#autophagy and infection

[meditating-dog-lover]

Health update

My eczema has recently cleared up when I quit fasting. Some cuts and dead skin on my hands, but my fingers and the backs of my hands are no longer dry! I can bend my fingers and my palms feel so smooth. All it did was to quit fasting.

Now I do get allergic reactions, especially to dogs and pollen. My younger dog likes to sleep on my bed and licks her paws. I know my room is covered in dander at this point. I do get itchy on my face, neck, and hands. But it's not horrible. This is a separate issue from my hormone imbalances due to stress and prolonged fasting.

I'll eventually go back to fasting during week 1 and 3 of my cycle, and reducing the fasting on week 2 and 4. I'm not necessarily going to eat lower carb on week 1 and 3, as long as I'm eating mostly anti-inflammatory it honestly shouldn't matter. In general eating gut and hormone friendly foods and cycling my fasts in a way that will promote weight loss and autophagy, but no hormonal imbalances. I love carbs so I wouldn't go low carb all the way. My body doesn't have a problem with complex carbs. It does with excess sugar and junk carbs, but not things like fruit, whole grains, dark chocolate, or starchy veggies. Going too strict with my diet will definitely backfire.

So I've been balancing my hormones, and I've been eating anti-inflammatory. Of course we want a balance in life, so I'm going to fast cycle, not go low carb, and treat myself here and there so I don't feel deprived. I shared a pizza slice with my mom today. I got some aged cheddar popcorn so I have something to eat before my therapy session. Some "inflammatory" foods here and there won't do any damage. As long as most of my diet is low in refined sugars, white breads, fats, oils and processed meats. I know eating anti-inflammatory helps my skin. Combined with gut and hormone support.

I've been eating more pumpkin seeds which are great for hormones.

I've been looking into ways to support gut health. I've been chewing slowly, drinking aloe juice, eating anti-inflammatory (the best thing you can do for your gut), and eating Greek yogurt for probiotics.

I wanted to support anti-microbial effects so I don't experience any recurring infections like h pylori and staph and strep. I also want to ensure I have enough stomach acid and digestive enzymes. I'm doing an h pylori breath test in a few days and I hope I get a negative result. H pylori is a problem because it reduces stomach acid levels, which prevents proper digestion and allows for more downstream infections to occur (in the small and large intestines) because stomach acid also acts as a sterilizer that kills foreign pathogens. Stomach acid is important and I want to ensure I killed off the h pylori and am producing enough acid and can prevent further infections from occurring in the future.

I also want to ensure I am producing enough digestive enzymes. I know I am tired of taking multiple supplements, but enzymes can be so helpful. I know I prefer food sources, but the foods that are most rich in enzymes are tropical fruit, which I don't like. I do have a digestive enzyme supplement. I've been taking it a month or so ago and took it again today with lunch. I'll ask my doctor about all this when I do my mineral scan later this month. I'll also ask about acid, h pylori, and aloe juice.

I'm so happy because I feel better. Just some minor gut support and fast cycling and I'll be in good hands. I'm also going t get the psychological and psychiatric support I need.

[bpod-bpod]

Isn’t it Virionic?

When a virus infects a human cell, it’s the start of an audacious hijack. The plucky particles 'trick' cells into helping with their replication – here researchers see just how far certain viruses take these liberties. Using cryo-electron microscopy (bottom row) scans assembled and rendered in 3D (above), the team watch particles – virions’ – of poliovirus (red). In an ironic twist they repurpose the cell’s autophagy machinery – which usually helps to destroy viruses. The new virion particles load into a phagophore vesicle (blue) – a bubble-like container that usually transports material to destruction. Instead, vesicles like these burst out of the cell, spreading infection. Polio is an enterovirus, like many common colds, but far more serious. While cases of polio have risen recently, anti-viral medicine that targets autophagy might help to bolster vaccination programmes.

Written by John Ankers

Image adapted from work by Selma Dahmane and colleagues

Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden

Image copyright held by the original authors

Published in Nature Communications, October 2022

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[xiihyunn]

Hi my darling girl, as promised here is the long awaited fun fact...

Automutilation is a natural phenomenon where an animal mutilates itself. This is most commonly seen in octopuses. There are two forms of automutilation, autotomy and autophagy. Autotomy is when an animal will willingly sever or remove a particular body part. Now you may be wondering why an animal would intentionally mutilate itself. Take an octopus of example, if one of its tentacles has an infection, is damaged, or is trapped in something, the octopus will bite off that limb. This in most cases saves its life and avoids further infection and pain. Autophagy is technically considered a type of cannibalism as most times the limb will actually be consumed. This happens when the octopus is exposed to immense physical or psychological stress. So an octopus will perform self-cannibalism when in physical or mental turmoil. Autophagy has been seen in a few marine animals, but octopuses by far have been observed to practice said phenomenon the most. Got a little carried away with this one sorry, really word slutted myself out here <3

I DIDN'T KNOW THIS OMGG 😭

i think another animal is a small lizard or smth, i heard they could just cut off their tails if it gets too long. but what do i know 🤷🏻‍♀️

thank you for this fun fact my love <3

[katiajewelbox]

Throwback Thursday to my Masters of Research at Imperial College London! I am holding my first research report as a printed copy. 

Here is the abstract:

Katia Hougaard, Project 1 The Role of Lipoxygenases in the Chloroplast Degradation Response to Phytophthora infestans

Plants rely on the innate immunity of each cell to defend against disease-causing organisms. Although chloroplasts are best known for photosynthesis, recent research has revealed their importance in plant immunity. In plant defense responses, chloroplasts play a central role in cell signaling and gene expression. Studies show a decrease in photosynthetic activity during pathogen attack, indicating chloroplast functions may be impaired by pathogen activity. Furthermore, according to unpublished data from the Bozkurt lab, chloroplasts lose their stromal contents and degrade during pathogen attack. Currently, the molecular mechanisms of this pathway and its impact on the host or the pathogen remain unclear. Lipoxygenases, a family of enzymes involved in diverse plant processes such as germination, growth, and storage, are potentially significant to the chloroplast degradation response. In several plant species, pathogen attack and wounding lead to the induction of lipoxygenase genes, hinting at their importance in defense responses. Recent research on the 13-LOX pathway in leaf senescence, which selectively degrades chloroplasts to recycle their nutrients by disrupting the chloroplast envelope to release the stromal contents, shows similarities with the chloroplast degradation observed in Phytophthora infestans infection in Nicotiana benthamiana. In addition, new studies show the involvement of autophagy related genes in the degradation of whole chloroplasts compromised by abiotic stress, suggesting a similar process may occur in response to biotic stress.

Our study addressed the hypothesis that one or more of four selected lipoxygenases are essential to the controlled chloroplast degradation response. Using confocal microscopy, we determined that all four lipoxygenases localize to chloroplasts in vivo. By quantifying degraded chloroplasts in infected cells, we found that chloroplast degradation during pathogen attack may depend on at least two of the lipoxygenases. Through studying necrotic leaf lesion development caused by P. infestans infection, we concluded that at least two of the lipoxygenases might influence the defense response. Finally, we conducted a preliminary study focusing on the role of autophagy related genes in the pathogen mediated chloroplast degradation response.

