Jeffrey Dach's Blog, page 22

Ten Reasons Why You Have A Low Thyroid Condition

Ten Reasons Why You Have A Low Thyroid Condition

by Jeffrey Dach MD

Susy, a 36 year at stay at home Mom,  came to see me because of hair loss, weight gain, chronic fatigue and  feeling cold all the time.  Suzie’s labs showed typical findings of low thyroid function with elevated TSH and low Free T3 and low FreeT4.  I explained to Suzy that she has a low thyroid condition, and will soon feel better with a thyroid pill called Naturethroid (RLC labs).  Three weeks later Suzie calls the office to report all of her symptoms have improved, and she is “feeling so much better”.

Low Thyroid Condition is Common

The low thyroid condition is quite common in our population. yet is frequently ignored or missed by our medical system.  How do we recognize the signs and symptoms of a low thyroid condition, so we can determine if we need thyroid medication?

1) Feeling Cold

I feel cold when other people are warm.  My husband turns the air conditioner on, and I am turning it off.  I wear wool socks on my feet at night to sleep.  My body temperature is always lower than other people.

—————————————————————————————————

 2) Chronic Fatigue

I feel tired all the time, and have no energy like I used to.  I stopped going to the gym because I am so tired all the time.  I take naps during the day.

 

 

—————————————————————————————————

3) Hair Loss

My hair comes out in clumps in the shower, and I am losing more hair every day,   My outer eyebrows are thinning or disappearing.

 

 

—————————————————————————————————

4) Unexplained Weight Gain:

I eat a very clean diet, yet I keep gaining weight and I can’t seem to lose it, no matter how much I starve myself.

 

—————————————————————————————————

5) Sore muscles,  Aches and Pains.

I have slow recovery after my work outs.  After every work out at the gym I have muscle aches and pains that linger for days,   Nothing seems to help.

 

 —————————————————————————————————

6) Irregular or Heavy Menstrual Bleeding. 

My menstrual cycles were like clockwork every 28 days.   Now, they are irregular with heavy bleeding.

 

 

 

—————————————————————————————————

7) Dry Skin

I have gone through three or four different skin moisturizers, and my skin is still dry all the time.

 

 

 

—————————————————————————————————

8) Constipation. Slow Digestion.

I have to take a laxative every night because I am always constipated.  Sometimes it can be painful.

 

 

 —————————————————————————————————

9) Depression.

My doctor offered me an antidepressant pill because I am always depressed and sad.  I have no motivation to do anything.

 

—————————————————————————————————

 10) Brain Fog

I can no longer remember people’s names like I used to.  I forget my things like my house keys, and I have to go back for them  I have trouble finding the right word in the middle of a conversation.  I have “brain fog”.

Conclusion:  The low thyroid condition is quite common, and yet frequently ignored by the medical system.  The low thyroid patient must take control and seek out the right doctor who can help.

Jeffrey Dach MD

7450 Griffin Road, Suite 190

Davie, Florida 33314

954-792-4663

Articles With Related Interest:

Why Natural Thyroid is Better Than Synthetic

Thyroid Pills Prevent Heart Attacks

Ann Nicole smith and Hypothyroidism

Stop the Thyroid Madness Vol Two

Links and references:

Images:

Thyroid Gland header courtesy of Positive Med.

Thermostat courtesy of Warner Service.

Hair Loss Lady with Brush courtesy of Wise Geek.

Chronic Fatigue Lady with Coffee cup courtesy of Medical News Today.

Depression courtesy of Waking Times.

Lady with Weight Gain Courtesy of Dr Ritika Dua.

Musle Aches and Pains courtesy of LetHow.

Dry Skin Courtesy of Mens Fitness.

Constipation Lady Courtesy of Laxative Dependency.com

Brain Fog Courtesy of Hypothyroid MOM.

