Ray was an old style businessman. In these times of worker smarter, Ray created his business through a lot of extremely demanding work. Like many men, he had not paid much attention to his health but now as he was in his late 50s many aches and pains just weren´t going away. A visit to his local doctor resulted in a referral to an orthopaedic specialist.
The news was not good. "You have severe osteoarthritis in your right hip. You will need to go on some anti-inflammatory medication and you will probably need to have a hip replacement by the years end."
It all came as a huge shock to Ray. He was stammering a bit,trying to make sense of how this could have happened.
"How did I get this?" he asked.
The specialist replied in a rather dismissive way, " Unfortunately it is just one of those things that happen to us when we get older. It is quite common for your age."
Ray was not happy. He was not happy with the manner that the specialist spoke to him and he was not at all happy to be labeled as old. He was determined to give the doctor a piece of his mind when a thought came to him.
"Hey," he said. "Do I have any arthritis in my left hip? "he asked.
"The scans show that you left hip is clear of any arthritis," replied the specialist.
"If arthritis is caused by old age, how come I have no arthritis in my left hip. It´s the same age?"
You may be wondering what actually causes arthritis?
Arthritis is the degeneration of joints as a result of three common scenarios:
Arthritis Cause No.1: After they have been damaged by injury or trauma
Particularly severe injury that physically damages a joint beyond its capacity to repair itself will inevitably result in some arthritic changes. It is very difficult if not impossible to prevent arthritic change in this instance. However the amount of arthritic change can be limited by addressing the following two areas.
Arthritis Cause No.2:
Excessive load being placed on them due to poor alignment or poor posture
Car tires can wear out unevenly and prematurely due to poor alignment and so can the joints in your body. When you have an upright and balanced posture your body weight is evenly distributed throughout your body. However, poor posture and alignment causes the weight to be unevenly distributed with some areas getting off lightly and other areas getting worn out by the excessive load.
Arthritis Cause No.3:Lack of flexibility resulting from a lack of use
If you only use joints in a limited manner in which you do not routinely exercise your joints to their full range of motion, the lack of movement will limit the amount of nutrition to the joints. This effectively begins to starve the joint surfaces of the necessary ingredients required to be able to maintain a healthy joint. It backs up the old adage, "If you don´t use it, you lose it."
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Glucosamine may reduce pain, is considered safe
I've been taking 1,000 mg of glucosamine daily for a couple of years. It has done wonders for my cartilage trouble, and now I do not get water on the knee. Should I be worried about taking it over the long term?
Unfortunately, there's no reliable information available to answer your question. Without long-term scientific research, it's impossible to know whether stopping or continuing glucosamine is the better choice.
There have been some very good studies of glucosamine in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Studies suggest its use is associated with reduced pain from osteoarthritis of the knee similar in magnitude to an anti-inflammatory medication (such as ibuprofen or naproxen). For unclear reasons, glucosamine may improve moderate or severe symptoms more reliably than it does for mild joint pain.
As for other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or for osteoarthritis affecting joints other than the knee, we have even less information about glucosamine's effectiveness.There is significant controversy and skepticism about claims that glucosamine has benefits beyond reducing knee pain from osteoarthritis. It's unclear whether glucosamine can help heal damaged joints or prevent future joint damage. Regarding joint swelling, or "water on the knee," this is not one of the proven benefits of glucosamine. It's possible that you would have improved even without the supplement.
Unfortunately, there's no reliable information available to answer your question. Without long-term scientific research, it's impossible to know whether stopping or continuing glucosamine is the better choice.
There have been some very good studies of glucosamine in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Studies suggest its use is associated with reduced pain from osteoarthritis of the knee similar in magnitude to an anti-inflammatory medication (such as ibuprofen or naproxen). For unclear reasons, glucosamine may improve moderate or severe symptoms more reliably than it does for mild joint pain.
As for other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or for osteoarthritis affecting joints other than the knee, we have even less information about glucosamine's effectiveness.There is significant controversy and skepticism about claims that glucosamine has benefits beyond reducing knee pain from osteoarthritis. It's unclear whether glucosamine can help heal damaged joints or prevent future joint damage. Regarding joint swelling, or "water on the knee," this is not one of the proven benefits of glucosamine. It's possible that you would have improved even without the supplement.
Monday, May 19, 2008
10 alternative meds
Dandruff — tea tree oil
Tea tree oil can do the trick in wiping out dandruff's white flakes naturally. Derived from plant leaves native to Australia, it has been used for centuries as an antiseptic and antifungal agent. Aboriginals applied crushed leaves to skin cuts, burns and infections. Today, tea tree oil is found in shampoos, soaps and creams. While not many studies have been done on it, one found that tea tree oil shampoo significantly reduced dandruff. It also may work on athlete's foot, toenail fungus and acne.
Migraines — acupuncture
Anyone who's had migraine headaches knows you'd try almost anything to make them go away. For many, that includes the ancient Chinese practice of inserting thin needles into specific parts of the body. Studies have supported its use. The largest, published in the March 2006 The Lancet Neurology, found that acupuncture may be as effective as traditional medicines in treating migraines. Experts caution, however, that if you don't see an improvement after several treatments, acupuncture probably won't help.
Insomnia — yoga
Can't sleep? Relax, take a deep breath and stretch. Doing yoga at least three times a week might help you. Yoga's deep breathing and meditation techniques clear the body of stress, making it easier to fall asleep. And unlike some sleep pills, it won't leave you feeling groggy the next morning. Although yoga is widely recommended and used to treat insomnia, the scientific proof is sparse. A national study that is under way could change that.
Depression — St. John's wort
Sometimes referred to as herbal Prozac, small European studies have concluded that St. John's wort (hypericum perforatum) is useful in treating mild depression, but not severe depression. For that, more studies are needed. Be careful, though. The product interacts poorly with some medications and may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, which could be depressing to some.
Common cold — echinacea
Echinacea is the most-used natural product, and for good reason: It helps fight the common cold. Various studies have cheered and jeered the purple coneflower, which is native to North America. The latest study, in 2007, said echinacea boosts immunity and helps shorten and prevent colds. The millions of users probably tend to agree.
Sunburn — aloe vera
After a long day at the beach, many use aloe vera for relief. It dates to ancient Egypt, where the plant was given as a burial gift to pharaohs. Today, studies have shown that aloe gel can help burns as well as abrasions. The gel, which is squeezed from the leaves of the aloe plant, is antibacterial and stimulates the immune system. People also take aloe orally for conditions including diabetes and asthma, although scientific evidence doesn't support the use.
Back pain — chiropractic treatment
One in five U.S. adults have tried chiropractic treatment, according to a 2002 national survey. Most seek a chiropractor for back pain, neck pain or headaches. The idea is that when the spine, or another body part, is out of whack, the body can't heal itself. And here's the good part: Unlike most alternative medicine, many insurance policies cover chiropractic care. Just make sure to find a qualified practitioner. U.S. chiropractors must hold a doctor of chiropractic, or D.C., from properly accredited colleges.
Indigestion — peppermint
If a night of overeating and drinking gives you indigestion, you might think about grabbing some of those restaurant mints on the way out. They can help a stomach ache. Try chewing on peppermint leaves after a big meal or sipping on mint tea. Several studies suggest that peppermint oil, which comes in capsule or liquid form, may improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. A few studies have found that, when combined with caraway oil, peppermint oil may help relieve indigestion, but evidence is preliminary.
Joint pain — glucosamine and chondroitin
Years of playing sports can do a number on the knees, resulting in osteoarthritis. To fight through the pain, many people turn to glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements. Glucosamine is thought to promote the growth of cartilage and repair it, while chondroitin promotes elasticity and blocks enzymes that break down cartilage. While research conflicts on their effectiveness, a 2006 study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed some people with moderate to severe pain had significant relief when using both supplements. Those with mild pain had no such luck.
Tea tree oil can do the trick in wiping out dandruff's white flakes naturally. Derived from plant leaves native to Australia, it has been used for centuries as an antiseptic and antifungal agent. Aboriginals applied crushed leaves to skin cuts, burns and infections. Today, tea tree oil is found in shampoos, soaps and creams. While not many studies have been done on it, one found that tea tree oil shampoo significantly reduced dandruff. It also may work on athlete's foot, toenail fungus and acne.
Migraines — acupuncture
Anyone who's had migraine headaches knows you'd try almost anything to make them go away. For many, that includes the ancient Chinese practice of inserting thin needles into specific parts of the body. Studies have supported its use. The largest, published in the March 2006 The Lancet Neurology, found that acupuncture may be as effective as traditional medicines in treating migraines. Experts caution, however, that if you don't see an improvement after several treatments, acupuncture probably won't help.
