Degenerative, Debilitating and Deadly

-by Buddy Ojeda, CN – Certified Nutritionist and Founder & President of Training Solutions on Demand

Recently I found myself glued to the television watching a commencement speech being broadcast on a national network news program.  The speaker was addressing a group of Stanford University college graduates on important life lessons he had learned in his 56 years on this planet.  Halfway through his speech he spoke these words:  “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you will most certainly be right.”  The speaker was Steve Jobs – inventor, entrepreneur, visionary and co-founder of Apple Inc.  Sadly and much sooner than anyone would have wanted to, his words came true with his passing on Wednesday, October 5, 2011.  Officially he died of respiratory arrest, but that was brought on after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

This type of cancer is no respecter of wealth, gender or ethnicity.  Other famous names that have battled and were felled by pancreatic cancer include actors Patrick Swayze, Michael Landon, Fred Gwynne and Donna Reed, as well as composers Henry Mancini and Count Basie, opera singer Luciano Pavarotti and comedian Jack Benny.  In 2009, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was diagnosed with early stage pancreatic cancer, but her outcome is hopeful since it was detected early.  

The Diabetes – Cancer Link 

For reasons not fully understood, diabetics are at a higher risk of developing various forms of cancer, including that of the pancreas.  Many health professionals have suspected this for years and now research is proving them right by showing a strong correlation between these two debilitating conditions.  According to a joint statement by the American Diabetes Association and the American Cancer Society released June 16, 2010:

“Diabetes, particularly type 2, is associated with an increased risk of cancers of the liver, pancreas, endometrium, colon, rectum, breast, and bladder.”  [forecast.diabetes.org]

In the cases involving pancreatic cancer, studies indicate the risks of association are even greater as compared to other metastatic diseases.  According to researchers at Hematology Oncology of Indiana in Indianapolis, “people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer compared to those without diabetes.” [everydayhealth.com]  

What’s less than clear about the information gleaned from these studies is, whether or not diabetes preceded the pancreatic cancer in these individuals, or resulted from it. 

 A case could be made that “diabetes mellitus”, characterized by elevated levels of circulating blood sugar, (a primary fuel of cancer cells), and/or elevated serum insulin levels, (a catalyst for cell replication), could set the stage for developing pancreatic cancer.  What could also be true is that, the conditions that lead to pancreatic cancer (ie; chronic inflammation, increased formation of free radicals, genetic abnormalities), could impair the pancreas’ ability to effectively produced and release insulin, leading to glucose intolerance issues like diabetes.  

 Anatomy of an Illness 

Diabetes has been recognized and discussed in the medical literature since antiquity.  It is an umbrella term used to describe a group of metabolic disorders where the body is unable to regulate glucose (blood sugar) levels. 

Glucose is the primary fuel for cells in the body allowing them to carry out all of their inherent functions.  Each cell has numerous portals embedded within its membrane called receptors.  Insulin, the hormone produced and released by the pancreas in response to food entering the small intestine, helps deliver glucose by unlocking these cell receptors allowing for the free transport of glucose into the cell.  

In diabetes, one of two things occurs, 1) either the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin, or, 2) the pancreas produces sufficient insulin but the cells of the body don’t respond to it effectively.   In either case you end up with elevated levels of circulating blood sugar which, if left unregulated, will manifest into a series of complications that often lead to premature death.

There are various forms of diabetes but the three most common are:

• Type 1 –  Also known as juvenile onset or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus; characterized by the loss of insulin production; thought to be an immune-mediated condition caused by the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas by a particular type of lymphocyte called a T-cell (white blood cell); accounts for 5 to 10 percent of all diabetic cases.      

• Type 2 –  Also known as mature onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus; characterized by insulin resistance; thought to be 100% diet and lifestyle related;  accounts for 90 to 95 percent of all diabetic cases.  

• Gestational diabetes –  Also called glucose intolerance of pregnancy; similar to type 2 diabetes except it occurs during the 2^nd trimester of pregnancy; occurs in 2 to 5 percent of pregnant women and will normally abate after they give birth.             

 Diabetic Complications

Health issues rarely if ever operate in a vacuum.  In other words, when someone is diagnosed with an ailment, condition or disease, they often have other seemingly unrelated health concerns that they’re struggling with as well.  For example, hypertension can often be seen in someone with elevated cholesterol levels.  Inflammatory bowel disease can often develop in someone who has rheumatoid arthritis.  And the same can be said about diabetes.  

