Author Archives: Fredricko

Stem Cell Therapy for Neonatal Diseases Associated with …

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J Clin Neonatol. 2013 Jan-Mar; 2(1): 17.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Laboratory of Neonatal Immunology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy

1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Santi Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

In the last decades, the prevention and treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome with antenatal steroids and surfactant replacement allowed the survival of infants born at extremely low gestational ages. These extremely preterm infants are highly vulnerable to the detrimental effects of oxidative stress and infection, and are prone to develop lung and brain diseases that eventually evolve in severe sequelae: The so-called new bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and the noncystic, diffuse form of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). Tissue simplification and developmental arrest (larger and fewer alveoli and hypomyelination in the lungs and brain, respectively) appears to be the hallmark of these emerging sequelae, while fibrosis is usually mild and contributes to a lesser extent to their pathogenesis. New data suggest that loss of stem/progenitor cell populations in the developing brain and lungs may underlie tissue simplification. These observations constitute the basis for the application of stem cell-based protocols following extremely preterm birth. Transplantation of different cell types (including, but not limited to, mesenchymal stromal cells, endothelial progenitor cells, human amnion epithelial cells) could be beneficial in preterm infants for the prevention and/or treatment of BPD, PVL and other major sequelae of prematurity. However, before this new knowledge can be translated into clinical practice, several issues still need to be addressed in preclinical in vitro and in vivo models.

Keywords: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, bronchopulmonary, endothelial, EPC, mesenchymal, MSC, newborn, periventricular leukomalacia, preterm, progenitor cells, periventricular leukomalacia, stem cells

Very and extremely preterm infants suffer from severe diseases associated with premature birth, including bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), sepsis and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). During the 90s, the universal introduction of antenatal steroids and surfactant replacement as standard therapies for the prevention and treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) has dramatically changed the natural history of diseases affecting prematurely born infants.

Indeed, together with a reduction in the severity of neonatal RDS, the sequelae of perinatal lung and brain injury profoundly changed: The old BPD and cystic PVL were replaced by newly emerging diseases, the so-called new BPD and noncystic, diffuse PVL, respectively. These new sequelae differ from the old ones in severity (in general are less severe), pathogenesis, pathological features and clinical presentation.[1,2,3,4,5,6] In general, focal injury/necrosis and the consequent fibrosis/astrogliosis, the main components of old BPD and cystic PVL, appear to be milder and to contribute to a lesser extent to the pathogenesis of new BPD and noncystic PVL. Conversely, tissue simplification and developmental arrest (larger and fewer alveoli in the lungs and hypomyelination with defective white matter development and neuronal abnormalities in the brain) are the key and predominant components of new BPD and of the diffuse, noncystic form of PVL.[3,6]

While surfactant replacement and prenatal steroid proved revolutionary in changing the destiny of premature infants during the 90s, no preventive strategy is currently available to reduce the incidence of these emerging diseases, and the prevalence of all complications of prematurity has reached a steady state across the last decade []. Overall, the sequelae of prematurity still represent a burden for neonatal medicine and global health.

Incidence of major diseases associated with preterm birth in a population of very low birth weight infants (<1500 g)

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Stem Cell Therapy for Neonatal Diseases Associated with ...

Treating Diseases with Cord Blood Stem Cells | Diseases …

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What stem cells can do todayopens doorways to even more, tomorrow

Cord blood stem cell transplants have already changed and saved thousands of lives around the world. Science is developing other miraculous uses for these precious cells, potentially impacting countless numbers of lives in the future.

Cord blood stem cells have been used to treat nearly 80 diseases, including numerous types of malignancies, anemias, inherited metabolic disorders and deficiencies of the immune system. The majority of cord blood transplants to date have been performed in patients younger than 18 years old. However, with the advancement in regenerative medicine, it is foreseeable that individuals of all ages can benefit from stem cell therapy in the near future. The source of cord blood used in transplants can be autologous (self) or allogeneic (such as a sibling or an unrelated third party).

Graft-versus-host disease, a complication associated with stem cell transplant therapy, occurs less frequently with umbilical cord stem cells vs. other types of stem cells; and, it is even rarer when the cord stem cells come from a blood related family member.

Below are some diseases currently being treated with stem cells. Although many cord blood stem cell treatments today are allogeneic (non-self), leading scientists believe that autologous (self) cord blood will have a role in treating Type I diabetes, other autoimmune diseases, and brain and cardiac injuries.

Leukemias Leukemia is a cancer of the blood immune system, whose cells are called leukocytes or white cells(all therapies are allogeneic)

Autologous stem cells may not be useful in the treatment for certain diseases listed above -www.parentsguidecordblood.org/diseases.php

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Treating Diseases with Cord Blood Stem Cells | Diseases ...

Adult Stem Cell Foundation

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Australia - New Zealand - Asia & Pacific Rim - China - Italy

The Foundation is a privately funded philanthropic (non profit) organization advising un-well people about how to gain access to Adult Stem Cell Therapy (ASCT). The Foundation is also promoting a plan to its members on how to prevent or limit the progression of degenerative diseases and other conditions. Degenerative disease is an escalating world problem that, if not controlled, could bankrupt our health systems.

A major objective of the Foundation is to highlight that people suffering from degenerative conditions now have the option of considering Adult Stem Cell Therapy. This therapy may improve quality of life for sufferers of Arthritis, MS, Parkinsons, Diabetes, Stroke, Alzheimers, Spinal Cord injuries, Cancer or Chronic Pain to name a few. A stem cell transplant, instead of a joint replacement, is fast becoming the preferred first option for orthopedic surgeons.

The Foundation intends to educate parents/carers of children suffering from a debilitating or degenerative condition like Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Autism, Spinal injuries, Cystic fibrosis, ADHD etc. Stem cell treatments have progressed in leaps and bounds for these conditions. There are now state of the art clinics that specialize in treating the afore-mentioned conditions. Children can usually benefit substantially from an early intervention by stem cell therapies and other protocols because they are still growing. As an example: spending time in a mild hyperbaric chamber (HBO) can also be beneficial. Just fill out the Application Form for an experimental transplant and we will be only too happy to advise.

The ASCF has become a global Information Centre for stem cell therapy. The centre will only support clinics that have demonstrated they abide by the highest medical standards and have a proven track record of administering these types of therapies, in Australia and overseas. We can now advise locally which gives peace of mind to our members who are contemplating a procedure of this nature.

Creating awareness of the availability of stem cell therapy and that it has become viable for consideration.

To raise money from benefactors, including private and commercial sponsorships.

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Adult Stem Cell Foundation

Hormone Replacement Therapy – WebMD

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Is hormone therapy (HRT) making a comeback?

A few years ago, the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) looked like a medical mess. For decades, women were told that HRT -- usually a combination of estrogen and progestin -- was good for them during and after menopause. Then the 2002 results of the Women's Health Initiative study seemed to show just the opposite: hormone replacement therapy actually had life-threatening risks such as heart attacks, strokes, and cancer.

"Women felt betrayed," says Isaac Schiff, MD, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. "They were calling their doctors, saying, 'How could you put me on this drug which causes heart attacks, strokes, and cancer?'"

