DRINKING DECAF OR REGULAR COFFEE MAY BE GOOD FOR THE LIVER

Researchers from the National Cancer Institute report that decaffeinated coffee drinking may benefit liver health. Results of the study published in Hepatology, a journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, show that higher coffee consumption, regardless of caffeine content, was linked to lower levels of abnormal liver enzymes. This suggests that chemical compounds in coffee other than caffeine may help protect the liver

Coffee consumption is highly prevalent with more than half of all Americans over 18 drinking on average three cups each day according to a 2010 report from the National Coffee Association. Moreover, the International Coffee Association reports that coffee consumption has increased one percent each year since the 1980s, increasing to two percent in recent years. Previous studies found that coffee consumption may help lower the risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

"Prior research found that drinking coffee may have a possible protective effect on the liver. However, the evidence is not clear if that benefit may extend to decaffeinated coffee," explains lead researcher Dr. Qian Xiao from the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland.

For the present study researchers used data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 1999-2010). The study population included 27,793 participants, 20 years of age or older, who provided coffee intake in a 24-hour period. The team measured blood levels of several markers of liver function, including aminotransferase (ALT), aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamyl transaminase (GGT) to determine liver health.

Participants who reported drinking three or more cups of coffee per day had lower levels of ALT, AST, ALP and GGT compared to those not consuming any coffee. Researchers also found low levels of these liver enzymes in participants drinking only decaffeinated coffee.

Dr. Xiao concludes, "Our findings link total and decaffeinated coffee intake to lower liver enzyme levels. These data suggest that ingredients in coffee, other than caffeine, may promote liver health. Further studies are needed to identify these components."

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LOW CHOLESTEROL LEVEL MAY SPELL TROUBLE FOR KIDNEY CANCER PATIENTS

Low cholesterol levels may increase kidney cancer patients’ risk of death, a new study suggests.

The findings indicate that cholesterol testing may help guide treatment for kidney cancer patients, the study authors said.

They analyzed cholesterol levels in 867 kidney cancer patients before they had surgery for their cancer and followed them for a median of 52 months after surgery. Low cholesterol levels before surgery were associated with more advanced cancer and greater cancer spread after surgery.

The investigators also found that patients with high cholesterol levels were 43 percent less likely to die after surgery than those with low cholesterol levels, and that assessing cholesterol levels improved the accuracy of patients’ prognoses.

While the study found an association between low cholesterol levels and a raised death risk among kidney cancer patients, it did not prove a conclusive link between the two.

It’s not clear how cholesterol levels may affect kidney cancer patients’ chances of survival, but certain components of cholesterol may influence tumor growth and spread, according to the authors of the study published June 12 in the journal BJU International.

“As this was a hypothesis-generating study, our findings should be confirmed in [future research]. If confirmed, patients with low cholesterol may be considered high-risk and may be treated or followed up more aggressively,” Dr. Tobias Klatte, of the Medical University of Vienna in Austria, said in a journal news release.

What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Neuropathy

Today's post from curediseases.pw (see link below) is very sensibly written and should appeal to all readers looking for just a little more information than their doctors are able to supply during a fifteen minute consultation. It addresses some of the myths surrounding neuropathy, many of them brought about because doctors just don't have the time to explain what's happening in any length. Time is the issue here...nobody is suggesting that doctors are being negligent...they just don't have the necessary time! The article fills in some of the blanks, with accurate and helpful information and you may well learn something you didn't know about this frustrating disease that's causing you so many problems. Worth a read.
 

11 Things Doctors Don’t Tell You About Neuropathy
November 19, 2016 ASHLEY

Have you ever learned a piece of valuable new information about neuropathy and thought to yourself, “I wish I would’ve known that when I was first diagnosed.” If you’re anything like me, this is a somewhat frequent occurrence. The reality is that while a lot has been (and is being) discovered about neuropathy in the scientific and medical communities, our understanding of it is an evolving process. Compared to a decade or two ago, we know considerably more now than we did – but even so, there is much that is yet to be fully understood about this silent but painful nerve condition.

As I look back on all I’ve learned about neuropathy over the years – from causes to treatments and everything in between – there is a lot I wish I’d been told about sooner. As with any battle against a chronic condition – knowledge is power. The more you know about your neuropathy – including its potential causes and the steps you can take to most effectively treat it and prevent it from spreading – the better your chances are of reducing your neuropathy related symptoms and preventing further nerve damage.

With that said, here are 11 things I wish I’d known about neuropathy when I was first diagnosed:

There are many potential causes – including medications

Some of the known causes of neuropathy include diabetes, chemotherapy, exposure to toxins, surgery, injury or trauma, vitamin B12 deficiency, excessive amounts of vitamin B6, autoimmune diseases, nutritional imbalances, excessive alcohol consumption and even medications. Knowing the cause of your neuropathy is one of the most important factors in determining how to treat it.



MORE: 7 Potential Causes of Your Neuropathy

In some cases, the cause of neuropathy will remain a mystery even after thorough testing and investigation. This is referred to as idiopathic neuropathy, meaning the cause is unknown. In most cases, however, doctors should be able to arrive at a cause (or number of causes).


