When motility becomes immotile, its intestinal pseudo-obstruction disorder

A rare disorder where the intestinal motility gets disabled and also effects the involuntary muscles which aid in contraction thereby affecting the peristalsis. It is said malfunction of the respected muscles or nerves may lead to this disorder though the pin point reason is not known. As the food in the GIT is blocked, the person suffers from nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and constipation. Nutrition will be stunted and also the body weight is not healthy.

Primary CIP is further broken down into two subgroups – myopathic CIP and neuropathic CIP – depending on whether the condition results primarily in abnormalities of muscles within the GI tract (visceral myopathy) or abnormalities of nerves within the GI tract (visceral neuropathy). A variety of poorly understood familial and acquired disorders that damage intestinal muscle or nerves can cause primary CIP. Consequently, primary CIP may also be separated by three additional subcategories – congenital (present at birth), familial (most likely genetic), and sporadic (seemingly occurring at random). Familial cases of primary CIP may be inherited as an autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive or an X-linked trait. Several disease genes (genetic mutations) have been identified in these familial cases. Most adult cases of CIP are sporadic and secondary; most childhood cases are primary and sporadic. 

A wide variety of systemic, metabolic and organic diseases have been associated with secondary CIP. Such diseases including a group of autoimmune disorders called collagen vascular diseases including scleroderma, lupus, dermatomyositis, mixed connective tissue disorder and rheumatoid arthritis; endocrine disorders including diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism or hypoparathyroidism; neurological disorders including Parkinson disease, multiple system atrophy, and Hirschsprung’s disease; certain cancers causing paraneoplastic syndromes such as small cell carcinoma of the lung; muscle disorders (myopathies), including desmin myopathy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy or myotonic dystrophy; or additional disorders such as amyloidosis, Celiac disease, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalopathy (MNGIE). 

Infections including Chagas disease, Epstein Bar virus, or cytomegalovirus can also result in secondary CIP. CIP can also occur secondary to the use of certain drugs or medications such as tricyclic antidepressants, anticholingergic agents or narcotics.

CIP can also develop before birth (in utero) in select cases due to toxins or insults affecting the developing fetus. One such cause of CIP developing in utero is fetal alcohol syndrome. 

The symptoms of CIP are caused by abnormalities affecting muscle or nerves within the gastrointestinal tract. When the abnormality results in weakened or absent contractions, it is classified as myopathic. When the abnormality results in unsynchronized contractions, it is classified as neuropathic. 

Myopathic CIP is caused by injury to the smooth muscle of the GI tract. Smooth muscles are involuntary muscles – the brain has no conscious control over them. Smooth muscles react involuntarily to various stimuli. Smooth muscle lines the walls of the GI tract and helps to control the wave-like contractions (peristalsis) that aids in the digestion and transport of food. 

Neuropathic CIP is usually caused by damage to the enteric nervous system, which is sometimes referred to as the brain in the gut. The nerves of the enteric nervous system are embedded in the walls of the digestive tract all the way from the esophagus to the anus. The enteric nervous system is involved in various processes in the GI tract including peristalsis and is vital to overall health and well-being. Less often, neuropathic CIP can be caused by abnormalities affecting other nerve cells in the GI tract. 

In some cases, CIP is caused by damage to the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), which are the pacemaker cells of the GI tract. These cells are now known to be critical for proper GI motility. Interstitial cells of Cajal help to generate and maintain electrical rhythmic activity within the GI tract. Interstitial cells of Cajal also play a role in amplifying signals from nerve cells (neurons) to smooth muscle cells. Individuals with CIP due to abnormalities of these cells have signs of both muscle and nerve disease in the GI tract. 

Examination of tissue from the gut of patients with CIP showed that commonly, both the muscle and nerves are affected by the disease process.

Is treatment existing?

The treatment is generally given as per the site of the disease, age, gender etc. But the general treatment options include: ietary adjustments, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), enteral feeding, certain medications and surgery.

Doxycycline and Ribavirin ! Is this combination a new hope for getting rid of the deadly Chikungunya?

Being vector borne, chikungunya is being a serious threat in microbiology. It is transmitted by Aedes aegypti. Majority of the cases has been recorded from tropical countries. Aedes albopictus has now joined the game in countries of Europe and North America. 

The treatment options depends greatly on the symptoms of the disease. As the need for novel treatment is high, newer therapies are been probed by researchers. Minimal side effects with better effect is the prime aim of the drug design in general. Doxycycline (DOXY), a semi-synthetic tetracycline antibiotic with significant effect against bacterial infections acts against the protein synthesis. DOXY, a potential drug in combination with oseltamivir provided an effective intervention strategy against swine flu infection. It was also proved that DOXY was found to exhibit significant inhibitory effects against anti-murine retrovirus.

