Even Short-Term NSAID Use Risky in Cardiac Patients

Even Short-Term NSAID Use Risky in Cardiac Patients

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From Medscape Education Clinical Briefs

Even Short-Term NSAID Use Risky in Cardiac Patients CME

News Author: Megan Brooks CME Author: Laurie Barclay, MD

May 13, 2011 — In patients with prior myocardial infarction (MI), most nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), even when taken for as little as 1 week, are associated with an increased risk for death and recurrent MI, new observational data indicate.

Use of NSAIDs was associated with a 45% increased risk for death or recurrent MI in the first 7 days of treatment and a 55% increased risk if treatment continued to 3 months. The findings were published online May 9 in Circulation.

"We found that short-term treatment with most NSAIDs was associated with increased and instantaneous cardiovascular risk," first author Anne-Marie Schjerning Olsen, MB, from Copenhagen University in Hellerup, Denmark, told Medscape Medical News.

"Our results indicate that there is no apparent safe therapeutic window for NSAIDs in patients with prior MI and challenge the current recommendations of low-dose and short-term use of NSAIDs as being safe," she said. Read more at www.medscape.org

 

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Coffee, Vigorous Exercise May Trigger Aneurysm Rupture

Coffee, Vigorous Exercise May Trigger Aneurysm Rupture

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From Medscape Education Clinical Briefs > Neurology Coffee, Vigorous Exercise May Trigger Aneurysm Rupture CME News Author: Megan Brooks CME Author: Charles P. Vega, MD Authors and Disclosures CME Released: 05/10/2011; Valid for credit through 05/10/2012 Print This Email this Share Facebook Twitter   processing....

May 10, 2011 — Dutch researchers have identified and quantified 8 potential trigger factors for intracranial aneurysm rupture, including consumption of coffee or cola, straining for defecation, and vigorous physical activity.

"Reducing caffeine consumption or treating constipated patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysm with laxatives may lower the risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage [SAH]," Monique H. Vlak, MD, of University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands, and colleagues write in the journal Stroke, published online May 5.

However, "We do not advise them to refrain from physical exercise, since this also is an important factor in lowering the risk of other cardiovascular diseases," she emphasized in comments to Medscape Medical News.

"These factors are not surprising," said Y. Jonathan Zhang, MD, a neurosurgeon with the Methodist Neurological Institute in Houston, Texas, who was not involved in the study. "They are well-known anecdotes."

However, he cautioned, that "at most, they may be associated with the aneurysm rupture, but it is very premature to conclude that they actually caused the rupture." Read more at www.medscape.org

 

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Ketamine Used By Dr. Rutledge to Decrease PostOp Pain

Ketamine Used By Dr. Rutledge to Decrease PostOp Pain



The value of supplemental low dose ketamine confirmed in this study

Amplify’d from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Swiss Med Wkly. 2011 May 10;141:w13195. doi: 10.4414/smw.2011.13195. The ED50 and ED95 of ketamine for prevention of postoperative hyperalgesia after remifentanil-based anaesthesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Hang L, Shao D, Sun W. Source Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Jiangsu, 212002, PRC. hanglihua@yahoo.cn. Abstract OBJECTIVE: Various research programmes have shown that intraoperative infusion of remifentanil has been associated with postoperative hyperalgesia. Previous studies have demonstrated that low-dose ketamine can inhibit central sensitisation and prevent opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH). However, the optimal ketamine dose to prevent OIH has not been determined. In the present study we aimed to determine the ED50 and ED95 of ketamine for prevention of postoperative hyperalgesia after remifentanil-based anaesthesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Fifty-four patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomised into two groups: group C and group K. Group K was given ketamine before skin incision. An equal volume of normal saline was given to the patients in group C. Pain was assessed using visual analog scale (VAS) at 10 min after tracheal extubation. The ED50 and ED95 were determined by modified up-and-down method and the incidences of adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS: The incidences of adverse effects were similar in the two groups and the VAS score was significantly lower in group K than in group C. The ED50 and ED95 of ketamine for prevention of postoperative hyperalgesia were 0.24 mg/kg (95%CI, 0.20~0.30 mg/kg) and 0.33 mg/kg (95%CI, 0.28~0.62 mg/kg) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The ED50 and ED95 of ketamine for prevention of postoperative hyperalgesia after remifentanil-based anaesthesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were 0.24 mg/kg and 0.33 mg/kg respectively. Read more at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

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National Data Clearly Shows the MGB Advantages in Length of Stay

One common and important measure of quality of care is hospital length of stay.



Although not perfect, in general, hundreds of studies and guidelines have shown that shorter length of stay is associated with better quality of care.



Recent data show that for the RNY patients operated at the best centers in the US less than 1-2 % of patients stay in the hospital for 1 day (24 hours or less)



In contrast over 94% of MGB patients are hospitalized for 24 hours or less.

Amplify’d from clos.net

Thinking About a RNY?  Newly Published Data:  RNY Bypass Hospital Stay 2-3 Times Longer than Mini-Gastric Bypass

Newly published data (Nationwide Inpatient Sample, Bariatric Outcomes Longitudinal Database and University Health Consortium) shows that hospital stay for RNY Gastric Bypass patients it 2-3 times longer than the median 1 day stay for the Mini-Gastric Bypass with Dr. Rutledge.  The national standard setting company Milliman and Robertson has suggested a new standard goal for hospital stay for gastric bypass be moved to 1 day, based, in part, on Dr. Rutledge's results with the MGB.  Several prominent RNY surgeons wrote that forcing RNY patients to meet the 1 day hospital stay attained by Dr. Rutledge with the MGB would seriously endanger RNY bypass patients.  MGB short, simple effective and revisable surgery.  Median hospital stay 1 day in the hospital. In another recent study: Stricture After RNY: 4-10%, Reoperation 4-5% and Leak 1%,  A review of patients who underwent RNY: Stricture rate 10% and 4% in the hand-sewn group. 4 patients from the stapled group and 6 from the hand-sewn group (5%) needed early reoperation Read more at clos.net

 

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MAKE SURE YOU QUIT SMOKING & CAFFEINE

snoopy.twins@yahoo.com to Mini-Gastric-B.

show details May 20 (1 day ago)

Just want to let everyone know, who is thinking about or planning their MGB surgery, MAKE SURE YOU QUIT SMOKING & CAFFEINE AND/OR ANY OTHER VICE (DRINKING/CERTAIN MEDS) THAT MIGHT CAUSE YOU WITHDRAWAL!  Learn from me, it will Not be a easy or pain free recovery for you if you don't.  Do yourself a favor and get off whatever you are doing, get past the withdrawal BEFORE your SURGERY!