Understanding Menopause -- Symptoms

Not all women experience symptoms prior to or following menopause, which is defined as the time when a woman has naturally ceased having menstrual periods for one year. If menopausal symptoms occur, they may include hot flashes, night sweats, pain during intercourse due to vaginal dryness, and increased anxiety or irritability.

Read the Understanding Menopause -- Symptoms article > >

Almost overnight, standard medical practice changed. Doctors stopped prescribing hormone replacement therapy and 65% of women on HRT quit, according to Schiff.

But some experts say hormone replacement therapy may be coming back. All along HRT remained an important treatment for menopause symptoms like hot flashes. And now, a number of recent studies show that hormone replacement therapy may have protective benefits for women who are early in menopause.

"I think we swung too positive on hormone therapy in the past and then we went too negative," says Schiff, who is also chair of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Task Force on Hormone Therapy. "Now we're trying to find a balance in between."

"We're definitely in a gray zone of uncertainty about hormone therapy," says Jacques Rossouw, MD, project officer for the federal Women's Health Initiative (WHI). "But when you're uncertain, you have to err on the side of safety."

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Hormone Replacement Therapy - WebMD

34 Menopause Symptoms

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Many women experience some physical and emotional symptoms during menopause, caused by hormonal imbalance. Typically, a woman will begin to experience menopause symptoms around her mid-40's as her body's reproductive capability comes to the end.

This prolonged stage of gradually falling and fluctuating hormone levels is called perimenopause, which can last upwards of two years before a woman's final period. For most women, perimenopause symptoms end at menopause; however, some symptoms will continue.

http://www.34-menopause-symptoms.com was designed to guide women through the menopausal transition with knowledge, ease, and peace of mindmenopause. It contains helpful information about menopause treatments and practical suggestions for relieving menopause symptoms.

Women can look here for expert advice on any of the 34 menopause symptoms, whether it be hot flashes, night sweats, irregular periods, loss of libido, and vaginal dryness, or any other.

1

Hot flashes, also known as hot flushes, are a sudden, transient sensation of warmth or heat that spreads over the body, creating a flushing, or redness, that is particularly noticeable on the face and upper body. The experience of hot flashes can range between delicate flushes and a sensation of engulfing flames.

Hot flashes result from the body's reaction to a decreased supply of the hormone estrogen, which occurs naturally as women approach menopause. Not all women experience hot flashes, but more than half do. For some women, estrogen production decreases gradually, producing fewer hot flashes. But for others, the ovaries stop estrogen production more abruptly; for these women, hot flashes can be a rollercoaster ride. About 75 to 85% of American women are estimated to experience hot flashes during menopause.

Postmenopausal women are still at risk for enduring the pains of menopause. Certain symptoms, such as hot flashes, are highly common. Hot flashes can be extremely disruptive and may continue well into the later years of life. Women must learn how to recognize and manage this unfortunate persistent symptom of growing older.

2

Night sweats are classified as severe hot flashes that occur during sleep accompanied by intense bouts of sweating. Also known as sleep hyperhidrosis, night sweats aren't actually a sleep disorder, but a common perspiration disorder that occurs during sleep in menopausal women. These episodes of nighttime sweating can range in severity from mild to intense, and can be caused by hormonal imbalance combined with environmental factors, such as an excessively warm sleeping environment.

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34 Menopause Symptoms

Menopause and HRT – symptoms and signs. The average …

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What is the menopause?

Strictly speaking, the menopause is your last menstrual period. However, most women think of the menopause as the time of life leading up to, and after, their last period. In reality, your periods don't just stop. First they tend to become less frequent. It can take several years for a woman to go through the menopause completely. Women are said to have gone through the menopause (be postmenopausal) when they have not had a period at all for one year.

A natural menopause occurs because as you get older your ovaries stop producing eggs and make less oestrogen (the main female hormone). The average age of the menopause in the UK is 51. Your menopause is said to be early if it occurs before the age of 45 and premature if it occurs before the age of 40 years. Early menopause is uncommon.

There are certain things that may cause an early menopause. For example:

Early menopause and premature menopause are not discussed in detail in this leaflet

The menopause is a natural event. Every woman will go through it at some point. You may have no problems. However, it is common to develop one or more symptoms which are due to the low level of oestrogen. About 8 out of 10 women will develop menopausal symptoms at some point.

These short-term symptoms only last for a few months in some women. However, for others they can continue for a few years after their last period:

Your doctor can usually diagnose the menopause by your typical symptoms. Hormone blood tests are not usually needed to confirm that you are going through the menopause. However, they may be helpful in some cases. For example, if your doctor suspects that you are going through an early menopause, or if you have had a previous hysterectomy (and so are no longer having periods), or if you are not experiencing typical symptoms of the menopause.

Without treatment, the short-term symptoms discussed above last for 2-5 years in most women. In some women they may last longer. HRT is available to ease the symptoms of the menopause. It has benefits and risks, which are discussed below.

There are treatments other than HRT for menopausal symptoms. As a rule, they are not as effective as HRT, but may help relieve some symptoms. (See separate leaflet called Menopause - Alternatives to HRTfor details of menopausal symptom treatments other than HRT, which are not mentioned further here.)

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Menopause and HRT - symptoms and signs. The average ...

Top 5 Natural Homeopathic Remedies for Hypothyroidism …

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Dear Dr. Sharma. I would like to have your advice in homeopathic tratment. I know how to advise something without full history of the patient. That because I took questionary online. May be it can help Thank you.

1. Your age & sex 61 y.o., male

2. Describe your appearance i.e. weight, height, body type (thin, medium, chubby, fat etc) 175 cm., 91 kg., little overweight, oval face, white, pale

3. Your profession Engineer

4. Describe your personality in at least 20 words (stubborn, easy going, always in a hurry etc.) calm, accommodating, moderately sociable, sometimes irritable, but quickly calmed down, not jealous. I do not like very noisy events, thundering music. I love to be alone sometimes, like melodious music, go to a swimming pool and fitness

5. What is your main health problem & its symptoms Actually I have two main problems. 1. Hypothyroidism, but this problem is under medical control. 2-3 times a year blood tests checking my TSH level. 2. Adenoma BPH. Currently it worried me very much. PSA level is OK The symptoms are: frequent urination, have to wait to start, especially in public places, incomplete emptying feeling of the bladder, frequent need to urinate , interruption of the flow

6. When did this main problem begin Hypothyroidism about 16 years ago, Prostate about 10-11 years ago

8. What makes the main problem better (pressure, warmth, cold, lying down, sitting etc.) warm shower make feel prostate better 9. What makes it worse (pressure, warmth, cold, lying down, sitting etc.) when I drink too much water 10. How do you feel mentally & emotionally during this problem (weepy, irritable, restless, sad, hopeless, fear of death etc.) Prostate problems prevent me feel comfortable, always have to search for a toilet when you go out for a long time or on vocations

11. What other health problems do you have A) About 8 years I am suffering from Urticaria. Little spots or strips can appear on hand, armpit, other side of elbow, butt or other side of knee (some years this urticaria was even on scrotum). In several days they become bigger and bigger, the color is more red and itchy. Usually it last 3-6 weeks and then disappear by itself. Most of the times it appears in summer time or on vocations (for example in Caribbean) even in the winter. Many times I went to dermatology doctors they even took biopsy of skin , but say this is some kind of dermatitis, looks like Urticaria. They advise take Allegra every day and use different creams, but it does not help me. B) Back pain

12. What makes these other health problems better or worse (explain each problem) Urticaria: I feel better after shower , in cool room and worse when is stuffy and high humidity .

