Main Trigger for Lupus Identified

The more than 1.5 million Americans with systemic lupus erythematosus (or lupus) suffer from a variety of symptoms that flare and subside, often including painful or swollen joints, extreme fatigue, skin rashes, fever, and kidney problems. Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute have now identified the main trigger for the development of this disease.

Lupus is one of several autoimmune diseases in which the immune system turns against parts of the body, destroying the very cells and tissues it is meant to protect. In a study published in the Early Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) the week of June 29, 2009, Scripps Research Professor of Immunology and Microbial Science Dwight Kono and colleagues demonstrate that three proteins, called Toll-like receptors (TLRs), are necessary for this autodestruction to occur. TLRs may thus provide effective targets for the development of new treatments for lupus, as well as other autoimmune diseases.

The Double-Edged Sword of Immunity

In response to infection, a healthy immune system produces antibodies—proteins that fight and destroy invading pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and other foreign substances. But in lupus something goes awry with the chain of events leading to antibody production. As a result, the immune system produces "autoantibodies" against some of the body's own molecules, cells and tissues.

TLRs are proteins found in immune cells that normally help stimulate the initial response of the immune system to foreign pathogens. Humans have 10 different types of TLRs. Some of them sit on the surface of immune cells and seek out molecules that appear on the coating of bacteria and viruses. Other TLRs—TLR 3, TLR7, (TLR 8 in humans, but not mice), and TLR 9—reside inside immune cells, in a compartment known as the endolysosome, where bits of foreign substances usually end up.

When bacteria or viruses enter the body, some are engulfed by immune cells and degraded in the endolysosome. Inside this compartment, resident TLRs come across the bacterial and viral debris. These TLRs specifically detect the genetic material of pathogens—viral DNA, viral RNA, and bacterial DNA—and stimulate immune cells to produce antibodies against these molecules.

But the production of antibodies against foreign DNA and RNA seems to be particularly prone to error. The most common types of autoantibodies found in lupus patients are ones to the body's own genetic material—the DNA and RNA that resides inside the cell's command center, or nucleus. As a result, doctors often test for the presence of "antinuclear" antibodies to diagnose lupus.

"That's the Achilles heel," says Kono. "These endolysosomal TLRs are needed for viral and bacterial immunity, but they open the possibility of self reactivity."

Toll-Like Receptors and Lupus

Scientists don't quite know how antinuclear antibodies develop, but have suspected for some time that TLRs might be involved. By engineering mice that lack either TLR 7 or TLR9, scientists have gathered evidence that these TLRs may play a role in the disease.

"Earlier studies had strongly suggested that endolysosomal TLRs were important, but if you eliminate one or the other you do not get a huge effect," says Kono. "So we asked, 'What happens if you get rid of all the endolysosomal nucleic acid-sensing TLRs at once?'"

To answer this question, Kono and colleagues took advantage of strains of laboratory mice prone to lupus. These mice spontaneously develop many of the same signs and symptoms as humans with the disease. The next step was to eliminate TLR 3, TLR 7, and TLR 9 in these lupus-prone mice.

But how do you get rid of three proteins at once? Kono and colleagues knew that these TLRs need to be transported to the endolysosome to function. They also knew that one particular protein, called UNC-93B, produced by a gene called Unc93b1, serves as an essential "taxi" service. The UNC-93B protein attaches itself to TLR 3, TLR 7, and TLR 9 and facilitates their transport from the compartment in the cell where they are made to the endolysosome.

Using geneticists' tools of the trade, Kono and colleagues, engineered lupus-prone mice with an inactive Unc93b1 gene. Compared to lupus-prone mice with a functioning Unc93b1 gene, the mice with the Unc93b1 mutation produced fewer antinuclear antibodies and had fewer and less severe symptoms of lupus.

As a further test, Kono and colleagues treated the mutant mice with a substance that stimulates TLR 4—as TLR 4 stimulation is known to promote the production of autoantibodies. But even with TLR 4 stimulation, the mice lacking functioning TLR 3, TLR 7, and TLR 9 did not develop lupus.

"It seems like these three TLRs are absolutely required for optimal autoantibody production," says Kono. "This is an important finding that builds on results obtained by other groups."

The results "suggest that the three endosomal TLRs, or UNC-93B itself, might be good targets for therapy," says Kono, adding that more tests will be needed before these findings are translated into treatments for patients. "We are definitely getting closer to understanding the etiology of this autoimmune disease."

