Sunday, November 7, 2010

RECENT ADVANCES IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Two days ago, National Public Radio's  All Things Considered broadcast a segment in its series This I believe with Mohammed Ali's contribution entitled "I Am Still The Greatest". The great boxing champion is suffering from Parkinson's disease. But that did not stop him to deliver his testimonial. Despite his condition, Muhammad Ali has risen to even greater championship after his boxing career ended, becoming a relentless ambassador for humanitarian causes and for more research in better treatments for this horribly destructive disease.

Parkinson's Disease is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system, resulting in severe tremor of limbs, motor arrest, and disruption of speech. Its cause is unknown, though a subset of people with the disease are known to carry an inherited genetic mutation that may predispose degeneration.

Nerve cells located in the basal ganglia, a group of forebrain structures situated nose-ward under the cerebral cortex, control our fine movements. They provide feedback to the nerve cells in the motor areas of the cerebral cortex that connect with nerve cells in the ventral horn of the spinal cord. The spinal nerve cells, known as motor neurons, innervate muscle fibers and control limb movement.

Basal ganglia functionality depends on a set of nerve cells located in a structure behind the basal ganglia, known as substantia nigra. In Parkinson's disease, the substantia nigra cells degenerate over decades and eventually die. The loss of their input to the basal ganglia perturbs motor control.

The nerve cells in the substantia nigra use the neurotransmitter dopamine to communicate with the nerve cells in the basal ganglia. Replacing the lost dopamine with the systemic administration of the drug levodopa ameliorates the symptoms. However, over time the brain develops increasing tolerance to the drug, and even high doses cannot control tremors anymore. Efforts pioneered by A. Björklund in Sweden at grafting into the brain undifferentiated cells induced to produce dopamine showed promising results in animal studies, but have not proved unequivocally successful in humans to date.

When medication eventually fails, surgically removing specific parts of the basal ganglia or inter-brain structures also involved in fine motor control may improve the condition (Çoban and others, 2009). In the last decade, however, deep brain stimulation has gained popularity. The method is less invasive and has produced superb outcome. It entails electrical stimulation of nerve cells in the basal ganglia or the inter-brain using thin implanted micro-electrode wires. The electrical impulses are thought to disrupt the persistent nerve cell activity causing the tremors. As a potential further improvement of this procedure, a research study published recently in the journal Science showed that the electrical stimulation of spinal cord nerve fibers with micro-electrodes, threaded between the vertebrae to touch the outer spinal cord where bundles of nerve fibers run that convey sensory information to the brain, may suffice to subdue tremors in Parkinsonian mice (Fuentes and others, 2009). The promising findings were reported on Mar. 19, 2009, in Julie Steenhuysen's post entitled "Spinal cord device helped mice with Parkinson's" on Reuters and Sandra Blakeslee's article entitled "Spinal Shocks Ease Parkinson’s in Mice" in The New York Times. If this procedure proved successful in people, brain surgery would be rendered unnecessary.

If Parkinson's disease runs in your family, you may be interested in gene chip tests for a predisposition available from 23andMe.

Addenda
Some patients with Parkinson's Disease benefitted from having fetal midbrain tissue rich in dopamine-producing nerve cells grafted into the dopamine-depleted basal ganglion known as striatum. However, dyskinesias, that is severe bouts of involuntary movements, hampered recovery despite major improvements in motor control. Using radioactively labeled markers and Positron Emission Tomography, Politis and others (2010) recently showed that the grafts produce extraordinary amounts of the neurotransmitter serotonin, suggesting that excessive serotonergic innervation of the striatum causes the dyskinesias. Hence, medication with long-lasting serotonin antagonists may subdue the undesired effect in grafted patients, and the use of grafts that lack great amounts of serotonergic nerve cells in future surgery may improve outcome in implantation therapy (07/03/10).
If you are considering stem cell therapy, you may find the information on the International Society for Stem Cell Research site helpful (07/26/10).

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

75 Reasons to Drink Mangosteen Juice Every Day

Establishing a mangosteen dosing regimen can create robust health and vitality, preventing many illnesses from striking in the first place.

