LIFE EXTENSION UPDATE, SEPTEMBER 14 2001
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united us once again in the fight to preserve and protect this right.
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IN THIS ISSUE, SEPTEMBER 14 2001:
LIFE EXTENSION UPDATE EXCLUSIVE: Low thyroid stimulating hormone a predictor
of all cause mortality
PROTOCOLS: Polymyalgia rheumatica, Thyroid deficiency
FEATURED PRODUCTS OF THE WEEK: Bone Assure, L-tyrosine tablets
LIFE EXTENSION MAGAZINE: Life Extension is on its way to becoming a fact:
Alcor conference by Ivy Greenwell
THIS WEEK'S LIFE EXTENSION RADIO TOPIC: Depression
LIFE EXTENSION UPDATE EXCLUSIVE
Low thyroid stimulating hormone a predictor of all cause mortality
A ten year study pubished in today's issue of The Lancet revealed that older
individuals with low levels of thyrotropin, also known as thyroid
stimulating hormone, have a higher risk of mortality from all causes.
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are depressed in hyperthyroidism
due to a feedback mechanism in the brain that occurs when thyroid hormones
are elevated. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are rapid heart beat, elevated
blood pressure, excessive perspiration, nervousness, weight loss, diarrhea
and insomnia. Subclinical hyperthyroidism is common, characterized by
normal levels of circulating thyroid hormones but low thyroid stimulating
hormone.
Researchers in the UK measured the TSH levels of 1,191 individuals sixty
years of age and older who were not taking thyroid hormones or antithyroid
medication. The baseline measurements were taken between 1988 and 1989, and
participants were followed for ten years. During follow-up, 509
participants died, and cause of death ascertained. This data was compared
to standard data for England and Wales, in which the expected number of
deaths for a matched group was 496. Mortality from all causes was
significantly increased two, three and five years after the study's onset in
the 6% of participants with low serum TSH. A large number of the deaths
that occurred were caused by circulatory diseases, particularly
cardiovascular disease, although cerebrovascular disease was elevated as
well. Compared to participants who did not have low TSH levels, those who
had low levels experienced an increase in mortality from all causes.
Overt hyperthyroidism is known to have an adverse effect on the
cardiovascular system, and sublinicial hyperthyroidism, often found in
people who take thyroid hormone replacement, may have adverse effects on
cardiovascular function as well. The authors write that the study's results
suggest that even mild thyroid hormone excess predicts excess mortality, and
that individuals with reduced concentrations of serum TSH should be
considered for treatment to restore normal thryoid function. They note that
this study did not address the subclinical hyperthyroidism found in
individuals who are taking thyroid hormone replacement nor the importance of
the hormone dosages administered to this population.
PROTOCOL
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a systemic rheumatic inflammatory disease
characterized by shoulder and hip girdle pain that in some patients can be
associated with giant cell arteritis and other diseases. It appears that
polymyalgia rheumatica can be an early symptom of a wide range of diseases,
including rheumatoid arthritis, some cancers, and other degenerative
diseases.
A recent study suggested that a thyroid hormone blood test be conducted to
rule out hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone). The tests most often
used to evaluate thyroid output are TSH, T3, and T4. Correction of
hyperthyroidism can reverse the disease.
Standard therapy is long-term, low-dose use of the corticosteroid drug
methylprednisolone. This drug therapy has many side effects, including
excessive loss of bone density and severe immune impairment. A careful
prevention with calcium and vitamin D must be carried out systematically.
The demineralization can be limited by the use of Deflazacort, a
corticosteroid, which decreases the loss of calcium. One report suggested
that high intramuscular doses of methylprednisolone were as effective as
long-term oral intake of prednisolone and reduced the risk of bone
fractures.
Since this disease is classified as an autoimmune disease, you may consider
following the Autoimmune Diseases protocol, which includes DHEA and
gamma-linolenic acid (GLA from borage oil) therapy. DHEA can also help to
maintain bone density and immune function.
http://www.lef.org/cgi-local/welcome.cgi/id=151066563/sgroup_id=699/welcome.
html
Thyroid deficiency
(Although "Life Extension Update Exclusive" discussed the subject of
hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or thyroid deficiency, is also a common
condition.)
The thyroid gland lies in the neck, just below the Adam's apple. It measures
about 2 inches across and normally can't be seen. It can barely be felt upon
palpation. An enlarged thyroid, known as a goiter, can easily be detected by
a physician upon examination. The thyroid gland secretes hormones which
control the body's metabolic rate in two primary ways: by stimulating tissue
response in the body to produce proteins, and by increasing cell
oxygenation. To produce these vital hormones, the thyroid needs the element
iodine, which is ingested from food and water.
The regulation of thyroid hormone levels is controlled by several
mechanisms. The hypothalamus, located in the brain just above the pituitary
gland, secretes thyrotropin-releasing hormone, which triggers the pituitary
to release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). When the amount of thyroid
hormone in the blood reaches a certain level, the pituitary will produce
less thyroid-stimulating hormone; conversely, when the amount of thyroid
hormone in the blood decreases to a certain level, the pituitary produces
more thyroid-stimulating hormone.
There are two forms of thyroid hormone. Thyroxine (T4), produced in the
thyroid, has only a slight impact on speeding up the body's metabolic rate.
Thyroxine is converted by the liver and other organs to triiodothyronine
(T3), which is the metabolically active form. Most of the T4 and T3 remains
tightly bound to certain proteins in the blood in an inactive form. The
body's continually changing need for more or less thyroid hormone will
determine the rate of T4 to T3 conversion and the release of bound T3 and T4
in blood protein. In this way, the body will maintain the proper levels of
thyroid hormone to regulate normal metabolic rate.