Link to this page:http://wp.me/p3gFbV-3FL

Jeffrey Dach MD

7450 Griffin Road Suite 190

Davie, Fl 33314

954-792-4663

www.jeffreydachmd.com

http://www.drdach.com

http://www.naturalmedicine101.com

http://www.bioidenticalhormones101.com

http://www.truemedmd.com

The reader is advised to discuss the comments on these pages with his/her personal physicians and to only act upon the advice of his/her personal physician. Also note that concerning an answer which appears as an electronically posted question, I am NOT creating a physician — patient relationship. Although identities will remain confidential as much as possible, as I can not control the media, I can not take responsibility for any breaches of confidentiality that may occur.

Copyright (c) 2016 Jeffrey Dach MD All Rights Reserved. This article may be reproduced on the internet without permission, provided there is a link to this page and proper credit is given.

FAIR USE NOTICE: This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of issues of significance. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

Serving Areas of: Hollywood, Aventura, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Davie, Coral Springs, Cooper City, Sunshine Ranches, Hallandale, Surfside, Miami Beach, Sunny Isles, Normandy Isles, Coral Gables, Hialeah, Golden Beach ,Kendall,sunrise, coral springs, parkland,pompano, boca raton, palm beach, weston, dania beach, tamarac, oakland park, boynton beach, delray,lake worth,wellington,plantation.

The post Ten Reasons Why You Have A Low Thyroid Condition appeared first on Jeffrey Dach MD .

Zika Virus or Glyphosate Exposure Causing Microcephaly

Is It Zika Virus or Glyphosate Exposure ?

by Jeffrey Dach MD

Agricultural Chemical Exposure with Glyphosate Causes Microcephaly by Upregulating Retinoic (Vitamin A) Signalling

The news media has been reporting the Zika virus as the cause of microcephaly. However, another very likely consideration is exposure to Monsanto’s Round-Up Herbicide, glyphosate, which disrupts retinoic signalling.  Microcephaly describes the small head size in babies born to South American Agricultural workers. (1-4)   Header image:  Microephaly (smal head size)  in newborn dated Jan. 30, 2016  in Bonito, Pernambuco state, Brazil. courtesy of AP Photo/Felipe Dana (11)

Dr Alejandra Paganelli reported in 2010 that “Glyphosate-based herbicides produce teratogenic effects on vertebrates by impairing retinoic acid signaling.” (8) Left image: baby born with microcephaly.  News media blames the Zika Virus courtesy of BBC News.

Dr Paganelli concludes: “(congenital malformations) “produced by Glyphosate Based Herbicides are mainly a consequence of the increase of endogenous retinoid activity. ” (8)

Dr Sylvia Lopez

In 2012, Dr Silvia L. Lopez reviewed the effects of agricultural chemicals, glyphosate based herbicides, in human and animal models.(9)  She says: “It is very well known that acute or chronic increase of retinoic acid (RA) levels leads to teratogenic effects during human pregnancy and in experimental models. The characteristic features displayed by Retinoic Acid embryopathy in humans include brain abnormalities such as microcephaly, microphtalmia, and impairment of hindbrain development; abnormal external and middle ears (microtia or anotia), mandibular and midfacial underdevelopment, and cleft palate.” (9) Note: Retinoic Acid is Vitamin A Derivative.  Left image aerial spraying of field with glyphosate.

Dr Benitez-Leite reported 52 cases of malformations in babies born of women exposed to agricultural chemicals. The congenital malformations observed include anencephaly, microcephaly, facial defects, myelomeningocele, cleft palate, ear malformations, polydactily, syndactily all consistent with the well-known and expected syndrome caused by upregulation of the RA pathway.(10)  Left image Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide contains glyphosate.

Conclusion:

The Zika Virus is a distraction from the real cause of the problem, the widely used agricultural herbicide, glyphosate.  The cause of microcephaly in babies born to South American Agricultural workers is glyphosate exposure which upregulates Retinoic Acid (Vitamin A) and is known to cause microcephaly in animal and human models.  Above Left image: Elephant in the Room is Glyphosate, courtesy of Stephanie Seneff PhD slide presentation.

