Health Time

GSM mobile phone radiation increased the risk of sperm abnormalities in exposed animals.

PMID:

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2010 Jan ;84(1):51-4. Epub 2009 Oct 9. PMID: 19816647

Abstract Title:

Preliminary study on the induction of sperm head abnormalities in mice, Mus musculus, exposed to radiofrequency radiations from global system for mobile communication base stations.

Abstract:

The exposure of male mice to radiofrequency radiations from mobile phone (GSM) base stations at a workplace complex and residential quarters caused 39.78 and 46.03%, respectively, in sperm head abnormalities compared to 2.13% in control group. Statistical analysis of sperm head abnormality score showed that there was a significant (p

EMF induces significant age- and dose-dependent changes in proliferating cell numbers within the rostal migratory stream.

PMID:

Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2009 Sep ;29(6-7):981-90. Epub 2009 Mar 21. PMID: 19305951

Abstract Title:

Immunohistochemical study of postnatal neurogenesis after whole-body exposure to electromagnetic fields: evaluation of age- and dose-related changes in rats.

Abstract:

It is well established that strong electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can give rise to acute health effects, such as burns, which can be effectively prevented by respecting exposure guidelines and regulations. Current concerns are instead directed toward the possibility that long-term exposure to weak EMF might have detrimental health effects due to some biological mechanism, to date unknown. (1) The possible risk due to pulsed EMF at frequency 2.45 GHz and mean power density 2.8 mW/cm(2) on rat postnatal neurogenesis was studied in relation to the animal's age, duration of the exposure dose, and post-irradiation survival. (2) Proliferating cells marker, BrdU, was used to map age- and dose-related immunohistochemical changes within the rostral migratory stream (RMS) after whole-body exposure of newborn (P7) and senescent (24 months) rats. (3) Two dose-related exposure patterns were performed to clarify the cumulative effect of EMF: short-term exposure dose, 2 days irradiation (4 h/day), versus long-term exposure dose, 3 days irradiation (8 h/day), both followed by acute (24 h) and chronic (1-4 weeks) post-irradiation survival. (4) We found that the EMF induces significant age- and dose-dependent changes in proliferating cell numbers within the RMS. Our results indicate that the concerns about the possible risk of EMF generated in connection with production, transmission, distribution, and the use of electrical equipment and communication sets are justified at least with regard to early postnatal neurogenesis.

What Is CBD?

CBD is a molecule found in cannabis and has become an increasingly popular ingredient in therapeutic oils and alternative medicines.

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a trending ingredient the natural products industry and is the focus of a new area of cannabis research. CBD is one of many cannabinoids, or molecules produced uniquely by the cannabis family. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, the primary psychoactive element in marijuana), CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t have a strong effect on cognitive brain activity and doesn’t cause the “high” associated with marijuana.

Every variety of the cannabis family produces cannabinoids, including hemp. While CBD and THC are the most well-known cannabinoids, there are many different types, and only recently have significant resources been poured into their study. Our brains have specific receptors designed to accept cannabinoids, known as CB1 and CB2. These receptors are responsible for the assimilation of cannabinoid molecules into your system, resulting in the psychoactive and immune responses correlated with cannabis consumption .

In the last few years, there have been many advances in cannabis processing and consumption methods. Concentrated products such as oil and rosin (a sap-like product extracted via heat and pressure) have allowed for cleaner ingestion methods, such as vaporization, to become more widespread. These new technologies have brought more consistent, identifiable dosages to patients and enthusiasts alike, while potentially enabling safer methods of consumption. Finally, more accurate and detailed studies of cannabis effects and usage are underway, as prohibition continues to be challenged.

Chemotherapy-induced loss of bone and muscle mass in a mouse model of breast cancer bone metastases and cachexia.

PMID:

JCSM Rapid Commun. 2019 Jan-Jun;2(1). PMID: 31032492

Abstract Title:

Chemotherapy-induced loss of bone and muscle mass in a mouse model of breast cancer bone metastases and cachexia.

