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Improve Digestive Health for the Sake of 7 Other Systems

AHA Publisher — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 07:00:51 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Do you deal with digestive issues? If so, you don’t just deal with digestive issues. Digestive issues actually affect many systems in the body. On the flip-side, there’s great news! When you improve digestive health, you positively affect all those systems and whole body health! In fact, the health of your digestive microbiota (bacteria in your digestive tract) affects literally every other part of your body. Brain health. Metabolism and weight management. Immune health. Heart health. Blood sugars. Skin health. Although it may seem far-reaching, this area of medical research is changing the way we think about foods, bacteria, and human health. Here’s how improving digestive health improves your whole body, and how you can start today. Improve Digestive Health to Improve Whole Body Health – 7 Ways 1. ENERGY METABOLISM AND WEIGHT Amazingingly, the gut microbiota (healthy bacteria) contributes not only to how your body digests nutrients, but how it metabolizes, uses, and burns them. In fact, studies have found that altered gut microbiota has been associated with unhealthy weights and metabolic issues related to them (1). In fact, one study concluded that the use of a probiotic alone or together with a prebiotic influenced body fat mass in healthy adults with high weight (2). Another study followed to see if changes in the gut microbiota due to probiotic supplementation improved gut barrier function, metabolism, and obesity-related markers. The researchers found positive correlation in this study (3). When you improve digestive health, you encourage better metabolism! 2. BLOOD SUGARS The gut microbiota affects tissue physiology, metabolism, and function of both the immune and nervous systems. We found that intrinsic Altered blood sugars have a huge impact on individual health as well as our health as a society. Can a healthy digestive system help? Amazingly, our digestive tracts have their own “nervous system.” It is outside the central nervous system, and affects the health of systems throughout the body (4, 5). In animal studies, scientists investigated how changes in digestive nervous system cells (enteric-associated neurons) in the lower digestive tract affected glucose metabolism. Specifically, they looked at changes in the microbiota associated with the cells. They found that microbiota depletion led to loss of the neuron cells and impaired glucose regulation (6). While more research is needed, this leads us to believe impaired microbiota hurts glucose metabolism and blood sugars. This has implications for the metabolism, weight, and blood sugar issues that plague more than 50% of American adults. Improve digestive health and support glucose metabolism and healthy blood sugars! 3. IMMUNE HEALTH Before the industrial revolution, humans consumed natural, wild, and pre-agricultural foods. Since then, Western societies have relied on semi-processed and ultra-processed foods as the primary source of nutrition. This change has had a huge impact on the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract and gut health. In fact, The industrialized Western diet and changes in gut microbiota has been shown to have negatively impacted human digestive physiology and immune health (7). How? It’s estimated that 80% of your immune system “lives” in your gut. These immune components form the gut mucosal immune system, and consist of lymph nodes, lamina propria, epithelial cells. They make up a protective barrier for the integrity of the intestinal tract. Studies have found that depressed gut microbiota causes a significant immune system deficiency. On the other hand, healthy, viable microbiota play a vital role in the development and maintenance of a health gut immune system (8). How can you bolster your immune system? Focus on your gut. When you improve digestive health, you support your immune system! 4. BRAIN HEALTH The degradation of immune health that has followed poor digestive health doesn’t stop with immunity. Impaired immune responses in turn cause exaggerated neuroinflammation. This means inflammation of neurons in the brain. Neuroinflammation, unfortunately, is linked with brain impairment and dysfunction. In fact, many experts implicate the modern Western diet in the development of many health and brain issues including memory impairments, neurodegenerative issues, and depressed moods. This propagation of these brain and health impairments are amplified with the consumption of ultra-processed foods and excessive energy intake (9). There is growing evidence that this relationship may be more than just coincidental. In fact, researchers have found that the bidirectional signaling between the brain and gut is vital for maintaining homeostasis and regulation of the central nervous system (CNS) and enteric nervous system (ENS). This communication system between the gut-brain and the brain is called the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis (10). This means the health of each nervous system is dependent on the other. When you improve digestive health, you support healthy brain function. 