Serum cholesterol levels and in-hospital mortality in the elderly
Purpose---Although total cholesterol levels among middle-aged persons correlate with long-term mortality from all causes, this association remains controversial in older persons. We explored whether total cholesterol levels were independently associated with in-hospital mortality among elderly patients.
Methods--We analyzed data from a large collaborative observational study, the Italian Group of Pharmacoepidemiology in the Elderly (GIFA), which collected data on hospitalized patients. A total of 6984 patients aged 65 years or older who had been admitted to 81 participating medical centers during four survey periods (from 1993 to 1998) were enrolled. Patients were divided into four groups based on total cholesterol levels at hospital admission: <160 mg/dL (n = 2115), 160 to 199 mg/dL (n = 2210), 200 to 239 mg/dL (n = 1719), and ≥240 mg/dL (n = 940).
Results--Patients (mean [± SD] age, 78 ± 7 years) were hospitalized for an average of 15 ± 10 days. The mean total cholesterol level was 186 ± 49 mg/dL. A total of 202 patients died during hospitalization. Mortality was inversely related to cholesterol levels (<160 mg/dL: 5.2% [110/2115]; 160–199 mg/dL: 2.2% [49/2210]; 200–239 mg/dL: 1.6% [27/1719]; and ≥240 mg/dL: 1.7% [16/940]; P for linear trend <0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders (demographic characteristics, smoking, alcohol use, indicators of nutritional status, markers of frailty, and comorbid conditions), low cholesterol levels continued to be associated with in-hospital mortality. Compared with patients who had cholesterol levels <160 mg/dL, the odds ratios for in-hospital mortality were 0.49 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34 to 0.70) for participants with cholesterol levels of 160 to 199 mg/dL, 0.41 (95% CI: 0.26 to 0.65) for those with cholesterol levels of 200 to 239 mg/dL, and 0.56 (95% CI: 0.32 to 0.98) for those with cholesterol levels ≥240 mg/dL. These estimates were similar after further adjustment for inflammatory markers and after excluding patients with liver disease.
Conclusion--Among older hospitalized adults, low serum cholesterol levels appear to be an independent predictor of short-term mortality
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In addition to HAARP, the United States has operated two other ionosphere research sites in recent years, one in Puerto Rico, near the Arecibo Observatory, and the other (known as HIPAS) in Alaska near Fairbanks. Both of these facilities were built with both active and passive radio instrumentation similar to those at the HAARP facility. Interest in the ionosphere is not limited to the US: a five-country consortium operates the European Incoherent Scatter Radar site (EISCAT), a premier ionosphere research facility located in northern Norway near Tromso. Facilities also are located at Jicamarca, Peru; near Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod (“SURA”) and Apatity, Russia; near Kharkov, Ukraine and in Dushanbe, Tadzhikistan. All of these installations have as their primary purpose the study of the ionosphere, and most employ the capability of stimulating to a varying degree small, localized regions of the ionosphere in order to study methodically, and in a detailed manner what nature produces randomly and regularly on a much larger scale.
More information on the HAARP Fact Sheet – Click Here LINK`http`www.haarp.alaska.edu/haarp/factSheet.html`text-align: -webkit-left; `LINK
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Uncovered, the 'toxic' gene hiding in GM crops: Revelation throws new doubt over safety of foods
- EU watchdog reveals approval for GM foods fails to identify poisonous gene
- 54 of the 86 GM plants approved contain the dangerous gene
- Gene found in food for farm animals producing meat, milk and eggs
- Biotech supporters argue there is no evidence that GM foods are harmful
By Sean Poulter, Consumer Affairs Editor
A virus gene that could be poisonous to humans has been missed when GM food crops have been assessed for safety[U1] . GM crops such as corn and soya, which are being grown around the world for both human and farm animal consumption, include the gene. --A new study by the EU's official food watchdog, the European Food Safety Authority(EFSA), has revealed that the international approval process for GM crops failed to identify the gene[U2] . A new study conducted by the EU has shown that standard tests for GM foods may be missing a potentially poisonous gene for humans--As a result, watchdogs have not investigated its impact on human health and the plants themselves when assessing whether they were safe. --The findings are particularly powerful because the work was carried out by independent experts, rather than GM critics.-It was led by Nancy Podevin, who was employed by EFSA, and Patrick du Jardin, of the Plant Biology Unit at the University of Liege in Belgium. They discovered that 54 of the 86 GM plants approved for commercial growing and food in the US, including corn and soya, contain the viral gene, which is known as 'Gene VI'. --In this country, these crops are typically fed to farm animals producing meat, milk and eggs.