LifeCare Chiropractic

The Best Chiropractic Care in Mesa, Arizona

Aging

Markers of cumulative biological risk: studies of successful aging – (05-10-01)

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Markers of cumulative biological risk: studies of successful aging

This article reviews the use of allostatic load (AL) to determine biological risks of aging. AL is an index that uses 10 parameters of biological functioning to give an overall level of risk. I have seen computer programs that attempt to give a biological age to the patients. I have very little faith in these because they do not address real questions (they ask for seat belt use, check BP and cholesterol, exercise levels…). Ironically, none of the 10 factors in AL are used on these questionnaires. I have to mention one more thing for those of you that just read my comments…6 of the 10 factors are associated with Syndrome X. Go figure…a disease state that most of the medical profession is unaware of, a disease state that is highly modifiable with nutrition and natural medicine, and one that contributes to 60% of aging? And we wonder why medicine in the US is ranked so poorly.

PNAS — Abstracts: Seeman et al. 98 (8): 4770

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Protein glycosylation in vivo induces autoimmune disease – (02-02-01)

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Protein glycosylation in vivo induces autoimmune disease

The glycosylation of proteins occurs when glucose reacts with proteins to change their structure and function. Some consider this the basis of aging. While this research study uses genetic modification to induce autoimmune disease, there are some implications that glycosylation from insulin resistance may be a triggering factor in some autoimmune diseases.

PNAS — Abstracts: Chui et al. 98 (3): 1142

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Telomerase activity and rebuilding of telomere length in cloned cattle – (02-02-01)

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Telomerase activity and rebuilding of telomere length in cloned cattle

Telomeres are little pieces at the end of chromosomes that act as protectors that get shorter each time a cell divides. Some consider them as markers of aging and are searching for ways to elongate the telomeres of chromosomes and extend longevity. Telomerase is an enzyme that maintains the length of the telomeres (increased activity is seen in cancer cells that have an unlimited ability to divide; inhibiting telomerase is actually a hot topic in cancer research these days). This study examines the activity of telomerase in cloned cattle. It appears that during some point in development, not the actual cloning process itself, the new cells actually regain their youthful length of telomeres. A little complicated, but this research may begin to pinpoint a timeframe in which telomerase activity is highest; leading to ways to control it.

PNAS — Abstracts: Betts et al. 98 (3): 1077

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Aging, Immunity, and Cancer – (01-02-01)

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Aging, Immunity, and Cancer

This is a review of the current literature supporting the idea that our immune system is constantly fighting off cancer, and it is the slowing of the immune system response with age that increases our risk for cancer. This really does shed new light on many new therapies coming out that focus on suppressing the immune response, such as the new TNFalpha inhibitors for rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease. We don’t fully understand how our bodies work, and blocking a step in this process may have unforeseen consequences.

Cancer Control; JMCC 7(6):513-522, 2000 Background: The prime function of the immune system is to protect the entire organism from a variety of insults and illnesses, including the development of cancer. The question of how age-related declines in immune function contribute to an increasing incidence of malignancies continues to be a focus of discussion and speculation. Conclusions: Senescent decline in immune surveillance leads to the accumulation of cellular and DNA mutations that could be a significant factor in the development of malignancy and programmed cell death or apoptosis observed in the elderly.

EXERCISES HAD A GREAT EFFECT ON ADERNAL GLANDS – (08-11-04)

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Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Response and Recovery from High-Intensity Exercise in Women: Effects of Aging and Fitness

If most people were asked to list the benefits of exercise, I doubt many would reply that exercise can make the adrenal glands more responsive to hypothalamic control. This just illustrates that exercise’s beneficial effects cut accros an incredibly wide range of physiological systems.

In English, this study found that elderly women who exercise on a regular basis had adrenal glands that responded better than their sedentary cohorts. So, after exercise, cortisol levels are increased but should fall relatively quickly. But this response is slowed as we age. This can lead to abnormally elevated cortisol levels. However, exercise in the elderly women in this study restored a more normal response.

JCEM — Abstracts: Traustadóttir et al. 89 (7): 3248

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WHAT ARE THE ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF LOWERING CHOLESTEROL – (02-21-05)

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Tocotrienols: Constitutional Effects in Aging and Disease

Tocotrienols are Vit E’s more powerful cousin and usually kept in the closet.  However, they are present in some of the higher quality vitamins as well as a wide variety of foods like rice bran and certain oils like palm.

We have known that they have some powerful antioxidant properties for awhile, but this review suggest additional benefits of lowering cholesterol and, as a wonderful bonus considering the increase in neurodegenerative disorders, reducing glutamate-induce neurotoxicity.

This would suggest that those people with seizures or at increased risk of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s should put this one on the protective list.

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