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Top 5 Natural Homeopathic Remedies for Hypothyroidism ...

300+ Hypothyroidism SymptomsYes REALLY

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I have stumbled upon this page by accident specially that Im preparing a presentation and report about Hashimoto thyroiditis surprisingly I found a lot of the symptoms listed here relates to me specially that I have witnessed an alarming weight gain from 52 kilos to 70 kg in the past year. I thought it was because of the depo provera shot that I took which also caused me recurring pain in the arm where I received the shot. I took the depo provera because I had unexplained excessive menstrual bleeding that cause me to have an very low Iron level. now I switched to IUD

I have noticed that I have those symptoms: Excessive tiredness, Less stamina than others, Less energy than others, Long recovery period after any activity, Inability to stand on feet for long periods ( maybe because I have a flat foot), Inability to concentrate or read long periods of time, Feel weak, Sluggish, Sleep apnea, Dizziness, Lightheaded, Wake feeling tired, Frequently oversleep, Weight gain, Inability to lose weight, Heightened appetite, Cold extremities, Cold sweats, Internal shivering, Slow movements, Slow speech, Low immune system, Recurrent sinus infections, Recurrent ear infections, Recurrent throat infections, Sore throats, Choking fits, Salt cravings, Sweet cravings, Dry mouth, Propensity for cavities, Bleeding gums, Persistent teeth clenching, Noises in ears (hissing, ringing), Internal itching of ears, Excess earwax,Vertigo, Poor focusing, Dry eyes, Frequent tics in the eyes, Spasms of the eyelids, Red inflamed eyes, Dark rings under eyes, Puffiness around the eyes,Hair: Body hair loss, Head hair loss, Dry hair, Brittle hair, Coarse hair, Nails: Brittleness, Yellowish, Ridged, Skin: Dry skin, Pale skin, Pale lips, Easy bruising, Bleeding problems, Acne on face, Breakout on chest and back, Chronic itching, Moles and warty growths, Hives, Numbness and Tingling:Legs, Feet, Arms, Hands, Migraines, Chronic back, Muscles and joint pain, Joint stiffness, Tendonitis, Painful soles of feet, Muscle cramps, Aching bones, Aching muscles, Joint pain, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Colitis, Abdominal distention, Weight gain in abdominal area, Flatulence, Nausea, GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), Heavy periods (menorrhagia), Irregular periods, Excruciating pain during period, Constant bleeding, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Extreme bloating and water retention, Loss of libido, Vaginal dryness, Painful sex, Easily upset, Irritable, Wanting to be solitary, Mood swings, Anxiety, Personality changes, Feelings of resentment, Jumpy , Lack of confidence, Nervousness, Stress, Anemia, Lack of coordination, Clumsiness, Tendency to fall, Restless Leg Syndrome, Flat feet, Depression, Panic attacks, Memory loss, Confusion, Brain fog, Mental sluggishness, Poor concentration, Noises and/or voices in head, Delusions, Phobias, Loss of drive, Nightmares, Suicidal thoughts, Frequent need to urinate, Decreased output of urine, Elevated liver enzymes, Breathlessness, Difficulty drawing a full breath, Shortness of breath, Tightness in chest, Slow/weak pulse (under 60 bpm) , Fast pulse (over 90 bpm at rest),Skipped beats, Heart palpitations, Chest pain

I was talking to my sister about it and she said it might be just a Vit. D deficiency but after reading this article I think I should go check my thyroid hormones !

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300+ Hypothyroidism SymptomsYes REALLY

Prevalence, Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypogonadism in …

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by Culley C. Carson III, MD

Hypogonadism is defined as deficient or absent male gonadal function that results in insufficient testosterone secretion. Hypogonadism may be primary due to testicular failure, or secondary due to hypothalamic-pituitary axis dysfunction, resulting in the production or release of insufficient testosterone to maintain testosterone-dependent functions and systems. Hypogonadism can also result from a combination of testicular failure and hypothalamic-pituitary axis dysfunction.

Hypogonadism affects an estimated 4 to 5 million men in the United States, and although it may occur in men at any age, low testosterone levels are especially common in older males. More than 60% of men over age 65 have free testosterone levels below the normal values of men aged 30 to 35. Studies suggest that hypogonadism in adult men is often underdiagnosed and under treated. This may be because the symptoms are easily attributed to aging or other medical causes, or ignored by patients and physicians. In fact, only about 5% of hypogonadal men receive testosterone replacement. Some experts also believe that we need to reevaluate normal testosterone the levels and lower the diagnostic cutoff for hypogonadism. By doing so, many patients who we now consider to be low- normal would probably be considered candidates for androgen replacement.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypogonadism Low testosterone, or male hypogonadism, is associated with a number of signs and symptoms, most notably loss of libido and erectile dysfunction (ED). Other signs of low testosterone include depressive symptoms, a decrease in cognitive abilities, irritability and lethargy or loss of energy. Deficient endogenous testosterone also has negative effects on bone mass and is a significant risk factor for osteoporosis in men. Progressive decrease in muscle mass and muscle strength and testicular dysfunction, often resulting in impaired sperm production, are also associated with low testosterone levels.

A younger patient may have pure hypogonadism as a primary event, whereas an older man may have an age-related decline in testosterone production that is a part of his ED profile. However, because both ED and loss of libido are hallmarks of hypogonadism, any patient who presents with ED should have a basic hormone profile to determine if he has low testosterone. Treatments to normalize testosterone can not only improve libido, energy level and the potential to have normal erections, but can also improve the response to sildenafil, if that is deemed appropriate treatment.

Screening for Hypogonadism An inexpensive and reliable screening test for hypogonadism is a morning serum total testosterone level, which measures free testosterone plus protein-bound testosterone. A morning sample is recommended, because testosterone levels demonstrate a diurnal pattern in which the highest level is reached in the early morning hours. Morning testosterone values <300 ng/dL (10.4 nmol/L) suggest hypogonadism and should be confirmed by a second assay.

If a repeat assay confirms low testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) should be measured to determine whether the cause is primary or secondary. LH levels <2 ng/mL suggest a hypothalamic lesion (pituitary adenoma, trauma, etc), whereas LH levels >10 ng/mL indicate primary testicular failure. Levels within the normal range suggest an age-related, decreased hypothalamic response to declining testosterone levels. In addition, serum prolactin should also be measured to rule out the presence of a pituitary tumor.

At our institution we are also currently measuring dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels. Some investigators believe that replacing DHEA in patients with low libidos and normal or borderline testosterone is an important component of treatment to restore sexual desire and performance. Although controlled clinical studies are needed to confirm this approach, there is growing evidence that DHEA may play an important role in the treatment of male sexual dysfunction.