According to the American Diabetes Association, several illnesses can be present as a direct result of, or in conjunction with, blood sugar dysregulation issues.  These include, but are not limited to, vascular problems like heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage (neuropathy), hypertension, amputation, and as previously mentioned certain types of cancer, like ones involving the pancreas.

Many of today’s degenerative, debilitating and deadly illnesses are considered “nutritional diseases”, meaning they are directly related to either a lack of essential nutrients in the diet, or excessive intake of anti-nutrients.  According to former U. S. Surgeon General, Dr, C. Everett Koop, “8 of the top 10 causes of death are directly related to poor nutrition.”  

Your Nutritional Support Plan

Over the past decade numerous scientific articles and research papers have been published on the benefits of incorporating nutritional supplements as part of an overall health regimen that includes a balanced diet and moderate exercise.   

The following is a partial list of nutraceuticals shown to support normal blood sugar and help lower your risk of developing complications that often result from sugar dysregulation disorders like diabetes.   

• Chromium – an essential trace mineral important for normal insulin function and carbohydrate metabolism, helps bind insulin to receptors, maintains normal glucose tolerance, helps manage hypoglycemia          
• Gymnema Sylvestre – Ayurvedic herb shown to improve insulin production, increases body’s ability to lower blood sugar, improves uptake of glucose into cells, prevents adrenal hormones from stimulating glucose production in the liver, thus reducing blood sugar levels   
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid – protects against the oxidative damage that often results from diabetes, reduces risk of neuropathy, recycles vitamins C and E (free radical scavengers)     
• Vitamin D3 – known as the “sunshine vitamin”, it has hormone-like properties, supports pancreatic and adrenal functions, critical for insulin production, second highest concentration found in the pancreas  
• Vanadium / Vanadyl Sulfate – mimics insulin by aiding glucose’s transport into the cell 
• Blueberry Leaf – herb that nourishes the pancreas, has hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) properties, reduces triglycerides in the blood 
• B Complex Vitamins  — improves glucose metabolism and proper conversion of glucose into energy, supports adrenal function  
• Magnesium – essential macro-mineral that increases insulin sensitivity by increasing the number of insulin receptors, responsible for making and secreting insulin, reduces cardiovascular complications associated with type 2 diabetes, involved in over 350 enzymatic reactions in the body including insulin production and omega-3 conversion
• Onion & Garlic – both have hypotensive (blood sugar lowering) properties
• Cinnamon – has insulin-like effects and supports glucose metabolism, slows emptying of stomach which in turn reduces blood sugar spikes, supports digestion of carbohydrates
• Omega-3 Fish Oil – decreases insulin resistance, reduces risk of complications resulting from diabetes (neuropathy, inflammation, triglycerides, blood clots)

* Research indicates animal sourced omega-3 (EPA & DHA) essential fatty acids are more effective in the management of diabetes than those derived from plant sources.  Because of enzymatic conversion issues, diabetics often have difficulty converting alpha-linolenic acid (plant-based omega-3) into DHA & EPA. 

All Rights Reserved© 2010-2012 Dalmo Accorsini/Nutricula Magazine All Rights Reserved - Nutricula is a registered trademark USPTO # 85175983 http://www.nutriculamagazine.com

-by Mark Becker

I am almost 51 years old and am in great health. As of this writing, I had completed the Los Angeles Triathlon 9 days ago. Next week, I will be running my 96th marathon in Long Beach, California. I recently had a physical and my HDL was 109 (do you believe that)! I am fortunate in that over the years I have educated myself about nutrition, dietary supplements and the benefits of exercise. I have been privileged to know so many brilliant people who have taught me so much about health and wellness.  No doubt that I am one of the fortunate ones to have been exposed to all of this. However, it wasn’t always this good. 

Believe it or not, in my adolescent and teen years, I battled weight problems.  To my credit, I realized at a very early age maintaining a healthy weight was always going to be a challenge. I made up my mind on several occasions to tackle dieting. I worked very hard in concert with direction from my Mom to lose weight – and lose it sensibly and in a healthy manner. However, as is so often the case, bad habits would return and so would the weight. As a youth, I was a classic yo-yo dieter, first losing 30 pounds and then putting it back on again.  Unfortunately, I hadn’t yet discovered the profound benefits of exercise.