Insomnia — yoga
Can't sleep? Relax, take a deep breath and stretch. Doing yoga at least three times a week might help you. Yoga's deep breathing and meditation techniques clear the body of stress, making it easier to fall asleep. And unlike some sleep pills, it won't leave you feeling groggy the next morning. Although yoga is widely recommended and used to treat insomnia, the scientific proof is sparse. A national study that is under way could change that.
Depression — St. John's wort
Sometimes referred to as herbal Prozac, small European studies have concluded that St. John's wort (hypericum perforatum) is useful in treating mild depression, but not severe depression. For that, more studies are needed. Be careful, though. The product interacts poorly with some medications and may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, which could be depressing to some.
Common cold — echinacea
Echinacea is the most-used natural product, and for good reason: It helps fight the common cold. Various studies have cheered and jeered the purple coneflower, which is native to North America. The latest study, in 2007, said echinacea boosts immunity and helps shorten and prevent colds. The millions of users probably tend to agree.
Sunburn — aloe vera
After a long day at the beach, many use aloe vera for relief. It dates to ancient Egypt, where the plant was given as a burial gift to pharaohs. Today, studies have shown that aloe gel can help burns as well as abrasions. The gel, which is squeezed from the leaves of the aloe plant, is antibacterial and stimulates the immune system. People also take aloe orally for conditions including diabetes and asthma, although scientific evidence doesn't support the use.
Back pain — chiropractic treatment
One in five U.S. adults have tried chiropractic treatment, according to a 2002 national survey. Most seek a chiropractor for back pain, neck pain or headaches. The idea is that when the spine, or another body part, is out of whack, the body can't heal itself. And here's the good part: Unlike most alternative medicine, many insurance policies cover chiropractic care. Just make sure to find a qualified practitioner. U.S. chiropractors must hold a doctor of chiropractic, or D.C., from properly accredited colleges.
Indigestion — peppermint
If a night of overeating and drinking gives you indigestion, you might think about grabbing some of those restaurant mints on the way out. They can help a stomach ache. Try chewing on peppermint leaves after a big meal or sipping on mint tea. Several studies suggest that peppermint oil, which comes in capsule or liquid form, may improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. A few studies have found that, when combined with caraway oil, peppermint oil may help relieve indigestion, but evidence is preliminary.
Joint pain — glucosamine and chondroitin
Years of playing sports can do a number on the knees, resulting in osteoarthritis. To fight through the pain, many people turn to glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements. Glucosamine is thought to promote the growth of cartilage and repair it, while chondroitin promotes elasticity and blocks enzymes that break down cartilage. While research conflicts on their effectiveness, a 2006 study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed some people with moderate to severe pain had significant relief when using both supplements. Those with mild pain had no such luck.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Glaxo boosts biotech with Regulus deal
LONDON (Reuters) - GlaxoSmithKline boosted its position in biotech on Thursday by signing a deal that could be worth up to $600 million (303 million pounds) with Regulus Therapeutics, taking it into the hot area of RNA technology.
The tie-up covers research into experimental drugs designed to block or "silence" microRNAs -- tiny strands of RNA, or ribonucleic acid, that help turn genes into proteins.
Regulus is a joint venture between U.S. biotech companies Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc and Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc .
The aim of the deal is to develop and market new microRNA-targeted treatments for conditions caused by chronic inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
The collaboration, however, will not yield any early results and there is no guarantee of success. Regulus Chief Executive Kleanthis Xanthopoulos told Reuters it could be three years before drug candidates were identified for clinical trials.
Still, Jose Carlos Gutierrez-Ramos, head of Glaxo's inflammation research centre, thinks it is worth a gamble.
"When associated with an aberrant inflammatory response, microRNAs represent disease targets whose therapeutic modulation could revolutionise the way we treat immune diseases," he said.
Europe's biggest drugmaker by sales has an option to license product candidates directed at four different targets, with Regulus eligible to receive up to $144.5 million in milestone payments for each.
In addition, Regulus will get $20 million in upfront payments, including a $15 million option fee and a $5 million note convertible into Regulus common stock. It will also receive up to double-digit percentage royalties on worldwide sales of products resulting from the alliance.
For Glaxo, the deal is another example of "virtualising" some of its drugs pipeline by complementing in-house research with external alliances.
The high price it is paying for such early-stage research underlines the current hunger among large pharmaceutical companies for promising biotech assets.
Xanthopoulos said Regulus had also seen strong interest from big drugmakers in its oncology and virology programmes, some of which are more advanced than the inflammatory work. But he added it was not his goal to strike further deals in 2008.
MicroRNAs are a recently discovered class of molecules that are believed to regulate the expression of a large number of human genes. The inappropriate absence or presence of specific microRNAs has been linked with cancer, viral infection, inflammatory and metabolic disorders.
The tie-up covers research into experimental drugs designed to block or "silence" microRNAs -- tiny strands of RNA, or ribonucleic acid, that help turn genes into proteins.
Regulus is a joint venture between U.S. biotech companies Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc and Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc .
The aim of the deal is to develop and market new microRNA-targeted treatments for conditions caused by chronic inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
The collaboration, however, will not yield any early results and there is no guarantee of success. Regulus Chief Executive Kleanthis Xanthopoulos told Reuters it could be three years before drug candidates were identified for clinical trials.
Still, Jose Carlos Gutierrez-Ramos, head of Glaxo's inflammation research centre, thinks it is worth a gamble.
"When associated with an aberrant inflammatory response, microRNAs represent disease targets whose therapeutic modulation could revolutionise the way we treat immune diseases," he said.
Europe's biggest drugmaker by sales has an option to license product candidates directed at four different targets, with Regulus eligible to receive up to $144.5 million in milestone payments for each.
In addition, Regulus will get $20 million in upfront payments, including a $15 million option fee and a $5 million note convertible into Regulus common stock. It will also receive up to double-digit percentage royalties on worldwide sales of products resulting from the alliance.
For Glaxo, the deal is another example of "virtualising" some of its drugs pipeline by complementing in-house research with external alliances.
The high price it is paying for such early-stage research underlines the current hunger among large pharmaceutical companies for promising biotech assets.
Xanthopoulos said Regulus had also seen strong interest from big drugmakers in its oncology and virology programmes, some of which are more advanced than the inflammatory work. But he added it was not his goal to strike further deals in 2008.
MicroRNAs are a recently discovered class of molecules that are believed to regulate the expression of a large number of human genes. The inappropriate absence or presence of specific microRNAs has been linked with cancer, viral infection, inflammatory and metabolic disorders.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Mega Lifesciences introduces skin care products
When the skin is exposed to such environmental conditions, sun, air-conditioning and pollution it would drab in such hectic lifestyle in global backdrop and therefore it is important that care should be taken to improve the texture of the skin, said Ms Rosy Senanayake at the launch of Flexsa – Glucosamine Sulphate Orange flavoured drink and NNO – Nourishing Night Oil, enriched with Vitamin E.
Mega Lifesciences (Australia) Pty Ltd, launched two new products to the Sri Lankan market at a Press Conference and fashion show held at the Hilton last week with the presence of Mega Lifescience’s Country Head Praveen Viswakumaran, Director A Baur & Co, A Mahanama; Brand Ambassadors for Glow Mrs Rosy Senanayake and Rozanne Diasz, Beautician Ramani Fernando, Fashion Guru Kirthi Sri Karunaratne and Dr Harshini Fernando.
Ms Senanayake said that she always believed that Glow could be used as an outside application to preserve the skin. She also stressed the importance of exercising, good nutrients would be components for this purpose. She said that Glow does not have preservatives.
Dr (Ms) Harshani Fernando said that nearly 10 to 12 percent of the world population suffers from Osteoarthritis the common form of arthritis – pain and inflammation of joints - and people passing the age of 45 years. Osteoarthritis is a condition primarily concerning the joints causing joint pain, swelling, stiffness and even immobility. It’s a progressive disorder that can worsen with time and age leading to discomfort and loss of productivity.
Medical science has contributed immensely in improving the mortality and morbidity resulting in a longer life span, higher life expectancy and of course a better quality of life.
Mega Lifesciences (Australia) Pty Ltd, launched two new products to the Sri Lankan market at a Press Conference and fashion show held at the Hilton last week with the presence of Mega Lifescience’s Country Head Praveen Viswakumaran, Director A Baur & Co, A Mahanama; Brand Ambassadors for Glow Mrs Rosy Senanayake and Rozanne Diasz, Beautician Ramani Fernando, Fashion Guru Kirthi Sri Karunaratne and Dr Harshini Fernando.
