Of course, the reason for this is based on the fact that so many environmental, genetic and behavioral factors all play into their development. Unfortunately, this paper is not designed to provide the “magic bullet” for treating most of these health conditions. A tremendous amount of work needs to be done in the future for finding safe and effective treatments for all of these health conditions. Of course, proper diet and limiting fats to reduce lipid peroxidation would be beneficial and we have said many times that reducing insulin dysregulation and spikes would be a good thing. There are many diet solutions out there that may be of benefit for some aspects of these conditions, but none of them provide all the answers. The research on food has brought some interesting things to light. For one, many of the herbs that we write about and speak of alter the pathways that leads to the dysregulation of FoxO or prevents inhibition or activations of it and others by acting on pathway components. If one is not allergic, there is benefit to adding them to favorite recipes. In future blogs and research articles, we will be exploring more natural ways to improve nutritional status, improve weight control and other information regarding exercise and other methods for reducing stress and to communicate information related news regarding treatments of chronic illnesses that are introduced and put on the market.

 

Kimberly Kramer
Health Educator and Researcher
Health Education Information and Resource Services
kkramer@heirs-online.com
www.heirs-online.com

 

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(3) Longo, V. D. and Finch, C. E. (2003). Evolutionary medicine: from dwarf model systems to healthy centenarians? Science, 299(5611):1342-1346. http://www.citeulike.org/user/ruszczyk/article/573395
(4) BioMedecine.com, Reproductive Signals Affect Lifespan in Roundworms C. Elegans Offering Possible Insight Into Human Aging Process. May, 1999. Retrieved on November 13, 2008. http://news.bio-medicine.org/biology-news-2/Reproductive-Signals-Affect-Lifespan-In-Roundworm-C–Elegans–Offering-Possible-Insight-Into-Human-Aging-Process-13067-1/
(5) Scolnick, J. A., Cui, K., Duggan, C. D., Xuan, S., Yuan, X.-B., Efstratiadis, A., and Ngai1, J. (2008). Role of igf signaling in olfactory sensory map formation and axon guidance. Neuron, 57(6). http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3507728
(6)Wolfrum, C., Besser, D., Luca, E., and Stoffel, M. (2003). Insulin regulates the activity of forkhead transcription factor hnf-3β/foxa-2 by akt-mediated phosphorylation and nuclear/cytosolic localization. PNAS.
(7) Van Buren, J., Bhat, S., Rotello, R., Pauza, M., and Premkumar, L. (2005). Sensitization and translocation of trpv1 by insulin and igf-i. Molecular Pain, 1(1). http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3200204
(8) Sakurai, T., Umemura, T., Yono, H., Williams, P., Farias, A., and Yoneda, T. (2007). Bone-derived igf-1 enhances bone pain through activation of acid-sensing nociceptors in bone metastases of breast cancer. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3508484
(9) Bio-Medicine (2008). U. Iowa study finds biological link between pain and fatigue. Retrieved on November 13, 2008. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3438167
(10) Hu, Z. W., Shi, X. Y., and Hoffman, B. B. (1996). Insulin and insulin-like growth factor i differentially induce alpha1-adrenergic receptor subtype expression in rat vascular smooth muscle cells. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 98(8):1826-1834. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3300022
(11) Huang, S. J., Yang, W. S., Lin, Y. W., Wang, H. C., and Chen, C. C. (2008). Increase of insulin sensitivity and reversal of age-dependent glucose intolerance with inhibition of asic3. Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 371(4):729-734. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3441628
(12) Insulin Growth Factor 1. Wipedia. Retrieved on November 12, 2008. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGF1
(13) Sutter, N. B., Bustamante, C. D., Chase, K., Gray, M. M., Zhao, K., Zhu, L., Padhukasahasram, B., Karlins, E., Davis, S., Jones, P. G., Quignon, P., Johnson, G. S., Parker, H. G., Fretwell, N., Mosher, D. S., Lawler, D. F., Satyaraj, E., Nordborg, M., Lark, G. K., Wayne, R. K., and Ostrander, E. A. (2007). A single igf1 allele is a major determinant of small size in dogs. Science, 316(5821):112-115. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/1238616
(14) Quesada, A. and Micevych, P. E. (2004). Estrogen interacts with the igf-1 system to protect nigrostriatal dopamine and maintain motoric behavior after 6-hydroxdopamine lesions. Journal of Neuroscience Research, 75(1):107-116. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3484080
(15) Carter, M. E. and Brunet, A. Quick guide: Foxo transcription factors. Current Biology, 17(4). http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3429606
(16) Zheng, W.-H., Kar, S., and Quirion, R. (2002). Insulin-like growth factor-1-induced phosphorylation of transcription factor fkhrl1 is mediated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/akt kinase and role of this pathway in insulin-like growth factor-1-induced survival of cultured hippocampal neurons. Mol Pharmacol, 62(2):225-233.
(17) Joslin Diabetes Center. ScienceDaily. March 20,2008. Insulin has previously unknown effect that has role in aging and lifespan. Retrieved on November 12, 2008.
(18) Tullet, J. M. A., Hertweck, M., An, J. H., Baker, J., Hwang, J. Y., Liu, S., Oliveira, R. P., Baumeister, R., and Blackwell, K. T. (2008). Direct inhibition of the longevity-promoting factor skn-1 by insulin-like signaling in c. elegans. Cell, 132(6):1025-1038.
(19) Chen, J., Kinter, M., Shank, S., Cotton, C., Kelley, T. J., and Ziady, A. G. (2008). Dysfunction of nrf-2 in cf epithelia leads to excess intracellular h2o2 and inflammatory cytokine production. PLoS ONE, 3(10):e3367+. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3506929
(20) Hu, Z., Chen, J., Wei, Q., and Xia, Y. (2008). Bidirectional actions of hydrogen peroxide on endothelial nitric-oxide synthase phosphorylation and function: co-commitment and interplay of akt and ampk. The Journal of biological chemistry, 283(37):25256-25263. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3507158
(21) Rezaei, K. A., Chen, Y., Cai, J., and Sternberg, P. (2008). Modulation of nrf2-dependent antioxidant functions in the rpe by zip2, a zinc transporter protein. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci., 49(4):1665-1670. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3507074
(22) Zhu, H., Itoh, K., Yamamoto, M., Zweier, J. L., and Li, Y. (2005). Role of nrf2 signaling in regulation of antioxidants and phase 2 enzymes in cardiac fibroblasts: protection against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species-induced cell injury. FEBS letters, 579(14):3029-3036. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3507251
(23) Walter, P. L., Kampkötter, A., Eckers, A., Barthel, A., Schmoll, D., Sies, H., and Klotz, L. O. (2006). Modulation of foxo signaling in human hepatoma cells by exposure to copper or zinc ions. Arch Biochem Biophys, 454(2):107-113. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/2187230
(24) Sendur, O. F., Turan, Y., Tastaban, E., Yenisey, C., and Serter, M. (2008). Serum antioxidants and nitric oxide levels in fibromyalgia: a controlled study. Rheumatology international. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3424335
(25) Catalase. Wipedia. Retrieved on November 12, 2008. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalase
(26) Devries, H., Witte, M., Hondius, D., Rozemuller, A., Drukarch, B., Hoozemans, J., and Vanhorssen, J. (2008). Nrf2-induced antioxidant protection: A promising target to counteract ros-mediated damage in neurodegenerative disease? Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 45(10):1375-1383.
(27) Ni, Y. G., Wang, N., Cao, D. J., Sachan, N., Morris, D. J., Gerard, R. D., Kuro-O, M., Rothermel, B. A., and Hill, J. A. (2007). Foxo transcription factors activate akt and attenuate insulin signaling in heart by inhibiting protein phosphatases. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 104(51):20517-20522.
(28) Crossland, H., Constantin-Teodosiu, D., Gardiner, S. M. M., Constantin, D., and Greenhaff, P. L. L. (2008). A potential role for akt/foxo signalling in both protein loss and the impairment of muscle carbohydrate oxidation during sepsis in rodent skeletal muscle. The Journal of physiology. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3448487
(29) Li, C.-Y., Chou, T.-C., Lee, C.-H., Tsai, C.-S., Loh, S.-H., and Wong, C.-S. (2003). Adrenaline inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha in human monocytes: The role of beta-adrenergic receptors. Anesth Analg, 96(2):518-523. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3270882
(30) Bhavsar, T., Liu, X. J., Patel, H., Stephani, R., and Cantor, J. O. (2008). Preferential recruitment of neutrophils by endothelin-1 in acute lung inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide or cigarette smoke. International Journal of COPD, 3(3):477-481. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3458866
(31) Plant, T. D., Zollner, C., Kepura, F., Mousa, S. S., Eichhorst, J., Schaefer, M., Furkert, J., Stein, C., and Oksche, A. (2007). Endothelin potentiates trpv1 via eta receptor-mediated activation of protein kinase c. Molecular Pain, 3:35+. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/1920866

Copper Pipes and EI : A Possible Missing Link We Do Not Think About!?

As you may recall,  a recent HEIRS blog discussed issues with the safety of drinking water. In the blog, I mentioned the potential health issues from high metal levels in older pipes. In a study just released on fibromyalgia it was reported that 2 antioxidants were at very low levels in fibromyalgia patients. According to the study, “serum NO, catalase and glutathione were measured. Serum glutathione and catalase levels were significantly lower in FM patients than controls and that low glutathione contributed to morning stiffness and these antioxidant levels contributed to the pathogenesis of disease. The report further noted no significant difference was seen in serum NO levels between the two groups and a significant correlation was evident between serum NO level and pain.” (1)

 Upon further investigation, HEIRS has found that catalase is important to break down different toxins including such as hydrogen peroxide, formaldehyde, formic acid, phenols, and alcohols which we have discussed here extensively and elsewhere on other posts.  (3) The loss of enzymatic acitivity on a substance that has toxicity of course, can lead to more cellular damage. (4)    ”Any heavy metal will inhibit catalase including copper, a known contaminant in household drinking water. If this study is correct, one may assume that copper and lead pipes that are poorly maintained or exposed to highly corrosive chemicals could exacerbate or even be a causal factor on fibromyalgia and other environmental illnesses.” (4)     

Reference HEIRS Online Weblog Posts:

Bottled Water, Alkaline Water and Other Drinking Water Facts!

Lipid Peroxidation, Oxidative Stress and Aldehydes

Read More in General About Fibromyalgia: Abstract Feed http://www.citeulike.org/rss/group/6034/order/to_read

Read More on Heavy Metal Toxicity: Abstract Feed http://www.citeulike.org/rss/group/6113/library

Kimberly Kramer
Health Educator and Researcher
Health Education Information and Resource Services
kkramer@heirs-online.com
http://www.heirs-online.com

(1) Sendur, O. F., Turan, Y., Tastaban, E., Yenisey, C., and Serter, M. (2008). Serum antioxidants and nitric oxide levels in fibromyalgia: a controlled study. Rheumatology international. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3424335

(2) Singh, S. M. and Sivalingam, P. M. (1982). The study on the interactive effects of heavy metals on catalase activity of <i>sarotherodon mossambicus</i> (peters). Journal of Fish Biology, 20(6):683-688. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3424746

(3) Catalase. Wipedia. Retrieved on October 17, 2008.

(4)  Tretter, L. and Adam-Vizi, V. (2000). Inhibition of krebs cycle enzymes by hydrogen peroxide: A key role of alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase in limiting nadh production under oxidative stress. J. Neurosci., 20(24):8972-8979. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3425187

HEIRS Nutrition: Understanding the Differences Between Fructose and High Fructose Corn Syrup

With all the attention in the media these days on the health risks associated with obesity and the factors that cause it, there is bound to be some misleading conclusions and misconceptions about different foods and food additives. According to the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) this is the case with the two key food ingredients high fructose corn syrup and fructose. The CRA has made it clear in a statement about how the media has misrepresented the facts in that high fructose corn syrup causes obesity more than other sweeteners.  In support of their opinions the American Medical Society recently released a study reporting “high fructose syrup does not appear to contribute to obesity more than other caloric sweeteners.”

