Group items tagged

Great review by Morgentaler of Testosterone and CVD.  He highlights the significant flaws in the JAMA and the NEJM articles of Testosterone therapy risks.  Morgentaler highlights the significant evidence that points to low T and increased risk of CVD. On contention I have, is Morgantaler seems to flip aside the massive uptick of Testosterone use in the US as compared to other countries.  The evidence definitely points to Testosterone therapy as being safe in those with low T, but there is definitely a problem of significant Testosterone doping that is taking place as well.

Lipoprotein (a) cholesterol is a better predictor of CAD and CVD events than Lipoprotein (a) mass.

Abstract: Inflammatory diesease (psoriasis and RA in this study) associated with increased cardiovascular events.

BNP and NT-proBNP associated with HF and worsening HF.  Also, in the same setting, elevated BNP and NT-proBNP is found to be associated with increased cardiovascular events and mortality.

Only abstract available here, but atorvastatin associated with a reduction in cardiovascular events but also associated with increased risk of diabetes.

Estrogen Receptor Beta shown to inhibit growth and spread of breast cancer cells.  So, ER-beta should be evaluated to not only prevent/slow the growth of breast cancer, but to prevent the spread of breast cancer.  This study proposes that the loss of ER-beta is a seminal event in the development of breast cancer.

This study proves that the foundation of our current health problem is our diet.  Eat better!  In this study, individuals with CVD, had a significant reduction in recurrent CVD events with a simple change in diet.  The amazing thing it was above and beyond that of medications.

CRP is prognostic for metabolic syndrome.

This is just an abstract due to the publication date.  However, this study, though small, found that elevated estradiol and estrone levels preceded myocardial infarctions in small study group (15).  The surprise was that physical symptoms of slow beard growth, loss of libido, and gynecomastia preceded the events.  Also, the testosterone levels were normal.  Got that: elevated estrogen levels with normal testosterone levels result in significant symptoms.

Rugby training resulted in a decrease in T:C salivary ratio through a decline in resting testosterone level.  In contrast, competition events increased the T:C ratio primarily through an increase in Cortisol production.

long endurance competitive events associated with catabolic hormone balances found in a low T:C ratio.  This occurs primarily through an elevation in cortisol and small drop in Testosterone.  The recovery phase is anabolic through a rise in T:C, primarily through a return to baseline by cortisol and an increase in Testosterone.

Review of 6 trials on 454 patients found Huperzine A improved cognition and executive function with no serious adverse events in patients with Alzheimer's disease.  Yet, their conclusion is, "...inadequate evidence to make any recommendation..."   Does it improve executive cognitive function?   Yes.  Does in have serious side effects?  No.  And we are waiting on...?

could the flu vaccine cause a short-term increase in cardiovascular event risk?  According to this study yes.  So, with a recent study showing no benefit in children and adults, then with this finding of increased arterial dysfunction, increased CRP and fibrinogen, and increased LDL oxidation...why would an adult get the flu vaccine??? The focus should be on what the science shows, not an individuals bias!

new study finds increase AE and ER with supplements at 22,000 annually; in contrast, 700,000 ER visits due to prescription drugs annually according to CDC--with 120,000 hospitalized.

Vitamin E supplementation in individuals >65 for 4 months on dosing up to 800 IU not found to have adverse events as described as decreased platelets, prolonged bleeding time, lower hemoglobin/hematocrit...

multivitamins associated with a decreased risk of major CVD events in 20 prospective study.  This is likely a component of a healthy lifestyle, but still shows that MVA use does have positive effects over all long duration.

Handgrip strength test is found to be associated inversely with mortality and cardiovascular events in men and women with diabetes and glucose dysregulation.  Strength is more predictive of morality in men versus women, but this study finds predictive value for both.

metabolic endotoxemia starts with what you eat.  Chronic over nutrition results in elevated LPS. This starts a cascade of events that results in inflammation.  A well balanced gut flora of bifidobacterium is one way to slow this trigger.