I hadn't completely stopped smoking and was only drinking one diet coke a day, when I had my surgery, and I paid for it afterwards.  Pain oh my gosh, the pain of withdrawal coupled with the surgical recovery, made me feel like I was dying.  I actually went back to the hospital, only to find out that there was nothing wrong with my MGB (thank goodness!), it was all withdrawal amplifying any pain I was feeling.  Nothing can be done to help you at that point, you just have to suffer through it.



I hope my experience can help anyone else from making the mistake of not heading Dr. Rutledge's warning to get off your addictions before surgery.



Renee W.

Dr. R/May-11-11

7' bypass/height 5'1"

pre-op 279/now 270/goal 130

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New nutritional strategy in malnourished patients with compromised intestinal function

New nutritional strategy in malnourished patients with compromised intestinal function



Citrulline (CIT) is an amino acid that is not involved in protein synthesis



CIT supplementation is able to restore nitrogen balance,

generate large amounts of ARG in rats with short bowel syndrome, and

**increase muscle protein content (+20%) **

**as well as muscle protein synthesis (+90%) **

in elderly malnourished rats.



Finally, recent data indicate that CIT per se could be able to

**stimulate muscle protein synthesis**



**Hence, CIT could play a pivotal role in maintaining protein**

Amplify’d from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

J Nutr. 2007 Jun;137(6 Suppl 2):1621S-1625S. Citrulline: a new player in the control of nitrogen homeostasis. Moinard C, Cynober L. Source Laboratoire de Biologie de la Nutrition, EA 2498, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris Descartes, and Laboratoire Biochimie, Hôtel-Dieu, AP-HP, Paris 75004, France. christophe.moinard@univ-paris5.fr Abstract Citrulline (CIT) is an amino acid that is not involved in protein synthesis but that is tightly linked to arginine (ARG) metabolism. CIT displays a very specific metabolism: In the 1980s, Windmuller demonstrated that the small intestine releases CIT, which is mainly taken up by the kidney and metabolized into ARG. Because CIT is not taken up by the liver, this ARG-CIT-ARG cycle can be seen as a means of protecting dietary ARG from liver degradation and of sustaining protein homeostasis. These observations have led to the concept that plasma CIT concentration would be a good marker of intestinal failure in short bowel syndrome. Hence, in massive intestinal resection, citrullinemia is greatly reduced, and this is proportional to the severity of the intestinal disease. This concept was then extended to other situations in which the intestinal function is compromised. The data strongly suggest that CIT may be a conditionally essential amino acid in situations where the intestinal function is compromised. Recent data support this idea. Thus, CIT supplementation is able to restore nitrogen balance, generate large amounts of ARG in rats with short bowel syndrome, and increase muscle protein content (+20%) as well as muscle protein synthesis (+90%) in elderly malnourished rats. Finally, recent data indicate that CIT per se could be able to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Hence, CIT could play a pivotal role in maintaining protein homeostasis, and the determination of the underlying mechanisms involved in its action should be important for the development of new nutritional strategies in malnourished patients with compromised intestinal functions. Read more at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

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A strong rationale for citrulline supplementation in short bowel

A strong rationale for citrulline supplementatArginine supplementation seems logical in situations where this amino acid becomes essential, for example after massive intestinal resection. Arginine is taken up and metabolised by the liver to a large extent and its supplementation is potentially unsafe. Citrulline is not captured by the liver and passes freely to the kidneys where it is metabolised to arginine, and so is a good candidate to generate arginine and thereby improve nutritional status.ion in short bowel



Supplementing the diet with citrulline is a very efficient means of increasing arginine levels and improving nitrogen balance after massive intestinal resection. The results of this study form a strong rationale for citrulline supplementation in these patients.

Amplify’d from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Gut. 2004 Dec;53(12):1781-6. Citrulline increases arginine pools and restores nitrogen balance after massive intestinal resection. Osowska S, Moinard C, Neveux N, Loï C, Cynober L. Source Laboratoire de Biologie de la Nutrition, Faculté de Pharmacie-Université Paris 5, 4 Avenue de l'Observatoire, 75270 Paris Cedex 06, France. Abstract OBJECTIVE: Arginine supplementation seems logical in situations where this amino acid becomes essential, for example after massive intestinal resection. Arginine is taken up and metabolised by the liver to a large extent and its supplementation is potentially unsafe. Citrulline is not captured by the liver and passes freely to the kidneys where it is metabolised to arginine, and so is a good candidate to generate arginine and thereby improve nutritional status. METHODS: Twenty four rats were assigned to four groups: citrulline, arginine, control, and sham. The sham group underwent transection and the three other groups resection of 80% of the small intestine. All rats were fed by enteral nutrition and its composition was as follows: supplementation with citrulline in the citrulline group, supplementation with arginine in the arginine group, and standard polymeric enteral nutrition in the control and sham groups. All groups received isonitrogenous nutrition and citrulline and arginine intakes were equimolar in their respective groups. After 10 days, the rats were sacrificed. RESULTS: Arginine concentration was higher (p<0.05) in plasma and muscle in the citrulline group than in the three other groups. Plasma levels of arginine were 110 (12), 79 (7), 167 (22), and 228 (13) mumol/l in the sham, control, arginine, and citrulline groups respectively. Arginine concentrations in the gastrocnemius were: 0.15 (0.02), 0.16 (0.02), 0.40 (0.05), and 0.94 (0.20) mumol/g, respectively. Citrulline preserved nitrogen balance in resected rats but not in arginine supplemented rats (mean J10: 2.27 (0.29), 1.67 (0.15), 1.98 (0.29), and 2.43 (0.41) g/24 hours in the sham, control, arginine, and citrulline groups, respectively). CONCLUSION: Supplementing the diet with citrulline is a very efficient means of increasing arginine levels and improving nitrogen balance after massive intestinal resection. The results of this study form a strong rationale for citrulline supplementation in these patients. PMID: 15542514 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] PMCID: PMC1774314 Free PMC Article Read more at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

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Arginine (Citrulline/Watermelon) May Help Wound Healing

Arginine (Citrulline/Watermelon) May Help Wound Healing!



