American Heart Association: Let ’ s create dietary policy based on the flimsiest of science
This study was indeed mentioned by the AHA panel. But, as many conventional dietary thinkers have done in past, they dismiss the lack of any reduction in cardiovascular events, cancers, or weight as a fluke.
Given the lack of real evidence that reducing saturated or total fat reduces cardiovascular risk, the panel then resorts to the weakest source of data of all: observational epidemiological studies, the sorts of studies that rely largely on questionnaires on what participants ate, a study design that is widely accepted to almost never establish cause-effect relationships, only potential associations or hypotheses. The d...
Source: Wheat Belly Blog - June 17, 2017 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr. Davis Tags: Undoctored Wheat Belly Lifestyle aha american heart association cholesterol epidemiology polyunsaturates saturated fat Source Type: blogs
American Heart Association: More of the same on saturated fat
This study was indeed mentioned by the AHA panel. But, as many conventional dietary thinkers have done in past, they dismiss the lack of any reduction in cardiovascular events, cancers, or weight as a fluke.
Given the lack of real evidence that reducing saturated or total fat reduces cardiovascular risk, the panel then resorts to the weakest source of data of all: observational epidemiological studies, the sorts of studies that rely largely on questionnaires on what participants ate, a study design that is widely accepted to almost never establish cause-effect relationships, only potential associations or hypotheses. The d...
Source: Wheat Belly Blog - June 17, 2017 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr. Davis Tags: Undoctored Wheat Belly Lifestyle aha american heart association cholesterol epidemiology polyunsaturates saturated fat Source Type: blogs
Fight Aging! Newsletter, June 12th 2017
In this study, we focused on two pathways of cardiomyocytes or heart cells: the Hippo pathway, which is involved in stopping renewal of adult cardiomyocytes, and the dystrophin glycoprotein complex (DGC) pathway, essential for cardiomyocyte normal functions."
Previous work had hinted that components of the DGC pathway may somehow interact with members of the Hippo pathway. The researchers genetically engineered mice to lack genes involved in one or both pathways, and then determined the ability of the heart to repair an injury. These studies showed for the first time that dystroglycan 1, a component of the DGC pathw...
Source: Fight Aging! - June 11, 2017 Category: Research Authors: Reason Tags: Newsletters Source Type: blogs
Reviewing What is Known of PTEN and its Longevity Effects
The PTEN gene shows up in a number of places in aging research, and today's paper is a review of what is known of its relevance to the field. To pick a few items, PTEN appears to be involved in some of the processes and pathways that control nutrient sensing, and is thus of interest to researchers attempting to recreate the beneficial effects of calorie restriction via pharmaceuticals. It is also involved in regeneration and cancer as a governor that prevents excessive cell growth. In this context, PTEN suppression has been shown to enhance nerve regrowth in mice, but of course there are other, adverse consequences to turn...
Source: Fight Aging! - June 6, 2017 Category: Research Authors: Reason Tags: Medicine, Biotech, Research Source Type: blogs
Horse Urine … Really?
An excerpt from my new book Undoctored.
This one little tale about hormonal health of human females, pregnant horses, and drug patents paints a microcosm of the bigger healthcare picture. It is an example of how when money becomes the primary goal, health may not be served.
For years, physicians prescribed estrogen hormone replacement for women experiencing menopause, believing that drugs like Premarin, manufactured by harvesting estrogens from the urine of pregnant horses, prevented osteoporosis, improved cholesterol values, and reduced cardiovascular risk, since preliminary epidemiological studies, not real clinical stud...
Source: Wheat Belly Blog - April 27, 2017 Category: Cardiology Authors: Dr. Davis Tags: Hormone Replacement Drugs Undoctored Source Type: blogs
Multigene Panel Testing for Patients with Early-Onset Cancer of the Colon
In a recent note, I discused some theories about why the incidence of colonic cancer is increasing in younger patients (see:Why the Increased Incidence of Colonic Cancer Among Younger Americans?). Continuing in this same vein, a recent article I came across raised the issue of multigene panel testing to reveal genetic mutations in the roughly one-third of patents with early onset colonic cancer (see:Multigene Panel Testing Reveals Mutations in One-Third of Early Onset CRC Patients). Below is an excerpt from the article:Although the overall incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been decreasing in the Un...
Source: Lab Soft News - March 7, 2017 Category: Laboratory Medicine Authors: Bruce Friedman Tags: Clinical Lab Industry News Clinical Lab Testing Lab Industry Trends Lab Processes and Procedures Medical Research Preventive Medicine Source Type: blogs
Invisible High-Risk Pools: How Congress Can Lower Premiums And Deal With Pre-Existing Conditions
As Congress and the Trump administration move forward with plans to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), they are looking for proven state-led reforms that maintain access for those with pre-existing conditions in the current exchange market while also lowering premiums for everyone buying insurance in the individual market.
Maine faced similar challenges in 2011 as it sought to unwind failed experiments that pushed its market into a long-term death spiral. But by creating an invisible high-risk pool and relaxing its premium rating bands, Maine policymakers were able to cut premiums in half while still guarant...