As a consumer, it is important that we understand the benefits and the health hazards related to the foods we eat and are able to assess the credibility of the information we read or hear through the media. It it true there are differences between fructose and high fructose corn syrup and hopefully those differences are made more clear by listing the following facts:  

• High fructose corn syrup contains approximately equal ratios of fructose and glucose. Table sugar also contains equal ratios of fructose and glucose. High fructose corn syrup and sugar are equally sweet and both contain four calories per gram.

• Fructose is a natural, simple sugar commonly found in fruits and honey. The absence of glucose makes pure fructose fundamentally different from high fructose corn syrup. This is because glucose has been shown to have a tempering effect on specific metabolic effects of fructose.

• There is no difference in how the body metabolizes table sugar and high fructose corn syrup. Once the combination of glucose and fructose found in high fructose corn syrup and sucrose are absorbed into the blood stream, the two types of sweetener appear to be metabolized similarly using well-characterized metabolic pathways.

• High fructose corn syrup meets the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s requirements for use of the term “natural.” It is made from corn, a natural grain product and contains no artificial or synthetic ingredients or color additives.

Currently, there are no artificial sweeteners that have not been shown to have adverse health effects in some studies. For example, aspartame, a common additive and artifical sweetener in diet beverages is to believed to be an excitoxin and cause nerve pain. On the other, another natural plant-derived sweetener called Stevia which has been endorsed by the World Health Organization as a good alternative to sugar sweeteners has zero calories, zero carbs and a zero glycemic index rating. Some studies report stevia may lower hypertension and type-2 diabetes. Consumers should be aware all food products have the potential for causing allergic and sensitivity reactions and should monitor their own reactions to any product including stevia.  But for those people with a sweet tooth that are watching their weight, are monitoring glucose levels or want a safe alternative to chemical sweeteners Stevia could provide a healthier alternative. 

In the United States, the product is becoming more popular as a calorie-free sweetener but has not been approved by the FDA as a safe product and therefore is classified as a dietary supplement. However, it has been reported the FDA is going to give their endorsement for stevia to be used as a food additive as early as the second week of November and several companies are expected to release their own branded stevia products as soon as the FDA gives that approval.  Currently, the artificial sweetener market accounts is a $1.2 billion dollar business and stevia is expected to grow and snag 20% of that market.

For Further Reading: AMA finds high fructose syrup unlikely to be more harmful to health than other caloric sweetners. American Medical Association. Retrieved on October 18, 2008.

Adapted from:  Fructose Frequently Confused With High Fructose Corn Syrup.Mediawise. Retrieved on October 18, 2008.

Zero-Cal Stevia Poised To Change Sweeteners Market. Mediapost Publications. Retrieved on October 18, 2008.

HEIRS Nutrition News: Stevia, a natural plant-derived sweetener

As of today, there are no artificial sweeteners that have not been shown to have adverse health effects in at least one study. For example, aspartame, a common additive and artifical sweetener in diet beverages is believed to be an excitotoxin and cause nerve pain. If you are looking for a sweetener alternative, you might want to try to the natural plant-derived sweetener called Stevia. Stevia has been endorsed by the World Health Organization as a good alternative to artificial sweeteners and has zero calories, zero carbs and a zero glycemic index rating and may lower hypertension and type-2 diabetes.   For those people with a sweet tooth that are watching their weight, are monitoring glucose levels or want a safe alternative to chemical sweeteners, Stevia could provide a healthier alternative. 

In the United States, stevia is becoming more popular as a calorie-free sweetener but has not been approved by the FDA, is currently classified as a dietary supplement, and just like any other food product their is potential for allergic reactions. However, it has been reported the FDA is going to give their endorsement for stevia to be used as a food additive as early as the second week of November and several companies are expected to release their own branded stevia products as soon as the FDA gives that approval.  Currently, the artificial sweetener market  is a $1.2 annual billion dollar business. Eventually, stevia is expected to grow and snag 20% of that market.

View Stevia in the HEIRS Grocery Store: http://heirs-research.blogspot.com/

Adapted from: 

(1) Sugar Substitutes: Americans Opt for Sweetness and Lite. FDA Consumer Magazine November-December 1999. Retrieved on October 18, 2008.

(2) Fructose Frequently Confused With High Fructose Corn Syrup.Mediawise. Retrieved on October 18, 2008.

(3) Zero-Cal Stevia Poised To Change Sweeteners Market. Mediapost Publications. Retrieved on October 18, 2008.

HEIRS News Net: Interleukin-6 May Be Good for Diabetes

October 18, 2008

A preliminary new study has revealed that interleukin-6 may be a new future therapeutic target for obesity and diabetes.  This molecule was previously thought to be harmful because it is found at high levels in obese or diabetic patients. This new study identified the reason the molecule is found in these patients is because it is a mechanism the body uses to fight these conditions.  In addition to increasing to insulin sensitivity and the absorption of glucose, the molecule also may increase the expression of genes related to fat metabolism such as PPAR and UCP-2 and suggests interleukin -6 may be important for weight control.

Adapted from: Scientists From Granada Find a Potential Treatment To Prevent Diabetes and Obesity. Medical News Today. Retrieved on October 18, 2008.

TRPV1, Mast Cells, Toxic Loads and Sweat Glands

Inflammatory mast cells are typical in chemical injury and can be inflammatory but not allergy related.  They also can contain TRPV1 and have been found in the brain – which might add to the psychological issues of these health conditions. Keep in mind damage to keratinocytes which make up one of the larger cell types in the skin can be caused by direct chemical contact reactions from generative of reactive species and tissue damage reducing the integrity of the protective barrier of the skin and activation of mast cells. This kind of damage can not exclude the actions of TRPV1 since TRPV is present on the skin and kerotinocytes. The subcutaneous layer below the dermis containing adipose tissue is a storage site for “lipophilic chemicals that have entered the body through skin and other routes.” (1) The immunoreactivity of which has also been recognized in sweat glands and the secretory portion of sweat glands and whose injury from the subsequent injury has been known to damage eccrine glands and result in reduced sweat production.(2) According to Goldfrank, “xenobiotics can be concentrated in the sweat with increased reactions at the site of sweat secretion. Certain agents can cause direct damage to the sweat glands, resulting in a condition called anhidrosis meaning a marked deficiency of sweat.” (3)

 

Reduced metabolization and detoxification are generally well recognized problems in MCS. For example a person who is a poor sulfate conjugator can build up harmful metabolites, levels of hormones, neurotransmitters, drugs etc. in the body. Incidentally, in a recent post made to this board a study was noted mentioning evidence of a reduction of catalase in fibromyalgia patients. Catalase acts on formaldehyde and other toxicants and is inhibited by metals such as copper. (4) A reduction or inhibition of this enzyme is one example that could lead to an overall increase of the body burden of toxicants to even higher levels which would be more pronounced in “slow metabolizers”.  An example of skin reaction from chemicals can be caused by the chemicals breaking down into harmful metabolites upon exposure to UV and sunlight. This may be why some people get what appears to be “sunburns” when they are taking or are on antibiotics and other drugs and why sunlight bothers people with other environmental illnesses in addition to porphyria.

 

One must not forget transporters such as the MRPs which are xenobiotic shuttlers and whose role is to balance the concentration of high toxin load and low toxin load….in periods of ATP-depletion their activity decreases could be altered resulting in higher toxicant burdens. Other  transporters have been known to “go backwards” from toxic environmental influences and  kind of activity makes transporters more interesting to study. (5-6)  Mutations in the genes that code for these transporters also can change the efficiency of these efflux transporters and are the focus of pharmaceutical and environmental researchers (and me) and have been implicated in causing interesting “reactions to antibiotics”. Incidentally, they also found recently their function can be altered by peroxynitrite transporting glutathione conjugates in erythrocytes.

 

(1) Hall, Stephen K., Chakraborty, Joanna, and Randall J. Ruch. (1997)CRC Press. Chemical Exposure and Toxic Responses.  Preview Page 134.

 

(2) Ständer, S., Moormann, C., Schumacher, M., Buddenkotte, J., Artuc, M., Shpacovitch, V., Brzoska, T., Lippert, U., Henz, B. M., Luger, T. A., Metze, D., and Steinhoff, M. (2004). Expression of vanilloid receptor subtype 1 in cutaneous sensory nerve fibers, mast cells, and epithelial cells of appendage structures. Experimental dermatology, 13(3):129-139.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14987252

 

(3) Goldfrank, Lewis, Flomenbaum, Hoffman, Robert, Howland, Mary Ann, Lewis, Neal and Lewis Nelson. 8th Edition.  (2006) McGraw-Hill Professional. Pg. 457

 

(4) Sendur, O. F., Turan, Y., Tastaban, E., Yenisey, C., and Serter, M. (2008). Serum antioxidants and nitric oxide levels in fibromyalgia: a controlled study. Rheumatology international.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18853166

 

 

(5) Pal, D. and Mitra, A. (2006). Mdr- and cyp3a4-mediated drug–drug

interactions. Journal of NeuroImmune Pharmacology, 1(3):323-339.

http://www.springerlink.com/content/v45422130p87uu04/

 

(6) QING LI,  KATO Yukio, SAI Yoshimichi,  IMAI Teruko ,TSUJI Akira

(2005) Multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 functions as an

efflux pump of xenobiotics in the skin. Pharmaceutical research,

22(6): 842-846. http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=17010135

 

(6) Hall, Stephen K., Chakraborty, Joanna, and Randall J. Ruch. (1997)CRC Press. Chemical Exposure and Toxic Responses.  Preview Page 134.

Copper and Heavy Metal Activation Pathways and Why We Should Care!

Understanding how a toxic agents acts to cause physical symptoms is often quite complicated and often involves more than one signaling pathway. When one investigates these pathways of activation, he/she will find they do not follow a linear sequence but involve the primary and secondary interactions of proteins and enzymes that exert influences on and/or act upstream,  downsteam and parallel to one another. 

In a recent HEIRS post we discussed a little about the PI3/Akt pathway as an important mediator of cellular reactions to environmental stress and this pathway is an important factor in the causes of environmental illnesses and should be for their treatment.  In addition, this pathway can be used to study how toxic one contaminant is compared to another.  Specific reasons for this depends on how PI3k/Act activation is generated, how far that signal is “propagated” and what other co-factors like oxidative stress are present that reactivate, continue the activation or inhibit those activations.  To simplify things and using metals as an example, it is easier to understand why it is important to be familiar with what drives these pathway activities.  For one reason, many of the present natural therapeutics including those used in chinese medicine and phytonutrients, flavonoids, etc have been shown to act on this pathway in scientific studies.

In addition to many of the other metals, copper exerts its toxic effects through the PI3K/Act pathway. In skin cells, it has been found copper concentrations of as little as 3 microns can activate independantly of ROS the AKT pathway but only in the presence of PI3K which is also enhanced after exposure to copper. (1)  (Wipedia provides a good representation of how small a micron is here.) (2) One can assume copper’s inhibition of catalase (the major enzyme for the break down of H2O2) (3-4) is even more detrimental because copper generates its own hydrogen peroxide by generating ROS and 2) by activating AKT in addition to, reducing the availabity of catalase to act on H2O2 and other compounds from other sources.  (1)

Copper is not the only heavy metal that acts on the PI3K/Act pathway and each have different effects. It is believed this is partly due to the oxidative stress copper generates, subsequent rapid depeletion of glutathione and the ability of the metal to modulate a downstream transcription factor FoxO (5) located in the nucleus that acts on other genes.  The inactivation of transcription of FoxO has negative implications on longevity, cycle arrest, DNA repair and apoptosis. (6) Nickel, another common metal found in the environment is 100 times less toxic than copper because the activation of Akt is ” independant of oxidative processes and does not influence FoxO”. (5)   On the other hand, zink also acts on FoxO through its activation of the PI3K/Act by oxidative stress. (7) These studies seem to reveal that if a metal generates oxidative stress and subsequent activation of Akt proceeds to modulate FoxO1, then the metal becomes more toxic.  (Note here, there are a number of Fox factors and each are acted upon differently thought Akt.)