Diabetes impairs wound healing and there are few therapeutic options to reverse it. Previous work has demonstrated the importance of nitric oxide for successful wound healing. In diabetes, NO synthesis is reduced in the wound milieu. The amino acid L-arginine is the only substrate for NO synthesis.



The data demonstrate that the impaired NO synthesis in the diabetic wound milieu can at least partially be reversed by arginine supplementation. In view of previous results on the importance of NO for wound healing, the data suggest that arginine supplementation restores impaired healing in this acute wound model by normalizing the NO pathway but without affecting arginase activity.

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Metabolism. 2002 Oct;51(10):1269-73. L-Arginine supplementation enhances diabetic wound healing: involvement of the nitric oxide synthase and arginase pathways. Witte MB, Thornton FJ, Tantry U, Barbul A. Source Department of Surgery, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore and the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21215, USA. Abstract Diabetes impairs wound healing and there are few therapeutic options to reverse it. Previous work has demonstrated the importance of nitric oxide for successful wound healing. In diabetes, NO synthesis is reduced in the wound milieu. The amino acid L-arginine is the only substrate for NO synthesis. We hypothesized that L-arginine supplementation would enhance wound healing by restoring NO synthesis. Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats (body weight, 225 to 250 g) were separated in 4 groups: 20 rats were rendered diabetic 7 days prior to wounding by intraperitoneal streptozotocin (STZ) injection (70 mg/kg). Sixteen rats served as controls. Half of the animals of each group received 1 g/kg supplemental L-arginine administered by gavage twice daily. Control rats were gavaged with water. Treatment was started 3 days before wounding. All rats underwent a dorsal skin incision and subcutaneous implantation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponges. The rats were killed 10 days post wounding and wound breaking strength, hydroxyproline content of the sponges, nitrite/nitrate (NO(x)) concentration, arginase activity, and amino acid composition of the wound fluid and plasma were analyzed. Wound fluid NO(x) concentrations and wound breaking strength were significantly reduced in the diabetic group compared to the controls. L-Arginine treatment restored diabetic NO(x) levels toward normal values and significantly enhanced wound breaking strength. Wound fluid arginase activity and ornithine concentrations were significantly lower in the diabetic animals but unaffected by treatment. The data demonstrate that the impaired NO synthesis in the diabetic wound milieu can at least partially be reversed by arginine supplementation. In view of previous results on the importance of NO for wound healing, the data suggest that arginine supplementation restores impaired healing in this acute wound model by normalizing the NO pathway but without affecting arginase activity. Read more at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

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Watermelon May Reduce Fat & Improve Diabetes

Watermelon is rich in L-citrulline, an effective precursor of L-arginine.



dietary supplementation with watermelon pomace juice or L-arginine increased serum concentrations of arginine; **reduced fat**



lowered serum concentrations of **glucose**, free fatty acids, homocysteine, and dimethylarginines; enhanced GTP cyclohydrolase-I activity and tetrahydrobiopterin concentrations in the heart; and improved acetylcholine-induced vascular relaxation.

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J Nutr. 2007 Dec;137(12):2680-5. Dietary supplementation with watermelon pomace juice enhances arginine availability and ameliorates the metabolic syndrome in Zucker diabetic fatty rats. Wu G, Collins JK, Perkins-Veazie P, Siddiq M, Dolan KD, Kelly KA, Heaps CL, Meininger CJ. Source Faculty of Nutrition and Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA. g-wu@tamu.edu Abstract Watermelon is rich in L-citrulline, an effective precursor of L-arginine. This study was conducted to determine whether dietary supplementation with watermelon pomace juice could ameliorate the metabolic syndrome in the Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rat, an animal model of noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Nine-week-old ZDF rats were assigned randomly to receive drinking water containing 0% (control) or 0.2% L-arginine (as 0.24% L-arginine-HCl), 63% watermelon pomace juice, 0.01% lycopene, or 0.05% citrus pectin (n = 6 per treatment). At the end of the 4-wk supplementation period, blood samples, aortic rings, and hearts were obtained for biochemical and physiological analyses. Feed or energy intakes did not differ among the 5 groups of rats. However, dietary supplementation with watermelon pomace juice or L-arginine increased serum concentrations of arginine; reduced fat accretion; lowered serum concentrations of glucose, free fatty acids, homocysteine, and dimethylarginines; enhanced GTP cyclohydrolase-I activity and tetrahydrobiopterin concentrations in the heart; and improved acetylcholine-induced vascular relaxation. Compared with the control, dietary supplementation with lycopene or citrus pectin did not affect any measured parameter. These results provide the first evidence to our knowledge for a beneficial effect of watermelon pomace juice as a functional food for increasing arginine availability, reducing serum concentrations of cardiovascular risk factors, improving glycemic control, and ameliorating vascular dysfunction in obese animals with type-II diabetes. PMID: 18029483 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Free Article Read more at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

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Citrulline as a supplement for short bowel syndrome patients.

Citrulline as a supplement for short bowel syndrome patients.



Only citrulline was able to prevent muscle atrophy and it was achieved independently from any noticeable effect on the gut in particular because citrulline and arginine share the same effect on mucosal ileal protein content. These results suggest that citrulline should be considered as a potential supplement for total parenteral nutrition of short bowel syndrome patients.