Source: Health Affairs Blog - March 2, 2017 Category: Health Management Authors: Joel Allumbaugh, Tarren Bragdon and Josh Archambault Tags: Following the ACA Health Policy Lab Insurance and Coverage ACA repeal and replace high-risk pools pre-existing conditions Source Type: blogs
An oncologist experiences the joy of being wrong
I believe in miracles. That might sound odd coming from an oncologist –especially since our field is driven by the data. Our path forward continues to be built through trials and the collaboration between clinicians and patients, working together to forge a better way to treat cancer. I certainly believe in evidence, but still … I believe in miracles.
Judy* is one of those miracles. I had met her eight years ago, seven months after she had been diagnosed with metastatic endometrial cancer. After a successful surgery, she underwent chemotherapy “to prevent recurrence.” Despite this, her post-treatment CT scan sh...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - December 27, 2016 Category: Journals (General) Authors: < a href="http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/post-author/don-s-dizon" rel="tag" > Don S. Dizon, MD < /a > Tags: Physician Cancer Source Type: blogs
Vaginal brachytherapy cuts mortality in early uterine cancer
(HealthDay)—For women along with surgically staged IA or IB endometrial adenocarcinoma, use of vaginal brachytherapy (VB) is associated with a reduction in mortality, according to a study published online August. 10 in Cancer.
Related Posts:ASCO develops recommendations for invasive cervical…New study links drinking behaviors along with mortalityEORTC-ETOP study opens on pembrolizumab designed for…Low FODMAP diet cuts irritable bowel syndrome symptomsFox Chase trial tests promising therapy in early breast…The post Vaginal brachytherapy cuts mortality in early uterine cancer appeared first on My Irrit...
Source: My Irritable Bowel Syndrome Story - August 16, 2016 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Ken Tags: IBS News Source Type: blogs
We cured her, but the result was unacceptable
I still remember her clearly. She was a wonderfully vibrant 68-year-old woman from Haiti. She was always impeccably dressed, loved to talk, and had an incredibly infectious laugh. Whenever I walked in to the clinic to see her, her eyes always seemed to smile as broadly as she did.
“Nice to see you, Doc!” she would say. I would return the greeting, and then we would talk business: her metastatic endometrial cancer.
She had undergone surgery for this two years ago and was deemed cancer free. Then, without warning, she started to have vaginal bleeding. Her exam was worrisome, and a biopsy of a mass at the vaginal vault co...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - June 6, 2016 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Don S. Dizon, MD Tags: Physician Cancer OB/GYN Source Type: blogs
How LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Changed my Outlook on Life
That blustery day in December, 2010, when I was told “you have breast cancer” is behind me now. Like many people, I was in denial saying “NOT ME!” I had my mammograms regularly and doctors’ appointments annually.
My daughter was engaged, and until that moment, the wonderful days ahead were meant to be focused on her wedding. I must say though, that in spite of all the radiation and chemo, “the wedding” kept me focused and positive. Just prior to my last chemo treatment a friend told me of a free exercise program for cancer patients and survivors called LIVESTRONG at the YMCA. The new session would start in ju...
Source: LIVESTRONG Blog - May 24, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Guest Source Type: blogs
ARID1A Gene Knockout Improves Regeneration in Mice
Researchers have made the accidental discovery that removing the gene ARID1A in mice produces greater regenerative capacity. The team was focused on liver cancer research so most of their observations relate to liver regeneration, but they note that the improvement appears in other tissues as well:
The liver is unique among human solid organs in its robust regenerative capability. A healthy liver can regenerate up to 70 percent of its tissue after injury. However, when the liver has been repeatedly damaged - by chemical toxins or chronic disease - it loses its ability to regenerate. Following repeated injuries, cirrhosis...
Source: Fight Aging! - March 27, 2016 Category: Research Authors: Reason Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs
Remember to ask before praying with patients
He stood still. He was virtually stymied at the request she made. I, as a visiting medical student rotating on the cardiology consultation service over which this brilliant, accomplished attending cardiologist with advanced interventional training presided, myself stood befuddled when he, in essence, appeared like a deer caught in the headlights after his patient asked him one simple question: “Doctor, could you please pray with me?”
The truth is he, like many other physicians, are at a loss for words and for action when such “spiritual issues” present themselves. I remember it, though now nearing completio...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - November 30, 2015 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Earl Stewart, Jr., MD Tags: Physician Primary care Source Type: blogs
Remember to ask about praying with patients
He stood still. He was virtually stymied at the request she made. I, as a visiting medical student rotating on the cardiology consultation service over which this brilliant, accomplished attending cardiologist with advanced interventional training presided, myself stood befuddled when he, in essence, appeared like a deer caught in the headlights after his patient asked him one simple question: “Doctor, could you please pray with me?”
The truth is he, like many other physicians, are at a loss for words and for action when such “spiritual issues” present themselves. I remember it, though now nearing completio...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - November 30, 2015 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Earl Stewart, Jr., MD Tags: Physician Primary care Source Type: blogs
You might be missing a PCOS diagnosis. Here are 10 reasons why.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is becoming a significant problem in women’s health. Between 1 in 10 to 20 women have the condition, although more than 50 percent remain undiagnosed. PCOS is the leading cause of female infertility and women who do become pregnant have higher rates of miscarriage, preterm birth, and gestational diabetes.
Women with PCOS have a greater likelihood of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and endometrial cancer than women without the condition. Glucose intolerance is caused by associated insulin resistance that frequently, but not always, causes weight gain. Although there are diag...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - July 31, 2015 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Poppy Daniels, MD Tags: Conditions OB/GYN Source Type: blogs
