Testosterone therapy linked to heart attacks in men under 65, study shows

Posted on January 30, 2014 by Stone Hearth News

You may have seen one of the many advertisements geared toward men asking if they suffer from “low T” — low testosterone levels that, according to the ads, can result in lost sex drive, diminished energy and moodiness. The answer, they suggest, may be as simple as applying testosterone through a gel or patch.

So successful has the marketing for this testosterone therapy been that, according to Drugs.com, an independent medicine website, sales of the testosterone gel Androgel in 2013 exceeded sales of Viagra.

Now, a new joint study by UCLA, the National Institutes of Health and Consolidated Research Inc., has shown there is a twofold increase in the risk of a heart attack shortly after beginning testosterone therapy among men under 65 who have a history of heart disease. Further, the study confirmed earlier studies that found a twofold increase in heart attack risk shortly after treatment began in men older than 65.

The study, the largest to date examining heart disease in men using testosterone supplements, appears in the Jan. 29 online edition of the journal PLOS ONE.

The research was prompted by three small, earlier studies that raised concerns about possible adverse cardiovascular outcomes associated with testosterone therapy. These included a randomized clinical trialofmen older than 65, which was reported in the New England Journal of Medicine and was stopped in 2010 due to a variety of cardiovascular events.

“We decided to investigate cardiovascular risks of this therapy in a large health care database since these previous studies were modest in size and only focused on men 65 and older,” said the study’s senior author, Sander Greenland, a professor of epidemiology at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health and a professor of statistics in the UCLA College of Letters and Science. “Our study allowed us to examine cardiovascular risk in men under the age of 65 and to replicate the findings in men over 65.”

Greenland and his colleagues used data from Truven Health Analytics, which aggregates information on patient care. They examined the health care records of 55,593 men who had been prescribed testosterone therapy — 48,539 under the age of 65 and 7,054 who were 65 or older. Their research led to the finding of a twofold increase in men under 65 with heart disease and confirmed the earlier findings of a twofold increase in men over 65 with or without heart disease.

“The extensive and rapidly increasing use of testosterone treatment and the evidence of risk of heart attack underscore the urgency of further large studies of the risks and the benefits of this treatment,” Greenland said. “Patients and their physicians should discuss the risk of heart attacks when considering testosterone therapy.”

Source - See more at: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/use-of-testosterone-therapy-linked-to-heart-attacks-in-men-under-65-study-shows/testosterone/#sthash.ifZQN0Dl.dpuf

Aerobic exercise in people with multiple sclerosis: its feasibility and secondary benefits

Posted on January 26, 2014 by Stone Hearth News

Int J MS Care. 2013 Fall;15(3):138-45. doi: 10.7224/1537-2073.2012-037.

Aerobic exercise in people with multiple sclerosis: its feasibility and secondary benefits
Swank C, Thompson M, Medley A. Author information Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation, Dallas, TX, USA (CS); and School of Physical Therapy, Texas Woman’s University, Dallas, TX, USA (MT, AM).

Abstract

The aims of this study were to explore the feasibility of structured aerobic exercise followed by a period of unstructured physical activity and determine the impact of such exercise on cognition, mood, and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

A convenience sample of 9 individuals with relapsing-remitting MS performed 30 minutes of aerobic exercise (upper- and lower-extremity ergometry and treadmill ambulation) twice weekly for 8 weeks, followed by 3 months of unstructured physical activity.

Eight participants completed the intervention and posttest; 6 returned for the 3-month follow-up.

Cardiovascular fitness, cognition, mood (measured with the Beck Depression Inventory-II; BDI-II), and quality of life (measured with the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54; MSQOL-54) were assessed.

Participants completed 27.9 minutes of exercise per session, with an 85.1% attendance rate. Evaluation using the Wilcoxon signed rank test revealed no deleterious effects and improved results on the BDI-II and MSQOL-54 mental subscale.

Analysis of change scores using the one-sample t test revealed that the BDI-II and MSQOL-54 were changed from zero after structured exercise, but only the BDI-II maintained improvement after unstructured physical activity.

Further analysis of BDI-II subscales revealed that improvement occurred only in the Somato-Affective subscale.

In this study, program feasibility was demonstrated in several ways.

There were no declines in cognitive function over the 5-month period.

Despite unchanged cognitive function, participants may value the improved mood enough to continue both the structured and unstructured physical activity.

The role of unstructured physical activity in concert with periodic structured exercise programs merits further investigation.

Source - See more at: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/aerobic-exercise-in-people-with-multiple-sclerosis-its-feasibility-and-secondary-benefits/benefits-exercise/#sthash.NQ39Kc0d.dpuf

Can carbohydrate mouth rinse improve performance during exercise?

 

Posted on January 26, 2014 by Stone Hearth News

  

Nutrients. 2013 Dec 19;6(1):1-10. doi: 10.3390/nu6010001.

Can Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse Improve Performance during Exercise? A Systematic Review.
de Ataide E Silva T 1, Di Cavalcanti Alves de Souza ME 2, de Amorim JF 3, Stathis CG 4, Leandro CG 5, Lima-Silva AE 6.