In a recent study published in PLOS One http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0126360, they have established that a combination of DOXY and RIBA showed potent antiviral activities by inhibiting entry and replication of CHIKV in Vero cells, and reduced viral infectivity in vitroand in vivo. The study convincely affirmed that  DOXY exhibited significant anti-CHIKV activity that acted by impairing viral entry of Vero cells. DOXY+RIBA reduced viral infectivity and replication in infected cells. Further experimental and clinical studies should be carried out to investigate their potential utilization for the attenuation of the clinical symptoms pathognomonic to CHIKV disease.

Cockroach's Brain as a Breakthrough for Mrsa

A study of locust and cockroach brains has found a number of chemicals which can kill bugs like MRSA. The research was announced at a meeting of the Society for General Microbiology. Scientists hope these could become a powerful new weapon to boost the dwindling arsenal of antibiotics used to treat severe bacterial infections.
The researchers discovered nine different chemicals in the brains of locusts and cockroaches, which all had anti microbrial properties strong enough to kill 90% of MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) while not harming human cells.
Simon Lee from Nottingham University is the author of the study. He said that it is this capacity to live in dirty, infectious conditions that mean insect brains contain these kinds of compounds.

“They must have some sort of defense against micro organisms. We think their nervous system needs to be continuously protected because if the nervous system goes down the insect dies. But they can suffer damage to their peripheral structures without dying.”

He hopes the compounds could go on to be used to treat multi drug resistant infections like E. Coli and MRSA which are becoming increasingly difficult to treat using some of the most powerful antibiotics available to medicine.

“A kill rate of 90% is very very high, and I diluted the substance down so there was only a minute amount there. Conventional antbiotics reduce the number of the bacteria and let your immune system cope with the rest. So to get something with such a high kill rate that is so potent at such a low dose is very promising,” he told BBC News.
The compound would need years of testing for safety and efficacy before any drugs developed from them could go on the market.

 

Chow against rheumatism

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints and bones. People with this condition experience pain, stiffness and inflammation when the immune system attacks the membrane that lines the joints, eventually destroying cartilage and bone. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs help to slow its progression and minimize joint damage.

 (Natural Remedies)Foods against rheumatism:

Ginger has been used as a medicine for thousands of years. It is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for a variety of conditions, including the common cold, toothache and motion sickness. Ginger also possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is sometimes used to alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It contains a number of active compounds, including volatile oils, monoterpenes and amino acids, although which of these compounds is responsible for ginger's anti-inflammatory effects is unclear. Ginger may be eaten raw or taken as a tea. For convenience, it is also available in capsules and tablets. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that taking 2 g daily, in divided doses, may help to alleviate pain and inflammation.

Probiotics against rheumatism:

Probiotics are considered beneficial and are sometimes referred to as "friendly" bacteria. Some of the ways they are thought to promote health include suppressing the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, improving immune function, enhancing the protective barrier of the digestive tract, and helping to produce vitamin K.

Boswellia:

Boswellia is a herb that comes from a tree native to India. The active ingredients are the boswellic acids, which have been found to block chemical reactions involved in inflammation. It is used by people with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Although there have been a couple of preliminary studies that suggest boswellia may reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, we need more research to know whether it's effective. There is also no evidence that it can slow disease progression like some conventional drugs for rheumatoid arthritis.

Gamma-linolenic Acid:

Although there is more evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may improve symptoms of rhematoid arthrits, some studies suggest that gamma-linoleic acid, another type of essential fatty acid, may also help. It is found in borage oil, black currant seed oil, and evening primrose oils.  A review of studies by researchers with the respected Cochrane Research Collaboration concluded that there was some potential benefit for the use of gamma-linolenic acid in rheumatoid arthritis, although further studies were needed.

Note: The above agents listed in the blog to act against the rheumatism may produce some interactions with the anti-rheumetoid drugs, so I urge the patients to consult your doctor.

Natural and Wonder counteractant for Gout !

Gout is a condition in which, the kidneys feel to much to eliminate the excess uric acid present in the body which inturn leads to the accumilation of uric acid in the blood. Gout generally leads to inflammation in the joints and severe pain. It is a form of arthritis. In rare occassions the depositions in the joints become so large that they even push the skin and form lumps.
 
Middle aged men are generally the targetted preys for this condition. The general conditions that lead to this condition are alchohol consumption etc.. but most of them are prone to this condition with no reason.

