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An Antidiabetic Helps the Immune System Recognize Reservoirs of HIV

The AHA! Team — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 08:29:56 +0000

Universite de Montreal via Newswise – Metformin, a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, could help deplete the viral reservoir and eliminate it entirely in people living with HIV who receive antiretroviral therapy, Canadian researchers say in a new study. In 2021, a team led by immunologist Petronela Ancuta of Université de Montréal’s affiliated hospital research centre, the CRCHUM, showed that metformin, when taken for three months, improved patients’ immunity and reduced the chronic inflammation usually associated with complications such as cardiovascular disease. One reason these benefits are so effective is that metformin inhibits the activity of the mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) molecule, which in turn slows down HIV replication in the cells of patients infected with the virus. In the journal iScience, Ancuta and her student Augustine Fert, the study’s first author and a recent Ph.D. holder, go further. They studied the molecular mechanisms of action of metformin on HIV replication in CD4 T lymphocytes, which are immune system cells that provide shelter for the virus. In these reservoirs, HIV keeps on replicating, which contributes to the chronic inflammation by constantly activating the immune system. “The results of our in vitro tests on cells from people living with HIV and treated with antiretroviral therapy caught us off guard at first,” said Ancuta. “They were a bit surprising. We discovered that metformin had both a proviral and an antiviral effect. The drug helped boost the number of HIV-infected cells, while also stopping the virus from escaping the cell.” Antibodies to the rescue Another benefit of metformin is that it overexpresses the BST2 protein, which acts as a kind of glue to keep virions clinging to the surface of HIV-infected cells. The immune system then spots them and can target them with antibodies. “Together with my colleague Andrés Finzi, we tested the ability of several broad-spectrum neutralizing anti-HIV antibodies to recognize viral reservoir cells after metformin exposure in vitro,” said Ancuta. “Some of them recognized the virus very well, suggesting their ability to attract and trigger the destruction of infected cells by NK cells through a process of cellular cytotoxicity.” These recent scientific advances mean that the “shock-and-kill” eradication strategy, often used in the fight against HIV, can be foreseen in a different way, she added. “In people living with HIV and treated with antiretroviral therapy, we could use metformin to reactivate the reservoir cells responsible for viral replication upon treatment interruption, in combination with antibodies that are already used clinically and well tolerated. These antibodies can then detect the rare infected cells and eliminate them.” In the next phase of her research, Ancuta plans to launch a clinical trial to validate her in vitro research results, in collaboration with Finzi and their CRCHUM colleague Nicolas Chomont, and Jean-Pierre Routy of the McGill University Health Centre Research Institute. Before she can move forward with this strategy, she will test it in preclinical models. About this study “Metformin facilitates viral reservoir reactivation and their recognition by anti-HIV-1 envelope antibodies,” by Augustine Fert under the supervision of Petronela Ancuta et al., was published online in iScience on Aug. 8, 2024. The study received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian Consortium for HIV Cure Research (CanCURE), the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR), the International AIDS Society (IAS), the Fonds de recherche du Québec and the Fondation du CHUM. Also involved in the study were Dominique Gauchat, Philippe Ste-Onge and Gaël Dulude of the CRCHUM’s cytometry platform, and Olfa Debbeche and Laurent Knafo of the CRCHUM’s containment level 3 (CL3) platform, as well as Mario Legault of the Réseau VIH/SIDA-Maladies infectieuses. To read the original article click here.

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Blood Sugar Help: Research Reveals Multiple Benefits of Garlic for Diabetics

AHA Publisher — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Edit Lang via NaturalHealth365 – According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates, in the U.S. alone, over 34 million people live with diabetes, and another 88 million with prediabetes. Add the two numbers together, and you end up with a “public health crisis.” It’s not a coincidence that the medical community often refers to diabetes as the “silent killer.” Interestingly, the disease takes years to develop with the majority missing the early warning signs. Tragically, when diagnosed, most people are shocked to learn they have the disease. Late diagnosis can lead to a host of unwanted complications like, heart disease, stroke, kidney and nerve disorders, vision loss, and other health issues. While medications are the primary way to reduce diabetes-related complications, research suggests that adding garlic to your prescription protocol offers additional benefits against diabetes-related adverse health effects. Of course, whenever possible, the best case scenario would be to work with a qualified (integrative) healthcare provider that can help you to eliminate the need for toxic medications. Garlic Lowers Blood Glucose Levels, Studies Show In a clinical study, researchers put garlic extract to the test to see how effective it was in improving blood sugar control. They also assessed its cholesterol-lowering ability in type 2 diabetic patients. While the trial was smaller-scale and only included 60 patients, the findings were notable. The trial included patients with Fasting blood glucose (FBG) of at least 126 mg/dL A1C over 6.5% Once enrolled, the study authors divided patients into two groups: Group 1 received: metformin only (two or three times a day) Group 2 received: metformin (two or three times a day) plus 250 mg garlic extract twice daily At the end of 12 weeks, the group taking the garlic extract saw a more significant FBG reduction than the group taking metformin alone. A meta-analysis of seven other trials with 513 patients also confirmed garlic’s favorable effect on fasting blood sugar. Improved fasting blood sugar was not the only benefit of adding garlic to metformin. The metformin plus garlic powder group also experienced a greater reduction in postprandial glucose (PPG) levels. Garlic REDUCES Cholesterol Levels and Slows Down the Progression of Heart Disease in People With Diabetes Having to face the increased risk of severe adverse health effects is one of the most challenging aspects of living with diabetes. To reduce the risk of heart disease, people with diabetes should pay close attention to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Once again, garlic demonstrated its cholesterol-lowering effect in the same 12-week study. Adding garlic to metformin yielded: greater reduction of total cholesterol, triglyceride level, and LDL (bad cholesterol) more substantial increase in HDL (good cholesterol) Dozens of studies on garlic confirm similarly impressive results. Evidence also shows that garlic can slow and stall heart disease. One study compared garlic powder tablets to placebo for three months. Interestingly, while the placebo group got worse, heart disease progression slowed in the garlic group. But Wait, That’s Not All! Garlic Reduces Inflammation and Lowers Blood Pressure Sadly, garlic rarely gets credit for all the goodness it offers. It improves our health in countless ways and guards against various diseases. Most people do not know that garlic has medicinal properties and is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C, vitamin B6, and minerals such as selenium, iron, and calcium are all part of this medicinal plant. Likely the most remarkable compound of the plant is allicin that is produced when you crush or chop garlic. Allicin is the major biologically active component of garlic that reduces inflammation and offers antioxidant benefits. Researchers also believe that garlic’s ability to lower cholesterol and blood pressure is also due to its allicin content. As a side note: wouldn’t it be wonderful if we saw more researchers comparing the results generated from groups of people only taking natural substances compared to their “medication groups?” I guess the pharmaceutical industry wouldn’t be too happy about that kind of work. Super Simple Ways to Reap Garlic’s Benefits for Diabetes If you enjoy the intense taste of raw garlic, eat 1 to 2 cloves daily to get its health benefits. You can enjoy garlic in various ways. But, for maximum benefit, it’s best to eat it raw and fresh. You can mince or press garlic and sprinkle it on top of your salads or veggie dishes. Try flavoring your rice and quinoa dishes with garlic to make it a regular part of your daily diet. While raw garlic is best, garlic can also offer benefits when cooked. Add it to soups, steamed, and stir-fried recipes. There are several other simple ways to consume garlic. One is by blending it into your favorite salad dressing or mixing it into your hummus and salsa recipes. However, if garlic’s strong flavor does not appeal to you, consider odor-free garlic capsules as an alternative. Sources for this article include: CDC.gov, NIH.gov, NaturalHealthResearch.org, NIH.gov, NIH.gov, NIH.gov, NIH.gov To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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New Research Suggests Aging Can Be Reversed