5. HEART HEALTH Take note, cardiovascular illness is still the leading cause of death and disability in developed countries. In fact, it is responsible for approximately ⅓ of deaths in the United States and ¼ of the deaths in Europe (11). What’s more, we’re experiencing a steady increase in many risk factors for poor heart health, including blood sugar impairments, metabolic issues, and unhealthy weights (12). Does the human gut microbiota affect heart health? Microbial sequencing analysis has a lot of information about gut microbiota and heart health issues (13, 14). What’s more, studies also show that changes in gut microbiota affects metabolism, blood sugars, weight, and more (as described above) (15, 16). When it comes to direct effects on heart health, scientists know that gut microbiota produce numerous metabolites that are absorbed into the circulatory system while biologically active (8, 13). This means that gut bacteria communicates directly with organs through circulatory pathways, enzymes, and more, including the heart (17, 18, 19). Want to support heart health? When you improve digestive health, you support the health of your heart! 6. EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis doesn’t just affect physical health or physical brain function, it affects emotional and mental health as well. While the gut-brain and enteric neurons don’t seem capable of thought like the brain in our heads, they do communicate with the “big brain” in ways that affect emotions. According to a Johns Hopkins Medicine report, “The ENS may trigger big emotional shifts experienced by people coping with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional bowel problems such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, pain and stomach upset. Researchers are finding evidence that irritation in the gastrointestinal system may send signals to the central nervous system (CNS) that trigger mood changes” (20, 21, 22). In fact, doctors are reporting that they may have thought of the relationship between digestive issues and anxious or depressed moods backwards for years. In other words, we’ve thought that anxious and depressed moods may trigger digestive issues. Now, studies and anecdotal reports are finding that many people with serious digestive issues develop emotional and mental impairments at a higher-than-normal rate. Since 30-40% of our adult population deal with impaired digestion from time to time, this is a huge issue for mental health (23). What can be done? First, we can start with healthy digestion. When you improve digestion and gut health, you support your mental health. 7. SKIN HEALTH More and more people seem to be suffering from skin impairments, from eczema to psoriasis. Could our modern, processed diets and the resulting damage to the microbiota and immune system be one cause? Scientists are now studying the effects of probiotics and prebiotics on skin health. These studies include both topical and ingested formulations. Here’s what they are finding: Ingested and topical probiotics improve skin and gut microbiota. The skin ecosystem is a complex environment covered with many strains of bacteria. Some are beneficial, some are essentially neutral, and others are harmful or at least potentially harmful. Scientists have found pre- and probiotics can optimize, maintain and restore the microbiota of the skin in different ways. Topical formulations have a direct effect on the skin by enhancing the natural defenses of skin. Ingested probiotics have a positive effect on skin by supporting the immune system and reducing inflammatory responses systemically (throughout the body) (23). Ready for healthier skin? When you improve digestive health, you support skin health! How Can You Support Digestive Health? Start with a great probiotic supplement. Dr. Colbert formulated his Dr. Colbert Beyond Biotics™ with 12 billion healthy probiotic bacteria units that have been proven to encourage optimal digestive health in just 4 weeks! In fact, Beyond Biotics™ contains 3 clinically studied and tested probiotic strains consisting of 12 billion bacteria, supporting the immune response and natural defenses. If you want to encourage great health in all the systems listed above, this is where to start. Next, begin Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone Plan. It will teach you, step-by-step, how to improve your digestive health, support your entire body, and improve brain function, alertness and health starting today! Join Dr. Colbert in his challenge to prioritize your gut health. It can make all the difference to your whole body. Continue a Healthy Lifestyle with Beyond Keto! Dr. Colbert’s Beyond Keto program combines Keto Zone and Mediterranean foods to support gut health! In fact, studies have found the Mediterranean diet specifically improves gut microbiota and its associated metabolism functions (24). Get started with Dr. Colbert’s Beyond Keto today and supports digestive and whole-body health! Bottom Line It should be obvious. When you improve digestion, you positively affect every other system in your body. It could not be more important. If you need one health aspect to focus on, start here. Make your digestive health a priority today, and support the health of your entire body. To read the original article click here.