Foods like milk, meat, cafeine, etc.. are to be avoided. Meats that are particularly rich sources of uric acid such as organ meats, sardines and anchovies are to be avoided.

The Wonder Remedy for Gout:

Eating cherries  in all forms - fresh, or as cherry juice, or in the form of tart cherry extract. Laboratory findings at Michigan State University suggest that ingesting the equivalent of 20 tart cherries inhibits enzymes called cyclooxygenase-1 and -2, which are the targets of anti-inflammatory drugs. These are the enzymes responsible for the inflammation mechanism which are inhibitted by the cherries.

Cherries are extremely safe, effective and fast-acting for eliminating swelling and pain. Eating just a few cherries a day keeps uric acid levels in check, preventing any recurrence of gout. Cherries even gave a enlightened hope for crippling gout, and made people walk who were confined to the wheel chair.

substances in cherries called anthocyanocides, are very effective at lowering uric acid levels. In some conditions, people have experienced declination of pain and stiffness in just one week after ingestion of cherries everyday for one week.

 

I thus conclude and urge all the people who are prone to this condition to opt natural ways to get rid of this crystal arthritis rather going for some chemical advocates.

Foods that can beat Cancer !!!

Since ages, many anti-pathys were used against Cancer. But the negative side of many therapies are been reported like loss of hair and death of healthy cells in radiation treatment, development of tumours and impotency in few chemotherapies etc… Thus it was derived from an old saying stating that “Prevention is better than cure” is been put into practice. A new horizon has been evolved name as “Neutraceuticals”. Nutraceutical, a portmanteau of the words “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical”, is a food or food product that reportedly provides health and medical benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease. A nutraceutical is demonstrated to have a physiological benefit or provide protection against chronic disease. Such products may range from isolated nutrients, dietary supplements and specific diets to genetically engineered foods, herbal products, and processed foods such as cereals, soups, and beverages. With recent developments in cellular-level nutraceutical agents, researchers, and medical practitioners are developing templates for integrating and assessing information from clinical studies on complementary and alternative therapies into responsible medical practice.

Some studies have proven that few foods can reduce the risk of Cancer in individuals like:

Antioxidants: Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene (vitamin A), are part of a well-balanced diet. However, whether taking supplements containing these antioxidants decreases the risk of cancer is not known. There is some evidence that taking high doses of beta-carotene supplements may increase the risk of certain types of cancer.

Fiber: There is little evidence that eating a diet that is high in fiber reduces cancer risk.

Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Some studies in animals have shown that omega-3 fatty acids may slow cancer progression, but similar results have not been obtained in people.

Fluoride: Studies have not shown an increased risk of cancer in people who drink fluoridated water or who use toothpastes or undergo dental fluoride treatments.

Folate: Folate taken daily may decrease the risk of colon cancer.

Lycopene: Some studies suggest that lycopene, which is found mainly in tomatoes, may reduce the risk of some cancers.

Soy: Studies do not yet show that soy supplements reduce cancer risk.

Tea: Tea has not been shown to reduce cancer risk.

Risk of Osteoporosis in Corporate Employees !!!

Rickets and osteoporosis   are disorders caused by a lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. It leads to softening and weakening of the bones. Rickets in general, can be prevented in individuals by exposing to U.V rays, by the diet(milk, etc..). But in daily life, we expose ourselves to sun rays and thats what prevents us from the afflictive effect of rickets.
But now a days corporate employees are prone to Vitamin D3 defficiency. Do you know How They are prone to this Antagonistic Effect?

It is suspected that lifestyle makes a difference to vitamin D, especially working indoors.Vitamin D is absorbed by the skin through the sun’s rays and is needed to absorb calcium from dairy foods and for building strong bones and muscles. The body makes vitamin D when skin is directly exposed to the sun, and most people meet at least some of their vitamin D needs this way. Skin exposed to sunshine indoors through a window will not produce vitamin D.

A long-term deficiency in vitamin D can put people at greater risk of developing osteoporosis and can contribute to the decline of muscle function.

In Corporate employees, they are found to move to their offices or work places early in the morning and found to be off from their places late nights. This makes them less exposed to sunlight and inturn making them more prone to defficiency of Vitamin D. Vitamin D defficiency leads to disorders like rickets and osteoporosis in elderly.

 

 

Prolonging of this phenomenon leads to early softening of bones, fragility of bones, early damage of bones etc..

Hence corporate employees have to be concern about phenomenon. Regular D3 and calcium suppliments, morning walk under early sun rays are must. As this problem is a preventable cause, I urge all the employees to be alert about this issue and take possible antagonism against this defficiency.