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Clin Sci (Lond). 2008 Sep;115(5):159-66. Impairment of arginine metabolism in rats after massive intestinal resection: effect of parenteral nutrition supplemented with citrulline compared with arginine. Osowska S, Neveux N, Nakib S, Lasserre V, Cynober L, Moinard C. Source Laboratoire de Biologie de la Nutrition, EA 2498, Faculté de Pharmacie - Université Paris Descartes, 4 avenue de l'Observatoire, 75270 Paris Cedex 06, France. Abstract Arginine homoeostasis is impaired in short bowel syndrome, but its supplementation in short bowel syndrome patients remains controversial. Recently, we demonstrated the benefits of citrulline supplementation by the enteral route in resected rats. Since the first step in managing short bowel syndrome is to initiate total parenteral nutrition, we hypothesized that parenteral citrulline supplementation would be more appropriate in this situation than arginine supplementation. In the present study, 24 rats were assigned to four groups. The sham group underwent transection whereas the three other groups underwent resection (R) of 80% of the small intestine. All rats were then fed exclusively by total parenteral nutrition as follows: supplementation with citrulline (R+CIT), with arginine (R+ARG) or no supplementation (R). All of the rats received isocaloric and isonitrogenous nutrition for 4 days. Nitrogen balance was measured daily. Rats were then killed and the blood was collected and the intestinal mucosa and extensor digitorum longus muscle were removed for amino acid and protein analysis. Citrulline and arginine increased mucosal protein content in the ileum (compared with sham and R, P<0.05). However, only citrulline prevented extensor digitorum longus atrophy (R+CIT, 130+/-3 mg compared with R, 100+/-6 mg and R+ARG, 110+/-2 mg, P<0.05). In addition, arginine worsened nitrogen balance (R+ARG, 104+/-46 mg/72 h compared with R, 249+/-69 mg/72 h, P<0.05). Only citrulline was able to prevent muscle atrophy and it was achieved independently from any noticeable effect on the gut in particular because citrulline and arginine share the same effect on mucosal ileal protein content. These results suggest that citrulline should be considered as a potential supplement for total parenteral nutrition of short bowel syndrome patients. Read more at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

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Citrulline/Arginine May Help in Wound Healing

Citrulline/Arginine May Help in Wound Healing



Human data support previous animal studies suggesting arginine metabolism for an NO- as well as arginase-mediated reparation of injured skin.

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Nitric Oxide. 2009 Nov-Dec;21(3-4):175-83. Epub 2009 Jul 26. Role of arginine in superficial wound healing in man. Debats IB, Wolfs TG, Gotoh T, Cleutjens JP, Peutz-Kootstra CJ, van der Hulst RR. Source Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Handsurgery, University Hospital Maastricht, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands. Abstract Arginine supplementation has been identified as advantageous in experimental wound healing. However, the mechanisms underlying this beneficial effect in tissue repair remain unresolved. Animal studies suggest that the beneficial role of arginine supplementation is mediated, at least in part through NO. The latter component mediates processes involved in tissue repair, including angiogenesis, epithelialization and collagen formation. This prospective study is performed to investigate arginine metabolism in acute surgical wounds in man. Expression of enzymes, known to be involved in arginine metabolism, was studied in donor sites of skin grafts of 10 hospitalized patients undergoing skin transplantation. Plasma and wound fluid levels of arginine metabolites (ornithine, citrulline, nitrate and nitrite = NOx) were measured using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Expression of iNOS, eNOS, arginase-1 and arginase-2 was studied by immunohistochemistry in paraffin sections of skin tissue. Arginase-1 concentration was measured in plasma and wound fluid using ELISA. Arginase-2 was determined using Western blot analysis. We observed increased levels of citrulline, ornithine, NOx and arginase-1 in wound fluid when compared with plasma. Arginase-2 was expressed in both plasma and wound fluid and seemed higher in plasma. iNOS was expressed by neutrophils, macrophages, fibroblasts, keratinocytes and endothelial cells upon wounding, whereas eNOS reactivity was observed in endothelial cells and fibroblasts. Arginase-1 was expressed in neutrophils post-wounding, while arginase-2 staining was observed in endothelial cells, keratinocytes, fibroblasts, macrophages and neutrophils. For the first time, human data support previous animal studies suggesting arginine metabolism for an NO- as well as arginase-mediated reparation of injured skin. Read more at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

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Warning! Citrulline May Decrease After Gastric Bypass

Warning! Citrulline May Decrease After Gastric Bypass



In experimental intestinal resection, arginine availability decreases as intestinal citrulline synthesis decreases.



Supplemental Oral Citrulline and Creatine may be of value!

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Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2010 Jan;13(1):65-9. Effect of intestinal resections on arginine metabolism: practical implications for nutrition support. Crenn P, Cynober L. Source Laboratoire de Biologie de Nutrition, EA 2498, Université Paris Descartes, Faculté de Pharmacie, Paris, France. pascal.crenn@rpc.aphp.fr Abstract PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The present review relates recent developments in the understanding of arginine and citrulline metabolism and complementation after intestinal resection. RECENT FINDINGS: Arginine metabolism is disturbed after significant intestinal resection, with reduced fluxes and circulating and tissue concentrations. There is also a reduction in citrulline production, a major source of endogenous arginine by enterocyte metabolism. There is evidence to suggest that arginine or citrulline supplementation may be important in this situation. SUMMARY: In experimental intestinal resection, arginine availability decreases as intestinal citrulline synthesis decreases. In this setting, there is debate over the efficiency of arginine supplementation on intestinal adaptation, perhaps due to different doses used. In contrast, citrulline, a precursor for arginine synthesis, whether provided enterally or parenterally, is more efficient at 1 g/kg/day than complementation with arginine (at the same dose) in sustaining arginine pools. In addition, citrulline is more effective than arginine in maintaining nitrogen homeostasis. Clinical studies are vital in order to establish the value of citrulline supplementation in short bowel patients. Read more at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

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Citrulline malate enhances athletic anaerobic performance and relieves muscle soreness.



The number of repetitions showed a significant increase from placebo treatment to Citruline treatment.