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NEW Study Reveals SURPRISING Cause of Multiple Sclerosis

AHA Publisher — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 08:00:27 +0000

Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease in which a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks their central nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It can lead to a wide range of signs and symptoms, from numbness and weakness in the limbs to blurry vision to bowel and bladder problems. There are still so many unknowns about MS, which affects about 2.6 to 2.8 million people worldwide. But recent research from Harvard University points to an unexpected potential cause: the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). New Harvard Study Sheds Light on Potential Cause of MS: A Common Herpes Virus Led by researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, a study recently found a “high prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus associated with multiple sclerosis.” Senior author Alberto Ascherio said in an article published by Harvard that the “hypothesis that EBV causes MS has been investigated by our group and others for several years, but this is the first study providing compelling evidence of causality.” The evidence came from an analysis of serum samples taken from 10 million U.S. soldiers over 20 years. Of this cohort, around 1,000 were diagnosed with MS during their period of service. After establishing the soldiers’ EBV status at the time of their first serum sample and tracking their medical histories, the Harvard researchers determined that the risk of MS was 32 times greater after infection with EBV. Interestingly, this increased risk of MS “was not increased after infection with other viruses.” What’s more, the authors found that the serum levels of a biomarker of nerve damage typical in MS patients increased only after EBV infection. Based on these findings, the authors conclude that their data indicate EBV is “the leading cause of MS.” Right now, there is no way to prevent or treat EBV infection, Ascherio says to Harvard, but suggests that specific drugs or vaccines against EBV may help “prevent or cure” MS. Never Heard of the Epstein-Barr Virus Before? Here Are Three Things to Know Epstein-Barr isn’t a virus we hear about very often in the media, even though it is pervasive. To help you understand more about this virus, here are three things you might not know about Epstein-Barr: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a member of the herpes virus family that spreads easily, primarily via bodily fluids such as saliva, semen, and blood. A person can become infected with EBV by sharing food, drinks, utensils, and toothbrushes with someone who already has it. It really is extremely common. According to Science Daily, around 90 percent of all people will be infected with EBV at some point in their lifetime, but usually with no adverse effects. Most people who contract EBV will not go on to develop MS. Other diseases or illnesses already associated with EBV infection include infectious mononucleosis (“mono”) and certain types of cancer, including Hodgkin lymphoma. Signs and symptoms of an acute EBV infection, which usually occurs in childhood, are similar to those seen in other viral infections, including fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, enlarged spleen and liver, and a skin rash. But while acute infections are often easy to recognize, chronic, low-grade infections are much more difficult to identify. If you suspect that EBV may be wreaking havoc in your body, seeking out an integrative physician may be your best bet, as they tend to be more familiar with how EBV infections work. They understand that after exposure, EBV lies dormant in your body, even after the initial symptoms subside. As long as your immune system is robust and you are healthy, your body’s specialized immune cells will keep the virus dormant. But when your immune system becomes compromised, EBV can come out of hiding and become reactivated. Keeping your immune function strong is a critical part of tackling EBV infections. So, make your health a top priority. After all, it’s a great foundation for a good life. Sources for this article include: MayoClinic.org Harvard.edu Science.org NationalMSsociety.org CDC.gov Cancerresearchuk.org Cell.com Sciencedaily.com NIH.gov

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Childhood Brain Tumors Linked to Mother’s Exposure to Pesticides

AHA Publisher — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 07:00:03 +0000

