Progressive Health Blog

Can Omega 3s Help Infertile Men?

2010-08-04T16:44:35Z

Omega 3 essential fatty acids found in fish consist of biologically active EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Omega 3s have been shown to reduce inflammation and decrease the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Omega 3 DHA is found in spermatozoa membranes. Now research reports that omega 3 DHA supplementation may improve male fertility.

The study, published in the Journal of Lipid Research, investigated the effects of DHA supplementation in lab mice. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, genetically engineered mice to lack the delta-6-desaturase enzyme that helps produce DHA and AA (arachidonic acid). The scientists administered either 0.2% DHA or AA diet supplements to the mice.

The researchers found that the enzyme-deficient mice were infertile, producing few abnormally shaped sperm. When the mice were fed DHA, the abnormalities were reversed to normally shaped sperm. However, AA was less effective in restoring fertility. The researchers will continue to investigate the cell mechanisms involved in how omega 3 affects fertility.

"DHA was capable of restoring all observed impairment in male reproduction, whereas 22:4n6 formed from dietary AA may act as an inferior substitute for DHA," the study authors conclude.

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Combat Cancer with Citrus Fruit?

2010-07-30T14:44:18Z

Modified citrus pectin (MCP) is derived from the pith of citrus fruit peels. Previous studies suggest that MCP contains potent galactosyl polysaccharides that bind to cancer cells. Now research reports that MCP may help treat and prevent prostate cancer by blocking cancer cell proliferation. This discovery may help create future MCP therapies to prevent and treat prostate cancer.

The study, published in Integrative Cancer Therapies, iinvestigated the effect of MCP on cultured human and mouse prostate cancer cells. Researchers at the Columbia University in New York, treated androgen-dependent and -independent prostate cancer cells with Pectasol (a brand of MCP). The scientists also administered Pectasol to mouse prostate cancer lines.

The researchers found that MCP binds to androgen-dependent and -independent prostate cancer cell receptors. MCP blocked androgen-dependent and -independent cancer cell proliferation and caused programmed cell death (apoptosis). This is significant since androgen-independent prostate cancer is the more aggressive cancer that can lead to death.

"PectaSol MCP and PectaSol-C MCP can inhibit cell proliferation and apoptosis in prostate cancer cell lines. Our data suggested that 1.0% PectaSol-C can be used for further chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic analysis in vivo," the study authors conclude.

Avistate Supports Prostate Health

Progressive Health's Avistate is a prostate support supplement featuring clinically evaluated nutrients including soy isoflavones (genistein), saw palmetto (serenoa repens), pygeum, nettle root (urtica dioica), lycopene and selenium. Avistate helps improve the symptoms of BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy), control the natural occurrence of prostate growth and reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

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Bet You Didn't Know These Drinks Fight Prostate Cancer

2010-07-16T18:34:25Z

Green tea and red wine contain potent polyphenol antioxidant compounds. Previous studies suggest that polyphenols may have powerful anti-cancer benefits. Now research reports that a combination of red wine and green tea antioxidants inhibit a cell signaling pathway that is essential for prostate cancer growth. This discovery may help create future drug therapies to prevent and treat prostate cancer.

The study, published in FASEB Journal, investigated the effect of green tea and red wine polyphenols on prostate cancer cells. French researchers administered green tea and red wine polyphenols to mice implanted with human prostate cancer cells. In another experiment, mice implanted with human prostate cancer cells were given either drinking water, water with green tea antioxidant EGCG or water with green tea antioxidant polyphenon E.

The researchers found that the combination treatment with green tea and wine polyphenols synergistically inhibited the SphK1/S1P pathway and decreased cancer tumor growth. Findings also revealed that the mice drinking EGCG or polyphenon E had significantly deceased tumor size.

"These results provide the first demonstrationthat the prosurvival, antiapoptotic SphK1/S1P pathway representsa target of dietary green tea and wine polyphenols in cancer," the study authors conclude.

Avistate Promotes Prostate Health

Each year about 200,000 American men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Supplementing with natural nutrients can support prostate health and lower the risk of prostate cancer.