--Significantly, the EFSA researchers concluded that the presence of segments of Gene VI 'might result in unintended phenotypic changes'. --Such changes include the creation of proteins that are toxic to humans. They could also trigger changes in the plants themselves, making them more vulnerable to pests. -Critics say the revelations make clear that the GM approvals process, which has been in place for 20 years, is fatally flawed. --They argue the only correct response is to recall all of the crops and food products involved. Director of the campaigning group, GM Freeze, Pete Riley, said the discovery of the gene, 'totally undermines claims that GM technology is safe, precise and predictable'. He said: 'This is a clear warning the GM is not sufficiently understood to be considered safe. 'Authorisation for these crops must be suspended immediately, and they should be withdrawn from sale, until a full and extended review of their safety has been carried out[U3] .' Typically, GM crops are modified in the laboratory to give them resistance to being sprayed with powerful weed killers such as Monsanto's Round-up. -This means that, in theory, fields can be doused with the chemical, so wiping out the weeds and allowing the food plants to thrive. ---It was previously assumed that virus genes are not present in plants once they are grown in the field and reach consumers, however it is now clear that this is not the case--The modification process involves inserting genes into the plants using a technique that allows them to piggyback on viruses that are commonly found in the soil and plants. It has been assumed that virus genes are not present in the plant once it is grown in the field and reaches consumers, however it is now clear that this is not the case. --A review of the EFSA research in Independent Science News said the presence of the viral gene appears to have been missed by biotech companies, universities and government regulators.'This situation represents a complete and catastrophic system failure[U4] ,' it said. 'There are clear indications that this viral gene might not be safe for human consumption[U5] . It also may disturb the normal functioning of crops, including their natural pest resistance. 'A reasonable concern is that the protein produced by Gene VI might be a human toxin. This is a question that can only be answered by future experiments[U6] .' -Biotech supporters argue that there is no evidence from countries such as the USA that eating GM food causes any harm[U7] . However, the reality is that no health monitoring has taken place to establish this. The findings will embarrass the government and the food and farming Secretary, Owen Patterson, who has embarked on a pro-GM propaganda exercise designed to win over sceptical consumers. -Mr Patterson recently rejected public concerns as 'humbug' and 'complete nonsense'. Policy director at the Soil Association, Peter Melchett said: 'For years, GM companies have made a deliberate and chilling effort to stop independent scientists from looking at their products 'This is what happens when there is a complete absence of independent scrutiny of their GM crops.' Biotech firms are represented by the Agricultural Biotechnology Council(ABC). -Its chairman, Dr Julian Little, said the EFSA study was one small part of a strict and complex scrutiny process. -He said: 'Over the past 25 years, the European Commission has funded more than 130 research projects involving 500 independent research groups which have found no higher risks to the environment or food chain from GM crops than from conventional plants and organisms.--'Furthermore, nearly three trillion meals containing GM ingredients have been eaten without a single substantiated case of ill-health. The combination of these two facts can give consumers a huge amount of confidence in the safety of GM crops[U8] .' GM critics and EFSA are at odds over the implications of the research paper, which was written by the deputy chairman of the organisation’s advisory panel on the issue and a former senior member of staff.---EFSA insists that the research highlighting the presence of Gene VI does not represent a new discovery of a viral gene and does not indicate a safety concern about GM crops already approved.[U9] It said the viral gene ‘cannot infect animals or humans and therefore presents no threat to human or animal health’. This is challenged by GM critics who say there is no research evidence to justify this statement.
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- Undercover reporters found a 'shocking' number of cannibalism incidents
- Up to 10,000 people feared dead after 'hidden famine' in farming provinces
- Drought and confiscated food contribute to desperate shortage, reports say
- Reports of men digging up corpses for food and murdering children
By Becky Evans
A starving man in North Korea has been executed after murdering his two children for food, reports from inside the secretive state claim. A 'hidden famine' in the farming provinces of North and South Hwanghae is believed to have killed up to 10,000 people and there are fears that incidents of cannibalism have risen[U10] .