AHA Publisher — Fri, 27 Nov 2020 08:00:16 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – How’s your epigenetic clock ticking? If you’re not sure or haven’t heard of it, it’s the measurement and prediction of your biological age. For the first time, researchers believe they’ve found and tested a hormone combination that can turn its wheels back. Yes, they’re attempting to turn back time in the human body. If this sounds too good to be true, stay tuned. While more research needs to take place, this is an incredibly promising and interesting study, with a lot of potential in anti-aging medicine. What’s more, many lifestyle factors contribute to changes in your epigenetic clock. Make sure yours is ticking correctly for your healthiest aging. Here’s what you need to know about this study and your lifestyle. THE WHEELS AND GEARS OF YOUR EPIGENETIC CLOCK What makes up your epigenetic clock? Put simply, it’s an assessment or time prediction of your epigenome. Your epigenome is the compilation of chemical modifications your body makes to your DNA in your cells as you live. The modifications “tag” the DNA with a methyl group, for example, and scientists are able to see these tags to predict your biological age (1). Some of the modifications to the DNA genome are caused by environmental exposures or illness. Some are inherited. Once the DNA is tagged, the methyl groups that are attached turn genes on or off. Another type of chemical modification is called histone modification. It affects DNA indirectly by wrapping the DNA in cells around histone proteins and attaching chemical tags. Based on the tags, parts of the DNA are used or ignored (2). Scientists can compare your biological age, based on these tags, to your actual chronological age. They can surmise how well your body functions for how old you are. Some people function better, or younger. Others, older. In addition, your epigenetic clock can tell scientists more about your mortality risk, and the lifestyle factors contributing to your biological age. You may be accelerating it. You may be able to slow down. THE THYMUS GLAND’S AGE AND FUNCTION While studying the epigenome, scientists have identified several key DNA sites in the body that best represent DNA-methyl tags and biological age. This current study centered around the thymus gland. The thymus gland is crucial for effective immune function. It lies between the lungs and breastbone in the chest. After white blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, they are sent to the thymus to mature and specialize. Unfortunately, the thymus begins to deteriorate after puberty and becomes clogged with fat as we age. These researchers were determining if they could turn the hands of time back in the thymus itself. THE STUDY: TURNING BACK TIME IN THE THYMUS In the scientific community, it’s been long known that growth hormones stimulate regeneration in the thymus. But there’s a downside to growth hormones. They can also promote altered blood sugars. So, in addition to growth hormone, the researchers used 2 anti-diabetes medications, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and metformin. For one entire year, 9 healthy participants took a combination of growth hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and metformin each day. Their biological age was assessed at the beginning, throughout the study, the end, and 6 months thereafter. THE RESULTS: FOREVER YOUNG? After completion of the year-long trial, the participants reduced their biological ages by 2.5 years. Their immune systems specifically showed signs of rejuvenation. Maybe the most exciting point is that the rejuvenation of the thymus gained momentum towards the end of the study. From 0-9 months of the study, the rate of age reversal relative to chronological age was assessed at -1.6 years per year. The rate at the end of the study, from 9-12 months, was -6.5 years per year. What’s more, the effects persisted for 6 months after the discontinuation of the medications. This means that not only did normal aging of the thymus halt, but it actually reversed (3). LOOKING AHEAD AND TURNING BACK TIME Most scientists are surprised. Based on previous studies, they thought intervention could likely stop aging at DNA-methyl sites, but not reverse it. According to the researchers, this was the first report of an increase, based on an epigenetic age estimator, in predicted human lifespan by an accessible intervention (4). Now, other researchers are testing the individual medications used alongside growth hormone, to see if they are contributing separately to anti-aging mechanisms. They are optimistic that rejuvenating the thymus could offer help to those with struggling immune systems, including the elderly, those with illnesses that attack immune function, and more. Looking forward, this opens the door to other DNA-methylation sites and biological age reversal of the epigenome. NATURAL AGE-DEFYING LIFESTYLE HABITS In addition to hormones and medications, many lifestyle factors affect epigenome patterns. You likely already know the ones: Diet Weight Physical activity Tobacco smoking Alcohol consumption Environmental pollutants Psychological Stress Working Night Shifts This means there’s good news, and there’s bad news. First, the bad: What you do matters for your aging and health, even at the cellular DNA level. The good news: You can make a difference in your aging and health by choosing healthy lifestyle habits. Start with these: 10 Science-Backed Free Anti-Aging Habits in 24 Hours Also, consider starting Dr. Colbert’s 21 Day Detox and Fast. It’s free and can jump-start your new healthy lifestyle by first detoxing your body from toxins and harmful substances that accumulate in cells. BOTTOM LINE While this study was the first of its kind, there will likely be many more to come. Rejuvenation of the epigenome could potentially change the way people age, fight disease and continue youthful lifestyles into advanced years. Time will tell. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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Broccoli Sprout Extracts May Help Treat Type 2 Diabetes