Ms Senanayake said that she always believed that Glow could be used as an outside application to preserve the skin. She also stressed the importance of exercising, good nutrients would be components for this purpose. She said that Glow does not have preservatives.
Dr (Ms) Harshani Fernando said that nearly 10 to 12 percent of the world population suffers from Osteoarthritis the common form of arthritis – pain and inflammation of joints - and people passing the age of 45 years. Osteoarthritis is a condition primarily concerning the joints causing joint pain, swelling, stiffness and even immobility. It’s a progressive disorder that can worsen with time and age leading to discomfort and loss of productivity.
Medical science has contributed immensely in improving the mortality and morbidity resulting in a longer life span, higher life expectancy and of course a better quality of life.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Vitamin E linked to lung cancer
Taking high doses of vitamin E supplements can increase the risk of lung cancer, research suggests. The US study of 77,000 people found taking 400 milligrams per day long-term increased cancer risk by 28% - with smokers at particular risk. It follows warnings about similar risks of excessive beta-carotene use.
Writing in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, an expert said people should get their vitamins from fruit and veg. Dr Tim Byers, from the University of Colorado, said a healthy, balanced diet meant people took in a whole range of beneficial nutrients and minerals, which might help to reduce cancer risk.
The researchers followed people aged between 50 and 76 for four years and looked at their average daily use of vitamin C and folic acid, and vitamin E supplements. Over the course of the study, 521 people developed lung cancer. Smoking, family history and age all had unsurprisingly strong links to cancer risk.
And while neither vitamin C or folic acid use had any effect on lung cancer risk, vitamin E use did. The researchers extrapolated their findings, and concluded that over a decade, there was an additional 7% increase in risk for every 100 milligrams taken per day. The vitamin E trend was most prominent among smokers, but was not confined to them. Vitamin E is known to be an antioxidant - protecting cells from molecules called free radicals.
But the US researchers speculate that, in high doses, it may also act as a pro-oxidant - causing oxidation and therefore damage to cells. 'Toxic effects' Dr Christopher Slatore of the University of Washington in Seattle, who led the study, said: "In contrast to the often assumed benefits or at least lack of harm, supplemental vitamin E was associated with a small increased risk of lung cancer.
"Future studies may focus on other components of fruits and vegetables that may explain the decreased risk of cancer that has been associated with fruit and vegetables. "Meanwhile, our results should prompt clinicians to counsel patients that these supplements are unlikely to reduce the risk of lung cancer and may be detrimental."
But Henry Scowcroft, senior science information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: "The jury's still very much out on whether vitamin and mineral supplements can affect cancer risk. "Some studies suggest a benefit, but many others show no effect and some, like this one, suggest they may even increase risk." He added: "Research repeatedly shows that a healthy, balanced diet can reduce your risk of some cancers while giving you all the vitamins you need.
"Quitting smoking remains the most effective way to avoid many cancers. There's no diet, or vitamin supplement, that could ever counter the toxic effects of cigarette smoke." - BBC NEWS
Writing in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, an expert said people should get their vitamins from fruit and veg. Dr Tim Byers, from the University of Colorado, said a healthy, balanced diet meant people took in a whole range of beneficial nutrients and minerals, which might help to reduce cancer risk.
The researchers followed people aged between 50 and 76 for four years and looked at their average daily use of vitamin C and folic acid, and vitamin E supplements. Over the course of the study, 521 people developed lung cancer. Smoking, family history and age all had unsurprisingly strong links to cancer risk.
And while neither vitamin C or folic acid use had any effect on lung cancer risk, vitamin E use did. The researchers extrapolated their findings, and concluded that over a decade, there was an additional 7% increase in risk for every 100 milligrams taken per day. The vitamin E trend was most prominent among smokers, but was not confined to them. Vitamin E is known to be an antioxidant - protecting cells from molecules called free radicals.
But the US researchers speculate that, in high doses, it may also act as a pro-oxidant - causing oxidation and therefore damage to cells. 'Toxic effects' Dr Christopher Slatore of the University of Washington in Seattle, who led the study, said: "In contrast to the often assumed benefits or at least lack of harm, supplemental vitamin E was associated with a small increased risk of lung cancer.
"Future studies may focus on other components of fruits and vegetables that may explain the decreased risk of cancer that has been associated with fruit and vegetables. "Meanwhile, our results should prompt clinicians to counsel patients that these supplements are unlikely to reduce the risk of lung cancer and may be detrimental."
But Henry Scowcroft, senior science information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: "The jury's still very much out on whether vitamin and mineral supplements can affect cancer risk. "Some studies suggest a benefit, but many others show no effect and some, like this one, suggest they may even increase risk." He added: "Research repeatedly shows that a healthy, balanced diet can reduce your risk of some cancers while giving you all the vitamins you need.
"Quitting smoking remains the most effective way to avoid many cancers. There's no diet, or vitamin supplement, that could ever counter the toxic effects of cigarette smoke." - BBC NEWS
Monday, February 11, 2008
So What Is The Best Approach To Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis... What Do I Need To Know If I, Or A Close Relative Has The Disease?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, progressive, systemic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease for which there is no current cure. However, there are important and effective advances which have made it possible to put this disease into remission.
The most important advances in treatment in the last 25 years have been the use of methotrexate as a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) and the use of biologic therapies to get this disease into remission.
Before discussing therapy, it is critical that a rapid, accurate diagnosis of RA be made as soon as possible. This is because the damage to both joints as well as internal organs may occur early in the course of illness.
Newer laboratory tests such as the anti-CCP as well as imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging and diagnostic ultrasound have made the diagnosis easier.
A recent study has demonstrated that patients with shorter duration of disease and less severe disability are increasingly being treated with biologic therapies. (Soderlin MK, et al. (Ann Rheumatic Dis. 2008; 67:37-42).
Why is this approach a good one?
Another recent study has demonstrated that TNF-inhibitors, the first line biologic therapies used disrupt the architecture of structures in the lymph system called germinal centers, which are a type of training ground for immune cells.
Normally, the structures help when the host is ill from an infection. The structures swiftly churn out lots of B cells, which the body uses to destroy invaders.
In healthy people, once an infection is beaten off, the germinal centers fade away. But in people with a chronic autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis, these germinal centers continue to train immune cells to become autoimmune attackers.
A team of researchers from the University of Rochester found that anti-TNF compounds inhibit the function and organization of cells known as follicular dendritic cells, which help form the germinal centers.
The most important advances in treatment in the last 25 years have been the use of methotrexate as a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) and the use of biologic therapies to get this disease into remission.
Before discussing therapy, it is critical that a rapid, accurate diagnosis of RA be made as soon as possible. This is because the damage to both joints as well as internal organs may occur early in the course of illness.
Newer laboratory tests such as the anti-CCP as well as imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging and diagnostic ultrasound have made the diagnosis easier.
A recent study has demonstrated that patients with shorter duration of disease and less severe disability are increasingly being treated with biologic therapies. (Soderlin MK, et al. (Ann Rheumatic Dis. 2008; 67:37-42).
Why is this approach a good one?
Another recent study has demonstrated that TNF-inhibitors, the first line biologic therapies used disrupt the architecture of structures in the lymph system called germinal centers, which are a type of training ground for immune cells.
Normally, the structures help when the host is ill from an infection. The structures swiftly churn out lots of B cells, which the body uses to destroy invaders.
In healthy people, once an infection is beaten off, the germinal centers fade away. But in people with a chronic autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis, these germinal centers continue to train immune cells to become autoimmune attackers.
A team of researchers from the University of Rochester found that anti-TNF compounds inhibit the function and organization of cells known as follicular dendritic cells, which help form the germinal centers.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Pine bark naturally reduces osteoarthritis knee pain
Affecting more than 10 million Americans, Osteoarthritis of the knee (OA) is one of the five leading causes of disability among the elderly.
While OA mainly affects most people over 45, it can occur at any age. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the journal Nutrition Research reveals Pycnogenol, (pic-noj-en-all), an antioxidant plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, improved physical function by 52 percent in patients suffering from OA.