Naturally Better Sex on YouTube

If you remember that yesterday we briefly mentioned about finding a new video on YouTube that gave tips on how men can enjoy better sexual performance by simply making a few changes to their lifestyle in the form of adding some nutrient-rich foods to their diet. In this way, they can avoid the side effects that sometimes go along with taking prescription medications for erectile dysfunction such as Viagra. Well, the person who posted that first "7 Hot Ways to Spice Up Your Sex Life" video has now added a companion.

This new video tells how a man can boost his sperm count by simply eating more shrimp and green leafy vegetables. It seems that the two foods in combination are necessary to achieve the desired result. This video also hints, quite cleverly we might add, that a man can also find ways to make his "shrimp" more "jumbo" by going to the Real Good For Men website.

Here is the link for the sexy YouTube video.

Prebiotics Increase Lifespan 33%!

In a revolutionary healthcare finding, a peer-reviewed clinical study published in the British Journal of Nutrition (a Cambridge University Journal), clearly shows that Prebiotics (http://www.prebiotin.com) reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, control body weight, and increase lifespan by 33%.

The controlled clinical study was conducted on rats and showed that the rats fed prebiotics had an 80% survival rate to 24 months versus a 50% survival rate for the control group rats that were not fed prebiotics. Additionally, the "prebiotic" rats showed material reductions in cholesterol (http://www.prebiotin.com) and body weight versus the control group.

Significantly, the prebiotic used in the study was oligofructose enriched inulin, a blend of two prebiotics which has repeatedly shown synergistic health benefits versus the more common single-prebiotic fibers such as plain inulin.

"This study, clearly demonstrating life-lengthening impact of prebiotics, has truly profound implications," says Jackson GI Medical (http://www.prebiotin.com) CEO Kristian Chronister. "It certainly reinforces our commitment to powering our Prebiotin prebiotic supplements with oligofructose enriched inulin despite the dramatically lower cost of plain inulin," he says.

Oligofructose enriched inulin is a 100% natural, plant-derived 'compound' prebiotic fiber which has extensive clinical research demonstrating strong health benefits. Plain inulin is a far cheaper prebiotic which is used in most prebiotic supplements and enhanced foods.

"The implications of this study are somewhat staggering," says Jackson GI Chairman and Founder Frank W. Jackson, M.D. "While the research doesn't quite yet justify a claim that Prebiotin (http://www.prebiotin.com/) lengthens human life, the study is nevertheless dramatic in that it clearly demonstrates the colon is a health- and life-giving organ we must nourish and cherish, not just a waste disposal system."

Prebiotics are a special class of fibers which deliver health benefits by nourishing beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract while not providing sustenance to undesirable bacteria.

"We have long known from clinical research that oligofructose enriched inulin, the prebiotic in our Prebiotin family of products, enhances immunity, increases calcium absorption, decreases heart-unfriendly triglycerides and promotes digestive health," says Chronister. "This latest study strongly suggests that a very potent overall health benefit is the net result of adding prebiotics to the diet."

A precis of the research is presented at http://www.prebiotin.com, as well as a link to the full clinical study.

Strides Made Toward Cystic Fibrosis Cure

We were very happy to see, this morning, that efforts are being made to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis, as the following report tells.

The Keystone Peer Review Organization, Inc. (KePRO (www.kepro.org)), a leading quality improvement and care management organization, is pleased to announce the donation of $12,260 to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

KePRO employees from offices located in six different states recently took part in the CF Great Strides walk in an effort to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The combined efforts of the employees, both those who made the walk and those who collected funds from their family, friends and neighbors, proudly raised $7260.25 for the cause. In addition to its employees' efforts, KePRO generously donated another $5,000 to advance the mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, bringing the total KePRO donation to $12,260.

"I am very proud of KePRO employees, their families and friends who all contributed so generously to help fight this disease," said Joe Dougher, Chief Executive Officer of KePRO. "Everyone put a considerable amount of time and effort into making this fund-raising event a success and they more than surpassed my expectations. The KePRO family is truly a caring team."

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a nonprofit donor-supported organization that strives to assure the development of the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis (www.kepro.org) and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease. The Foundation is the leading organization in the United States devoted to cystic fibrosis. It funds and accredits more than 115 CF care centers, 95 adult care programs and 50 affiliate programs, and has 80 chapters and branch offices nationwide.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

And on a totally separate note, we have recently learned about a food item that works rather like a natural aphrodesiac. It seems that pomegranate juice has been shown to help prevent erectile dysfunction. We heard about this from, of all places an amusing YouTube video with the provocative title: "7 Hot Ways to Spice Up Your Sex Life". We look forward to the arrival of the other six.