AHA Publisher — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 08:00:20 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body’s supply of insulin is insufficient to control blood sugar, affects over 30 million Americans. In addition to raising the risk of heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes can cause nerve damage and kidney disease. And, while Western medicine attempts to control diabetes with medications such as metformin, these can cause toxic side effects, including kidney damage. Clearly, there is a pressing need for safer treatments – and research shows that broccoli sprouts just might fill the bill. As it turns out, these slender little sprouts may even help fight the disease at the genetic level – a truly exciting development. Let’s take a look at an innovative new study showcasing the effects of broccoli sprouts against diabetes. Discover the “secret weapon” inside broccoli sprouts Despite their small size and unremarkable appearance, broccoli sprouts are true heavyweights when it comes to their content of sulphoraphane – a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant compound found in cruciferous vegetables. When it comes to glucoraphanin – which is a vital precursor to sulphoraphane – broccoli sprouts contain 10 to 100 times more than their larger counterparts, including cabbage, kale, mature broccoli flowerets and Brussels sprouts. Because of their rich sulphoraphane content, broccoli sprouts are currently being evaluated by researchers for their potential against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune disease, autism and cancer – particularly of the breast, bladder, prostate and lungs. Incidentally, sulphoraphane even inhibits the growth of H. pylori bacteria, a common culprit in stomach ulcers. And, of course, a growing body of research supports the use of broccoli sprouts against diabetes. In fact, these little greens have shown so much promise against type 2 diabetes that many forward-thinking integrative doctors currently consider them supplementary treatments. Study compares diabetes-fighting genetic profiles and ranks sulphoraphane at the top of the list In a study conducted at the Lund University Diabetes Center in Sweden, scientists first created a “genetic signature” fortype 2 diabetes, involving 50 different genes associated with the disease. They then compared this with the gene signatures for various compounds, hoping for one that could counteract the effects of diabetes. The most promising of all the candidates was sulphoraphane, which researchers said altered the expression of certain liver genes in a way that could benefit type 2 diabetes. In earlier studies, sulphoraphane had been shown to reduce amounts of glucose (blood sugar) produced by liver cells. In addition, animal studies revealed that it was also able to improve both glucose tolerance and the expression of genes associated with type 2 diabetes. To conduct the latest study, which was published in Science Translational Medicine, 97 participants with type 2 diabetes were given either a placebo or a broccoli sprout extract for 12 weeks. According to study leader Dr. Annika Axelsson, sulphoraphane led to “significant improvements” in fasting glucose levels, when used by obese participants with poorly controlled blood sugar. In other words, the compound did not reduce fasting glucose in patients whose diabetes was well controlled. Encouragingly, the team noted that sulphoraphane decreased the production of key enzymes in gluconeogenesis – the production of new blood sugar. Earlier studies agree: Broccoli sprouts fight diabetes by multiple mechanisms While this study was the first to explore the genetic signature of sulphoraphane, it built upon previous research on the effects of broccoli sprouts against diabetes. In a 2013 review published in Journal of Medicinal Foods, the authors reported that sulphoraphane increases antioxidant response while inactivating pro-inflammatory molecules, such as NF-kB and C-reactive protein. This means it can strike at the heart of the oxidative stress and inflammation that trigger diabetes. They also credited sulphoraphane with the ability to combat dangerous complications from diabetes, stating that it “could prevent nephropathy (kidney damage), diabetes-induced fibrosis (scarring) and vascular complications.” As if this weren’t enough, sulphoraphane from broccoli sprouts helps to lower triglycerides (fats) in the blood and reduce harmful LDL cholesterol, potentially allowing it to help prevent the heart disease that can result from type 2 diabetes. Improve your mood with this nutrient-packed “superfood” High in fiber, low in calories and packed with antioxidant vitamins C and A, broccoli sprouts also supply calcium and iron. Use broccoli sprouts to add texture and flavor to salads. Or you can layer them into sandwiches – or serve them on the side as a refreshing accent to cooked dishes. For maximum benefit, broccoli sprouts should be eaten uncooked, and chewed thoroughly. The act of chewing releases myrosinase, a compound needed to unleash beneficial sulphoraphane. As an added benefit: eating broccoli sprouts may even help your mood. Sulphoraphane has been shown in studies to reduce glutamate, an amino acid which has been linked to depression and other mental health issues. Broccoli sprouts are generally available at health food stores, and at some supermarkets. If they are hard to come by, no problem: you can sprout your own. You can get information on “DIY” broccoli sprouts here. Finally, broccoli sprouts are available as an extract. Other helpful supplements for type 2 diabetes include ginseng, cinnamon and bitter melon. In addition, there is strong evidence that alpha lipoic acid (ALA) supplements can improve insulin resistance and reduce the pain of neuropathy. Typically, ALA dosages are 600 mg a day, but – as always – consult your integrative doctor before supplementing with these natural nutrients for type 2 diabetes. Naturally, proper nutrition plays an important role in the control of type 2 diabetes, as well. Diabetes-friendly foods include fatty fish, dark leafy greens, avocados, eggs, legumes, chia seeds, Greek yogurt and nuts. Naturally, it’s wise to banish processed foods, GMOs, refined sugars, fried foods and trans fats from your diet. Bottom line: this exciting new research shows that sulphoraphane-packed broccoli sprouts can help score a “direct hit” against type 2 diabetes and its health consequences. Sources for this article include: Sciencemag.org, MedicalNewsToday.com, NIH.gov, WebMD.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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Study Shows Oxidant Hydrogen Peroxide Can Actually Slow Down Cell Ageing