This increase was ** 53% more repetitions **

Amplify’d from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

J Strength Cond Res. 2010 May;24(5):1215-22. Citrulline malate enhances athletic anaerobic performance and relieves muscle soreness. Pérez-Guisado J, Jakeman PM. Source Department of Medicine, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain. pv1peguj@uco.es Abstract The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of a single dose of citrulline malate (CM) on the performance of flat barbell bench presses as an anaerobic exercise and in terms of decreasing muscle soreness after exercise. Forty-one men performed 2 consecutive pectoral training session protocols (16 sets). The study was performed as a randomized, double-blind, 2-period crossover design. Eight grams of CM was used in 1 of the 2 training sessions, and a placebo was used in the other. The subjects' resistance was tested using the repetitions to fatigue test, at 80% of their predetermined 1 repetition maximum (RM), in the 8 sets of flat barbell bench presses during the pectoral training session (S1-4 and S1'-4'). The p-value was 0.05. The number of repetitions showed a significant increase from placebo treatment to CM treatment from the third set evaluated (p <0.0001). This increase was positively correlated with the number of sets, achieving 52.92% more repetitions and the 100% of response in the last set (S4'). A significant decrease of 40% in muscle soreness at 24 hours and 48 hours after the pectoral training session and a higher percentage response than 90% was achieved with CM supplementation. The only side effect reported was a feeling of stomach discomfort in 14.63% of the subjects. We conclude that the use of CM might be useful to increase athletic performance in high-intensity anaerobic exercises with short rest times and to relieve postexercise muscle soreness. Thus, athletes undergoing intensive preparation involving a high level of training or in competitive events might profit from CM. Read more at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

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Citrulline supplementation may enhance muscle building

Citrulline supplementation may enhance muscle building and also enhances the production of Growth Hormone

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Eur J Appl Physiol. 2010 Sep;110(2):341-51. Epub 2010 May 25. L-citrulline-malate influence over branched chain amino acid utilization during exercise. Sureda A, Córdova A, Ferrer MD, Pérez G, Tur JA, Pons A. Source Departament de Biologia Fonamental i Ciències de la Salut, University of Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca, Illes Balears, Spain. Abstract Exhaustive exercise induces disturbances in metabolic homeostasis which can result in amino acid catabolism and limited L-arginine availability. Oral L-citrulline supplementation raises plasma L-arginine concentration and augments NO-dependent signalling. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of diet supplementation with L-citrulline-malate prior to intense exercise on the metabolic handle of plasma amino acids and on the products of metabolism of arginine as creatinine, urea and nitrite and the possible effects on the hormonal levels. Seventeen voluntary male pre-professional cyclists were randomly assigned to one of two groups: control or supplemented (6 g L-citrulline-malate 2 h prior exercise) and participated in a 137-km cycling stage. Blood samples were taken in basal conditions, 15 min after the race and 3 h post race (recovery). Most essential amino acids significantly decreased their plasma concentration as a result of exercise; however, most non-essential amino acids tended to significantly increase their concentration. Citrulline-malate ingestion significantly increased the plasma concentration of citrulline, arginine, ornithine, urea, creatinine and nitrite (p < 0.05) and significantly decreased the isoleucine concentration from basal measures to after exercise (p < 0.05). Insulin levels significantly increased after exercise in both groups (p < 0.05) returning to basal values at recovery. Growth hormone increased after exercise in both groups, although the increase was higher in the citrulline-malate supplemented group (p < 0.05). L-citrulline-malate supplementation can enhance the use of amino acids, especially the branched chain amino acids during exercise and also enhance the production of arginine-derived metabolites such as nitrite, creatinine, ornithine and urea. Read more at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

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Watermelons May Help High Blood Pressure

Watermelon supplementation improves aortic hemodynamics through a decrease in the amplitude of the reflected wave in individuals with prehypertension.

Amplify’d from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Am J Hypertens. 2011 Jan;24(1):40-4. Epub 2010 Jul 8. Effects of watermelon supplementation on aortic blood pressure and wave reflection in individuals with prehypertension: a pilot study. Figueroa A, Sanchez-Gonzalez MA, Perkins-Veazie PM, Arjmandi BH. Source Department of Nutrition, Food and Exercise Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, USA. afiguero@fsu.edu Abstract BACKGROUND: Oral L-citrulline is efficiently converted to L-arginine, the precursor for endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. Oral L-arginine supplementation reduces brachial blood pressure (BP). We evaluated the effects of watermelon supplementation on aortic BP and arterial function in individuals with prehypertension. METHODS: Heart rate (HR), brachial systolic BP (bSBP), brachial pulse pressure (bPP), aortic SBP (aSBP), aortic PP (aPP), augmentation index (AIx), AIx adjusted for HR of 75 beats/min (AIx@75), amplitude of the first (P1) and second (P2) systolic peaks, reflection time (Tr), and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) were evaluated in the supine position in nine subjects (four men/five women, age 54 ± 3 years) with prehypertension (134/77 ± 5/3 mm Hg). Subjects were randomly assigned to 6 weeks of watermelon supplementation (L-citrulline/L arginine, 2.7 g/1.3 g/day) or placebo followed by a 4-week washout period and then crossover. RESULTS: There was a significant treatment effect (change in the value of watermelon minus placebo from baseline to 6 weeks) on bPP (-8 ± 3 mm Hg, P < 0.05), aSBP (-7 ± 2 mm Hg, P < 0.05), aPP (-6 ± 2 mm Hg, P < 0.01), AIx (-6 ± 3%, P < 0.05), AIx@75 (-4 ± 2%, P < 0.05), and P2 (-2 ± 1 mm Hg, P < 0.05). There was no significant treatment effect (P > 0.05) on bSBP, brachial diastolic BP (DBP), aortic DBP, Tr, P1, HR, and carotid-femoral PWV. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study shows that watermelon supplementation improves aortic hemodynamics through a decrease in the amplitude of the reflected wave in individuals with prehypertension. Read more at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

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Citrulline improves protein synthesis

The effects of Citrulline were tested in feeding malnourished rats and in healthy volunteers fed a low-protein diet.



** Citrulline improves protein synthesis **



Citrulline is very efficiently transported into enterocytes and escapes hepatic uptake.