Author information
1Sport Science Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports Science (CAV), Federal University of Pernambuco, Alto do Reservatório street, Bela Vista, Vitória de Santo Antão, Pernambuco 55608-680, Brazil. carolleandro22@gmail.com.
2Sport Science Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports Science (CAV), Federal University of Pernambuco, Alto do Reservatório street, Bela Vista, Vitória de Santo Antão, Pernambuco 55608-680, Brazil. dicavalcanti@hotmail.com.br.
3Sport Science Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports Science (CAV), Federal University of Pernambuco, Alto do Reservatório street, Bela Vista, Vitória de Santo Antão, Pernambuco 55608-680, Brazil. jamiferro@hotmail.com.
4College of Health and Biomedicine and Institute of Sport Exercise and Active Living (iSEAL), Victoria University, Melbourne 8001, Australia. christos.stathis@vu.edu.au.
5Laboratory of Physiology and Pharmacology, Department of Physical Education and Sports Science (CAV), Federal University of Pernambuco, Alto do Reservatório street, Bela Vista, Vitória de Santo Antão, Pernambuco 55608-680, Brazil. carolleandro22@gmail.com.
6Sport Science Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports Science (CAV), Federal University of Pernambuco, Alto do Reservatório street, Bela Vista, Vitória de Santo Antão, Pernambuco 55608-680, Brazil. adrianosilva@usp.br.
Abstract
The purpose of this review was to identify studies that have investigated the effect of carbohydrate (CHO) mouth rinse on exercise performance, and to quantify the overall mean difference of this type of manipulation across the studies.

  

The main mechanisms involving the potential benefit of CHO mouth rinse on performance was also explored.
A systematic review was conducted in the following electronic databases: PubMed, SciELO, Science Direct, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), without limit of searches.
Eleven studies were classified as appropriate and their results were summarized and compared.
In nine of them, CHO mouth rinse increased the performance (range from 1.50% to 11.59%) during moderate- to high-intensity exercise (~75% Wmax or 65% VO2max, ~1 h duration).
A statistical analysis to quantify the individual and overall mean differences was performed in seven of the 11 eligible studies that reported power output (watts, W) as the main performance outcome.
The overall mean difference was calculated using a random-effect model that accounts for true variation in effects occurring in each study, as well as random error within a single study.
The overall effect of CHO mouth rinse on performance was significant (mean difference = 5.05 W, 95% CI 0.90 to 9.2 W, z = 2.39, p = 0.02) but there was a large heterogeneity between the studies (I2 = 52%).
An activation of the oral receptors and consequently brain areas involved with reward (insula/operculum frontal, orbitofrontal cortex, and striatum) is suggested as a possible physiological mechanism responsible for the improved performance with CHO mouth rinse.
However, this positive effect seems to be accentuated when muscle and liver glycogen stores are reduced, possibly due to a greater sensitivity of the oral receptors, and require further investigation.
Differences in duration of fasting before the trial, duration of mouth rinse, type of activity, exercise protocols, and sample size may account for the large variability between the studies.
Source

  

- See more at: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/can-carbohydrate-mouth-rinse-improve-performance-during-exercise/exercise/#sthash.mtIVOkRj.dpuf

Resistance training for diabetes prevention and therapy: new study

 

Posted on January 26, 2014 by Stone Hearth News

  

Biomed Res Int. 2013;2013:805217. Epub 2013 Dec 22.

Resistance Training for Diabetes Prevention and Therapy: Experimental Findings and Molecular Mechanisms.
Strasser B 1, Pesta D 2.

Author information
1Institute for Nutritional Sciences and Physiology, University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, A-6060 Hall in Tirol, Eduard Wallnoefer-Zentrum 1, Austria.
2Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is characterized by insulin resistance, impaired glycogen synthesis, lipid accumulation, and impaired mitochondrial function.
Exercise training has received increasing recognition as a cornerstone in the prevention and treatment of T2D.
Emerging research suggests that resistance training (RT) has the power to combat metabolic dysfunction in patients with T2D and seems to be an effective measure to improve overall metabolic health and reduce metabolic risk factors in diabetic patients.

  

However, there is limited mechanistic insight into how these adaptations occur.
This review provides an overview of the intervention data on the impact of RT on glucose metabolism.
In addition, the molecular mechanisms that lead to adaptation in skeletal muscle in response to RT and that are associated with possible beneficial metabolic responses are discussed.
Some of the beneficial adaptations exerted by RT include increased GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle, increased insulin sensitivity and hence restored metabolic flexibility.
Increased energy expenditure and excess postexercise oxygen consumption in response to RT may be other beneficial effects.
RT is increasingly establishing itself as an effective measure to improve overall metabolic health and reduce metabolic risk factors in diabetic patients.
Source

  

- See more at: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/resistance-training-for-diabetes-prevention-and-therapy-new-study/diabetes/#sthash.bF5sn1Va.dpuf

How good cholesterol turns bad

 

Posted on January 26, 2014 by Stone Hearth News

  

25 books and articles about good cholesterol
Cleveland: Cleveland Clinic researchers have discovered the process by which high-density lipoprotein (HDL) – the so-called “good cholesterol” – becomes dysfunctional, loses its cardio-protective properties, and instead promotes inflammation and atherosclerosis, or the clogging and hardening of the arteries. Their research was published online today in the journal Nature Medicine.
The beneficial and cardio-protective properties of HDL have been studied and reported extensively, yet all clinical trials of pharmaceuticals designed to raise HDL levels have so far failed to show that they significantly improve cardiovascular health. This disconnect, as well as recent research showing that a protein abundant in HDL is present in an oxidized form in diseased artery walls, spurred the research team – led by Stanley Hazen, M.D., Ph.D., Vice Chair of Translational Research for the Lerner Research Institute and section head of Preventive Cardiology & Rehabilitation in the Miller Family Heart and Vascular Institute at Cleveland Clinic – to study the process by which HDL becomes dysfunctional.