Then I had my “it” moment. When I was 22 years old, I truly became cognizant of health and wellness. In October of 1982, I saw a world-class triathlete named Julie Moss stagger to the finish line in the 1982 Ironman Triathlon World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. I had never witnessed such determination, drive and a will to succeed. She would not be denied. She changed my world forever. 

Fast forward 30 years.  During this time, two of my greatest passions became exercise and nutrition. I have competed in approximately 300 endurance events, from ultra marathons to marathons to triathlons to long-distance rough water swims.  There is no doubt that “the runner’s high” is the real deal. 

I think back and wonder: what if it hadn’t turned out this way? Where would I be now? I may very well have been one of the 13.0 million men (11.8 percent of all men) ages 20 years or older that have Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes.

According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC):

• Among U.S. residents ages 65 years and older, 10.9 million, or 26.9 percent, had diabetes in 2010.
• About 215,000 people younger than 20 years had diabetes—type 1 or type 2—in the United States in 2010.
• About 1.9 million people ages 20 years or older were newly diagnosed with diabetes in 2010 in the United States.
• In 2005–2008, based on fasting glucose or hemoglobin A1C levels, 35 percent of U.S. adults ages 20 years or older had pre-diabetes and 50 percent of adults ages 65 years or older had pre-diabetes. Applying this percentage to the entire U.S. population in 2010 yields an estimated 79 million American adults ages 20 years or older with pre-diabetes.
• Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, nontraumatic lower-limb amputations, and new cases of blindness among adults in the United States.
• Diabetes is a major cause of heart disease and stroke.
• Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

Different Types of Diabetes

For many, there is a lot of confusion about the different types of diabetes. There are 3 main types of diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The pancreas then produces little or no insulin. A person who has type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily to live. Currently, scientists do not know exactly what causes the body’s immune system to attack the beta cells, but they believe that autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors are involved. Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 5 to 10 percent of diagnosed diabetes in the U.S. 

Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form of diabetes is type 2 diabetes. According to the NDIC, about 90 to 95 percent of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes affects the body’s ability to use:

• sugars
• starches
• fats 
• proteins

Your body needs various fuels for energy and this disease disrupts normal energy metabolism both at rest and during physical exercise. 

Our bodies normally change sugars and starches into a usable form called glucose. Glucose is carried by the blood to various tissues, such as skeletal muscle. Insulin (a hormone made by the pancreas) must be present for glucose to enter skeletal muscle. Once glucose enters the muscle cell, it can be broken down and used for energy or stored for later use.

With type 2 diabetes, some insulin is produced but the body does not use it efficiently. Also known as  insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes prohibits glucose from entering the muscle cells. Hence, blood glucose rises to unhealthy levels. If unchecked, elevated glucose levels could lead to heart disease, kidney failure, blindness and nerve dysfunction.

Unlike type 1 diabetes,  type 2 diabetes is strongly linked to lifestyle factors, especially diet and exercise. People at highest risk of developing type 2 diabetes have a family history of the disease, as well as other cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. 

Gestational Diabetes: Some women develop gestational diabetes late in pregnancy. This form of diabetes usually disappears after the birth of the baby. However, women who have had gestational diabetes have a 40 to 60 percent chance of developing type 2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years. Maintaining a reasonable body weight and being physically active may help prevent development of type 2 diabetes.

About 3 to 8 percent of pregnant women in the United States develop gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or a shortage of insulin. 

Diabetes and the Pancreas

With the recent passing of Apple CEO Steve Jobs of pancreatic cancer, I would be remiss not to mention diabetes and its connection to the pancreas. In a healthy person, the pancreas, an organ behind the stomach, releases insulin to help the body store and use the sugar from the food you eat. Diabetes occurs when:

• the pancreas does not produce any insulin
• the pancreas produces very little insulin
• the body does not respond appropriately to insulin 

As mentioned earlier, unlike people with type 1 diabetes, people with type 2 diabetes produce insulin. However, the insulin the pancreas secretes is either not enough or the body is unable to recognize the insulin and use it properly. 