WHOLE BODY HEALTH

Strengthen the immune system. The flavonoids & flavones boost other antioxidants, including vitamins C & E, to a more protective level.
Combats inflammation. Helps prevent tissue swelling which can lead to many debilitating diseases & conditions.
Improves cell communication. The xanthones in mangosteen improve the body’s cell to cell communication to fight disease from attacking & spreading. It also speeds up healing & repair.
Thwarts DNA damage. Xanthones have been shown to thwart DNA damage, lowering risks from carcinogens & mutagens.
Aids the lymphatic system. Helps the lymphatic system eliminate cell waste.
Keeps thyroid functioning optimally. Mangosteen’s energy boosting ability helps overcome low thyroid conditions.
Reduces insulin resistance. Xanthones can help normalize blood sugar levels.
Helps lower body fat. Balances cortisol which can stimulate fat deposits in various parts of the body.
Heals nerve damage. The anti-neuralgic & anti-inflammatory properties help repair cellular damage that causes neurological pain & discomfort, including diabetic neuropathy.
Balances the endocrine system. Favorably affects the balance of hormones & other neurochemicals produced by the endocrine system.
Aids body synergy. Mangosteen’s disease microbial-fighting abilities & immune system-strengthening qualities empower the entire body.
Reduces hemorroids. Alleviates the pain & swelling caused by inflammation.
Helps alleviate hypoglycemia. Counters fatigue brought on by low blood-sugar levels.
Relieves psoriasis. Xanthones can help detoxify the liver, which can cause psoriasis.
Helps heal lesions. Promotes rapid healing of topical wounds.
Reduces pain of carpal tunnel syndrome. Stops hand and wrist pain by reducing inflammation.
Relieves neurodermatitis. Mangosteen’s anti-inflammatory properties counteract this scaly & itching skin disorder.
HEART HEALTH

Helps prevent heart disease. Xanthones neutralize free radical damage which may play a role in the inflammatory process.
Strengthens blood vessels. Improves the flow of nutrients to the body’s cells.
Lowers LDL cholesterol. Since mangosteen inhibits free radical damage, it may help reduce LDL oxidation in the blood.
Reduces high blood pressure. Mangosteen’s ability to strengthen heart muscles & help you lose weight may lead to lower blood pressure.
Helps prevents arteriosclorosis. Mangosteen’s anti-inflammatory effect may reduce plaque buildup in artery walls.
DIGESTIVE HEALTH

Helps overcome acid reflux disease (GERD). Mangosteen’s antioxidants may help protect & repair the lower esophagus damaged by gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Its acid-suppression effects may reduce stomach content acidity.
Helps heal ulcers. Xanthones kill bad bacteria, fungi & parasites, including H-pylori, the ulcer-causing bacteria.
Relief for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Blocks IBS-causing serotonin in the digestive system.
Helps stop diarrhea. The anti-inflammatory & anti-bacterial properties of the rind or pericarp can stop diarrhea.
Can relieve Crohn’s disease. The anti-inflammatory properties can prevent the malabsorption of vital nutrients by preventing damage to the wall of the small intestine.
May prevent diverticulitis. Can prevent infections in the pockets that form in the lining of the colon.
YOUTHFUL LIVING

Boosts energy; improves resilience & increase stamina. Mangosteen’s nutrients provide needed energy.
Slows the aging process. Mangosteen’s regenerative nutrients & strong antioxidants keep cells operating optimally.
Helps prevent dementia & Alzheimer’s. Mangosteen’s flavonoids can stop simple memory loss.
Helps prevent kidney stones. The alkaline quality of mangosteen helps neutralize stone-forming acids in the body.
Helps prevent Parkinson’s disease. Mangosteen’s antioxidant qualities prevent oxidation, a factor in Parkinson’s.
Reduces pain from arthritis . The anti-inflammatory effect can reduce pain.
Repairs damage from NSAID use. Mangosteen has been shown to block the H1 & H2 receptors (histamine molecules linked to allergies & the production of stomach acid) naturally. Its anti-inflammatory properties may reduce stomach acid & protect the stomach lining from acid damage.
Aids in eye function. The antioxidant abilities protect cells from the oxidative damage that leads to aging and disease.
FAMILY HEALTH