The grim story is just one to emerge as residents battle starvation after a drought hit farms and shortages were compounded by party officials confiscating food.--North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has spent vast sums of money on two rocket launches despite reports of desperate food shortages in the country and concerns that 10,000 people have died in a famine[U11] Undercover reporters from Asia Press told the Sunday Times that one man dug up his grandchild's corpse and ate it. Another, boiled his own child for food. Despite reports of the widespread famine, Kim Jong Un, 30, has spent vast sums of money on two rocket launches in recent months. There are fears he is planning a nuclear test in protest at a UN Security Council punishment for the recent rocket launches and to counter what it sees as US hostility. One informant was quoted as saying: 'In my village in May a man who killed his own two children and tried to eat them was executed by a firing squad.'Farming communities, such as these pictured outside the capital Pyongyang last year, have been desperately hit by drought which has led to reports of people turning to cannibalism in a bid to ward off starvation One official said the fields are in such a bad state from drought that he had to avert his eyes [U12] The informant said the father killed his eldest daughter while his wife was away on business and then killed his son because he had witnessed the murder. When his wife returned the man told her they had 'meat' but she became suspicious and contacted officials who discovered part of the children's bodies. Jiro Ishimaru, from Asia Press, which compiled a 12 page report, said: 'Particularly shocking were the numerous testimonies that hit us about cannibalism.' Undercover reporters said food was confiscated from the two provinces and given to the residents of the capital Pyongyang. A drought then left food supplies desperately short[U13] . -Cannibalism has also been reported in the vast network of prison camps inside North Korea, such as Camp 22, pictured, where 50,000 are believed to be imprisoned
The Sunday Times also quoted an official of the ruling Korean Worker's party as saying: 'In a village in Chongdan county, a man who went mad with hunger boiled his own child, ate his flesh and was arrested. United Nations officials visited the area during a state-sponsored trip but local reporters said it is unlikely they were shown the famine-hit areas.--It has not the first time that reports of cannibalism have come out of the country. ---In May last year, the South Korean state-run Korean Institute for National Unification said that one man was executed after eating part of a colleague and then trying to sell the remains as mutton. ---One man killed and ate a girl and a third report of cannibalism was recorded from 2011. --Another man was executed in May after murdering 11 people and selling the bodies as pork. There were also reports of cannibalism in the country's network of prison camps. North Korea was hit by a terrible famine in the 1990s - known as the Arduous March - which killed between 240,000 and 3.5million people.
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Chemotherapy can backfire, make cancer worse by triggering tumor growth
Scientists found that healthy cells damaged by chemotherapy secreted more of a protein called WNT16B, which boosts cancer cell survival. 'The increase in WNT16B was completely unexpected," --
Long considered the most effective cancer-fighting treatment, chemotherapy may actually make cancer worse, according to a shocking new study. The extremely aggressive therapy, which kills both cancerous and healthy cells indiscriminately, can cause healthy cells to secrete a protein that sustains tumor growth and resistance to further treatment[U14] . Researchers in the United States made the "completely unexpected" finding while seeking to explain why cancer cells are so resilient inside the human body when they are easy to kill in the lab. They tested the effects of a type of chemotherapy on tissue collected from men with prostate cancer, and found "evidence of DNA damage" in healthy cells after treatment, the scientists wrote in Nature Medicine.--Chemotherapy works by inhibiting reproduction of fast-dividing cells such as those found in tumors. The scientists found that healthy cells damaged by chemotherapy secreted more of a protein called WNT16B which boosts cancer cell survival. "The increase in WNT16B was completely unexpected," study co-author Peter Nelson of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle told AFP. The protein was taken up by tumor cells neighboring the damaged cells. "WNT16B, when secreted, would interact with nearby tumor cells and cause them to grow, invade, and importantly, resist subsequent therapy," said Nelson. In cancer treatment, tumors often respond well initially, followed by rapid re-growth and then resistance to further chemotherapy. Rates of tumor cell reproduction have been shown to accelerate between treatments. -"Our results indicate that damage responses in benign cells... may directly contribute to enhanced tumor growth kinetics," wrote the team. -The researchers said they confirmed their findings with breast and ovarian cancer tumors.
The result paves the way for research into new, improved treatment, said Nelson."For example, an antibody to WNT16B, given with chemotherapy, may improve responses (kill more tumor cells)," he said in an email exchange. "Alternatively, it may be possible to use smaller, less toxic doses of therapy."