[drnishargpatel]

Why Fasting is Important: Understanding the Health Benefits

Fasting, which means choosing to go without food (and sometimes drink) for a set time, has been part of different cultures and religions for centuries. While many have done it for spiritual reasons, it's now gaining popularity for its potential health benefits. One area that's been studied a lot is how fasting affects gut health. The Benefits of Fasting for Gut Health: What Does Science Say? According to research, fasting can improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, making it an excellent choice for improving general well-being.

In this post, we'll look at why fasting is important, how it can enhance your health, and which main benefits make it a worthy addition to your routine. Understanding the ramifications of fasting, whether for religious or health reasons, can allow you to make more informed decisions. If you’re dealing with digestive issues, a Gastroenterologist in Surat can provide further insight into whether fasting is right for you.

Cellular Repair and Autophagy:

Fasting promotes autophagy, a process where the body removes damaged cells and regenerates new ones.

This cellular cleanup has the potential to help prevent diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders.

By lowering digesting activity, the body may concentrate on repair and rejuvenation.

Weight Loss and Metabolism:

Fasting encourages the body to burn fat for energy, aiding in weight loss.

It improves metabolic health by balancing hormone levels related to fat burning and insulin sensitivity.

Intermittent fasting is particularly beneficial for controlling blood sugar levels and preventing type 2 diabetes.

Gut Health:

Fasting gives the digestive system a break, allowing it to repair and heal itself.

It promotes a healthy balance of gut microbiota, the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.

May help alleviate conditions like leaky gut syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Fasting boosts butyrate production, a short-chain fatty acid that reduces gut inflammation.

Reduces Inflammation:

Fasting lowers chronic inflammation, which is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.

The body produces ketones during fasting, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

Reducing inflammation can improve immune function and overall health.

Improves Mental Clarity and Brain Function:

Fasting enhances mental clarity and focus by increasing the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

BDNF supports neuron growth and cognitive function.

Regular fasting has been associated with improved memory and cognitive abilities, particularly in older adults.

Heart Health:

Fasting helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and reduce blood pressure.

It improves insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Regular fasting can lower cardiovascular disease markers like high blood sugar and inflammation.

Longevity and Aging:

Animal studies show that fasting can increase lifespan by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

By supporting the body's natural repair mechanisms, fasting may slow down the aging process.

More research is needed on humans, but fasting shows potential for extending life and preventing age-related diseases.

Digestive Efficiency:

Fasting improves the overall efficiency of the digestive system by allowing the organs to rest.

It reduces common digestive issues like bloating and gas.

Better nutrient absorption leads to improved overall health and well-being.

Immune System Boost:

Fasting helps regenerate immune cells, improving the body’s ability to fight infections.

It enhances the body's response to stress by lowering oxidative damage and inflammation.

Promotes Self-discipline and Mental Resilience:

Practicing fasting requires self-control, helping you build mental resilience and discipline.

It can lead to improved eating habits by encouraging mindful consumption and reducing overeating.

Conclusion

Fasting is more than just a practice of abstaining from food; it's a powerful tool for improving your health. From supporting weight loss and metabolic health to reducing inflammation and promoting gut healing, fasting offers numerous benefits that extend beyond simple dietary control. Consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a gastroenterologist in Surat, can help you tailor a fasting routine that aligns with your health goals and addresses any digestive concerns.

Whether you're considering fasting for gut health, weight loss, or overall well-being, it's essential to listen to your body and choose a method that works for you. As research continues to uncover the full potential of fasting, incorporating it into your lifestyle may provide a wide range of benefits, from improving mental clarity to boosting longevity.

[medicomunicare]

Hepatic progenitor autophagy: to block the pathological liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis: causes and mechanisms Liver fibrosis is a pathological condition characterized by excessive accumulation of scar tissue in the liver, which can lead to liver failure and cirrhosis. This condition is a consequence of various factors, including chronic infections, excessive alcohol consumption, and parasitic diseases such as schistosomiasis. Recently, research has highlighted a…

[sendhildental]

How does Intermittent Fasting Impact your Dental Health?

Are you wondering how intermittent fasting can benefit your dental health? If that's the case, this is the blog post for you. Intermittent fasting is a nutritional practice that involves alternating periods of eating and fasting. It is becoming increasingly popular due to its numerous health benefits. While most conversations centre on weight loss and metabolic changes, the impacts on oral health are also significant. In this blog, we'll look at the benefits of intermittent fasting, including its impact on oral health. We will look at how fasting and dental health are linked, from cleaner breath to stronger teeth. We will also discuss how intermittent fasting can lead to a healthier grin.

Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

Aside from weight loss, intermittent fasting provides numerous other advantages. Let's have a closer look at the health benefits of fasting:

Weight Loss

Intermittent fasting helps to regulate insulin levels, which promotes fat burning and facilitates weight loss. During fasting, the body switches from using glucose as its major energy source to burning stored fat for fuel. This not only promotes weight loss, but it also improves metabolic health.

Improved Heart Health

Fasting can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, lowering the risk of heart disease. Intermittent fasting promotes weight loss and reduces inflammation, which improves cardiovascular health. It may reduce the risk factors connected with heart disease.

Enhanced Brain Function

Fasting increases the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). It also improves cognitive function and lowers the risk of neurodegenerative disorders. Fasting has also been related to increased focus, clarity, and memory, which benefits general brain health.

Regulated Blood Sugar

Intermittent fasting improves insulin sensitivity, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. Fasting may enhance glucose control and insulin response by allowing the pancreas to rest from continuous insulin synthesis.

Cellular Repair

During fasting, cells activate autophagy, which removes damaged components and promotes cellular repair. This cellular cleansing function may protect against a variety of diseases and reduce the ageing process. 

Intermittent fasting focuses not only on what you eat, but also on when you eat. You can get these tremendous health benefits by adding fasting into your daily practice.

Benefits of Intermittent Fasting for Women

Many women question if intermittent fasting is right for them. Here's why it may be beneficial:

Reduced Risk of Gum Disease

Intermittent fasting may reduce inflammation, therefore minimising the risk of gum disease and promoting healthier gums. Fasting has been shown to help prevent periodontal disorders, including gingivitis and periodontitis, by lowering oxidative stress and inflammatory markers.

Enhanced Saliva Production

Fasting increases saliva production. It is essential for removing food particles and bacteria from the mouth, lowering the risk of cavities. Saliva also contains minerals such as calcium and phosphate, which help to remineralize tooth enamel and prevent decay.

improved Immune Function

Intermittent fasting can improve immune function by lowering inflammation and bolstering the body's natural defences. Maintaining a strong immune system prevents mouth infections and promotes overall oral health.

Balanced Oral Microbiome

Fasting may improve the equilibrium of oral bacteria. It lowers the danger of harmful bacteria growth and dental infections. Fasting reduces the availability of glucose and carbs, making it a less favourable habitat for cavity-causing bacteria.

