What Is More Profitable, Disease or Prevention?
From the massive accumulation of theoretical information, aging can be summarized as the inevitable reduction of physiological function leading to death. In Bernard Strehler's paper, Origin and Comparison of the Effects of Time and High-Energy Radiations on Living Systems (1959), aging is built into the design and structure of an organism. According to Strehler, aging is (a) destructive to the organism, (b) progressive and irreversible, (c) intrinsic (genetically determined) and not wholly dependent upon external influences, and (d) universal to all species.(Strehler, 1959) All species experience aging in a similar pattern based on time. (Zs.-Nagy, 2008) Anti-aging technology is aimed at lengthening life through systematic slowing of the natural process of decline. The theories discussed demonstrate combining individual hypotheses can create a cohesive picture of the aging process, however, providing integrated solutions sits idle on the FDA's desk.
Dr. Denham Harmon published his Free Radical Theory of Aging (FRTA) in 1954. (South, nd, FRTA) Free radicals (FRs) are molecules with a highly reactive electron. These renegade electrons steal another molecule's electron and alter that molecule's chemical structure, creating another highly reactive electron (FR) which goes on to repeat the cycle in a cascading effect. Free radicals are capable of damaging any type of biomolecule from lipids of the cell membrane (see Membrane Theory) to collagen within the dermis of the skin to muscle fibers of the heart. (The molecules of oxygen, hydrogen peroxide and hypoxhlorous acid behave as FRs, though technically they are not. The grouping together of these "mimics" (South, nd, FRTA) with the FRs is referred to as "reactive oxygen species." ) (ROS). (South, nd, FRTA) Premature aging,cancer, heart and artery disease, hypertension, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes, cataracts, immunological and inflammatory diseases as well as arthritis may be caused (at least in part) by ROS damage. FRs have the ability to permanently devastate cells, even those with the longest life-span (such as heart muscle). Ironically, each FR has a life-span from one nanosecond to 1-10 seconds. (South, nd, FRTA)
Oxygen is fundamental to biomolecular function, However, it is during oxygen exchange that FR damage occurs. (Zs.-Nagy, nd) Quite literally, we are dying with every breathe we take. (FRTA, Anti-Aging Today) This paradoxon (Zs.-Nagy, nd) of the FRTA brings it to an impasse as the sole reason for disease and premature aging, since the young of any species consume more oxygen per unit mass and time than the older of any species. (Zs.-Nagy, nd) Yet younger organisms grow, mature and proliferate, affected little by FRs. (Zs.-Nagy, nd) FRTA, therefore, stands in contradiction of itself. Zs.-Nagy postulated the contradiction could lie within the structure of the biological system itself.
The Cross-Linking Theory refers to the process in which glucose molecules and ketones attach to amino acids. (Cross-Linking , nd, Anti-Aging Today)This altered protein can then attach to other proteins and create cross-linking. Carbonyl groups (sugar+protein+oxygen) then act like glue on non-protein molecules such as collagen, elastin, lipids, DNA, enzymes and immuno- proteins. (Kyriazis, nd) This cross-linking process contributes to renal impairment, cancer, collagen hardening (see MHA) and cardiac enlargement. Cross-linking is 2-3 times higher in diabetic patients. (Kyriazis, nd)
In 1972, Denham Harman proposed the Mitrochondrial Theory of Aging. (MTA) Jaime Miquel further developed it in 1980. (South, nd, Mitochondrial) Mitochondria are the energy generators found in every cell (except red blood cells). These "little organelles" produce 90%+ of the ATP bioenergy produced by the body (South ,nd, Mitochondrial). ATP provides energy to the body through the assimilation of food. Mitochondria number between 20-2500 per cell. (South, nd, Mitochondria) Unique to mitochondria is its own DNA (mtDNA).