  

Apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) is the primary protein present in HDL, providing the structure of the molecule that allows it to transfer cholesterol out of the artery wall and deliver it to the liver, from which cholesterol is excreted. It’s apoA1 that normally gives HDL its cardio-protective qualities, but Dr. Hazen and his colleagues have discovered that in the artery wall during atherosclerosis, a large proportion of apoA1 becomes oxidized and no longer contributes to cardiovascular health, but rather, contributes to the development of coronary artery disease.
Over the course of more than five years, Dr. Hazen and his colleagues developed a method for identifying dysfunctional apoA1/HDL and discovered the process by which it is oxidized and turned dysfunctional in the artery wall. They then tested the blood of 627 Cleveland Clinic cardiology patients for the dysfunctional HDL and found that higher levels raised the patient’s risk for cardiovascular disease.
“Identifying the structure of dysfunctional apoA1 and the process by which it becomes disease-promoting instead of disease-preventing is the first step in creating new tests and treatments for cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Hazen. “Now that we know what this dysfunctional protein looks like, we are developing a clinical test to measure its levels in the bloodstream, which will be a valuable tool for both assessing cardiovascular disease risk in patients and for guiding development of HDL-targeted therapies to prevent disease.”
The research also points toward new therapeutic targets for pharmaceuticals, such as those designed to prevent the formation of dysfunctional HDL and the development or progression of atherosclerosis.
Source

  

- See more at: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/how-good-cholesterol-turns-bad/cholesterol/#sthash.RPqiOoKL.dpuf

Parkinson’s patients benefit from high-intensity strength training: Journal of Applied Physiology

Posted on January 25, 2014 by Stone Hearth News

 Newswise — BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham say that high-intensity strength training produced significant improvements in quality of life, mood and motor function in older patients with Parkinson’s disease. The findings were published Jan. 9 online in the Journal of Applied Physiology.

Fifteen subjects with moderate Parkinson’s underwent 16 weeks of high-intensity resistance training combined with interval training designed to simultaneously challenge strength, power, endurance, balance and mobility function. Before and after the 16 weeks, the subjects were compared to age-matched controls who did not have Parkinson’s and did not undergo the exercise regimen.

“We saw improvements in strength, muscle size and power, which we expected after rigorous weight training; but we also saw improvement in balance and muscle control,” said Marcas Bamman, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology and lead author of the study. “We also saw improvement in cognition, mood and sense of well-being.”

Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating, neurodegenerative disease that dramatically affects mobility function and quality of life. Patients often experience weakness, low muscle power and fatigue.

Bamman, who heads the UAB Center for Exercise Medicine, devised a strenuous exercise regimen for the participants. Subjects performed three sets of eight to 12 repetitions of a variety of strength training exercises, such as leg or overhead presses, with a one-minute interval between sets for high-repetition, bodyweight exercises, such as lunges or pushups.

“We pushed these patients throughout the exercise period,” said Neil Kelly, M.A., a graduate student trainee and first author of the study. “We used a heart rate monitor to measure exercise intensity — keeping the heart rate high through the entire 40-minute session.”

Bamman says this was the first study of its kind to look at the biology of the muscles. Biopsies of muscle tissue were collected before and after the 16 weeks.

“We found favorable changes in skeletal muscle at the cellular and subcellular levels that are associated with improvements in motor function and physical capacity,” Bamman said.

Physicians who treat Parkinson’s patients, such as UAB’s David Standaert, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Department of Neurology, say they have long believed that exercise is beneficial to their patients.

“What we do not know is what kind of exercise and how much exercise will prove best for individual patients with Parkinson’s,” Standaert said. “This study is concrete evidence that patients can benefit from an exercise program and can do so rapidly in only 16 weeks.”

Standaert says he hopes this study will open the door to a more complete understanding of the role of exercise in this patient population.

“My patients who participated in the study told me that they enjoyed the exercise regimen and that they saw distinct improvement in their health and physical condition,” he said. “Future studies should be able to help answer questions such as optimal frequency, intensity and type of exercise.”

Study participants showed significant improvement of six points on average on a measure called the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale. On another measure, a seven-point fatigue scale, the group improved from a score above the clinical threshold for undue fatigue to a score below this threshold.

A sit-to-stand test showed that, after strength training, participants dropped from requiring 90 percent of maximum muscle recruitment to rise to a standing position to just 60 percent, which put them on par with their same-age, non-Parkinson’s peers.

“These are all indications that strength training produced a major improvement in the ability to activate muscles, to generate power and to produce energy,” Bamman said, “all of which can contribute to improved quality of life and reduction of injury risk from falls.”

The study was funded by the UAB School of Medicine and the Department of Neurology, along with the UAB Center for Exercise Medicine. Bamman hopes the findings will pave the way for larger studies to define optimal exercise doses for Parkinson’s patients across the disease spectrum.

“This is the first step in an important direction to maximize the therapeutic benefits of exercise training for people with Parkinson’s disease,” he said.

