Absence of Specific Hormone May Contribute to Arthritis Development

A Duke University study reveals that the absence of the appetite hormone leptin can determine whether obese mice experience arthritis, no matter how heavy they are. As such, the link between osteoarthritis and obesity may be more than the wear and tear caused by extra weight. The research team from Duke University conducted the study to learn whether or not the increased body fat of obesity causes an inflammatory response in joints, an imbalance of the immune system that signals chemicals in osteoarthritis. The researchers studied mice that were leptin-deficient or deficient in leptin receptors, and both types of mice overate and gained weight.

The study mice were then compared with normal mice to document knee osteoarthritis. The measurements included pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines present in arthritis, and several tests to assess bone changes in the knees of the mice. The results of the study showed that the knee bones of the leptin-free, obese mice did change, but without forming osteoarthritis. The levels of inflammatory cytokines, which correlate with arthritis, were largely unchanged in this group. The results suggested that leptin might have a dual role in the development of osteoarthritis by regulating both the skeletal and immune systems, according to a Duke Medicine news release.

Farshid Guilak, PhD, of Duke University, says, “We were completely surprised to find that mice that became extremely obese had no arthritis if their bodies didn’t have leptin. Although there was some earlier evidence that leptin might be involved in the arthritis disease process, we didn’t think that there would be no arthritis at all.” Guilak adds, “However, in another study, we found that mice that gained half as much weight on a high-fat diet but processed leptin normally showed significant knee osteoarthritis.”

In regards to what this means for obesity, Guilak says, “Obesity is still the number one preventable risk factor of osteoarthritis, but now it seems body fat by itself is not what is causing it.” Guilak explains, “With obesity and osteoarthritis, there are good similarities between humans and mice. If we can find a pathway that links a high-fat diet with arthritis, then we can try to identify and block the inflammatory mediators that are linked with the dietary fat.”

Source: http://www.ptproductsonline.com/2014/08/absence-specific-hormone-may-contribute-arthritis-development/

Jimmy Johnson's LEADING EDGE to Feature Hip Reconstruction Segment

Hip reconstruction offers a viable alternative to total hip replacement for patients who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis or other medical conditions that result in wearing away of cartilage or bone. Hip reconstruction involves reshaping Bones or providing support for or replacing a portion of the hip.

While not a cure, hip reconstruction can provide a great deal of relief from pain and loss of friction, along with restoration of function in the hip. There are different surgical procedures involved in hip reconstruction, which has come a long way over the years. It is the preferred option in younger patients. Newer methods and materials used in hip reconstruction surgery offer patients more individualized return to natural function in the hip than in the past, and gives patients overall improvement in their independence and quality of life.

"Leading Edge," with host Jimmy Johnson, has created an upcoming educational segment that explains the effect of disease and other conditions that contribute to the need for hip reconstruction and the benefits that it offers to patients suffering from painful, disabling conditions of the hip. Jimmy Johnson and "Leading Edge" will create awareness of hip reconstruction surgery and will educate the audience on potential options and benefits to patients.

Leading Edge is developed for Public Television stations throughout the United States, and has no relation to PBS. Visit leadingedgeseries.com to learn more.

Source: http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Jimmy-Johnsons-LEADING-EDGE-to-Feature-Hip-Reconstruction-Segment-20140804#.U-IPfVeP9X8

How Omega-3 Supplements Lessen Severity of Osteoarthritis?

Omega-3 fatty acids may improve joint health and reduce the risk and severity of arthritis, according to a study conducted by researchers from Duke University and published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases on July 11.

The findings suggest that, contrary to prior belief, the types of fats that make up a person’s diet may have more influence on their arthritis risk than their weight does.

“Our results suggest that dietary factors play a more significant role than mechanical factors in the link between obesity and osteoarthritis,” senior author Farshid Guilak, PhD, said.
What You Eat, Not What You Weigh

Prior studies have established that obesity is a major risk factor for osteoarthritis, a disorder characterized by degradation of the joints and more commonly known simply as “arthritis.” Until now, scientists have assumed that a higher body weight causes increased wear-and-tear on the joints, but this hypothesis never explained why arthritis is so common in non-weight-bearing parts of the body such as the hands.

In a previous study, the Duke University researchers found that abnormally low levels of the appetite-regulating hormone leptin in obese mice were an accurate predictor of arthritis. This suggested that metabolic, rather than physical, symptoms of obesity might actually be behind arthritis.

“This made us think that maybe it’s not how much weight you gain, but what you eat,” Guilak said.