When OA develops, the cartilage gradually looses elasticity and begins to harden and crack, subsequently becoming more prone to damage and erosion by use or injury and often leads to pain, swelling, a decrease in motion at the joint, stiffness, or the formation of bone spurs (tiny growths of new bone). Current treatments include regular exercise and pain relievers such as NSAIDS and COX-2 inhibitor pills to help ease pain and stiffness. In more severe cases, cortisone shots can help decrease inflammation in the joint and extreme cases consist of joint replacement. There are currently no drugs that treat osteoarthritis directly.
Pycnogenol was chosen due to a history of studies of the extract to alleviate inflammation by inhibiting COX-1, COX-2 and the pro-inflammatory "master-switch" nuclear factor-kappa B,"said lead researcher Dr. Ronald Watson from the University of Arizona. Pycnogenol offers a safe nutritional approach to significantly reduce pain and improve physical function of arthritic joints. It controls inflammation and thus ideally complements existing strategies that comprise delivery of building blocks for replacement of degenerated cartilage.
The study was conducted at the rheumatology department of Mashhad Medical University, Iran. Thirty-five volunteers (average age 42) were randomly assigned a daily dose of Pycnogenol (50mg, 3 times a day) or placebo for three months. Patients were to report arthritic pain using the Western Ontario and McMasters Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index after 30, 60 and 90 days. Participants also were instructed to indicate the frequency and dosage of NSAIDS and COX-2 inhibitor usage.
After two months of supplementation, physical function and pain scores improved in the Pycnogenol group. After three months in the Pycnogenol group, there was a reduction of 43 percent in pain, 35 percent in stiffness, 52 percent in physical function subscales and 49 percent composite WOMAC. The placebo group showed no significant scores throughout the entire study. Additionally, further reduction in the number of NSAIDS and COX-2 inhibitor pills and number of days taking medication was noted in the Pycnogenol group.
Pycnogenol's natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties were responsible for delivering these excellent results,"said Watson. This study shows that supplementing with Pycnogenol can fight joint inflammation and soothe the pain and stiffness, thus pave the path for cartilage renewal with substances such as glucosamine.
A previous study on Pycnogenol published in the Journal of Inflammation demonstrated that the ingredient effectively prevented inflammation disorders in patients by moderating the immune system response. While the wear and tear is responsible for the initial degeneration of cartilage, the more advanced stage of osteoarthritis involves inflammation. The cells of the cartilage (chondrocytes) respond to mechanical impact by generating pro-inflammatory molecules (cytokines). This process is initiated by the pro-inflammatory "master-switch" called NF-kappaB. Pycnogenol was shown to lower the sensitivity for NF-kappaB in humans last year.
The cytokines released from chondrocytes recruits immune cells (leukocytes) to the joints where they cause more harm than good. Leukocytes release harmful substances such as free radicals and enzymes that break down connective tissue and speed up the degeneration of cartilage. These processes alike are under control by NF-kappaB, and the effect of Pycnogenol to suppress NF-kappaB will help to limit the damage caused by leukocytes.
Researchers believe this study is the first randomized clinical trial to show Pycnogenol's effectiveness in alleviating the clinical symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. There are several more breakthrough studies on Pycnogenol and osteoarthritis expected to be published next year allowing for development of innovative, natural formulas for joint health.
Additionally, Horphag Research, the exclusive worldwide distributor of Pycnogenol has filed for several patents for Pycnogenol's application for COX-1, COX-2 and treating osteoarthritis.
While OA mainly affects most people over 45, it can occur at any age. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the journal Nutrition Research reveals Pycnogenol, (pic-noj-en-all), an antioxidant plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, improved physical function by 52 percent in patients suffering from OA.
When OA develops, the cartilage gradually looses elasticity and begins to harden and crack, subsequently becoming more prone to damage and erosion by use or injury and often leads to pain, swelling, a decrease in motion at the joint, stiffness, or the formation of bone spurs (tiny growths of new bone). Current treatments include regular exercise and pain relievers such as NSAIDS and COX-2 inhibitor pills to help ease pain and stiffness. In more severe cases, cortisone shots can help decrease inflammation in the joint and extreme cases consist of joint replacement. There are currently no drugs that treat osteoarthritis directly.
Pycnogenol was chosen due to a history of studies of the extract to alleviate inflammation by inhibiting COX-1, COX-2 and the pro-inflammatory "master-switch" nuclear factor-kappa B,"said lead researcher Dr. Ronald Watson from the University of Arizona. Pycnogenol offers a safe nutritional approach to significantly reduce pain and improve physical function of arthritic joints. It controls inflammation and thus ideally complements existing strategies that comprise delivery of building blocks for replacement of degenerated cartilage.
The study was conducted at the rheumatology department of Mashhad Medical University, Iran. Thirty-five volunteers (average age 42) were randomly assigned a daily dose of Pycnogenol (50mg, 3 times a day) or placebo for three months. Patients were to report arthritic pain using the Western Ontario and McMasters Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index after 30, 60 and 90 days. Participants also were instructed to indicate the frequency and dosage of NSAIDS and COX-2 inhibitor usage.
After two months of supplementation, physical function and pain scores improved in the Pycnogenol group. After three months in the Pycnogenol group, there was a reduction of 43 percent in pain, 35 percent in stiffness, 52 percent in physical function subscales and 49 percent composite WOMAC. The placebo group showed no significant scores throughout the entire study. Additionally, further reduction in the number of NSAIDS and COX-2 inhibitor pills and number of days taking medication was noted in the Pycnogenol group.
Pycnogenol's natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties were responsible for delivering these excellent results,"said Watson. This study shows that supplementing with Pycnogenol can fight joint inflammation and soothe the pain and stiffness, thus pave the path for cartilage renewal with substances such as glucosamine.
A previous study on Pycnogenol published in the Journal of Inflammation demonstrated that the ingredient effectively prevented inflammation disorders in patients by moderating the immune system response. While the wear and tear is responsible for the initial degeneration of cartilage, the more advanced stage of osteoarthritis involves inflammation. The cells of the cartilage (chondrocytes) respond to mechanical impact by generating pro-inflammatory molecules (cytokines). This process is initiated by the pro-inflammatory "master-switch" called NF-kappaB. Pycnogenol was shown to lower the sensitivity for NF-kappaB in humans last year.
The cytokines released from chondrocytes recruits immune cells (leukocytes) to the joints where they cause more harm than good. Leukocytes release harmful substances such as free radicals and enzymes that break down connective tissue and speed up the degeneration of cartilage. These processes alike are under control by NF-kappaB, and the effect of Pycnogenol to suppress NF-kappaB will help to limit the damage caused by leukocytes.
Researchers believe this study is the first randomized clinical trial to show Pycnogenol's effectiveness in alleviating the clinical symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. There are several more breakthrough studies on Pycnogenol and osteoarthritis expected to be published next year allowing for development of innovative, natural formulas for joint health.
Additionally, Horphag Research, the exclusive worldwide distributor of Pycnogenol has filed for several patents for Pycnogenol's application for COX-1, COX-2 and treating osteoarthritis.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Supplement 'eases crippling disease
Scientists have produced evidence that a food supplement can help to reduce the long-term suffering associated with the crippling disease osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis, most often affecting middle-aged and older people.
The disease, which can cause severe disability and pain, tends to develop in the joints of the neck, lower back, knees, hips and fingers.
However, it may also occur in joints that have been previously injured, or subjected to prolonged heavy use.
Experts estimate that 60% of those aged 65 have moderate to severe osteoarthritis in at least one joint.
It is caused by the degeneration of the cartilage, the protective material that stops bones rubbing together in the joints.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Suffering From Joint Pain?
Joint pain can be caused by any number of things. It can be the result of an injury or overuse of the joint. If your joint pain is caused by arthritis, you will need to begin your search for an effective way to treat it. But, in order to do that, you need to know the symptoms of arthritis. All forms of arthritis share the common symptoms of severe pain, loss of range of motion, and a diminished quality of life. What you will find is that this painful, life altering condition can be found in any individual at any time of their lives. But, there are joint pain treatments that can be effective.
The first thing to do when you have joint pain is to go to a doctor. Symptoms of arthritis include severe pain in the joints and other factors as mentioned above. If your pain is accompanied with fever, the advice of a doctor is urgent because this specific type of arthritis can be deadly. Arthritis can be brought on by any number of things including overuse of the joint, sports, injury, and degeneration of the joints through time. In any case, it is important to relay to your doctor when it was first noticed, any related injuries you may have had, and what types of activities you perform on a regular basis. Your doctor will determine if the pain is arthritis through x-rays and blood tests. Once the doctor knows which type you have, treatments can begin.