Delay the Disease-Exercise and Parkinson’s Disease - See more at: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/parkinsons-patients-benefit-from-high-intensity-strength-training-journal-of-applied-physiology/parkinsons/#sthash.5EZtDPS6.dpuf

Why athletes should avoid taking any medications containing PSE during competition

Posted on January 25, 2014 by Stone Hearth News

Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2014 Jan 17. [Epub ahead of print]

Hydration and Urinary Pseudoephedrine Levels After a Simulated Team Game.

Jolley D, Dawson B, Maloney SK, White J, Goodman C, Peeling P.

Author information School of Sport Science, Exercise, and Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia.

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of dehydration on urinary levels of pseudoephedrine (PSE) after prolonged repeated effort activity.

Fourteen athletes performed a simulated team game circuit (STGC) outdoors over 120 min under three different hydration protocols: hydrated (HYD), dehydrated (DHY) and dehydrated + post-exercise fluid bolus (BOL).

In all trials, a 60 mg dose of PSE was administered 30 min before each trial and at half time of the STGC. Urinary PSE levels were measured before drug administration and at 90 min post-exercise.

Additionally, body mass (BM) changes and urinary specific gravity (USG), osmolality (OSM), creatinine (Cr) and pH values were recorded.

No differences in PSE levels were found 90 min post-exercise between conditions (HYD: 208.5 ± 116.5; DHY: 238.9 ± 93.5; BOL: 195.6 ± 107.3 μg·ml-1), although large variations were seen within and between participants across conditions (range: 33 to 475 μg·ml-1: ICC r = 0.03-0.16, p>0.05).

There were no differences between conditions in USG, OSM, pH or PSE/Cr ratio.

In conclusion, hydration status did not influence urinary PSE levels after prolonged repeated effort activity, with ~70% of samples greater than the WADA limit (>150 μg·ml-1), and ~30% under.

Due to the unpredictability of urinary PSE values, athletes should avoid taking any medications containing PSE during competition.

Source - See more at: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/why-athletes-should-avoid-taking-any-medications-containing-pse-during-competition/fitness/#sthash.k0WGOP9W.dpuf

For diabetics, an increase of ≥4000 steps/day seems to be a threshold to have a positive impact on HbA1c

         

Posted on January 25, 2014 by Stone Hearth News


Health Educ Res. 2013 Jun;28(3):539-45. doi: 10.1093/her/cyt038. Epub 2013 Mar 14.

The relationship between changes in steps/day and health outcomes after a pedometer-based physical activity intervention with telephone support in type 2 diabetes patients.

Van Dyck D, De Greef K, Deforche B, Ruige J, Bouckaert J, Tudor-Locke CE, Kaufman JM, De Bourdeaudhuij I.

Author information Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Watersportlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. Delfien.VanDyck@Ugent.be

Abstract

The study aim was to investigate the health effects of a pedometer-based behavioural modification program in type 2 diabetes patients and to examine the relationship between changes in steps/day (baseline-post and baseline-follow up) and health outcomes.

Ninety-two type 2 diabetes patients (69% male, mean age: 62 ± 9 years and mean BMI: 30.0 ± 2.5 kg/m(2)) were recruited and randomly assigned to an intervention or control group.

The intervention consisted of one face-to-face session, pedometer use and seven telephone calls.

Selection criteria included 35-75 years, 25-35 kg/m(2) and ≤12% HbA1c (108 mmol/mol). 

Outcome measures were assessed at baseline, post and follow up, and included systolic blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index, glucose control (HbA1c and fasting glucose), triglycerides, total, HDL and LDL cholesterol and steps/day.

The results showed no significant short- or intermediate-term differences in health outcomes between the control and intervention group.

However, a threshold was identified, as HbA1c improved significantly in those who increased ≥4000 steps/day between baseline- and post-measurements (n = 18).

This threshold was not applicable to any other health outcome.

Hence, although the intervention successfully increased steps/day, no direct effect on health outcomes was identified. However, an increase of ≥4000 steps/day seemed a threshold to have a positive impact on HbA1c.

Source

Omija fruit extract may enhance endurance and energy metabolism

         

Posted on January 25, 2014 by Stone Hearth News

J Med Food. 2014 Jan;17(1):28-35. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2013.3071.

Omija Fruit Extract Improves Endurance and Energy Metabolism by Upregulating PGC-1α Expression in the Skeletal Muscle of Exercised Rats.

Kim YJ, Yoo SR, Chae CK, Jung UJ, Choi MS. Author information 1 Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Kyungpook National University , Daegu, Korea.

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the effects of omija fruit extract on the endurance and energy metabolism of rats trained under a progressive loaded exercise program.

Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats (6 weeks old) were divided into three groups according to exercise and experimental diets for 6 weeks: the sedentary control (SC) group (n=10), the exercise control (EC) group (n=10), and the exercise group supplemented with 0.6% w/w omija extract (OM; n=10).

The omija supplement significantly extended the running endurance time compared with the EC group.

The soleus muscle weight was significantly higher in the OM group compared with the EC group and the plasma lactate and ammonia levels were significantly lower in the OM group than in the EC group.

Plasma glucose, free fatty acid, and gastrocnemius muscle glycogen concentrations were also significantly lower in the OM group compared with the EC group.

The lactate dehydrogenase activity was significantly higher in the gastrocnemius muscle of the OM group compared with the EC group.