Above left image: cellular retinoic acid signalling courtesy of Professor Peter McCaffery.

Link to this article: http://wp.me/p3gFbV-3En

Jeffrey Dach MD

7450 Griffin Road Suite 190

Davie, Fl 33314

954-792-4663

Articles with related interest:

Dont Ask for HIV Test Ask For Glyphosate Test

Curing Autism with Antibiotics

Berberine Antdote for an Epidemic

Links and references :

1)   Zika can cause microcephaly even if moms have no symptoms, report says  By Lena H. Sun June 15 Washington Post

2)  Zika: The Epidemic at America’s Door

Zika may have already infected 80,000 Americans, just in Puerto Rico, and Congress has refused to act — what if Miami or New York is next?  By Janet Reitman June 15, 2016 Rolling Stone

3)  June 14, 2016 Florida’s Zika threat: ‘Not our first rodeo’ with these mosquitoes Miami herald

4) Ho, Mae-Wan. “Lab study establishes glyphosate link to birth defects.” ISIS (2010).

5) Carrasco, Andrés. “Teratogenesis by glyphosate based herbicides and other pesticides. Relationship with the retinoic acid pathway.” GMLS 2012 (2013): 24.Teratogenesis by glyphosate based herbicides Carrasco 2012 program key note

6) Antoniou, M., et al. “Teratogenic effects of glyphosate-based herbicides: Divergence of regulatory decisions from scientific evidence.” Journal of Environmental & Analytical Toxicology 2012 (2012).

7) Dzialowski Ed THE EFFECTS OF GLYPHOSATE BASED HERBICIDES ON CHICK EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT Diss. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS, 2013 thesis.  “The embryos had reduction in optic vesicles and microcephaly. Treated frog and chicken embryos also had increased endogenous retinoic acid activity,”

8) Paganelli, Alejandra, et al. “Glyphosate-based herbicides produce teratogenic effects on vertebrates by impairing retinoic acid signaling.” Chemical research in toxicology 23.10 (2010): 1586-1595. Glyphosate herbicides produce teratogenic effects by impairing retinoic acid signaling Paganelli Alejandra Chemical research in toxicology 2010

we conclude that the phenotypes produced by GBH ( Glyphgosate Based Herbicides ) are mainly a consequence of the increase of endogenous retinoid activity

9) Pesticides Used in South American GMO-Based Agriculture: A Review of Their Effects on Humans and Animal Models Silvia L. Lopez 2012, Pesticides South American GMO Agriculture Effects on Humans Animals Silvia L Lopez Advances in Molecular Research 2012

10) Benítez-Leite, S., M. L. Macchi, and M. Acosta. “Congenital malformations associated with toxic agricultural chemicals.” Pediatría (Asunción) 34.2 (2007): 111-121.

11) Header Image:  Baby with Microcephaly Courtesy of Global News

In this Jan. 30, 2016 photo, Elielson tries to calm down his baby brother Jose Wesley, in Bonito, Pernambuco state, Brazil.

AP Photo/Felipe Dana

12) Comment by Mark WIlliam Houston on The Scientist

“I find it unusual that the Zika Virus, which comes from Uganda has never caused a single case of microcephaly in  a child born in Central Africa. Now it may be argued that the Brazilian Zika Virus is a mutated strain, but, the Zika Virus was first discovered in 1947, in the Zika Forest, Uganda, and as such already has hundreds of different strains. Remember, the Zika Virus has been part of the Zika Forest ecosystem for possibly thousands of years, yet still, there is not a single recorded case of a hominid microcephaly and or a case involving any other mammal the virus has infected.”

13)

Zika Microcephaly and the Problem with Smoking Gun Medicine Jun 9, 2016 by Chandler Marrs, PhD

14) THE QUESTIONABLE SCIENCE BEHIND ZIKA, MICROCEPHALY, & THE CDC   02 JUN 2016 POSTED BY ANTHONY TYLER

15)  Big Breaking News from the Zika Virus Hoax Front BY PAUL FASSA JUN 10 2016

16)  Rull, Rudolph P., Beate Ritz, and Gary M. Shaw. “Neural tube defects and maternal residential proximity to agricultural pesticide applications.” American journal of epidemiology 163.8 (2006): 743-753.