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/shock-study-chemotherapy-backfire-cancer-worse-triggering-tumor-growth-article-1.1129897#ixzz2JNCoqn69*******************************************************************************
Splenda’s Many Secrets-- Gut Flora Destruction--Side Effects
It’s becoming increasingly clear that aspartame is bad news. But what about the other artificial sweetener, sucralose (Splenda)? Is Splenda safe?
Known commercially as Splenda, sucralose is a synthetic product—a chlorinated sugar molecule—of McNeil Nutritionals, LLC, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. Splenda continues to be avidly used by consumers watching their weight and blood sugar. The Calorie Control Council is only too happy to tear apart arguments that Splenda may not be as safe as purported, including studies—even by the prestigious Duke University—and assertions by alternative medicine practitioners like Dr. Mercola, who compared sucralose to DDT.
Splenda and DDT
As The Examiner states, “most pesticides are chlorocarbons and…the bonds holding carbon and chlorine atoms together in sucralose are more characteristic of a chlorocarbon than a salt.”---The Calorie Control Council (CCC) claims, rightfully, that DDT is virtually insoluble in water and soluble in fats, such as those found in the body. “The small amount of sucralose that is absorbed is rapidly eliminated in urine.” Splenda’s makers have admitted that, on average, 15 percent of sucralose is absorbed. (Remember that that’s an average, meaning some people may absorb significantly more, others significantly less.)---Because sucralose is not a naturally occurring product, however, it might be safe to say that the body, unable to metabolize it, absorbs it via the digestive system and ultimately stores it in the body. (Perhaps a scientist can peaceably weigh in on this.)
Sucralose and the Gut--Its absorption by the digestive system may explain why researchers at Duke University in 2008 found that Splenda negatively alters gut microflora in rats and may limit the bioavailability of drugs and nutrients (The study can be found here as published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health.) A myriad other studies showing Splenda’s adverse effects—ranging from bowel disturbances, kidney mineralization, and tumor growth—can be reviewed here.--In one human (albeit small) study, nutritionist Tamara Duker Freuman found that “because [Splenda’s] sweet taste is not accompanied by the calories (energy) our brain expects it to be, the complex systems our bodies have to regulate energy balance may be thrown off kilter. The result is that of a diet high in artificial sweeteners may possibly, over time, cause people to seek out more calories from other sources in order to satisfy cravings that sweet—but calorically empty—foods create.”
Human Bias Affecting Studies
Although the CCC accuses studies like Duke’s as having flaws (specifically, “lack of proper control groups”), one may say the same of the studies used in defense of Splenda. One cited often was published in the November 2010 issue of Food and Chemical Toxicology, in which sucralose was found to have no genotoxicity.
It’s worth noting, however, that the makers of Splenda co-authored the study. Keep in mind, too, that Johnson & Johnson (affiliated with Splenda) was recently hit with a $1 billion fine for marketing Risperdal for unapproved uses and regularly puts toxins like formaldehyde, parabens, and phthalates in many of its products. It was only in 2011 that they promised to take known and possible carcinogens out of its infant care products, and it will take them until 2015 (allegedly) to do the same for adult toiletries.
Here is some information regarding the 110 studies proving Splenda’s safety:
- The 110 “animal and human studies” consisted of 2 studies involving humans, with a total of 36 people involved.
- The longest human study lasted 4 days, and focused on Splenda’s impact on tooth decay.
- Some of the remainder “safety studies” showed Splenda to cause decreased red blood cells, male infertility, brain lesions (at high doses), spontaneous abortions in a rabbit population.
Consumer-Reported Side Effects
Consumers of Splenda have themselves come forward with complaints (which can admittedly have mitigating factors), including:
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Migraines
- Seizures
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Allergic response
- Blood sugar increases
- Weight gain
Splenda is comprised of the high-potency artificial sweetener sucralose (1.1%) and the fillers maltodextrin and glucose. Splenda was administered by oral gavage at 100, 300, 500, or 1000 mg/kg to male Sprague-Dawley rats for 12-wk, during which fecal samples were collected weekly for bacterial analysis and measurement of fecal pH. After 12-wk, half of the animals from each treatment group were sacrificed to determine the intestinal expression of the membrane efflux transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and the cytochrome P-450 (CYP) metabolism system by Western blot. The remaining animals were allowed to recover for an additional 12-wk, and further assessments of fecal microflora, fecal pH, and expression of P-gp and CYP were determined. At the end of the 12-wk treatment period, the numbers of total anaerobes, bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, Bacteroides, clostridia, and total aerobic bacteria were significantly decreased; however, there was no significant treatment effect on enterobacteria. Splenda also increased fecal pH and enhanced the expression of P-gp by 2.43-fold, CYP3A4 by 2.51-fold, and CYP2D1 by 3.49-fold. Following the 12-wk recovery period, only the total anaerobes and bifidobacteria remained significantly depressed, whereas pH values, P-gp, and CYP3A4 and CYP2D1 remained elevated. These changes occurred at Splenda dosages that contained sucralose at 1.1–11 mg/kg (the US FDA Acceptable Daily Intake for sucralose is 5 mg/kg). Evidence indicates that a 12-wk administration of Splenda exerted numerous adverse effects, including (1) reduction in beneficial fecal microflora, (2) increased fecal pH, and (3) enhanced expression levels of P-gp, CYP3A4, and CYP2D1, which are known to limit the bioavailability of orally administered drugs.