Your Vitamins May Not Be As Vital As You Think

We have recently learned that many of the vitamins in our medicine cabinets and on store shelves may not be what they say they are--both on their bottle labels and in advertisements.

As consumers, many of us take for granted that our daily vitamin actually contains the ingredients it claims to--and in the correct amounts. But as recent actions by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and news reports have illustrated, this is not necessarily the case. This is problematic for a number of reasons. Consider the following:

* Vitamins/Supplements May Not Contain What the Manufacturers Claim: Just a few months ago, the New England Journal of Medicine published a study (http://www.abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory?id=6960312) showing that, across many different brands, many prenatal vitamins did not contain the amount of iodine claimed on their labels. Pregnant women frequently take a vitamin with a certain amount of iodine to help prevent neurocognitive delays in their babies, making this a serious issue. And this is not just an issue for pregnant women. It is important that a vitamin or supplement include the correct dose of an ingredient--let alone contain the ingredient at all--whether you are, for example, a senior citizen taking a calcium supplement for bone health (http://tips.blogs.cnn.com/2008/10/10/strong-bones-as-you-age/), if you're one of the three quarters of Americans who are vitamin D deficient (http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE52M6M120090323?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews) and have decided to take a supplement, or if you are simply using a supplement to generally enhance your health.

* Vitamins/Supplements May Contain Ingredients that are Not Claimed on Their Labels: While it is important for vitamins and supplements to contain the ingredients they claim, it is also critical that they don't contain certain undeclared ingredients. This is key to avoiding a possible adverse interaction with a prescription medication or allergic reaction, among other reasons.

* Vitamins/Supplements May Contain Harmful Levels of Certain Contaminants: Studies have shown that some vitamins and supplements contain potentially harmful level of certain contaminants such as lead, mercury, pesticides, etc. This, too, can have health consequences, particularly for more vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, or pregnant women.

For all of these reasons, it is important to consider the quality of a vitamin or supplement when purchasing a product for yourself and for your family. One of the best ways to do this is to check if a product has been certified by an independent, third party. This is a voluntary measure that supplement manufacturers can take to demonstrate the quality of their products to their customers. Look for a mark indicating this type of certification right on the bottle of your vitamin or supplement.

And while all supplements are not created equal, neither are all organizations behind these certification programs. Equally important is to consider the organization behind a mark of quality. The U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) is a nearly 200 year old nonprofit scientific organization that sets standards in the United States for the quality, purity, and strength of medicines, which FDA enforces. USP also operates a "USP Verified" program to help consumers identify quality vitamins and dietary supplements. It is the only such organization that offers dietary supplement verification. USP Verified vitamins are recommended by many leading health experts. Learn more about the program -- and see which vitamins and supplements are "USP Verified" -- at www.uspverified.org.

And remember, when beginning a supplement program, always check with your doctor and research your supplement and its brand from objective and neutral sources such as Consumer Reports, Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, or Pogo Health.

We have found that we can trust the supplements and natural herbal remedies from a reliable online source, Native Remedies. For example, VitaliTonic promotes energy and zest in adults over 50

New Treatment For Inoperable Colon Cancer

With an extensive, inoperable colon cancer and few options available, a Tennessee patient is seeing his cancer steadily regressing on a new outpatient treatment. Individuals from 26 U.S. states and four other countries have been among the first to use NeoPlas Innovation's new protocol. The Tennessee patient's early results mirror their successes in battling colon cancer and other very aggressive malignancies.

The most recent colon cancer patient is a man in his late fifties who had an extensive cancer of the lower colon diagnosed in early 2008. Initially his doctors recommended surgical resection in an operation that would have removed all the organs of his lower abdomen and pelvis; however, it was determined that he would be unlikely to survive the procedure. Chemotherapy was tried, but was ineffective. He visited NeoPlas Innovation's Nashville clinic in the spring of 2009 and began the new outpatient treatment.

Two months later, CT scans have shown that the cancer has regressed dramatically. The patient's symptoms are resolving in step with the response, with improvements in appetite and digestion and the regaining of lost weight. NeoPlas Innovation Director of Research Dr. Stephen B. Cantrell commented, "These are results from one patient, so no conclusions can be drawn. But this is consistent with the favorable responses we're seeing in the great majority of our patients, including those with colon cancer." The protocol is offered for qualifying patients with colon cancer, renal (kidney) cancer, pancreatic cancer, melanoma, mesothelioma and certain sarcomas. It can be considered for other patients on a case-by-case basis.