Some Causes Are Reversible

One of the dreaded realities we often associated with neuropathy is that the damage is irreversible – that you’re stuck with the pain, tingling or numbness forever. While in many cases the damage and symptoms may last indefinitely, there are cases in which the damage may be reversible. This largely depends on the cause of your neuropathy and how quickly you catch it and take steps to reverse it (obviously, the earlier the better).

Among the causes in which damage has the potential to be stopped and even reversed are diabetes, vitamin B12 deficiencies, nutritional deficiencies, heavy alcohol consumption and medications. Of course, to have any hope of stopping or reversing the damage one must determine the cause of the damage and take immediate steps to remedy the problem.

For those with diabetes or nutritional deficiencies, managing blood sugar and improving diet is key to reversing the damage. Those with vitamin B12 deficiencies should work with their doctor to determine ways to eliminate the deficiency through diet or supplementation. Finally, those with neuropathy caused by alcohol or medications should restrict or eliminate the use of the substance causing the damage.

Nerve Damage Can Spread If Underlying Cause Isn’t Addressed

The peripheral nervous system is comprised of nerves running from the brain and spinal chord to other parts of the body. Damage to the peripheral nerves typically manifests itself first in our extremities – usually the hands or feet. What many neuropathy patients don’t realize is that over time these symptoms can spread to other parts of the body – including the arms, ankles, legs and more – if the underlying cause isn’t addressed. This is why both early detection and treatment are so critical. 

Look Out For Early Indicators of Peripheral Neuropathy

The earlier you can catch neuropathy the better your chances of preventing the symptoms from spreading. Some of the early signs of neuropathy to watch out for include:
Gradual numbness or tingling sensations in the feet or hands (which may spread into the legs and arms)
Sharp, stabbing pains
Intense burning pain
Extreme sensitivity to touch
Loss of balance or coordination
Muscle weakness, loss of motor skills
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

Neuropathy Can Affect Muscle Control

Within the peripheral nervous system there are three types of nerves: motor, autonomic and sensory. While the most recognizable symptoms of neuropathy are related to the sensory nerves (i.e. pain, tingling and numbness) – nerve damage can manifest itself in other ways as well. When neuropathy damages the motor nerves, it disrupts the nerves ability to relay messages from the brain and spinal cord to various muscle groups. This can result in difficulties such as loss of balance, difficulty walking, loss of dexterity, cramps or spasms, muscle weakness and loss of muscle control.

MORE: What No One Tells You About Neuropathy & Muscle Control


Neuropathy Can Affect Autonomic Functions

Another group of nerves that can be affected my neuropathy is the autonomic nerves. The autonomic nervous system is a division of the peripheral nervous system that influences various internal organs such as the heart, stomach, liver, adrenal gland and more. Damage to the autonomic nerves disrupts the signals sent from the brain and spinal cord to these various organs – sometimes resulting in a disruption to the involuntary functions these organs are involved in.

MORE: Heartburn, Indigestion and 25 Other Symptoms You Didn’t Know Were Caused By Neuropathy

Here are the most common organs affected by damage to the autonomic nerves and the symptoms generally associated with them:


Pain Medications Only Mask the Pain

There are a number of prescription medications available to help cope with neuropathic pain. These medications have been a lifesaver for many sufferers (myself included) as they help take the edge off the pain and make it more manageable. Unfortunately, their purpose is simply to help mask the pain rather than help correct the underlying problem. In addition, there can be negative side effects associated with any prescription medication – so one must be aware of the risks.

MORE: Strategies for Fighting Neuropathy Without Prescriptions

Understanding that these prescription medications would not necessarily stop or reverse my nerve damage – but merely mask the symptoms – helped me to recognize the importance of trying various approaches to help address the underlying causes of my neuropathy. 

Natural Herbs & Supplements May Help

While prescription medications typically only mask the symptoms, nutritional supplements and herbs may help both relieve symptoms and address underlying causes. By addressing underlying causes or problems, they may help to slow or even stop the nerve damage from spreading. Some of the best supplements and herbs for nerve pain include:
Vitamin B12
Vitamin D
Magnesium
Alpha Lipoic Acid
CoQ10
Acetyl-l-carnitine

Vitamin B12 is especially important for nerve health. It helps build up and support the myelin sheath – a protective coating around the nerves that shelters them from damage and infection. Studies have shown that high doses of vitamin B12 can promote nerve regeneration of damaged nerves.

MORE: Top 10 Herbs & Supplements for Nerve Pain 
 
Alternative Therapies Can Help (but be patient)

Like a lot of people, I was hesitant about alternative therapies and skeptical about the promised results. However, alternative therapies have proven to be very beneficial in both helping me to manage my pain as well as improving my overall health. That said – there is no miracle therapy or treatment that is going to relieve my nerve pain overnight. I’ve found that with alternative approaches, the results are gradual – but they tend to be lasting results.