Production of ATP within mitochondria occurs during the interaction of the "Kreb's" cycle and the ETC cycle. The "Kreb's" cycle occurs in the matrix of the mitochondria, while the ETC cycle is within a cell's membrane. Every major organ relies on mitochondria operating efficiently to maintain and repair itself.(Mitochondrial,nd, Anti-Aging Today) FRTA and MTA are connected in theory, but MTA includes genetics, membrane structure (see MHA) and bioenergtics. Mitochondria do not have the built-in defense mechanisms of other parts of the body, (Membrane, nd, Anti-Aging Today) And the very nature of their function; creating and using ATP (energy), renders them susceptible to FR damage! (See FRTA)
Dr. Imre Zs.-Nagy is responsible for the Membrane Theory of Aging. (MTA) He formed his theory after concluding the free radical, cross-linking, and mitochondrial theories together present a more complete picture of aging. Zs.-Nagy emphasised the physiochemical changes in cells during maturation and aging. (Zs.-Nagy, nd) Nutrients via the bloodstream are absorbed by the membrane into the cell and waste products are exchanged through the membrane into the lymphatic system. As a cell ages, its membrane becomes less permeable (see cross-linking) and more solid. (see MTA) FR oxidation is primary to the hardening of the membrane wall
Ineffectual intra and intercellular communication (see MHA and MTA) means impaired transfer of sodium and potassium (Membrane, nd, Anti-Aging Today ). Reduction in electrical and heat transfer (see MTA) cause organs to disfunction. (Zs.-Nagy, nd) Lipofuscin, like body "age spots" accumulate in tissues, causing entire systemic malfunction. Chemically, lipofuscin is an insoluble, extremely cross-linked lipoprotein mass localized in the lysosomes. (Zs.-Nagy, nd) All of the four major theories of aging conclude that lipofuscin, aged collagen, ineffective enzymes and damaged neurofibrils in the brain accumulate, increasing the rate of aging. Lipofuscin can take up as much as 50% of a cell's volume. (South 2009)
The answer to premature aging and disease is two-fold: prevention and treatment. Supplemental vitamins, anti-oxidants and trace minerals have been documented profusely in both medical and nutrition books. (See Appendix) What is more interesting is the documented use of pharmaceuticals, prescribed to treat disease, used preventably.
Deprenyl(selegiline) was discovered around 1964-1965 by Dr. Joseph Knoll. He discovered that selegiline had neuroprotection/ neurorescue abilities. (South, nd, Deprenyl) Prescribed for Parkinson's and Alzheimer disease, Deprenyl has broad application for a variety of premature aging symptoms such as cognitive function, sexual activity and physical stamina. (South, nd, Deprenyl) Knoll presented evidence that the current maximum life span of 115 years is governed by FR damage in the nigrostriatal region of the brain and begins at about 45 years of age. He suggested Deprenyl could reduce the average 13% nigrostriatal cell death per decade rate by 3%, increasing the human life span by 15 years...to 145 years! (South, nd, Deprenyl) Deprenyl holds promise that life can not only be extended but the quality of life enhanced. Dr. Knoll suggests 10-15 mg weekly (1.5-2 mg daily) for serious nigrostriatal antioxidant protection. (South 2009)
Centrophenoxine has been in use since 1959 for the treatment of Alzheimer disease and senile dementia. In both animal and human (Centrophenoxine, 1974-1996) experiments, Dr. Zs.-Nagy demonstrated the FR anti-oxidant protection ability of Centrophonoxine on neuronal cell membranes. (Zs.-Nagy 2009) Additional studies showed Centrophenoxine a significant lipofuscin inhibitor. (Centrophenoxine, 2008, March 3)250 mg taken twice daily after breakfast and lunch is considered to be the safe and useful dosage. (South, nd, Centrophenoxine)
Although its patent ran out in the late 1970's, Pyritinol has been in continual use since it was patented by Merck in 1961. (South, nd, Pyritinol) Widely researched and used in Europe, it has been used clinically for the treatment of dyslexia, stroke and traumatic brain injuries, cerebral circulatory disorders and alcoholism. (South, nd, Pyritinol) . Anti-aging benefits include increased brain cell energy, enhanced glucose transport, and immune system enhancer. Recommended dosage is 100 mg two to three times daily.