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Undiagnosed coeliac disease in patients with emphysema-
+ Author Affiliations
- *Depts of Internal Medicine,
- #Respiratory Medicine, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- P.R. Burgel, Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, 27 rue du Faubourg St Jacques, 75679 Paris, Cedex 14, France. E-mail: pierre-regis.burgel@cch.aphp.fr
To the Editors:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by progressive and poorly reversible airflow obstruction due to small airway disease and emphysema. Cigarette smoking is the major cause of COPD, but the disease also occurs in nonsmokers. In nonsmokers, environmental factors (e.g. second-hand smoking and inhalation of toxic gas), genetic factors (e.g. the rare α1-antitrypsin deficiency) and infectious factors (e.g. HIV infection) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. We report on two cases of COPD with emphysema in nonsmokers with long-standing undiagnosed coeliac disease.
A 71-yr-old female was referred to our hospital (Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France) for dyspnoea and cough, which had evolved over 5 yrs. She had suffered from alternating diarrhoea and constipation for many years, ascribed to functional bowel disease. She had never been exposed to inhaled toxics and had never smoked. Examination revealed a body mass index (BMI) of 18 kg·m−2 and a chest computed tomography (CT) image revealed pulmonary distension and emphysema (fig. 1). Spirometry revealed severe airflow limitation (table 1). Serum α1-antitrypsin was normal. Treatment with long-acting bronchodilators was initiated. After 7 yrs of follow-up, the patient complained of progressive weight loss (BMI 15 kg·m−2) and increased diarrhoea. Vitamin D deficiency was found, suggesting malabsorption. Anti-endomysium, anti-gliadin and anti-transglutaminase antibodies were detected. Gastroscopy revealed a macroscopic aspect of pavimental mucosa and duodenal biopsies showed subtotal villous atrophy with increased numbers of intraepithelial lymphocytes, confirming coeliac disease. Diarrhoea and weight loss improved markedly on a gluten-free diet, but no significant changes in lung function were observed.
View larger version:
a) High-resolution computed tomography images obtained in patient 2 reveals focal areas of low attenuation (arrowheads) within a homogeneous background of lung parenchyma, characterising centrilobular emphysema. b) Bullous emphysema in the same patient.
Table 1– Characteristics of patients
A 59-yr-old female was referred to our hospital (Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris) after two episodes of acute bronchitis and weight loss of 5 kg. She had never smoked and had never been exposed to inhaled toxics. She also complained of asthenia, chronic pain of the wrists and fingers, and chronic itching for several years. She signalled that she had always had soft saddles. Examination showed mild malnutrition (BMI 18 kg·m−2). Laboratory tests showed chronic microcytic anaemia and severe iron deficiency. A chest CT image showed centrilobular and bullous emphysema, which predominated in lower lobes (fig. 1). Spirometry showed mild airflow limitation and plethysmography revealed pulmonary hyperinflation. Serum α1-antitrypsin was normal. The patient declined bronchoscopy and no bronchoalveolar lavage was performed. Gastroscopy was performed to explore iron deficiency and showed a typical pavimental aspect of duodenal mucosa. Biopsies revealed total villous atrophy with lymphocytic infiltrate of the mucosa. Antibodies against gliadin, endomysium and transglutaminase were all positive. Further exploration showed marked vitamin D deficiency and severe osteoporosis. Coeliac disease was treated with a gluten-free diet, which resulted in a rapid improvement in itching, joint pain and diarrhoea. No significant changes in pulmonary abnormalities occurred.