For instance, the joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis is a function of the immune system destroying the cartilage in the joints affected. Cartilage is what keeps the bones
from grinding against each other. As your immune system eats away at your joint cartilage, pain is brought on by the formation of nerve endings in the affected area. Eventually, the pain is so sever that mobility in those joints is virtually impossible.
The first thing to do when you have joint pain is to go to a doctor. Symptoms of arthritis include severe pain in the joints and other factors as mentioned above. If your pain is accompanied with fever, the advice of a doctor is urgent because this specific type of arthritis can be deadly. Arthritis can be brought on by any number of things including overuse of the joint, sports, injury, and degeneration of the joints through time. In any case, it is important to relay to your doctor when it was first noticed, any related injuries you may have had, and what types of activities you perform on a regular basis. Your doctor will determine if the pain is arthritis through x-rays and blood tests. Once the doctor knows which type you have, treatments can begin.
For instance, the joint pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis is a function of the immune system destroying the cartilage in the joints affected. Cartilage is what keeps the bones
from grinding against each other. As your immune system eats away at your joint cartilage, pain is brought on by the formation of nerve endings in the affected area. Eventually, the pain is so sever that mobility in those joints is virtually impossible.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
What is ankylosing spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of chronic inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac joints. The sacroiliac joints are located in the low back where the sacrum (the bone directly above the tailbone) meets the iliac bones (bones on either side of the upper buttocks). Chronic inflammation in these areas causes pain and stiffness in and around the spine.
Over time, chronic spinal inflammation (spondylitis) can lead to a complete cementing together (fusion) of the vertebrae, a process referred to as ankylosis. Ankylosis leads to loss of mobility of the spine.
Ankylosing spondylitis is 2-3 times more common in males than in females. In women, joints away from the spine are more frequently affected than in men. Ankylosing spondylitis affects all age groups, including children. The most common age of onset of symptoms is in the second and third decades of life.
Ankylosing spondylitis is also a systemic rheumatic disease, meaning it can affect other tissues throughout the body. Accordingly, it can cause inflammation in or injury to other joints away from the spine, as well as other organs, such as the eyes, heart, lungs, and kidneys. Ankylosing spondylitis shares many features with several other arthritis conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, and arthritis associated with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Each of these arthritic conditions can cause disease and inflammation in the spine, other joints, eyes, skin, mouth, and various organs. In view of their similarities and tendency to cause inflammation of the spine, these conditions are collectively referred to as "spondyloarthropathies." For more information, please read the following articles; Psoriatic Arthritis, Reactive Arthritis, Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
Over time, chronic spinal inflammation (spondylitis) can lead to a complete cementing together (fusion) of the vertebrae, a process referred to as ankylosis. Ankylosis leads to loss of mobility of the spine.
Ankylosing spondylitis is 2-3 times more common in males than in females. In women, joints away from the spine are more frequently affected than in men. Ankylosing spondylitis affects all age groups, including children. The most common age of onset of symptoms is in the second and third decades of life.
Ankylosing spondylitis is also a systemic rheumatic disease, meaning it can affect other tissues throughout the body. Accordingly, it can cause inflammation in or injury to other joints away from the spine, as well as other organs, such as the eyes, heart, lungs, and kidneys. Ankylosing spondylitis shares many features with several other arthritis conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, and arthritis associated with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Each of these arthritic conditions can cause disease and inflammation in the spine, other joints, eyes, skin, mouth, and various organs. In view of their similarities and tendency to cause inflammation of the spine, these conditions are collectively referred to as "spondyloarthropathies." For more information, please read the following articles; Psoriatic Arthritis, Reactive Arthritis, Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Managing Musculoskeletal Injuries and Arthritis
Wayne McIlwraith, BVSc, PhD, FRCVS, DSc, DrMedVet (hc), Dipl. ACVS, Barbara Cox Anthony Chair and Director of Orthopaedic Research at Colorado State University, spoke on current and new therapeutic options to manage musculoskeletal injuries and osteoarthritis at the AAEP Focus meeting in Ft. Collins, Colo., on July 29.
He reminded the veterinary audience that interleukin-1 (a deleterious cytokine) is at the head of the inflammatory cascade, leading to a breakdown in the cartilage matrix through signaling factors that alter regulation and effect of inflammatory biochemical mediators. The goals of therapeutic intervention focus on returning a joint to normal as quickly as possible, when possible, and to prevent the occurrence and severity of osteoarthritis in an injured joint.
McIlwraith discussed intervention that targets management of capsulitis (joint capsule inflammation) and synovitis (inflammation of the synovial membrane lining the joint), since these tend to occur in advance of degenerative joint disease. One strategy that merits more investigation is physiotherapy, such as swimming or underwater treadmill therapy. This might be cutting-edge therapy, but more research and data is necessary to determine the extent of its value. One point McIlwraith made of great interest is the recent finding that two-thirds of the force across the carpus (knee) at the trot comes from muscle forces, rather than ground reaction forces as previously believed.
McIlwraith mentioned that extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) significantly reduces lameness and synovial fluid parameters as compared to control horses (those not receiving treatment) in the study; these findings support a pain and inflammatory mechanism of action that elicits lameness.
The clinicians in the panel discussion were also favorably impressed with the use of ESWT, particularly for injuries at a soft tissue and bone interface, such as in the distal (lower) joints of the hock and in the rear third of the heel associated with soft tissue trauma. Back pain was another suggested use of ESWT; however, it was felt if the back could readily be injected, there was no sense in spending the money on repeated shock wave treatments. One clinician said shock wave might be especially useful to apply to capsulitis and soft tissue damage in joints that are not amenable to intra-articular (IA) treatment.
The topic of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been one of great interest to horse owners because of their value in managing pain and inflammation, yet the well-known adverse effects of gastric ulcer syndrome preclude long-term use of NSAIDs. There has been an in vitro study from some years ago suggesting that phenylbutazone might be injurious to joint cartilage, but McIlwraith noted there is no data or clinical evidence to support this claim in the live horse. With the introduction of a new cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2, an enzyme that causes inflammation and pain) inhibitory drug (Equioxx) on the market, some information has come to light: If COX-2 mediators are completely suppressed, it is possible to get an up-regulation of interleukin-1, this being counterproductive to managing pain and inflammation. McIlwraith stressed that we should keep an open mind about the advantages of this newly released medication.
Another common joint therapy uses intra-articular (IA) steroid injections. McIlwraith revisited the pros and cons of various corticosteroid drugs, noting that not all of these are created equal in regard to how effective they are and their role in protecting the cartilage. The use of hyaluronic acid (HA) in conjunction with IA steroid treatment has been well-applied in the veterinary world for years. HA is no longer thought to have a primary function as a joint lubricant, since its anti-inflammatory effects are more important. One study mentioned by McIlwraith was that of improvement in lameness of horses injected only with 2 mL of sterile saline, the mechanism as yet undetermined. In moderate to severe cases of osteoarthritis, intra-articular therapy should include both steroids and HA.
Intravenous (IV) treatment with HA labeled for this use (Legend) has had marked favorable effects of decreasing synovial effusion in an injured joint, with therapeutic effects persisting for 44 days following the third weekly treatment. There is common usage of IV HA as a prophylactic medication in normal horses without lameness, and data thus far has not verified this to improve a horse's gait.
McIlwraith reported that oral HA seems to have some positive effect, with some ingredient remaining active in the molecule or fragment of the molecule after it passes through the intestinal tract.
Polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (PSGAGs) are considered to be "disease-modifying osteoarthritic drugs," and although they might be slow acting, they are cartilage modifying. Most of the favorable studies in using Adequan come from its intra-articular use. Studies on IM Adequan have given equivocal effects in one study, yet positive anecdotal reports abound.
A new product called pentosan polysulfate is soon to be licensed in the United States. This substance, made from beechwood hemicelluloses, seems to be a disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug, but it's without any pain-relieving activity such as seen with NSAIDs. Lameness is not improved, but progression of cartilage deterioration might be abated by correcting biologic imbalances in an osteoarthritic joint. Pentosan polysulfate exerts anabolic effects on cartilage precursor cells to decrease erosion of cartilage.
Oral supplements and nutraceuticals have been a hot topic in the horse world for some time. McIlwraith describes these as materials that are fed to heal the lame or make a chronically unsound horse become sound. They are used with the intention of preventing joint problems from occurring. However, McIlwraith points out that if a product is not licensed as a drug, then the manufacturer of such a food product cannot make medical claims as to its efficacy. There are no criteria for licensing these products, and, hence, there is often misrepresentation of advertising. In addition, there is no regulation to ensure the ingredients claimed by the label to be in the bucket are actually present in the bucket.