As one discovers, the complexity of how each of these pathways interact with one another adds to the epidemiology of the health problems the exposures to metals create. For example, copper and zink have “insulin mimetic effects” which is believed to be achieved through the PI3K/Act pathway and the modulation of FoxO. Hepatoma cells exposed to Cu2+ exhibit a weakening of the the activity of the promoter for the Glucose-6-Phosphatase gene which is known to be regulated by insulin’s action of FoxO1a independant of PI3K/Akt. (8) Insulin and IGf-1 can inactivate FoxO, but FoxO can also increase the activity of Akt and diminish insulin signaling, reducing GLUT4 translocation, and decrease insulin-triggered glucose uptake, especially in skeletal muscle.  Resveratrol, which is a natural flavanoids found in red wine and other foods and beverages, has been found to increase the transcription of the FoxO transcription factor in a specific tissue study. (9-10)

As one reviews some earlier HEIRS posts, we see that the PI3K/Akt pathway is an important one because it is activated by environmental stresses like heat shock and oxidative stress. Many experts believe oxidative stress and its consequences from contaminant exposures are a major factor in environmental illness and as we have seen in the case of heavy metals they exert their influence directly and indirectly on PI3K/Akt. By studying these pathways, how contaminants act on them and why phytonutrients such as resveratrol and quercetin influence or mitigate the symptoms of certain illnesses; science is coming closer to understanding the biological roots of ”alterations in cell signaling” and therefore, may be able to develop safe and effective therapies with fewer or no side-effects for stress-related environmental illnesses like MCS, fibromyalgia, diabetes and numerous others. 

Kimberly Kramer
Health Educator and Researcher
Health Education Information and Resource Services
kkramer@heirs-online.com
http://www.heirs-online.com

(1) Ostrakhovitch, E. (2002). Copper ions strongly activate the phosphoinositide-3-kinase/akt pathway independent of the generation of reactive oxygen species. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 397(2):232-239. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3431457 
(2) Micron.Wipedia. Retrieved on October 20, 2008.

(3) Sendur, O. F., Turan, Y., Tastaban, E., Yenisey, C., and Serter, M. (2008). Serum antioxidants and nitric oxide levels in fibromyalgia: a controlled study. Rheumatology international. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3424335

(4) Singh, S. M. and Sivalingam, P. M. (1982). The study on the interactive effects of heavy metals on catalase activity of <i>sarotherodon mossambicus</i> (peters). Journal of Fish Biology, 20(6):683-688. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3424746

(5) Eckers, A., Reimann, K., and Klotz, L.-O. O. (2008). Nickel and copper ion-induced stress signaling in human hepatoma cells: analysis of phosphoinositide 3′-kinase/akt signaling. Biometals : an international journal on the role of metal ions in biology, biochemistry, and medicine. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3429591 

(6) Carter, M. E. and Brunet, A. Quick guide: Foxo transcription factors. Current Biology, 17(4). http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3429606

(7) Walter, P. L., Kampkötter, A., Eckers, A., Barthel, A., Schmoll, D., Sies, H., and Klotz, L. O. (2006). Modulation of foxo signaling in human hepatoma cells by exposure to copper or zinc ions. Arch Biochem Biophys, 454(2):107-113. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/2187230

(8) Glucose 6 Phosphatase. Wipedia. Retieved on October 20, 2008.

(9) Ni, Y. G., Wang, N., Cao, D. J., Sachan, N., Morris, D. J., Gerard, R. D., Kuro-O, M., Rothermel, B. A., and Hill, J. A. (2007). Foxo transcription factors activate akt and attenuate insulin signaling in heart by inhibiting protein phosphatases. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 104(51):20517-20522. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3429617

(10)  (2008). Substance in red wine, resveratrol, found to keep hearts young. Retrieved on Ocotober 20, 2008. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3431534

Specific Bacteria and Inflammation in the Gut!

There has been an interesting finding that we are particularly interested in related to the inflammation in the gut and which might have important implications for other conditions such as metabolic syndrome and diabetes, autoimmune diseases, nutrient absorption and why the use of probiotics may be beneficial in relation to mitigating some of the conditions of environmental syndrome. You may or may not be aware that several EI conditions have been found to have an “association” with TH17. Well, it has been recently announced that bacteria in the gut called cytophaga-flavobact er-bacteroidetes (CFB) bacteria were associated with the creation of Th17 cells. This is the first time there has been shown a causal link “between specific bacteria and the generation of inflammatory cells” .  Because inflammatory processes in the intestines lead to other health conditions, we expect that this finding is going to generate some more interest in the relationships of bacteria, intestinal health and the generation of TH17.

More about : TH17

Sciencedaily (2008). Bugs in the gut trigger production of important immune cells, study finds. Retrieved on October 21, 2008. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081015183450.htm

Environmental Illness: Intestinal Inflammation, ASIC3 and TRPV1

Understanding how pain and other symptoms occur in any illness involves understanding a number of different signaling pathways.  Identifying the pathways that influence the symptoms of fatigue and pain in environmental illness such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, etc has been particularly difficult. In past posts, HEIRS has mentioned the significance of acidity, immunological processes and a variety of other mechanisms that can exacerbate or be a causal factor in symptoms for development of these conditions.

In this blog, we address how tissue acidity and ASICS channels (specifically for simplification the ASIC3 channel) are involved with pain and fatigue generation in the human body and may be the mechanisms in  environmental illnesses. In order to understand the concept of tissue acidity (acidosis) as it relates to illness, it must be pointed out the body has different mechanisms to help in the maintenance of the acid-base balance and our focus here is on the “cellular environment”.  For proper functioning of all biological processes, a proper pH must be maintained at the cellular level and is crucial for the homeostatic control of enzymes, protein production, scaffolding of membranes etc.  Under normal circumstances cells have an internal pH of around 7, arterioles and venule blood ranges from 7.36-7.4 while the matrix pH is normally maintained at around 7.4. (1)

The processes of metabolism generally result in more acidic environments because protein metabolism produces creates uric, sulphuric and phosphoric acids while carbohydrates and fats create acetic and lactic acid.  The lungs, liver, kidneys, bicarb and phosphates all have a role in the buffering system to prevent the acidotic state (acidosis) generated by metabolism. (1)  However, the buffering system is not a perfect one and is not always effective at maintaining proper cellular pH and this is true especially when other exogenous influences including dietary factors, respiratory problems and inflammation, antioxidant stores come into play.

Poor diet and inflammation are well-recognized factors that contribute to poor health and disease.  As far as diet is concerned,  a diet high in acidic foods like meat, eggs, and dairy products and low in alkaline foods such as vegetables stress the buffering system. In addition, other foods such as sugars, tap water, beverages like coffee and sodas all promote dietary acidosis. (1) Of course, one of the most obvious long-term health conditions from chronic acidosis is bone resorption leading to osteoporosis.

Most people are not familiar with the fact that inflammation can be a causal factor in localized tissue acidosis or consider the effects of tissue acidosis in disease.  As we have discussed TRPV1 is a nociceptor that changes stimulation currents into pain and can be generated by changes in heat, pH, noxious stimuli, reactive species, etc and we have already shown how environmental conditions can increase the sensitivity of these nociceptors. ASIC channel proteins also have nociception activity that senses changes in pH and can act at times in concert with the TRPV1 nociceptors. Earlier this year the University of Iowa printed the results of a study that revealed the activations of the ASIC3 channel had a link to higher levels of chronic pain and fatigue in female mice attributed to lower levels of testosterone. The male mice that were negative for ASIC3 presented with pain levels comparable to normal female mice. This identifies there are interesting interactions of nociception and other co-factors that can produce increasing and reductions in pain response. Discovering the exact nature of interaction of ASIC3 in this pathway will be a major breakthrough for pain sufferers including those with environmental illness. In the very least, this study identifies the possible mechanism of testosterone as to why there are such obvious differences in incidence rates between gender in these conditions. In this same study,  the researchers also posed the assumption that pain and fatigue are generated through the same pathway. (2)

The ASIC3 channel is known to be the “most sensitive of all the acid-sensing ion channels and activates in response to lactic acid in the extracellular space.” (3) As we discussed earlier, lactic acid is one of the acids that is produced from cellular metabolism and therefore, ASIC3 in itself can be activated by cellular mechanisms from lactic acid, when gastric acid is present or other acidic substances are introduced.  In addition, just like other receptors the sensitivity of receptors can be altered, increased or decreased by environmental factors and this seems to be the case with ASIC3 when they are already exposed to inflammatory conditions as would be the case in gastritis. (6) It has also been found ASIC3 is a metaboreceptors that signals pain when there is insufficient oxygen such as in ischemia, hypoxia or anaerobic metabolism and(3) activated in inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and exhausted muscle cells because of local tissue acidosis (4) In reports, these channels contribute to hyperalgesia and signal pain to even slight changes of pH, hypertonicity and from exposure to arachadonic acid . (5) One study has documented these channels may control of age-dependent glucose intolerance and insulin resistance which supports an increasing body of evidence that insulin resistance and subsequent oxidative stress may play a role in cellular dysfunctions in environmental illnesses. (10)

Studies show ASIC channels respond to changes in pH much more readily than TRPV1 and are the primary acid-sensing nociceptors in tissue and TRPV1 only activates in extreme conditions (4) such as when challenged by extremely low pH such as introduction of hydrochloric acid (6) or where they already have increased sensitivity. Where and how much of both TRPV1 and ASIC channels is different in different tissues. For instance, in the stomach, TRPV1 seems to be the key molecule for acid-induced nociception. (7) In inflammatory airway disease, tissue acidosis stimulates pH-induced airway relation through ASICs and symptoms of pH-induced hyperresponsiveness are generated through ASICs and TRPV1. (8)

In terms of disease what this means is an agent which initiates the development of inflammation or changes tissue pH can activate the ASIC3 pathway. On the other hand, ”agents” that influence the induction of TRPV1 and ASIC3 to the membrane or their production will influence the level of pain and fatigue that are generated.  In addition to those mentioned above, other environmental conditions can cause inflammation and alter the pH of tissue.  Some of the most common triggers most of which are notable in environmental illness include inhaled irritants such as those found in air pollution and cigarette smoke, ingested contaminants such as acid water, antibiotics, bateria and their waste, preservatives, additives, etc. that cause inflammation and alter tissue pH of the esophagus and intestinal tract, and irritants of the skin that damage the protective barrier such as yeast infections, sunburns, etc.  

We  recently reported endogenous bacteria have the potential of generating inflammatory cells through TH17 and ASICS3 could play a role in the development of pain and fatigue after the inflammation begins. In this same study, the author pointed out that intestinal health can be influenced by the kinds of bacteria in the intestinal tract. Currently, we do know that bacteria normally found in the intestinal tract generate sulfur and other compounds that trigger the ASIC3 and TRPV channels and therefore could trigger intestinal pain.  One interesting question is if the types of acidic food we eat favor the production of the bacteria that activate TH17 or do these bacteria cause the generation of more of these acid-sensing channels or cause them to be activated more frequently.  These are interesting question that will be further explored to be sure in the future.

Presently, what we do know is keeping the gut healthy to reduce the activation and concentration of these channels will reduce the impact and consequences of those activations and therefore result in reduced pain and fatigue at least in some tissues in some people. Whether the pain and fatigue generated that was identified in the U of Iowas study is the same pain and fatigue that is prevalent in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue patients is not addressed specifically even though inferred so one can not totally assume that it is the same pain. However, a generalization can be made about the benefits of controlling these receptors until more conclusions are made on the exact nature of environmental illness pain. Until then, armed with the knowledge that both ASICS and TRPV1 have the potential to cause pain in some inviduals, those individuals should take steps to reduce the triggers for activation of TRPV1and ASIC3. Generally, those steps would include a) reduce the acids generated through diet by eating plenty of alkaline foods b) increasing the amount of phytonutrients that inhibit the propagation of signaling that mediate additional inflammatory processes and increase channel sensitivity and c) prevent exposures to endogenous and exogenous environmental contaminants that activate these channels. 

