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News - week 15 - 2008
Inactive kids face 6-fold risk of
heart disease by teen years, study finds
Young children who lead inactive lifestyles are five-to-six times more likely to be at
serious risk of heart disease, with that degree of danger emerging as early as their
teenage years, according to a new study by researchers at the University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill.
http://uncnews.unc.edu/news/health-and-medicine/inactive-kids-
face-six-fold-risk-of-heart-disease-by-teen-years-study-finds.html
Unlocking mysteries of brain
cancer, stroke
New studies at the University of Adelaide, Australia, will delve into some of the crucial
issues surrounding death by brain tumors and stroke.
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/news/news25181.html
New Wesley Research Institute study
aims to halt the progression of multiple sclerosis
A new research study being conducted at The Wesley Research Institute aims to stop the
progression of early active stage multiple sclerosis in its tracks.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-04/ra-nwr040308.php
RING finger protein 5 may guide
treatment for muscle disease in older adults
Researchers at the Burnham Institute have discovered a new player in the development of
Sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis, a muscle disease that affects predominantly older men,
causing muscles to gradually weaken and waste away. Although it is the most common muscle
disease among those over the age of 50, it is probably underdiagnosed due to its
unfamiliarity. This discovery provides a potential avenue for future diagnostic and
therapeutic opportunities for this disease.
http://www.burnham.org/default.asp?contentID=576
New test could cut unnecessary
treatment for blood disorder in pregnancy
A new test for identifying a mismatch between the blood of a pregnant woman and her baby
is accurate, feasible, and could substantially reduce unnecessary treatment, finds a study
published on bmj.com today.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-04/bmj-ntc040308.php
Climate change could bring malaria
and other infectious diseases to the UK
Frequent floods, heatwaves and other extreme weather conditions could have huge health
impacts for the UK, the BMA said today (Thursday 3 April) in a new online report1 on
climate change. The BMA report, ‘Health professionals – taking action on climate
change’, is calling on health professionals to take the lead on this issue. The
online report states that doctors have the opportunity and responsibility to highlight the
public health risks associated with climate change.
http://www.bma.org.uk/pressrel.nsf/wlu/SGOY-7DBCBA?OpenDocument&vw=wfmms
A little anxiety pays sometimes,
study shows
Anxiety gets a lot of bad press. Dwelling on the negative can lead to chronic stress and
anxiety disorders and phobias, but evolutionarily speaking, anxiety holds some functional
value. In humans, learning to avoid harm is necessary not only for surviving in the face
of basic threats (such as predators or rotten food), but also for avoiding more complex
social or economic threats (such as enemies or questionable investments).
http://www.psychologicalscience.org/media/releases/2008/larkin.cfm
Stem cell breakthrough offers
diabetes hope
Scientists have discovered a new technique for turning embryonic stem cells into
insulin-producing pancreatic tissue in what could prove a significant breakthrough in the
quest to find new treatments for diabetes.
http://www.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/news/display/?id=3514
Essential nutrient found in eggs
reduces risk of breast cancer by 24 percent
Choline, an essential nutrient found in foods such as eggs, is associated with a 24
percent reduced risk of breast cancer, according to a study supported by a grant from the
US National Institutes of Health, to be published in The FASEB Journal's print issue in
June.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-04/epr-enf040208.php
Researchers uncover new genetic
links to psoriasis
In the first comprehensive study of the genetic basis of psoriasis, researchers at
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have discovered seven new sites of
common DNA variation that increase the risk of the troublesome skin condition. They also
found that variations in one genetic region link psoriasis and a related joint disorder,
psoriatic arthritis, to four autoimmune diseases: type 1 diabetes, Grave's disease, celiac
disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-04/wuso-run040208.php
Pregnant mothers' diet linked to
baby's obesity
Rats eating trans-fatty acid while pregnant or breastfeeding have fatter babies.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-04/bc-pmd040208.php
Enzyme complex could be key to new
cancer treatments
Penn State scientists are the first to observe in living cells a key step in the creation
of adenine and guanine, two of the four building blocks that comprise DNA. Also called
purines, the building blocks are essential for cell replication. The findings, which will
be published in the April 4, 2008 issue of the journal Science, could lead to new cancer
treatments that prevent cancer cells from replicating by interfering with their abilities
to make purines.