More specifically, McIlwraith discussed glucosamine salts that in theory are building blocks for articular cartilage. In one Virginia study, he said less than 6% of the material fed was actually bioabsorbed from the intestinal tract. In a Canadian study, following administration of glucosamine via stomach tube, very low levels showed up in the joints. McIlwraith said in one investigative report, fewer than a third of nutraceutical products contained less glucosamine in the container than what was listed on the label. In addition, he asked the audience, how do we even know the correct dose for a horse?
Chondroitin sulfate is absorbed well, but as McIlwraith pointed out, this does not prove effectiveness in the horse. Another study showed a joint-protective effect of a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate (Cosequin by Nutramax), but no anti-inflammatory effect. Other studies looked at the use of nutraceuticals on joint health, and either the studies did not have sufficient numbers of horses to be scientifically sound, or the data was flawed. When reading the results of studies, it is important to identify who is funding the study, since a company's vested interest could skew the results.
Some research has proven efficacy of the use of omega-3 fatty acids to inhibit enzymes that break down the cartilage matrix. In a three- to four-month period, horses supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids seemed to have less stiffness and pain related to osteoarthritis.
Finally, McIlwraith touched on the supplement with unsaponified avocado and soy, which is thought to somewhat decrease interleukin-1 levels and cartilage disease scores. This might be a useful product to add to a nutraceutical supplement, and more research should be pursued.
He reminded the veterinary audience that interleukin-1 (a deleterious cytokine) is at the head of the inflammatory cascade, leading to a breakdown in the cartilage matrix through signaling factors that alter regulation and effect of inflammatory biochemical mediators. The goals of therapeutic intervention focus on returning a joint to normal as quickly as possible, when possible, and to prevent the occurrence and severity of osteoarthritis in an injured joint.
McIlwraith discussed intervention that targets management of capsulitis (joint capsule inflammation) and synovitis (inflammation of the synovial membrane lining the joint), since these tend to occur in advance of degenerative joint disease. One strategy that merits more investigation is physiotherapy, such as swimming or underwater treadmill therapy. This might be cutting-edge therapy, but more research and data is necessary to determine the extent of its value. One point McIlwraith made of great interest is the recent finding that two-thirds of the force across the carpus (knee) at the trot comes from muscle forces, rather than ground reaction forces as previously believed.
McIlwraith mentioned that extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) significantly reduces lameness and synovial fluid parameters as compared to control horses (those not receiving treatment) in the study; these findings support a pain and inflammatory mechanism of action that elicits lameness.
The clinicians in the panel discussion were also favorably impressed with the use of ESWT, particularly for injuries at a soft tissue and bone interface, such as in the distal (lower) joints of the hock and in the rear third of the heel associated with soft tissue trauma. Back pain was another suggested use of ESWT; however, it was felt if the back could readily be injected, there was no sense in spending the money on repeated shock wave treatments. One clinician said shock wave might be especially useful to apply to capsulitis and soft tissue damage in joints that are not amenable to intra-articular (IA) treatment.
The topic of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been one of great interest to horse owners because of their value in managing pain and inflammation, yet the well-known adverse effects of gastric ulcer syndrome preclude long-term use of NSAIDs. There has been an in vitro study from some years ago suggesting that phenylbutazone might be injurious to joint cartilage, but McIlwraith noted there is no data or clinical evidence to support this claim in the live horse. With the introduction of a new cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2, an enzyme that causes inflammation and pain) inhibitory drug (Equioxx) on the market, some information has come to light: If COX-2 mediators are completely suppressed, it is possible to get an up-regulation of interleukin-1, this being counterproductive to managing pain and inflammation. McIlwraith stressed that we should keep an open mind about the advantages of this newly released medication.
Another common joint therapy uses intra-articular (IA) steroid injections. McIlwraith revisited the pros and cons of various corticosteroid drugs, noting that not all of these are created equal in regard to how effective they are and their role in protecting the cartilage. The use of hyaluronic acid (HA) in conjunction with IA steroid treatment has been well-applied in the veterinary world for years. HA is no longer thought to have a primary function as a joint lubricant, since its anti-inflammatory effects are more important. One study mentioned by McIlwraith was that of improvement in lameness of horses injected only with 2 mL of sterile saline, the mechanism as yet undetermined. In moderate to severe cases of osteoarthritis, intra-articular therapy should include both steroids and HA.
Intravenous (IV) treatment with HA labeled for this use (Legend) has had marked favorable effects of decreasing synovial effusion in an injured joint, with therapeutic effects persisting for 44 days following the third weekly treatment. There is common usage of IV HA as a prophylactic medication in normal horses without lameness, and data thus far has not verified this to improve a horse's gait.
McIlwraith reported that oral HA seems to have some positive effect, with some ingredient remaining active in the molecule or fragment of the molecule after it passes through the intestinal tract.
Polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (PSGAGs) are considered to be "disease-modifying osteoarthritic drugs," and although they might be slow acting, they are cartilage modifying. Most of the favorable studies in using Adequan come from its intra-articular use. Studies on IM Adequan have given equivocal effects in one study, yet positive anecdotal reports abound.
A new product called pentosan polysulfate is soon to be licensed in the United States. This substance, made from beechwood hemicelluloses, seems to be a disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug, but it's without any pain-relieving activity such as seen with NSAIDs. Lameness is not improved, but progression of cartilage deterioration might be abated by correcting biologic imbalances in an osteoarthritic joint. Pentosan polysulfate exerts anabolic effects on cartilage precursor cells to decrease erosion of cartilage.
Oral supplements and nutraceuticals have been a hot topic in the horse world for some time. McIlwraith describes these as materials that are fed to heal the lame or make a chronically unsound horse become sound. They are used with the intention of preventing joint problems from occurring. However, McIlwraith points out that if a product is not licensed as a drug, then the manufacturer of such a food product cannot make medical claims as to its efficacy. There are no criteria for licensing these products, and, hence, there is often misrepresentation of advertising. In addition, there is no regulation to ensure the ingredients claimed by the label to be in the bucket are actually present in the bucket.
More specifically, McIlwraith discussed glucosamine salts that in theory are building blocks for articular cartilage. In one Virginia study, he said less than 6% of the material fed was actually bioabsorbed from the intestinal tract. In a Canadian study, following administration of glucosamine via stomach tube, very low levels showed up in the joints. McIlwraith said in one investigative report, fewer than a third of nutraceutical products contained less glucosamine in the container than what was listed on the label. In addition, he asked the audience, how do we even know the correct dose for a horse?
Chondroitin sulfate is absorbed well, but as McIlwraith pointed out, this does not prove effectiveness in the horse. Another study showed a joint-protective effect of a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate (Cosequin by Nutramax), but no anti-inflammatory effect. Other studies looked at the use of nutraceuticals on joint health, and either the studies did not have sufficient numbers of horses to be scientifically sound, or the data was flawed. When reading the results of studies, it is important to identify who is funding the study, since a company's vested interest could skew the results.
Some research has proven efficacy of the use of omega-3 fatty acids to inhibit enzymes that break down the cartilage matrix. In a three- to four-month period, horses supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids seemed to have less stiffness and pain related to osteoarthritis.
Finally, McIlwraith touched on the supplement with unsaponified avocado and soy, which is thought to somewhat decrease interleukin-1 levels and cartilage disease scores. This might be a useful product to add to a nutraceutical supplement, and more research should be pursued.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Think of yourself young
As you get older you don't have to act old , you can be as young as you feel.
Find yourself ; many women put certain aspects of themselves on hold while they bring up their children ,now that the children have sorted themselves out take up those aspects that interest you . Go back to an old hobby you had or discover a new one . Try to find fulfillment so that you don't become dependent on your children for interest or entertainment.
It is time to enjoy life ; This is a time when you can have a selective memory and remember the past successes and through out any thoughts that harm your self esteem fro after all you have more confidence now and wisdom and are less impulsive.
Feel optimistic; As you get old your priorities and ambitions may change but it is still important to continue setting yourself goals to be self motivated.
Keep upto date; Take an interest in changing trends , keep in touch with a variety of people in different age groups , you may not see eye to eye with them but you can still be interested in their opinion. A continuing interest in the world and a thirst of knowledge are the keys to an ageless mind.