17) Lacasaña, Marina, et al. “Maternal and paternal occupational exposure to agricultural work and the risk of anencephaly.” Occupational and environmental medicine 63.10 (2006): 649-656.

18) Brender, Jean D., et al. “Maternal pesticide exposure and neural tube defects in Mexican Americans.” Annals of epidemiology 20.1 (2010): 16-22.

19) Schreinemachers, Dina M. “Birth malformations and other adverse perinatal outcomes in four US Wheat-producing states.” Environmental Health Perspectives 111.9 (2003): 1259.

20) Bell, E. M., I. Hertz-Picciotto, and J. J. Beaumont. “A case-control study of pesticides and fetal death due to congenital anomalies.” Epidemiology (Cambridge, Mass.) 12.2 (2001): 148.

Jeffrey Dach MD

7450 Griffin Road Suite 190

Davie, Fl 33314

954-792-4663

www.jeffreydachmd.com

http://www.drdach.com

http://www.naturalmedicine101.com

http://www.bioidenticalhormones101.com

http://www.truemedmd.com

The reader is advised to discuss the comments on these pages with his/her personal physicians and to only act upon the advice of his/her personal physician. Also note that concerning an answer which appears as an electronically posted question, I am NOT creating a physician — patient relationship. Although identities will remain confidential as much as possible, as I can not control the media, I can not take responsibility for any breaches of confidentiality that may occur.

Copyright (c) 2016 Jeffrey Dach MD All Rights Reserved. This article may be reproduced on the internet without permission, provided there is a link to this page and proper credit is given.

FAIR USE NOTICE: This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of issues of significance. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

Serving Areas of: Hollywood, Aventura, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Davie, Coral Springs, Cooper City, Sunshine Ranches, Hallandale, Surfside, Miami Beach, Sunny Isles, Normandy Isles, Coral Gables, Hialeah, Golden Beach ,Kendall,sunrise, coral springs, parkland,pompano, boca raton, palm beach, weston, dania beach, tamarac, oakland park, boynton beach, delray,lake worth,wellington,plantation.

The post Zika Virus or Glyphosate Exposure Causing Microcephaly appeared first on Jeffrey Dach MD .

Misuse of Birth Control Pills Abuse of Women Part Two

Misuse of Birth Control Pills, Abuse of Women Part Two

Sally is a 21 year old college student who comes into the office with her mother complaining of multiple complicated health problems over five years  including headache, weight gain, postural syncope, cardiac arrhythmia, and mood disturbance.  Over the past 5 years she has been to about 20 different doctors who have prescribed a long list of various medications including triptans for migraines, mineralcorticoids for the syncopal episodes, SSRI antidepressants for mood, etc.

On Birth Control Pllls for Five years

It all started with an episode of abdominal pain five years ago, during which she was was rushed to the emergency room, told she had a “ruptured ovarian cyst” and sent home with pain pills.   A week later she was feeling better at her OB/Gyne office where she was offered birth control pills to prevent any further episodes of “troublesome ovarian cysts”.  Sally has been taking birth control pills ever since then, and its been five years now.  Sally states she is fearful of stopping the birth control pills as the cysts might return.

Low Iodine Level

Sally’s laboratory studies showed a low iodine level, indicating severe iodine deficiency.  I mentioned to Sally that iodine deficiency is associated with ovarian cysts, and resolves with iodine supplementation. (1,2)  Her labs also showed elevated CRP, and Cortisol, a pattern we see frequently in birth control users.