Expression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) mRNA in the gastrocnemius muscle and soleus muscle were significantly elevated in the OM group and the soleus muscle peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1b (CPT1b), and β-hydroxyacyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase (β-HAD) mRNA expressions showed the same tendency.

Taken together, these results show that supplementation of omija fruit extract enhances endurance and energy metabolism by upregulating the PGC-1α expression in the skeletal muscle.

Source - See more at: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/omija-fruit-extract-may-enhance-endurance-and-energy-metabolism/elite-athletes/#sthash.M9Fwsiuy.dpuf

pH of drinking water influences composition of gut microbiome and Type 1 diabetes incidence

Posted on January 24, 2014 by Stone Hearth News

pH of Drinking Water Influences the Composition of Gut Microbiome and Type 1 Diabetes Incidence

M. Hanief Sofi 1, Radhika Gudi 2, Subha Karumuthil-Melethil 3, Nicolas Perez 3, Benjamin M. Johnson 1 and Chenthamarakshan Vasu 1,2 + Author Affiliations

1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
2Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
3Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL

Corresponding author: Chenthamarakshan Vasu, vasu@musc.edu.

Published online before print November 5, 2013, doi: 10.2337/db13-0981 Diabetes February 2014 vol. 63 no. 2 632-644

Abstract

Nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice spontaneously develop type 1 diabetes (T1D), progression of which is similar to that in humans, and therefore are widely used as a model for understanding the immunological basis of this disease.

The incidence of T1D in NOD mice is influenced by the degree of cleanliness of the mouse colony and the gut microflora.

In this report, we show that the T1D incidence and rate of disease progression are profoundly influenced by the pH of drinking water, which also affects the composition and diversity of commensal bacteria in the gut.

Female NOD mice that were maintained on acidic pH water (AW) developed insulitis and hyperglycemia rapidly compared with those on neutral pH water (NW).

Interestingly, forced dysbiosis by segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB)-positive fecal transfer significantly suppressed the insulitis and T1D incidence in mice that were on AW but not in those on NW.

The 16S rDNA–targeted pyrosequencing revealed a significant change in the composition and diversity of gut flora when the pH of drinking water was altered.

Importantly, autoantigen-specific T-cell frequencies in the periphery and proinflammatory cytokine response in the intestinal mucosa are significantly higher in AW-recipient mice compared with their NW counterparts.

These observations suggest that pH of drinking water affects the composition of gut microflora, leading to an altered autoimmune response and T1D incidence in NOD mice.

Source

TRT and natural ways to boost testosterone

UFC middle weight contender Vitor Belfort

In today’s world of sports, athletes are always seeking a competitive edge. This can be a legal or illegal edge based on the rules and regulations of a sport as well as the sports overseers. One such edge which is always making a buzz in MMA is TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy). This has been brought back to the forefront of the sport thanks to Vitor Belfort asking for a TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption) in Nevada for his upcoming contest vs UFC middle weight champion Chris Weidman.

TUE exemptions have been given to various MMA fighters such as Vitor and Chael Sonnen. Similar therapies were administered to Lamont Peterson, junior middle weight boxer, without commission approval. Athletes believe that just because they are diagnosed and treated by a medical professional that they are exempt from following anti-doping rules. It is up to the athlete to be aware of what is and what isn’t legal in their sport. If they have any questions on a treatment or product they should consult their local commission and promoter to prevent any problems.

Lamont Peterson IBF jr middle weight champion

Getting back to TRT and its use in pro sports, it is my thought that most of the doctors who administer this treatment aren’t looking at the whole picture. They may not be asking the right questions or even administering the proper tests with care.

I’d like to inform you to how training can effect testosterone and also that there are natural ways to revitalize and reinvigorate your testosterone levels so as not to need these medical treatments.

Exercise when done excessively, hence over training, can cause a number of hormonal, physiological and psychological changes to an individual. This is no different for a pro athlete. Our bodies are meant to produce a specific amount of hormones to aid in balancing the chemical reactions that occur throughout the course of our daily lives. The important thing to note, is training is only a fraction of the whole when training. Training hard is nothing without the proper nutrition, and rest. Even more so, training needs to be done in a specific rotation to minimize the stress on joints and muscles in order to ensure an athlete maximal performance during an event.

While I am not close enough to the stories to know the all the details I will say, I believe athletes like Belfort and Peterson had nothing but their own health and interest when taking the TRT. I will also say that a banned substance is a banned, whether it be for performance enhancement, increased healing or medically prescribed for a hormonal deficiency.

It is up to the athlete and his people to seek out knowledgeable medical personnel with a sound background in Sports medicine and physiology. It is also important that the athlete bring to the medical persons attention any banned substances or treatments that will cause him to fail not only a drug test but also a sport related physical.

Below I have added links to articles speaking of how over training in various sports can cause a low testosterone level on a blood test.

http://www.acsm.org/docs/current-comments/overtrainwithresistance.pdf

http://www.exrx.net/ExInfo/Overtraining.html

http://www.rice.edu/~jenky/sports/overtraining.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/552447-excessive-body-building-low-testosterone-levels/

Natural ways to increase testosterone through nutrition.

http://www.libido-increasing-food.com/

http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Guide-To-High-Testosterone-Foods&id=159720

http://ifitandhealthy.com/how-to-increase-testosterone-levels/

Remember, keep your team and physicians in the loop when making changes to your routine. If you’re going to take supplements, make sure they are from a reputable company (what’s on the label may not always be what’s in the product). It is up to you the athlete to be well informed. Ask the proper medical and nutritional experts any questions you may have.