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Notes:

• We do not address the activities of the other nociceptors in this blog. However, one can assume TRPA1 may be involved since TRPV1 and TRPA1 are often activated in a similar manner.
• several of the previous HEIRS blogs address many of the topics we address here.

Kimberly Kramer
Health Educator and Researcher
Health Education Information and Resource Services
kkramer@heirs-online.com
http://www.heirs-online.com

 (1) Tissue Acidity. British Homeopathic Formulary. Retrieved on October 22, 2008.

(2) Bio-Medicine (4/7/2008). U. iowa study finds biological link between pain and fatigue. Retrieved on October 22, 2008. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3438167

(3) Molliver, D. C., Immke, D. C., Fierro, L., Paré, M., Rice, F. L., and McCleskey, E. W. (2005). Asic3, an acid-sensing ion channel, is expressed in metaboreceptive sensory neurons. Molecular pain, 1. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3438444

(4) Ugawa, S., Ueda, T., Ishida, Y., Nishigaki, M., Shibata, Y., and Shimada, S. (2002). Amiloride-blockable acid-sensing ion channels are leading acid sensors expressed in human nociceptors. The Journal of clinical investigation, 110(8):1185-1190. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/2942104

(5) Deval, E., Noël, J., Lay, N., Alloui, A., Diochot, S., Friend, V., Jodar, M., Lazdunski, M., and Lingueglia, E. (2008). Asic3, a sensor of acidic and primary inflammatory pain. EMBO Journal. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3440794

(6) Wultsch, T., Painsipp, E., Shahbazian, A., Mitrovic, M., Edelsbrunner, M., Lazdunski, M., Waldmann, R., and Holzer, P. (2008). Deletion of the acid-sensing ion channel asic3 prevents gastritis-induced acid hyperresponsiveness of the stomach–brainstem axis. Pain, 134(3):245-253. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3438445

(7) Schicho, R., Florian, W., Liebmann, I., Holzer, P., and Irmgard (2004). Increased expression of trpv1 receptor in dorsal root ganglia by acid insult of the rat gastric mucosa. European Journal of Neuroscience, 19(7):1811-1818. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3149682

(8) Faisy, C., Planquette, B., Naline, E., Risse, P., Frossard, N., Fagon, J., Advenier, C., and Devillier, P. (2007). Acid-induced modulation of airway basal tone and contractility: Role of acid-sensing ion channels (asics) and trpv1 receptor. Life Sciences, 81(13):1094-1102. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3438467

(9) Sciencedaily (10/21/2008). Bugs in the gut trigger production of important immune cells, study finds. Retrieved on October 21, 2008. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3433292

10) Huang, S. J., Yang, W. S., Lin, Y. W., Wang, H. C., and Chen, C. C. (2008). Increase of insulin sensitivity and reversal of age-dependent glucose intolerance with inhibition of asic3. Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 371(4):729-734. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3441628

HEIRS Nutrition: Pumpkin Seeds

In good supply this time of year and a great source of Omega-3s!

Read Recent Posts:

1) Specific Bacteria and Inflammation in the Gut!

2) Environmental Illness: Intestinal Inflammation, ASIC3 and TRPV1

3) Copper and Heavy Metal Activation Pathways and Why We Should Care!

4)  Endothelin-1, TRPV and PPAR-a

HEIRS Nutrition: Reducing the Chemicals in Fried Beef

Assuring the nutritional value and safety of food not only depends on what it is stored and cooked in, how long it is cooked and even how it is cooked.  According to the National Cancer Institute, ”cooking certain meats at high temperatures creates chemicals that are not present in uncooked meats and a few of these chemicals may cause cancer.  Heterocyclic Amines commonly known as HAAS or HAs are formed from a chemical reaction of amino acids.” (1)

An article in the Journal of Agricultural Chemistry published today studied the effects of different food preparation on the formation of these chemicals produced from pan frying beef. According to the results of the study, when beer and wine were used as a marinade for pan fried beef,  they both reduced the level of the HAAs formed from frying. However, the the beer marinade allowed for a greater reduction of some of the specific HAAs produced and produced a product that had a better overall quality and appearance.

(1) National Cancer Institute, N. C. Heterocyclic amines in cooked meats. Retrieved on October 25, 2008. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3450975

(2) Melo, A., Viegas, O., Petisca, C., Pinho, O., and Isabel (2008). Effect of beer/red wine marinades on the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines in pan-fried beef. J. Agric. Food Chem. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3450973

Fibromyalgia can no longer be called the “invisible” syndrome

Fibromyalgia can no longer be called the ‘invisible’ syndrome from PhysOrg.com

Using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), researchers in France were able to detect functional abnormalities in certain regions in the brains of patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia, reinforcing the idea that symptoms of the disorder are related to a dysfunction in those parts of the brain where pain is processed.

[...]

HEIRS Health Snippets: HDL (Good Cholesterol) and Memory Loss

“Low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) – the “good” cholesterol – in middle age may increase the risk of memory loss and lead to dementia later in life, researchers reported in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology: Journal of the American Heart Association. ” Read more

Memory Loss, Dementia Risk And Low Levels Of Good Cholesterol Linked. Medical News Today. Retrieved on October 30, 2008.

HEIRS Health: Probiotics and CFS — It Works For Some and Not Others! Research says….

According to a small study out of Sweden, probiotics may be effective for some with chronic fatigue syndrome.  The researcher in charge “said she recommends her patients with chronic fatigue syndrome try taking the probiotics tested in her study, and stop if they start feeling worse, but stick with it for 3 weeks if they feel better or if they don’t notice an immediate effect.”

As this article explains there is a connection between the intestinal tract and the central nervous system that researchers know little about. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that while the exact cause is unknown present evidence points to dysfunction in the neurohormonal and immune systems. Researchers also believe that  conditions in the intestinal tract have an impact on the immune system.

It should be noted that a recent research study of probiotics provided evidence that certain strains may be contraindicated in people with certain genetic phenotypes. Of course, now that I am looking for the citation I can not find it…Anyway, this is an example that demonstrates that different people react differently to probiotics (or any nutritional supplement/drug),  there are positives and negatives to probiotics treatment and there is an inherent bias in support of them in the media. On the other hand, several studies provide evidence of their benefits for environmental illness patients, especially and it may well worth the while to take up a discussion about them with a physician. In addition to a number of other advantages they seem to reduce the response of antibiotic associated with diarrhea,  reduce colitis flare-ups, inhibit shiga-toxin E coli, reduce translocation of enterotoxin, secrete glutathione, improve leaky gut and cause selective binding of mycotoxins.

Recent Post:

• HEIRS CFS & FM: Memory and Sickness Syndrome – A Short Course!

HEIRS Posts: Tags: Endotoxin, Probiotics, CFIDS, TNF-a, Sickness Behavior

Citations:

Probiotics May Help Some With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Reuters. Retrieved on March 1, 2009.  http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE51Q44G20090227?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews

Rohde C. L., Bartolini V., Jones N.. The Use of Probiotics in the Prevention and Treatment of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea With Special Interest in Clostridium difficile-Associated Diarrhea. Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. 2009;24:33-40. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/4116301

Schreiber Olof, Petersson Joel, Phillipson Mia, Perry Michael A A., Roos Stefan, Holm Lena. Lactobacillus reuteri prevents colitis by reducing P-selectin-associated leukocyte- and platelet-endothelial cell interactions. American journal of physiology. Gastrointestinal and liver physiology. 2009. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/4116304

Lessard M., Dupuis M., Gagnon N., et al. Administration of Pediococcus acidilactici or Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii modulates development of porcine mucosal immunity and reduces intestinal bacterial translocation after Escherichia coli challenge. Journal of animal science. 2009;87:922-934. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/4116318

Niderkorn V., Morgavi D. P., Aboab B., Lemaire M., Boudra H.. Cell wall component and mycotoxin moieties involved in the binding of fumonisin B1 and B2 by lactic acid bacteria Journal of Applied Microbiology. ;106:977-985. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/4041750

Peran , Laura , Camuesco , et al. Lactobacillus fermentum, a probiotic capable to release glutathione, prevents colonic inflammation in the TNBS model of rat colitis International Journal of Colorectal Disease. 2006;21:737-746. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/954879

Sullivan Åsa, Nord Carl E., Evengård Birgitta. Effect of supplement with lactic-acid producing bacteria on fatigue and physical activity in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome Nutrition Journal. 2009;8. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3953482

HEIRS Research: New Study Suggest Neurocognitive Effects in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Can Be Improved With Probiotics~!

In recent weeks, we have addressed the issue of altered gut intestinal flora and the part it plays in a number of health conditions including colitis, IBS, and others. We also have reported that endotoxin may be an additional pathway for the development of chronic fatigue syndrome. In other articles we have also pointed out that probiotics have the potential to reduce inflammation in the intestinal tract and can help improve immunity.  There are numerous studies that have provided supporting evidence that gut health can be improved in many cases with the use of probiotics. Even disturbed floras and resulting complications from antibiotic use have shown improvement from the use of probiotics.

A new study has shown neurocognitive improvements in symptoms from chronic fatigue syndrome. In the article the author provides some important background information for chronic fatigue syndrome.  As many are aware there is currently no known specific cause of CFS but is associated with consistent and dibilitating fatigue lasting longer than six months.  Among the factors that have been implicated in causing CFS include “infective disorders, high virus load, immune system disorders, neuroendocrine abnormalities and neuropsychological impairment. It has been suggested that immune dysfunctions that has been observed in CFS patients account for a number of the described symptoms. The CFS patients have a cytokine imbalance in the peripheral blood compartment and the system is biased towards a T-helper (Th) 2 type immunity-oriented pattern. This is reflected in the high incidence of allergies in CFS patients. Furthermore, comorbidity between CFS and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been identified in a number of studies and a high degree of overlapping symptoms has been reported. In addition, the author reports that CFS patients present with a decrease in the amounts of specific microflora  Escherichia coli and Bifidobacterium and a higher amount of enterococci.”

Even though there were significant neurocognitive symptoms improved with the ingestion of probiotics, they found no improvement in physical activity and fatigue from probiotics use.  The author concludes that “antifatigue-food” is a temptating treatment both from the point of cost and availability as from biological functions as the neurocognitive system can be influenced through immune reactions involving cytokines and anti-oxidants. In addition, the fact the improvements in neurocognitive function were apparent provides support for more studies to find effective therapies.” (Sullivan)

Author’s Referenced Articles:

• Logan, A. C., Rao, V. A., and Irani, D. (2006). Chronic fatigue syndrome: lactic acid bacteria may be of therapeutic value. Medical Hypotheses, 60(6):915-923. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3449381

   

Related Posts:

• HEIRS CFIDS Research: Curcumin/Tumeric May Relieve Symptoms in CFS (curcumin/tumeric is a cooking spice!)
• HEIRS Research: New Research Provides Stronger Link to ASIC3, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia and Inflammatory Pain~!

Sullivan, Ã., Nord, C. E., and Evengård, B. (2009). Effect of supplement with lactic-acid producing bacteria on fatigue and physical activity in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Nutrition Journal, 8(4). http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3953482

HEIRS Nutrition Snippet: Lemons and digestion.

Lemons are acidic but are alkaline forming during digestion.  Therefore, they may be a safer alternative to vinegar which is very acidic and can be irritating and is the primary ingredient in salad dressing. Try lemon juice, olive oil with fresh leafy herbs to replace salad dressing. It is lighter and fresher than traditional salad dressings and will be less irritating to the intestinal tract.

Cutting edge: ifn-{gamma} enables apc to promote memory th17 and abate th1 cell development.