ADAM Questionnaire In addition to laboratory tests and a careful physical examination, a brief screening instrument has also been developed to aid in the diagnosis of hypogonadism. Researchers at St. Louis University created the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire, which has been shown to be a highly sensitive (88%) instrument but with low specificity (66%), largely due to questions that identify patients with depression. However, because many men with hypogonadism dont seek medical attention, instruments such as the ADAM questionnaire can be a useful way to screen for clinical symptoms of androgen deficiency. Once testosterone deficiency is confirmed, we then consider testosterone replacement therapy.

Goals of Treatment The goal of testosterone replacement therapy is to provide and maintain a normal level of testosterone, thereby restoring libido and improving erectile function; improving mood and providing a sense of well-being; decreasing fatigue; and improving lean body mass, strength and stamina. Also, because hypogonadism is the most common cause of osteoporosis in men, testosterone replacement may improve bone density to help prevent this disease and related complications.

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Prevalence, Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypogonadism in ...

Andropause Treatment Program Renew Man

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We dont just treat testosterone and neither should you. Renew Man helps you maximize your potential with a complete hormone program.

When you work with Renew Man,treatmentfor your andropause symptoms will be individualized, safe, and effective. Accomplishing those three objectives is what were all about. Our highly trained doctors understand that male menopauseis caused by a decline in testosterone, DHEA, and thyroidproduction. Because restoring hormonal balance is vital to overcoming your male menopause symptoms, your Renew Man doctor will develop a uniquely individualizedandropause therapyprogram that will get you back to feeling like your younger, stronger, more virile self again. We will help you get your life back.

Your Renew Man doctor will design an individualized treatment program for your unique needs and symptoms. Our goal is to have you feeling better and living a healthier, more energetic life as soon as possible. An important component to your program will be to make sure testosterone, thyroid, and DHEA are replaced to healthy levels. However, male hormone therapy that is done correctly is more complicated than just replacing hormones

As men age and hormones decline, they lose muscle mass, and gain fat. Losing muscle and gaining fat are undesirable in and of themselves. But theres more than just that. Theres an enzyme found in fat called aromatase. The problem with aromatase is that it works to convert testosterone to estrogen as you age. Elevated estrogen will kill your sex drive,can jeopardize prostate health, and can cause other unpleasant symptoms like water retention and sore nipples. As part your treatment plan, your Renew Man doctor will counter the effects of aromatase by increasing testosterone and suppressing estrogen if necessary. This is a critically important piece of the treatment puzzle that far too many practitioners miss.

And there are others. Againthere is more to safe and effective male hormone replacement therapy than simply replacing hormones. Whether you chose to work with us or not, we cant stress enough how important it is that you work with someone who knows what theyre doing.

We know (from our clients) that there are many practitioners out there who will tell patients suffering from the uncomfortable symptoms of andropause that declining hormones are normal, and that andropause symptoms should be accepted as part of aging. We couldnt disagree more.

At Renew Man, we dont consider andropause symptoms to be normal, primarily because andropause symptoms are not indicative of health, and because andropause symptoms are treatable. We believe that as you age, you should be able to maintain your muscle mass, mental sharpness, energy, and sexual staminaand that with healthy hormones, you will be healthier overall. This includes your heart, your brain, your bones, and just about every other part of your body.

Getting older is invevitablegetting old is not.

Male hormone replacement therapy is safe if administered correctly. In fact, andropause research over the past decade has focused largely on the health benefits of male hormone treatment,and has concluded that hormone deficiency and hormone imbalance are contributing factors in heart disease and prostate cancer, as well as neurological disorders like Alzheimers.

Conclusion: properly administered hormone therapy can reduce the occurrence of these chronic diseases, and at the same time make you feel younger and healthier.

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Andropause Treatment Program Renew Man

Renew Man | Overcome Low Testosterone & Andropause Symptoms

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Andropause, or male menopause, is the result of a steady decline in testosterone and other related hormones (like thyroid, DHEA and cortisol). This decline begins when a man is in his late 20s, and symptoms are generally felt by the late 30s to early 40s.

No man escapes andropause. It will happen to everyone. Fortunately, with proper male hormone treatment, the symptoms of andropause can be eliminated in as little as 4 to 6 weeks after hormones are balanced. And yesmale hormone treatment is safe, if its done correctly.

Its important to know that theres a right way to do testosterone replacement, and a wrong way. The right way is safe, doesnt cause side effects, and will have you feeling like a new man in no time.

Renew Man has been helping men to overcome their andropause symptoms for over 15 years. Were pioneers where hormone therapy for men is concerned, and were passionate when it comes to mens health and healthy aging. Our national network of doctors provide treatment to our clients using a common set of protocolsprotocols that are above all other things, safe and effective. Our approach to male hormone therapy is tried and true, and will get your engine running again.

Suffering with the symptoms of andropause is unnecessary. You dont have to continue feeling fatigued, depressed, and irritable. You dont have to suffer with having a low sex drive. You deserve to have healthy sexual function and a healthy prostate. You can regain your motivation, and your ability to focus and concentrate. Managing your weight and maintaining muscle mass can be easier; and if you have belly fat, you can get rid of it.

With proper male hormone therapy, symptoms will begin to improve in 7 to 14 days. And with good lifestyle choices (i.e. a healthy diet, sufficient physical activity, and stress management), your symptoms can be gone in as little as 4-8 weeks after your hormones are balanced.

Call us. We wont try to sell you anything. Let us impress you with our knowledge and expertise. You can reach us at800-859-7511. Or fill out our contact form. We look forward to speaking with you.

Renew Man is a division of Renew Youth. Renew Youth has been providing healthy aging choices for women (www.renewwoman.com) and men for more than 15 years. Our network of experienced doctors spans the country, with specialists located in most major metropolitan areas.

Here are some important things wed like you to know about us:

Renew Mans nationwide network of physicians is at the heart of our hormone replacement programs. Every Renew Man doctor is board certified, and has specialized training in treating andropause-related hormone decline, with overall expertise in healthy aging. Theyre ready to work with you toward managing your andropause symptoms in a way that is customized just for you. Our objective is to offer you safe and effective treatment choices, with optimal results. Continue reading

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Renew Man | Overcome Low Testosterone & Andropause Symptoms

Hormone Replacement Therapy Harmful – Mercola.com

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By Dr. Mercola

The US Preventive Services Task Force recently published its draft recommendations on hormone replacement therapyi.

While the task force has previously sparked controversy with its recommendations for breast cancer and PSA prostate cancer screening, their recommendations for hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women taking hormones to prevent chronic disease has been met with little resistance.

The group is changing its recommendations for menopausal women who use hormone therapy, either estrogen alone, or in combination with progestin to prevent heart disease, osteoporosis, and cognitive decline.

They are accepting public comments on the draft until June 26, at which point the group will decide whether to make the draft recommendations final. According to a recent report by CNNii:

"... The task force recommendations "are aimed at older women, who are generally healthy asking, 'If I take a pill a day, will I prevent a heart attack?" [Dr. Carolyn] Crandall [professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA] said.

... In the face of pretty good evidence, the balance of potential benefits and potential harms leads us not to recommend the use of these therapies," said Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, a task force member.

The proposed recommendations do not apply to women younger than 50 who have undergone surgical menopause or who are taking hormone therapy to manage menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, according to the panel.