Coeliac disease was originally considered a rare malabsorption syndrome of childhood, but is now recognised as a common condition that may be diagnosed at any age. Coeliac disease may affect many organ systems including the neurological system, skin and liver 1. Previous reports have suggested links between coeliac disease and several pulmonary manifestations, including diffuse pulmonary nodules, interstitial fibrosis, lymphocytic bronchoalveolitis and pulmonary haemosiderosis 2. ---An association between emphysema and coeliac disease has been previously suggested 3–5. In a study of a case of malabsorption, intestinal mucosal atrophy and ulceration, cirrhosis, and emphysema, the authors suggested that emphysema was unrelated to coeliac disease because the patient was a heavy smoker 3. In another report, coeliac disease was associated with emphysema, which was ascribed to α1-antitrypsin deficiency 5. In a pathological study of lung specimens obtained in 14 patients (10 current or ex-smokers) with coeliac disease complaining of respiratory symptoms (e.g. dyspnoea and/or cough), Edwards et al. 4 described airflow obstruction in seven patients and peribronchiolar fibrosis in 12 patients. However, because lung function was normal in the four nonsmokers and because most bronchiolar abnormalities were found in current or ex-smokers, the authors suggested that these findings were unrelated to coeliac disease 4. ---Our cases differ from previous reports in that both patients were lifelong nonsmokers and had no α1-antitrypsin deficiency. Although we cannot rule out that the observed associations between coeliac disease and emphysema occurred by chance, our report is consistent with the findings of Tarlo et al. 6 who reported mild airflow obstruction in 18 subjects with biopsy-proven coeliac disease compared with 18 control subjects matched for age, sex and smoking.
Coeliac disease is a unique autoimmune disorder because the environmental precipitant (gluten) is known 1. Recently, evidence has emerged that auto-immunity may be involved in the pathogenesis of alveolar destruction characteristic of emphysema 7. Because autoimmune diseases are often associated, it is possible that both diseases coexist and/or that auto-antibodies share antigen specificity. Another possible explanation is related to long-standing malnutrition. Severe malnutrition caused by starvation during World War II or by anorexia nervosa has been associated with the development of emphysema 8. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency, which was present in our patients, has been linked with abnormal lung function 9. We suggest that long-standing malabsorption occurring in patients with coeliac disease may induce lung inflammation and emphysema. In support of the latter hypothesis, Brightling et al. 2 reported CD4+ lymphocytic bronchoalveolitis in a 68-yr-old female with a 1-yr history of dry cough, which improved markedly after several months on a gluten-free diet. We could not demonstrate such findings in our patients because patient 1 had severe bronchial obstruction and patient 2 declined bronchoscopy.
In summary, we suggest that coeliac disease diagnosis should be considered in patients with emphysema, especially when classical risk factors for emphysema (e.g. smoking) are absent. Further research is also warranted to examine the prevalence of emphysema in patients with coeliac disease. If confirmed, the association between emphysema and coeliac disease may provide new insights into the pathogenesis of emphysema and coeliac disease.
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Hydrogen Sulfide- The Next Anti-Aging Agent
Jan. 29, 2013 — Hydrogen sulfide* (H2S) may play a wide-ranging role in staving off aging, according to a paper published online ahead of print in the journal Molecular and Cellular Biology. In this review article, a team from China explores the compound's plethora of potential anti-aging pathways. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is the third endogenous signaling gasotransmitter, following nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. It is physiologically generated by cystathionine-γ-lyase, cystathionine-β-synthase, and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase. H2S has been gaining increasing attention as an important endogenous signaling molecule because of its significant effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems. substantial evidence shows that H2S is involved in aging by inhibiting free-radical reactions, activating SIRT1, and probably interacting with the age-related gene Klotho. Moreover, H2S has been shown to have therapeutic potential in age-associated diseases. This article provides an overview of the physiological functions and effects of H2S in aging and age-associated diseases, and proposes the potential health and therapeutic benefits of H2S.