Reduced Risk of Dry Mouth

Intermittent fasting can help reduce dry mouth symptoms by increasing saliva production and hydration. Dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. This makes proper saliva flow critical to oral health.

Women who include intermittent fasting into their lifestyle can benefit from these oral health benefits as well as other physiological improvements.

Fresh Breath While Fasting

Maintaining fresh breath is critical, particularly during fasting periods. Here's how fasting affects dental health:

Decreased Acid Production

Fasting minimises the frequency of acid attacks on teeth, which protects enamel and prevents decay. When we eat sweet or acidic foods, microorganisms in our mouth release acids that destroy tooth enamel. Intermittent fasting protects teeth from acid damage by restricting the time frame for consuming such meals.

Promotion of Oral Hygiene

Fasting promotes conscious eating habits, which contribute to improved oral hygiene routines like brushing and flossing. During fasting periods, people are more mindful of their food choices. They also tend to avoid sugary snacks and beverages, which reduces the risk of plaque formation and cavities.

Improved Tooth Sensitivity

Some people have decreased tooth sensitivity while fasting. Why? The absence of repeated exposure to sweets and acids can help desensitise the teeth over time. This can result in a more comfortable dining experience and improved oral health.

Enhanced Dental Treatment Outcomes

Fasting before dental operations may improve treatment outcomes by lowering inflammation and speeding up healing. Furthermore, fasting can reduce post-operative discomfort and improve the efficacy of certain dental treatments.

Long-Term Dental Health

Intermittent fasting can help you maintain good oral health over time. It also lowers the risk of dental disorders and helps to keep teeth and gums healthy. Maintain a healthy diet and appropriate dental hygiene routines to ensure a lifetime of strong, attractive teeth.   Intermittent fasting can help you have fresher breath and stronger teeth, which improves oral health and cleanliness.

Intermittent Fasting and Dental Health: Does Fasting Affect Your Teeth?

The effects of intermittent fasting on oral health are profound. Here's a complete look at how fasting affects your teeth:

Enamel Preservation

Fasting minimises the frequency of acid exposure to teeth, protecting enamel and preventing erosion. Acidic foods and beverages can gradually weaken tooth enamel, making it more susceptible to decay and injury. Intermittent fasting helps to preserve dental enamel integrity by restricting ingestion of these chemicals during fasting periods.

Cavity Prevention

Intermittent fasting can reduce the risk of cavities by limiting the amount of time you spend eating sugary and acidic meals. Fasting also increases saliva production, which helps neutralise acids in the mouth and remineralize dental enamel. This further lowers the likelihood of cavities and deterioration.

Gum Health

Intermittent fasting may reduce gum inflammation. Furthermore, it lowers the likelihood of periodontal illnesses such as gingivitis and periodontitis. It fosters a healthy balance of oral flora while reducing plaque accumulation. With all of this, fasting promotes gum health and avoids gum disease.

Prevention of Dental Erosion

Fasting can assist reduce dental erosion by lowering the amount of acid exposed to the teeth. Acidic meals and drinks, as well as gastric reflux, can gradually erode tooth enamel, resulting in sensitivity and decay. Intermittent fasting reduces the risk of acid assaults, protecting the structural integrity of the teeth.

Support for Oral Healing

Fasting may help with speedier healing after oral surgery or dental procedures by lowering inflammation and increasing tissue regeneration. Intermittent fasting helps speed up recovery and reduce complications connected with dental procedures by enhancing the body's natural healing mechanisms.  Intermittent fasting provides numerous health benefits and improves tooth health. Include fasting periods in your regimen and maintain proper oral hygiene. By following these steps, you can have fresher breath, stronger teeth, and better dental health.

Finishing Up

Intermittent fasting can considerably benefit your oral health. By following these steps, you can have fresher breath, stronger teeth, and better dental health. Understanding intermittent fasting dental health and practising mindful eating habits will help you attain a healthier smile and overall well-being. So why not test it and see how it affects your tooth health?

To know more, visit - https://www.sendhildental.com/how-does-intermittent-fasting-impact-your-dental-health/

[zealousnightsublime]

Intermittent Fasting Can Be Effective But Not For Everyone

Intermittent Fasting Can Be Effective But Not For Everyone.The health benefits of intermittent fasting have made it one of the buzziest diets around. But not everyone can benefit from it. It’s important to note that you should never fast if you have diabetes, are underweight or have a history of eating disorders. It’s also important to keep in mind that you need to be hydrated, even when you’re fasting. Weight Loss Intermittent fasting, or IF, is a common eating plan that alternates periods of going without food (fasting) with meals. It can be effective for weight loss, but not for everyone. For example, it’s not a good idea for people with low blood sugar because a drop in blood sugar can lead to dangerous symptoms like shakiness, heart palpitations and fatigue. It’s also not a good idea for pregnant women, people who have eating disorders or those with severe obesity. Several different approaches to intermittent fasting exist, including alternate day fasting, the 5:2 diet and time-restricted feeding. Those that more naturally restrict calories through longer or more often fasting, such as alternate day fasting, will promote greater weight loss than time-restricted eating. While fasting can be effective for weight loss, it’s still important to eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean protein. Eating healthy isn’t always easy, and many people don’t make the effort to do so. Immune System Strength Whether you’re fighting an infection or just trying to stay healthy, it’s important to remember that your immune system is the body’s primary defense against viruses and bacteria. In addition to maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise, there are a few other lifestyle practices that can help boost your immunity. They include getting adequate sleep, washing your hands frequently and thoroughly, avoiding sick folks, and staying up to date with recommended vaccines. However, a recent study published in Science suggests that prolonged fasts may impair your immune system. Using mice, researchers found that when they stopped eating, the number of monocytes - a type of white blood cell that fights infection and recruits other cells to treat injury - plummeted. Cardiovascular Health Intermittent fasting, or a diet based on intermittent regulated periods of eating and fasting, can be effective for cardiovascular health. It has been shown to improve obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes. The exact mechanisms remain to be determined, but these dietary patterns can potentially exert their effects through multiple pathways including reducing oxidative stress, optimization of circadian rhythms and inducing ketogenesis. In addition to its weight loss benefits, the practice also lowers cholesterol and triglycerides. It increases high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, which is known to be heart-protective. However, it’s important to note that intermittent fasting is not for everyone and should only be used in conjunction with other lifestyle changes. It’s also not safe for people with certain conditions or undergoing medical treatment, such as patients who are taking antihypertensive drugs or have diabetes or heart failure. Mental Health In addition to promoting weight loss and improved metabolic health, intermittent fasting can also have positive effects on mental health. Studies are accumulating that show fasting can reduce depression and anxiety, as well as increase positive mood and improve cognitive performance. Intermittent fasting is a natural practice that humans have been using for thousands of years. Ancient hunter-gatherers, who often had to forage in harsh environments where they couldn't find food, evolved to be able to go without food for long periods of time. When you fast, your body goes into autophagy mode — a self-cleaning process that clears out old cells and recycles new ones. This is important for your brain, because it helps to detoxify the system and clean up any excess junk that builds up during the day. Research shows that fasting can also improve oxidative stress, which has been linked to mental health issues like Alzheimer's disease. This helps to reduce inflammation, improve cognitive performance and increase resilience against future adversity. Read the full article

[rnewspost]

PLK1-mTOR axis may be a promising therapeutic target for sepsis, study suggests

Sepsis, one of the most acute and serious disease complications in the intensive care unit, is caused by various infections and results in life-threatening organ dysfunction. The intestinal barrier plays a vital role in the process of sepsis, and its disruption exacerbates sepsis. A new study in The American Journal of Pathology, published by Elsevier, has found that promoting autophagy, the…

[prnlive]

Gary Null’s Show Notes

12 19 22 P

If you listen to Gary’s show, you know that he begins with the latest findings in natural approaches to health and nutrition. Here we make some of those findings available each weekday to subscribers to the Gary Null Newsletter.