Try doing something new ;Seek out new experiences , join a class and learn some new craft , visit a place you have never been to before , start painting or writing or learn to use the computer and go on internet ,email your friends, the possibilities are endless. More >>
Find yourself ; many women put certain aspects of themselves on hold while they bring up their children ,now that the children have sorted themselves out take up those aspects that interest you . Go back to an old hobby you had or discover a new one . Try to find fulfillment so that you don't become dependent on your children for interest or entertainment.
It is time to enjoy life ; This is a time when you can have a selective memory and remember the past successes and through out any thoughts that harm your self esteem fro after all you have more confidence now and wisdom and are less impulsive.
Feel optimistic; As you get old your priorities and ambitions may change but it is still important to continue setting yourself goals to be self motivated.
Keep upto date; Take an interest in changing trends , keep in touch with a variety of people in different age groups , you may not see eye to eye with them but you can still be interested in their opinion. A continuing interest in the world and a thirst of knowledge are the keys to an ageless mind.
Try doing something new ;Seek out new experiences , join a class and learn some new craft , visit a place you have never been to before , start painting or writing or learn to use the computer and go on internet ,email your friends, the possibilities are endless. More >>
Saturday, October 27, 2007
ActiveXAmerica Features Specialized Search Engine on Arthritis
ActiveXAmerica features a recently enabled specialized search engine on Arthritis. With this new resource will be easier for you to find related quality news, articles and information all over the selected network of sister pages and friend web sites.
Why I should use this search engine?
Because we integrate a network of web sites carefully reviewed for quality information. This way you can be sure you're reading from trustable sources or from authors with a reputation.
Another reason is that the technology used on that engine allow to obtain a more precise listing of relevant information and the more you use it the more precise it becomes.
You are allowed to rank a page if you find that the content you just read was a good resource and relevant to you, so this will serve others using the search engine. You can access directly this ActiveXAmerica Arthritis Search Engine from here ActiveXAmerica Arthritis Search Engine More >>
Why I should use this search engine?
Because we integrate a network of web sites carefully reviewed for quality information. This way you can be sure you're reading from trustable sources or from authors with a reputation.
Another reason is that the technology used on that engine allow to obtain a more precise listing of relevant information and the more you use it the more precise it becomes.
You are allowed to rank a page if you find that the content you just read was a good resource and relevant to you, so this will serve others using the search engine. You can access directly this ActiveXAmerica Arthritis Search Engine from here ActiveXAmerica Arthritis Search Engine More >>
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Glucosamine and chondroitin—mixed results in study
Osteoarthritis sufferers will have to keep waiting for concrete findings about the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin, the supplements used by so many to ease joint pain and support the maintenance of cartilage. A recent big study involving 1,583 people produced interesting good news/bad results.
First, researchers found scant scientific evidence to support the belief that the supplements work as advertised. They seemed to perform only marginally better than placebos for people with mild arthritis pain. However, for people with moderate to severe pain, the supplements, taken in combination, did offer relief to a
statistically substantial number of patients-79.2 percent, compared to 54.3 percent who took placebos. The study results were published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine.
First, researchers found scant scientific evidence to support the belief that the supplements work as advertised. They seemed to perform only marginally better than placebos for people with mild arthritis pain. However, for people with moderate to severe pain, the supplements, taken in combination, did offer relief to a
statistically substantial number of patients-79.2 percent, compared to 54.3 percent who took placebos. The study results were published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Stuttaford answers your questions on arthritis and rheumatism
Q1: I am no longer able to make a fist due to arthritis of the middle joints of my fingers. Are there surgical options for fingers as there are for hip replacements? They are very painful and apart from Difene or Voltoral type gel rubs are there any stronger pain relief remedies? R Smith, Dublin
A: The reader hasn't told us his or her age nor whether the arthritis is the result of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
I would guess that the reader's troubles are the result of osteoarthritis as the middle and the terminal joints in the fingers are the ones more likely to be affected in osteoarthritis than are the first joints of the fingers. In rheumatoid arthritis it is usually the proximal finger joints between the fingers and the hands and those of the wrists that suffer most. Furthermore you have made no mention of troubles elsewhere in your body, and usually in rheumatoid arthritis the joint involvement is more widespread and doesn't often, for example, only affect the hands, feet or knees as it may do in osteoarthritis in which a joint may be subjected to some specific prolonged overuse or trauma.
Surgery is always an option but the rule is this should only be considered to relieve pain. Hip replacements when successful offer complete pain relief in well over 90 per cent of cases. Likewise knee joint replacements are usually successful in achieving this. Techniques for knee replacement are improving almost by the month. The first joint in the fingers, that between the hand and the fingers, are being successfully replaced in some cases with a plastic implant, but the decision to do this would have to be reached by your surgeon and rheumatologist. I would expect that they would be reluctant to undertake surgery in cases of osteoarthritis unless the pain couldn't be controlled by other means.
I have never been hugely enthusiastic about trying to achieve pain relief by rubbing in analgesic anti-inflammatory creams and balms and have preferred anti-inflammatory drugs taken by mouth. The problem with these NSAIDs drugs is that in older people, or those with a history of indigestion or dyspepsia, there is much higher incidence of gastro intestinal bleeding than is realised. The COX II inhibitors are excellent at relieving pain, less likely to cause gastro intestinal bleeding (that is occasionally fatal) but there is strong evidence that some of them may increase fractionally the chances of having an acute heart problem. Despite this when I have an acute attack of gout I take Arcoxia, a COX 2 inhibitor that so far has a clean bill of health as regards side effects but I wouldn't even recommend taking this COX 2 inhibitor permanently. My favourite NSAIDs is Arthrotec as it includes a constituent that is alleged to reduce the risk of gut haemorrhage or perforation.
The disadvantage of all joint replacements is that not only may they become loose and painful so that in time they inevitably fail but there is always the danger of infection. Finger replacements that I have seen carried out successfully have usually been done because of rheumatoid rather than osteo-arthritis.
A: The reader hasn't told us his or her age nor whether the arthritis is the result of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
I would guess that the reader's troubles are the result of osteoarthritis as the middle and the terminal joints in the fingers are the ones more likely to be affected in osteoarthritis than are the first joints of the fingers. In rheumatoid arthritis it is usually the proximal finger joints between the fingers and the hands and those of the wrists that suffer most. Furthermore you have made no mention of troubles elsewhere in your body, and usually in rheumatoid arthritis the joint involvement is more widespread and doesn't often, for example, only affect the hands, feet or knees as it may do in osteoarthritis in which a joint may be subjected to some specific prolonged overuse or trauma.
Surgery is always an option but the rule is this should only be considered to relieve pain. Hip replacements when successful offer complete pain relief in well over 90 per cent of cases. Likewise knee joint replacements are usually successful in achieving this. Techniques for knee replacement are improving almost by the month. The first joint in the fingers, that between the hand and the fingers, are being successfully replaced in some cases with a plastic implant, but the decision to do this would have to be reached by your surgeon and rheumatologist. I would expect that they would be reluctant to undertake surgery in cases of osteoarthritis unless the pain couldn't be controlled by other means.
I have never been hugely enthusiastic about trying to achieve pain relief by rubbing in analgesic anti-inflammatory creams and balms and have preferred anti-inflammatory drugs taken by mouth. The problem with these NSAIDs drugs is that in older people, or those with a history of indigestion or dyspepsia, there is much higher incidence of gastro intestinal bleeding than is realised. The COX II inhibitors are excellent at relieving pain, less likely to cause gastro intestinal bleeding (that is occasionally fatal) but there is strong evidence that some of them may increase fractionally the chances of having an acute heart problem. Despite this when I have an acute attack of gout I take Arcoxia, a COX 2 inhibitor that so far has a clean bill of health as regards side effects but I wouldn't even recommend taking this COX 2 inhibitor permanently. My favourite NSAIDs is Arthrotec as it includes a constituent that is alleged to reduce the risk of gut haemorrhage or perforation.
The disadvantage of all joint replacements is that not only may they become loose and painful so that in time they inevitably fail but there is always the danger of infection. Finger replacements that I have seen carried out successfully have usually been done because of rheumatoid rather than osteo-arthritis.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Platinum Liquid Glucosamine
Platinum Liquid Glucosamine Chondroitin with MSM This formula combines Glucosamine with other substances important for the resiliency and maintenance of healthy cartilage, such as Chondroitin MSM and other joint friendy nutrients.
Nature’s Answer®, the “Liquid Professionals™” for over 30 years,brings you the next generation of liquid supplements. Introducing our Platinum “All-Star” Line-Up, a product family of Vitamins, Minerals, and Nutraceuticals in an easily absorbable form. These comprehensive, well-balanced formulas set the “platinum-standard” in providing essential nutritional support for vital healthy lifestyles.