Alternative therapies for neuropathy range from low-impact exercises like yoga or tai chi to ancient practices like acupuncture. Here is a good list of popular approaches you may want to explore if you are suffering from neuropathy:
Acupuncture
Massage
Yoga
Tai Chi
Walking or stationary bike
Biofeedback
TENS therapy (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)

MORE: 10 Little Known Ways to Relieve Nerve Pain 
 
Diet Could Be Helping or Hurting Nerve Pain

Something else I wish I’d known was the impact that diet can have on the symptoms of neuropathy. There are certain foods that can aggravate nerve pain as well as ones that can help boost nerve health. Knowing which foods or ingredients fall into which category can make a big difference!

Among the foods that can make neuropathy worse are casein-based products (commonly found in dairy products), artificial sweeteners, gluten, added sugars and refined grains. When consumed excessively, alcohol can also harm the nerves and block the absorption of essential vitamins like B12.

MORE: 4 Nutrient Deficiencies That Are Killing Your Nerves

Foods that promote healthier nerves include ones rich in B-complex vitamins such as B12 & B2. Other important vitamins and nutrients for strong nerves include vitamin D, vitamin E, Magnesium and Zinc.
Joining a Neuropathy Support Group Can Help

They say that experience is the mother of all wisdom, so what better way to learn about neuropathy than to join others who have been living with it for years? Joining a support group or online forum can give you insights into living with neuropathy that you might not find elsewhere. They are also safe environments to ask questions and learn what experience others have had with various medications, treatments and therapies.

To find a support group near you, the Neuropathy Support Network has a useful support group search tool. In addition to local support groups, there are a handful of online support groups or forums. For finding information and support online, check out these 10 Resources Every Neuropathy Sufferer Should Bookmark.

Life with neuropathy can be painful, overwhelming and frustrating. As with anything, the more experience one has the more wisdom and insight he or she will gain into how to better cope with the hand that has been dealt. For me, the process has been gradual and frustrating (of course) – but I’ve learned many things that have resulted in small yet meaningful changes to make the road a little smoother. What things do you wish you had known about neuropathy when you were first diagnosed?

http://curediseases.pw/11-things-doctors-dont-tell-you-about-neuropathy/

JEALOUS NEUROTIC WOMEN MAY FACE HIGHER ALZHEIMERS RISK

Middle-aged women with a neurotic personality style and prolonged stress may have a heightened risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, new research suggests.

Tracking 800 women over nearly four decades, Swedish scientists found that those who were most anxious, jealous and moody — which they defined as neurotic — and experienced long-standing stress had double the risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared to women scoring lowest in these traits.

“No other study has shown that [one style of] midlife personality increased the risk of Alzheimer’s disease over a period of nearly 40 years,” said study author Lena Johansson, a researcher at University of Gothenburg.

Outside experts cautioned, however, that the study results don’t prove that neuroticism triggers Alzheimer’s, but they do suggest an association between the two.

The study is published online Oct. 1 in the journal Neurology.

The most common type of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease causes profound memory loss and impairments in language, focus, judgment and visual perception, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. About 5.2 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, which is progressive, incurable and ultimately fatal.

Johansson said she believes the results would also be true for men. But study data — pulled from research that began in the 1960s — happened to include only women in an era when few medical studies focused on females.

In the new study, participants with an average age of 46 were tracked for 38 years and given memory tests and personality tests measuring their levels of neuroticism and extraversion (defined as being outgoing) and introversion (defined as reserved or shy).

Study authors defined neuroticism as being easily distressed and exhibiting personality traits such as anxiety, jealousy or moodiness. People with this personality style are more likely, they said, to express guilt, anger, envy, worry and depression.

The women were also asked if they had experienced any period of prolonged stress lasting one month or longer and to rate their stress on a scale from zero to five, which represented constant stress during the previous five years. Stress responses included nervousness, sleep disturbances, fearfulness, irritability and tension.

Being introverted or extroverted alone didn’t seem to affect dementia risk, but women who were both easily distressed and withdrawn (introverted) had the highest risk of Alzheimer’s among all women analyzed. One-quarter of them developed the disease, compared to only 13 percent of those considered outgoing (extroverted) and not easily distressed.

“We know genetics drives personality and disease itself, but there’s very little understanding of how personality drives disease,” said Dean Hartley, director of science initiatives for the Alzheimer’s Association, who was not involved in the research. “We need more data.”

Just how might personality influence the risk for dementia? By influencing a person’s behavior, lifestyle or stress reactions, all of which affect overall health, Johansson said. Also, prior research has indicated that neuroticism and stress are associated with changes in the hippocampus, a brain structure affected early in Alzheimer’s disease.

Hartley said the new research was limited in its ability to measure participants’ actual stress levels, since it did so by asking them a single question about stress every five years instead of measuring specific biochemical responses to stress.

“Future studies should examine . . . whether this [neurotic] group responds well to interventions,” Johansson said. “It remains to be seen whether neuroticism could be modified by medical treatment or through lifestyle changes.”

ACETAMINOPHEN MAY NOT HELP BACK PAIN

Even though its use is often advised by doctors, the painkiller acetaminophen — best known as Tylenol — does not help treat lower back pain, according to a new Australian study.