The amino acid tyrosine is converted into thyroxine, or T4. This is the same
substance that doctors give as medication.
http://www.lef.org/cgi-local/welcome.cgi/id=151066564/sgroup_id=699/welcome.
html
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FEATURED PRODUCTS OF THE WEEK
Bone Assure Capsules
Bone Assure is a comprehensive formula that can prevent osteoporosis in 5
different ways:
Protecting bone mineral mass by providing a potent amount of elemental
magnesium and a highly absorbable form of calcium (bis-glycinate) that has
been shown to assimilate 1.8 times better than calcium citrate.
Maintaining the organic bone matrix with the minerals zinc, manganese,
silica and copper that are required for the formation of collagen and other
living connective tissues. Manganese has been shown to specifically act as
an anabolic catalyst in the development and maintenance of the organic bone
matrix.
Facilitating the absorption of calcium into the blood stream by providing
vitamin D3. Once in the bloodstream, vitamin D3 then acts as a hormone to
direct calcium into the bone matrix.
Preventing excessive urinary excretion of calcium and magnesium by providing
the trace mineral boron.
Lowering toxic homocysteine levels that have been shown to damage the
organic bone matrix by providing small amounts of folic acid, B6, and TMG.
http://www.lef.org/cgi-local/welcome.cgi/id=151066565/sgroup_id=699/welcome.
html
L-tyrosine tablets
L-tyrosine can be converted by neurons in the brain to dopamine and
norepinephrine (noradrenaline), hormones which are depleted by stress,
overwork and certain drugs. By replenishing norepinephrine in the brain,
mental energy levels are enhanced, some forms of depression are alleviated,
and a feeling of contentment often occurs. Because of the liver conversion
necessary for L-phenylalanine to have these effects, L-tyrosine is often
faster acting. In addition, the conversion step from L-tyrosine to
norepinephrine may be enhanced if the cofactors (vitamins B6 and C) are
included.
Some of the norepinephrine will also be converted to epinephrine
(adrenaline) in the brain's adrenal medulla by use of S-adenosylmethionine
(SAMe) as a methylating agent. Since both norepinephrine and epinephrine can
cause smooth muscle (arterial) contraction, care with blood pressure should
be taken when supplementing L-phenylalanine or L-tyrosine.
L-tyrosine is also a precursor of two thyroid hormones.
http://www.lef.org/cgi-local/welcome.cgi/id=151066566/sgroup_id=699/welcome.
html
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LIFE EXTENSION MAGAZINE
Life Extension is on its way to becoming a fact: Alcor conference by Ivy
Greenwell
Richard Morales, MD, specializes in antiaging medicine and runs an antiaging
clinic in Mexico. His approach to rejuvenation emphasizes trying to regain a
youthful synchronization of the circadian rhythms. This idea stems from the
theory that aging is basically controlled by the brain. Our primary
antiaging task should be to concentrate on restoring optimal function of the
central nervous system.
Perhaps the most fascinating idea was that of a chronobiological diet. The
main principle is eating every three hours, with different nutrients
emphasized at different times of the day. The morning starts with fruit;
protein and complex carbohydrates are consumed later. While many
nutritionists would agree that small frequent meals are best, it would take
a lot of research to establish whether it is indeed best to start the
morning with fruit, and so forth. While researchers have designed a diet
that keeps expensive laboratory primates healthy and very resistant to
cancer, our lack of knowledge about what kind of diet is optimal for most
humans remains an embarrassing problem.
Exercise is also a crucial part of the rejuvenation program. It's not
aerobic exercise, however. Morales believes in the special efficacy of
weight lifting as anabolic antiaging exercise, particularly if the leg
muscles are involved. The purpose here is to stimulate the release of growth
hormone. Exercise also lowers blood sugar and insulin levels, both of which
tend to increase with aging.
Another way to stimulate growth hormone release is by increasing thyroid
activity. Morales referred to a "thyroid promoter" as one of his therapeutic
tools. Exercise also increases the levels of T3, the most active of the
thyroid hormones. As for steroid hormone replacement, Morales favors
transdermal delivery (creams, gels, patch). This includes DHEA.
http://www.lef.org/cgi-local/welcome.cgi/id=151066568/sgroup_id=699/welcome.
html
THIS WEEK'S LIFE EXTENSION RADIO TOPIC: DEPRESSION
Tune in to Life Extension radio every Saturday from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
eastern time. This Saturday's topic is depression. Life Extension
Scientific Director will be joined by Life Extension Senior Advisor
Elizabeth Weinstock and Michelle Morrow, MD. South Florida listeners can
tune in WJNA 1040 AM. For those outside South Florida, listen to the live
webcast. To listen live Saturday, visit
http://www.lef.org/cgi-local/welcome.cgi/id=151066567/sgroup_id=699/welcome.
html
or check the archive the following week:
http://www.lef.org/radio/archive.html
Past topics include cardiovascular disease, arthritis and diabetes.
Listeners can phone in their questions and comments by calling toll free
1-877-644-1400.
Please visit our website at www.lef.org to take part in our weekly poll.
This week we want to know: What DON'T you like about our website? Help us
make it better!
If you have any questions or comments concerning this issue or past issues
of Life Extension Update, email them to ddye@lifeextension.com or call 1 800
841 5433 ex 7716. We always appreciate your feedback.
For longer life,
Dayna Dye
Editor, Life Extension Update
ddye@lifeextension.com
Life Extension Foundation
www.lef.org
1 800 841 LIFE
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