Amplify’d from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clin Nutr. 2010 Oct;29(5):545-51. Epub 2010 Aug 16. The 2009 ESPEN Sir David Cuthbertson. Citrulline: a new major signaling molecule or just another player in the pharmaconutrition game? Cynober L, Moinard C, De Bandt JP. Source Laboratory of Biological Nutrition, EA 2498, Université Paris Descartes, France. solange.ngon@cch.aphp.fr Abstract Citrulline (CIT) is synthesized from arginine (ARG) and glutamine in enterocytes and metabolized by the kidneys into arginine, which is available for peripheral tissues. Thus CIT, rather than ARG, could be a limiting amino acid (AA) in situations of intestinal failure. This was verified in a rat model of short bowel syndrome. The effects of CIT were further tested in renutrition of malnourished rats and in healthy volunteers fed a hypoproteic diet. CIT supplementation improved protein synthesis (PS) and ARG availability more than ARG itself, which is explained by the fact that CIT, unlike ARG, is very efficiently transported into enterocytes and escapes hepatic uptake. Action of CIT on PS is mediated through the mTOR pathway. A key issue is why CIT should stimulate PS. CIT could be a counterpart of leucine, with leucine stimulating PS in the postprandial state, while CIT acts when protein intake is low or nil to maintain PS at a minimal level compatible with life. CIT could also be a safe way to deliver ARG to endothelial and immune cells, and can certainly prevent excessive uncontrolled nitric oxide production. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved. Read more at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

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Citrulline / Arginine May Help in "Short Bowel" Syndrome

Citrulline / Arginine May Help in "Short Bowel" Syndrome



"Chronic dietary arginine supplementation in PEN pigs induced mucosal growth in the intestine"

Amplify’d from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

J Nutr. 2011 Jan;141(1):63-70. Epub 2010 Nov 24. Enteral arginine does not increase superior mesenteric arterial blood flow but induces mucosal growth in neonatal pigs. Puiman PJ, Stoll B, van Goudoever JB, Burrin DG. Source Department of Pediatrics, Neonatology, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam 3015 GJ, The Netherlands. Abstract Arginine is an essential amino acid in neonates synthesized by gut epithelial cells and a precursor for NO that regulates vasodilatation and blood flow. Arginine supplementation has been shown to improve intestinal integrity in ischemia-reperfusion models and low plasma levels are associated with necrotizing enterocolitis. We hypothesized that enteral arginine is a specific stimulus for neonatal intestinal blood flow and mucosal growth under conditions of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or partial enteral nutrition (PEN). We first tested the dose dependence and specificity of acute (3 h) enteral arginine infusion on superior mesenteric artery (SMA) blood flow in pigs fed TPN or PEN. We then determined whether chronic (4 d) arginine supplementation of PEN increases mucosal growth and if this was affected by treatment with the NO synthase inhibitor, N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Acute enteral arginine infusion increased plasma arginine dose dependently in both TPN and PEN groups, but the plasma response was markedly higher (100-250%) in the PEN group than in the TPN group at the 2 highest arginine doses. Baseline SMA blood flow was 90% higher in the PEN (2.37 ± 0.32 L⋅kg(-1)⋅h(-1)) pigs than in the TPN pigs (1.23 ± 0.17 L⋅kg(-1)⋅h(-1)), but was not affected by acute infusion individually of arginine, citrulline, or other major gut fuels. Chronic dietary arginine supplementation in PEN pigs induced mucosal growth in the intestine, but this effect was not prevented by treatment with L-NAME. Intestinal crypt cell proliferation, protein synthesis, and phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin and p70S6 kinase were not affected by dietary arginine. We conclude that partial enteral feeding, but not acute enteral arginine, increases SMA blood flow in the neonatal pig. Furthermore, supplementing arginine in partial enteral feeding modestly increases intestinal mucosal growth and was NO independent. Read more at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

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Melatonin May Decrease Blood Pressure

Melatonin prevents hypertension and increased asymmetric dimethylarginine in young spontaneous hypertensive rats.

Tain YL, Huang LT, Lin IC, Lau YT, Lin CY.

Amplify’d from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

J Pineal Res. 2010 Nov;49(4):390-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-079X.2010.00806.x. Epub 2010 Sep 9. Melatonin prevents hypertension and increased asymmetric dimethylarginine in young spontaneous hypertensive rats. Tain YL, Huang LT, Lin IC, Lau YT, Lin CY. Source Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Taiwan. tainyl@hotmail.com Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) deficiency is associated with development of hypertension. We examined whether melatonin protects against the blood pressure increase is because of the restoration of the NO pathway. Spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) and control normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats aged 4 weeks were assigned to four groups (N=6 for each group): untreated SHR and WKY, melatonin-treated SHR and WKY. Melatonin-treated rats received 0.01% melatonin in drinking water for 8 wks. All rats were sacrificed at 12 wk of age. SHR had higher blood pressure than WKY, which melatonin prevented. Plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels were elevated in SHR, combined with a reduction in plasma L-arginine to ADMA ratio (AAR). In the kidney, L-arginine, ADMA, and AAR were not different between SHR and WKY rats, whereas L-citrulline level was increased in SHR. Melatonin decreased plasma ADMA level and restored plasma AAR. Renal dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH, ADMA-metabolizing enzyme) activity was lower in SHR than WKY rats, which melatonin therapy prevented. Also, melatonin elevated both L-arginine and ADMA but reduced L-citrulline level in the kidney in SHR, which was associated with the prevention of reduced renal argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) expression in SHR. Moreover, melatonin reduced the degree of oxidative damaged DNA product, 8- hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) immunostaining in SHR. The observed antihypertensive effects of melatonin in young SHR are because of the restoration of the NO pathway by reduction of plasma ADMA, restoration of plasma AAR, preservation of renal L-Arg availability, and attenuation of oxidative stress. Read more at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

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More solar ultraviolet-B (UV-B) => Less Cancer

More solar ultraviolet-B (UV-B) => Less Cancer



An inverse relationship between solar ultraviolet-B (UV-B) exposure and non-skin cancer mortality has long been reported.



**Inverse relationship** (More Sun = Less Cancer and Death)

between solar UV-B exposure (Sun) and

cancer **incidence** and **mortality** (number of cancers and death from cancer)

was observed for ten sites:

bladder, colon, Hodgkin lymphoma, myeloma, other biliary, prostate, rectum, ***stomach***, uterus, and vulva.



Weaker evidence of an inverse relationship was observed for six sites: breast, kidney, leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, pancreas, and small intestine.