AHA Publisher — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 08:00:24 +0000

Chalmers University of Technology via News-Medical Net – At high concentrations, reactive oxygen species – known as oxidants – are harmful to cells in all organisms and have been linked to ageing. But a study from the Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, has now shown that low levels of the oxidant hydrogen peroxide can stimulate an enzyme that helps slow down the ageing of yeast cells. One benefit of antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, is that they neutralise reactive oxygen species – known as oxidants – which may otherwise react with important molecules in the body and destroy their biological functions. Larger amounts of oxidants can cause serious damage to DNA, cell membranes and proteins for example. Our cells have therefore developed powerful defence mechanisms to get rid of these oxidants, which are formed in our normal metabolism. It was previously believed that oxidants were only harmful, but recently we have begun to understand that they also have positive functions. Now, the new research from the Chalmers University of Technology shows that the well-known oxidant hydrogen peroxide can actually slow down the ageing of yeast cells. Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical used for hair and tooth whitening, among other things. It is also one of the oxidants formed in our metabolism that is harmful at higher concentrations. The Chalmers researchers studied the enzyme Tsa1, which is part of a group of antioxidants called peroxiredoxins. Previous studies of these enzymes have shown that they participate in yeast cells’ defences against harmful oxidants. But the peroxiredoxins also help extend the life span of cells when they are subjected to calorie restriction. The mechanisms behind these functions have not yet been fully understood.” Mikael Molin, Study Lead, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology It is already known that reduced calorie intake can significantly extend the life span of a variety of organisms, from yeast to monkeys. Several research groups, including Mikael Molin’s, have also shown that stimulation of peroxiredoxin activity, in particular, is what slows down the ageing of cells, in organisms such as yeast, flies and worms, when they receive fewer calories than normal through their food. “Now we have found a new function of Tsa1,” says Cecilia Picazo, a postdoctoral researcher at the Division of Systems and Synthetic Biology at Chalmers. “Previously, we thought that this enzyme simply neutralises reactive oxygen species. But now we have shown that Tsa1 actually requires a certain amount of hydrogen peroxide to be triggered in order to participate in the process of slowing down the ageing of yeast cells.” Surprisingly, the study shows that Tsa1 does not affect the levels of hydrogen peroxide in aged yeast cells. On the contrary, Tsa1 uses small amounts of hydrogen peroxide to reduce the activity of a central signalling pathway when cells are getting fewer calories. The effects of this ultimately lead to a slowdown in cell division and processes linked to the formation of the cells’ building blocks. The cells’ defences against stress are also stimulated – which causes them to age more slowly. “Signal pathways which are affected by calorie intake may play a central role in ageing by sensing the status of many cellular processes and controlling them,” says Mikael Molin. “By studying this, we hope to understand the molecular causes behind why the occurrence of many common diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes shows a sharp increase with age.” The fact that researchers have now come to a step closer to understanding the mechanisms behind how oxidants can actually slow down the ageing process could lead to new studies, for example looking for peroxiredoxin-stimulating drugs, or testing whether age-related diseases can be slowed by other drugs that enhance the positive effects of oxidants in the body. More about: The mechanism of slowed ageing by the enzyme Tsa1: The Chalmers researchers have shown a mechanism for how the peroxiredoxin enzyme Tsa1 directly controls a central signalling pathway. It slows down ageing by oxidising an amino acid in another enzyme, protein kinase A, which is important for metabolic regulation. The oxidation reduces the activity of protein kinase A by destabilising a portion of the enzyme that binds to other molecules. Thus, nutrient signalling via protein kinase A is reduced, which in turn downregulates the division of cells and stimulates their defence against stress. More about: Related results from other research groups: Other studies have also shown that low levels of reactive oxygen species can be linked to several positive health effects. These oxidants are formed in the mitochondria, the ‘powerhouse’ of a cell, and the process, called mitohormesis, can be observed in many organisms, from yeast to mice. In mice, tumour growth is slowed by mitohormesis, while in roundworms it has been possible to link both peroxiredoxins and mitohormesis to the ability of the type 2 diabetes drug metformin to slow cellular ageing. Metformin is also relevant in the hunt for drugs that can reduce the risk of older people being severely affected by Covid-19. Studies in China and the United States have yielded some promising results, and one theory is that metformin may counteract the deterioration of the immune system caused by ageing. To read the original articles click here.

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Is AMPK an Age-Reversing Powerhouse?