The researchers found the drug was no more effective than a dummy pill for more than 1,600 people suffering from acute lower back pain

Besides showing no effect in easing discomfort, the study also found the drug was no help in improving sleep woes tied to back pain, nor did it improve patients’ overall quality of life.

The research team said the findings call into question the belief that acetaminophen should be the first choice when treating this common form of back pain.

The drug “might not be of primary importance in the management of acute lower back pain,” study lead author Dr. Christopher Williams from the George Institute for Global Health at the University of Sydney in Australia, said in a news release from the journal The Lancet.

The study was published online in the July 23 issue of the journal.

However, one expert said it’s probably too early to abandon acetaminophen for lower back pain.

“While this is a fascinating study, it is only one study and shouldn’t change clinical behavior,” said Dr. Houman Danesh, director of Integrative Pain Management and assistant professor of anesthesiology at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

For its part, McNeil Consumer Healthcare, which makes Tylenol, said doctors need to consider “the entire body of scientific evidence when making recommendations or changing guidelines.” The company said that “the safety and efficacy profile of acetaminophen is supported by more than 150 studies over the past 50 years.”

The new study involved more than 1,650 people averaging 45 years of age. All had suffered lower back pain and were treated at 235 different primary care facilities throughout Sydney. Each person was randomly assigned to take either three doses of acetaminophen daily (a total of 3,990 milligrams) for up to four weeks, or a placebo pill.

The researchers pointed out the maximum daily dose of the drug is 4,000 milligrams (mg).

All of the patients received follow-up “reassurance and advice” from a doctor for three months.

According to the study, there were no differences in the amount of time it took any of the patients involved in the study to feel better. The median time to recovery for those taking acetaminophen was 17 days, compared to 16 days for patients in the placebo group.

The drug also appeared to have no effect on the patients’ level of pain, compared to people who took the dummy pill, the researchers noted. Acetaminophen also did not improve patients’ level of disability, sleep quality or quality of life. About the same number of patients in each group experienced negative health issues, the study found.

The researchers suggested that the medical reassurance the patients received during the study — something many won’t get in a “real world” setting — could have had a more significant effect on their lower back pain than the medication.

“It would be interesting to see whether advice and reassurance [as provided in our trial] might be more effective than pharmacological strategies for acute episodes of low-back pain,” Williams said.

Another expert agreed that encouragement and counseling can be key.

Everyone involved in the study received ongoing ” ‘good-quality advice and reassurance,’ which appears to be a big factor in recovery,” said Dr. Michael Mizhiritsky, a physiatrist and specialist in pain relief at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

“In my opinion, positive reinforcement about treatments — including medications and physical therapy — in the management of low back pain is vital to a quicker and successful recovery,” he added.

Both Danesh and Mizhiritsky also took issue with some of the study’s methods.

“The drawback I see is there was no group that did not receive any treatment — meaning there could be a placebo effect” at work, Mizhiritsky said.

And Danesh said people could still get relief from acetaminophen/Tylenol — just not the kind of relief outlined in the study.

“The criteria was to be pain-free for seven continuous days when using Tylenol,” he pointed out. “It does not address if Tylenol will give you a few hours of relief or a few days.”

In the meantime, the prognosis for most people with lower back pain is actually quite good, Danesh stressed.

“Most back pain patients improve in 6-8 weeks,” he said. “It is important to note that the best treatment of back pain involves not only pain medication, but also physical therapy to address muscle imbalances. Acupuncture for back pain has also been researched by the U.S. National Institute of Health, and after reviewing the literature they state that there is evidence to support the use of acupuncture for back pain.”

The study was partially funded by drug maker GlaxoSmithKline Australia. HealthDay reached out for comment to McNeil Consumer Healthcare, the makers of Tylenol, but did not receive a reply.

How Your Neuropathy May Be Diagnosed Vid

Today's video from mskcc.org (see link below) is produced by the memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and is naturally aimed at chemotherapy patients who have suffered nerve damage due to the drugs. It goes on to explain how a diagnosis is made and what possible procedures are used to do that. However, the testing procedures apply to neuropathy from all causes and it is therefore a useful guide to what may happen during your diagnostic process whether you have cancer or not. However, mainly due to cost, most doctors will come to the conclusion that you have peripheral neuropathy long before the results of such tests are known and decide not to carry them out. This doesn't mean that they are neglecting you, it just means that they are making a reasoned diagnosis based on the evidence they already have. Thanks to the unique symptoms of neuropathy, your own story may well give them enough to go on and begin treatment.

Video: Diagnosing Chemotherapy-Induced
Peripheral Neuropathy
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Memorial Sloan Kettering occupational therapist Gabrielle Miskovitz explains that your doctor or therapist will first review your chemotherapy regimen, symptoms, and preexisting medical conditions to identify causes of peripheral neuropathy. Your specialist may then examine your skin for cuts and injuries, which can occur due to decreased sensitivity from neuropathy, and also evaluate your reaction to light touch, sensitivity to sharp and dull stimulation, finger muscle strength, reflexes, balance, and autonomic symptoms.