Is there a relationship between diabetes and pancreatic cancer? According to one study, there is. A 2008 Mayo Clinic study found that 40 percent of pancreatic cancer patients were diagnosed with diabetes prior to their pancreatic cancer diagnosis. The study, published in the January 2008 issue of Gastroenterology, revealed that the onset of diabetes appears to be many months (in some cases up to two years) prior to cancer diagnosis. This information provides researchers with an important clue for earlier detection of pancreatic cancer.

Almost 37,000 people died in 2010 from pancreatic cancer, the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Health professionals struggle with treating pancreatic cancer as patients seldom exhibit symptoms until the cancer is at an advanced stage. That said, fewer than 5 percent of pancreatic cancer patients survive five years after diagnosis.

Type 2 Diabetes and You

For the purpose of this article, I’ll elaborate on the most common form of diabetes – type 2 diabetes. As previously mentioned, the incidence of type 2 diabetes is on the rise, which health professionals largely attribute to the rise in obesity. According to the American Diabetes Association, the number of Americans with diabetes is expected to increase to more than 30 million by 2030. And the increase in childhood obesity may be the reason more young children are being diagnosed with the disease. 

The good news is that easy-to-implement lifestyle changes can prevent and, in some cases, reverse the course of this disease.  Ironically, the same methods that are used to prevent type 2 diabetes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, can be used to control and possibly even reverse its progression. 

Exercise Can Help

The latest research has put exercise at the forefront in the prevention, control and treatment of diabetes because it decreases insulin resistance. Implementing a regular exercise routine enables cells to better respond to insulin which enables proper blood glucose uptake. 

In addition, exercise has profound cardiovascular benefits. Exercise decreases blood pressure, cholesterol levels and body fat. And for every 10 pounds of weight that is lost, a 20 percent improvement in insulin sensitivity occurs.
 

The key is to be realistic about implementing an exercise routine. Create a routine that is enjoyable. Design a routine with a long-term commitment in mind. If your routine is one that is too difficult or not enjoyable, it is virtually impossible to make a realistic long-term commitment.  Remember, if you’ve been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you need to look at exercise in a whole new paradigm. All of a sudden, exercise becomes a natural health solution.  Similar to altering your diet, exercise naturally lowers blood sugar, even if you don’t lose weight. Work with your health care professional on an exercise regimen that makes sense based on your current health status.

Always Start Slow!

As mentioned earlier, you should always design an exercise routine with a long-term commitment in mind. That means it must be enjoyable and manageable. Studies have revealed successful exercise strategies for type 2 diabetes. One of the more popular routines is using a pedometer and establishing a goal of taking 10,000 steps daily. A weekly goal should be 30 – 60 minutes of cardiovascular activity five times a week. However, initially, if exercise is unrealistic, alter your diet as a first step. Then do short (five-to 10-minute) walks before increasing your physical activity. Again, you need to determine what works best for you.

Do not be discouraged if you have a negative experience with initial workouts, especially if you are overweight. If you are obese or have another condition that affects your mobility (joint diseases), you may even need a customized exercise program.  One motivating factor is that exercise may reduce your need for blood-sugar-lowering drugs. 

Be sure to remember that when you exercise, your muscles become more sensitive to insulin and absorb more glucose from the blood. However, like many characteristics of type 2 diabetes, your body’s response is often unique. In fact, exercise may also boost blood sugar. At first, test your blood sugar before, after, and even during exercise to see how your body responds.

Supplements for Blood Sugar

Since type 2 diabetes is strongly linked to lifestyle factors, such as diet, evaluating appropriate foods to eat is critical. However, in this day and age of processed foods, what are we REALLY putting into our bodies? That said, dietary supplements  play a huge role in addressing a wide range of health challenges, including type 2 diabetes. The following 4 nutrients have shown efficacy in clinical settings in helping the fight against type 2 diabetes:

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA): A powerful antioxidant that protects cells from harmful free radicals. Studies show that ALA may improve diabetic neuropathy, glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. ALA also has the potential to lower blood sugar. Therefore, consult your healthcare professional  so that pharmaceuticals can be adjusted.

Chromium: An essential trace mineral that plays an important role in carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Chromium may also help body cells properly respond to insulin. In fact, studies have found low levels of chromium in people with diabetes. There are many promising studies suggesting chromium supplementation may be effective, but they are far from conclusive. 

CoQ10 (Ubiquinol): CoQ10 is one of those encompassing dietary supplements with both general health benefits (anti-aging, antioxidant) as well as specific health applications (cardiovascular, diabetes, etc). It is a fundamental component in energy production, immune response and protection against damage by free radicals.