"H2S has been gaining increasing attention as an important endogenous signaling molecule because of its significant effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems," the team writes. The evidence is mounting, they note, that hydrogen sulfide slows aging by inhibiting free-radical reactions, by activating SIRT1, an enzyme believed to be a regulator of lifespan, and probably through its interactions with a gene, klotho, which appears to have its own market basket of anti-aging activity.----Hydrogen sulfide is produced within the human body, and has a variety of important physiological effects. For example, it relaxes the vascular endothelium and smooth muscle cells, which is important to maintaining clean arteries as one ages, says first author Zhi-Sheng Jiang, of the University of South China, Hunan. It functions as an antioxidant. And it inhibits expression of pro-inflammatory factors, all of which "imply an important role in aging and age-associated diseases," according to the paper. For example, mice lacking CSE, the gene for an enzyme involved in producing H2S, manifest extensive, premature arteriosclerosis, an inevitable consequence of aging, says Jiang.---The gene, klotho, which appears to be upregulated by hydrogen sulfide, is thought to extend lifespan via a number of different pathways, some of which promote production of endogenous antioxidants, according to the report. Produced in the kidneys, it has direct angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibiting activity; that is, it's an ACE inhibitor, just like certain drugs that mitigate high blood pressure. Not surprisingly, plasma H2S declines with age, and is lower in spontaneously hypertensive rats than in those with normal blood pressure. More generally, a lack of H2S is implicated in cardiovascular disease.---A decline in H2S is also thought to undermine neurological health. Endogenous H2S has been found wanting in an animal model of Parkinson's disease, and is found to be depressed in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. There are even suggestions, mostly in animal models, but also in human studies, that H2S may be protective against cancer, according to the report.---"Data available so far strongly suggest that H2S may become the next potent agent for preventing and ameliorating the symptoms of aging and age-associated diseases," concludes Jiang. In the future, he says, people may take H2S via food, or as an anti-aging supplement.----* Hydrogen sulfide (British English: hydrogen sulphide) is the chemical compound with the formula H2S. It is a colorless, very poisonous, flammable gas that gives off the odor of rotten eggs.--Journal Reference-Y. Zhang, Z.-H. Tang, Z. Ren, S.-L. Qu, M.-H. Liu, L.-S. Liu, Z.-S. Jiang. Hydrogen Sulfide: Next Potent Preventive and Therapeutic Agent in Aging and Age-associated Diseases. Molecular and Cellular Biology, 2013; DOI: 10.1128/MCB.01215-12
Function in the body
Hydrogen sulfide is produced in small amounts by some cells of the mammalian body and has a number of biological signaling functions. (Only two other such gases are currently known: nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO).)
The gas is produced from cysteine by the enzymes cystathionine beta-synthase and cystathionine gamma-lyase. It acts as a relaxant of smooth muscle and as a vasodilator[28] and is also active in the brain, where it increases the response of the NMDA receptor and facilitates long term potentiation,[29] which is involved in the formation of memory.
SPECIAL NOTE!!!!
Dairy Products-Most Dairy Products contain Cysteine.--Eggs--Yolks Meats-Most Meats contain Cysteine.—Nuts-Most Nuts contain Cysteine. –Seeds-Most Seeds contain Cysteine.—Vegetables-Garlic & Onions---Broccoli----Brussels Sprouts
Alliin (also known as S-allyl-L-Cysteine Sulfoxide or S-allyl-Cysteine) is a Cysteine derivative present in Garlic.
Cysteine Hydrochloride (Cysteine HCl) is a form of supplemental Cysteine that consists of 77% L-Cysteine bound to 23% Hydrochloric Acid (HCl).
L-Cysteine is the natural endogenous state of Cysteine (i.e. NOT D-Cysteine).
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) is an endogenous derivative of Cysteine that is regarded by some researchers as the optimal form of supplemental Cysteine. NAC is more water-soluble than regular Cysteine.
S-allylmercaptocysteine is a Cysteine derivative present in Garlic.
S-methyl Cysteine is a Cysteine derivative present in Garlic.
Gamma-glutamyl S-allyl cysteine is a Cysteine derivative present in Garlic.