(South, nd, Pyritinol)
Tenilsetam, manufactured by Cassella (a subsidiary of Aventis) is a nootropic brain stimulant. Recent research has found it has significant glycosylation-inhibiting properties, acting as a cross-link blocker.
(Kyriazis,nd)
Carnosine, a dipeptide found in muscle and nervous tissue has multiple action against carbonyl groups, both protein to protein cross linking as well as protein to DNA cross linking. (Kyriazis, nd)
A new drug, ALT-711, manufactured by Alteon, successfully completed placebo-controlled clinical trials involving 450 patients over the age of 50 in 2003. Second phase trials are currently under way. ALT-711 has the unique ability to continue separating cross-linking after FR rebound. Protection continues after medication is stopped. Taking Carnosine with ALT-711 will offer the best benefit.
(Kyriazis,nd)
Metformin (brand name Glucophage, used to treat diabetes) is another effective carbonyl grouping cross-link inhibitor. Metformin reduces cholesterol, trims body fat and stimulates antioxidant defenses. It should be used under medical supervision which includes liver and kidney monitoring. Recommended dosage is 500 mg two to three times a day. (Kyriazis, nd)
Two other diabetes drugs, Aminoguanidine (150 mg once or twice a day) and Acarbose (50-100 mg daily), are also powerful cross-linking inhibitors and show promise in the war against aging. Additionally, Pentoxifylline (brand name Trendal), Pioglitazone, and Kinetin (furfuriladenine, brand name Kinerase) are other potential cross-link inhibitors. (Kyriazis, nd)
The anti-cancer drug, Laetrile is perhaps the most surprising of the pharmaceutical anti-aging drugs. Much has been written about the association between FR damage and cancer. Laetrille is found naturally in apricot seeds, peach seeds, bitter almonds, plum seeds, nectarine seeds, cherry seeds, wheatgrass, barley grass, lima beans, lentils, and sorghum molasses. Laetrile has been shown to be a highly powerful FR scavenger. Taking 50-100 mg daily may be an effective cancer preventa-
tive. (Kyriazis,nd)
Pharmaceuticals in current use, as well as new ones in development offer us possibilities undreamed of a generation ago. There is a caveat, however. When topical formulations fitting the FDA's description of a drug ("...affect the structure of the body") were developed over twenty years ago, the FDA relegated them to the classification of a cosmetic ("cleaning, beautifying, promoting attractiveness..."); and demanded they change their advertising claims. (Samson, 1991) Why? Current regulatory guidelines would need to be rewritten. As an example of the nightmare the FDA would face, former prescription medicines which became OTCs might demand their own classification, neither drug nor OTC, but "the OTC, formerly known as drug X." (What is seen now on these items is labeling, not classification.)
FDA compliance for new classifications ultimately lies with the pharmaceutical and health insurance companies. Which will be more profitable, disease or prevention? All of the drugs listed above must be prescribed by physicians for the ailment for which they are cleared (though purchase can be made offshore through online "pharmacies." ) Who would even request them of their physician, knowing the diagnosis would increase their insurance premiums? Aging as a disease must be taken seriously for future systemic drugs to be available to the public.
The American Academy of Anti-Aging is now over 23,000 members strong. (Centrophenoxine, 2008, March 3)With the huge monetary backing of the pharmaceutical and insurance companies, this growing community of physicians, biochemists and consumers will pave the way for premature aging to be addressed as it should.
What Is More Profitable, Disease or Prevention?
By: Cheryl Bryant-Rushing
Lose 10 Pounds In 1 Month Without Harming Your Body Fapturbo, Forex Robot That Generates Money While You Sleep Body Sculpting 101: Men and Liposuction surgery High Blood Pressure Natural Remedy The Dangers of Healthcare: Look to God: How to heal mental and physical illness It Is Advised To Be Alert To Eye Diseases In Case You Have Too Much Tears Tips for Preparing the Garden for Fall and Winter Healthy Fitness Nutrition Of White-collar Men Healthy Spices for Everyday Cooking Store Garden Produce For Winter-Part 1 How Acupuncture For Back Pain Work How To Cure High Blood Pressure South East Asia Travel Tip - Health and Medicine Overview