Consuming green vegetables, supplements suppresses inflammatory bowel disease

Coriander is a potent weapon against antibiotic resistant bacteria

Tumour blood supply stopped in its tracks by modified natural compound

Researchers discover how DDT exposure contributes to Alzheimer's disease risk

Study shows how food preservatives may disrupt human hormones and promote obesity

Standing desks can improve well-being, reduce stress among office workers

Monday Bonus Recipe

Consuming green vegetables, supplements suppresses inflammatory bowel disease

Sichuan University in China and from Cedars Sinai Medical Center, August 17, 2022

The dietary supplement chlorophyllin alleviates inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, according to researchers from the Center for Diabetes and Metabolism Research at Sichuan University in China and from Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. In addition, chlorophyllin significantly reduces mortality related to IBD, weight loss, diarrhea and hidden blood in the stool, intestinal epithelial damage and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The findings are published ahead of print in the American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, and the study has been chosen as an APS select article for August.

Current therapeutics for IBD include medications that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants) and surgery. However, long-term use of immunosuppressive treatments could result in severe adverse effects, including opportunistic infections and even organ failure. 

In this study, researchers found taking an oral chlorophyllin supplement—a compound derived from the green pigment found in plants—reduced colitis and abnormalities in the intestinal epithelia of mice. Also, consumption of green vegetables and chlorophyllin may be helpful for IBD recovery, in part through alleviation of inflammation and autolysosomal flux (a process that uses lysosome to degrade and remove toxic molecules and organelles). Green pigment found in these foods and supplements can initiate a feeding signaling to modulate autophagy in the cells, which suppresses IBD symptoms. 

Coriander is a potent weapon against antibiotic resistant bacteria

University of Beira Interior (Portugal) August 10, 2022

The problem of antibiotic resistant bacteria has been deemed a public health crisis, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that invasive MRSA – or methicillin-resistant S. aureus – infections affect 80,000 people globally a year, and claim over 11,000 lives. But, what the CDC will never tell you is how coriander can potentially save lives.

Researchers in Portugal now say that that the oil from coriander – a common kitchen spice – is quite toxic to a wide range of harmful bacteria, leading to hopes that it may be enlisted in the fight against MRSA and other pathogens.

The scientific research about coriander is promising

Researchers at University of Beira Interior used flow cytometry to study the effects of coriander oil on 12 different disease-causing types of bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella, B. cereus and MRSA. In the study, published in Journal of Medical Microbiology, the oil significantly inhibited bacterial growth – especially that of MRSA and E. coli.

Researchers found that the coriander oil worked by damaging the membrane around the bacterial cell, interfering with vital functions such as respiration and eventually causing cell death.

Linalool, a terpenoid responsible for coriander’s pleasant scent, is the main constituent, but the coriander oil outperformed linalool alone – showing that interactions between the components in coriander oil made it even more bactericidal.

Finally, the team found that coriander tended to perform better on Gram-negative bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella – as it could more easily disrupt their cell membranes.

Tumour blood supply stopped in its tracks by modified natural compound

University of New South Wales (Australia), August 10, 2022 

Researchers have discovered how the modified natural compound dextran-catechin disrupts formation of blood vessels that fuel growth in the childhood cancer neuroblastoma.

Researchers have discovered how a modified natural compound disrupts angiogenesis, the formation of blood vessel networks, in neuroblastoma tumours, stopping them laying down the vital supply lines that fuel cancer growth and spread.

Dextran catechin is a sugar based conjugated form of catechin commonly found in green tea, red wine, dark chocolate and apple peels.

Lead author Dr Orazio Vittorio of Children's Cancer Institute found  that the natural polyphenol catechin slows tumour growth in the laboratory but breaks down too quickly in the body to be effective.

"We joined catechin with a sugar called dextran. We found this dextran-catechin complex is much more stable in the body and that it slows tumour growth by affecting copper levels – but we didn't know precisely how," he says.

The new research showed that copper is needed by endothelial cells, the cells that line blood vessels, and that dextran-catechin disrupts the cells' copper levels in several ways.

"Dextran-catechin inhibits specific copper transport proteins in the cells that line the blood vessels, altering intracellular copper levels. This prevents the cells joining together to form the network of vessels that supplies tumours with blood to keep growing" he says.

The result is clearly visible down a microscope. When human endothelial cells were cultured and treated with dextran-catechin, the normally branching networks of blood vessels failed to form properly. Likewise, in mice, neuroblastoma tumours treated with dextran-catechin had significantly fewer blood vessels than tumours treated with saline control.

Researchers discover how DDT exposure contributes to Alzheimer's disease risk

Florida International University and Rutgers University, August 17, 2022

A new study led by researchers from Florida International University and Rutgers reveals a mechanism linking the pesticide DDT to Alzheimer's disease.

Published in Environmental Health Perspectives, the study shows how the persistent environmental pollutant DDT causes increased amounts of toxic amyloid beta, which form the characteristic amyloid plaques found in the brains of those with Alzheimer's disease. According to Jason Richardson, professor at FIU's Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work and corresponding author, the study further demonstrates that DDT is an environmental risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. 

"The vast majority of research on the disease has been on genetics—and genetics are very important—but the genes that actually cause the disease are very rare," Richardson says. "Environmental risk factors like exposure to DDT are modifiable. So, if we understand how DDT affects the brain, then perhaps we could target those mechanisms and help the people who have been highly exposed." 

The study focused on sodium channels, which the nervous system uses to communicate between brain cells (neurons), as the potential mechanism.  DDT causes these channels to remain open, leading to increased firing of neurons and increased release of amyloid-beta peptides. In the study, researchers demonstrate that if neurons are treated with tetrodotoxin, a compound that blocks sodium channels in the brain, the increased production of the amyloid precursor protein and toxic amyloid-beta species is prevented. "This finding could potentially provide a roadmap to future therapies for people highly exposed to DDT," Richardson says. 