Progressive Health's Avistate is a prostate support remedy featuring clinically evaluated nutrients including soy isoflavones (genistein), saw palmetto (serenoa repens), pygeum, nettle root (urtica dioica), lycopene and selenium. Avistate helps improve the symptoms of BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy), control the natural occurrence of prostate growth and reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

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Retinoic Acid's Effect on Former Smokers

2010-07-12T17:00:00Z

Smokers are at increased risk for cancer, especially lung cancer. One reason for this increased risk is the high level of oxidative damage from the contaminants in cigarette smoke. However, lung cancer is the number 2 killer of women and the number 3 killer of men, even in non-smoking populations. There are many other risk factors for lung cancer. Among these is the Insulin Growth Factor axis (IGF).

Antioxidant therapy has been associated with a decreased risk of lung cancer. One class of potent antioxidants is the carotenes, or Vitamin A hormones. 9-cis-retinoic acid has been proven to be a potent antioxidant in former smokers, although its mechanism is not fully understood. Recent research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology investigated if 9-cis-retinoic acid has any effect on the IGF axis and if this could in fact be the mechanism of its chemopreventative effects against lung cancer.

The study enrolled participants who had ceased smoking for at least 12 months. IGF-I and IGF binding protein concentrations were measured at baseline and completion of the study in 111 and 84 participants respectively. Participants received either 100mg of 9-cis-retinoic acid or placebo daily.

The IGF-I and ratio of IGF-I/IGF binding protein were significantly lower in the treatment group compared to placebo. However, the IGF binding protein increased in the treatment group.

The authors conclude that 9-cis-retenoic acid modulates the IGF axis in former smokers. This may be the mechanism for chemoprevention. In the future serum concentrations of IGF axis components may be used as end markers for treatment. More studies are needed to determine any correlation between 9-cis-retinoic acid treatment, IGF axis, and lung cancer risk. In this study, no follow-up on lung cancer incidence was determined, thus it is inconclusive if any effect can be obtained by treatment with 9-cis-retinoic acid.

Herbal Supplementation for BPH?

2010-07-08T17:00:00Z

Benign prostatic hyperplasia affects many men over the age of 50 years. It is characterized by an enlargement or growth of the prostate gland. It can cause severe symptoms such as erectile dysfunction, pain, urinary frequency, urinary urgency, and poor urinary flow. Individuals with BPH may be at increased risk for prostate cancer.

Terazosin is a conventionally prescribed medication that is effective and safe for treating BPH. Many herbal products have also shown effectiveness at treating BPH. Prostina is an ayurvedic herbal combination that is commonly used in India to treat BPH. It is a proprietary blend of several herbs including Juniper.

A study published in the Journal of the Indian Medical Association in February 2005 evaluated the safety and efficacy of Prostina for treating BPH. It also compared the effects of Prostina to terazosin.

The study enrolled 40 men age 40-80 years of age with BPH. For inclusion into the study men must have an American Urological Association (AUA) score of 8. The men were randomized to receive either 2 Prostina capsules twice daily or 2mg of terazosin at bedtime for 12 weeks.

The primary outcome measures were AUA score, urodynamic parameters, biochemical and adverse effects. Subjective clinical assessment was also important.

Urodynamic measures improved in both groups (flow, frequency, urgency, erectile function). AUA scores declined in both groups, the Prostina group declined from a mean of 19 to 1 and the terazosin group from a mean of 16 to 4. The AUA score was significantly lower in the Prostina group. Other parameters were unchanged in both groups.

This study showed that Prostina, an herbal combination therapy, was safe and as effective as conventionally prescribed terazosin at decreasing clinical symptoms of BPH.

High Fructose Corn Syrup Linked to Obesity

2010-06-17T17:00:00Z

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a controversial topic in some circles. This sweetener is used throughout the American food supply because it is a cheap substitute for sugar due to governmental subsidies provided to corn farmers. However, many scientists, physicians and nutritionists have implicated this substance in obesity and abnormal metabolism. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004;79(4):537-543) discusses the "evidence that a marked increase in the use of HFCS, and therefore in total fructose consumption, preceded the obesity epidemic and may be an important contributor to this epidemic in the United States."

The authors summarize that added sweeteners contribute to about 16% of the daily intake of calories for persons over the age of 2. HFCS now represents over 40% of the sweeteners found in food. HFCS is a solution chemically derived by processing corn syrup resulting in a sweetener that is sweeter tasting than regular table sugar (sucrose, which consists of 2 glucose molecules). HFCS is the main sweetener in soft drinks, fruit juices, and other sweetened beverages. In fact, it is often difficult to pick up any sweetened product in a regular grocery store that does not contain HFCS.