Please stay informed and be on top of your game both physically and mentally in order to reach your goals.

Yours in Health

Dr. Pietro Baio

Performance Edge Chiropractic

Dr. Baio interviews "The People's Champ" Luis Collazo

 

On January 30, 2014, three days before the Super Bowl, Barclays Center will be hosting it’s own Super Bowl. A Super Bowl of boxing, featuring one of Brooklyn bright boxing stars, Luis Collazo, vs Vicious as he calls himself, or infamous as I will refer to him, Victor Ortiz.

 

Once again Victor is being put in a position where a win for him will guarantee him a major fight, as Victor was destined to be the next De La Hoya in the Golden Boy stable of fighters. Victor has shown in his four loses that when the going gets tough he either gives up or tries to get DQ’d.

 

In front of him will be a crafty veteran of the ring in Luis Collazo. Luis has been in big fights vs some of the best of our times. Luis held his own Vs Shane Mosley, Ricky Hatton and Andre Berto. Guys that were all in their prime and some, including myself, think Collazo actual did enough to win vs Hatton and Berto.

 

That being said I see this clash at Barclays as a winner takes all loser goes home fight. Ortiz is coming of a loss to Josesito Lopez, a fight Ortiz was winning till he had a mental laps and Lopez broke Victors jaw. Luis is just climbing back to the top after a shoulder injury and lose to Freddy Hernandez in 2011. This will be Victors 1st fight back in a year and half. He’s been recovering from mandibular surgery and a boxing hiatus so he could film a few movies. Luis has been on a roll with 3 victories, 1 by TKO, and he won the “WBA International Welterweight championship” in his last bout.

 

All that being said, I got a chance to speak with the man they call “The Peoples Champ”, Luis Collazo.

 

Dr. B:

On January 31, you will be taking to the ring in Barlcays for the third time. Do you consider it you home arena now?

 

LC:

Absolutely being from Brooklyn n fighting there is amazing. Get to fight in front of my home town. I love it.

 

Dr. B:

You'll be facing Victor Ortiz on that night. Who do you think will have more pressure on them coming into this fight? You because you’re fighting in Brooklyn or Victor because he needs to prove he has heart.

 

LC:

It won’t be me, I’m the underdog, LOL. Hey I’m just enjoying every moment having fun come fight night just going to give the fans a great night of boxing. It’s on him if he has to prove something. I’m good!

 

Dr. B:

I know you’re coming off of a shoulder injury back in October 2011 when you injured yourself vs Freddy Hernandez. How has it healed?

 

LC:

Yea, well its part of the Sport things happen. Rehab went Well Then kept working on it with my strength conditioning guy Scooter Honig, he’s a genius when it comes to getting you in shape n rehabbing any part of your body. He’s good at what he does.

 

Dr. B:

We know Victor likes to use pressure. Will you be able to fire back vs him or will this be a boxer vs puncher type of match up?

 

LC:

Well we will find out fight Night how it’s going to happen. I don’t have a problem doing either.

 

Dr. B:

We all know Victor has the ability to have mental lapses in the ring. He's shown it in each of his four loses including Mayweather,

Lopez and Maidana. Are you ready for his rough tactics?

LC:

I’m ready for the whole 9 yards. I’m all in ready to Rock!!

 

Dr. B:

In Ortiz's last fight he broke his jaw vs Josesito Lopez and needed to have it rebroken because it wasn't healing correctly. Will his chin be something you focus on?

 

LC:

Well I’m going to be focus on every legal spot I can hit doesn’t matter.

 

Dr. B:

Lastly, where or who would you like a win vs Ortiz to lead to?

 

LC:

To be honest my main focus is Ortiz. I don’t care about the next fight. This is the most important fight right now. I don’t care about the future fights

Dr Baio interviews Boxing's new rising star Junior "Sugar Boy" Younan

On January 31 Junior “Sugar Boy” Younan will take to the square ring for the first time in 2014 and the 3^rd time professionally.  Sugar Boy, who started his pro-boxing career at the tail end of 2013 has collected two TKO victories to his name and I am sure he will look to impress once again on January 31 at the Richard J. Codey Arena in West Orange, New Jersey. This fight will also mark his first TV appearance, as he will be show cased on “ESPN Friday Night Fights“.

There is a lot of hype around this young super middle weight and there is a reason for that. Having been groomed for stardom from a young age by his father Sherif Younan, former Paulie Malignaggi trainer and current trainer to 8-0 light heavyweight and former Olympian Marcus Browne, Junior has honed his skills in the gyms of New York.

Junior has been sparring with the best from 140-200 + for years working with guys like Paulie Malignaggi, Curtis Stevens, Marcus Browne and Monte Barrett. He has a slick combination of power and allusiveness. Some compare him to Andre Ward or even a young Roy Jones Jr. Either way I’m looking forward to seeing this kid perform for years to come.

I caught up with him as he was preparing for training and got to ask him a few quick questions.

Dr. B:

As you go into your third pro fight, do you have any regrets of not waiting to fight in 2014 golden gloves or 2016 Olympics?

Jr:

No, I don’t have any regrets. I'm more than happy with the position in in at this point.

Dr. B:

You’re currently fighting at 168. I know you've trained at a weight just over 200 lbs. Do you see 168 as the best possible weight class for you right now?