UCLA Fielding School of Public Health via Newswise – LOS ANGELES (April 2, 2021) – Research published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Research suggests that exposure during pregnancy to a wide variety of pesticides may lead to the development of central nervous system tumors during childhood. And the increased risk of these tumors – estimated as much as twice to 2.5 times higher for some pesticides – occurs even if the mother is not a farmworker, but lived as much as 2.5 miles (4000 meters) away from the field where the pesticides are sprayed, researchers found. “Exposure to certain pesticides, simply through residential proximity to agricultural applications during pregnancy, may increase the risk of childhood central nervous system tumors,” said Dr. Beate Ritz, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health (FSPH) professor of epidemiology and of environmental health sciences, one of the co-authors. “Policy interventions to reduce pesticide exposure in individuals residing near agricultural fields should be considered to protect the health of children.” The research – “Residential Proximity to Pesticide Application as a Risk Factor for Childhood Central Nervous System Tumors” – is being published in an upcoming edition of the peer-reviewed journal Environment Research, and is available on-line. Pesticides have been investigated as possible risk factors for childhood cancer since the 1970s, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has classified more than 100 as possible or probable carcinogens, based on toxicological and epidemiological data. “Many pesticides are neurotoxicants, and have even been found in cord blood, indicating placental transfer of these toxins to the developing fetus,” said co-author Shiraya Thompson, an epidemiology MS candidate at FSPH. “This, in turn, suggests prenatal pesticide exposure may increase childhood brain cancer risk.” This latest work, however, is the first study to track exposure and estimate risks of 77 separate and specific pesticides, said co-author Dr. Julia Heck, associate dean for research at the University of North Texas College of Health and Public Service and an associate professor of epidemiology at FSPH. “This study is the first, to our knowledge, to estimate effects for a large number of specific pesticides in relation to CNS tumor subtypes,” Heck said. “Our results suggest that exposure to specific pesticides may best explain the results of previous studies that reported relationships between broader pesticide types and central nervous system tumors.” The research team, from UCLA, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and the University of Southern California, all in Los Angeles, and the University of North Texas, analyzed cases of childhood central nervous system tumors in California between 1998 and 2013, with a focus on those living near agricultural fields. “California’s agricultural work force numbers more than 800,000, according to state estimates,” said Dr. Christina Lombardi, a co-author and epidemiologist with the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. “In addition to the negative health effects of pesticides on workers there are large numbers of pregnant women and young children living adjacent to treated fields who may experience detrimental health effects as well.” Their findings include that three types of cancers – medulloblastoma, ependymoma, and astrocytoma – are associated with specific pesticides, and the pesticides inuron, thiophanate-methyl, and triforine are possibly carcinogenic, among others. Because pesticides are often applied to fields and orchards from the air, the study makes clear that while California’s agricultural workforce are the most at risk, any expectant mother who lives in a community adjacent to agricultural land is as well, said co-author Dr. Myles Cockburn, with the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine. “This transition from farmland to residential neighborhoods is abrupt across California, and, of course, constantly changing as farmland is developed,” Cockburn said. “The simplest way to mitigate these risks are by reductions in exposure to pesticides, through restrictions as aerial spraying and air blast that lead to increased drift, and by farming methods that decrease reliance on pesticides.” Methods: Cancer cases in children ages 0 to 5 years were drawn from California Cancer Registry records for 1988-2013 and matched to their birth certificates using name, date of birth, and social security number when available. The team achieved 89% matching success; most of the remaining 11% were likely born out of state. Researchers also excluded birth addresses outside of California; exposure information was not available for these locations, since most states do not require pesticide use reporting. The team limited analyses to the time period when full residential addresses were available on the electronic dataset of birth certificates (1998-2011). Because of the focus on rural areas, the present study was restricted to those mothers living during pregnancy within 2.5 miles (4000 meters) of an agricultural field to which at least one pesticide was applied. The final study population consisted of 387 cases of all astrocytoma (combined), 119 cases of diffuse astrocytoma, 256 cases of pilocytic astrocytoma, 123 cases of ependymoma, 157 cases of medulloblastoma, and 123,158 controls. Possible carcinogens were selected per the U.S. EPA’s classifications, and prenatal exposure was assessed according to pesticides reported by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation’s Pesticide Use Reporting system. To read the original article click here.

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Why You Should “Trust Your Gut” — Your Second Brain