The problem with HFCS is that high levels of fructose contribute to unregulated fat production in the liver, unlike glucose. HFCS also has different metabolic effects than glucose, such as decreased leptin response which increases food intake, and enters cells in a non-insulin dependent manner resulting in improved production of fat, again, unlike glucose.

Researchers examined the timeline of the obesity epidemic and concluded that fructose intake, specifically in sweetened beverages, has increased 30% in the past 30 years, and is concurrent with the obesity pattern. Other research has shown that beverages sweetened with HFCS are linked with increased energy intake and weight gain. Eliminating consumption of HFCS beverages is a crucial step in any weight loss program and/or healthy diet. As well, supplements like chromium, can help enhance glucose metabolism and may curb sugar cravings.

Waist Circumference: Better Eval. for Disease than BMI?

2010-06-12T17:00:00Z

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004;79(3):379-384) published the results of part of a large ongoing study, the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), containing 14 924 adult participants. Measurements of waist circumference, weight, and height (from which BMI is calculated), and disease predictors including blood pressure, cholesterol, triacylglycerol, lipoproteins, and glucose were taken.

Subjects were divided into groups based on WC and BMI levels. WC values for men and women of 102 and 88 cm, respectively, were considered to be normal WC, whereas men and women with WC values >102 and >88cm, respectively, were considered to have a high WC. The three BMI groups were subjects of normal-weight (BMI of 18.5-24.9), overweight (BMI of 25.0-29.9), or class I obese (BMI of 30.0-34.9). Using statistical models the researchers determined that waist circumference, alone, was a significant predictor of comorbidity and was better than combining BMI and WC, as the NIH guidelines recommend.

The authors state, "the obesity classification system advocated by the NIH is misleading and can be improved." They also suggest that the WC scale should be categorized into as much as five levels, and then could be used alone as an indicator of health risk, eliminating the need for BMI. In the meantime, these findings should stimulate health care providers to explore waist circumference in their practice, as a measurement of disease risk.

Physician Recommended Vitamins for the Entire Family

2010-05-30T17:00:00Z

In a recent issue of Canadian Family Physician (July 2005), an article was published answering a physician's question regarding which vitamins (and dosage) could be recommended to patients in light of the most recent research. The authors preface the study by stating, "dietary reference intakes are values used primarily to assess and plan diets and do not address amounts proposed for optimal health." Many integrative providers have been stressing this for years, so it is encouraging to see the mainstream medical community in agreement.

Of course, the first recommendation is folate for prevention of birth defects, but lowering homocysteine levels, a risk factor in coronary artery disease, is also included. Vitamin B6 is suggested not only for reduction of coronary artery disease, but also for sensory neuropathies. The authors mention vitamin B12 as an important consideration for persons over 50 due to common problems with absorption from food at this age, stating it is important for cardiovascular health. The other B vitamins, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin are also key nutrients for supplementation in the elderly, helping prevent conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

The authors consider supplementation with vitamin D to be quite essential. The article states, "the upper level of 2000 international units (IU) (50g) of vitamin D is too low and that higher doses are safe and can contribute not only to prevention of osteoporosis but also to a reduction in certain cancers and multiple sclerosis and to an improvement in the prognosis of patients with osteoarthritis." Vitamin E is recommended for prevention of heart disease only in healthy populations, based on some conflicting data on patients with a history of heart disease. Vitamin C is a significant antioxidant, and is also protective against cataracts, cognitive decline and cerebrovascular disease. Finally, the authors say vitamin Kplays a role in bone metabolism, atherosclerosis, nerve signaling, and kidney stones, and vitamin A is essential for general health and immunity.

Infertility Increases Prostate Cancer Risk

2010-05-13T17:52:36Z

Previous studies suggest an association between the number of children fathered and a man's risk for aggressive prostate cancer. Now research reports that infertile men have an increased risk of prostate cancer. The study authors suggest that infertile men should be considered for early prostate cancer screening. The common metabolic pathways linking infertility and prostate cancer require further research.

The study, published in Cancer, investigated the association of male infertility and prostate cancer risk. Researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle analyzed the data of 22,563 men evaluated for infertility in 15 California infertility centers from 1967 to 1988.