Abstract:

Background: Chemotherapy used to treat malignancy can lead to loss of skeletal muscle mass and reduced force production, and can reduce bone volume in mice. We have shown that bone-muscle crosstalk is a key nexus in skeletal muscle function and bone homeostasis in osteolytic breast cancer bone metastases. Because chemotherapy has significant negative side effects on bone mass, and because bone loss can drive skeletal muscle weakness, we have examined the effects of chemotherapy on the musculoskeletal system in mice with breast cancer bone metastases.Methods and results: Six-week-old Female athymic nude mice were inoculated with 10MDA-MB231 human breast cancer cells into the left ventricle and bone metastases were confirmed by X-ray. Mice were injected with carboplatin at a dose of 60mg/kg once per week starting 4 days after tumor inoculation. Skeletal muscle was collected for biochemical analysis and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) whole muscle contractility was measured. The femur and tibia bone parameters were assessed by microCT and tumor burden in bone was determined by histology. Healthy mice treated with carboplatin lose whole body weight and have reduced individual muscle weights (gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior (TA), and EDL), reduced trabecular bone volume (BV/TV), and reduced EDL function. Mice with MDA-MB-231 bone metastases treated with carboplatin lose body weight, and have reduced EDL function as healthy mice treated with carboplatin. Mice with MDA-MB-231 bone metastases plus carboplatin do have reduced proximal tibia BV/TV compared to carboplatin alone, but carboplatin does reduce tumor burden in bone.Conclusions: Our data shows that carboplatin treatment, aimed at reducing tumor burden, contributes to cachexia and trabecular bone loss. The muscle atrophy and weakness may occur through bone-muscle crosstalk and would lead to a feed-forward cycle of musculoskeletal degradation. Despite anti-tumor effects of chemotherapy, musculoskeletal impairment is still significant in mice with bone metastases.

Exercise training as therapy for cancer-induced cardiac cachexia.

PMID:

Trends Mol Med. 2018 08 ;24(8):709-727. Epub 2018 Jul 3. PMID: 29980479

Abstract Title:

Exercise Training as Therapy for Cancer-Induced Cardiac Cachexia.

Abstract:

Cancer-induced cardiac cachexia is an insidious syndrome with a dramatic impact on a patient's quality of life and survival. Since exercise training provides several cardiovascular benefits in both physiological and pathological conditions (e.g., athletes and patients with heart failure, respectively), its use as a preventive and/or therapeutic tool for cancer-induced cardiac cachexia has been hypothesized. Existing evidence on the effects of exercise training in this particular setting is limited, but points towards a beneficial outcome. We report the current knowledge on cancer-induced cardiac cachexia and discuss the molecular pathways that may be modulated by exercise training in this setting, providing insights into possible future roads of study, namely in stem cell research and cardiac regeneration.

Exercise improves acute wound healing in diabetic mice and healthy elderly humans.

PMID:

Wounds. 2019 Feb ;31(2):65-67. PMID: 30694211

Abstract Title:

Exercise and Chronic Wound Healing.

Abstract:

The calf muscles have been called the body's"second heart,"improving blood circulation when exercised, usually by walking. Structured exercise training (SET) increases calf muscle pump function, lower limb circulation, and walking capacity for those with limited ambulation due to peripheral arterial disease (PAD)1 or venous insufficiency.2 This resulted in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) decision to reimburse up to thirty-six 30- to 60-minute, properly supervised hospital outpatient or office-based SET sessions over 12 weeks to treat intermittent claudication for patients with PAD. Exercise improves acute wound healing in diabetic mice3 and healthy elderly humans,4 but insufficient evidence supports its healing efficacy on ischemic ulcers,1 venous leg ulcers (VLUs),5 and diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).6 This month's Evidence Corner examines 2 recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing the effects of foot exercises that activate calf muscles on chronic VLUs7 and DFUs.8.

Molecular mechanisms of cardiac remodelling and regeneration in physical exercise.

PMID:

Cells. 2019 Sep 23 ;8(10). Epub 2019 Sep 23. PMID: 31547508

Abstract Title:

Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiac Remodeling and Regeneration in Physical Exercise.

Abstract:

Regular physical activity with aerobic and muscle-strengthening training protects against the occurrence and progression of cardiovascular disease and can improve cardiac function in heart failure patients. In the past decade significant advances have been made in identifying mechanisms of cardiomyocyte re-programming and renewal including an enhanced exercise-induced proliferational capacity of cardiomyocytes and its progenitor cells. Various intracellular mechanisms mediating these positive effects on cardiac function have been found in animal models of exercise and will be highlighted in this review. 1) activation of extracellular and intracellular signaling pathways including phosphatidylinositol 3 phosphate kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), EGFR/JNK/SP-1, nitric oxide (NO)-signaling, and extracellular vesicles; 2) gene expression modulation via microRNAs (miR), in particular via miR-17-3p and miR-222; and 3) modulation of cardiac cellular metabolism and mitochondrial adaption. Understanding the cellular mechanisms, which generate an exercise-induced cardioprotective cellular phenotype with physiological hypertrophy and enhanced proliferational capacity may give rise to novel therapeutic targets. These may open up innovative strategies to preserve cardiac function after myocardial injury as well as in aged cardiac tissue.