To further explore the connection between diet and arthritis, the researchers induced osteoarthritis in mice by deliberately injuring their knees. Trauma or injury is responsible for approximately 10 to 15 percent of all osteoarthritis cases. The arthritic mice were then fed either a diet high in saturated fat, a diet high in omega-6 fatty acids or a diet high in omega-6 fatty acids with a small amount of added omega-3s.

“A healthy diet would include roughly equal ratios of these fats, but we’re way off the scale in the Western diet,” Guilak said.

Health researchers now believe that the typical Western diet contains too much saturated and omega-6 fat, and not enough of omega-3 fat.
Omega-3s Slow Disease Progression, Speed Wound Healing

The researchers found no connection between body weight and arthritis. They did find that, while mice on both the saturated fat and omega-6 diets experienced a worsening of their arthritis symptoms over time, mice in the omega-6 plus omega-3 group did not.

“While omega 3 fatty acids aren’t reversing the injury, they appear to slow the progression of arthritis in this group of mice,” Guilak said. “In fact, omega 3 fatty acids eliminated the detrimental effects of obesity in obese mice.”

The researchers also noticed that mice in the omega-3 group healed faster from an injury that the researchers had inflicted on their ears (a way to differentiate between the mice) than the mice in the other two groups.

“We found that independent of body weight, dietary fatty acids regulate ear wound healing and severity of osteoarthritis following joint injury in obese mice,” lead author Chia-Lung Wu said.

The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Arthritis Foundation, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center and a Taiwan GSSA graduate fellowship. It is only the latest in a glut of recent research illuminating the many health benefits of a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids.

A strong body of clinical research now shows that omega-3s are potent anti-inflammatories that can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and arthritis. They are also important for brain health and particularly important for the brain development of babies and children. They may also play a role in regulating mood and cognitive function.

Research has also linked omega-3s to a reduced risk of cancer and improved bone, bowel and menstrual health.

Source: http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/807921-omega-3-supplements-lessen-severity-of-osteoarthritis/

Antidepressants: May Offer An Alternative Treatment For Menopause Symptoms

STUART — Hot flashes, night sweats, tiredness, irritability, loss of libido. These are just a few of the symptoms experienced by women during menopause. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) offers a successful treatment for many of these ailments, it also comes with some risks. And while its benefits may be promising, some women are unwilling -- or unable because of pre-existing medical conditions -- to take HRT. Antidepressants offer an increasingly popular, non-hormonal menopause treatment method.

About menopause and HRT

A normal part of aging, menopause comprises the period just before and after a woman stops menstruating. While not all women experience symptoms during menopause, many do. Until recently, HRT -- the prevalent method of treatment, which involves supplementing the body with estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone -- was heralded for both its effect on menopause and its symptoms, as well as in the prevention of osteoporosis.

However, researchers have recently started to question the benefits of HRT against the risks, which may include increased risk of endometrial cancer, breast cancer, blood clots and stroke. Furthermore, research from the Women's Health Initiative has even linked estrogen-progestin combination therapy to higher risk of heart disease.

For some women, HRT is not even an option; it is not recommended for women who have had breast cancer, endometrial cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, blood clots, history of stroke or liver disease. For these women, antidepressants offer an alternate form of relief.

An alternative to HRT

Whether or not you suffer from depression, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may reduce or completely stop hot flashes during menopause. First observed as a side effect and since backed up by research trials, antidepressants including fluoxetine, paroxetine, citalopram and escitalopram have each offered relief from hot flashes to some menopausal women. Additionally, a noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) called venlafaxine has demonstrated similar effects.

Not only do SSRIs and SNRIs offer non-hormonal relief for hot flashes, it happens almost immediately -- within one to two weeks of beginning treatment. While research hasn’t yet determine how these medicines relieve hot flashes, for many women the promise of HRT-free relief is enough. Of course, antidepressants come with their own range of side effects, including nausea and decreased sex drive.

While both HRT and antidepressant therapies methods are effective, each offers different advantages. Your family physician can help you understand your options in order to determine your optimal treatment method. Spread this helpful message with friends, family and members of your community to promote awareness about alternatives to HRT.

Source: http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2014/jun/24/family-health-matters-antidepressants-may-offer-an/

Navigating through Pre-Menopause

Are you having difficulty sleeping due to night sweats or insomnia? Has your lack of sleep affected your moods, health and ability to function? If so, you may be like millions of females across the country that are experiencing pre-menopausal symptoms. To help understand the causes and treatments of pre-menopause, Silver Cross Hospital is offering a free program in June.

Girl Talk: The Pre-Menopausal Woman
Join Dr. Priya Shastri, family practice physician, for a discussion on hyperactive bladder, mood changes and menstrual irregularities. Find out what symptoms to look for and discover new self-care tips to help you live healthy. This free program will be held Wednesday, June 18, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Silver Cross Hospital Conference Center, Pavilion A, 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox. Call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).