A Better Way

The use of birth control pills for ovarian cysts was accepted by mainstream medicine a few years ago, however, studies showed no benefit, and it is no longer accepted as standard of care for ovarian cysts in young women.  Rather, expectant treatment is now standard of care.(5-9)

A better program includes cyclic progesterone on days 12-26 of the cycle, DIM (Di-Indole Methane) a broccoli extract, avoiding xeno-estrogens in the environment, and Iodine supplementation.(1-4)

I explained to Sally that because of her irrational fear of ovarian cysts, she has suffered from many years of adverse effects of the birth control pills.  trekking through many doctors offices where she has accepted many bizarre and obscure treatments.

I  explained to Sally that the birth control pills are the cause of her symptoms, and that by stopping them, it would be possible for her to return to good health.  Simply stopping the cause, the birth control pill is the obvious solution.

Monthly Ovulation Is Normal

I showed Sally and her mom the ovulation chart (image left) and explained  monthly ovulation is normal in a healthy young women.  During ovulation there is rupture of the egg from the ovarian follicle into the peritoneal cavity.  This is nothing to be afraid of, as it indicates a normal, healthy cycling female. (see left chart showing ovulation on Day 11 courtesy of wikimedia)

However, my explanation fell upon deaf ears, as Sally was convinced she needed the birth control pills, and was determined to continue them.

Conclusion: Sally’s case is a good example of how irrational fears can be an obstacle preventing us from achieving health.  Birth control pills are synthetic hormones which do not normally occur in the human body and cause many adverse effects.  Best to avoid them.

Articles with Related Interest : Adverse Effects of Birth Control Pills

Jeffrey Dach MD

7450 Griffin Road Suite 190

Davie, Fl 33314

954-792-4663

www.jeffreydachmd.com

References and Links

Iodine Deficiency Ovarian Cysts

1) http://www.optimox.com/iodine-study-10

Flechas, Jorge D. “Orthoiodosupplementation in a primary care practice.” The Original Internist 12.2 (2005): 89-96.

Iodine deficiency may cause the ovaries to develop cysts , nodules and scar tissue. At its worse this ovarian pathology is very similar to that of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). As of the writing of this article I have five PCOS patients. The patients have successfully been brought under control with the use of 50 mg of iodine per day. Control with these patients meaning cysts are gone, periods every 28 days and type 2 diabetes mellitus under control.

2) Iftikhar, Razia. “The Miracle of Iodine Complex in treatment of cases of polycystic ovarian disease induce by subclinical Hypothyroidism.”Iodine in treatment of cases of polycystic ovarian disease R Iftikhar

All patients receive 50 mg iodine complex in capsule form twice daily for a period of eight weeks. In addition to the medication an advice for life style changes including regular exercise and low glycogen foods was advice.  There was marked improvement in the symptoms with return of regular menstrual cycles in almost all patients.

3) http://natural-fertility-info.com/ovarian-cyst-remedy

How to Help Ovarian Cysts Naturally and Safely with Herbs and Supplements… Hethir Rodriguez C.H., C.M.T.

Summary

We have learned the main cause of functional cysts is hormonal imbalance, which disrupts the natural menstrual cycle and may lead to the formation of ovarian cysts. It is vital to bring the body back to a state of balance to prevent the formation of ovarian cysts.

1. Reduce excess estrogen in the body by avoiding exposure to xenoestrogens and naturally promoting healthy estrogen metabolism through the use of DIM.

2. Increase progesterone levels and support hormonal balance overall. Consider the benefits of natural progesterone supplementation and herbs for hormonal balance and the reduction in cyst formation.

3. Dissolve and reduce ovarian cysts through Systemic Enzyme Therapy and Castor Oil Packs. Ovarian Cyst Natural Therapies Check list

Daily:

1. DIM – 1 capsule, 1 to 4 times a day with food

2. Maca – 2 capsules a day

3. Systemic Enzyme Therapy – 3 tablets 2 times a day on an empty stomach at least 45 minutes before meals with water.

Day 10 -26 of your menstrual cycle:

Apply 40mg Progesterone cream a day: 20mg twice a day, one 20mg application in the morning and one 20mg application at night, for a total of 40mg of natural progesterone a day. This method of progesterone therapy may be best done for three months and then discontinued after that. This type of application is meant to suppress ovulation, so do not use progesterone in this way when you are trying to become pregnant.