Study shows how food preservatives may disrupt human hormones and promote obesity

Cedars-Sinai  Medicine Institute, August 9, 2022 

Can chemicals that are added to breakfast cereals and other everyday products make you obese? Growing evidence from animal experiments suggests the answer may be "yes." But confirming these findings in humans has faced formidable obstacles - until now.

A new study published in Nature Communications details how Cedars-Sinai investigators developed a novel platform and protocol for testing the effects of chemicals known as endocrine disruptors on humans.

The three chemicals tested in this study are abundant in modern life. Butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) is an antioxidant commonly added to breakfast cereals and other foods to protect nutrients and keep fats from turning rancid; perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a polymer found in some cookware, carpeting and other products; and tributyltin (TBT) is a compound in paints that can make its way into water and accumulate in seafood.

The investigators used hormone-producing tissues grown from human stem cells to demonstrate how chronic exposure to these chemicals can interfere with signals sent from the digestive system to the brain that let people know when they are "full" during meals. When this signaling system breaks down, people often may continue eating, causing them to gain weight.

"We discovered that each of these chemicals damaged hormones that communicate between the gut and the brain," said Dhruv Sareen, PhD, assistant professor of Biomedical Sciences and director of the Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Core Facility at the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute. "When we tested the three together, the combined stress was more robust."

Of the three chemicals tested, BHT produced some of the strongest detrimental effects, Sareen said.

Because the chemical damage occurred in early-stage "young" cells, the findings suggest that a defective hormone system potentially could impact a pregnant mother as well as her fetus in the womb, Sareen said. While other scientists have found, in animal studies, that effects of endocrine disruptors can be passed down to future generations, this process has not been proved to occur in humans, he explained.

More than 80,000 chemicals are registered for use in the U.S. in everyday items such as foods, personal care products, household cleaners and lawn-care products, according to the National Toxicology Program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. While the program states on its website that relatively few chemicals are thought to pose a significant risk to human health, it also states: "We do not know the effects of many of these chemicals on our health."

Standing desks can improve well-being, reduce stress among office workers

University of Leicester (UK), August 17 2022

Standing desks can improve workers’ performance as well as cut their time sitting by an hour each day, according to new research. Study authors add that getting up from an office chair also boosts well-being and energy levels, while reducing stress.

“High levels of sitting time are associated with several health related outcomes and premature mortality, with high levels of workplace sitting associated with low vigor and job performance and high levels of presenteeism.”

Presenteeism is the practice of being present at one’s place of work for more hours than is required, especially as a manifestation of insecurity about one’s job. Sedentary lifestyles increase the risk of chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, and cancer.

Office employees typically do the least exercise, spending three-quarters of their shifts and two-thirds of their waking day sitting in a chair. Presenteeism is the practice of being present at one’s place of work for more hours than is required, especially as a manifestation of insecurity about one’s job. Sedentary lifestyles increase the risk of chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, and cancer.

Office employees typically do the least exercise, spending three-quarters of their shifts and two-thirds of their waking day sitting in a chair.

The trial involved 756 U.K. office workers from two councils in Leicester, three in Greater Manchester, and one in Liverpool. Participants were randomly assigned to the SWAL group, the SWAL intervention with a standing desk, or a control group over a 12-month period.

The standing desk was three times more effective at reducing sitting time than the SWAL intervention alone. For example, at 12 months, daily sitting time for the SWAL group, and the SWAL-plus-standing desk were, respectively, 22 minutes and 64 minutes lower on average than the control group each day.

“The SWAL plus desk group sat for 42 minutes less daily than the SWAL group, showing it to be more effective,” researchers say, according to SWNS. “Time spent in prolonged sitting was lower in both intervention groups compared with the control group. Reductions in sitting time were largely replaced by increases in standing time, and these changes occurred on workdays and during work hours.”

The average age of participants was 45. More than seven in 10 were women. 

The researchers found a small, but non-clinically meaningful improvements in stress, well-being, and a sense of work-related vigor for both intervention groups compared with the control group at three and 12 months, as well as more pain in the hips, knees, and ankles in the desk group.

Monday Bonus Recipe

About Gary Null

An internationally renowned expert in the field of health and nutrition, Gary Null, Ph.D is the author of over 70 best-selling books on healthy living and the director of over 100 critically acclaimed full-feature documentary films on natural health, self-empowerment and the environment. He is the host of ‘The Progressive Commentary Hour” and “The Gary Null Show”, the country’s longest running nationally syndicated health radio talk show which can be heard daily on here on the Progressive Radio Network.

Throughout his career, Gary Null has made hundreds of radio and television broadcasts throughout the country as an environmentalist, consumer advocate, investigative reporter and nutrition educator. More than 28 different Gary Null television specials have appeared on PBS stations throughout the nation, inspiring and motivating millions of viewers. He originated and completed more than one hundred major investigations on health issues resulting in the use of material by 20/20 and 60 Minutes. Dr. Null started this network to provide his followers with a media outlet for health and advocacy. For more of Dr. Null’s Work visit the Gary Null’s Work Section or Blog.GaryNull.com In addition to the Progressive Radio Network, Dr. Null has a full line of all-natural home and healthcare products that can be purchased at his Online Store.

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[miraltru]

Clc genomics workbench 8

Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) is a worldwide and hardly controlled virus disease in soybean. Overall, these findings lay the foundation for investigating the genetic basis of apple scab resistance and defense pathways that might have a plausible role in governing scab resistance in apple against V. Real-time expression of a set of selected twelve DEGs further validated the results obtained from RNA-seq. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were related to various pathways, i.e., metabolic, protein processing, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, plant hormone signal transduction, autophagy, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, plant-pathogen interaction, lipid metabolism, and protein modification pathways. Furthermore, a total of 361 genes were significantly upregulated in scab-susceptible variety, while 461 were found downregulated (P value 1). DESeq2 analysis too revealed 20 DEGs that were upregulated in scab-resistant cultivars. The genes that were downregulated in susceptible and upregulated in resistant cultivars were those coding for non-specific lipid transfer protein GPI-anchored 1, rust resistance kinase Lr10-like, disease resistance protein RPS6-like, and many uncharacterized proteins. The most upregulated genes uniformly expressed in resistant varieties compared to susceptible ones were those coding for 17.3 kDa class II heat shock protein-like, chaperone protein ClpB1, glutathione S-transferase 元-like protein, B3 domain-containing protein At3g18960-like, transcription factor bHLH7, zinc finger MYM-type protein 1-like, and nine uncharacterized proteins, besides three lncRNAs. The study led to the identification of 822 differentially expressed genes in the tested scab-resistant and scab-susceptible apple genotypes. inaequalis, a comparative transcriptome analysis using Illumina (HiSeq) platform of three scab-resistant (Florina, Prima, and White Dotted Red) and three susceptible (Ambri, Vista Bella, and Red Delicious) apple genotypes was carried out to mine new scab resistance genes. Owing to the evolving susceptibility of resistant apple genotypes harboring R-genes to new variants of V. The disease results in 30–40% fruit loss annually and even complete loss in some places. alternata infection and provide candidate genes for breeding resistant cultivars using genetic engineering.Īpple scab is caused by an ascomycete fungus, Venturia inaequalis (Cke.) Wint., which is one of the most severe disease of apple (Malus × Domestica Borkh.) worldwide. These results provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of poplar resistance to A. alternata, whereas silencing this gene enhanced susceptibility to A. Overexpression of PdbLOX2 enhanced the resistance of P. Therefore, the lipoxygenase gene PdbLOX2, which is involved in JA biosynthesis, was selected for functional characterization. Among these DEGs, those related to JA biosynthesis and JA signal transduction were consistently activated. Numerous transcription factors, such as the bHLH, WRKY and MYB families, were also induced by A. In addition, DEGs that encode defense-related proteins and are related to ROS metabolism were also identified. Functional analysis revealed that the DEGs were mainly enriched for the “plant hormone signal transduction” pathway, followed by the “phenylpropanoid biosynthesis” pathway. Twelve cDNA libraries were generated from RNA isolated from three biological replicates at four time points (0, 2, 3, and 4 d post inoculation), and a total of 5,930 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected (| log 2 fold change |≥ 1 and FDR values infection was determined via RNA-Seq. In this study, the transcriptomic response of P. Leaf blight caused by Alternaria alternata has become a common poplar disease that causes serious economic impacts, but the molecular mechanisms of resistance to A. bollena is a species of poplar from northeastern China that is characterized by cold resistance and fast growth but now suffers from pathogen infections.