Some doctors recommend neurophysiologic tests such as electromyography, nerve conduction studies, and quantitative sensory tests to further examine peripheral nerve function, although findings from these tests do not always correspond with symptoms. Your doctor may also recommend laboratory and imaging tests to look for metabolic disturbances, nutritional deficiencies, and other possible causes of nerve damage.
Physical and occupational therapists may perform several additional tests to assess the impact of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy on your balance, stability, and fine motor skills. Based on this assessment, your therapists will help you determine your functional goals and select the appropriate therapy to reduce the risk of injury and improve your quality of life.

http://www.mskcc.org/videos/diagnosing-chemotherapy-induced-peripheral-neuropathy

DAILY MEDITATION MAY REDUCE MIGRAINE PAIN

For those suffering from migraine attacks, daily meditation might be a good idea for instant relief.

During a small study, researchers assessed the safety, feasibility and effects of a standardised meditation and yoga intervention called mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in adults with migraines.

Nineteen adults were assigned to two groups with 10 receiving the MBSR intervention and nine receiving standard medical care.

The participants attended eight weekly classes to learn MBSR techniques and were instructed to practice 45 minutes on their own at least five additional days per week.

“We found that MBSR participants had trends of fewer migraines that were less severe,” said Rebecca Erwin Wells, an assistant professor of neurology at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Centre in North Carolina.

Secondary effects included headaches that were shorter in duration and less disabling.

Participants had increases in mindfulness and self-efficacy - a sense of personal control over migraine pain.

“In addition, there were no adverse events and excellent adherence,” Wells reported.

Specifically, the MBSR participants had 1.4 fewer migraines per month that were less severe.

The participants' headaches were significantly shorter as compared to the control group.

“MBSR is a safe and feasible therapy for adults with migraines. Although the sample size of this pilot study was small, secondary outcomes demonstrated this intervention had a beneficial effect on headache duration, disability, self-efficacy and mindfulness,” researchers concluded.

The paper was published online in the journal Headache.

IMPLANT WIRELESS DEVICES TRIGGER AND MAY BLOCK PAIN SIGNALS

Building on wireless technology that has the potential to interfere with pain, scientists have developed flexible, implantable devices that can activate -- and, in theory, block -- pain signals in the body and spinal cord before those signals reach the brain

The researchers, at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, said the implants one day may be used in different parts of the body to fight pain that doesn't respond to other therapies.

"Our eventual goal is to use this technology to treat pain in very specific locations by providing a kind of 'switch' to turn off the pain signals long before they reach the brain," said co-senior investigator Robert W. Gereau IV, PhD, the Dr. Seymour and Rose T. Brown Professor of Anesthesiology and director of the Washington University Pain Center.

The study is published online Nov. 9 in the journal Nature Biotechnology.

Because the devices are soft and stretchable, they can be implanted into parts of the body that move, Gereau explained. The devices previously developed by the scientists had to be anchored to bone.

"But when we're studying neurons in the spinal cord or in other areas outside of the central nervous system, we need stretchable implants that don't require anchoring," he said.

The new devices are held in place with sutures. Like the previous models, they contain microLED lights that can activate specific nerve cells. Gereau said he hopes to use the implants to blunt pain signals in patients who have pain that cannot be managed with standard therapi Building on wireless technology that has the potential to interfere with pain, scientists have developed flexible, implantable devices that can activate -- and, in theory, block -- pain signals in the body and spinal cord before those signals reach the braines.

The researchers experimented with mice that were genetically engineered to have light-sensitive proteins on some of their nerve cells. To demonstrate that the implants could influence the pain pathway in nerve cells, the researchers activated a pain response with light. When the mice walked through a specific area in a maze, the implanted devices lit up and caused the mice to feel discomfort. Upon leaving that part of the maze, the devices turned off, and the discomfort dissipated. As a result, the animals quickly learned to avoid that part of the maze.

The experiment would have been very difficult with older optogenetic devices, which are tethered to a power source and can inhibit the movement of the mice.

Because the new, smaller, devices are flexible and can be held in place with sutures, they also may have potential uses in or around the bladder, stomach, intestines, heart or other organs, according to co-principal investigator John A. Rogers, PhD, professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Illinois.

"They provide unique, biocompatible platforms for wireless delivery of light to virtually any targeted organ in the body," he said.

Rogers and Gereau designed the implants with an eye toward manufacturing processes that would allow for mass production so the devices could be available to other researchers. Gereau, Rogers and Michael R. Bruchas, PhD, associate professor of anesthesiology at Washington University, have launched a company called NeuroLux to aid in that goal.

May Flowers Creativity and Moments of Beauty

May is for Mandala

Mandala of days that design themselves

with Lilacs & Honey

coconut butters

evening alchemy

and resinous balms.

May is for Medicine Woman

walking through the whispering woods

and along the rocky edges

to gather the flowers, roots, barks, and fragrant leaves that heal.

Sharing life with the honey bees

and butterflies

and the mystery that is life.

May is for Magic, in as many mirrors the imagination can invent.