AHA Publisher — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 07:00:58 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – Recently, the Institute for Aging Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine announced they’re starting a six-year study to test the life-extending properties of metformin on 3,000 older adults. As someone who is interested in health and longevity, I’m sure you’ve heard that some anti-aging specialists hail this diabetes drug as an “anti-aging miracle.” Not only do I disagree, I warn my patients not to take it. And I certainly don’t consider [a] popular diabetes drug to be any kind of anti-aging miracle. Like many drugs, metformin works in the short term. But most diabetic patients end up taking it forever… Metformin comes with a long list of side effects — ranging from mild to severe. These include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, sinus infection, heart failure, muscle pain and flu-like symptoms. And over time, metformin blocks your body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12.1 B12 is critical to your health. So why would someone willingly take a pharmaceutical when they don’t need it? Many people — including doctors — believe metformin is an anti-aging powerhouse because it can boost levels of an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK truly is an anti-aging wonder. Found in every cell in your body, it functions as an energy sensor… and turns on when your cellular energy levels are low. It’s often referred to as your “master metabolic switch.” Your body produces energy in its mitochondria. This energy is called adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. It fuels everything your body does. As the energy-creating process gets going, ATP is converted into AMP (adenosine monophosphate), which tells the cell it needs more fuel. That’s when AMPK gets moving, jumpstarting the transport of glucose and fats to your mitochondria so it can make more ATP. The problem is that as you age, AMPK activation slows down. That means less ATP and more malfunctioning cells, which leads to inflammation and disease. Low ATP production is the reason you slow down as you age. But when AMPK is activated, your cells jump into survival mode. Your body no longer stores new fat, but burns fat already in storage. It also boosts insulin resistance and pumps glucose into cells from the blood so they can make more ATP. That’s why AMPK is such a powerful weapon against diabetes. At the same time, it builds new mitochondria to provide your cells with even more energy. This, in turn, boosts cellular efficiency and improves the function of organs and tissues. AMPK has also been shown to: Improve cognitive function Reduce cancer risk Lower inflammation Protect against cardiovascular disease In an animal study at the University of California, scientists found increasing AMPK lengthened lifespan 30%. And the animals stayed energized, healthy and active much longer!2 But there are much better ways to boost AMPK than by taking a synthetic drug. I recommend my patients supplement with the “vine of immortality” — a member of the cucumber family known as Gynostemma pentaphyllum. In China, researchers discovered that a tea made from G. pentaphyllum is key to the surprising number of centenarians on one region.3 Today, we know it works by promoting AMPK activity. I recommend taking 150 mg a day in capsule form. Or you can drink the tea like the centenarians do… Live Better, Longer With “Immortality” Tea Bring water to a boil Add 6 grams of G. pentaphyllum leaves Let the brew steep for 10 minutes Pour tea into cup through a strainer and enjoy To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS 1. Ahmed MA, et al. “Vitamin B12 deficiency in metformin-treated type-2 diabetes patients, prevalence and association with peripheral neuropathy.” BMC Pharmacol Toxicol. 2016;17(1):44. 2. Ulgherait M, et al. “AMPK modulates tissue and organismal aging in a non-cell-autonomous manner.” Cell Rep.2014;8(6):1767-1780. 3. Blumert M and Liu J. China’s Immortality Herb. Badger, California: Torchlight Publishing, Inc. 1999. This article has been modified. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Al Sears, MD click here.

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Studies Show Pomegranate Supplement Slows Neurodegenerative Diseases

AHA Publisher — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 07:00:56 +0000

Abigail Klein Leichman via Israel21c – Everybody knows that the pomegranate is a superfood. One of the seven native fruits of Israel, pomegranates are packed with health-promoting and healing antioxidants and vitamins. Now, an Israeli supplement derived from pomegranate seed oil has proven helpful in improving cognitive function in multiple sclerosis patients experiencing cognitive difficulties associated with the disease. Prof. Dimitrios Karussis, the internationally renowned director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center in Jerusalem, found significant improvement in learning ability and text comprehension, word recall and categorization in 30 patients involved in a groundbreaking study of the patented GranaGard supplement. This is just the latest study showing benefits of this over-the-counter supplement. It is not a cure — nerve cell damage is irreversible – but GranaGard seems to prevent or slow neurodegeneration and even reduce symptoms caused by neurodegenerative diseases or aging. The story behind GranaGard begins with Hadassah senior researcher Ruth Gabizon, an experimental neurologist. Several years ago, Gabizon had great results using an Israeli face cream from Lavido containing pomegranate seed oil. She learned that the active ingredient in the oil is punicic acid, a powerful antioxidant. She wondered how this unique polyunsaturated fatty acid (also known as Omega 5) might help her engineered lab mice, which are predisposed to developing the fatal neurodegenerative disorder Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Hoping to prevent the oxidation that causes permanent neuron damage triggering such diseases, Gabizon had been seeking a safe, inexpensive lipid-based antioxidant to protect brain cells. Punicic acid seemed a good candidate. “I came into my lab one morning and said to my students, ‘We’re going to give this to our transgenic mice,’” Gabizon told ISRAEL21c in an interview in 2018. Normally, oils don’t get past the liver. To make the pomegranate seed oil bioavailable to the brain, Gabizon turned to nanotechnology expert Shlomo Magdassi of Hebrew University’s Casali Center for Applied Chemistry. Magdassi met that challenge by breaking the oil down into nanodrops that travel easily through the bloodstream. The formula’s preventive effects in Gabizon’s mice so impressed Magdassi and Gabizon that they’ve both taken it for the past four years as a general wellbeing tonic. In late 2016, the two scientists cofounded Granalix Biotechnologies to market the formulation as a food supplement. Made with punicic acid-rich pomegranate seed oil from Israeli sources, GranaGard is manufactured by Israel’s SupHerb as a soft gelcap. The product is sold worldwide through the Granalix website, through distributors in South America and Europe, and in select Israeli pharmacies. Cracking the Mysteries of Pomegranate Seed Oil Gabizon’s lab has researched and published studies on the mechanism of GranaGard. A paper in Nature explains that the liver converts punicic acid from pomegranate seed oil into conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a strong antioxidant known to inhibit an enzyme associated with the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. “In the brains of people with neurodegenerative diseases, the mitochondria – the energy center of the cell – is stressed,” Gabizon explains. “The antioxidant restores mitochondrial activity to a normal level.” Furthermore, GranaGard significantly lowered amyloid-beta protein in the brains of mice engineered to develop Alzheimer’s disease, preventing the formation of harmful plaques associated with the disease. Human trials in Alzheimer patients are planned. “We are starting a 12-month study on minimal cognitive impairment at the Memory Clinic at Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa,” says Gabizon. A test of GranaGard on a model of mice predisposed to multiple sclerosis is what led to the Karussis study this year. “He suggested to test it on cognition in MS patients,” Gabizon tells ISRAEL21c. “In the last few years, there is a great improvement in managing the physical symptoms of MS with new drugs, but the decline in cognition that affects about half of MS patients is not touched by any of these new drugs and that’s surprising.” Memory Improvement The Karussis study gave 15 patients a placebo and 15 patients GranaGard for three months. The groups were switched for the following three months. Memory and cognition were tested at zero, three and six months. “It turns out those who got GranaGard from the beginning showed improvement in memory, not just in stopping the decline,” says Gabizon. That improvement lasted through the second three months, when they were receiving a placebo. Those who received GranaGard in the second three months only showed improvement in that second stage of the trial. “In addition to cognitive improvement, they all had more energy because of the effect on the mitochondria,” she adds. “This trial represents a scientific breakthrough in treating cognitive impairment resulting from brain cell destruction using natural antioxidants.” A further study will be done on MS patients with early memory impairment, says Gabizon. Dr. Panayiota Petrou, a neurologist who works with Karussis, says they also want to see whether GranaGard can give additional benefits to MS and ALS patients receiving an experimental stem cell treatment. Keeping Our Brains Alive Based on her successful original experiment with a mouse model of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Gabizon has been studying GranaGard’s effects in people. “A large group of family members of genetic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease patients have been taking GranaGard as a preventive treatment for four years. Until now, none of them – including a lot at the ages at risk — have presented signs of disease. This is encouraging but we need more time to establish statistical significance,” Gabizon says. Another study will look at GranaGard’s potential as a natural alternative to the diabetes drug metformin, which many people are using to lessen impacts of aging and neurological aging. “Metformin has side effects because it’s not a natural product,” says Gabizon.“We will do a study comparing metformin to GranaGard.” She adds that the coronavirus pandemic makes this possible use of GranaGard especially relevant because of the devastating effects of lockdown on elders. “So many people are at home, and the confinement and social deprivation can cause cognitive decline. We need to keep our brains alive,” she says. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Israel21c click here.

