gravityresearch

[gravityresearch]

[gravityresearch]

[gravityresearch]

[gravityresearch]

[gravityresearch]

[gravityresearch]

[gravityresearch]

[gravityresearch]

[gravityresearch]

Abstract Taurine is considered a non-essential amino acid because it is synthesized by most mammals. However, dietary intake of taurine may be necessary to achieve the physiological levels required for the development, maintenance, and function of certain tissues. Taurine may be especially important for the retina. The concentration of taurine in the retina is higher than that in any other tissue in the body and taurine deficiency causes retinal oxidative stress, apoptosis, and degeneration of photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells. Low plasma taurine levels may also underlie retinal degeneration in humans and therefore, taurine administration could exert retinal neuroprotective effects. Taurine has antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, immunomodulatory, and calcium homeostasis-regulatory properties. This review summarizes the role of taurine in retinal health and disease, where it appears that taurine may be a promising nutraceutical.

[gravityresearch]

Abstract Vitamin supplementation in disease reduces morbidity and mortality in humans by promoting the activation of different genes which influence several pathways. The purpose of this article is to clarify the role of vitamin E in mast cell inflammation. Vitamin E is a fat soluble antioxidant which protects from low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. Vitamin E promotes a barrier function and anti-inflammatory responses by binding the regulatory domain of protein kinase Cα (pkcα) (a regulator and antagonist of heart failure) and decreases the activation of NF-қb, a proinflammatory transcription factor, causing the generation of cytokines/chemokines and mast cell activation. Mast cells participate in innate and acquired immunity and inflammation. Several factors, including cytokines and chemokines, regulate the development and migration of activated mast cells. Mast cells generate and release inflammatory compounds in asthma and allergic diseases and have a detrimental effect on the vessel wall, which can be inhibited by vitamin E. Vitamin E inhibits histamine release generated in activated mast cells, increases calcium Ca2+ uptake and prevents the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. Vitamin E is relatively non-toxic, however, administered at very high doses may suppress normal hematological response as well as causing other adverse effects. Therefore, vitamin E may be beneficial in the prevention of diseases mediated by mast cells and can have special value in the treatment of asthma and allergic diseases; however, the exact mechanism by which vitamin E acts is still unclear, thus warranting future research.

[gravityresearch]

[gravityresearch]

Ray Peat viewed the aging process as an accumulation of genetic or epigenetic adaptations. While beneficial in the short term, these adaptations lead to degeneration in the long term.

Recently, geneticist James A. Shapiro rigorously demonstrated that organisms evolve in zero generations -- cells will alter their genes while they're alive, in response to their environment.¹ This 21st century perspective on evolution has garnered support from large players: the CEO of Bruker, Frank Laukien, hosted cancer symposia centered on this concept with the idea that cancer is an evolutionary disease.²

Ray Peat did not view cancer as driven by genetic adaptations, though.³ Rather, like Warburg, he viewed the genetic phenomena of cancer to be downstream of a bioenergetic defect, which had the hallmark of disabled respiration.⁴

It has been recently shown that cancer can be created without genetic or epigenetic changes. Michael Levin was recently able to create a metastatic melanoma just by disrupting the electrical state of the cell.⁵ The electrical state of the cell is crucially determined by intracellular and extracellular salt concentration differentials, which, per Gilbert Ling, are tied deeply into metabolism. The smallest unit of life, per Ling's hypothesis, is the salt-regulating protein.⁶

The treatment of cancer and the treatment of aging often conflict; things that are pro-survival for the organism may be pro-survival for cancer. Insights by Peat, Ling, Warburg, and Levin have given a path forward -- improving respiration and disallowing metabolic dysfunction is anti-cancer and pro-longevity.

Respiration can be improved by thyroid and CO2. Sugars create a great substrate for mitochondrial respiration and increase CO2, creating a positive feedback loop of mitochondrial function.

PUFAs are anti-respiration, leading to cancer and aging.

[gravityresearch]

[gravityresearch]

Macrophage Defector

Natural killer cells are a type of immune cell that protects the body against not only invading pathogens but also cancer, providing an innate defence against these rogue cells. Some tumours, however, keep natural kill cells at bay and thereby avoid destruction. And recent research in lung tumours reveals this natural killer cell exclusion is achieved with the help of another immune cell – the macrophage. The particular culprit is a type of macrophage covered in a protein called TREM2 – an anti-inflammatory factor. Shown above is a lung tumour (green) packed with TREM2-expressing macrophages (red) that are protecting the cancer from attack. Why these macrophages switch allegiance and side with enemy is unclear, but blocking TREM2 while boosting natural killer cell activity was shown to reduce lung tumour growth in mice suggesting a similar approach might be effective in promoting tumour regression in humans too.

Written by Ruth Williams

Image from work by Matthew D. Park and Ivan Reyes-Torres, and colleagues

Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA

Image copyright held by the original authors

Research published in Nature Immunology, April 2023

You can also follow BPoD on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

[gravityresearch]

Abstract Background Eurycoma longifolia is a medicinal plant commonly called tongkat ali (TA) and “Malaysian ginseng.” TA roots are a traditional “anti-aging” remedy and modern supplements are intended to improve libido, energy, sports performance and weight loss. Previous studies have shown properly-standardized TA to stimulate release of free testosterone, improve sex drive, reduce fatigue, and improve well-being.

Methods We assessed stress hormones and mood state in 63 subjects (32 men and 31 women) screened for moderate stress and supplemented with a standardized hot-water extract of TA root (TA) or Placebo (PL) for 4 weeks. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with significance set at p < 0.05 was used to determine differences between groups.

Results Significant improvements were found in the TA group for Tension (−11%), Anger (−12%), and Confusion (−15%). Stress hormone profile (salivary cortisol and testosterone) was significantly improved by TA supplementation, with reduced cortisol exposure (−16%) and increased testosterone status (+37%).

Conclusion These results indicate that daily supplementation with tongkat ali root extract improves stress hormone profile and certain mood state parameters, suggesting that this “ancient” remedy may be an effective approach to shielding the body from the detrimental effects of “modern” chronic stress, which may include general day-to-day stress, as well as the stress of dieting, sleep deprivation, and exercise training.

[gravityresearch]

#immunomodulation #actually helps considering this study #tastes horrible #but will up the testosterone #hate the name #longjack

[gravityresearch]