http://live.psu.edu/story/29958
Genetics, environment differently
influence the 'pathway of risk' leading to alcohol dependence
Alcohol dependence (AD) is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, and
involves "transitioning" through multiple stages of drinking behaviors. A study
using twins to investigate influences on the rate at which young women progress to AD has
found that genetic and individual-specific environmental influences are evident in all
transitions. Conversely, environmental influences -- such as exposure to parental conflict
-- are evident primarily in the transition from non-use to first alcohol use.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-04/ace-ged032708.php
Sexual dissatisfaction in
postmenopausal women not linked to cardiovascular disease
Although sexual dysfunction in some men is predictive of cardiovascular disease, this
association has never been examined in women. In an article published in the April 2008
issue of The American Journal of Medicine, researchers found no increased prevalence or
incidence of cardiovascular disease among postmenopausal sexually active female subjects
who were dissatisfied with their sexual activity.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-04/ehs-sdi040208.php
Nano-sized technology has
super-sized effect on tumors
Anyone facing chemotherapy would welcome an advance promising to dramatically reduce their
dose of these often harsh drugs. Using nanotechnology, researchers at Washington
University School of Medicine in St. Louis have taken a step closer to that goal.
http://mednews.wustl.edu/news/page/normal/11449.html
Bones mend faster without marrow
A new study suggests that removing bone marrow from fractured or broken bone could
encourage new bone growth and speed up recovery. A team in the US drilled into the thigh
bones of rats before syringing out the bone marrow. They found that new bone formed in the
marrow cavity if followed with injections of a drug to encourage bone growth. The study
suggests that bone marrow normally inhibits the formation of new bone.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-04/ns-bmf040208.php
Fasting - A New Way to Fight Cancer
Fasting for two days protects healthy cells against chemotherapy, according to a study
appearing online the week of March 31 in PNAS Early Edition. Mice given a high dose of
chemotherapy after fasting continued to thrive. The same dose killed half the normally fed
mice and caused lasting weight and energy loss in the survivors. The chemotherapy worked
as intended on cancer, extending the lifespan of mice injected with aggressive human
tumors, reported a group led by Valter Longo of the USC Davis School of Gerontology and
USC College.
http://www.usc.edu/uscnews/stories/15032.html
Natural Approaches for the
Prevention of Oral Cancer and Periodontal Disease
This article is a chapter excerpt from the new book Winning The War On Cancer by Dr. Mark
Sircus AC., OMD. It offers some very clear and personal experiences we can have with many
of the basic substances in the IMVA cancer protocol. Meaning salt water, magnesium
chloride, sodium bicarbonate, iodine and bentonite clay can all be used to great effect to
cleanse and strengthen oral and dental environments.
http://www.naturalnews.com/022938.html
Study links preemies with autism
signs
A study released Wednesday in conjunction with World Autism Day suggests that premature
babies are at greater risk of being diagnosed with autism.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20080402/
preemies_autism_080402/20080402?hub=CTVNewsAt11
Review raises questions over
aspartame and brain health
Excessive intake of aspartame may inhibit the ability of enzymes in the brain to function
normally, suggests a new review that could fan the flames of controversy over the
sweetener.
http://www.foodnavigator.com/news/ng.asp?n=84424-aspartame-sweetener
Campaigners urge politicians to act
on chemicals-breast cancer link
Health campaigners are urging politicians to act on the growing body of scientific
evidence that links exposure to certain chemicals to spiralling rates of breast cancer.
Scientists have known for decades that a woman's risk of developing breast cancer is
influenced both by the levels of oestrogen produced by her own body and her use of drugs
containing man-made oestrogens, such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
http://cordis.europa.eu/fetch?CALLER=EN_NEWS&ACTION=D&SESSION=&RCN=29298
Diet important to reducing
postprandial levels and cardiac risks
Postprandial factors, including lipids, glucose and triglycerides, are the
“drivers” of atherosclerosis, according to James O’Keefe, Jr., MD, FACC,
who presented on Tuesday at the 57th Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Academy of
Cardiology.
http://www.endocrinetoday.com/view.aspx?rid=27361
Pregnant women told to avoid BPA
packaging
A US health-advocacy group has warned that pregnant women should reduce their exposure to
packaging that contains bisphenol A (BPA) to avoid passing the controversial chemical to
their unborn children.
http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/news/ng.asp?n=84416-spi-bpa
Natural Trans Fat May Be Good For
Health
Trans fat, popular for promoting obesity, can actually decrease the risk factors related
with heart disease, diabetes and even obesity, a new study has indicated.