May is for the Muse

Salicylates Found In Aspirin May Reduce Neuropathic Pain

Today's post from herald-review.com (see link below) takes a look at the possibility that Salicylates (most commonly found in aspirin) may be able to help control the symptoms of neuropathy by reducing so-called proinflammatory cytokynes (you're going to need to Google that one - not enough space here). Recent research suggests that Salicylates will target these cytokines, thus reducing  the symptoms that make our lives miserable. It's a short article and interesting but you may need to increase your background knowledge through your own research to understand the science behind it. One thing is sure (and the article emphasises this) you should consult with your doctor or neurologist before taking too much aspirin.

Dear Pharmacist: Salicylates may be key to easing neuropathy
SUZY COHEN For the Herald Review Apr 13, 2016

We take for granted the comfort we feel in our hands and feet, but some people have lost that comfort, and they suffer all day long with strange nerve-related concerns. There is new research about aspirin that could help them; but first, let’s talk about that nerve pain, called “neuropathy.”

Neuropathy feels like you are touching or stepping on pins and needles. It can affect you all over, not just your hands and feet. Depending on various factors (race, age, weight, alcohol consumption, insulin and A1c), your experience of neuropathy may also include pain, vibration or buzzing sensations, lightheadedness, burning sensations (even in your tongue), trigeminal neuralgia or cystitis.

Recognizing what your neuropathy stems from is critical to you getting well. For some, it is due to a vitamin deficiency. For example, vitamin B12 or probiotics that help you to manufacture your own B12 in the gut. For others, it could be that wine you drink with dinner because wine is a potent drug mugger of B1 (thiamine) which protects your nerve coating. By a mile, the most common cause of neuropathy is diabetes.

Approximately half of all people with diabetes experience diabetic neuropathies, mainly in the hands and feet. Some doctors will tell you that maintaining healthy blood glucose will reverse neuropathy but that’s not true, we know from The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial that even intensive glucose control is insufficient to control the risk of diabetic neuropathy.

It’s tough love, but I need to say it: Uncontrolled neuropathy can cause a 25 percent higher cumulative risk of leg amputation. So, gaining control is important for your independence. I’ve written about natural supplements for neuropathy in the past (articles are archived at suzycohen.com), and you can have a free ebook “Spices that Heal” which offers more natural advice (get it by signing up for my email newsletter).

New research was published last March in Current Diabetes Reports. Scientists confirmed that targeting inflammatory cytokines can help relieve diabetic neuropathy. Oftentimes, that bad gateway called NF Kappa B (NFKB) opens its floodgates, and spits out proinflammatory cytokines such as COX-2 (Celebrex lowers this), nitric oxide synthase, lipoxygenase, TNF alpha and a lot of pain-causing interleukins (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8).

The researchers reported that something as simple as salicylate therapy could help reduce some of these cytokines as well as circulating glucose, triglycerides, C reactive protein and free fatty acids. When you think of salicylates, please understand this is a broad group of compounds found naturally in the plant kingdom. Salicylate is the main ingredient in aspirin and other analgesics, both prescribed and over-the-counter. Salicylates include spearmint, peppermint (even in mint toothpaste) and in muscle rubs. White willow bark is an herb that is morphed and turned into aspirin. They’re not right for everyone; so please ask your doctor about salicylates for neuropathy. Also ask if you can have a blood test to evaluate some of the proinflammatory markers I noted above.

Suzy Cohen can be reached at www.SuzyCohen.com

http://herald-review.com/news/opinion/editorial/columnists/dear-pharmacist-salicylates-may-be-key-to-easing-neuropathy/article_0549df7f-5c1b-5987-9900-f629df764099.html

Another Suspect Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic May Cause Neuropathy

Today's post from aboutlawsuits.com (see link below) is another one in the growing row about fluoroquinolone antibiotics (in this case Avelox) and their potential for causing nerve damage. It's worth bearing in mind that fluoroquinolones are by far the commonest antibiotic prescribed in the USA but nobody can ignore the evidence that shows that they are a danger for people susceptible to nerve damage and even more damaging for those who already have it. Even the FDA has insisted that the industry display clear warnings on the packaging of these drugs and yet doctors still prescribe them widely, either through lack of knowledge or lack of professional attention to detail. The problem is that this class of antibiotics comes under many brand names and people aren't always aware that the tiny print reveals that they are fluoroquinolones (and sometimes not even that). If you have neuropathic problems and/or immune system illnesses, you really need to have a serious discussion with your doctor as to whether these are the right drugs for you, especially as there are enough alternatives available.

Avelox Lawsuit Filed Over Peripheral Neuropathy Risk Written by: Irvin Jackson September 26, 2014

According to claims raised in a recently filed product liability lawsuit against Bayer and Merck, consumers and the medical community were provided inadequate warnings about the link between Avelox and peripheral neuropathy for years, which allegedly left a Tennessee woman with irreversible and permanent nerve damage.

The complaint (PDF) was filed last month by Sherri Kellerman, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

Kellerman indicates that she developed peripheral neuropathy from side effects of Avelox (moxifloxacin), which is a popular antibiotic that is part of a class of medications known as fluoroquinolones. Other medications in the same class include the blockbuster antibiotics Levaquin and Cipro.

Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic Failure to Warn

The case joins a growing number of antibiotic peripheral neuropathy lawsuits being pursued nationwide, which all involve similar allegations that makers of fluoroquinolones provided false and misleading information about the risk of permanent nerve damage that may result from use of the medications.