Amplify’d from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

BMC Cancer. 2006 Nov 10;6:264. Solar ultraviolet-B exposure and cancer incidence and mortality in the United States, 1993-2002. Boscoe FP, Schymura MJ. Source Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12144, USA. fpb01@health.state.ny.us Abstract BACKGROUND: An inverse relationship between solar ultraviolet-B (UV-B) exposure and non-skin cancer mortality has long been reported. Vitamin D, acquired primarily through exposure to the sun via the skin, is believed to inhibit tumor development and growth and reduce mortality for certain cancers. METHODS: We extend the analysis of this relationship to include cancer incidence as well as mortality, using higher quality and higher resolution data sets than have typically been available. Over three million incident cancer cases between 1998 and 2002 and three million cancer deaths between 1993 and 2002 in the continental United States were regressed against daily satellite-measured solar UV-B levels, adjusting for numerous confounders. Relative risks of reduced solar UV-B exposure were calculated for thirty-two different cancer sites. RESULTS: For non-Hispanic whites, an inverse relationship between solar UV-B exposure and cancer incidence and mortality was observed for ten sites: bladder, colon, Hodgkin lymphoma, myeloma, other biliary, prostate, rectum, stomach, uterus, and vulva. Weaker evidence of an inverse relationship was observed for six sites: breast, kidney, leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, pancreas, and small intestine. For three sites, inverse relationships were seen that varied markedly by sex: esophagus (stronger in males than females), gallbladder (stronger in females than males), and thyroid (only seen in females). No association was found for bone and joint, brain, larynx, liver, nasal cavity, ovary, soft tissue, male thyroid, and miscellaneous cancers. A positive association between solar UV-B exposure and cancer mortality and incidence was found for anus, cervix, oral cavity, melanoma, and other non-epithelial skin cancer. CONCLUSION: This paper adds to the mounting evidence for the influential role of solar UV-B exposure on cancer, particularly for some of the less-well studied digestive cancers. The relative risks for cancer incidence are similar to those for cancer mortality for most sites. For several sites (breast, colon, rectum, esophagus, other biliary, vulva), the relative risks of mortality are higher, possibly suggesting that the maintenance of adequate vitamin D levels is more critical for limiting tumor progression than for preventing tumor onset. Our findings are generally consistent with the published literature, and include three cancer sites not previously linked with solar UV-B exposure, to our knowledge: leukemia, small intestine, and vulva. Read more at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

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Sun Good/Sun Bad

The challenge resulting from positive and negative effects of sunlight: how much solar UV exposure is appropriate to balance between risks of vitamin D deficiency and skin cancer?

Reichrath J.

Amplify’d from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Prog Biophys Mol Biol. 2006 Sep;92(1):9-16. Epub 2006 Feb 28. The challenge resulting from positive and negative effects of sunlight: how much solar UV exposure is appropriate to balance between risks of vitamin D deficiency and skin cancer? Reichrath J. Source Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, 66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany. hajrei@uniklinik-saarland.de Abstract There is no doubt that solar ultraviolet (UV) exposure is the most important environmental risk factor for the development of non-melanoma skin cancer. Therefore, sun protection is of particular importance to prevent these malignancies, especially in risk groups. However, 90% of all requisite vitamin D has to be formed in the skin through the action of the sun-a serious problem, for a connection between vitamin D deficiency and a broad variety of independent diseases including various types of cancer, bone diseases, autoimmune diseases, hypertension and cardiovascular disease has now been clearly indicated in a large number of epidemiologic and laboratory studies. An important link that improved our understanding of these new findings was the discovery that the biologically active vitamin D metabolite 1,25(OH)(2)D is not exclusively produced in the kidney, but in many other tissues such as prostate, colon, skin and osteoblasts. Extra-renally produced 1,25(OH)(2)D is now considered to be an autocrine or paracrine hormone, regulating various cellular functions including cell growth. We and others have shown that strict sun protection causes vitamin D deficiency in risk groups. In the light of new scientific findings that convincingly demonstrate an association of vitamin D deficiency with a variety of severe diseases including various cancers, the detection and treatment of vitamin D deficiency in sun-deprived risk groups is of high importance. It has to be emphasized that in groups that are at high risk of developing vitamin D deficiency (e.g., nursing home residents or patients under immunosuppressive therapy), vitamin D status has to be monitored. Vitamin D deficiency should be treated, e.g., by giving vitamin D orally. Dermatologists and other clinicians have to recognize that there is convincing evidence that the protective effect of less intense solar UV radiation outweighs its mutagenic effects. Although further work is necessary to define an adequate vitamin D status and adequate guidelines for solar UV exposure, it is at present mandatory that public health campaigns and recommendations of dermatologists on sun protection consider these facts. Well-balanced recommendations on sun protection have to ensure an adequate vitamin D status, thereby protecting people against adverse effects of strict sun protection without significantly increasing the risk of developing UV-induced skin cancer. Read more at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

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Sun = Good; Tanning Beds=Not so much ;-(

Sun = Good; Tanning Beds=Not so much ;-(



women who got sunburned *twice or more per year* during adolescence

had a *reduced death rate*

compared with women who had been sunburned *once or less*.



also



A reduced risk for all-cause and CVD mortality in women who went on *sunbathing vacations more than once a year*

over three decades.



Solarium (Tanning bed) use *once or more per month* for at least one decade *increased the risk of all-cause mortality*,

when compared with women who never used a solarium

Amplify’d from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2011 Apr;20(4):683-90. Epub 2011 Feb 4. Ultraviolet exposure and mortality among women in Sweden. Yang L, Lof M, Veierød MB, Sandin S, Adami HO, Weiderpass E. Source Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, PO Box 281, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden. Abstract BACKGROUND: Ecological studies have reported possible effects of sunlight on the risk of several diseases. Little evidence is available on the association between mortality and solar and artificial UV exposure by individual level from prospective studies. METHODS: The Swedish Women's Lifestyle and Health cohort study included women aged 30 to 49 years in 1991-1992. Participants completed a questionnaire and were followed-up through linkages to national registries until the end of 2006. Cox models were used to estimate adjusted HRs and 95% CIs for all-cause mortality and for cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. RESULTS: During 15 years of follow-up, among the 38,472 women included in the present study, 754 deaths occurred: 457 due to cancer and 100 due to CVD. When combining the information on sun exposure from age 10 to 39 years, women who got sunburned twice or more per year during adolescence had a reduced all-cause mortality, compared with women who had been sunburned once or less. A reduced risk for all-cause and CVD mortality was observed in women who went on sunbathing vacations more than once a year over three decades. Solarium use once or more per month for at least one decade increased the risk of all-cause mortality, when compared with women who never used a solarium. CONCLUSIONS: Solar UV exposure was associated with reduced overall and CVD mortality, whereas artificial UV exposure was associated with increased overall and cancer mortality among Swedish women. IMPACT: Moderate sun exposure may protect against cause-specific mortality. Comment in Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2011 Apr;20(4):582-4. Read more at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

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More on More Sun=>Less Cancer

Does sunlight have a beneficial influence on certain cancers?