Lowers fever. By fighting inflammation, offering immune system support & hydration, mangosteen can help fight fever.
Fights food poisoning. Xanthones can destroy Salmonella typhi.
Soothes sore throats. Anti-inflammatory effect can offer relief.
Helps heal mouth & canker sores. The natural antibiotic, antiviral & antifungal ability combats the pathogens that cause these sores.
Fights bad breath. Antibacterial properties help fight bad breath caused by bacteria.
Helps lessen migraines. Mangosteen can potentially correct abnormal serotonin functions in blood vessels that lead to migraines.
Relieves toothache pain. Anti-inflammatory effect can help relieve this pain.
Acts as a natural sleep aid. Helps balance hormones, which aids in balancing the sleep cycle.
Improves ability to deal with stress. Helps balance hormones like cortisol, which is overproduced during stress.
Improves mood & reduces depression. Acts as a “mood elevator” by correcting brain chemical imbalances.
Aids muscles and joint health. Pain can be reduced by the anti-inflammatory properties of mangosteen.
Helps clear acne & skin blemishes. The detoxifying & anti-inflammatory properties of mangosteen can prevent & clear up skin problems.
Treats bug bites, burns & poisonous plant contact. When made into a paste, the anti-bacterial & anti-inflammatory properties can relieve pain & swelling.
Relieves sprained & strained muscles & ligaments. Mangosteen can be massaged onto skin for topical relief.
Relieves stomachaches. Anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties relieve stomachaches caused by bacterial infections.
Relieves bronchitis, emphysema & pneumonia. Mangosteen’s anti-viral, anti-bacterial & anti-fungal effect can reduce the frequency of lung infections & other pulmonary diseases.
Works as a decongestant. Mangosteen’s anti-inflammatory properties help as a decongestant.
MEN’S HEALTH

Helps prevent male infertility. Mangosteen’s anti-inflammatory & anti-oxidant strengths can counter infertility due to stress, pollution & free radical-related factors.
Helps prevent prostate enlargement. The anitioxidant punch of mangosteen’s xanthones may be a powerful weapon in the fight against an enlarged prostate.
WOMEN’S HEALTH

Relieves urinary difficulties . The rind from mangosteen can relieve cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), caused by a bacterial infection.
Offers a gentle laxative effect . Unlike harsh laxatives that irritate the bowel, it heals and unblocks areas of bowel restriction.
Minimizes PMS . Reduces symptoms of moodiness & inflammation.
Relieves menopause symptoms . Removes stress from the body & helps maintain adequate levels of estrogen, thus slowing the effects of menopause.
Reduces menstrual swelling . The anti-inflammatory properties of mangosteen may counteract this bothersome side effect of PMS.
Reduces pain from fibromyalgia . Mangosteen exhibits a neurological pain-reducing effect.
Reduces pain from osteoporosis. Mangosteen’s neurological pain-reducing effect can offer relief from osteoporosis.
CHILDREN’S HEALTH

Helps relieve asthma. Mangosteen’s anti-viral, anti-bacterial & anti-fungal effect can reduce the frequency of lung infections & other pulmonary diseases.
May prevent ADHD & food allergies. Studies have found a strong connection between hyperactive behavior & food allergies. Mangosteen stops antigen/antibody reactions & reduces the body’s allergic reactions. It may also help reduce lead in children’s bodies which is linked to ADHD.
Builds stronger teeth and bones. Mangosteen aids in the efficient conversion of sunlight to vitamin D.
FIGHT DISEASE

Prevents gum disease. The anti-bacterial effect helps prevent gum disease.
Combat tuberculosis. Xanthones can overpower the bacteria responsible for causing TB.
Reduces lactose intolerance side effects. Mangosteen’s anti-inflammatory ability can reduce side effects, such as bloating & abdominal cramps.
Helps prevent dysentery. Effective fights Shigella, the bacterium that causes baciliary dysentery & the amoeba that causes amoebic dysentery..
Helps prevent multiple sclerosis (MS). Balances levels of tryptophan, serotonin and melatonin & prevents oxidative damage.
May thwart cancer. Xanthones have demonstrated anti-tumor properties in leukemia, liver, stomach & lung cancer, breast cancer & colon neoplasms.
Relieves Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). Anti-inflammatory properties can relieve the cause of holes in the mucosal membrane, strengthening the body’s defenses.
Helps prevent cystic fibrosis (CF) infections. Mangosteen’s antioxidant & anti-microbial abilities may prevent excesss mucus found in CF.
Prevent lupus-related symptoms. Anti-inflammatory & autoimmune strengthening qualities can help lupus symptoms.
Counteracts Myasthenia Gravis. Counteracts the symptoms of this autoimmune disease by strengthening the immune system.

First Psychiatrist Visit: Mood Disorder & Depression

I took the first step today towards regaining my self confidence and mental well being.  I had my first appointment with a psychiatrist!  I have been in a state of depression since age 17, and I am 28 years old now.  In the 11 years that I have been experiencing mental meltdowns, I have never had any of my doctors suggest I see a psychiatrist!