“having to be” on birth control pills because they have ovarian cysts

4) http://www.massageanddoula.com/blog/how-to-naturally-treat-ovarian-cysts

How to Treat Ovarian Cysts Naturally  8/14/2015

There is a certain conversation that I have had several times lately with both clients and other practitioners about ovarian cysts.  I have met several people who talk about “having to be” on birth control pills because they have ovarian cysts, but wanting to become pregnant.  Many years ago, I was also told that I must be on hormonal birth control in order to treat and prevent ovarian cysts.  Many of us are told that it is the only option, and are pressured or guilted into being on the pill.

5) Naz, Talat, et al. “ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES VERSUS EXPECT ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES VERSUS EXPECTANT TREATMENT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF FUNCTIONAL FUNCTIONAL OVARIAN CYSTS ” ORAL Contraceptives Vs EXPECTANT TREATMENT Ovarian Cysts Talat Naz 2011

“Functional ovarian cysts are common in women of reproductive age and are often asymptomatic.  Expectant management achieves similar cyst resolution rates to oral contraceptives, and is a better alternative.”

6) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0013755/

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: Plain Language Summaries [Internet].  Oral contraceptives to treat cysts of the ovary.

Women of reproductive age usually release an egg about once a month. The ovary gets an egg from the inside of the ovary to its surface by creating a blister or fluid-filled space around the developing egg. When the blister (or cyst) reaches the surface of the ovary, it bursts and releases the egg into the abdominal cavity. After this occurs, the blister can develop into another type of cyst, which makes a hormone (progesterone) that helps the pregnancy to grow. Most of these cysts come and go without problems. Sometimes, however, the cysts get large or painful; others may remain for months. Several decades ago, health care providers learned that women taking birth control pills had fewer cysts, since the pills usually kept an egg from being released. Based on this fact, many clinicians started treating these cysts with birth control pills to make them go away faster.

In March 2014, we did a computer search for all randomized controlled trials that studied use of birth control pills to treat these benign (also called functional) cysts. We wrote to researchers to find other trials. We found eight trials from four countries; they included 686 women. Three trials included women receiving drugs to help them get pregnant. The other five included women who developed cysts without fertility treatment. In none of these trials did oral contraceptives help the cysts go away faster. Thus, birth control pills should not be used for this purpose. A better approach is waiting two or three months for the cysts to go away on their own.

Abstract

Background: Functional ovarian cysts are a common gynecological problem among women of reproductive age worldwide. When large, persistent, or painful, these cysts may require operations, sometimes resulting in removal of the ovary. Since early oral contraceptives were associated with a reduced incidence of functional ovarian cysts, many clinicians inferred that birth control pills could be used to treat cysts as well. This became a common clinical practice in the early 1970s.

Objectives: This review examined all randomized controlled trials that studied oral contraceptives as therapy for functional ovarian cysts.

Search methods: In March 2014, we searched the databases of CENTRAL, PubMed, EMBASE, and POPLINE, as well as clinical trials databases (ClinicalTrials.gov and ICTRP). We also examined the reference lists of articles. For the initial review, we wrote to authors of identified trials to seek articles we had missed.

Selection criteria: We included randomized controlled trials in any language that included oral contraceptives used for treatment and not prevention of functional ovarian cysts. Criteria for diagnosis of cysts were those used by authors of trials.

Data collection and analysis: Two authors independently abstracted data from the articles. One entered the data into RevMan and a second verified accuracy of data entry. For dichotomous outcomes, we computed the Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI). For continuous outcomes, we calculated the mean difference with 95% CI.