[uicscience]

UIC researchers find evidence of possible link between herpes simplex and neurogenerative diseases

A new study by researchers at University of Illinois Chicago suggests that when the protein optineurin, or OPTN, is present in cells it restricts the spread of HSV-1, the herpes simplex virus type 1.

In a “first of its kind” study, researchers also found a potential direct connection between neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), glaucoma, and the herpesvirus, said Dr. Deepak Shukla, the Marion H. Schenk Esq. Professor in Ophthalmology for Research of the Aging Eye, and vice chair for research at UIC.

The research paper, “OPTN is a host intrinsic restriction factor against neuroinvasive HSV-1 infection,” led by Shukla, was published recently in the journal Nature Communications.

Researchers sought to discover why HSV-1 can become fatal for individuals who are immunocompromised but not for healthy individuals. Herpesviruses naturally infect the central nervous system and can result in degenerative brain and eye disorders, as well as encephalitis. However, in most individuals, the virus is suppressed during a primary infection before it can significantly damage the central nervous system.

The new research suggests why HSV-1 is suppressed: OPTN, a conserved autophagy receptor, selectively targets HSV-1 proteins to degradation by autophagy, explained Tejabhiram Yadavalli, a co-author of the study and visiting scholar at UIC’s department of ophthalmology and visual science.

“OPTN stops the virus from growing and it stops it by autophagy — engulfing the virus particles inside tiny vesicles called autophagosomes. The autophagy that happens is very selective. That has meaning for other viruses as well,” Shukla said.

The researchers believe the results from this study will apply to all eight different human herpesviruses.

For the study, mice with removed OPTN genes were infected with ocular HSV-1. The virus growth was much higher in the brains of animals without OPTN, killing local neurons and eventually leading to animal death. This shows there is a faster degeneration of neurons when OPTN is not there. Additional studies are being planned to examine naturally occurring mutations in OPTN, such as the ones reported in glaucoma and ALS patients, and how they may affect neuronal health and HSV-1 infection, Shukla explained.

“Where you have mutated OPTN plus herpes, you have the recipe to create a disaster in terms of neurodegeneration,” Shukla said.

“The study also shows there is an impairment of immune response when there is a deficiency in OPTN.  OPTN is needed to signal an influx of proper immune cells at the site of infection. When you don’t have it, you have issues,” said Chandrashekhar Patil, also a co-author of the study and a visiting scholar at UIC’s department of ophthalmology and visual science.

Some of those issues could include neurodegenerative disorders, which researchers believe further research may show.

“We think we will have data to show other viruses, such as Epstein-Barr, Kaposi’s sarcoma, varicella-zoster, are all going to share this mechanism because they share homologous proteins,” Shukla said.

Because the herpesvirus sits in neurons forever, there is speculation it is connected to neurodegenerative diseases. The immune system requires inflammation to constantly fight off the virus, and neurons have some degree of damage because of this continuous immune response, according to Dr. Tibor Valyi-Nagy, professor of pathology, director of neuropathology at UIC and research collaborator on the study.

The study also showed that animals without OPTN and infected with HSV-1 after 30 days lost the ability to recognize objects. Shukla said this could be an indication that having HSV-1 along with a mutation of OPTN could accelerate neuronal damage, which would translate into cognitive impairment.

“Part of our translational research can be how can we correct the problems with OPTN so that we don’t have issues with neurodegeneration,” Shukla said.

Additional authors are Joshua Ames, Rahul Suryawanshi, James Hopkins, Alexander Agelidis, Chandrashekhar Patil and Brian Fredericks, all of UIC, and Henry Tseng of Duke University Medical Center.

This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health and National Eye Institute grants (K08-EY021520-02, RO1 EY029426, P30 EY001792 and RO1 EY024710) as well as the Butner Pioneer Award, Duke Health Scholars and Research to Prevent Blindness unrestricted funds.

[blog-cosmosuniverse1]

What Can Go Wrong?

What Can Go Wrong?

One key take-home from the Nature Reviews Drug Discovery article5 cited above is that replacing rare codons “must be used judiciously,” as rarer codons can have slower translation rates and a slowed-down rate is actually necessary to prevent protein misfolding.

The spike protein is the toxic part of the virus responsible for the most unique effects of the virus, such as the blood clotting disorders, neurological problems and heart damage. To expect the COVID shot to not produce these kinds of effects would be rather naïve.

A (adenine) and U (uracil) in the third position are rare, and the COVID shots replace these A’s and U’s with G’s (guanine) or C’s (cytosine). According to Seneff, this switch results in a 1,000-fold greater amount of spike protein compared to being infected with the actual virus.

What could go wrong? Well, just about anything. Again, the shot induces spike protein at levels unheard of in nature (even if SARS-CoV-2 is a “souped up” manmade concoction), and the spike protein is the toxic part of the virus responsible for the most unique effects of the virus, such as the blood clotting disorders, neurological problems and heart damage.

So, to expect the COVID shot to not produce these kinds of effects would be rather naïve. The codon switches might also result in protein misfolding, which is equally bad news. As explained by Seneff in our previous interview:

“The spike proteins that these mRNA vaccines are producing … aren’t able to go into the membrane, which I think is going to encourage it to become a problematic prion protein. Then, when you have inflammation, it upregulates alpha-synuclein [a neuronal protein that regulates synaptic traffic and neurotransmitter release].

So, you're going to get alpha-synuclein drawn into misfolded spike proteins, turning into a mess inside the dendritic cells in the germinal centers in the spleen. And they're going to package up all this crud into exosomes and release them. They’re then going to travel along the vagus nerve to the brainstem and cause things like Parkinson's disease.