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7010527564
Rare Lung Infection Linked to
Fungus from Iowa Governor’s Mansion
An investigation into the cause of 36 confirmed cases of a rare lung ailment has been
linked to a historical governor’s mansion in Des Moines, Iowa.Associates of the
American Lung Association met for an event at the mansion, named Terrace Hill, on Nov. 29.
Since then, the doctors have reported cases of histoplasmosis, a rare but treatable
fungus-related lung disease.
http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1321306/rare_lung_infe
ction_linked_to_fungus_from_iowa_governors_mansion/
Fructose ‘missing link’
in obesity epidemic
Could the simple sugar responsible for putting the sweet in everything from bananas to
root beer be the missing link in understanding what puts the fat on a person’s
thighs? Yes, according to a book penned by a University of Florida researcher that was
published today.In his book, “The Sugar Fix: The High-Fructose Fallout That Is Making
You Fat And Sick,” Dr. Richard Johnson reviews the increasing evidence that fructose
may play a role in the obesity epidemic and proposes a low-fructose diet he believes could
help people lose weight and potentially prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
http://news.ufl.edu/2008/04/01/fructose-3/
Scientists find ethnic link to
bowel cancer
SCIENTISTS from Edinburgh University have made a significant breakthrough in cancer
research in relation to ethnicity. It has been found that people with the same cancer
susceptibility genes respond differently depending on their race.
http://news.scotsman.com/health/Scientists-find-ethnic--link.3929795.jp
Study finds no link between eating
eggs, developing heart disease
The Harvard School of Public Health conducted a research study of 10,000 individuals which
found no link between egg consumption and developing heart disease in adults. The study
showed eating an average of one egg per day has little effect on total blood cholesterol
levels and doesn’t increase the risk of heart disease or stroke.
http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=121060&sc=98
Nutrient Therapy Lowers Blood Sugar
for Those With Diabetes
These results, especially when taken in the context of previous research, suggest that a
combination of chromium and biotin may be of considerable benefit to individuals with type
2 diabetes, particularly those whose blood sugar level is poorly controlled.
http://en.epochtimes.com/news/8-3-28/68197.html
Hormone worries halt plastic baby
bottle sales
Canadian retailers have begun pulling plastic baby bottles containing bisphenol A from
their shelves as demand dries up from health-conscious customers.
http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/national/
story.html?id=a01217f0-6fcd-4f07-b333-d80ccc90a4e9
Stofwisselingsziekten
Een inleiding in de aangeboren stoornissen van de stofwisseling (Metabole stoornissen )
http://home.hetnet.nl/~b1beukema/index.html
Impaired Reproductive Development
in Sons of Women Occupationally Exposed to Pesticides during Pregnancy
Boys of pesticide-exposed mothers showed decreased penile length, testicular volume, serum
concentrations of testosterone, and inhibin B. Serum concentrations of sex hormone-binding
globulin, follicle-stimulating hormone, and the luteinizing hormone-testosterone ratio
were increased compared with boys of nonexposed mothers. For individual parameters, only
the decreased penile length was statistically significant (p = 0.04) . However, all
observed effects were in the anticipated direction, and a joint multivariate test showed
that this finding had a p-value of 0.012.
http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2008/10790/abstract.html
Risk of Childhood Cancers
Associated with Residence in Agriculturally Intense Areas in the United States
The potential for widespread exposure to agricultural pesticides through drift during
application raises concerns about possible health effects to exposed children living in
areas of high agricultural activity. Although interpretation is limited by the ecologic
design, in this study we were able to evaluate rarer childhood cancers across a diverse
agricultural topography. The findings of this exploratory study support a continued
interest in the possible impact of long-term, low-level pesticide exposure in communities
located in agriculturally intense areas.