Th1-derived IFN-gamma targets naive T cells and inhibits Th17 development. However, Th1, Th17, and memory but not naive T cells are colocalized in an inflammatory environment. To demonstrate the kinetic relationship between these T cell subsets, we investigated the role of IFN-gamma in regulating the development and balance between Th17 and Th1 in humans. We show that IFN-gamma stimulates B7-H1 expression on APC subsets and abates their Th1 polarization capacity in a B7-H1-dependent manner. Interestingly, IFN-gamma triggers APCs to produce IL-1 and IL-23 and…..read more……

http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3451036

 

Cutting Edge: IFN-{gamma} Enables APC to Promote Memory Th17 and Abate Th1 Cell Development. J Immunol. 2008 Nov 1;181(9):5842-6 Authors: Kryczek I, Wei S, Gong W, Shu X, Szeliga W, Vatan L, Chen L, Wang G, Zou W

HEIRS Nutrition: Stevia Follow-up

Just as the FDA was ready to rule on the use of stevia as an sweetening additive, it was reported today a lawfirm has asked the FDA to prohibit the use of it as a food additive. The lawfirm cited the reasons for the proposed injunction were because of the health effects on blood sugar and blood pressure it has and that has been reported in documented research studies that we mentioned in the article we wrote on stevia.

Read more about the issues relating to prohibiting adding stevia to foods in ‘Stevia is a drug’, says FDA citizen’s petition!http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3454352

Read what HEIRS wrote about stevia: http://heirsonline.wordpress.com/2008/10/18/heirs-nutrition-news-stevia-a-natural-plant-derived-sweetener/

HEIRS
Health Education, Information and Resource Services

HEIRS Health News Net: October 30, 2008

1) Study Suggests Fibromyalgia Pain is Neuropathic

2) Immunological Changes in Fibromyalgia & Other Chronic Pain Conditions?

3) Cost-Effectiveness of Aquatic Training for Women with Fibromyalgia

4) FDA Approves Cymbalta for Fibromyalgia

5) Allergies to fruits and vegetables

6) Il-6 transsignalling modulates the early effector phase of eae and targets the blood-brain barrier.

7) Blockade of tumor necrosis factor in collagen-induced arthritis reveals a novel immunoregulatory pathway for th1 and th17 cells

Smoking dampens innate pulmonary immune defenses

9) Anxiety And Immune System Linked In Mouse Model

10) Chronic subclinical inflammation linked to metabolic syndrome

11) Methylmercury warning

12) Mounting evidence shows health benefits of grape polyphenols

13) Researchers look for behavioral link between breastfeeding and lower risk of obesity

14)  Brain IGF-1 Receptors Control Mammalian Growth and Lifespan through a Neuroendocrine Mechanism

HEIRS Nutrition: Grapes And Grape Extracts May Lower Cardiovascular Disease Risk, Review Article Suggests

 A growing body of research data suggests that consuming foods rich in polyphenols from grapes, including red wine, helps reduce the risk of heart disease, according to a review article in the November issue of Nutrition Research.

Sciencedaily, “Grapes and grape extracts may lower cardiovascular disease risk, review article suggests,” November 2008. [Online]. Available: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081028103105.htm

HEIRS Food Safety: Metals in Wine

It was recently announced that over 100 of red and white wines tested in one study had potentially dangerous levels of metals. According to the study and of those brands tested, only wines from Italy, Brazil and Argentina were below risk quotients.

Read more….Jeers! Hazardous levels of metals found in wines. Retrieved on November 3, 2008.

HEIRS Health: Seasonal Affective Disorder : Linked to Genetic Mutation

ScienceDaily (2008-11-04) — A new study indicates that seasonal affective disorder may be linked to a genetic mutation in the eye that makes a SAD patient less sensitive to light.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081103130931.htm

HEIRS Maternal Health: Coffee and Low Birth Weight

A disturbing study reports that as little as one or more cups of coffee per day during pregnancy raises the risk of having of delivering a low-weight baby.  The study also links other sources of caffeine including tea, coffee, chocolate, medications to slower growth rates. Read more….

HEIRS Fibromyalgia: Monotherapy or Combination Therapy

“Fibromyalgia (FM) is a disorder characterized by chronic widespread pain, tenderness, and associated symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbance, mood disorder, and cognitive dysfunction. Research on the pathophysiology of FM has focused on dysregulation of sensory processing in the central nervous system, as well as genetic and sociobiologic background factors. Experts believe a combination of therapies may be a more effective approach to treat diverse symptoms common in fibromyalgia.” Read more….

Fibromyalgia: Should the treatment paradigm be monotherapy or combination pharmacotherapy? – Source: Current Pain and Headach Reports, Dec 2008. Philip Mease and Kristen Seymour. Prohealth. Retrieved on November 4, 2008.

HEIRS PTSD: PTSD Symptoms Linked to Increased Risk of Death After Heart Events

Individuals who receive implantable cardiac defibrillators after a sudden heart event appear more likely to die within five years if they experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, regardless of the severity of their disease, according to a report in the November issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Surviving a life-threatening heart condition, such as heart attack or cardiac arrest, causes significant distress, according to background information in the article. Resulting symptoms—including intense fear, painful intrusive memories and hyperarousal (a state of physical and psychological tension resulting from the flight-or-fight response)—may qualify an individual for a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Between 8 percent and 20 percent of patients with acute coronary syndromes and 27 percent to 38 percent of those who survive a cardiac arrest develop PTSD.

Karl-Heinz Ladwig, Ph.D., M.D., of Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Munich, and Helmholtz Zentrum National Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany, and colleagues studied 211 patients who had received implantable cardiac defibrillators (devices that administer shocks to help restore normal heartbeat) following a heart event in 1998. Participants were surveyed an average of 27 months after implantation and 38 reported severe PTSD symptoms. All patients were then tracked through medical records, telephone interviews, reports from family members and death certificates through March 2005.

During the average follow-up period of five years, 45 of the patients (30.6 percent) died. This included 32 of the 109 patients with low or moderate PTSD symptoms and 13 of 38 patients with high levels of such symptoms. “Our findings provide direct evidence for an independent influence of PTSD symptoms on fatal outcome in these patients,” the authors write. “Experiencing PTSD symptoms conferred a 2.4-fold long-term age- and sex-adjusted mortality [death] risk for patients with implantable cardiac defibrillators.”

Patients with PTSD in the study reported more cardiac symptoms, such as chest pain, than those without PTSD. However, clinical characteristics that typically account for survival differences in such patients—for example, the frequency at which their defibrillator administers shocks—did not differ between the two groups. “Therefore, the perceived severity rather than the objective severity of a cardiac condition as determined by cardiac criteria may be associated with PTSD,” the authors write.

“Further investigations are required to assess the behavioral and biologic pathways by which posttraumatic maladaptation contributes to the excess mortality risk in patients with implantable cardiac defibrillators,” they continue. One possible explanation is that medical recommendations for cardiac care—including drug prescriptions—may act as “traumatic reminders” for patients with PTSD and may therefore be ignored or avoided.

“The findings underline the urgent need for routinely applied comprehensive and interdisciplinary psychosocial aftercare for patients with implantable cardiac defibrillators,” the authors conclude. “Although the serious mortality risk of PTSD in patients with implantable cardiac defibrillators needs to be further investigated before firm recommendations can be made, screening for PTSD symptoms in patients with implantable cardiac defibrillators is likely to be clinically beneficial, and treatment in selected patients should be attempted.”

www.newswise.com

HEIRS EI News: Previously Unknown Immune Cell May Help Those with Crohn’s and Colitis

The tonsils and lymphoid tissues in the intestinal tract that help protect the body from external pathogens are the home base of a rare immune cell newly identified by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The researchers indicate that the immune cells could have a therapeutic role in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Their report will appear in an upcoming issue of the journal Nature and is currently available through advanced online publication.

“These cells have an anti-inflammatory effect,” says the article’s lead author Marina Cella, M.D., research associate professor of pathology and immunology. “In the gut, we have beneficial bacteria, and it’s important that the body does not recognize them as something detrimental and start an inflammatory reaction, which could ultimately promote tissue damage and inflammatory or autoimmune diseases such as IBD. The cells we’ve discovered are important for keeping such harmful inflammatory processes in check.”

The cells are a type of natural killer (NK) cells, which are white blood cells classically known to eliminate tumor cells and cells infected by viruses. Because of their killer tendencies, NK cells are carefully controlled and don’t act until they receive the right signal.

Some of the signals that activate the newly discovered cells are the same signals that turn on a different immune cell with strong inflammatory properties that can promote cell death and tissue damage if chronically active. But the anti-inflammatory cells, termed NK-22 cells, that the Washington University researchers discovered have the opposite effect — they promote cell proliferation and wound healing.

“That finding suggests that these cells play a role in maintaining a balance in the immune system between inflammatory processes and anti-inflammatory processes,” says coauthor Jason Mills, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of pathology and immunology and of developmental biology. “They make sure that factors that turn up inflammation can be counteracted by the coordinated activation of anti-inflammatory effects.”

The NK-22 cells are part of the innate immune system, which reacts quickly to invading pathogens. The researchers found that in response to immune signals warning of foreign invaders, the cells produce copious quantities of a compound called IL-22, which is why the researchers chose to name them NK-22 cells.

“NK-22 cells are already present in the mucosal tissue of the gastrointestinal tract, and as soon as they see a pathogen, they react,” Cella says. “That is a great advantage to the body because it produces a protective response in the very first hours of pathogenic attack.”

Now that immunologists know NK-22 cells exist and what immune factors influence them, they may be able to capitalize on them to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases, the researchers say.

“Diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease result from a defect in the intestine’s protective barrier,” says senior author Marco Colonna, M.D., professor of pathology and immunology. “If we can develop methods to culture NK-22 cells, we may be able to use them to promote healing and protect the gastrointestinal tract.”

Cella M, Fuchs A, Vermi W, Facchetti F, Otero K, Lennerz JKM, Doherty JS, Mills JC, Colonna M. A human natural killer cell subset provides an innate source of IL-22 for mucosal immunity. Nature. Nov. 2, 2008 (advance online publication).

Funding from the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases supported this research.

Washington University School of Medicine’s 2,100 employed and volunteer faculty physicians also are the medical staff of Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children’s hospitals. The School of Medicine is one of the leading medical research, teaching and patient care institutions in the nation, currently ranked third in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Through its affiliations with Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children’s hospitals, the School of Medicine is linked to BJC HealthCare.

 

www.newswise.com

HEIRS Nutrition: Ginseng and Spirulina to Reduce Cadmium Toxicity

In a scientific study, Spirulina and ginseng may reduce the toxic effects of cadmium from the antioxidant quality of these two substances. In the study, treatments showed a marked decrease in lipid peroxidation and elevated endogenous antioxidant levels.

Karadeniz, A.;  Cemek, M.;  Simsek, N. Ecotoxicology and environmental safety 2009, 72, 231-235. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3479311

HEIRS Nutrition:Garlic as an antioxidant! Wow!

Abstract summary:

In a recent study on rats, oxidative stress from hyperglycemia showed improvement after administration of garlic. According to the study, there was a noticeable decrease in malondialdehyde, protein carbonyls, accumulation of glycation products and improvements in glutathione and antioxidant (GPx and CAT) enzymes. Read more

Rajani Kanth, V.;  Uma Maheswara Reddy, P.;  Raju, T. N. Acta diabetologica 2008, 45, 243-251.

http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3480708

HEIRS NUtrition: Antioxidant Effects From Eating Almonds

Eating almonds significantly decreased levels plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and urinary isoprostanes which are two common biomarkers of oxidative stress—-were significantly lowered for oxidative stress in a group of 27 male and female volunteers with elevated cholesterol. Read more….

USDA/Agricultural Research Service (2008, November 4). Antioxidant Effects From Eating Almonds. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 4, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081031213057.htm

HEIRS Nutrition: New Study Shows Fruit Reduces Risk of Esophageal Cancer

 A diet high in fruits and vegetables may significantly decrease a person’s risk of esophageal cancer, according to a study conducted by researchers from Kaiser Permanente Northern California and published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.    Read more.