Main results: We identified eight randomized controlled trials from four countries; the studies included a total of 686 women. Treatment with combined oral contraceptives did not hasten resolution of functional ovarian cysts in any trial. This held true for cysts that occurred spontaneously as well as those that developed after ovulation induction. Most cysts resolved without treatment within a few cycles; persistent cysts tended to be pathological (e.g., endometrioma or para-ovarian cyst) and not physiological.

Authors’ conclusions: Although widely used for treating functional ovarian cysts, combined oral contraceptives appear to be of no benefit. Watchful waiting for two or three cycles is appropriate. Should cysts persist, surgical management is often indicated.

7) Editorial Group: Cochrane Fertility Regulation Group.

Citation: Grimes DA, Jones LB., Lopez LM, Schulz KF. Oral contraceptives for functional ovarian cysts. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD006134. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006134.pub5. Link to Cochrane Library. [PubMed]

The combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) is no longer recommended, (see below)

8) Obeidat, Rawan. “ULTRASOUND: THE GUIDE TO OVARIAN CYST MANAGEMENT.”Primary Care Womens Health Journal.  Ultrasound guide ovarian cyst management Rawan Obeidat Samir A Saidi Womens Health 2010

Watchful treatment is appropriate if a simple functional cyst is < 10 cm in

diameter. The combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP) is no longer recommended,  as it does not hasten cyst resolution.

9) Seehusen, Dean A., and J. Scott Earwood. “Oral contraceptives are not an effective treatment for ovarian cysts.” American family physician 90.9 (2014): 623.

10) Dhont, Marc. “Non-contraceptive benefits of oral contraceptives.” Open Access J Contracept 2 (2011): 119-126. Dhont Marc Noncontraceptive benefits of oral contraceptives 2011

11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3987360/

Dhont, M. A. R. C., and V. E. E. R. L. E. Verhaeghe. “Hormonal anticonception anno 2013: a clinician’s view.” Facts, Views & Vision in ObGyn 5.2 (2013): 149.

link to this article: http://wp.me/p3gFbV-3Cx

Jeffrey Dach MD

7450 Griffin Road Suite 190

Davie, Fl 33314

954-792-4663

www.jeffreydachmd.com

http://www.drdach.com

http://www.naturalmedicine101.com

http://www.bioidenticalhormones101.com

http://www.truemedmd.com

The reader is advised to discuss the comments on these pages with his/her personal physicians and to only act upon the advice of his/her personal physician. Also note that concerning an answer which appears as an electronically posted question, I am NOT creating a physician — patient relationship. Although identities will remain confidential as much as possible, as I can not control the media, I can not take responsibility for any breaches of confidentiality that may occur.

Copyright (c) 2016 Jeffrey Dach MD All Rights Reserved. This article may be reproduced on the internet without permission, provided there is a link to this page and proper credit is given.

FAIR USE NOTICE: This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of issues of significance. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

Serving Areas of: Hollywood, Aventura, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Davie, Coral Springs, Cooper City, Sunshine Ranches, Hallandale, Surfside, Miami Beach, Sunny Isles, Normandy Isles, Coral Gables, Hialeah, Golden Beach ,Kendall,sunrise, coral springs, parkland,pompano, boca raton, palm beach, weston, dania beach, tamarac, oakland park, boynton beach, delray,lake worth,wellington,plantation.

The post Misuse of Birth Control Pills Abuse of Women Part Two appeared first on Jeffrey Dach MD .

A Mysterious Recurrence of Menopausal Symptoms

A Mysterious Recurrence of Menopausal Symptoms

by Jeffrey Dach MD

A 55 year old post menopausal executive secretary had been doing well for many years on her bioidentical hormone program. Last week, she called the office to report her menopausal symptoms had returned. She was again feeling miserable, with recurring hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia. Mysteriously, the bioidentical hormone cream has stopped working.  Left image Soy Protein Bars courtesy of  Vegan Coach .com

I asked her if she was doing anything differently. She said “No, not really, except for the case of Soy Protein Bars from the discount store.” She had decided to go vegetarian and now consumed three soy bars a day as a protein replacement. Shortly thereafter, the hormone cream stopped working for her.