http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2008/9967/abstract.html
Exposure to Bisphenol A Prenatally
or in Adulthood Promotes TH2 Cytokine Production Associated with Reduction of CD4+CD25+
Regulatory T Cells
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread endocrine-disrupting chemical that can affect humans and
animals. BPA promotes the development of TH2 cells in adulthood and both TH1 and TH2 cells
in prenatal stages by reducing the number of regulatory T cells.
http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2008/10829/abstract.html
Associations between Recent
Exposure to Ambient Fine Particulate Matter and Blood Pressure in the Multi-Ethnic Study
of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Higher SBP and PP were associated with ambient levels of PM2.5 and the association was
stronger in the presence of roadway traffic, suggesting that impairment of blood pressure
regulation may play a role in response to air pollution.
http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2008/10899/abstract.html
Residential Exposure to
Traffic-Related Air Pollution and Survival after Heart Failure
Residential exposure to traffic-related air pollution increases the mortality risk after
hospitalization with acute HF. Reducing exposure to traffic-related emissions may improve
the long-term prognosis of HF patients.
http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2008/10918/abstract.html
Sunscreens Cause Coral Bleaching by
Promoting Viral Infections
Sunscreens cause the rapid and complete bleaching of hard corals, even at extremely low
concentrations. The effect of sunscreens is due to organic ultraviolet filters, which are
able to induce the lytic viral cycle in symbiotic zooxanthellae with latent infections.
http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2008/10966/abstract.html
Benefits of Sunlight - A Bright
Spot for Human Health
In the near future, vitamin D and health guidelines regarding sun exposure may need to be
revised. But many factors not directly linked to sun protection will also need to be taken
into account. "Current observations of widespread vitamin D insufficiency should not
be attributed only to sun protection strategies," says Lucas. "Over the same
period there is a trend to an increasingly indoor lifestyle, associated with technological
advances such as television, computers, and video games." She says sun-safe messages
remain important—possibly more so than ever before—to protect against the
potentially risky high-dose intermittent sun exposure that people who stay indoors may be
most likely to incur.
http://www.ehponline.org/members/2008/116-4/focus.html
Pecans are rich in essential
nutrients, even richer in taste
Pecans also contain more than 19 vitamins and minerals including vitamins A and E, folic
acid, calcium, potassium, several B vitamins and more. The nuts are also a natural,
high-quality source of protein containing very few carbohydrates.
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/life/x1008076280
A Randomised, Blinded,
Placebo-Controlled Trial in Dementia Patients Continuing or Stopping Neuroleptics
For most patients with AD, withdrawal of neuroleptics had no overall detrimental effect on
functional and cognitive status and by some measures improved functional and cognitive
status. Neuroleptics may have some value in the maintenance treatment of more severe
neuropsychiatric symptoms, but this possibility must be weighed against the unwanted
effects of therapy. The current study helps to inform a clinical management strategy for
current practice, but the considerable risks of maintenance therapy highlight the urgency
of further work to find, develop, and implement safer and more effective treatment
approaches for neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with AD.
http://medicine.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=
get-document&doi=10.1371/journal.pmed.0050076
Green tea boosts antibiotic
effectiveness
Egyptian scientists say drinking green tea helps make antibiotics three times more
effective, even against so-called superbugs. "We tested green tea in combination with
antibiotics against 28 disease-causing micro-organisms belonging to two different
classes," Dr. Mervat Kassem of the Alexandria University in Egypt said in a
statement. "In every single case green tea enhanced the bacteria-killing activity of
the antibiotics."
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Health/2008/03/31/
green_tea_boosts_antibiotic_effectiveness/1574/
Common Organic Compound Found In
Many Household Products May Pose Health Risk To Breast Cells
Bisphenol A, a chemical that leaches into food and beverages from many consumer products,
causes normal, non-cancerous human breast cells to express genes characteristic of
aggressive breast cancer cells.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080401231554.htm
Aspartame Disease - An Ignored
Epidemic
An Ignored Epidemic is a definitive book (1038 pages) on reactions to aspartame, currently
being used by more than two-thirds of the population as an additive/sweetener. Dr. Roberts
is widely regarded as the expert on a host of adverse effects from popular products
containing this synthetic chemical because of his many original observations and extensive
research spanning two decades. Physicians, other health care professionals, the media,
consumer groups, and aspartame "victims" or their relatives have inundated Dr.