The researchers found that 168 participants subsequently developed prostate cancer. Men with infertility had a 2.6 times higher risk for developing high-grade prostate cancer, compared to men who were not infertile. However, men evaluated for infertility but not necessarily infertile did not have an increased risk of cancer, compared with the general population.

"Men with male factor infertility were found to have an increased risk of subsequently developing high-grade prostate cancer," the study authors conclude. "Male infertility may be an early and identifiable risk factor for the development of clinically significant prostate cancer."

Promote Prostate Health with Avistate

Progressive Health's Avistate has been specifically designed to combat enlarged prostate (BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia) and promote prostate health. Avistate features clinically evaluated nutrients including soy isoflavones (genistein), saw palmetto (serenoa repens), pygeum, nettle root (urtica dioica), lycopene and selenium. Avistate helps improve the symptoms of BPH and control the natural occurrence of prostate growth, while improving quality of life.

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Prostate Cancer Vaccine Approved

2010-05-03T18:54:25Z

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers for men in the United States. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 192,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009. Now the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the release of Dandreon Corp.'s Provenge vaccine. Although called a 'vaccine', Provenge does not prevent prostate cancer. Instead, it is an immunotherapy that stimulates the body's immune system to fight the disease.

Provenge was studied in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Researchers administered Provenge or a placebo to 512 men with advanced prostate cancer not responding to hormone therapy. Findings revealed that the Provenge group had a four month increase in survival. The median survival for the Provenge group was 25.8 months, as compared to 21.7 months for the control group.

However, Provenge was associated with adverse side effects including chills, fatigue, fever, pain and nausea. About 25% of the Provenge group experienced serious side effects such as stroke and acute infusion reactions. Strokes occurred in 2.5 percent of the Provenge group, as compared with 2.6 percent of the control group.

"The availability of Provenge provides a new treatment option for men with advanced prostate cancer, who currently have limited effective therapies available," says Karen Midthun, M.D., acting director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, in an FDA news release.

Avistate Promotes Prostate Health

Progressive Health's Avistate is a prostate support formula designed to improve the symptoms of enlarged prostate (BPH or benign prostate hyperplasia), reduce the risk of prostate cancer and promote prostate health. Avistate features clinically evaluated nutrients including saw palmetto (serenoa repens), pygeum, nettle root (urtica dioica), soy isoflavones, lycopene and selenium.

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Biochanin-Enriched Red Clover and Cholesterol

2010-04-20T17:00:00Z

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004, vol 58, no 3), investigated the effects of two major isoflavones in red clover on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Researchers from Monash University, in Melbourne, Australia, administered either 40 milligrams of biochanin-enriched (a genistein isoflavone precursor) red clover isoflavones, 40 milligrams of formononetin-enriched (a daidzein isoflavone precursor) red clover isoflavones, or a placebo daily to 46 middle-aged men and 34 postmenopausal women, for six weeks. Plasma lipids were obtained from the participants twice at the end of each treatment period.

The researchers found that LDL cholesterol was significantly reduced in the male participants who received biochanin-enriched isoflavones, compared to the participants who received formonoetin-enriched isoflavones or placebo. However, LDL cholesterol was not reduced in the female participants. "Isolated isoflavones from red clover enriched in biochanin (genistein precursor) but not in formononetin (daidzein precursor), lowered LDL-C in men," the study authors conclude. "This may partly explain the previous failure to demonstrate cholesterol-lowering effects with mixed isoflavones studied predominantly in women."

]]> REFERENCES:
1. Nestel P et al. A biochanin-enriched isoflavone from red clover lowers LDL cholesterol in men. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2004 Mar;58(3):403-8.

Obesity Increases Prostate Cancer Risk

2010-04-11T17:00:00Z

Researchers from various institutions, including the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, analyzed data from 787 men undergoing biopsy for prostate cancer, between 1998 and 2002, at an equal access medical center. BMI, serum PSA, digital rectal examination (DRE) and prostate volume were obtained from the participants.

Researchers found that participants with a higher BMI had an increased risk of prostate cancer and an increased risk of developing an aggressive form of prostate cancer, compared to participants with a lower BMI. "These findings suggest that obesity may be biologically associated with an increased risk of CaP development, in particular high-grade CaP," the study authors conclude. "This association may not be readily apparent at the time of biopsy due to obscuration by unaccounted for clinical characteristics differentially influencing the detectability of an existent CaP by obesity."