CoQ10 has been shown to impact cholesterol levels, help the circulatory system, influence blood sugar levels and provide support for heart health, all very important for people suffering from type 2 diabetes.

Co-Q10 is part of the mitochondrial electron transport system and is synthesized in all cells. It is essential to the body’s production of energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This holds special importance for the heart, which is loaded with mitochondria and has the body’s highest concentration of Co-Q10 because of the significant demands made upon it.

 Aging reduces access to Co-Q10. Although Co-Q10 can be obtained from the diet, as well as synthesized in small amounts, these decline with age. The body’s declining capacity to extract and assimilate Co-Q10 in later years plays a role in the development of various cardiovascular conditions.

 Ubiquinol is the reduced form of CoQ10 and the most highly absorbed. Ubiquinol is directly used in human metabolism as a lipid-soluble antioxidant. While standard CoQ10 (ubiquinone) supplements can be converted into ubiquinol in the body, this conversion can be less efficient in some individuals, based on age, genetics, blood sugar status or level of oxidative stress.

Magnesium: People with type 2 diabetes are often deficient in magnesium. According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, adjusting magnesium levels in people with type 2 diabetes may help improve insulin response and action. 

When all is said and done, realizing optimal health is all about prevention. Be proactive. Understand that  type 2 diabetes is strongly linked to lifestyle factors — especially diet and exercise. The incidence of type 2 diabetes will keep on rising, due largely to the continued rise in obesity. Additionally, the tragic passing of Steve Jobs has brought Increased awareness to pancreatic cancer. Be cognizant of the possible connection between diabetes and pancreatic cancer. Finally, don’t be one of the almost two million people in the U.S. over the age of 20 that will be diagnosed with diabetes in 2011. Be a part of reversing this ugly trend. 

Mark Becker has worked in the natural products industry as a marketing and sales executive for almost 15 years. He has written more than 250 articles and has either hosted or been a guest on more than 500 radio shows. He obtained a bachelor’s in journalism from Long Beach State University and did his master’s work in communications at Cal State Fullerton. For almost 30 years he has participated in numerous endurance events, including more than 150 triathlons of Olympic distance or longer, 95 marathons and numerous other events including ultramarathons and rough water swims from Alcatraz to the mainland. He has relied on a comprehensive supplement regimen to support his athletic, professional and personal endeavors. Follow Mark Becker on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/marklbecker or www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Health-Longevity-Natural-Products-and-Fitness-wwwmarklbeckercom/251646424860638. Follow Mark Becker on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/becker_mark.

All Rights Reserved© 2010-2012 Dalmo Accorsini/Nutricula Magazine All Rights Reserved - Nutricula is a registered trademark USPTO # 85175983 http://www.nutriculamagazine.com

-by  Dr. Bob Berger, MS., MVSc., PhD.

When a mountain climber was asked why she wanted to be the first female to climb Mount Everest in record time, her answer was; “Because this is what I do!!!!”  An answer, yes, but was this a truly rational one, taking into consideration the price of failure?  “Failure”, (in this venue), probably refers to “not completing the mission”, but it may also mean falling, freezing/frost-bite, succumbing to the elements, ending up hundreds of feet below the snow due to avalanche, i.e., death!!!!  Cancer cells, generally, present a similar motif.  The more cancer takes hold and spreads throughout the body, metastasizes, —because this is what it does, -the closer it comes to causing its own demise;  ”death of patient = death of cancer cells”; not rational for a disease which “prides” its existence on immortality!!!!

If the layman, (or even the trained physician, in most cases), was asked to give the definition of cancer, what one might expect to hear was; “cells that don’t die, form tumors that grow uncontrollably, and spread to other parts of the body”, or, “an abnormal growth of cells which proliferates uncontrollably, spreads…etc”.  The most accurate answer might come from the  biologist or microbiologist: “Cancer = Immortality in Cell Culture”.   Cell culture does not entail extraneous bio-variables, and there are billions of cells involved which provide statistically significant proof.  Results are dependable because of an unbiased design and the fact that numbers don’t lie.  In fact, 99.999% of viable “HeLa” cancer cells, when provided adequate conditions in growth media, will exhibit immortality.  Why?  Because this is what “HeLa” cancer cells do.  Why do they do this?  Because their programmed to do so. ["HeLa" refers to an immortal cell line, derived from the cervical cancer cells taken from Henrietta Lacks--an amazing story--"google" Henrietta and learn about this amazing story!!!!]