Amplify’d from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Prog Biophys Mol Biol. 2006 Sep;92(1):132-9. Epub 2006 Feb 28. Does sunlight have a beneficial influence on certain cancers? Kricker A, Armstrong B. Source School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Edward Ford Building A27, NSW 2006, Australia. annek@health.usyd.edu.au Abstract Apperly [1941. The relation of solar radiation to cancer mortality in North America. Cancer Research 1, 191-195] first proposed that increased mortality from cancer in the north than in the south of the USA might be due to the south to north decrease in ambient solar radiation. This inverse association between ambient solar radiation and cancer mortality has been subsequently reported for cancers of the colon, breast, ovary and prostate. While the evidence that sunlight might be related to lower incidence or more favourable outcomes from cancer came initially from ecological studies, case-control and cohort studies have now shown a similar association of sun exposure with risks of colon, breast and prostate cancers in individuals, and other studies in individuals have found that serum and dietary vitamin D levels are associated with reduced risks of colorectal cancer and, less certainly, prostate cancer. Studies in individuals have recently also suggested an effect of sun exposure to reduce risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and to increase survival after a diagnosis of melanoma. Data on variation in survival from cancer by season of diagnosis suggest that sun exposure may also improve outcome from cancers of the breast, colon and prostate and Hodgkin lymphoma. Read more at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

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More Sun = More Vit D = Les Breast Cancer

More Sun = More Vit D = Les Breast Cancer



The association between total average annual sunlight energy striking the ground and age-adjusted breast cancer mortality rates in 87 regions of the United States was evaluated.



Annual age-adjusted mortality rates for breast cancer varied from

**18** per 100,000 in the South and Southwest United States to

**33** per 100,000 in the Northeast



Risk of fatal breast cancer in the major urban areas of the United States was inversely proportional to intensity of local sunlight (r = -0.8, P = 0.0001); multiple regression with stratospheric ozone measurements, r = -0.82, P = 0.0001).



Vitamin D from sunlight exposure may be associated with low risk for fatal breast cancer, and differences in ultraviolet light reaching the United States population may account for the striking regional differences in breast cancer mortality.

Amplify’d from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Prev Med. 1990 Nov;19(6):614-22. Geographic variation in breast cancer mortality in the United States: a hypothesis involving exposure to solar radiation. Garland FC, Garland CF, Gorham ED, Young JF. Source Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla 92093. Abstract Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence suggests that vitamin D may play a role in reducing breast cancer risk. Lack of exposure to ultraviolet sunlight can increase the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. This deficiency may place some populations at higher risk for breast cancer. The association between total average annual sunlight energy striking the ground and age-adjusted breast cancer mortality rates in 87 regions of the United States was evaluated. Annual age-adjusted mortality rates for breast cancer varied over a 1.8-fold range, from 17-19 per 100,000 in the South and Southwest United States to 33 per 100,000 in the Northeast; the overall U.S. rate was 27.3 per 100,000. Risk of fatal breast cancer in the major urban areas of the United States was inversely proportional to intensity of local sunlight (r = -0.80, P = 0.0001); multiple regression with stratospheric ozone measurements, r = -0.82, P = 0.0001). Vitamin D from sunlight exposure may be associated with low risk for fatal breast cancer, and differences in ultraviolet light reaching the United States population may account for the striking regional differences in breast cancer mortality. The ecological nature of this study is emphasized, and the possibility that an indirect association with dietary and socioeconomic factors could explain these findings is discussed. PMID: 2263572 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Read more at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

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More Sun - Less Cancer

The number of studies reporting beneficial effects of sunlight and vitamin D on several types of cancer with a high mortality rate is growing rapidly.



Present health recommendations on sun exposure are mainly based on the increased risks for skin cancer.

Amplify’d from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Eur J Cancer Prev. 2009 Aug 26. [Epub ahead of print] Sunlight, vitamin D and the prevention of cancer: a systematic review of epidemiological studies. Rhee HV, Coebergh JW, Vries ED. Source aDepartment of Dermatology, Hagaziekenhuis, Den Haag bDepartment of Public Health, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam cEindhoven Cancer Registry, Comprehensive Cancer Centre South, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Abstract The number of studies reporting beneficial effects of sunlight and vitamin D on several types of cancer with a high mortality rate is growing rapidly. Present health recommendations on sun exposure are mainly based on the increased risks for skin cancer. We reviewed all published studies concerning cancer and sun exposure and vitamin D, respectively, excluding those about skin cancer. Most identified ecological, case-control and prospective studies on the incidence and mortality of colorectal, prostate, breast carcinoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma reported a significantly inverse association with sun exposure. The results of the included studies on the association between cancer risk and vitamin D were much less consistent. Only those studies that prospectively examined the 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels in relation to risk of colorectal cancer are homogeneous: they all reported inverse associations, although not all reaching statistical significance. The results of the intervention studies are suggestive of a protective role of high doses of vitamin D in cancer, but they have been criticized in the literature. We, therefore, conclude that there is accumulating evidence for sunlight as a protective factor for several types of cancer. The same conclusion can be made concerning high vitamin D levels and the risk of colorectal cancer. This evidence, however, is not conclusive, because the number of (good quality) studies is still limited and publication biases cannot be excluded. The discrepancies between the epidemiological evidence for a possible preventive effect of sunlight and vitamin D and the question of how to apply the findings on the beneficial effects of sunlight to (public) health recommendations are discussed. Read more at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

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