The new treatment is an off-label combination of two existing medicines: lovastatin, typically used as a cholesterol lowering agent, and interferon. According to Dr. Cantrell, "The key to moving from the lab to success in humans has been taking a fresh look and finding the right medicines to combine. When we have administered a precisely timed regimen of low-dose interferon with lovastatin, the results have been surprising." NeoPlas Innovation patients often have seen the arrest of their cancers' growth and spread in as few as eight weeks of treatment. In many cases, such as this one, patients have experienced active regression of tumors.

The medicines used have the advantage of being safe and well tolerated. Fatigue is the most notable side effect of NeoPlas Innovation's cancer treatment (www.neoplas.org). Most patients never experience effects commonly affiliated with chemotherapy or radiation (nausea, vomiting, hair loss, bone marrow suppression or immune system suppression). An experienced physician prescribes and monitors the outpatient treatment.

Vacation House Rental Crescent Beach BC

We were impressed to find out about a charming vacation house for rent in the Vancouver, British Columbia suburb of Crescent Beach. A lot of Vancouverites are salivating and rubbing their hands in greedy glee of the prospect of renting their homes out during the 2010 winter Olympics next February. Some pretty dumpy looking properties are going for thousands of dollars per week.

That's why we were positively impressed to see that this 2-bedroom, 1-1/2 bath, 1200 square foot vacation rental is going for $3,000 per month. Although it is not technically an ocean front home, it is only a quarter of a block away, and you can see the water and boats going by from the upstairs master bedroom.

One interesting thing about the Crescent Beach and White Rock area of BC is that they get quite a lot more sunshine than Vancouver. Here is a link to the Crescent Beach Vacation House for Rent.

Former President to Skydive on 85th Birthday

President George H.W. Bush (41st president) will soar with the U.S. Army's Golden Knights parachute team this Friday, June 12 during a tandem skydive to celebrate his 85th birthday.

This momentous occasion is sure to spark some interest in the increasingly popular sport of skydiving. Each year hundreds of thousands of Americans skydive (http://www.uspa.org/BecomeaSkydiver/tabid/54/Default.aspx); there was a total of 2.6 million skydives in 2008 (100,000 more than in 2007!).

Fortunately, everyday Americans don't need to be of the presidential persuasion to take to the skies and experience the life-affirming, life-changing thrills of skydiving. Nor do they need the Army. Skydiving is not as extreme or intimidating as it may seem. Just about anyone 18 years of age or older can make a jump after some comprehensive safety instruction.

If you're ready to join the ranks of former presidents taking the plunge, the U.S. Parachute Association (http://www.uspa.org/) (USPA) - America's skydiving authority - is here to make the first jump an awesome and unforgettable experience.

"If you've ever dreamed of skydiving, summer is the perfect time as the weather warms up and blue skies make for ideal jump days," said Ed Scott, Executive Director of USPA. "All it takes is a half hour of ground instruction to prepare for a tandem jump - the easiest and most popular way to experience skydiving for the first time." Tandem allows students to experience the thrill of freefall from 13,000 feet while securely harnessed to an experienced instructor.

Other first-jump methods, such as Accelerated Freefall (AFF), allow students to jump solo right away, experiencing the thrill of freefall with two instructors at their side -- not attached to them. AFF requires four to five hours of intense ground instruction. Just about anyone can earn a license in as few as 25 jumps. Some locations still offer the original first-jump method of static-line.

Selecting a skydiving school and drop zone is a cinch. As USPA is the nation's premier organization dedicated to the safe enjoyment of skydiving, first-time jumpers are encouraged to schedule a jump with one of 200+ USPA Group Member skydiving schools/centers located throughout the United States; conveniently located near most major cities and towns. Check out USPA's national Drop Zone Directory at

www.uspa.org/FindaDZ/GroupMemberListbyState.aspx.

Nobel Scientist Suggests Climate Change Action

Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr Rolph Payet explained the human failures which have led to climate change and outlined his blueprint to overcome them at a special lecture in London.

At the event on 28 May he also launched and praised the new postgraduate distance learning module Climate Change and Development, which is run by the School of Oriental and African Studies (www.soas.ac.uk) (SOAS).

Payet, from the Seychelles, was the lead author with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and he shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize jointly awarded to the IPCC and Al Gore. He is also a University of London External System (www.londonexternal.ac.uk) alumnus.

During the lecture organised by the University of London External System, the London International Development Centre (www.lidc.org.uk) (LIDC) and the Centre for Development, Environment and Policy (CeDEP) at SOAS, Payet set out his ambitious hopes for the UN climate change conference in December. He wants the Copenhagen package to include:

- Agreeing on mechanisms that would lead to a reduction in greenhouse gases to 350-400 parts per million.

- Applying the polluter pays principle.