 
Oncologists use the term “dysplastic” when describing cells that “could become” or are “beginning to appear” cancerous.  In many instances, cells, (such as those of the breast, uterus , or cervix), may be diagnosed as dysplastic, but are actually already cancerous.  Usually, it is the “interpretation” of the OBGYN/Oncologist as to whether a patient is presenting with dysplasia or malignancy.  Regardless, whichever one is diagnosed and decided upon, this “abnormality” is simply that; “an abnormality” from our perspective.  For cancer, this “cellular life-form” is quite normal–why–because like all “energy”, unless contained and controlled, all energetic substances seek the path of least resistance; “chaotic energy”.  The ability to keep things under control is difficult-especially in the universe of molecular biology. To accomplish this, man, animals, and plants have “built-in”, genetically-monitored mechanisms that act like a series of “probes”, “switches”, and “signals” that work to keep metabolic function under control.  It is when cancer cells get by the probes, circumvent the guardian switches, disguise themselves, and then gain the ability to “mimic” normal cellular signals, is when trouble begins.  Akin to Homer’s tale of the Trojan Horse, once an adequate number of malignant cells enters a target area, they “open the gates” for their allies to enter and overpower by virtue of an unsuspecting immune system.  As tenacious as were Ulysses and his men in their ability to get the Greek army through the gates of Troy, their task remained virtually surreptitious until an adequate number of Agamemnon’s warriors entered the city and gained numerical advantage.  Unlike the Greeks, cancer cells are significantly more efficient.  When cancer cells “sneak” into a target area, they have the ability to multiply so rapidly that they can open the gates at will, virtually unchallenged!!!!  Even more ominous, is that while Ulysses showed caution, and had a will to survive in order to see Penelope once again, cancer cells, by their nature, willfully die along with the host—-no “Odyssey” for the cancer cell !!!!

“THE ENEMY OF MY ENEMY IS MY FRIEND!!!!”

Cancer is bad!!!!  Think of the most viscous criminal living next door and the cops can’t help you!  He wants you dead!!!!—-why—-because he wants everything you have!  It would have been good to have known ahead of time about this criminal–you wouldn’t have moved into his neighborhood–that would have been the best way to stop this–prevention–but it’s too late–he’s already here!!!! You can’t fight him alone; he’s too powerful, moves too quickly, disguises himself well, and he’ll kill you even if it means he will die in the process!!!!   You need an ally–someone to help you who is almost as nasty, yet as powerful, as him.   You find that guy–he appears to be pretty nasty!  You never really liked your newly acquired ally—-always spoke bad of him; that is, up until now–now that you need him!  

The plan: Have your guy fight this criminal and keep him at bay.  This will hopefully keep the criminal from killing you because he has to get past your guy to get to you.  Yes, it may cost you–and it will probably be uncomfortable–even very painful!   Although your guy is helping you–he will take things from you in return–but it’s better than letting this criminal kill you outright!  During the time your guy is keeping this criminal at bay—begin making yourself strong and learn how to fight this criminal.  This will also enable your ally to help you even better.  Thus, you and your guy can both fight this criminal together–and–you could win!
Just a quick note:   I found out that your guy has helped a lot of children live longer, and for many, to even survive.  Yes, he took their hair and made them become very nauseous plenty of times–but hair grows back and many of these kids are eating again–and– many have survived, thanks to your guy.  The staff at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital loves kids-and they would never do anything to hurt them; at least not intentionally.  They all really like your guy and the way he has helped them, so how bad could he be?!!!!

Example…………Cisplatin

Cisplatin is not a poison!!!!  It’s an alkylating agent that works directly on a cancer cell’s DNA to stop the cancer cell from replicating.  It’s center (core) contains platinum, and it is surrounded by 2 molecules of nitrogen (as NH3) and 2 molecules of chlorine (as Cl-).  The “Formula” for how Cisplatin works has three distinct components: [Cisplatin--------DNA--------HMG-1*]

*HMG-1, a “High-Mobility Group Protein”,  is a nuclear chromosomal protein that appears to function as a DNA chaperon (see explanation below).