Highest-Quality Ingredients - Vitamins, minerals and nutraceuticals, tested for purity, potency and efficacy, and blended in optimum ratios for maximum absorption, with all-natural flavors.
Quality Assurance - Our manufacturing facility is FDA Registered, Pharmaceutically Licensed and cGMP compliant.We oversee every stage of the production process, from sourcing ingredients to in house R&D and state-of-the-art testing, exceeding the highest standards in the natural health food industry.
Organic Agave Nector - A great-tasting, all-natural sweetener, Agave nector is extracted from the inner core of the Agave cactus. This nutritious nector has a low glycemic index, avoiding the ups and downs associated with sugar consumption.
Quik-Sorb™- Each formula is fortified with Quik-Sorb™, our exclusive proprietary blend of herbs known to enhance delivery of nutrients to the body.
mber Glass Bottles - Ensures long-life product integrity and stability, with no plastic leaching.
Nature’s Answer®, the “Liquid Professionals™” for over 30 years,brings you the next generation of liquid supplements. Introducing our Platinum “All-Star” Line-Up, a product family of Vitamins, Minerals, and Nutraceuticals in an easily absorbable form. These comprehensive, well-balanced formulas set the “platinum-standard” in providing essential nutritional support for vital healthy lifestyles.
Highest-Quality Ingredients - Vitamins, minerals and nutraceuticals, tested for purity, potency and efficacy, and blended in optimum ratios for maximum absorption, with all-natural flavors.
Quality Assurance - Our manufacturing facility is FDA Registered, Pharmaceutically Licensed and cGMP compliant.We oversee every stage of the production process, from sourcing ingredients to in house R&D and state-of-the-art testing, exceeding the highest standards in the natural health food industry.
Organic Agave Nector - A great-tasting, all-natural sweetener, Agave nector is extracted from the inner core of the Agave cactus. This nutritious nector has a low glycemic index, avoiding the ups and downs associated with sugar consumption.
Quik-Sorb™- Each formula is fortified with Quik-Sorb™, our exclusive proprietary blend of herbs known to enhance delivery of nutrients to the body.
mber Glass Bottles - Ensures long-life product integrity and stability, with no plastic leaching.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Rating Your Pain From 0 To 10 Might Not Help Your Doctor
The most commonly used measure for pain screening may only be modestly accurate, according to researchers from the Indiana University School of Medicine and the University of North Carolina. In a study that appears in the October issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine, they evaluate the usefulness of a scale that asks patients in primary care to rate their current pain from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain).
Universal pain screening is an increasingly common practice, largely because of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization's requirement that accredited hospitals and clinics routinely assess all patients for pain. JCAHO is the nation's predominant standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.
"Our study is the first to evaluate the accuracy of the widely-used numeric rating scale [NRS] as a screening test to identify primary care patients with clinically important pain. Accurate screening is important because pain symptoms, both serious and not so serious, are among the most common complaints in primary care," said Erin E. Krebs, M.D., M.P.H., assistant professor of medicine at the IU School of Medicine and a Regenstrief Institute research scientist. "To be helpful, a screening test needs to provide accurate information that doctors can use to improve care. If a test isn't very accurate or useful, doctors learn to tune out the numbers."
The authors found that, while the NRS is easy to administer, it fails to identify about a third of patients with pain serious enough to impair day-to-day functioning. Most patients in this study had long-standing pain, and many had more than one pain problem. The authors did not evaluate the accuracy of pain ratings in settings where short-term pain is more common, such as after surgery. The researchers noted that because it focuses on current pain, the NRS may miss intermittent symptoms. They also reported that "pain" was not the preferred word for some patients. For example, one study participant indicated that he felt discomfort, but not pain.
Universal pain screening is an increasingly common practice, largely because of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization's requirement that accredited hospitals and clinics routinely assess all patients for pain. JCAHO is the nation's predominant standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.
"Our study is the first to evaluate the accuracy of the widely-used numeric rating scale [NRS] as a screening test to identify primary care patients with clinically important pain. Accurate screening is important because pain symptoms, both serious and not so serious, are among the most common complaints in primary care," said Erin E. Krebs, M.D., M.P.H., assistant professor of medicine at the IU School of Medicine and a Regenstrief Institute research scientist. "To be helpful, a screening test needs to provide accurate information that doctors can use to improve care. If a test isn't very accurate or useful, doctors learn to tune out the numbers."
The authors found that, while the NRS is easy to administer, it fails to identify about a third of patients with pain serious enough to impair day-to-day functioning. Most patients in this study had long-standing pain, and many had more than one pain problem. The authors did not evaluate the accuracy of pain ratings in settings where short-term pain is more common, such as after surgery. The researchers noted that because it focuses on current pain, the NRS may miss intermittent symptoms. They also reported that "pain" was not the preferred word for some patients. For example, one study participant indicated that he felt discomfort, but not pain.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Health campaigner's hospital vigil
A "LAST stand" protest to hit out at massive cuts in Burnley's hospital services will be made on Wednesday.
From 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., hospital campaigner and leader of Burnley Council Coun. Gordon Birtwistle will stand outside Burnley General Hospital.
"This is the 'last stand' over the decimation of our hospital," he said.
His decision to resurrect the Express-backed Save Our Hospital campaign comes as news that Burnley could lose its fracture clinic – despite it being a feature in the plan chosen by county councillors and the East Lancashire Primary Care Trust.
Coun. Birtwistle, instrumental in the fight to stop the transfer of services to Blackburn, will put up banners and campaign posters outside the hospital's Casterton Avenue entrance.
He is hoping supporters and well-wishers will turn up throughout the day.
"I would like people to come and shake my hand or stand for 10 minutes, but this is not a mass demonstration. It is more of a symbolic protest, a continuation of the Save Our Hospitals campaign," he said.
From 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., hospital campaigner and leader of Burnley Council Coun. Gordon Birtwistle will stand outside Burnley General Hospital.
"This is the 'last stand' over the decimation of our hospital," he said.
His decision to resurrect the Express-backed Save Our Hospital campaign comes as news that Burnley could lose its fracture clinic – despite it being a feature in the plan chosen by county councillors and the East Lancashire Primary Care Trust.
Coun. Birtwistle, instrumental in the fight to stop the transfer of services to Blackburn, will put up banners and campaign posters outside the hospital's Casterton Avenue entrance.
He is hoping supporters and well-wishers will turn up throughout the day.
"I would like people to come and shake my hand or stand for 10 minutes, but this is not a mass demonstration. It is more of a symbolic protest, a continuation of the Save Our Hospitals campaign," he said.
Online pharmacies can seriously damage health
Dubious online pharmacies are putting the health and wealth of customers at risk by operating without proper credentials and lacking even the most basic e-commerce security features.
The claims were made in online brand management company MarkMonitor's latest Brandjacking Index report, a quarterly study which measures the effect of online threats to brands.
Research was based on electronic analysis of 3,160 online pharmacies and 60 million email solicitations from a variety of sources, captured over a four-week period in June.
"The data shows that 'brandjackers' are profoundly exploiting brands, using increasingly sophisticated tactics," said Irfan Salim, president and chief executive at MarkMonitor.
"In the case of the pharmaceutical industry, this poses an outright danger to consumers through questionable practices that indicate counterfeiting and grey markets.
"Caveat emptor on the part of consumers is not a sufficient response. Brand holders must shoulder the responsibility of protecting their brands online from the highly-developed and ever-evolving threats that 'brandjackers' pose."
Researchers found that only four of the 3,160 online pharmacies studied were accredited as Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites, the industry credential that assures consumers of legitimate online pharmacy operations.
The claims were made in online brand management company MarkMonitor's latest Brandjacking Index report, a quarterly study which measures the effect of online threats to brands.
Research was based on electronic analysis of 3,160 online pharmacies and 60 million email solicitations from a variety of sources, captured over a four-week period in June.
"The data shows that 'brandjackers' are profoundly exploiting brands, using increasingly sophisticated tactics," said Irfan Salim, president and chief executive at MarkMonitor.
"In the case of the pharmaceutical industry, this poses an outright danger to consumers through questionable practices that indicate counterfeiting and grey markets.
"Caveat emptor on the part of consumers is not a sufficient response. Brand holders must shoulder the responsibility of protecting their brands online from the highly-developed and ever-evolving threats that 'brandjackers' pose."
Researchers found that only four of the 3,160 online pharmacies studied were accredited as Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites, the industry credential that assures consumers of legitimate online pharmacy operations.
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