]]> REFERENCES:
1. Freedland SJ et al. "Body Mass Index as a Predictor of Prostate Cancer: Development vs. Detection on Biopsy." American Urological Association Annual Meeting, May 21-26, 2005, online at: http://www.aua2005.org

Walnuts Combat Prostate Tumors

2010-04-05T17:36:16Z

Walnuts, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, can lower the risk of heart disease. Now research reports that walnuts may help decrease prostate tumor growth. The study also found that walnuts have a beneficial effect on gene activity in prostate tumors. Prostate cancer is a common cancer that affects one in six men in the U.S.

The study, presented at the annual national meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Francisco, investigated walnut's effects in male mice. Researchers at UC Davis and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Western Regional Research Center in California administered a diet containing either whole walnuts or an equal amount of fat other than walnuts for 18 weeks to mice genetically engineered to get prostate cancer.

The researchers found that the mice consuming 2.4 ounces of walnuts daily had 30 to 40 percent reduced prostate tumor growth, compared to mice not eating walnuts. Furthermore, the walnut group had reduced blood levels of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor), a growth hormone associated with prostate cancer. Findings also revealed that walnuts had a beneficial effect on genes linked to prostate tumor growth.

"This study shows that when mice with prostate tumors consume an amount of walnuts that could easily be eaten by a man, tumor growth is controlled," says researcher Paul Davis, nutritionist at UC Davis Cancer Center, in a news release. "This leaves me very hopeful that it could be beneficial in patients."

Avistate Promotes Prostate Health

Supplementing with natural nutrients can help promote prostate health and lower the risk of prostate cancer.

Progressive Health's Avistate has been specifically designed to combat enlarged prostate (BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia) and support prostate health. Avistate features clinically evaluated nutrients including soy isoflavones (genistein), saw palmetto (serenoa repens), pygeum, nettle root (urtica dioica), lycopene and selenium.

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Low Back Pain and Psychological Assessment

2010-04-03T17:00:00Z

A study from the Netherlands assessed the use of psychological assessment and treatment as a source of palliation for non-specific low back pain. The study was published in the July issue of the British Medical Journal.

The study enrolled 314 participants from 41 different clinics. There were 60 practitioners that participated. Patients were eligible if they had a complaint of low back pain for less than 12 weeks duration. Outcome measures included functional disability rating, perceived recovery, and days of sick leave due to pain. Assessments were made at baseline, 6, 13, 26, and 52 weeks.

Individuals in the treatment group were assessed for psychosocial factors. These issues were discusses with the healthcare provider, dialogue was exchanged, and goals for treatment were set. The healthcare provider also supplied the participant with an educational brochure discussing psychosocial factors such as stress that can lead to non-specific musculoskeletal complaints. The total interaction time was 20 minutes.

The placebo group received the usual care for low back pain. These treatments were not standardized across the group of providers. After 12 months of treatment there were no significant differences between the groups. There was a similar dropout rate between the two groups. The fact that psychosocial treatment yielded the same results as the usual treatment is curious. One would suspect if the was no correlation then the effect would have been less, or if the correlation was great the effect would have been more.

The researchers feel more investigation needs to be carried out on this subject. Perhaps next time the care received by the placebo group should also been standardized and assessed.

Hair Loss Cuts Prostate Cancer Risk

2010-03-25T20:34:29Z

Here's some good news for young men with early hair loss. Recent research reports that hair loss in young men is linked with a lower risk of prostate cancer. Male-pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is believed to be due to the damaging effects of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) and the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. DHT is a potent androgen in hair follicles and is derived directly from the male hormone testosterone. DHT is also an important component in prostate cell growth in the tissues that line the prostate gland and a key contributor to the enlargement of the prostate.

The study, published in Cancer Epidemiology, investigated the association of early male pattern baldness (MPB) and prostate cancer (PCa) risk. Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle analyzed the data of 999 men with prostate cancer and 942 men without prostate cancer, ages 35 to 74, from 2002 to 2005. The participants reported their hair pattern at age 30.

The researchers found that men with early male pattern baldness by age 30 had a 29% lower risk of prostate cancer. Participants over age 60 with early baldness had a 45% lower risk of prostate cancer.

"Early-onset MPB was associated with a reduced relative risk of PCa in this population-based study," the study authors conclude. "Further research into a possible mechanistic link between these prevalent and androgen-related conditions is warranted".

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