... "The balance of benefits or harms may be different with young women, so you can't say this absolutely applies to younger women making hormone therapy decisions," Crandall said."

The task force based their new recommendation on a recent review of the results from nine clinical trials published over the past decadeiii. The main question the group sought to answer was whether or not hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should be used by otherwise healthy menopausal women "to prevent a hypothetical future health event such as heart disease or cognitive decline." Alas, according to the task force, "There is no evidence that the therapies would prevent those conditionsiv.

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Hormone Replacement Therapy Harmful - Mercola.com

Treatment of Vaginal Eczema – Dermatology – MedHelp

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Due to no health insurance, I am self-diagnosed with vaginal eczema. I have had eczema all over my body since the day I was born, but as I aged the symptoms lessened to the point that I rarely ever have any spots--except on my vaginal area, which has been tormenting me for about 20 years now.

About 15 years ago, my mother mentioned to me that a lot of people with eczema have allergy to aloe.I experimented with aloe & found out that FOR SURE I was one of them aloe-intolerant people.And it doesn't surprise me that I only had vaginal irritation for the last TWO decades, & not my whole life (I am now 40) because it's been only within the last 20 years that aloe has become a staple in almost EVERY beauty product.

I am sharing this with you all--a bit late, but hopefully someone who is browsing the web for a solution to the same problem can benefit from this.

Now I want to list some of the items that aloe is in, as I myself was amazed at my finding while trying to weed out aloe in my hygiene: Some bathroom tissue--toilet paper--has aloe.It may not say it on the package, but I recommend calling the customer service hotline to make sure yours doesn't.It's added to give the tissue softness. Almost every triple-blade & quadruple blade razor.It's in the moisture strip.Dollar Shave Club has a triple blade that doesn't have aloe.I only use their blades now. Hair gel, styling mouse, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, soap. Some girdles--believe it or not, some girdle makers CLAIM the aloe helps you lose fat while wearing it. Condoms--yes, some condoms even use aloe in the lubricants. Baby wipes. Shaving gel. I'll tell you the pain I've had for the last 11 years trying to get my partner to quit using his Aveeno aloe & flaxseed hair gel & to quit using them Bic blades with aloe.It has made my sex life absolute HADES b/c with all the aloe he was using on his body was causing severe irritation on my labia. He's finally weeded out the aloe, but only because *I* went out & bought him all theshaving supplies, hair supplies & paid for the monthly order from Dollar Shave Club. I'm telling you, you will come across 3 types of partners: 1. Those who don't care 2.Those who think you're making more out of it than what it is. 3.Those who think you're lying about the problem.

You have to stand alone on this & do what you can to promote your own sexual health--because apparently no one else will care.

Also, I want to say that the only thing that's helped me is Lysine Plus cream--meant for the lips on the face, not the vaginal ones--from Quantum Inc.Just dab lightly with it, it's way too expensive to apply liberally.

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Treatment of Vaginal Eczema - Dermatology - MedHelp

Home Remedies for Eczema – Treatment & Cure – Natural …

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What is Eczema? Eczema is a skin condition, which is also referred to as dermatitis. This condition is very common among babies and young children. However, eczema can also affect adults. Those who suffer from eczema experience severe itchiness in the affected area. This itchiness is often so intense that the affected person is unable to control the urge to scratch the area. Constant scratching of the itchy area leads to soreness and bleeding. Such open wounds often become infected and inflamed as well. In some cases, mild eczema persists throughout the person's life. Such eczema often worsens if the person develops conditions such as hay fever or asthma. It is important to monitor this condition so as to prevent it from becoming very severe. Eczema can be treated effectively by making use of various topical remedies. These remedies include herbs and common household remedies. It is important to keep the affected areas clean and dry so as to prevent complications that could arise due to secondary infections. Symptoms of Eczema Discoloured Patches on the Skin

The affected portions of the skin often become discoloured. In most cases, they become dark brown or red in colour. Eczema often develops on the arms or on the areas behind the knees. These areas often become much darker than the normal skin of the person. Such discoloured patches make the skin look rather unsightly.

Itching is one of the earliest symptoms of eczema. The affected area of the skin becomes extremely itchy and this causes the affected person to suffer from a severe urge to scratch the area. In most cases, this urge is so intense that the patient gives in and scratches the area repeatedly, as a result of which, bleeding takes place. The Mayo Clinic also states the same fact. In most cases, the symptom of itchiness worsens at night and this disturbs the sleep of the patient as well.

The affected portions of the skin often develop numerous bumps, which are red in colour. These bumps are very tiny and often start oozing. They secrete a sticky fluid, which tends to make the affected skin even itchier than before. It is important to keep such skin dry so as to prevent the occurrence of fungal or bacterial infections. When these bumps start drying, they form a crust-like layer on the skin and this crust eventually falls off.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases states that people who have a family history of hay fever or asthma are more likely to suffer from eczema than those who do not have a family history of such problems. This proves that such conditions are hereditary. There is a protein, which is called cytokine. This protein is responsible for the proper functioning of the immune system. When the body is deficient in this protein, the immune system responds to every stimuli and this often triggers outbreaks of eczema.

It has been stated by the 'National Eczema Association for Science and Education' that people who are living in cities are more likely to develop eczema than those who live in rural areas. This is because the urban areas are much more polluted than the rural areas and so the skin can react to the pollutants that are present in city air.

Skin irritations often trigger certain types of eczema. In some cases, the skin of the patient does not react immediately to the allergen. It can take up to several months or even a year for such reactions to result in eczema. This has been stated by the American Academy of Dermatology. Common skin irritants include battery acid, nickel and yeast.

Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. Children are very prone to suffering from this condition. However, adults can also develop atopic dermatitis, especially if they have a family history of hay fever or asthma. Atopic dermatitis causes the patient to develop red rashes on certain portions of the skin. These rashes are extremely itchy and often secrete a sticky fluid. In the later stages of eczema, the affected portions of skin become thick and dry.

Contact dermatitis is a condition, which develops when the skin of the person reacts to certain allergens. Common allergens include detergents and pollutants. The affected skin becomes deep red in colour and swells up as well. Oozing is also a common symptom of contact dermatitis. The affected individual must try to avoid contact with the allergen, in the future.

Such cases of eczema are common in extreme climatic conditions. Very cold weather or very dry weather can cause a person to have an outbreak of seborrheic dermatitis. In most cases, seborrheic dermatitis first affects the scalp of the person and then spreads to the hands and face. The affected portions of skin become extremely itchy. They often become swollen as well and the patient experiences severe burning in the area.

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CDC – Psoriasis Home Page – Psoriasis

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What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease that speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells.

Psoriasis causes patches of thick red skin and silvery scales. Patches are typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of feet, but can affect other places (fingernails, toenails, and mouth). The most common type of psoriasis is called plaque psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory type of arthritis that eventually occurs in 10% to 20% of people with psoriasis. It is different from more common types of arthritis (such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis) and is thought to be related to the underlying problem of psoriasis. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are sometimes considered together as psoriatic disease.

Anyone can get psoriasis. It occurs mostly in adults, but children can also get it. Men and women seem to have equal risk.