Menopause is the end of a woman's menstrual cycle and fertility. It happens when the ovaries no longer make estrogen and progesterone, two hormones needed for a woman's fertility, and periods have stopped for 1 year. Menopause happens naturally with age, it tends to happen on average at the age of 51. But for some women it can happen before age 40. This is called premature menopause. The age when women enter menopause is thought to be mostly determined by their genes. But it can also happen as a result of surgery or treatment of a disease. In these cases it is called induced menopause.

What is Pre-menopause?
Pre-menopause is the time before the actual menopause, when cycles may change and symptoms first start to appear. Pre-menopause can last only a few months or up to several years, and is different for every woman. Some women go through early menopause with no symptoms except changes in their monthly cycles, while others experience hot flashes, mood swings, erratic bleeding, and other discomforts.

"For women who may be suffering from pre-menopausal symptoms such as a hyperactive bladder, mood changes and menstrual irregularities, it is important to seek treatment in order to get relief," said Dr. Priya Shastri, family practice physician, at Silver Cross Hospital. "During this program, you will learn a lot of beneficial information and tools when it comes to understanding and treating pre-menopause."

About Priya Shastri, M.D.
Priya Shastri, M.D., board certified family practice physician, has over 18 years of experience caring for patients of all ages in the south and western suburbs of Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Having worked in several urgent care clinics, she has a special interest in occupational health care, emergency medicine, preventative screenings, and treatment of elderly patients. Dr. Shastri has received additional training in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Advanced Pediatric Life Support Programs. Dr. Shastri now sees patients on the Silver Cross Hospital campus at Pavilion A, 1900 Silver Cross Blvd., Suite 370, New Lenox. To schedule an appointment, call 815-300-1450. New and walk-in patients welcome. Evening and Saturday appointments are available. Medicare and most insurances are accepted.
 
About Silver Cross Hospital
Silver Cross Hospital is a not-for-profit health care provider serving Will County and southwest suburban communities since 1895. Silver Cross has been recognized as a Thomson Reuters 100 Top Hospitals National Award winner for seven consecutive years and as a Hospital of Choice by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers. With over 3,000 employees, physicians and volunteers, Silver Cross operates a 289-bed acute care hospital and 5 satellite facilities providing outpatient services and physician offices. Silver Cross opened a state-of-the-art replacement hospital on February 26, 2012 at I-355 and Route 6 in New Lenox. In 2013, Silver Cross provided over $48 million in charity care and other community benefits. To learn more about Silver Cross Hospital or a referral to a physician on staff, visit www.silvercross.org or call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325). Physicians on Silver Cross Hospital's Medical Staff have expertise in their areas of practice to meet the needs of patients seeking their care. These physicians are independent practitioners on the Medical Staff and are not the agents or employees of Silver Cross Hospital. They treat patients based upon their independent medical judgment and they bill patients separately for their services.

Early Menopause Increases Risk of Heart Failure

Hitting menopause before 45 years of age could up the risk of heart failure, especially for smokers, new study suggests.
The study was conducted by researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. Previously, research has shown that early menopause is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. In the current study, researchers found that hitting menopause early could lead to heart failure.
Heart failure is when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's requirements. In this condition, the left ventricle - the heart's main pumping chamber, loses its efficiency.

The study was based on data from 22,000 enrolled in the Swedish National Patient Register and Sweden's Cause of Death Register, and 90,000 women in the Swedish Mammography Cohort.
Researchers found that women, who underwent menopause between 40 and 45 years of age, had a heart failure rate of 40 percent than women who hit menopause between 50 and 54 years of age. Additionally, heart failure rate dropped two percent for every one-year increase in age of menopause.
Smokers, on an average, undergo menopause a year earlier than non-smokers. Researchers found that a history of smoking was linked to heart failure risk, even in women who quit smoking. 
It is always a good idea to stop smoking. Study has shown that women who smoke have more hot flashes as they transition to menopausal stage, than other women. In white women, with certain genetic variation, smoking can lead to symptoms of menopause nine years earlier than average.

"Menopause, early or late, is always a good time to take more steps to reduce heart disease risk through exercise, a healthy diet, weight loss, and quitting smoking," said Margery Gass, NAMS Executive Director, MD, as per a news release."This thought-provoking study should encourage more research that could unveil how early menopause and heart failure are linked, and whether the factors that cause heart failure also cause ovarian failure?"
Related studies have shown that those who go through menopause early are nearly twice as likely to develop osteoporosis later in life.
The study is published in the journal Menopause. 