New Study Shows Fruit Reduces Risk of Esophageal Cancer. Natural News. Retrieved on November 4, 2008.

HEIRS Smoking Prevention News: Smoking in Pregnancy Increases Risk of Birth Defects

Just in case you have not heard researchers are finding more and more reasons why not to take up smoking or if you do smoke there are more health reasons to quit. The most recent study provides evidence that infants born to mothers who smoke are twice as likely to be born with cleft palate or lip. To read more.

Bio-Medicine (2008). Moms’ smoking linked to increased risk of birth defects. Retrieved on November 5,2008.

HEIRS Humane Treatment of Farm Animals: California’s Proposition 2

The people of the largest agricultural state in the US have voted positively for the implementation of Prop 2 which was organized by “Californians for Humane Farms, a coalition headed by Farm Sanctuary and the Humane Society of the United States. This law phases out some of the most restrictive confinement systems used by factory farms — gestation crates for breeding pigs, veal crates for calves and battery cages for egg laying hens — affecting 20 million farm animals in the state by simply granting them space to stand up, stretch their limbs, turn around and lie down comfortably.”

Now if we could only pass similar requirement elsewhere! Read more….

2008). Farm sanctuary releases statement on passage of california’s proposition 2: “monumental victory for farm animals” nation’s leading farm animal protection organization celebrates precedent-setting phase-out of factory farming confinement systems in largest agricultural state. MarketWatch.com. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3483018

HEIRS Diabetes: Drink Tea, My Friends!

I think most of us have heard green tea contains chemicals called polyphenols that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It has recently been reported that green tea may also prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. According to this study, the researchers concluded that the grean tea polyphenol {epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)} could modify glucose and lipid metabolism with an enhancement of glucose tolerance in diabetic rodents, thus suggesting its efficacy in preventing or treating type 2 diabetes (1) and decrease the incidence of obesity. (2) To read more…..

Recommended Product: Tea

 

1) Green tea antioxidants may prevent or delay type 1 diabetes onset. MediNews.Direct. Retrieved on Novemner 5, 2008. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3484430

2) Kao, Y.-H., Hiipakka, R. A., and Liao, S. (2000). Modulation of obesity by a green tea catechin. Am J Clin Nutr, 72(5):1232-1233. http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/72/5/1232

Kimberly Kramer
Health Educator and Researcher
Health Education Information and Resource Services
kkramer@heirs-online.com
www.heirs-online.com

HEIRS Environmental Illness Research: Exercise and Children with Fibromyalgia

“It is safe and feasible for children with fibromyalgia to participate in an aerobic exercise program, according to findings published in the October 15th issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism. Aerobic exercise improves quality of life and physical function in this population.” Read more…..

Aerobic exercise program is beneficial in children with fibromyalgia. Reuters. Retrieved on November 7, 2008. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3494921

 

HEIRS Oral Health: Dental Problems and Environmental Illness

I thought it was worth noting a few research studies related to oral health. One which provides evidence on the hazards of smoking to oral health and another which should be of particular interest in patients with environmental illness.

For the first study, we should note a little background information for the sake of understanding. Plasma carbonyls are often used in research to identify the presence of oxidative stress caused by cigarette smoke and it is presumed that the aldehydes present in cigarette smoke increase the levels of carbonyls by interacting with sulfhydyl proteins. (1)

In the study of interest here, it was found plasma carbonyl were elevated and the activity of several enzymes including amylase, lactic dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase was inhibited after only 9 ”puffs” from a research cigarette. The researchers reported that glutathione and N-acetylcysteine inhibited the accumulation of the carbonyls and also protected the activity of these key oral enzymes. (2)

The other report of note was a study that measured the impact of oxidative stress and the development of dental caries, fillings and missing teeth.  While this study used different markers for oxidative stress than carbonyls, the researchers found an obvious association with dental caries and low salivary GSH levels. (3) This finding is important because glutathione stores are easily depleted in individuals with chronic health problems such as environmental illness. Therefore they may be at higher risk for oral health problems and should practice proper oral home care and visit their dentist regularly.  

Kimberly Kramer
Health Educator and Researcher
Health Education Information and Resource Services
kkramer@heirs-online.com
www.heirs-online.com

 

(1) Marangon, K., Devaraj, S., and Jialal, I. (1999). Measurement of protein carbonyls in plasma of smokers and in oxidized ldl by an elisa. Clin Chem, 45(4):577+. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3495972

(2) Nagler, R. (2000). Effect of cigarette smoke on salivary proteins and enzyme activities. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 379(2):229-236. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3495978

(3)

Oztürk, L. K., Furuncuoğlu, H., Atala, M. H., Uluköylü, O., and Akyüz (2008). Association between dental-oral health in young adults and salivary glutathione, lipid peroxidation and sialic acid levels and carbonic anhydrase activity. Braz J Med Biol Res. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3495021

A Healthy Gut Can Prevent Chronic Joint Pain and Inflammation

It is well established in the research literature, that bacterial infections in the digestive tract and it’s link to a “leaky gut” can lead to autoimmune arthritic diseases. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Anklylosing Spondylitis are both autoimmune arthritic disorders that are associated with food sensitivities, food intolerances (i.e.gluten), chronic gut infections and a leaky gut that provokes immune responses that eventually lose their self regulating mechanisms. Read more…

A Healthy Gut Can Prevent Chronic Joint Pain and Inflammation. Ralph.S. BeWell@Stanford. Retrieved on November 8, 2008.

HEIRS Diabetes: Apelin Can Lower Blood Sugar

By injecting a hormone produced by fat and other tissues into mice, researchers report in the November Cell Metabolism that they significantly lowered blood sugar levels in normal and obese mice. The findings suggest that the hormone known as apelin might be a promising target for managing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Read more….

Type 2 Diabetes Management: Apelin Hormone Injections Powerfully Lower Blood Sugar. ScienceDaily.com. Retrieved on November 8,2008.

HEIRS Health: If You Have Asthma or Another Respiratory Condition, You Need to Read This!

Life-saving albuterol inhalers that contain chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellants used by nearly 40 million patients with respiratory disorders will no longer be sold after Dec. 31, 2008 because they destroy the Earth’s ozone layer. These inhalers have been replaced with four distinct non-CFC propelled alternatives, which contain hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellant. Read More….

Medical Community Urged to Educate Patients Transitioning CFC to HFA Inhalers. Medwise.com. Retrieved on November 8, 2008.

HEIRS Exercise: Getting Rid of an Old Routine!

If you’re like most of us, you were taught the importance of warm-up exercises back in grade school, and you’ve likely continued with pretty much the same routine ever since. Science, however, has moved on. Maybe is is time to change an old routine…. Read more.

Stretching: The Truth. Gretchen Reynolds. The New York Times. Retrieved on November 8,2008.

HEIRS Nutrition: Low Vitamin K Linked to High Blood Pressure

Newswise — As a risk factor for high blood pressure, low levels of potassium in the diet may be as important as high levels of sodium—especially among African Americans, according to research being presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s 41st Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Read more….

Low Potassium Linked to High Blood Pressure. Medwise. Retrieved on November 8, 2008.

HEIRS Education: Foster Learning…..Read to a Child!

There are so many reasons why it is important to read to our children. Just a few of them include it fosters an interest in reading, learning and fosters, offers an escape from the stresses of the day and develops the child’s interest in things and the world around them.  Reading can be a very relaxing activity for both you and your children and one you should do as often as you can!

Don’t know which books are best? You might want to start here — The New York Times Top 10 List of Illustrated Children’s Books of 2008.

1) A Is for Art: An Abstract Alphabet, written and illustrated by Stephen T. Johnson   Ages 4-8

2) The Black Book of Colors, written and illustrated by Menena Cottin and Rosana Faría  Ages 4-8

3) Ghosts in the House!, written and illustrated by Kazuno Kohara  Ages 4-8

4) The Little Yellow Leaf, written and illustrated by Carin Berger  Ages 4-8

5) Pale Male: Citizen Hawk of New York City, illustrated by Meilo So, with text by Janet Schulman      Ages 4-8

6) A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams, illustrated by Melissa Sweet, with text by Jen Bryant    Ages 9-12

7) Skim, illustrated by Jillian Tamaki, with text by Mariko Tamaki    

Wabi Sabi, illustrated by Ed Young, with text by Mark Reibstein    Ages  4-8

9) Wave, illustrated by Suzy Lee  Ages 4-8    

10) We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball, written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson    Ages 4-8

 

NYT Best Illustrated Children’s Books of 2008. New York Times. School Library Journal. Retrieved on November 9,2008. http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/ca6612615.html

HEIRS Nutrition: Vitamin D, K and Potassium,,,,Why the Buzz?

If you have not heard, there is some buzz about vitamin D, K and potassium. It has recently been reported these vitamins and mineral may be of even more benefit then previously realized for preventing cardiovascular disease and diabetes.  In one report published today, it seems that metabolic syndrome prevalence, which is a ”combination of disorders that predispose an individual to developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes (1), is the lowest when 25(OH)D (a form of vitamin D) and IGF-1 are high. As for vitamin K, past studies have noted higer levels of vitamin K are associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers and a lowered prevalence of hypertension. “

Another researcher, Dr. Hedayati, the head of one of a research team from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, has found “the lower the potassium in the urine (therfore the lower the potassium in the diet) the higher the blood pressure and this effect was even stronger than the effect of sodium on blood pressure. According to the co-author of the study, the association of potassium and lower blood pressure may be because of the a gene called WNK. But further research needs to be done to confirm this assumption. In any case, at present because of the findings of an association between postassium and blood pressure, Hedayati recommends people should make a conscious ”effort to increase the amount of potassium in the diet, as well as, lower sodium levels by including fruits such as bananas and citrus fruits and vegetables. He believes a person may be able to lower blood pressure by consuming a larger amount of these foods in the diet.”

(1) Metabolic Syndrome. Wipedia. Retrieved on November 8, 2008. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolic_syndrome

(2) Hypponen, E., Boucher, B. J., Berry, D. J., and Power, C. (2008). 25-hydroxyvitamin d, igf-1, and metabolic syndrome at 45 years of age: A cross-sectional study in the 1958 british birth cohort. Diabetes, 57(2):298-305. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3498817

(3) Shea, K. M., Booth, S. L., Massaro, J. M., Jacques, P. F., D’Agostino, R. B., Dawson-Hughes, B., Ordovas, J. M., O’Donnell, C. J., Kathiresan, S., Keaney, J. F., Vasan, R. S., and Benjamin, E. J. (2008). Vitamin k and vitamin d status: Associations with inflammatory markers in the framingham offspring study. Am. J. Epidemiol., 167(3):313-320.  http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/2328127

(4) Low Potassium Linked to High Blood Pressure. Medwise. Retrieved on November 9, 2008.  http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3499603

HEIRS IBD: Mismanaged ER stress and inflammation

A new study published in Cell shows that a dysregulated response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress can lead to organ-specific inflammation, and that hypomorphic variants of X-box-binding protein 1 (XBP1) are susceptibility factors for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in humans. Read more….

Mucosal immunology: Mismanaged ER stress and inflammation. Signaling Update. http://www.signaling-gateway.org/update/updates/200811/nri2435.html

HEIRS Health: Childhood Obesity and Sugared Beverages Study

People that are obese are at higher risk for and suffer more from chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes and generally considered to be in poorer health. Obesity in children is becoming more and more common and is a key indicator for obesity later in life. According to the CDC, obesity in children is defined as the BMI being at or above the “95 percentile for children of the same sex and age and is based on year 2000 CDC standard growth charts”. The most recent studies from 2003–2004 show the prevalence for being overweight was “18.8% and 17.4% in children aged 6 –11 years and 12–19 years, respectively”. (1)   Another study showed that “25% of obese adults were overweight as children and if individuals were overweight before 8 years of age, obesity in adulthood is likely to be more severe”. (2)

Health official and school experts have been trying to come up with new ways to combat the increasing problem of obesity in children. One way to do this might be by implementing a structured  program to eliminate foods high in calories such as sugar-sweetened sodas which are believed to be dietary factor in childhood obesity.  A recent study reported that eliminating these beverages from study school menus did not alter consumption “significantly” because the consumption dropped in students in all study schools. According to one analyst, the results of this study provide evidence that a “better understanding of beverage consumption patterns may be needed to determine the efficacy of school food policies on those youth susceptible to obesity.” (3)

(1) Overweight and Obesity: Childhood Overweight. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved on November 10, 2008.