- Valuing the ecosystem in investment projects.

- Promoting sustainable green jobs.

The Special Advisor to the President of the Republic of the Seychelles emphasised the benefits of adopting multidisciplinary and integrated approaches towards climate change and development. He explained how climate change mitigation and adaptation are not mutually exclusive and how strategies such as coastal tree planting can benefit both mitigation and adaption efforts. Payet said he saw the current economic crisis as an "opportunity" to reassess the existing global economy and he has "hope" for the future.

His lecture, delivered at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, charted the "mistakes" which have led to climate change and are posing threats to small island states like the Seychelles. He spoke of the root causes of carbon emissions, including:

- Not paying the real environmental costs of human actions.

- Over-consumption.

- Failure to drive technological innovation.

- Lack of political solutions.

Payet illustrated the gross distortions in global consumption patterns: how the richest 20 per cent of the world's population consume 86 per cent of goods and services and 58 per cent of all energy supplies. His lecture also referred to the Icarus effect - how people do not react until they fly too close to the sun. Another warning referred to the prediction that sea level rise could cause the mass migration of 602 million people as land disappears and becomes uninhabitable. Payet added: "The issue of climate change is a wake-up call. Climate change has shown that actions in your homes have an impact upon me. We need to move away from thinking in silos and have to admit to our weaknesses before we move forward."

The new Climate Change and Development distance learning module, run by CeDEP, was also launched at the event entitled Countdown to Copenhagen: What Next for Climate Change and International Development? Payet said the module would help students and professionals to approach the complex issue of climate change and development in a multidisciplinary way and encourage them to ask the right questions. The module provides a foundational understanding of core natural and social science processes and of technical and policy issues, and will be available worldwide from February 2010.

Fast Action Needed to Save California Redwoods

"With only 5 percent of the world's ancient redwood forest left standing, California State Parks create irreplaceable opportunities for people of all ages to experience the awe and majesty of the world's tallest trees," said Ruskin Hartley, executive director of Save the Redwoods League. "These parks are a vital source of enjoyment, education and inspiration for current and future generations."

"The Governor's proposal to eliminate public funding for California State Parks - and effectively close 80 percent of parks - would have devastating consequences on Californians' access to redwood forests," said Hartley. "The proposal would require the closure of 60 of 61 parks that are home to redwoods - including towering stands of ancient redwood forest."

California State Parks also contribute to local economies. In Sonoma alone, redwoods drive nearly 1 million visitors to the county each year. The closure of Armstrong Redwoods State Park would result in an economic loss to Sonoma County between $51 and $78 million annually, according to a 2008 assessment by the Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods. At the state level, studies have shown that every $1 that funds the state park system returns $2.35 to the General Fund, largely through economic activity in communities surrounding state parks.

"We are all lucky to benefit from the work of Save the Redwoods League's founding leaders and park partners that created the state park legacy we know today," said Hartley. "This legacy is one that is now sustained by volunteers, philanthropists, park visitors, voters and all Californians who support their parks. It is not a legacy that the Governor or the Legislature should undo. It is now more important than ever that Californians and our State Legislature work together to save our state parks."

Save the Redwoods League encourages park visitors and supporters to act now by:

* Sending a message to your elected officials and the Governor by visiting: http://www.savetheredwoods.org/voice. Ask friends, family members and colleagues to do the same.

* Uploading a one-minute video to Save the Redwoods League's YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/savetheredwoods to let people know what you think.

* Visiting redwood parks (http://www.grove.savetheredwoods.org) with friends and family this summer.

Discount Chocolate for Dads, Grads & You

I have to admit that I am lousy at giving gifts. Occasions like Father's Day and Graduation are times when I am supposed to be giving a nice gift, but too often I give something stupid like a flashlight, or a tie, or a zip drive and end up looking like a nerd. That is why I was so happy to find out that there is a special sale that starts today and runs through until the end of summer that gives you a nice discount on some of the best chocolate available.

The promotion is from Ghirardelli Chocolates, one of the favorite brands in the country. All you have to do is click on this coupon...

...and enter the code "SUMMER15" and you can have a discount of 15% off your purchase of $15 or more of delicious Ghirardelli chocolate.

I can't think of anything more appropriate to give as a Father's Day gift or a graduation present than a huge box of Ghirardelli chocolates. Well, maybe if I were a gift giving genius, I could, but I have to admit that this is taking the easy way out. But, heck, if you can get a nice discount as well as saving yourself any more effort, why not go for it. And while you're shopping for chocolates, might as well get a box for yourself too. Why not, it's time to celebrate summer!