AHA Publisher — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 08:00:40 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Have you ever had a “gut feeling” about something? Well, it turns out you may want to pay attention to that feeling because researchers now consider the gut to be the “second brain” of the human body! It turns out there are more than 100 million neurons in your intestinal system. Referred to as the “enteric nervous system,” this brain in the gut acts very similarly to the brain in the head. The gut can receive impulses, record experiences, and respond to emotions. The Micro-Biome and Neurotransmitters The 100 million neurons in the gut interact with chemicals that control their function called neurotransmitters. It turns out that a large portion of the neurotransmitters in the body are produced by bacteria in the gut! These bacteria make up what is called the micro-biome. This refers to the ecosystem of bacteria in your gut. The micro-biome is responsible for creating up to 90% of the body’s serotonin and about 50% of the body’s dopamine. Moreover, the intestines produce and co-regulate 30 other neurotransmitters that are utilized by the central nervous system to regulate mood, stress levels, sleep patterns, mental functioning and a number of other essential body processes. Obviously, the second brain is responsible for much more than just digestion. So maybe those gut feelings actually are giving you some valuable information! However, the true nature of this incredibly complex system is still under research. Your Gut Affects Your Mind A study published in Gastroenterology showed that women who were given probiotic yogurt twice a day for 4 weeks had a calmer and more controlled reaction when shown images of various facial expressions. The bacteria in the yogurt included Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains which are found in Dr. Colbert’s Beyond Biotics Ultra Blend Probiotics formula. Other research in mice has correlated certain strains of gut bacteria with anxiety. Mice specifically raised to have no bacteria in their gut were inoculated with bacteria from the guts of anxious mice. The inoculated mice then proceeded to exhibit anxious behavior. This has huge implications in how powerfully the bacteria in our gut can affect how we feel. Heal Your Gut, Heal Your Mind If you or your loved ones suffer from mental disorders such as anxiety or depression, then this research is incredibly promising. By taking steps to balance and improve the health of your gut you can make positive changes in how you feel on a day-to-day basis. Here are a few tips to help you heal your gut: Reduce Your Added Sugar Intake – Pathogenic bacteria thrive on high sugar diets Eat More Fermented Foods – This includes sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, kombucha, kimchi, kvass, and raw cheese. Use a High Quality Probiotic – Living Probiotic, Living Chia, and Fermented Green Supremefood are all good options. Eat More Healthy Fats – Coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, and Maximum MCT Oil all help subdue pathogenic bacteria. Eat your fats away from your probiotics so that you do not kill off the good guys! Implementing these simple changes will help balance the bacterial diversity in your gut making you more mentally and physically resilient so that the next time you get a “gut feeling” you will know that you can trust it! More and more, science is proving that a healthy digestive system is the key to a healthy brain and body—and the power to keep your gut healthy lies directly with you! Get Dr. Colbert’s Healthy Gut Zone book today to help you understand the connection between your gut and your health. You will learn that whatever inflames your gut will eventually inflame your brain and the rest of your body. Making the right food choices will become the medicine in which you will walk and live in divine health. References https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/06/gut-bacteria-on-the-brain/395918/ http://www.psyking.net/id36.htm https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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How Does Sleep Affect Your Immunity?

AHA Publisher — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 08:00:48 +0000