(2) Overweight and Obesity: Overweight Prevalence Statistics. Center for Disease Control. Retrieved on November 10, 2008.

(3) Eliminating soda from school diets does not affect overall consumption. Bio-Medicine.com. Retrieved on November 10, 2008.

HEIRS Nutrition: The Polyphenol in Grapes Acts on the Glutathione Gene

Recent study reports that resveratrol (a polyophenol) found in grapes has been shown to have an additive effect with 4-HNE to act on the gene for glutathione (GSH) and glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL). In addition, Nrf2 silencing had an effect on GCL induction, thereby showing Nrf2 is involved in this activities of this pathway.

Zhang, H., Shih, A., Rinna, A., and Forman, H. J. J. (2008). Resveratrol and 4-hydroxynonenal act in concert to increase glutamate cysteine ligase expression and glutathione in human bronchial epithelial cells. Archives of biochemistry and biophysics.

http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3544889

HEIRS Military and Veteran’s News: Panel Reports 1 in 4 Veterans Suffer from Toxic Exposure

Gulf War research panel finds 1 in 4 veterans suffers from illness caused by toxic exposure from PhysOrg.com

At least one in four of the 697,000 U.S. veterans of the 1991 Gulf War suffer from Gulf War illness, a condition caused by exposure to toxic chemicals, including pesticides and a drug administered to protect troops against nerve gas, and no effective treatments have yet been found, a federal panel of scientific experts and veterans concludes in a landmark report released Monday.

[...]

HEIRS Nutrition: Vitamin D is Good for the Heart!

‘Let the sunshine in’ to protect your heart this winter from PhysOrg.com

The temperature might not be the only thing plummeting this winter. Many people also will experience a decrease in their vitamin D levels, which can play a role in heart disease, according to a new review article in Circulation.

[...]

HEIRS Health: Scientist Explore Relationship Between Smoking and Lung Cancer!

Why only some former smokers develop lung cancer from PhysOrg.com

Canadian researchers are trying to answer why some smokers develop lung cancer while others remain disease free, despite similar lifestyle changes.

[...]

HEIRS Respiratory: Role of the nrf2-mediated signaling pathway as a negative regulator of inflammation: implications for the impact of particulate pollutants on asthma

Li, N. and Nel, A. E. (2006). Role of the nrf2-mediated signaling pathway as a negative regulator of inflammation: implications for the impact of particulate pollutants on asthma. Antioxid Redox Signal, 8(1-2):88-98. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/578491

Particulate matter (PM) is an environmental factor that may contribute to the exacerbation and possibly the development of asthma. PM contain redox-active chemicals and transition metals which generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Excessive ROS can induce oxidative stress, which proceeds in hierarchical fashion to generate cellular responses. The most sensitive cellular response to mild oxidative stress is the activation of antioxidant and phase II enzymes (tier 1). If this protection fails, further increase of oxidative stress can induce inflammation (tier 2) and cell death (tier 3). Tier 1 antioxidant defenses are critical for protecting against airway inflammation and asthma. The expression of these antioxidant enzymes is regulated by the transcription factor, Nrf2. In response to oxidative stress, Nrf2 escapes from Keap1-mediated proteasomal degradation resulting in prolonged protein half-life and its nuclear accumulation. Nrf2 interacts with the antioxidant response element (ARE) in the promoters of phase II enzyme genes, leading to their transcriptional activation. Several phase II expression polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of asthma. The indispensable role of Nrf2 in tier-1 oxidative stress response suggests that polymorphisms of Nrf2-regulated genes may be useful susceptibility markers for asthma. Moreover, chemopreventive Nrf2 inducers may be used for treating PM-exacerbated asthma

HEIRS Nutrition: Polyphenol-rich Juices Improve Glutathione Levels

Weisel, T., Baum, M., Eisenbrand, G., Dietrich, H., Will, F., Stockis, J.-P., Kulling, S., Rüfer, C., Johannes, C., and Janzowski, C. (2006). An anthocyanin/polyphenolic-rich fruit juice reduces oxidative dna damage and increases glutathione level in healthy probands. Biotechnology Journal, 1(4):388-397.

http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3574188

HEIRS Toxicology: TRPA1 and Ammonia. Not a Good Combination!

 A new study out of Japan — Medical News Today. Retrieved on November 14, 2008

Wasabi Receptor (TRPA1) can sense ammonia that causes pain!

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/129459.php

HEIRS Nutrition: Blueberry Polyphenols Lengthen Lifespan. In Worms, That Is!

Wilson, M. A., Shukitt-Hale, B., Kalt, W., Ingram, D. K., Joseph, J. A., and Wolkow, C. A. (2006). Blueberry polyphenols increase lifespan and thermotolerance in caenorhabditis elegans. Aging Cell, 5:59-68. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3324223

Learn more about the blueberry !

HEIRS Cell Biology: Peroxiredoxin and Nrf-2…Important Role in Regulating Cell Levels of Hydrogen Peroxide!

Earlier this year a study was released about the role of hydrogen peroxide in cells. Researchers at the Wake Forest School of Medicine reported how peroxiredoxin (Prx) is used inside the cell as a sensor of the levels of hydrogen peroxide. As the article mentions, hydrogen peroxide can be either a good molecule for proper functioning of the cells or if levels become too high components inside cells can become damaged, including DNA. Prx has two roles depending on the levels of hydrogen peroxide which includes transforming hydrogen peroxide to water and also to signal other processes inside the cells when H2O2 levels rise. “After the threat is gone, Prx returns to its normal state through a complex process that involves another chemical called sulfiredoxin.

As we mentioned in our blog, peroxiredoxin is activated by Nrf-2. If Nrf-2 becomes inactivated by insulin and IGF-1 then it is quite possible that levels of hydrogen peroxide become too high inside cells causing DNA and other cellular damage. Exposures that directly effect the action of insulin through cellular pathways to switch the alter the activation of peroxiredoxin would be a viable mechanism for many environmental illnesses including diabetes and other conditions where endothelial dysfunction is a contributing factor through the activation of ERK, P38Mapk through CAMKII.

(1) Research explores role of hydrogen peroxide in cell health. Biomedicine.com. Retrieved on November 15, 2008. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3521245

(2) Nguyen, A., Chen, P., and Cai, H. (2004). Role of camkii in hydrogen peroxide activation of erk1/2, p38 mapk, hsp27 and actin reorganization in endothelial cells. FEBS letters, 572(1-3):307-313. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3520975

HEIRS Nutrition: Boost Your Nrf2 w/ Broccoli to Reduce COPD Symptoms

COPD? Eat Your Veggies
ScienceDaily (2008-09-18) — You know it’s good for you in other ways, but could eating your broccoli also help patients with chronic lung disease? It just might. Broccoli is known to contain a compound that prevents the degradation of a key component that protects lungs against oxidative damage and has been linked to the development and severity of chronic lung disease. … > read full article

HEIRS Health: Chemical Exposures May Trigger Migraines by Irritating Oral and Nasal Nerve Fibers

“Trigeminal nerve fibers in nasal and oral cavities are sensitive to various environmental hazardous stimuli, which trigger many neurotoxic problems such as chronic migraine headache and trigeminal irritated disorders. In the study, the researchers concluded, JNK signaling in regulation of histone remodeling may contribute to neuro-epigentic changes in peripheral sensory neurons following environmental neurotoxic exposure.”

Wu, J., Zhang, X., Nauta, H. J., Lin, Q., Li, J., and Fang, L. (2008). Jnk1 regulates histone acetylation in trigeminal neurons following chemical stimulation. Biochemical and biophysical research communications, 376(4):781-786. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3523643

Patient Education Resource: Trigeminal Neuralgia. NeurosurgeryToday.com. Retrieved on November 16, 2008.

HEIRS Nutrition: Ginkgo Biloba Potential Treatment for Diabetic Neuropathy –

“Pathological conditions characterized by extra cellular matix (ECM) changes contributes to diabetic neuropathy. Ginkgo biloba extract was shown in a recent study “to postpone these extracellular matrix changes by inhibiting the synthesis of ECM and promoting the degradation of ECM, and therefore, is a potential drug for the prevention and treatment of DN.”

Ji, L., Yin, X.-X. X., Wu, Z.-M. M., Wang, J.-Y. Y., Lu, Q., and Gao, Y.-Y. Y. (2008). Ginkgo biloba extract prevents glucose-induced accumulation of ecm in rat mesangial cells. Phytotherapy research : PTR.
http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3514811

Recommended Products:

• Gingko biloba eco-gifts
• Gingko biloba Trees
• Ginkgo Supplements and Extract

Kimberly Kramer
Health Educator and Researcher
Health Education Information and Resource Services
kkramer@heirs-online.com
http://www.heirs-online.com

HEIRS Nutrition: Healthy New Kiwifruit Variety

First it was green, and then yellow and now red-fleshed kiwifruit are believed to be potent protectors against heart disease and cancer. The newly developed variety of kiwi contains bright red pigments called anthocyanins that are highly potent antioxidants. Read the rest of the article….

Read more:

***HEIRS on Delicious
***HEIRS on Citeulike
***HEIRS Online Website

HEIRS Health: NRF2, Bones, Vitamin D and Porphyria

Dr. Nick Jacobs has found that an enzyme in milk relieves the symptoms of porphyria.  In many instances prophyria is caused by fluctuations in nutrition. According to the literature — one of the symptoms of porphyria is insulin resistance which would make the cause that the milk is acting on IGF-1 and vitamin D and relieving some of the metabolic issues from insulin and metabolic syndrome from exposures and the inhibition of NRF2.

In addition, last year it was reported that bones play an intimate part in the regulation of glucose and is now considered an endocrine gland.  Unfortunately, it also is the place where metals are stored and released over time through resorption. Throughout history there have been numerous reports of people suffering from porphyria such as Van Gogh. He was also a painter who used lead paint which would inhibit catalase and leading to excess hydrogen peroxide (from inhibition of catalase and peroxiredoxin) and therefore his exposures to lead (and the volatiles from the paint) would have exacerbated/caused his mental problems. He probably was not the only artist that had similar health problems either!

ScienceDail.com(2007). Enzyme discovery sheds light on vitamin d. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3574872

Holme, S.A., Anstey, A.V., Badminton, M.N., Elder, and G.H. (2008). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin d in erythropoietic protoporphyria. British Journal of Dermatology, 159(1):211-213. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/2908733

See Also: Porphria at HEIRS Library on Citeulike and NRF2 at HEIRS Library on Citeulike

HEIRS Nutrition: Polyphenol-rich Juices Improve Glutathione Levels

HEIRS Research: Environmental Illness, IGF-1 and Nrf-2. Studies in Environmental Medicine.

HEIRS Cell Biology: Peroxiredoxin and Nrf-2…Important Role in Regulating Cell Levels of Hydrogen Peroxide!

HEIRS Toxicology: TRPA1 and Ammonia. Not a Good Combination!

HEIRS Nutrition: Ginkgo Biloba Potential Treatment for Diabetic Neuropathy -

HEIRS Respiratory: Role of the nrf2-mediated signaling pathway as a negative regulator of inflammation: implications for the impact of particulate pollutants on asthma

HEIRS Environmental Health: LPS Endotoxins and Breathing Bad Air

Lipopolysaccharides endotoxins are found on the outer membrane of gram negative bacteria and are often found in house dust and air pollution from other sources. It is well known that their presense contributes to allergic reactions, chronic respiratory infections such as asthma and inflammatory responses in the gastrointestinal tract and other tissue. However, the toxicological effects of LPS will be different for each individual and distinct because the immune response they generate also depends on the physical properties of the LPS membrane.