Jr:

I'm very comfortable at 168 so if there will be a move it'll be very far from now.

 

Dr. B:

Would you go down to 160 or up to 178?

 

Jr:

Most likely up to 175.
 
Dr. B:
Josh Dubin has called you the next, “ Andre Ward”. Do see this?

Jr:

It was actually my manager J. Prince that said that when he flew to New York to watch me spar for the first time. Those are very big shoes to fill. I do believe I can reach those heights though.

Dr. B:

I know 2014 just started, but where do you see yourself by the end of the year?

 

Jr:

Prospect of the year God willing. I'm going to stay focused on what I have to do and 2014 will definitely be bright.

Sports specialization in young athletes: evidence-based recommendations

Posted on January 20, 2014 by Stone Hearth News

Sports Health. 2013 May;5(3):251-7. doi: 10.1177/1941738112464626
Sports specialization in young athletes: evidence-based recommendations.

Jayanthi N1, Pinkham C2, Dugas L2, Patrick B3, Labella C4.

Author information

1Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois ; Loyola University Health System, Maywood, Illinois. 2Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois. 3Department of Orthopaedics, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois. 4Sports Medicine Institute, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, and Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.

Abstract

CONTEXT:

Sports specialization is intense training in 1 sport while excluding others. Sports specialization in early to middle childhood has become increasingly common. While most experts agree that some degree of sports specialization is necessary to achieve elite levels, there is some debate as to whether such intense practice time must begin during early childhood and to the exclusion of other sports to maximize potential for success. There is a concern that sports specialization before adolescence may be deleterious to a young athlete.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION:

PubMed and OVID were searched for English-language articles from 1990 to 2011 discussing sports specialization, expert athletes, or elite versus novice athletes, including original research articles, consensus opinions, and position statements.

RESULTS:

For most sports, there is no evidence that intense training and specialization before puberty are necessary to achieve elite status. Risks of early sports specialization include higher rates of injury, increased psychological stress, and quitting sports at a young age. Sports specialization occurs along a continuum. Survey tools are being developed to identify where athletes fall along the spectrum of specialization.

CONCLUSION:

Some degree of sports specialization is necessary to develop elite-level skill development. However, for most sports, such intense training in a single sport to the exclusion of others should be delayed until late adolescence to optimize success while minimizing injury, psychological stress, and burnout.

 Source - See more at: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/sports-specialization-in-young-athletes-evidence-based-recommendations/sports-medicine/#sthash.JkOo8w4d.dpuf

If you exercise while ill, you may do more harm than good

Posted on January 8, 2014 by Stone Hearth News

Newswise — With the flu and cold season in full swing, kinesiology professor Karin Richards, at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, said many people tend to ignore their symptoms to keep on track with their fitness resolutions for the New Year. In fact, Richards said working out while under the weather can actually do more harm than good for individuals looking to shed a few pounds and adopt healthier lifestyles.

“Depending on where a person experiences symptoms of illness can make or break his or her workout and recovery,” said Richards, acting chair of the Department of Kinesiology. “For instance, those who experience above the neck symptoms such as stuffy noses and sneezing are generally fine to continue their exercise routine. However, those with symptoms below the neck such as a fever, nausea, and muscle aches are urged to stay in bed and recover.”

To date, the flu has claimed the lives of three Philadelphians as the number of infections have begun to climb in the city. So far this flu season – which runs from Sept. 20 to May 18 – 66 cases of the influenza virus have been confirmed in Philadelphia. That’s why Richards said it is vital for sick people to resist the urge to exercise, and stay home from fitness centers as the flu is easily spread in these types of environments.

However, in an effort to keep individuals experiencing minor cold symptoms in line with their fitness goals, Richards compiled a list of exercise tips to help them stay healthy and active:

•Take it easy. Lower the intensity of a regular workout. For instance, if an individual is used to running, he or she is encouraged to walk.

•Stretch out. Sometimes yoga and gentle stretches can make an individual feel better and relieve congestion and pressure. Yoga Journal suggests positions such as supported bridge, legs up the wall, and standing forward bend aid congestion. When battling sinus pressure, Richards said she places her fists over each other and rests her forehead on them when practicing the downward dog position.

•Be courteous. While the sniffles should not be an excuse to not exercise, Richards said to use common courtesy and avoid sneezing and coughing all over the gym equipment. She urges individuals to work out at home or outdoors until they are free of their symptoms.

 •Stay active year round. One of the best preventative measures to avoid sickness is regular physical activity.

While halting an exercise regime while sick might seem like a giant setback, Richards said most individuals can get back into their routines fairly quickly once they have fully recovered.

“There is a fine line between a minor cold and the flu, and it’s important for individuals to stay in tune with their bodies,” said Richards. “A person’s body is stressed when fighting the infection, so placing additional stress through intense exercise only suppresses the immune system even more.”

“Of course, individuals are encouraged to seek the advice of their primary care physician or a healthcare professional if they have any questions regarding continuation or resumption of their exercise routine if they are sick,” she added.

 - See more at: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/if-you-exercise-while-ill-you-may-do-more-harm-than-good/benefits-exercise/#sthash.X6AmOyBM.dpuf

U.S. cracks down on fad weight-loss powders, skin creams

Posted on January 7, 2014 by Stone Hearth News


(Reuters) – Americans putting their faith in so-called miracle cures to shed unwanted pounds are bound to be disappointed, U.S. regulators said on Tuesday in announcing settlements with four companies accused of deceptively advertising such weight-loss products.