Peripheral neuropathy involves damage to the nerves, which may impair sensation, movement and other aspects of health. Symptoms may include pain, burning, tingling, numbness, weakness and sensitivity to light touches, temperature and motion in the arms and legs.

Until last year, the peripheral neuropathy warnings provided with Avelox suggested that the problems were “rare” and failed to adequately disclose that users may be left with irreversible nerve damage, according to allegations raised by Kellerman.

In August 2013, the FDA required new, more stringent warnings about the peripheral neuropathy risk with Avelox, Levaquin, Cipro and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics, indicating problems may last for months or years after an individual stops taking the drug.

The new label announced by the FDA required the drug makers to warn patients that if they experience symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, they should contact their doctors and be switched to another antibiotic from a different class of drugs.

Avelox Risks Withheld

Fluoroquinolones are among the most widely used antibiotics in the United States, with about 23.1 million patients receiving prescriptions for an oral version of the antibiotics in 2011. Since it was introduced in 1999, Avelox has increased in popularity within the class, approaching blockbuster drug status.

Kellerman alleges that Bayer and Merck knew or should have known about the Avelox peripheral neuropathy risk for years, indicating that studies have linked fluoroquinolones to a risk of permanent nerve damage for years before the medication was even introduced.

A study published last month in the medical journal Neuorology suggested that users of oral fluoroquinolones may face double the risk of developing peripheral neuropathy. Researchers found that current users of Avelox and other similar antibiotics faced an 83% increased risk of suffering nerve damage, and new users faced more than double the risk of peripheral neuropathy compared to those not taking the drugs.

“Defendants failed to appropriately and adequately inform and warn Plaintiff and Plaintiff’s prescribing physicians of the serious and dangerous risks associated with the use of Avelox concerning peripheral neuropathy, as well as other severe and personal injuries, which are permanent and/or long-lasting in nature, cause significant physical pain and mental anguish, diminished enjoyment of life, and the need for medical treatment, monitoring and/or medications,” according to Kellerman’s complaint.

The Avelox lawsuit pursues claims for strict liability, failure to warn, negligence, breach of warranty, fraud, negligent misrepresentation and fraudulent concealment. It comes amid a growing number of similar Levaquin lawsuits and Cipro lawsuits being pursued on behalf of former users of those related antibiotics, which have also been linked to a risk of peripheral neuropathy.

Related Stories
Psychiatric Warning Should Join Antibiotic Peripheral Neuropathy Warnings, According to FDA Citizen Petition (9/22/2014)
Levaquin Peripheral Neuropathy Lawsuit Filed Against Johnson & Johnson (9/3/2014)
Study Links Side Effects of Levaquin, Cipro to Nerve Damage Risk (8/25/2014)
Cipro Nerve Side Effects May Be Cause of Gulf War Illnesses: Report (11/6/2013)
FDA Warns About Risk of Nerve Damage from Levaquin, Cipro, Avelox (8/16/2013)

http://www.aboutlawsuits.com/avelox-neuropathy-claim-70392/

Marijuana Chewing Gum May Be An Option For Neuropathic Pain

Today's short post from news.morningstar.com (see link below) announces the arrival of cannabis chewing gum as an alternative to smoked or vaporised cannabis for pain relief. if and when it is apporved and developed to the right strengths for slow release cannabis, it could prove to be a very valuable option for people who can't smoke cannabis, or inhale it via various mechanisms. Chewing gum may be an acceptable means of delivering cannabinoids without the unpleasantness normally associated with smoking. Ironically, it can be equated to nicotine chewing gum which is used to help people stop smoking. This short article is aimed at MS sufferers but it applies to all people who suffer chronic nerve pain and other symptoms and could be an important development in the field of pain control.

MS patients may someday find relief in marijuana chewing gum
By Kathleen Burke, MarketWatch 8-17-15 11:06

Marijuana-infused gum enters clinical trials

Patients can smoke it, eat it and soon, they may be able to chew it.

Cannabis-focused biotech company AXIM Biotechnologies (AXIM) last week said it launched clinical trials on humans for medical cannabis chewing gum as a treatment for multiple sclerosis. The gum, MedChew RX, contains 5 milligrams of cannabidiol -- a non-psychoactive component of cannabis -- and 5 milligrams of THC -- a psychoactive cannabinoid.

Medical marijuana chewing gum "should allow for predictable and controlled release of the active ingredients," George Anastassov, chief executive of AXIM, said in a statement. It should not be socially stigmatizing, should have a pleasant taste and consistency and no undesirable side effects, he added. "Chewing gum meets all these criteria."

AXIM already has a cannabinoid chewing gum product, known as CanChew, on the market, however it does not contain THC and does not offer any medical claims.

The psychoactive component of THC is an effective way to treat patients with degenerative diseases, in addition to the medicinal properties of cannabidiol, which can be used to treat neurological conditions such as epilepsy. Additionally, the act of chewing helps preserve cognition and memory, as well as promotes overall oral health, Anastassov told MarketWatch.