Ratan-NM, M. Pharm. via News-Medical Net – Adequate sleep is vital for good health; unfortunately, not many people relate to this feeling. Amidst the growing workload and late-night culture, the importance of proper sleep is often side-lined. This issue is much relevant in the current pandemic when people are working from home. Insomnia and Its Consequences Insomnia is a condition in which a person is unable to fall asleep. A person with insomnia may present with the following symptoms: Feels sleepy and tired throughout the day Is always irritated Have problems in focussing on one thing and memorizing stuff Lack of sleep in the long term may increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Sleep is also vital for a proper immune response; lack of sleep can weaken your immune system; it can increase the body’s susceptibility to infection and hamper the ability to fight the illness. Lack of Sleep and Immunity The sleeping and feeding habits of all the animals, including humans, are governed by the circadian rhythm. The word circadian is taken from the Latin word “circa,” which means day and “diem” means around. Circadian rhythm is a natural process that controls the sleep-wake cycle. The sleep-wake cycle is determined by complex interactions between the central nervous system, endocrine system, and the immune system. During sleep, your body releases cytokines, which are essential for the regulation of the immune system. Cytokines are required in increased amounts when you are attacked by a pathogen or are under stress. The level of cytokines increase during sleep, and therefore lack of sleep hinders the body’s ability to fight infections. This is also a reason why the body tends to sleep more while suffering from any infection. According to the National Sleep Foundation, chronic sleep loss poses a potential risk to the immune system. In a study conducted by Ackermann et al., researchers compared white blood cell counts of 15 subjects under normal and severely sleep-deprived conditions. In the first part of the study, 15 participants followed a strict 8-hour sleep schedule for a week. During the study period, they were exposed to 15 minutes of sunlight within 1 ½ hour of waking up and made to refrain from caffeine, alcohol, or medication during the last three days, to normalize their circadian cycle. In the second part of the study, participants were subjected to 29 hours of continuous wakefulness period. After study completion, the white blood cell counts of the participants were compared, and it was found that a type of white blood cells known as granulocytes reacted to the sleep deprivation in a typical way of body’s stress response, that too particularly at night. What Is the Optimal Amount of Sleep? The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following sleep ranges: Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours Infants (4-11 months): 12-15 hours Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours School-age children (6-13 years): 9-11 hours Teenagers (14-17 years): 8-10 hours Younger adults (18-25 years): 7-9 hours Adults (26-64 years): 7-9 hours Older adults (65years and above): 7-8 hours The above numbers reflect the ideal amount of sleep in normal circumstances; however, there are certain cases when people need more sleep, for example, while recovering from illness, jet lag, radical time zone shift, etc. Can Good Sleep Improve Immunity? Poor quality sleep can deteriorate immune response; however, a good night’s sleep can increase your immunity. Good quality sleep helps improve the efficiency of T helper cells. T helper cells are the cells that fight invading bacteria, viruses, or any foreign antigen cells as part of the body’s defense system. Whenever a foreign pathogen enters the body, our immunity cells recognize them and release a protein called integrin. Integrin helps T cells to bind with the foreign antigensand ultimately destroy it. According to a study published in the Journal of experimental medicine, T cells activate integrins and also identify the factors that can compromise the efficiency of T cells in attaching to the target pathogen. It was found that hormones like adrenaline, noradrenaline, and pro-inflammatory molecules like prostaglandins interrupted T cells from combining with integrins. The level of these stress hormones (adrenaline, noradrenaline) and prostaglandins decreases during sleep. Hence, good sleep boosts the efficiency of T cells and improves the immune response of the body. The benefits of good sleep are well established. Good sleep must be a priority in every person’s life. Maintaining sleep hygiene, like sleeping in a comfortable and dark, cold environment, and eliminating electronics at night can help achieve good sleep. Regular exercising and avoiding alcohol and caffeine are also vital in improving sleep quality. Sources Irwin, M. R., (2017). Sleep Health: Reciprocal Regulation of Sleep and Innate Immunity. Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 42(1), 129–155. https://doi.org/10.1038/npp.2016.148 Reis, E. S., et al. (2011). Sleep and circadian rhythm regulate circulating complement factors and immunoregulatory properties of C5a. Brain, behavior, and immunity, 25(7), 1416–1426. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2011.04.011 National Sleep Foundation Recommends New Sleep Times. National Sleep Foundation. Available at: www.sleepfoundation.org/…/national-sleep-foundation-recommends-new-sleep-times Sleep deprivation effect on the immune system mirrors physical stress. Available at: www.sleepfoundation.org/…/ Dimitrov, S., et al. (2019). Gαs-coupled receptor signaling and sleep regulate integrin activation of human antigen-specific T cells. The Journal of experimental medicine, 216(3), 517–526. https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20181169 Ackermann, K., Revell, V. L., Lao, O., Rombouts, E. J., Skene, D. J., & Kayser, M. (2012). Diurnal rhythms in blood cell populations and the effect of acute sleep deprivation in healthy young men. Sleep, 35(7), 933–940. https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.1954 To read the original article click here.

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Cashew Shell Compound Appears to Mend Damaged Nerves

AHA Publisher — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 07:00:10 +0000

Vanderbilt University Medical Center via EurekAlert – In laboratory experiments, a chemical compound found in the shell of the cashew nut promotes the repair of myelin, a team from Vanderbilt University Medical Center reports today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Myelin is a protective sheath surrounding nerves. Damage to this covering — demyelination — is a hallmark of multiple sclerosis and related diseases of the central nervous system. “We see this as an exciting finding, suggesting a new avenue in the search for therapies to correct the ravages of MS and other demyelinating diseases,” said the paper’s senior author, Subramaniam Sriram, MBBS, William C. Weaver III Professor of Neurology and chief of the Division of Neuroimmunology. Previous work led by Sriram showed that a protein called interleukin 33, or IL-33, induced myelin formation. IL-33 is, among other things, an immune response regulator, and multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder. The cashew shell compound is called anacardic acid. Sriram and team grew interested in it because it’s known to inhibit an enzyme involved in gene expression called histone acetyltransferase, or HAT, and the team had discovered that whatever inhibits HAT induces production of IL-33. The report includes a range of new findings that point to potential therapeutic use of anacardic acid for demyelinating diseases: In vitro, the addition of the compound to rat cells most responsible for myelination — oligodendrocyte precursor cells, or OPCs — spurred induction of IL-33 and rapidly increased the expression of myelin genes and proteins, including dose-dependent increases in myelin basic protein; In two animal models of demyelination, treatment with the compound increased the relative presence of IL-33-expressing OPCs and led to reduced paralysis; In an animal model of demyelination treated with the compound, dissection and electron microscopy showed dose-dependent increases in myelination. “These are striking results that clearly urge further study of anarcardic acid for demyelinating diseases,” Sriram said. To read the original article click here.