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Human Gut-in-a-Dish Model Helps Define ‘Leaky Gut,’ and Outline a Pathway to Treatment

AHA Publisher — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 08:00:55 +0000

University of California San Diego Health via Newswise – 3D human gut organoids reveal molecular system that keeps intestinal linings sealed, demonstrate how the system breaks down and how it can be strengthened with the diabetes drug metformin. Leaky gut is most often experienced by older people, patients with cancers or other chronic ailments, and people with especially stressful lifestyles. Stressors break down the zipper-like junctions between the cells that form the gut lining. Microbes and molecules that subsequently leak out through these cell gaps can trigger an immune response, contributing to a variety of diseases driven by chronic inflammation, such as inflammatory bowel disease, dementia, atherosclerosis, liver fibrosis, cancers, diabetes and arthritis. Yet there isn’t a great way for clinicians to tell who has leaky gut and who does not — and there are no treatments to fix it. University of California San Diego School of Medicine researchers are now able to simulate leaky gut conditions for the first time, using 3D models of human intestines generated from patient cells. These small organoids, or “mini-guts,” have revealed new biomarkers that help define what a leaky gut looks like — molecular signals that could one day help clinicians better diagnose the condition, track its progression and evaluate the success or failure of treatments. The team also used the model to explore a potential pathway for tightening leaky guts with a common, available medication. The study, publishing February 10, 2020 in Life Science Alliance, was led by first author Pradipta Ghosh, MD, professor of cellular and molecular medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine and Moores Cancer Center, and senior author Soumita Das, PhD, associate professor of pathology at UC San Diego School of Medicine. Ghosh and colleagues had previously identified a specialized molecular mechanism that helps tighten gut lining junctions — a mechanism they dubbed the stress-polarity signaling pathway. They discovered that the junctions come undone when the pathway is under stress. They also found hints that the diabetes drug metformin might help activate the pathway, tightening up the junctions. But these fundamental discoveries were made in cell lines grown in petri dishes, without relevance in humans — at least not yet. So Ghosh, Das and team turned to the next best thing to a human test subject: 3D gut organoids derived from patients’ intestines. The lining of the gut is not smooth, but more akin to rough terrain, with many peaks and valleys. At the bottom of each valley, known as a crypt, live small reservoirs of stem cells. To produce gut organoids, the researchers collected a tiny amount of these stem cells from patient biopsies and grew them in the lab. As they do in a person’s gut, the stem cells differentiated, or specialized, into the four different cell types that make up the gut lining. But in the lab, outside the body, they rolled up into a ball and formed crypts. In other words, “mini-guts.” To simulate leaky gut conditions, the researchers rolled open the mini-gut balls to expose the surface of the intestinal lining. Then they sprinkled on several types of bacteria, which stressed the gut lining junctions, causing them to fall apart. With this new model, Ghosh, Das and team confirmed that the junctions between cells are controlled by the previously identified stress-polarity signaling pathway. They discovered that the pathway keeping the gut lining intact begins to break down with aging and as colorectal tumors develop. They also measured an increase in markers of inflammation as the gut barrier began to fail. But this stress-polarity signaling pathway can be restored, the team found. The diabetes drug metformin activates AMPK, an enzyme that plays a key role in the stress-polarity signaling pathway. The researchers demonstrated that metformin strengthens the junctions of mini-guts, tightening the lining back up when stressed by bacteria, aging or tumor formation. One measure of stress-polarity signaling pathway strength is the levels of a molecule called occludin. In Ghosh and Das’ experiments, metformin increased occludin levels as much as six-fold compared to untreated cells. Since each is derived from a different person, mini-guts vary in terms of their underlying genetics and epigenetics. That’s a strength, said Ghosh, but also a limitation. “Lots of research is done in mice that are inbred so that they are genetically identical, all in the same cage, eating the same diet, in order to remove these variables from the studies,” she said. “But lab mice are far more standardized than the same human from day to day, or patients we see in the clinics. Here, our model is a better representation of humanity. On the other hand, it also means that each organoid is its own unique experiment. We have to test many organoids to be able to make any claim, which we did in our study.” Researchers next want to take a closer look at the diseases driven by leaky gut. They also plan to test various ways to tighten junctions in the context of aging, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer and other conditions to see if they can reduce or prevent initiation and progression of these diseases. “I think you’d be hard pressed to find a disease in which systemic inflammation is not a driver,” Das said. “That’s why, even though there are so many things we still don’t know, we’re excited about the broad potential this model and these findings open for developing personalized leaky gut therapeutics that target AMPK and the stress-polarity signaling pathway.” This article has been modified. To read the original article click here.