Aloe vera and tea tree oil mouthwashes can decrease plaque, gingivitis and S. mutans in the oral cavity in children.

PMID:

Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. 2019 May 20. Epub 2019 May 20. PMID: 31111439

Abstract Title:

The effect of aloe vera and tea tree oil mouthwashes on the oral health of school children.

Abstract:

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of two herbal mouthwashes containing aloe vera and tea tree oil, on the oral health of school children.METHODS: A double-blinded, placebo-controlled prospective interventional study was conducted in school children aged 8-14 years. The study participants were divided into four groups depending upon the mouthwash used: Group 1 (aloe vera), Group 2 (chlorhexidine), Group 3 (tea tree oil) and Group 4 (placebo). The variables studied included plaque index, gingival index and salivary Streptococcus mutans counts, which were recorded at baseline, 4 weeks after supervised mouth rinse and after 2 weeks of stopping the mouth rinse.RESULTS: A total of 89 boys and 63 girls were included. A statistically significant decrease in all variables was noted after the use of both the herbal preparations at the end of 4 weeks which was maintained after the 2-week washout period (p

A review aloe vera as an herbal medicine in the treatment of metabolic syndrome.

PMID:

Phytother Res. 2019 Aug 28. Epub 2019 Aug 28. PMID: 31456283

Abstract Title:

Aloe vera as an herbal medicine in the treatment of metabolic syndrome: A review.

Abstract:

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a highly prevalent health problem worldwide and is associated with different risk factors, including hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity. This condition increases the risk of developing type II diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular problems. The MS is one of the most important health concerns in industrialized countries and mainly results from a sedentary lifestyle, high levels of subjective stress, and unhealthy diets. Nowadays, the identification of appropriate health care approaches, such as herbal medicines, with fewer side effects is more favorable, especially with regard to the adverse effects of chemical drugs. Aloe barbadensis Miller known as Aloe vera is a useful plant with two major parts, including leaves that contain high concentrations of anthraquinone compounds and a clear gel. The gel is used as a food with several beneficial properties, such as antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, and wound-healing features. Other effects of A. vera, such as its lipid-lowering, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antiobesity, and cardioprotective impacts, have been demonstrated in several studies. The present study was conducted to review the evidence on the pharmacological effects of A. vera on the different components of MS.

Processed Aloe vera gel attenuates non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced small intestinal injury

PMID:

Food Funct. 2019 Sep 1 ;10(9):6088-6097. Epub 2019 Sep 6. PMID: 31490512

Abstract Title:

Processed Aloe vera gel attenuates non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced small intestinal injury by enhancing mucin expression.

Abstract:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are well-known for exerting numerous adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract such as bleeding, ulceration, and perforation, thereby limiting their use. Most previous studies have focused on NSAID-induced gastropathy. However, improved diagnostic techniques have recently highlighted NSAID-induced small intestinal ulcers, which have so far been underestimated. While proton pump inhibitors are prescribed to control NSAID-induced gastropathy, few preventive strategies are existent for NSAID-induced small intestinal injury, thus requiring new methods to treat these enteropathies. Numerous studies have reported the beneficial biological effects of Aloe vera, such as wound healing, anti-cancer, immune modulation, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, and gastroprotective effects. A previous report on the effect of Aloe vera against NSAID-induced ulcers studied only gastric ulcers and elucidated the results as an anti-inflammatory effect of Aloe vera. However, ulcer prevention cannot be justified entirely to be due to the anti-inflammatory effects of Aloe vera, since NSAIDs themselves also exert an anti-inflammatory reaction. We therefore investigated the anti-ulcer effects of Aloe vera on the small intestine, especially focusing on mucin expression. Our results indicate that processed Aloe vera gel (PAG) treatment attenuates not only the severity of intestinal ulcers but also bacterial translocation, by enhancing the mucus layer in the indomethacin-induced small intestinal damage mouse model. We further confirmed that PAG positively regulates the mucin expression in the LS174T human cell line, mainly via the ERK-dependent pathway. We propose that PAG application is a potential strategy for the alleviation of NSAID-induced small intestinal ulcers.