Source: http://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/7036/20140514/early-menopause-increases-risk-heart-failure.htm

Femmerol: Will It Give That Required Relief?

What is Femmerol?

This menopausal relief product Femmerol claims to be the one created for the modern day woman who is looking for a better way to treat her menopause symptoms. The manufacturer of this product states it to have been created with 100% natural ingredients and it also states that this menopausal relief formula is clinically tested. Moreover, it has presence of clinical proofs as well. The official website of this product states that it is proven to help perimenopausal and menopausal women cope with their symptoms and find true relief.

Manufacturer details:
This product is available by the brand Solutions For Women, a brand known to provide various effective products for women.

Ingredients and their working:
One good thing about this product is that its official website gives a good knowledge of the ingredient composition of this product and what exactly they do.

The 11 key ingredients of this product are:
1: Bayberry: This is an ingredient whose phytochemicals acts as an astringent and stimulant.

2: Black Cohosh: It basically binds to the estrogen receptors and suppresses LH.

3: Capsicum: The capsaicin present in this ingredient, which is isolated from capsicum, is shown to be effective for pain.

4: Damiana Leaf: This leaf aids depression along with other benefits like increasing energy, aiding hot flashes and low libido.

5: Ginger Root: This Ginger root has antibacterial, antispasmodic, and analgesic actions. Plus, it is used for the treatment and prevention of nausea.

6: Kudzu Root: Its high levels of isoflavones work on allergies and migraine.

7: Licorice Root: This ingredient lowers cholesterol and acts as an antioxidant. It is even used to treat peptic ulcers and constipation.

8: Red Clover: The isoflavones present in this product reduces hot flashes and decreases bone loss.

9: Red Raspberry: These berries are known to help strengthen the uterine musculature.

10: Sage: It is known to lower internal body temperature and acts as an antiperspirant.

11: Valerian: This ingredient reduces anxiety and improves sleep quality.

Benefits of Femmerol:

• This product is 100% natural.
• It is backed with clinical proofs.
• There is a good ingredient list present with effective details.
• It avails money back guarantee also.

Drawbacks:

• There are no free samples available for this product.
• It needs to be taken regularly to have a positive impact.
• The money back guarantee is of a few days only.

Conclusion:
This product gives clinical proofs, but still lacks at some point as there are no customer testimonials and reviews on the official website. The good thing is that its official website is very friendly, despite of the fact that some basic points are missing.

Hot Flashes Are Definitely Not a Fun Surprise for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is right around the corner. The day to celebrate all the fantastic mothers across the country. Unfortunately for some mothers, in addition to the admiration and attention they will receive, they will also experience a showering of hot flashes. The release of Exert Smart Body Coolant by Wilmington based company, Exert Co., will help these mothers keep cool during the heat from both a hot flash, and breakfast in bed.

Millions of mothers across the country celebrated the release of Exert. Not just mothers, but all women. Approximately 27 million women in the U.S. experience hot flashes and night sweats every single day. This number is expected to increase by 10 percent each year. "Exert improves marriages one sweatless night at a time," notes CEO of Exert Co., Christopher Joyce. If mom is happy, then everyone is happy.

Exert is incredibly easy. Simply spray on Exert in the morning and it works all day. Exert doesn't feel cold when applied but instead works by drawing heat away from the body only when the body needs it. When skin temperature rises, Exert activates and cools the skin by 2 to 6 degrees. When body temperature drops to normal, Exert recharges and is ready to cool again without the need to reapply. The proactive method utilized by Exert helps women to stay cool before they even get hot. Kim Franke-Folstad of the Tampa Tribune comments on the proactive method when she notes, "I usually have a hot flash within minutes of getting into bed - and I could tell one was coming on - but it was as though it hit a force field and couldn't make its way through."

The celebration of mothers commemorates all the comforting from nightmares, carpools to Little League games, and bandages when playing in the yard gets a little too rough. Even on a day like this, a hot flash is always right around the corner. With Exert, a hot flash does not have to be around the corner, especially not on Mother's Day.

A 4 to 6 week supply of Exert Smart Body Coolant retails for $30. To learn more about Exert Smart Body Coolant, visit http://exertco.com or call 877-929-9922.

About Exert Smart Body Coolant

Exert Smart Body Coolant is a once a day body spray that activates only when skin temperature spikes. Exert cools the body by up to 6 degrees. Whether it's menopause, hot flashes, stress, medication, anxiety environment, excessive sweating, or physical exertion, Exert Smart Body Coolant helps regulate skin temperature. To learn more visit http://exertco.com

About Exert Co.

Exert Co. is a Wilmington, DE based company that makes smart, functional, consumer products that solve "big market" problems in completely new ways.

Source: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1884608