So, I think this is a complete setup for Parkinson's disease ... It's going to push forward the date at which someone who has a propensity towards Parkinson's is going to get it.

And it's probably going to cause people to get Parkinson's who never would have gotten it in the first place — especially if they keep getting the vaccine every year. Every year you do a booster, you bring the date that you're going to get Parkinson's ever closer.”

Immune Dysfunction and Viral Flare-Ups

Other significant threats include immune dysfunction and the flare-up of latent viral infections, which is something Mikovits has been warning about. In our previous interview, she noted:

“We use poly(I:C) [a toll-like receptor 3 agonist] to signal the cell to turn on the type I interferon pathway, and because [the spike protein your body produces in response to the COVID shot] is an unnatural synthetic envelope, you're not seeing poly(I:C), and you're not [activating] the Type I interferon pathway.

You've bypassed the plasmacytoid dendritic cell, which combined with IL-10, by talking to the regulatory B cells, decides what subclasses of antibodies to put out. So, you've bypassed the communication between the innate and adaptive immune response. You now miss the signaling of the endocannabinoid receptors …

A large part of Dr. [Francis] Ruscetti’s and my work over the last 30 years has been to show you don't need an infectious transmissible virus — just pieces and parts of these viruses are worse, because they also turn on danger signals. They act like danger signals and pathogen-associated molecular patterns.

So, it synergistically leaves that inflammatory cytokine signature on that spins your innate immune response out of control. It just cannot keep up with the myelopoiesis [the production of cells in your bone marrow]. Hence you see a skew-away from the mesenchymal stem cell towards TGF-beta regulated hematopoietic stem cells.

This means you could see bleeding disorders on both ends. You can't make enough firetrucks to send to the fire. Your innate immune response can't get there, and then you've just got a total train wreck of your immune system.”

We’re now seeing reports of herpes and shingles infection following COVID-19 injection, and this is precisely what you can expect if your Type I interferon pathway is disabled. That’s not the end of your potential troubles, however, as these coinfections could accelerate other diseases as well.

For example, herpes viruses have been implicated as a trigger of both AIDS6 and myalgic encephalomyelitis7 (chronic fatigue syndrome or ME-CFS). According to Mikovits, these diseases don’t appear until viruses from different families partner up and retroviruses take out the Type 1 interferon pathway. Long term, the COVID mass injection campaign may be laying the foundation for a rapidly approaching avalanche of a wide range of debilitating chronic illnesses.

Are COVID Shots Appropriately Optimized?

As noted in the Vaccines article cited earlier, the codon optimization in the Pfizer and Moderna shots could be problematic:8

“As mammalian host cells attack unmodified exogeneous RNA, all U nucleotides were replaced by N1-methylpseudouridine (Ψ). However, Ψ wobbles more in base-pairing than U and can pair not only with A and G, but also, to a lesser extent, with C and U.

This is likely to increase misreading of a codon by a near-cognate tRNA. When nucleotide U in stop codons was replaced by Ψ, the rate of misreading of a stop codon by a near-cognate tRNAs increased.

Such readthrough events would not only decrease the number of immunogenic proteins, but also produce a longer protein of unknown fate with potentially deleterious effects …

The designers of both vaccines considered CGG as the optimal codon in the CGN codon family and recoded almost all CGN codons to CGG … [M]ultiple lines of evidence suggest that CGC is a better codon than CGG. The designers of the mRNA vaccines (especially mRNA-1273) chose a wrong codon as the optimal codon.”

The paper also points out the importance of vaccine mRNA to be translated accurately and not merely effectively, because if the wrong amino acids are incorporated, it can confuse your immune system and prevent it from identifying the correct targets.

Accuracy is also important in translation termination, and here it comes down to selecting the correct stop codons. Stop codons (UAA, UAG or UGA), when present at the end of an mRNA coding sequence signals the termination of protein synthesis.

According to the author, both Pfizer and Moderna selected less than optimal stop codons. “UGA is a poor choice of a stop codon, and UGAU in Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines could be even worse,” she says.

What Health Problems Can We Expect to See More Of?

While the variety of diseases we may see a rise in as a result of this vaccination campaign are myriad, some general predictions can be made. We’ve already seen a massive uptick in blood clotting disorders, heart attacks and stroke, as well as heart inflammation.

More long term, Seneff believes we’ll see a significant rise in cancer, accelerated Parkinson's-like diseases, Huntington's disease, and all types of autoimmune diseases and neurodegenerative disorders.

Mikovits also suspects many will develop chronic and debilitating diseases and will die prematurely. At highest risk, she places those who are asymptomatically infected with XMRVs and gammaretroviruses from contaminated conventional vaccines. The COVID shot will effectively accelerate their death by crippling their immune function. “The kids that are highly vaccinated, they're ticking time bombs,” Mikovits said in my May 2021 interview.

What Are the Options?

While all of this is highly problematic, there is hope. From my perspective, I believe the best thing you can do is to build your innate immune system. To do that, you need to become metabolically flexible and optimize your diet. You’ll also want to make sure your vitamin D level is optimized to between 60 ng/mL and 80 ng/mL (100 nmol/L to 150 nmol/L).

I also recommend time-restricted eating, where you eat all your meals for the day within a six- to eight-hour window. Time-restricted eating will also upregulate autophagy, which may help digest and remove spike protein. Avoid all vegetable oils and processed foods. Focus on certified-organic foods to minimize your glyphosate exposure.

Sauna therapy may also be helpful. It upregulates heat shock proteins, which can help refold misfolded proteins. They also tag damaged proteins and target them for removal.

[tomasorban]

THE STORY OF REISHI AND ITS BENEFITS

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma ) has different species that can be found in the wild in both the East and West.

What’s more, all species have a history of health or medicinal benefit. It’s the most popular medicinal mushroom documented in the Eastern world, specifically in China and surrounding Asian countries.

Here’s the story of its amazing benefits:

HELPS INCREASE IMMUNITY

One of the ancient medicinal purposes associated with reishi mushroom in the past was its ability to strengthen the body to fight disease and weakness.

Turns out what the ancient cultures who used it were perceiving? A natural boost in immunity.

Back then, a brew of the tough mushroom could help fight illnesses like colds and flu among many others. Today studies show this to be very possible, but that this could also apply to other immune-related conditions—even autoimmunity.

In fact, with the help of reishi, any unwanted infection or disease can be better handled owing to its antioxidant properties.

ANTIOXIDANT

Which leads us into reishi’s next health benefit: its antioxidant properties, which are the important foundation of its immune-boosting benefits.

Studies show that extracts of reishi mushroom protect against oxidative stress, even in severe cases.

Oxidative stress is caused by free radicals, or rogue cells that cause chronic inflammation. This type of inflammation leads to a wide range of diseases and health problems.

What this means: taking reishi extract is much like (and possibly more effective than, or a complement to) eating foods known to be high in antioxidants, such as dark leafy greens, dark berries, or other foods.

HELP STIMULATE BETTER HEALTH AT THE CELLULAR LEVEL

Part of reishi’s stunning health benefits—antioxidant, immune-boosting, and otherwise—have much to do with how its compounds interact with human cells at the microscopic level.