Recent studies have helped to identify the factors inherent to LPS infection and chronic disease.  Many of them provide evidence that the inflammatory responses generated by LPS are due to the nature of the lipid content of their membranes. For instance, a substance called lipid A has been found to be quite toxic and gram negative bacteria with this lipid structure will cause more of an inflammatory response.  To demonstrate, one study compared the toxicity of LPS from Agrobacterium, C. freundii and A. egglomerans.  The later two both caused neutraphil migration into the airways and even though all three caused “lethally toxic and pyrogenic effects, the effects of agrobacterium was significantly weaker.”  The study also found that the Agrobacterium LPS membranes are comprised of hydrox fatty acids and differ markedly in their chemical structure from the other two and the results of this study concluded lethality of LPS from gram negative bacteria is dependant on that structure.

Helander, I., Saxén, H., Salkinoja-Salonen, M., and Rylander, R. (1982). Pulmonary toxicity of endotoxins: comparison of lipopolysaccharides from various bacterial species. Infection and immunity, 35(2):528-532. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3577904

For Further Reading: Endothelial Cell Dysfunctions

Kimberly Kramer
Health Educator and Researcher
Health Education Information and Resource Services
kkramer@heirs-online.com
http://www.heirs-online.com

HEIRS Food Safety: New Bacteria Found in Raw Milk!

Raw milk is illegal in many countries as it can be contaminated with potentially harmful microbes. Contamination can also spoil the milk, making it taste bitter and turn thick and sticky. Now scientists have discovered new species of bacteria that can grow at low temperatures, spoiling raw milk even when it is refrigerated. Read more….

HEIRS Intestinal Health: Important Gut Bacteria Levels May Be Harmed from Antibiotics!

It is common knowledge that antibioics can be harmful to the biota of the intestines which play an important part in regulating nutrient absorption and some functions of the immune system.  In most circumstances, the types of bacteria will return to normal levels after a time after antibiotic treatment. However, a new study reports that some types of specific bacteria normally found in the gut are not so lucky and it may take years for them to reach their normal levels in the intestine. 

The study participants did not report any gut function changes during or after the study. However, one important conclusion of this study was “because specific bacterial taxa are responsible for different aspects of nutrition, metabolism, and immune response, even seemingly minor changes in the composition of the gut microbial community as the result of antibiotic treatment might have long-term effects on health that could go undetected in the relatively short length of the study.”

O’Day, K. (2008). Gut reaction: Pyrosequencing provides the poop on distal gut bacteria. PLoS Biology, 6(11):e295+. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3575838

HEIRS Pharmacology: Preventing the Itch When Relieving Pain!

Researchers have discovered that itching is not a less intense form of pain. In the past, doctors believed that itch was tied to a drug’s ability to relieve pain. In patients that receive pain medication such as morphine, itching is a very common side-effect.  This new discovery identify that pain and itch—- are in fact two distinct sensations and regulated by different mechanisms. “There may be itch-specific genetic pathways in the spinal cord that are not related to the pain sensation.” This study should lead to new therapies for pain that do not have the itching side-effect.

Itching Not a Less Intense Form of Pain. Bio-Medicine. Retrieved on November 18, 2008.

HEIRS Recommended Product: FDA Approved Light Therapy for Pain Relief! Useful for Fibromyalgia and Other Pain Conditions~!

November 18, 2008 –The FDA announced today it has cleared the DPL Deep Penetrating Light Therapy System for relaxation of muscles, temporary relief of stiffness, joint pain and other aches and pains, including chronic pain associated with arthritis and is reported to temporarily increase blood circulation….It is estimated that chronic pain costs the US $100 billion dollars a year and accounts for 500 million lost workdays. To read more on the FDA news release and about light therapy click here…. 

HEIRS EcoEfficient Home Building: Building Green Is The Way To Go — But Only If You Do It Right~!

Dangers of Going Green…..

Industrial hygienists found that mold, rot, and corrosion are dangers that must be accounted for when builders construct energy-efficient homes. Recycled materials used in this type of construction are likely to absorb more water than new materials. Air quality can also become an issue because of a heightened focus on insulation which, in addition to reducing heating and cooling costs, can limit the movement of water vapor and potential pollutants. Click to read more of the article here.

HEIRS Women’s Health & Nutrition: Eat Berries to Minimize Oxidative Damage.

Estrodial has been shown to increase the levels of 8-oxodg a major DNA lesions formed from oxidative stress in addition to other adducts and is a contributing factor in breast cancer. Two recent studies reported that diets fed to mice high in ellagic acid had significantly reduced numbers of these 8-oxodg lesions, including those activated by copper. Ellagic acid is found in red fruits and berries including strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, pecans, walnuts, etc. In this study, a diet supplemented with ellagic acid provided for the greatest reduction in these potentially harmful lesions. However, the mice fed berry diets of raspberry, blueberry and strawberry also showed significant decreases in the numbers of these adducts.  This study also showed that a diet of .5% of mixed berries were ineffective and that specific berries had more benefits on different type of oxidative lesions than others.

Conclusion: A diet high in red berry concentration may be an effective way to reduce DNA damage from oxidative stress.  

Read More: HEIRS Nutrition: Blueberry Benefits

1) Ellagic acid. Author and Publisher Unknown. Retrieved on November 20, 2008.  http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3612048

2) Aiyer, H. S. and Gupta, R. C. (2004). Dietary berries and ellagic acid diminish polar dna adducts in aci rats treated with 17ß-estradiol. Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, 25. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3611995

3) de Souza-Pinto, N. (2001). Dna repair and aging in mouse liver: 8-oxodg glycosylase activity increase in mitochondrial but not in nuclear extracts. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 30(8):916-923. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3610634

4) van den Elst, H., van der Mare, G. A., van Boom, J. H., Westra, and Berns, A. J. M. (1992). Repair and replication of plasmids with site-specific 8-oxodg and 8-aafdg residues in normal and repair-deficient human cells. Nucleic Acids Research, 20(17):4437-4443. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3610558

HEIRS Cell Biology: What Controls Critical ‘Go-to’ Enzyme: Findings May Hold Key To Better Treatments For Many Disorders

ScienceDaily (2008-11-20) — Scientists have gained new insights into regulation of one of the body’s enzyme workhorses called calpains. As the cell’s molecular overachievers, calpains function in many cellular processes, including the movement of cells in tissues, the death of damaged cells, insulin secretion, and brain cell and muscle function. The downside of this broad set of responsibilities is that defective or overactive calpains have been linked to an array of disorders, including a form of muscular dystrophy, Type 2 diabetes, gastric cancers, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, cataracts, and the death of both heart muscle in heart attacks and of brain tissue in stroke and traumatic brain injury.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (2008, November 20). What Controls Critical ‘Go-to’ Enzyme: Findings May Hold Key To Better Treatments For Many Disorders. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 20, 2008. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081119161122.htm

HEIRS Nutrition: Increase Nutrient Absorption by Adding Black Pepper.

“Putting black pepper on your food may be one of the easiest, most economical ways to boost your overall health status. Piperine favorably simulates the digestive enzymes of the pancreas, enhances digestive capacity and significantly reduces gastrointestinal food transit time. Black pepper or piperine treatment has also been evidenced to lower lipid peroxidation in vivo and beneficially influence the cellular status of organic sulfur compounds, antioxidant molecules, and antioxidant enzymes in a number of experimental situations of oxidative stress.” Read more…

Substance in Black Pepper Increases Absorption up to Two Thousand Percent. Natural News.com. Retrieved on November 20, 2008. http://www.naturalnews.com/024829.html

HEIRS Food Safety: One Stop Shop Website for Food Safety Information!

“US Food Safety Corp. yesterday rolled out USFoodSafety.com, which it says is the first Web site to provide consumers with the latest food safety alerts, recalls, advice, and columns.

Developed by food sales and marketing veteran (and USFoodSafety.com c.e.o.) Susan Reef, the service aims to provide useful food safety advice for all age groups, from prenatal to seniors.” Read more….

Food Safety Website: USFoodSafety.com

HEIRS Nutrition: Oregano Activates PPAR-gamma…and Therefore May Have Therapeutic Benefits!

A new study has reported that oregano, an herb commonly used in cooking, has been shown that it might be beneficial in weight control. Upon chemical analysis of oregano, researchers have found the herb contains phytonutrients including ”quercetin, luteolin, rosmarinic acid, and diosmetin and others. In addition, two of these compounds rosmarinic acid and biochanin A are believed to be able to ameliorate the lipid profile and therefore, could be of benefit for treatment of atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome.

Take Away Information: Add fresh oregano to your food!

Recommended: HEIRS Oregano

Mueller, M., Lukas, B., Novak, J., Simoncini, T., Genazzani, A. R., and Jungbauer, A. (2008). Oregano: A source for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ antagonists. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3647240

Hye-Youn, C., Reddy, Andrea, D., Masayuki, Y., and Kleeberger (2005). Gene expression profiling of nrf2-mediated protection against oxidative injury. Free radical biology & medicine, 38(3):325-343. http://www.citeulike.org/user/HEIRS/article/3648692

Peroxisomes. Wipedia. Retrieved on November 22, 2008.

PPAR-gamma. Wipedia. Rerieved on November 22, 2008.

HEIRS Abstract and Document Library: Metabolic Syndrome

HEIRS Abstract and Document Library: PPAR-gamma

HEIRS Home Safety: Chemical Pollutants in the Home

Household Exposure To Toxic Chemicals Lurks Unrecognized, Researchers Find

ScienceDaily (2008-11-21) — Many women are surprised to learn the extent of personal, in-home contamination caused by exposure to everyday consumer products, according to a team of researchers. The study, published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, is one of the first accounts of participants’ responses to learning personal exposure data, research critical to environmental science and public health. … > read full article

HEIRS Nutrition: Selenium is a Good Thing!

An increased intake of selenium may decrease risk factors for metabolic syndrome and inflammation, suggests a new study from Spain. Low blood concentration of selenium has also been associated with asthma in children and may be involved with bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

1) Nutraingredients (2008). Selenium may ease onset of metabolic syndrome: Study.

2) Selenium, Glutathione Peroxidase, Vitamin C, N-Acetylcysteine, B2 and Asthma.

HEIRS Research: Environmental Illness, TRPA1, Bugs in the Gut and H2S…

 

 

I think the answer to why we are all susceptible to different things is determined by the exposure, the intensity of the exposure and how we reacted and for how long. As I have mentioned before, TRPV1 and TRPA1 (two primary nociceptors) are sensitive to a number of different things and therefore can present as pain upon activation. When these receptors react, the level of the reaction all depends on how many there are in the tissue effected and if they have been sensitized –meaning the threshold of activation has been lowered. It has been shown that IGF-1 and hyperglycemia are important mediators of the level of activation by TRPV1 in one study, and one can speculate this is true of TRPA1 as well. (1) A defect in IGF-1 has been shown to be an important factor in insulin resistance and the activation of TRPV1 and TRPA1 have been found to be involved in insulin secretion. (2) Understanding that exposures to these chemicals can have long-lasting effects on glucose and insulin regulation which  may also have potential consequences, especially in those that are already expressing chemical sensitivity. (1)

 

With this in mind, I wanted to mention a few more important studies as a follow-up to many of the blogs that have been written here. The results of the first study, released just a few days ago, was that the researchers found that ammonia activates the TRPA1 (3) receptors which is the same receptor that is sensitive to formalin and 4-HNE an aldehyde produced from lipid peroxidation (4-5) {In a paper by C. Tai (cited below), the author produces a very good schematic of the result of TRPV1 and TRPA1 activation on substance P a pain neurotransmitter, interaction with mast cells, etc.} (6) It is important to note exposure to ammonia can cause olfactory fatigue… which means the chemical “deadens” the ability of the nose to smell it. (7) However, one can not say th