 
The Action Mechanism of Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II)):    Whether by post-intravenous,  intra-arterial, or IHP (intraoperative hyperthermic peritoneal) administration, once in the body, the anticancer action of Cisplatin is based on its ability to damage DNA.    Cisplatin makes first contact on the cancer cell surface membrane, using [primarily] active transport to enter into the nucleus.  Once inside the nucleus of the cancer cell, Cisplatin forms  “DNA adducts”.  [A DNA adduct is a part of a strand of DNA which is covalently bound to a chemical, (in this case, Cisplatin), causing "cross-linking" of the cancer cell's DNA, which leads to cellular suicide or "apoptosis".]

How it works: The adducts of Cisplatin are created by attaching itself to 2 (consecutive) guanine bases of the DNA strands; the major adducts formed here are intrastrand d(GpG) and d(ApG) crosslinks.   To do this, Cisplatin releases its chlorine atoms in order to bind itself to the nitrogen atoms of the target guanines.  Thus, Cisplatin, by binding  to these nitrogen atoms, becomes more “stable”; i.e., it binds more tightly with nitrogen because nitrogen balances the platinum charge more effectively than does chlorine.  Hence, a strong Cisplatin-guanine bond is formed. This action now causes a physical “bending” of the DNA strand.  These crosslinks bend and unwind the “duplex”. This DNA “bend” allows the moiety to [now] bond to proteins which contain the “High-Mobility Group”HMG domain. [This newly altered structure attracts the HMG and other proteins.]  Once the protein attaches itself to the DNA, it inserts a “wedge-like” phenol group, (“phenylalanine 37″), which is a phenylalanine residue at position 37, into the [now] widened groove, or opening, of the newly-formed “Cisplatin-DNA-HMG-1″ complex.  Because the HMG protein is so tightly bound to this complex,  it causes the nucleotides to “destack” and the DNA repair mechanism to become “kinked”.  The DNA of the cancer cell can no longer repair itself and the cell can no longer divide nor regenerate. The ultimate success of Cisplatin is dependent on its efficiency ratio between cancer cells and non-cancer cells. [Discussion modified from ; Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass. /Ohndorf, UM and Rould, MA, et. al. (1999)  Basis for recognition of Cisplatin-modified DNA by high mobility-group proteins.  Nature, 399, 708.]

Spartans vs. Persians

Leonidas led 300 Spartans into battle against Xerxes’ 300,000 Persians at Thermopylae. Although there were about 7,000 Greek soldiers in total who actually fought, the “Legend of the 300″ fits the concept here. The ratio is 1 Spartan:1,000 Persians. If all 300 Spartans and all 300,000 Persians were on the same battlefield fighting at the same time, and 100 million arrows were loosed into this battlefield, the chances are good that all 300,300 fighters would be hit by at least 1 arrow. The Spartans would have loses of 100% (300 dead or wounded)–but this would be considered an actual victory. The Persians would have loses of 100% also, but they would be looking at 300,000 men dead or wounded!!!!  Thus, the efficiency ratio for killing Persians, (if you were a Spartan), would be considered excellent.  Conversely, the efficiency ratio for killing Spartans, (if you were a Persian), would be horrendous!!!!
Cisplatin, (an alkylating agent), 5-Flurouracil, (an anti-metabolite), Doxorubicin, (an anti-tumor antibiotic), and Vinblastine, (a mitotic inhibitor), all examples of chemotherapeutic agents with different tumor-killing mechanisms, can all be equated to “the arrows”.  We want our healthy, non-cancerous cells to be the Spartans, and the cancer cells to be the Persians.  Unfortunately, what looks good on paper is seldom repeated in “real” life, and cancer cells would not allow the “Thermopylae Scenario” to play out too many times before they became “smart”!  This is why Integrative Therapy should be considered whenever possible!!!!

During traditional cancer treatment, getting proper nourishment with the right and safe foods is imperative; any component which might be lacking in quality would be considered the weakest link in the patient’s road to recovery.  The basic goal here is to work to support the proper functioning of the Immune system. I had the opportunity to work with a number of Registered Dieticians and Cancer-Care Nutrition Specialists in hospital settings at both the University of Tennessee (Knoxville) and the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill), and learned that the nutritional and ancillary care the patient receives, especially after surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, is paramount to the recovery and survival of the patient.  Without this “supportive” care, chances for long-term survival drop significantly. The team of Physicians, Oncology Specialists, Registered Dietitians, and Nutritionists at UNCCH were extremely passionate and “model” what an Oncology Team should be.  All team members were also well-versed in Cancer Nutrition, Dietetics, and Post-operative/Recovery- Ancillary Treatment and Care.  What was truly emphasized was the health and functioning of the immune system, and how it plays an integral role during treatment/recovery/remission.