Psoriasis is not contagious. This means you cannot get psoriasis from contact (e.g., touching skin patches) with someone who has it.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, meaning that part of the bodys own immune system becomes overactive and attacks normal tissues in the body.

Psoriasis often has a typical appearance that a primary care doctor can recognize, but it can be confused with other skin diseases (like eczema), so a dermatologist (skin doctor) is often the best doctor to diagnose it. The treatment of psoriasis usually depends on how much skin is affected, how bad the disease is (e.g., having many or painful skin patches), or the location (especially the face). Treatments range from creams and ointments applied to the affected areas to ultraviolet light therapy to drugs (such as methotrexate). Many people who have psoriasis also have serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression.

Psoriatic arthritis has many of the same symptoms as other types of arthritis, so a rheumatologist (arthritis doctor) is often the best doctor to diagnose it. The treatment of psoriatic arthritis usually involves the use of drugs (such as methotrexate).

Psoriatic disease (when a person has psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis) may be treated with drugs (such as methotrexate) or a combination of drugs and creams or ointments.

Efforts to address psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis have typically focused on studying and treating individual patients and on clinical and biomedical research. In 2010, CDC worked with experts in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and public health to develop a public health perspective that considers how these conditions affect the entire population. The resulting report is Developing and Addressing the Public Health Agenda for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (Agenda)[PDF - 380.44KB]. You can read a short article about the agenda in The American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

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Psoriasis Pictures – Psoriasis Symptoms, Treatment, Cures

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There is no substitute for visiting a doctor or dermatologist for help in getting a diagnosis and receiving treatment advice for psoriasis. However, because there are a large number of treatments which are considered effective, some of which are quite simple and inexpensive, many individuals can also find success in treating their psoriasis on their own. How? By informing themselves about the variety of available treatments and then treating themselves through a careful trial-and-error approach. Though there is still no simple cure for all psoriasis, many can find relief and partial or even total clearing of their skin by exploring available treatment options.

In this section describing the treatment of psoriasis, we will briefly review only some of the more popular and effective treatments, some of which involve using prescription or over-the-counter drugs and others which are more natural. However, before describing these treatments lets briefly review what causes psoriasis.

Psoriasis is commonly understood to be a disorder of the immune system, and is called an auto-immune disorder. In psoriasis ones own immune system, and in particular, ones T-helper cells, mistakenly attacks ones own skin cells. Most psoriasis treatments focus on addressing this immune response, either by suppressing the immune system, by removing the source or a link of the immune response, or by treating the symptoms on the skin. Ok, now lets get on to a brief review of some of the more common treatments.

Biologics- Biologics are a new class of drugs for treating more severe cases of psoriasis, and include Amevive, Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, and now Stelara, among others. Amevive works by blocking the T-cell immune response, and Enbrel, Humira, and Remicade work by blocking another key factor in the immune response, which is called TNF-alpha. Stelara, the most recent to be approved, works by blocking the activation of some of the interleukin chains in the immune response. The biologics have given hope to many with moderate to severe psoriasis who were not previously helped by other treatments, however biologics also have a higher risk of sometimes serious side effects, such as infections. Other drawbacks are that the biologics usually have to be administered by injection or infusion, do not work for everybody, are very expensive, and the symptoms of psoriasis usually return after treatment ends.

Coal Tar- An old and common form of treatment used to control mild cases of psoriasis, coal toar is used in shampoos and creams. Though coal tar can reduce itching and inflammation for some people, it is only moderately effective, is messy, can irritate the skin and in high concentrations can be toxic and possibly carcinogenic.

Coconut Oil- Coconut oil has been receiving more attention recently as a treatment for psoriasis sufferers, both as a dietary supplement and as a skin ointment. Coconut oil contains high levels of lauric acid, which is known to help destroy candida in the intestinal tract, thereby healing one of the possible underlying causes of psoriasis. Coconut oil has also been shown to reduce inflammation, both when taken as a nutritional supplement or when applied to the skin.

Cyclosporin- Cyclosporin is an immunosuppressant and is effective at reducing psoriatic symptoms because it reduces and suppresses the immune system For the same reason, however, cyclosporin comes with a higher risk of side-effects and is usually only prescribed for more severe cases of psoriasis.

Diet Modification- Modifying ones diet can often be the most effective form of controlling psoriasis. Why? There is increasing evidence that byproducts from food may be the triggers for the immune response which causes psoriasis. Some researchers have proposed that leaky gut syndrome (also called intestinal hyperpermeability) may be responsible for the leaking of food-based agents from the intestinal tract into the bloodstream. Thus, diet modification may help by not only removing the food triggers from ones system, but also by helping to heal ones intestinal tract, perhaps by combatting an overgrowth of candida, which is one possible cause of leaky gut syndrome. Those that are serious about controlling their psoriasis and that want to do so with minimal cost and risk of side-effects from medications should explore the research available on controlling psoriasis through modifying ones diet. Some common food triggers include dairy products, highly acidic foods, fermented foods, alcohol, sugars, nuts, wheat, gluten, nightshades, and many others; however, it is important to recognize that different people may have different food triggers- one needs to experiment for oneself. Also, in addition to removing certain items, many have benefitted from adding other items to their diet, such as cocounut oil, fish oil and other omega 3s, folic acid, zinc, antioxidants, Vitamin D and probiotics.

Dithralin (Anthralin) Dithralin is a synthetic form of an extract from the bark of the South American araroba tree. It is often quite effective, and works by blocking cell proliferation. It often takes a while to start working and can stain and irritate the skin. Dovonex and other Vitamin D analogues- Dovonex, the brand name for calcipotriene, is the most well known and widely used form of the Vitamin D analogues which are used to treat psoriasis. Others are Vectical and tacalcitol. Dovonex is a synthetic form of Vitamin D3, and works by inhibiting skin cell growth and proliferation. Many people report good results with Dovonex, and the known side effects are minimal, however, it can take a number of weeks before seeing results and some people report minimal clearing. Recently, the Vitamin D analogues have also sometimes been formulated to include hydrocortisone.

Methotrexate- Like cyclosporin, methotrexate is a systemic medication with more potentially serious side effects, but which can also offer relief for more serious cases of psoriasis as well as severe cases of psoriatic arthritis. Methotrexate works by inhibiting cell growth, and was originally approved for use as a chemotherapeutic treatment for cancer. The most serious potential side-effect of taking methotrexate is liver damage, and its use must be monitored by medical professionals.

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Psoriasis – Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

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La psoriasis (AFI:[soja.sis], del griego , picor) es una enfermedad inflamatoria crnica de la piel de origen autoinmune,[1] que produce lesiones escamosas engrosadas e inflamadas, con una amplia variabilidad clnica y evolutiva. No es contagiosa, aunque s puede ser hereditaria, es ms probable que la hereden los hombres que las mujeres.

Puede afectar a cualquier parte de la piel, frecuentemente a las zonas de codos, rodillas, cuero cabelludo, abdomen y espalda. No es raro que produzca afectacin de las uas. Esto se conoce como psoriasis ungueal. Las uas pueden ser la nica zona afectada al principio de la psoriasis. En ocasiones produce complicaciones como la artritis psorisica.