Eventually the gas is converted to sulfite in the mitochondria by thiosulfate reductase, and the sulfite is further oxidized to thiosulfate and sulfate by sulfite oxidase. The sulfates are excreted in the urine.[30]
Due to its effects similar to nitric oxide (without its potential to form peroxides by interacting with superoxide), hydrogen sulfide is now recognized as potentially protecting against cardiovascular disease.[28] The cardioprotective role effect of garlic is caused by catabolism of the polysulfide group in allicin to H2S, a reaction that could depend on reduction mediated by glutathione.[31]
Though both nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide have been shown to relax blood vessels, their mechanisms of action are different: while NO activates the enzyme guanylyl cyclase, H2S activates ATP-sensitive potassium channels in smooth muscle cells. Researchers are not clear how the vessel-relaxing responsibilities are shared between nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide. However there exists some evidence to suggest that nitric oxide does most of the vessel-relaxing work in large vessels and hydrogen sulfide is responsible for similar action in smaller blood vessels.[32]
Recent findings suggest strong cellular crosstalk of NO and H2S,[33] demonstrating that the vasodilatatory effects of these two gases are mutually dependent. Additionally, H2S reacts with intracellular S-nitrosothiols to form the smallest S-nitrosothiol (HSNO), and a role of hydrogen sulfide in controlling the intracellular S-nitrosothiol pool has been suggested.[34]
Like nitric oxide, hydrogen sulfide is involved in the relaxation of smooth muscle that causes erection of the penis, presenting possible new therapy opportunities for erectile dysfunction.[35][36]
In Alzheimer's disease the brain's hydrogen sulfide concentration is severely decreased.[37] In trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) the body produces an excess of hydrogen sulfide.[30] Hydrogen sulfide is also involved in the disease process of type 1 diabetes. The beta cells of the pancreas in type 1 diabetes produce an excess of the gas, leading to the death of beta cells and to a reduced production of insulin by those that remain.[32]
Garlic has long been touted as a health booster, but it’s never been clear why the herb might be good for you. Now new research is beginning to unlock the secrets of the odoriferous bulb.
In a study published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers show that eating garlic appears to boost our natural supply of hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide is actually poisonous at high concentrations — it’s the same noxious byproduct of oil refining that smells like rotten eggs. But the body makes its own supply of the stuff, which acts as an antioxidant and transmits cellular signals that relax blood vessels and increase blood flow.---In the latest study, performed at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, researchers extracted juice from supermarket garlic and added small amounts to human red blood cells. The cells immediately began emitting hydrogen sulfide, the scientists found. The power to boost hydrogen sulfide production may help explain why a garlic-rich diet appears to protect against various cancers, including breast, prostate and colon cancer, say the study authors. Higher hydrogen sulfide might also protect the heart, according to other experts. Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine earlier this year found that injecting hydrogen sulfide into mice almost completely prevented the damage to heart muscle caused by a heart attack.
[U1]I love this term “missed” or would it mean over looked because they knew the issues in the day and now are beginning to further there agenda
[U2]Is someone else bell ringing on this??/they have the most sophistcaed equipment on the planet and they “ MISSED THIS!”---who are we kidding here
[U5]Not Safe for Human consumption???---I have been saying this for over 10 years about the fact we are consuming viruses and now here it is and as a result we maybe consuming direct via vege fruit or
[U6]Now this is an irony we proclaim the dangers of this virus and now we do not know enough til future experiments---sounds like a money grab to me to further to agenda 21
[U7]What a lousy example to use –canada is worse---since there is no official labeling or unofficial –there is no bases for this statement---if there was labeling and people ate the food knowing what was in it would determine the cause of the illness or debilitation---since we do not record this then there is really no double blind just a stating of hypothesis
[U8]Question I ask how many people did they settle out of court or pay off just so this would not be reported—thereby altering the statistics?
[U9]Doesn’t this sound like a FDA buy out?? Is this not what happened to the USA and any other FDA affiliations globally!! When you read this and it is showing 54/86 GMO crops are contaminated and they are feeding this to the livestock and it can damage both animal and humans---what then is this saying???!!! It is saying here there will be a negotiation with the EFSA to hide research like this as well as other things being hidden so people cannot make accurate decisions and keep on following options that are presented rather then choices
[U10]Things to look forward to---and they want to disarm people here in North America when this kind of insanity is going on globally—if this were to happen here in North America) CAN/USA) then we will have a problem—a lot of people do not have any skills other then what they have programmed to do---others have lost there capacity to be autonomous---these people will panic and proceed to burglarize and kill to have what the perceive---stay armed and prepared and stocked
[U11]Guns instead of grains---what stupidty---or is it planned?
[U12]Could it be a weather modification attack—could it be a HAARP or RF attack?? Could the drought be a way to insure cooperation?? Makes me go hmm
[U13]Weather Modicfication
[U14]This is why if you must go through this insanity then take essiac teas---dandelion and turmeric teas to offset the side effect of the chemo ---not to mention protecting your liver as a result of the detoxing these poison that you will excrete