 Proper Nutrition, Gut Protection, and Energy!!!!
(Essentials that should be considered during “Integrative” therapy and recovery)

1. Blood and oxygen status of the patient
2. Electrolyte monitoring and replacement at various time intervals
3. Energy increases and/or decreases (physical and psychological)             
4. Protect GI function, reduce possible nausea, and offer palatable foods
5. Offer solutions that will stimulate appetite and aid in proper absorption of foods
6. Remove sources of toxins, heavy metallic poisons, and energy-wasting “non-nutrients”
7. Stabilize cellular and metabolic rates of energy consumption
8. Provide quality proteins, as these are the metabolic building blocks.  As the metabolic rate is significantly increased in most cancer patients, caloric intake must be monitored to insure that the patient is not utilizing “space” in his stomach/digestive tract for “non-profitable”, low-caloric foods, as these will not modulate nor strengthen immune function.  Proteins and amino acid building block “supplements”, (if deemed necessary to be used), should be monitored via  fecal loss analysis. Branched-Chain Amino Acids, (if deemed appropriate), can be given in order to induce anabolic function and replacement of lean body tissue (muscle) against typical wasting syndromes, (i.e., cachexia).
9. All monitoring of blood and tissues should be analyzed at varying intervals by routine blood testing, protein analysis, and radioimmunoassay.  [Optional only--if deemed necessary, muscle and hepatic biopsy may be utilized]

Finally!!!!

Some interesting points about cancer, not normally touched upon in traditional, integrative , nor alternative discussion involving cytokine production by malignant tumors themselves.  [Cytokines are small proteins secreted by specific cells of the immune system which carry signals to, from, and between cells; aka-"Signaling Proteins" for cell-to-cell communication.]  An example: interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma).      Cytokines are secreted in [or during the reaction state of] pro-inflammatory conditions.  One might expect to find elevated levels of cytokines in the body during autoimmune attack, (as presented in Lupus), or during systemic infection.  Cytokines activate proteolysis, (protein/tissue breakdown), and lipolysis, (fat breakdown to release fatty acids into the blood stream).  Both reactions, induced by cytokine release, occur in order for the body to use these protein and lipid moieties for energy purposes (Ann.Int.Med., 2000; 1333:622, N.Engl.J.Med., 1996; 335: 1897).  A number of malignant tumors have been known to produce their own cytokines, which cause decreased appetite and weight loss in animal models (Curr. Opin. Support Palliat. Care, 2000; 2:45). The bottom line: Many species of cancer cells/tumors use their “cytokine system” to invade and (further) weaken the host, thus procuring better access to energy sources of non-cancerous cells.

There are a large family of proteases that play a vital role in mammalian cellular turnover; these are called Cathepsins.  One of these, Cathepsin K, is specific for catabolizing substances that are integral parts of bone/bone function, i.e., elastin, collagen, etc.. and has the ability to break down bone and cartilage.  Cathepsin K expression is stimulated by inflammatory cytokines which are released after the causative damage of many types of malignancies and metastases.   In cancers of the breast and prostate, metastasis of malignant cells commonly spreads to proximal and distant bone sites.  It is common for a prostatic malignancy to invade the pelvic bone.  The ability of cancer cells to penetrate the extracellular matrix of bone has been attributed to the activity of Cathepsin K, released by the malignant cells as they invade healthy bone tissue.  As malignant cells move towards a target, such as bone, they must possess the ability to “bore into bone matrices”.  Many do secrete Cathepsin K and other Cathepsin-like proteases; picture torpedoes being fired and boring into the hull of a ship! This allows for a virtually unencumbered pathway for cancer cells to enter bone and establish “ground-zero”.  Though this mechanism appears primitive, remember, cancer cells are primitive!  Scientists are researching traditional as well as alternative types of “Cathepsin K blockers”, which are showing great potential!!!!
                                                                      —fin—

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