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Turmeric and Curcumin Benefits: Can This Herb Really Combat Disease?

The AHA! Team — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 07:00:00 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS – The herb turmeric is one of the top nutrients in the world, whether we’re talking about the powder, extract or pills. While you may just now be seeing companies advertise it, turmeric isn’t new … In fact, it has a long history of use, particularly in Ayurvedic medicine and other traditional forms of medicine. Turmeric (Curcuma longa), the main spice in the Indian dish curry, is argued by many to be the most powerful herb on the planet at fighting and potentially reversing disease. Turmeric benefits are incredibly vast and very thoroughly researched. Currently, there are over 12,500 peer-reviewed articles published proving turmeric benefits, especially one of its renowned healing compounds, curcumin. Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric responsible for so many of its benefits. In fact, turmeric is even good for dogs thanks to this active ingredient. This puts turmeric on top of the list as one of the most frequently mentioned medicinal herbs in all of science. It has a long history of use, particularly in Ayurvedic medicine and other traditional forms of medicine. Here’s what you need to know about turmeric and curcumin benefits and more. What Is Turmeric and Curmunin? Turmeric comes from the Curcuma longa plant, which grows in India and other Southeast Asian countries. It is a member of the ginger family. The dried root of the Curcuma longa plant is ground into the distinctive yellow powder, giving it the name golden spice. Why is turmeric good for you? There are several chemical compounds found in this herb, known as curcuminoids. The active substance is curcumin. Curcumin is what makes turmeric a “functional food,” defined by the Mayo Clinic as “foods that have a potentially positive effect on health beyond basic nutrition.” Turmeric Nutrition One tablespoon (about seven grams) of ground turmeric contains approximately: • 23.9 calories • 4.4 grams carbohydrates • 0.5 gram protein • 0.7 gram fat • 1.4 grams fiber • 0.5 milligram manganese (26 percent DV) • 2.8 milligrams iron (16 percent DV) • 0.1 milligram vitamin B6 (6 percent DV) • 170 milligrams potassium (5 percent DV) • 1.7 milligrams vitamin C (3 percent DV) • 13 milligrams magnesium (3 percent DV) 12 Turmeric Benefits, Plus Medicinal Uses of Curcumin Practitioners in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda have been prescribing turmeric and its extracts as part of holistic protocols for thousands of years. Practitioners have used it in a number of different ways, for many diseases and ailments. Here are some of the uses and health benefits of turmeric: 1. May Slow or Prevent Blood Clots In both lab and animal studies, the use of turmeric curcumin greatly reduces instances of platelet aggregation and potentially reduces the risk of blood clots forming. One combination lab and animal study conducted in 1986 even suggests curcumin may be a preferable treatment method for people “prone to vascular thrombosis and requiring antiarthritic therapy.” However, this result still needs to be replicated in human trials. 2. Reduces Depression Symptoms Although few studies have been conducted on humans, dozens of research trials have proven that turmeric benefits include being especially effective in reducing depression symptoms in laboratory animals. These results seem to be connected to the way curcumin impacts neurotransmitter function through the brain-derived neurotrophic factor. The journal Phytotherapy Research published the results of an amazing, innovative study in 2014. The study took 60 volunteers diagnosed with major depressive disorder and split the group to determine how patients treated by turmeric curcumin fared against fluoxetine and a combination of the two. Curcumin was equally effective as fluoxetine in managing depression by the six-week mark. Since that breakthrough trial, at least two other studies have observed the impact of turmeric’s major compound, curcumin, in patients with depression. The first involved 56 individuals (male and female), and the second involved 108 male participants. Both used a placebo but did not compare curcumin to any antidepressant, and both studies found that curcumin effectively reduced depression symptoms more than placebo. 3. Fights Inflammation Arguably, the most powerful aspect of curcumin is its ability to control inflammation. The journal Oncogene published the results of a study that evaluated several anti-inflammatory compounds and found that curcumin is among the most effective anti-inflammatory compounds in the world. Several animal trials have been completed investigating the relationship of curcumin and Alzheimer’s disease. In mice, it seems that curcumin “reverses existing amyloid pathology and associated neurotoxicity,” a key feature of the progression of this neurological disease related to chronic inflammation. This study shows turmeric curcumin may help with Alzheimer’s symptoms. 4. Boosts Skin Health Turmeric benefits include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that have proven effective in treating multiple skin conditions. Benefits for skin include increasing “glow and luster” of the skin, speeding up wound healing, calming the pores to decrease acne and acne scarring, and controlling psoriasis flares. One uncontrolled pilot study involving 814 participants even suggests that turmeric paste could cure 97 percent of scabies cases within three to 15 days. Try my Turmeric Face Mask for Glowing Skin. Just keep in mind that this herb can stain the skin, and it may cause an allergic reaction. Do a patch test by applying a dime-size amount to your forearm. Then, wait 24-48 hours to check for any reaction before applying turmeric to your face. 5. May Outperform Common Arthritis Drug Because curcumin is known for its strong anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing characteristics, a study was conducted on 45 rheumatoid arthritis patients to compare the benefits of curcumin in turmeric to the arthritis drug diclofenac sodium (an NSAID), which put people at risk of developing leaky gut and heart disease. The study split these volunteers into three groups: curcumin treatment alone, diclofenac sodium alone and a combination of the two. The results of the trial were eye-opening: The curcumin group showed the highest percentage of improvement in overall [Disease Activity Score] scores and these scores were significantly better than the patients in the diclofenac sodium group. More importantly, curcumin treatment was found to be safe and did not relate with any adverse events. Our study provides the first evidence for the safety and superiority of curcumin treatment in patients with active RA, and highlights the need for future large-scale trials to validate these findings in patients with RA and other arthritic conditions. A review of available randomized, controlled trials confirmed that, of the eight studies available fitting the criteria, “these [randomized clinical trials] provide scientific evidence that supports the efficacy of turmeric extract (about 1000mg/day of curcumin) in the treatment of arthritis.” 