While the current trials of the gum are only for MS patients, Anastassov says Axim hopes to expand the range of conditions it can be prescribed for.

"For multiple sclerosis, the market for treatment is quite large," Anastassov says. "Eventually, we will try to enlarge the conditions for this medication, such as pain." (More than 2.3 million people are affected by MS globally, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.)

He says pain is one of the most predominant symptoms patients of a wide variety of diseases including MS suffer from globally, and there have been few game-changing drugs in the pharmaceutical market to help treat it.

There is no cure for MS, but current treatments work to speed recovery from attacks, slow the disease's progression and manage symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. The most common treatments used to manage symptoms are physical therapy, muscle relaxants and medications to reduce fatigue, depression and pain.

The Phase 1 trial of the gum is slated to begin in the second quarter of 2016. Though medical marijuana is legal in 23 states and the District of Columbia, it is classified on the federal level as a schedule I drug, which gives it the same illegal status as heroin and LSD and is considered to have no accepted medical use.

While the FDA has yet to approve any product containing cannabis, it has approved Marinol -- which contains dronabinol, a synthesized form of THC -- for anorexia, chemotherapy and AIDS patients. The FDA's website says it will continue to assess the effectiveness of marijuana for medical use, and will work with companies on medical cannabis research.

If the gum is approved by the FDA, it could be available in all 50 states, even if they have not legalized medical marijuana. "That's why we're going through the FDA," Anastassov says. "There's no ambiguity as to where it's legal."

-Kathleen Burke; 415-439-6400; AskNewswires@dowjones.com

http://news.morningstar.com/all/market-watch/TDJNMW20150817248/ms-patients-may-someday-find-relief-in-marijuana
-chewing-gum.aspx#.VdL9RQJMOlA.twitter

Muscular Stem Cells May Repair Nerve Damage

Today's post from sciencedaily.com (see link below) talks about a new development in stem cell therapy, which could lead to several breakthroughs in the treatment of nerve damage and neuropathy. In this case, stem cells from human muscle tissue were able to repair nerve damage and improve function in mice. This depends on the stem cells being implanted at the site of the nerve injury, which suggests that it will only be effective if the place of injury is identified. For many people with neuropathy, identifying where the nerve damage is in the body is a very difficult process. Nevertheless, scientists are now trying to work out how muscular stem cells can trigger repair in damaged nerves. Another case of 'watch this space' I'm afraid but an interesting one.

Stem cells from muscle can repair nerve damage after injury 
University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences March 18, 2014

Summary:

Stem cells derived from human muscle tissue were able to repair nerve damage and restore function in an animal model of sciatic nerve injury. The findings suggest that cell therapy of certain nerve diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, might one day be feasible.

Stem cells derived from human muscle tissue were able to repair nerve damage and restore function in an animal model of sciatic nerve injury, according to researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The findings, published online today in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, suggest that cell therapy of certain nerve diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, might one day be feasible.

To date, treatments for damage to peripheral nerves, which are the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, have not been very successful, often leaving patients with impaired muscle control and sensation, pain and decreased function, said senior author Johnny Huard, Ph.D., professor of orthopaedic surgery, and Henry J. Mankin Chair in Orthopaedic Surgery Research, Pitt School of Medicine, and deputy director for cellular therapy, McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine.

"This study indicates that placing adult, human muscle-derived stem cells at the site of peripheral nerve injury can help heal the lesion," Dr. Huard said. "The stem cells were able to make non-neuronal support cells to promote regeneration of the damaged nerve fiber."

The researchers, led by Dr. Huard and Mitra Lavasani, Ph.D., first author and assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery, Pitt School of Medicine, cultured human muscle-derived stem/progenitor cells in a growth medium suitable for nerve cells. They found that, with prompting from specific nerve-growth factors, the stem cells could differentiate into neurons and glial support cells, including Schwann cells that form the myelin sheath around the axons of neurons to improve conduction of nerve impulses.

In mouse studies, the researchers injected human muscle-derived stem/progenitor cells into a quarter-inch defect they surgically created in the right sciatic nerve, which controls right leg movement. Six weeks later, the nerve had fully regenerated in stem-cell treated mice, while the untreated group had limited nerve regrowth and functionality. Twelve weeks later, treated mice were able to keep their treated and untreated legs balanced at the same level while being held vertically by their tails. When the treated mice ran through a special maze, analyses of their paw prints showed eventual restoration of gait. Treated and untreated mice experienced muscle atrophy, or loss, after nerve injury, but only the stem cell-treated animals had regained normal muscle mass by 72 weeks post-surgery.

"Even 12 weeks after the injury, the regenerated sciatic nerve looked and behaved like a normal nerve," Dr. Lavasani said. "This approach has great potential for not only acute nerve injury, but also conditions of chronic damage, such as diabetic neuropathy and multiple sclerosis."

Drs. Huard and Lavasani and the team are now trying to understand how the human muscle-derived stem/progenitor cells triggered injury repair, as well as developing delivery systems, such as gels, that could hold the cells in place at larger injury sites.

Story Source:

The above story is based on materials provided by University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140318190035.htm