You would think that I would come to the conclusion on my own and take it upon myself to see a psychiatrist, however, when you have numerous health conditions which can cause depression, you tend to trust the one treating you for those conditions.  Lupus and fibromyalgia can both cause depression, so I always left my treatment options for depression up to my rheumatologist.  I have so many different specialists that I figured one of them had to know about treating depression.

My depression has always come and gone on a regular basis.  I have been able to control my depression to the extent that those around me would not know what I was feeling inside of me.  I have been prescribed Lexapro, Citalopram and Prozac in the past to aid in the treatment of my depression.  The Lexapro helped for a bit, but the dosage needed to be increased within the first year of taking it.  After about 5 years of being on Lexapro, I had asked to be switched to something less expensive and was switched to the Citalopram, which is generic for Celexa.  The Citalopram is supposed to be a medication very similar to Lexapro, so I felt comfortable jumping right into this medication.

The Citalopram seemed to make no more of a difference than the Lexapro had made.  Yes, the medication helped and was less expensive than the Lexapro, but it did not seem as if it helped as well as it should have.  With all of the other health issues I have, depression was one issue that I would yet again put on the back burner and just pray that the medication would work better or that I would miraculously heal from the horrible mental instability I felt brewing from within each and every day.

Lets fast forward, seeing as though I am a very long winded person and could tell you my life story before even realizing I’ve done so! ………….

Finally, I switched to a new rheumatologist in September 2009.  I felt that the treatment I was receiving from my rheumatologist at the time for my lupus and fibromyalgia was less than adequate, but that is a whole other story all together.  The new rheumatologist has been extremely thorough with my care and concerns.  He tried me on Prozac for my depression, which had actually caused me additional depression and anxiety.  The next medication he tried me on was Cymbalta to combat both fibromyalgia and depression.  The Cymbalta has helped slightly for the fibromyalgia, however has not touched upon the depression.  To top it all off, I am on such a high dosage of Prednisone (80 mg) that can also cause depression.  I am being hit with a double whammy at the moment.  Due to my many medical conditions, my rheumatologist tells me that he would like me to see a psychiatrist for additional help with my depression.

I went to the psychiatrist today for the first time.  When I arrived at the office, I filled out the usual paperwork with my contact information and insurance information.  I was also given a questionnaire to fill out with questions such as:  history of physical, mental and sexual abuse; drug use; childhood.  I filled out the paperwork and was called back to see the psychiatrist, Dr. G,  shortly after.  While in the psychiatrist office, Dr. G went over the same information that I had filled out and had also gone over my medications, medical history, and had asked me to describe what depression felt like to me.  My answer:  I cry and sometimes I am not sure why.  Other times I cry over things that most people would not find upsetting.

While sitting on the couch in Dr. G’s office, I suddenly felt like I was going to cry, and then I got angry.  I cannot explain why I suddenly felt a rage and just wanted to scream at Dr. G.  He did not do anything but ask me how I felt and asked me to describe my feelings.  I started letting him know that if things are not exactly the way I want them, at times I just get so upset and angry and my mouth gets the best of me.  I will practically bite heads off.  I don’t know why I can be fine one minute, and then in an instant turn into a monster.  He asked me if I had ever hurt anyone, and I said no.  He asked me more questions about my rage, and I answered them.  In the end he came to the conclusion that yes, the Prednisone has increased this rage, however that because of having Lupus and Fibromyalgia he believes that I have a mood disorder on top of depression.

Dr. G asked me if I had ever taken any other medications besides the Lexapro, Citalopram, Prozac and Cymbalta.  I said no.  He double checked with me by naming off about 10 different medications used to treat depression and mood disorders, and all answers were no.  So, he gave me options and let me know what he thought would be best for me.  We decided upon starting Abilify 2.5 mg (pending results on my white blood count, as this is not recommended if one has a low white blood count) and increasing my Cymbalta (pending my creatine level and other kidney function levels he wants to check first).  Dr. G also stated that he wants to do a Homocysteine (specific B12) test, thyroid test, and several other tests, along with requesting my medical records so that he may delve deeper into my mood disorder.

All in all, the visit to the psychiatrist was well worth it.  I return to see Dr. G in 1 month and he will let me know in the meantime when I have the go ahead to start Abilify and to increase my dosage of Cymbalta.  Of course, when I left his office, I felt sad and I could only assume it is because of having to sit and tell someone all of my downfalls.