La clasificacin ms utilizada se organiza segn los sntomas, los tipos de lesiones cutneas y la gravedad general del cuadro. Es la clasificacin ms til para la eleccin de su tratamiento y para el conocimiento del pronstico de la enfermedad en cada paciente. La clasificacin est detallada en el apartado Cuadro clnico. En la antigedad era falsamente diagnosticada como lepra, debido a la similitud de sintomatologa.

Se estima que entre un 1 y un 3% de la poblacin sufre de psoriasis.[2][3]

La prevalencia de la psoriasis vara entre las diferentes poblaciones de todo el mundo.[4] Los datos indican que la aparicin de la psoriasis vara segn la edad (menor en los nios) y regin geogrfica, siendo ms frecuente en los pases ms distantes del ecuador.[5] Las tasas de prevalencia en Europa se calculan en alrededor del 1,5%, mientras que en los EE.UU. se estima que la incidencia es aproximadamente del 4,6%. En contraste, se han observado tasas de prevalencia mucho ms bajas entre los afroamericanos, los pases africanos del este, India (0,7%) y China (0,4%).[6]

Si bien puede debutar a cualquier edad, suele hacerlo entre los 15 y los 35aos, con un pico mximo de incidencia en la segunda dcada. Afecta por igual a ambos sexos, aunque es ms precoz en mujeres y en personas con antecedentes familiares.

La psoriasis puede aparecer tambin en la infancia. Aproximadamente un tercio de los pacientes registrados fueron diagnosticados antes de los 20 aos,[7] acentundose en estos casos los posibles problemas de autoestima y comportamiento asociados a la enfermedad. Investigaciones clnicas han hecho referencia a casos de acoso escolar debidos a la enfermedad.

La psoriasis es una enfermedad multifactorial compleja,[4] de origen autoinmune,[1] y su etiologa exacta es en gran parte desconocida. Se ha demostrado una predisposicin gentica, la cual sin embargo no puede explicar completamente la patognesis de la enfermedad. Adems de la susceptibilidad gentica, se suman factores ambientales, as como el gnero y la edad. Recientemente, ciertos desequilibrios en los mecanismos de regulacin epigenticos se indican como elementos causales en la psoriasis.[4]

La herencia de esta enfermedad es posiblemente polignica. Se ha demostrado una importante agregacin familiar,[8] con una concordancia aproximada en gemelos monocigticos del 60%[6] y la asociacin a determinados HLA.

En este sentido, se asocia la predisposicin a psoriasis con los antgenos HLA-CW6, y HLA-DR7. Adems, existe correlacin entre el tipo clnico de psoriasis y otros antgenos HLA. Por ejemplo, el HLA-B17 se asocia a un inicio ms precoz y un curso ms grave, y el HLA-B27 est relacionado con la forma pustulosa generalizada.[9]

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Psoriasis - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

Rheumatoid arthritis – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects joints.[1] It may result in deformed and painful joints, which can lead to loss of function. The disease may also have signs and symptoms in organs other than joints.

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not completely understood. The process involves inflammation and fibrosis of the capsule around the joints. It also affects the underlying bone and cartilage.[1] RA can produce diffuse inflammation in the lungs, the membrane around the heart, the membranes of the lung, and whites of the eye. It can also produce nodular lesions, most common within the skin. It is a clinical diagnosis made mostly on the basis of symptoms and physical examination. X-rays, laboratory testing, and synovial fluid analysis might help support a diagnosis or exclude other diseases with similar symptoms.[2]

Treatments include both medication and non-pharmacological measures - the goal being to control joint inflammation and prevent joint damage and disability. Non-pharmacological treatment includes physical therapy, splints and braces, occupational therapy and dietary changes but these do not stop the progression of joint destruction. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, including steroids, suppress symptoms, but do not stop the progression either. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may slow or halt the progress of the disease.[2] Biological DMARDS like anti-TNF agents are effective but usually avoided in persons with active disease or hypersensitivity to these agents.[3] They have been shown to decrease the number of tender or swollen joints and the pain and disability due to the disease but there is little data about side effects.[4]Alternative medicine is not supported by evidence.[5][6][7]

RA affects between 0.5 and 1% of adults in the developed world with between 5 and 50 per 100,000 people newly developing the condition each year.[8] Onset is most frequent during middle age, but people of any age can be affected.[9] In 2013 it resulted in 38,000 deaths up from 28,000 deaths in 1990.[10] The name is based on the term "rheumatic fever", an illness which includes joint pain and is derived from the Greek word -rheuma (nom.), -rheumatos (gen.) ("flow, current"). The suffix -oid ("resembling") gives the translation as joint inflammation that resembles rheumatic fever. The first recognized description of RA was made in 1800 by Dr. Augustin Jacob Landr-Beauvais (17721840) of Paris.[11]

RA primarily affects joints, however it also affects other organs in more than 1525% of individuals.[12]

Arthritis of joints involves inflammation of the synovial membrane. Joints become swollen, tender and warm, and stiffness limits their movement. With time, multiple joints are affected (it is a polyarthritis). Most commonly involved are the small joints of the hands, feet and cervical spine, but larger joints like the shoulder and knee can also be involved.[13]:1089 Synovitis can lead to tethering of tissue with loss of movement and erosion of the joint surface causing deformity and loss of function.[2]

RA typically manifests with signs of inflammation, with the affected joints being swollen, warm, painful and stiff, particularly early in the morning on waking or following prolonged inactivity. Increased stiffness early in the morning is often a prominent feature of the disease and typically lasts for more than an hour. Gentle movements may relieve symptoms in early stages of the disease. These signs help distinguish rheumatoid from non-inflammatory problems of the joints, often referred to as osteoarthritis or "wear-and-tear" arthritis. In arthritis of non-inflammatory causes, signs of inflammation and early morning stiffness are less prominent with stiffness typically less than one hour, and movements induce pain caused by mechanical arthritis.[14] The pain associated with RA is induced at the site of inflammation and classified as nociceptive as opposed to neuropathic.[15] The joints are often affected in a fairly symmetrical fashion, although this is not specific, and the initial presentation may be asymmetrical.[13]:1089

As the pathology progresses the inflammatory activity leads to tendon tethering and erosion and destruction of the joint surface, which impairs range of movement and leads to deformity. The fingers may suffer from almost any deformity depending on which joints are most involved. Specific deformities, which also occur in osteoarthritis, include ulnar deviation, boutonniere deformity, swan neck deformity and "Z-thumb." "Z-thumb" or "Z-deformity" consists of hyperextension of the interphalangeal joint, fixed flexion and subluxation of the metacarpophalangeal joint and gives a "Z" appearance to the thumb.[13]:1089 The hammer toe deformity may be seen. In the worst case, joints are known as arthritis mutilans due to the mutilating nature of the deformities.[1]

The rheumatoid nodule, which is sometimes cutaneous, is the feature most characteristic of RA. It is a type of inflammatory reaction known to pathologists as a "necrotizing granuloma". The initial pathologic process in nodule formation is unknown but may be essentially the same as the synovitis, since similar structural features occur in both. The nodule has a central area of fibrinoid necrosis that may be fissured and which corresponds to the fibrin-rich necrotic material found in and around an affected synovial space. Surrounding the necrosis is a layer of palisading macrophages and fibroblasts, corresponding to the intimal layer in synovium and a cuff of connective tissue containing clusters of lymphocytes and plasma cells, corresponding to the subintimal zone in synovitis. The typical rheumatoid nodule may be a few millimetres to a few centimetres in diameter and is usually found over bony prominences, such as the elbow, the heel, the knuckles, or other areas that sustain repeated mechanical stress. Nodules are associated with a positive RF (rheumatoid factor) titer and severe erosive arthritis. Rarely, these can occur in internal organs or at diverse sites on the body.[citation needed].