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In Wake of COVID-19 Pandemic, a Crashing Wave of Neuropsychiatric Problems?

AHA Publisher — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 07:00:49 +0000

University of California – San Diego via EurekAlert – Past pandemics suggest some of those exposed to novel coronavirus could face heightened risk for a range of brain diseases and disorders, from depression and psychosis to immune complications of the central nervous system. In an article posted online April 13, 2020 in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, a trio of researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine suggest that in the aftermath of the novel coronavirus pandemic, a host of neuropsychiatric challenges may remain — or emerge — for those recovering from COVID-19 infections. “Past pandemics have demonstrated that diverse types of neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as encephalopathy, mood changes, psychosis, neuromuscular dysfunction or demyelinating processes, may accompany acute viral infection, or may follow infection by weeks, months, or longer in recovered patients,” the authors warn. “Our article seeks to bring the medical community’s attention to the need for monitoring and investigations to mitigate such outcomes, not to cause panic among individuals whose lives are already greatly affected by this pandemic.” Encephalopathy is a broad term for any insult that alters brain function or structure, and therefore one’s mental status. Demyelination is loss of the protective myelin sheathing of nerve cells, resulting in neurological problems. “COVID-19 is a significant psychological stressor, both for individuals and communities,” said senior author Suzi Hong, PhD, associate professor in the departments of Psychiatry and Family Medicine and Public Health at UC San Diego School of Medicine. “There are fears of illness, death and uncertainty of the future. This pandemic is a potential source of direct and vicarious traumatization for everyone.” But less attention, wrote Hong and co-authors Emily Troyer, MD, and Jordan Kohn, PhD, has been focused on the impact the virus itself may have on the human central nervous system (CNS) and related neuropsychiatric outcomes. The authors noted that studies of past respiratory viral pandemics indicate diverse types of neuropsychiatric symptoms can arise, including increased incidence of insomnia, anxiety, depression, mania, suicidality, and delirium, which followed influenza pandemics in the 18th and 19th centuries. “Encephalitis lethargica is an inflammatory disorder of the CNS marked by hypersomnolence (abnormal sleepiness), psychosis, catatonia, and Parkinsonism. Incidence increased around the time of the 1918 pandemic,” said the authors. During more recent viral outbreaks, such as SARS-CoV-1 in 2003, H1N1 in 2009, and MERS-CoV in 2012, there were subsequent reports of higher rates of narcolepsy, seizures, encephalitis (brain inflammation), Guillain-Barre syndrome and other neuromuscular and demyelinating conditions. “Reports are already surfacing of acute CNS-associated symptoms in individuals affected by COVID-19,” said Hong, including greater stroke incidence in severely infected patients in Wuhan, China, along with delirium and loss of smell and taste senses. (A survey of UC San Diego Health patients treated for COVID-19, published April 12, 2020 issue of International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology, described the first empirical findings strongly associating sensory loss with COVID-19. The loss was temporary, said the authors, with taste and smell returning within two to four weeks of infection.) Hong, Troyer and Kohn say the neuropsychiatric consequences of the current novel coronavirus pandemic are not yet known, but likely will be significant and last for years. They said emerging evidence suggests the biomedical community should begin monitoring for symptoms of neuropsychiatric conditions and the neuroimmune status of persons exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. “We will need to do this at different points in their lives, for years to come, to fully appreciate this pandemic’s effects on neuropsychiatric outcomes for differing age groups, and how to better prepare for pandemics to come,” Hong said. To read the original article click here.

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