As it so happens, the most powerful antioxidants (like reishi) stimulate an incredibly healthy and natural process called autophagy in the body.

Stimulating autophagy is much like jump-starting the body’s natural self-cleaning process, which can support mitochondria, protect the cellular integrity, and get rid of dead and harmful cells that cause chronic inflammation.

In fact, studies show reishi stimulates autophagy to such an extent that it can reduce cancer risk.

REISHI COULD CUT DOWN ONE’S RISK OF CANCER

When one takes stock of immune-boosting benefits, antioxidant potential, and enhanced mitochondrial health, this means some very good things for cancer protection—even cancer support.

A 2016 review on reishi and its potential against cancer agrees.

There are many studies showing that this mushroom could be promising for not only reducing the risk of getting cancer, but that it could also help fight cancer in cancer patients, or support current cancer treatment.

Still, studies suggest that reishi is far from ever being called a treatment, support, or even a remedy, though the data so far is quite encouraging.

HELP REDUCE CHRONIC INFLAMMATION

Beyond its possible helpfulness for major diseases, this fungus of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) healing could help with even more subtle conditions and health issues beyond major ones like cancer.

Because it is an immune-boosting antioxidant, reishi can and does help with certain types of inflammation and inflammatory-related diseases.

This may include inflammatory pain issues, skin inflammation, and even allergies and asthma, according to a 2014 study.

It’s no replacement for NSAID’s or over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, but as a long-term holistic supplement, it may just provide more natural benefits—and without any known harmful side effects.

HELP WITH AGING MORE GRACEFULLY

Another understated health benefit of reishi, but with great importance to all of us: reishi mushroom could help us age better.

Again, this all comes down to its antioxidant and free radical-protective abilities, which can put a stop to tissue degeneration, aging, and weakness.

The way it could help with aging is incredibly multi-faceted, too. Long-term use of the mushroom may possibly reduce wrinkles and older appearance due to its antioxidant activity, for example.

But there’s lots more to it than that. As we age, many organ systems may decline—most notably, brain function, though there are others.

FOCUS AND MEMORY

As we age, brain function may be the first thing to go the older we get.

Now we know that, with the right diet and nutritional efforts, we can forestall this—especially with help of antioxidants, which reishi is chock full of.

Turns out, studies show reishi mushroom has very specific anti-inflammatory actions that may protect nerves and neurons from inflammation—inflammation that can lead to memory problems, for example.

Though beyond improving memory in just the elderly, it can also have perks for brain function in just about anyone, including those who may struggle with brain fog.

REDUCE THE RISK OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

Tying in with its neuroprotective abilities to boost brain function, reishi could also help to protect the brain and nervous system in a much bigger away: against neurological disorders.

Most notable is the most major disorder involving brain function, memory, and cognition decline, Alzheimer’s disease.

In fact, one study showed that reishi could not only be helpful to reduce the cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s, but could also potentially do so for a wide swathe of neurological disorders of all kinds with similar symptoms and issues.

This could include conditions like ADHD or autism, but also mood disorders.

IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH AND MOOD DISORDERS

Protection of the nervous system also means great things for mental health and mood disorders. Stress and depression, anxiety, the whole works.

This is because antioxidant protection against inflammation in nerves can also improve mood, which reishi can help with, according to research.

One study even showed the extract had both anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects, though more studies will be needed before calling reishi a possible supplement to or replacement for medications.

Additionally and indirectly, reishi could help people get better quality sleep by reducing anxiety over the long-term, which is also shown in this study.

HELP BOOST HEART HEALTH

Especially as people begin to age, taking care of heart health is a huge question and concern.

Can reishi help with this aspect of health too? Yes.

Studies show the traditional medicinal fungus could benefit the body in one of the best ways to protect heart health: it could help naturally lower blood pressure.

In addition to classic approaches to heart health and reducing heart disease risk—like exercise, eating more dietary fiber, and nutritious foods—long-term use of reishi, such as a supplement, could give heart health the extra boost it needs to stay in tip-top shape.

PROTECT HEALTH OF THE LIVER AND KIDNEYS

The brain, nerves, and heart aren’t the only systems and organs reishi can help to protect.

Studies show that reishi could have hepato-protective or liver-protective benefits.

What’s more, these benefits could be powerful enough to combat fatty liver disease. Though, for the average person, they could provide benefits as simple as improving liver health and helping with the body’s natural processes of detoxification.

That’s right: reishi could be considered a detoxifying herb, especially considering that studies show it may also naturally help protect the kidneys and even support Chronic Kidney Disease,the second-most important detoxifying and cleaning organs after the liver.

BOOST GUT HEALTH

Last but not least, reishi could do some favors for one of the most important systems of all, the digestive system.

Studies show reishi may function like a prebiotic for the gut (not unlike fiber), meaning it helps feed and sustain beneficial gut bacteria.

In addition to its antioxidant benefits, this could help further soothe any chronic inflammation in the digestive system. It can also help enhance nutrient absorption, and thus improve overall health.

And that’s not all: reishi can help alter the gut in such a way that it can improve one’s ability to lose weight, according to studies.

IMPROVE WEIGHT AND ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE

This brings us seamlessly into reishi’s next health benefit. Reishi can help improve metabolism, manage weight, and reduce the risk of obesity.

One way it does this: by improving gut health, though reishi has another angle in how it helps with metabolism and weight loss.

Studies show that supplementation of the mushroom has such great antioxidant benefits that actually naturally help improve athletic performance.

By doing just a little bit more to make exercise and workouts a tad bit easier, weight loss can be more manageable and attainable—and can be good for health in other ways, too.

HELP WITH FIBROMYALGIA

One of the most interesting things reishi has shown potential for in the health world: fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a disorder of the nerves causing people to feel pain even if there is no cause. But apparently, reishi may help fibromyalgia pain.

Research shows it could someday be considered one of the most effective botanical remedies for the condition with further research. It could also help improve symptoms enough to help with mobility and especially with the ability to exercise, according to another study.

Since reishi is also an anti-inflammatory, it could help pain from fibro if used over the long-term.

[rnomics]

Cells, Vol. 13, Pages 183: Autophagy and Apoptosis in Rabies Virus Replication

Rabies virus (RABV) is a single-stranded negative-sense #RNA virus belonging to the Rhabdoviridae family and Lyssavirus genus, which is highly neurotropic and can infect almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Autophagy and apoptosis are two #evolutionarily conserved and genetically regulated processes that maintain cellular and organismal homeostasis, respectively. Autophagy recycles unnecessary or dysfunctional intracellular organelles and molecules in a cell, whereas apoptosis eliminates damaged or unwanted cells in an organism. Studies have shown that RABV can induce both autophagy and apoptosis in target cells. To advance our understanding of pathogenesis of rabies, this paper reviews the molecular mechanisms of autophagy and apoptosis induced by RABV and the effects of the two cellular events on RABV replication. https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/13/2/183?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=tumblr