Roberts with requests for a detailed analysis of this unique experience. They recognize
that his dedication was not restrained by governmental or institutional policies and
corporate grants...a remarkable achievement in contemporary medical and biological
research.
http://www.sunsentpress.com/aspartameDisease.html
Probiotic drink beats infections
PEOPLE taking antibiotics, especially those being treated in hospitals should take a daily
probiotic drink, according to a report released today. Antibiotics have many benefits, but
they can also destroy many of the normal bacteria that live in the gut, making it easier
for "bad" bacteria to build up.
http://news.scotsman.com/uk/Probiotic-drink--beats-infections.3932477.jp
Mitochondria play role in
pathogenesis of AD and estrogen-induced neuroprotection
As the major source of free radicals in cells, mitochondria contribute to the high levels
of oxidative stress believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
Now a study demonstrates that estrogen reduces this oxidative stress caused by the
mitochondria while increasing the ability of the mitochondria to generate energy --
important since there is usually an energy deficit in the Alzheimer brain.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-04/foas-mpr033008.php
Pieces coming together in
Parkinson's, cholesterol puzzle
In 2006, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers published a study that
found people with low levels of LDL cholesterol are more likely to have Parkinson's
disease than people with high LDL levels.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-04/uonc-pct040408.php
T-cadherin affects blood vessel
growth in breast cancer, hormone from fat cells may play a role
Researchers at the Burnham Institute for Medical Research may have found a new option for
targeted breast cancer therapy by showing the link between a certain protein and the
development of blood vessels that feed breast tumors. The Burnham team developed the first
living model to study the effect of the protein called T-cadherin on tumor angiogenesis by
creating a strain of mice that develops spontaneous mammary gland tumors in the absence of
T-cadherin.
http://www.burnham.org/default.asp?contentID=577
Redox-active iron is a sensor of
cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's disease
An innovative discovery has been reported that highlights the problems that oxidative
stress resulting from iron cumulated in the human brain can generate in relation with the
pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, the brain disorder affecting almost 30 million
throughout the world. The results of research appeared recently in Volume 13, Issue 2 of
the prestigious Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-04/ip-rii040408.php
Allicin from Garlic Boosts Flow of
Blood to Protect the Heart
The chemical that causes garlic to give you bad breath may be the same one that protects
your heart, according to a new study conducted by researchers from the University of
Alabama at Birmingham.
http://www.naturalnews.com/022948.html
Norway Becomes First Country to Ban
Amalgam Fillings
Effective January 1st of this year, Norway has become the first nation to legislate a
sweeping ban on the use of amalgam fillings in dental work. Previous laws forbid the use
of mercury-containing fillings in more vulnerable segments of the population, such as
pregnant women and children, but the new law is the first to forbid the use of the toxic
metal without exemption. Mercury has also been banned from all other products produced,
imported, exported, sold, and used in the country.
http://www.naturalnews.com/022943.html
Citrus flavonoid naringenin
inhibits hepatitis C
An article published online on January 7, 2008 in the journal Hepatology revealed the
findings of researchers at Shriners Burns Hospital in Boston and Harvard University that
naringenin, a metabolite of the bioflavonoid naringin which gives grapefruit its bitter
taste, may help fight the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is estimated to infect 3 percent
of the world's population.
http://www.lef.org/whatshot/2008_04.htm
Food additives 'could be as
damaging as lead in petrol'
Artificial food colours are set to be removed from hundreds of products after a team of
university researchers warned they were doing as much damage to children's brains as lead
in petrol.
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-wellbeing/health-news/
food-additives-could-be-as-damaging-as-lead-in-petrol-804890.html
Lower thyroid activity tied to
weight gain
Lower thyroid activity tied to weight gainMiddle-aged adults whose thyroid gland is mildly
underactive, but still functioning in the normal range, may be more prone to weight gain,
a new study suggests. The thyroid is a gland in the neck that produces hormones that
regulate the body's metabolism. In a disorder called hypothyroidism, the gland is
underactive, causing symptoms such as fatigue, sensitivity to cold, dry skin and weight
gain.
http://www.reutershealth.com/archive/2008/04/04/eline/links/20080404elin001.html
[ News of week
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