6. Could Treat or Prevent Certain Cancers Of all the various topics scientists have tackled in regard to curcumin and disease reversal, cancer (of various types, including prostate cancer) is one of the most thoroughly researched topics. It may help with prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer and other forms of cancer. In the words of global authorities like Cancer Research UK: A number of laboratory studies on cancer cells have shown that curcumin does have anticancer effects. It seems to be able to kill cancer cells and prevent more from growing. It has the best effects on breast cancer, bowel cancer, stomach cancer and skin cancer cells. A July 2017 animal study by researchers at Baylor Scott & White Research Institute found that curcumin may even be able to break through chemo-resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer. 7. May Help Manage Diabetes In 2009, Biochemistry and Biophysical Research Communications published a lab study out of Auburn University that explored the potential of curcuminoids to lower glucose levels. The study discovered that curcumin in turmeric is literally 400 times more potent than metformin (a common diabetes drug) in activating the enzyme AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase). One compound produced by fermentation of curcumin, tetrahydrocurcumin, activated AMPK up to 100,000 times more than metformin in certain cells. AMPK activation is considered by researchers to be a “therapeutic target” for type 2 diabetes, meaning that figuring out how to activate this enzyme has major potential for developing more effective treatments for reducing insulin resistance and reversing diabetes. One of the most common complications of diabetes is damage to nerves known as diabetic neuropathy, which takes several forms and can cause serious symptoms throughout the body from muscle weakness to blindness. A study conducted on rats found that supplementing with curcumin significantly reduced diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (typically localized to feet, legs, arms and hands). Diabetic neuropathy can also lead to kidney failure. A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials confirmed that, in animals, curcumin protects the kidneys of diabetic subjects from the damage of diabetic nephropathy. 8. Combats Obesity A study published in the journal Biofactors showed that curcumin may help reduce proliferation (growth) of fat cells, based on lab results. The researchers found that the anti-inflammatory properties in curcumin were effective at suppressing the inflammatory processes of obesity, therefore helping to reduce obesity and its “adverse health effects.” 9. Supports Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome An in-depth analysis of all the studies evaluating curcumin’s ability to manage ulcerative colitis found that one very well-designed trial tested curcumin plus mesalazine (the typical NSAID prescribed for this condition) against placebo plus mesalazine. Patients taking only placebo and mesalazine were over four times more likely to experience a relapse or flare-up of ulcerative colitis during the six months of the study, suggesting that turmeric benefits may include helping to maintain remission of this chronic disease. One small pilot study investigated the benefit of curcumin supplementation for patients with ulcerative colitis and patients with Crohn’s disease. Although the sample size was very small, all of the ulcerative colitis patients and four out of five Crohn’s patients had marked improvements over two months, suggesting the need for additional research. It shows promise for irritable bowel syndrome and other inflammatory bowel disease symptoms. 10. May Regulate Cholesterol A study published by Drugs in R&D found that curcumin was comparable to atorvastatin at reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the treatment of high cholesterol in humans. This was a follow-up on prior animal research finding similar results. However, a 2014 meta-analysis concluded that curcumin had no effect overall on blood cholesterol (together or split into LDL vs. HDL) or on triglycerides. The study author noted that these results may be due to short study durations and poor bioavailability of the studied curcumin formulations. Further research is needed, but there is evidence that turmeric and curcumin may help manage cholesterol levels. 11. Works as a Natural Pain Reliever One of the more widely accepted properties of curcumin in scientific communities is its ability to manage pain. Breakthrough studies and reviews (some in animals, others in humans) have found that curcumin may be a beneficial natural painkiller for: • Wound healing and burn pain • Post-operative pain • Inflammation-induced arthritic pain • Neuropathic pain caused by constriction injury • Orofacial pain (pertaining to mouth, jaws and face, most commonly related to dental issues) • Sciatic nerve pain from chronic constrictive injury (57) • Arthritis/joint pain 12. Aids in Detoxification An important benefit of turmeric is its ability to detoxify the body. Every day, you are likely exposed to environmental and dietary toxins known as xenobiotics. These chemical substances and not generally present in the human body and are often associated with increased amounts of inflammation and higher risk of cancer. It seems that consumption of this herb and its active compound, curcumin, can help support the liver in efficiently detoxifying the body and fight off some of the effects of dangerous carcinogens. This process operates in tandem with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents of turmeric. Uses 1. Turmeric Recipes You may be wondering how to use turmeric root powder. One of my favorite recipes on the site is turmeric tea, sometimes referred to as liquid gold or golden milk. Be sure not to subscribe to the conventional idea that the fat from the coconut milk is unhealthy. In...

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