The Federal Trade Commission won agreements from L’Occitane, Inc.; Sensa Products LLC; HCG Diet Direct LLC; and Leanspa LLC.

The settlements required them to drop unsubstantiated claims from their ads and, in some cases, to return money to consumers.

The FTC also urged media outlets to scrutinize advertisements more carefully to avoid publishing potentially misleading ads, noting that some of the advertisements for the products – from food additives to skin creams – appeared in mainstream publications.

The commission provided guidance for publishers and broadcasters on how to screen weight-loss claims in advertisements.

The only slim element of the products is their chance of success, said Jessica Rich, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

“Resolutions to lose weight are easy to make but hard to keep. And the chances of being successful just by sprinkling something on your food, rubbing cream on your thighs, or using a supplement are slim to none,” Rich said.

 More of U.S. cracks down on fad weight-loss powders, skin creams at Reuters -

 See more at: http://www.stonehearthnewsletters.com/u-s-cracks-down-on-fad-weight-loss-powders-skin-creams/nutrition-food-fraud/#sthash.GUoJIqH7.dpuf

Overuse injuries and burnout in youth sports can have long-term effects

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Stone Hearth News

Newswise — LEAWOOD, KS —

As an emphasis on competitive success in youth sports has led to intense training, frequent competition and early single sport specialization, overuse injuries and burnout have become common. Given these concerns, the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) has released a new clinical report that provides guidance to physicians and healthcare professionals who provide care for young athletes.

 “Not only are overuse injuries in young athletes likely much more common than is realized, these injuries can require lengthy recovery periods, and in some cases, they can result in long-term health consequences,” says lead author John P. DiFiori, M.D., Chief of Sports Medicine and Non-Operative Orthopaedics at UCLA, and AMSSM President.

For the 60 million U.S. children and adolescents between 6-18 years who participate in some form of organized athletics (1), youth sports can be an enjoyable and beneficial experience, offering opportunities to increase self-esteem, peer socialization and general fitness. However, an emphasis on competition, collegiate scholarships and elite-level success has led to increased pressure to begin high-intensity training at young ages, often in only one sport. Consequently, overuse injuries and burnout are affecting many young athletes.

In light of these issues, the AMSSM convened an expert writing group of seven sports medicine physicians to review the latest data and provide recommendations for the sports medicine community.

The full report, entitled, Overuse Injuries and Burnout in Youth Sports: A Position Statement from the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, was developed through a systematic literature search initially yielding nearly 1,000 articles, followed by author analysis. The findings reveal that the current literature, which reports overuse injuries comprise 50 percent of sports injuries, underestimates the burden of these injuries, since many do not result in time loss from sport.

In addition, this new report highlights several specific higher-risk overuse injuries that may result in prolonged recovery and have the potential to endanger future participation. Although infrequent, some may lead to long-term complications.

The paper also emphasizes that there are several unique risk factors for overuse injuries and burnout in children and adolescents. Social, emotional, cognitive and physical factors all play a role.

 “Children grow and mature at different rates, making chronologic age a poor barometer for parents and coaches to set expectations and gauge progress,” said Dr. DiFiori, Head Team Physician at UCLA. “Understanding this can be critical to a child’s self-esteem and motivation to continue participating.”

Other notable findings and recommendations include:

• A history of prior injury is an established risk factor for overuse injuries that should be noted as part of each injury assessment, and pre-participation examination.
•  Adolescent female athletes should be assessed for menstrual irregularity as a predisposing factor to bone stress injuries. 
•  Early sport specialization may not lead to long-term success, and may increase risk for overuse injury and burnout. With the possible exception of early entry sports such as gymnastics, figure skating and swimming/diving, sport diversification should be encouraged at younger ages.
• Limiting weekly and yearly participation time, limits on sport-specific repetitive movements (e.g. pitching limits), and scheduled rest periods are recommended
• Careful monitoring of training workload during the adolescent growth spurt is recommended, as injury risk seems to be greater during this phase.
• Pre-season conditioning programs and pre-practice neuromuscular training can reduce injury rates.

 The full statement is available at http://www.amssm.org/Publications.html.

 The extensive review provides a comprehensive analysis of overuse injuries and burnout in youth sports including these key aspects: Injury Prevalence Risk Factors Readiness for Sport Participation Sport Specialization High-Risk Overuse Injuries Prevention The AMSSM hopes that this information can assist parents, coaches and healthcare professionals as they provide care for young athletes.

 An infographic of the review’s findings is available at http://bit.ly/1bDRsB8.

About AMSSM: AMSSM is a multi-disciplinary organization of 2,500 sports medicine physicians dedicated to education, research, advocacy and the care of athletes of all ages. AMSSM members serve as team physicians at the youth level, NCAA, NFL, MLB, NBA, WNBA, MLS and NHL, as well as with the US Olympic Team. By nature of their training and experience, sports medicine physicians are ideally suited to provide comprehensive medical care for athletes, sports teams and active individuals www.amssm.org

(1) National Council of Youth Sports. Report on trends and participation in organized youth sports 2008. Available at: http://www.ncys.org/pdfs/2008/2008-ncys-market-research-report.pdf, accessed May 10, 2013.