Several forms of vasculitis occur in RA. A benign form occurs as microinfarcts around the nailfolds. More severe forms include livedo reticularis, which is a network (reticulum) of erythematous to purplish discoloration of the skin caused by the presence of an obliterative cutaneous capillaropathy.[citation needed].

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Rheumatoid arthritis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Parkinson's disease – Medical News Today

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knowledge center home parkinsons disease all about parkinsons disease what is parkinsons disease? Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects how the person moves, including how they speak and write. Symptoms develop gradually, and may start off with ever-so-slight tremors in one hand. People with Parkinson's disease also experience stiffness and find they cannot carry out movements as rapidly as before - this is called bradykinesia. The muscles of a person with Parkinson's become weaker and the individual may assume an unusual posture.

Parkinson's disease belongs to a group of conditions called movement disorders. Movement disorders describe a variety of abnormal body movements that have a neurological basis, and include such conditions as cerebral palsy, ataxia, and Tourette syndrome.

Approximately one million adults in the USA are thought to live with Parkinson's disease; over 60,000 are diagnosed annually. The real figure is probably much higher when taking into account those who go undetected. According to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, the economic toll of the disease in the USA is nearly $25 billion annually, including direct and indirect costs. The average annual medication costs for an American with Parkinson's disease is between $2,500 and $10,000.

In the United Kingdom approximately 127,000 people have Parkinson's disease - or 1 in every 500 people. About 10 million people around the world are estimated to be living with Parkinson's disease.

A male has a 50% higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease than a female.

In the majority of cases, symptoms start to appear after the age of 50. However, in about 4% to 5% of cases the sufferer is younger than 40 years. When signs and symptoms develop in an individual aged between 21 and 40 years, it is known as Young-onset Parkinson's disease.

Apart from tremor and slow movements, the patient may also have a fixed, inexpressive face - this is because of poorer control over facial muscle coordination and movement.

Parkinson's also affects the voice - a British mathematician believes he has created a cheap and easy to carry-out test using speech signal processing algorithms to accelerate the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Max Little, who developed the algorithm at Oxford University, says that Parkinson's not only impacts on limb movement, but also on how people speak; on their voices. (Link to article)

Parkinson's also affects sense of smell - despite being incurable, doctors today can influence the course of the disease if Parkinson's is detected early enough; the destruction of brain cells can be slowed down - this means a better quality of life for the patient for many years. Scientists have recently discovered that hyposmia, losing one's sense of smell for no known cause, might be a marker for the non-motor signs of Parkinson's disease. The scientists said "Smelling tests in doctors' offices are suitable for detecting hyposmia, but so too are tests conducted in public places such as pedestrian zones." (Link to article)

Neurologist and co-author, co-author Brad Boeve, M.D., said:

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Parkinson's Disease: Hope Through Research: National …

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Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that belongs to a group of conditions called movement disorders. It is both chronic, meaning it persists over a long period of time, and progressive, meaning its symptoms grow worse over time. As nerve cells (neurons) in parts of the brain become impaired or die, people may begin to notice problems with movement, tremor, stiffness in the limbs or the trunk of the body, or impaired balance. As these symptoms become more pronounced, people may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks. Not everyone with one or more of these symptoms has PD, as the symptoms appear in other diseases as well.

The precise cause of PD is unknown, although some cases of PD are hereditary and can be traced to specific genetic mutations. Most cases are sporadicthat is, the disease does not typically run in families. It is thought that PD likely results from a combination of genetic susceptibility and exposure to one or more unknown environmental factors that trigger the disease.

PD is the most common form of parkinsonism[1], in which disorders of other causes produce features and symptoms that closely resemble Parkinsons disease. While most forms of parkinsonism have no known cause, there are cases in which the cause is known or suspected or where the symptoms result from another disorder.

No cure for PD exists today, but research is ongoing and medications or surgery can often provide substantial improvement with motor symptoms.

[1] Words in italics appear in a Glossary at the end of this information.

Parkinson's disease occurs when nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain die or become impaired. Although many brain areas are affected, the most common symptoms result from the loss of neurons in an area near the base of the brain called the substantia nigra. Normally, the neurons in this area produce an important brain chemical known as dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical messenger responsible for transmitting signals between the substantia nigra and the next "relay station" of the brain, the corpus striatum, to produce smooth, purposeful movement. Loss of dopamine results in abnormal nerve firing patterns within the brain that cause impaired movement. Studies have shown that most people with Parkinson's have lost 60 to 80 percent or more of the dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra by the time symptoms appear, and that people with PD also have loss of the nerve endings that produce the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. Norepinephrine, which is closely related to dopamine, is the main chemical messenger of the sympathetic nervous system, the part of the nervous system that controls many automatic functions of the body, such as pulse and blood pressure. The loss of norepinephrine might explain several of the non-motor features seen in PD, including fatigue and abnormalities of blood pressure regulation.

The affected brain cells of people with PD contain Lewy bodiesdeposits of the protein alpha-synuclein. Researchers do not yet know why Lewy bodies form or what role they play in the disease. Some research suggests that the cells protein disposal system may fail in people with PD, causing proteins to build up to harmful levels and trigger cell death. Additional studies have found evidence that clumps of protein that develop inside brain cells of people with PD may contribute to the death of neurons. Some researchers speculate that the protein buildup in Lewy bodies is part of an unsuccessful attempt to protect the cell from the toxicity of smaller aggregates, or collections, of synuclein.

Genetics. Scientists have identified several genetic mutations associated with PD, including the alpha-synuclein gene, and many more genes have been tentatively linked to the disorder. Studying the genes responsible for inherited cases of PD can help researchers understand both inherited and sporadic cases. The same genes and proteins that are altered in inherited cases may also be altered in sporadic cases by environmental toxins or other factors. Researchers also hope that discovering genes will help identify new ways of treating PD.

Environment. Exposure to certain toxins has caused parkinsonian symptoms in rare circumstances (such as exposure to MPTP, an illicit drug, or in miners exposed to the metal manganese). Other still-unidentified environmental factors may also cause PD in genetically susceptible individuals.

Mitochondria. Several lines of research suggest that mitochondria may play a role in the development of PD. Mitochondria are the energy-producing components of the cell and abnormalities in the mitochondria are major sources of free radicalsmolecules that damage membranes, proteins, DNA, and other parts of the cell. This damage is often referred to as oxidative stress. Oxidative stress-related changes, including free radical damage to DNA, proteins, and fats, have been detected in the brains of individuals with PD. Some mutations that affect mitochondrial function have been identified as causes of PD.

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Parkinson's Disease: Hope Through Research: National ...