Apparently, the soy protein bars were acting as an anti-estrogen, blocking the effect of the bioidentical hormone cream. Once she stopped the soy protein bars, the bioidentical hormone cream worked again. Her insomnia, hot flashes and night sweats were gone……

Soy Derived Isoflavones Are Anti-Estrogenic Endocrine Disrupters

Dr Mueller reported in 2004,  ” Due to their anti-estrogenic potencies, the soy-derived isoflavones, coumestrol, resveratrol, and zearalenone would appear to have the potential for effectively functioning as endocrine disruptors.” (1)

For more see…original article: Avoiding Soy Minefield at Grocery Store.

Articles with Related Interest:

Safety of Bioidentical Hormones

The Importance of Bioidentical Hormones

Link to this article

Jeffrey Dach MD

7450 Griffin Road Suite 190

Davie, Fl 33314

954-792-4663

www.jeffreydachmd.com

http://www.drdach.com

http://www.naturalmedicine101.com

http://www.bioidenticalhormones101.com

http://www.truemedmd.com

References  1)  Toxicol Sci. 2004 Jul;80(1):14-25. Epub 2004 Apr 14.

Phytoestrogens and their human metabolites show distinct agonistic and antagonistic properties on estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and ERbeta in human cells. Mueller SO1, Simon S, Chae K, Metzler M, Korach KS.

Author information  1Molecular Toxicology, Institute of Toxicology, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.

Due to their abundance and (anti)-estrogenic potencies, the soy-derived isoflavones, coumestrol, resveratrol, and zearalenone would appear to have the potential for effectively functioning as endocrine disruptors.

Disclaimer click here: http://www.drdach.com/wst_page20.html

The reader is advised to discuss the comments on these pages with his/her personal physicians and to only act upon the advice of his/her personal physician. Also note that concerning an answer which appears as an electronically posted question, I am NOT creating a physician — patient relationship. Although identities will remain confidential as much as possible, as I can not control the media, I can not take responsibility for any breaches of confidentiality that may occur.

Copyright (c) 2016 Jeffrey Dach MD All Rights Reserved. This article may be reproduced on the internet without permission, provided there is a link to this page and proper credit is given.

FAIR USE NOTICE: This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of issues of significance. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

Serving Areas of: Hollywood, Aventura, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Davie, Coral Springs, Cooper City, Sunshine Ranches, Hallandale, Surfside, Miami Beach, Sunny Isles, Normandy Isles, Coral Gables, Hialeah, Golden Beach ,Kendall,sunrise, coral springs, parkland,pompano, boca raton, palm beach, weston, dania beach, tamarac, oakland park, boynton beach, delray,lake worth,wellington,plantation.

The post A Mysterious Recurrence of Menopausal Symptoms appeared first on Jeffrey Dach MD .

BioIdentical Hormones Trashed by AP News

BioIdentical Hormones Trashed by AP News

Jeffrey Dach MD

A USA Today article trashing bioidentical hormones caught my attention because it contained almost pure misinformation.(1)  Written by an Associated Press AP medical writer, this syndicated article was broadcast over the news media as a perfect example of trashy, junk journalism.

Before we analyze this AP News article trashing Bioidentical Hormones, let’s take a humorous look at: ” What if the author took her own advice seriously, assuming that naturally occurring human hormones are harmful and dangerous non-approved chemicals.”  Would she then go to the nearest blood bank to remove the blood which contains these dangerous non-approved chemicals?  (See above left image- arm with blood being removed).  Above Left Image:  Removing Bioidentical Hormones by donating blood . Courtesy of the Guardian.

Bioidential Hormones Are Present in Our Bloodstream

The author, an AP medical writer, might be horrified to know that these non-FDA approved bioidentical hormones, (estradiol, progesterone, estriol and testosterone), are floating around in her blood stream right now, and have been since she was born.  So, please, don’t do anything impulsive or crazy, like trying to remove these non-FDA approved chemicals from your body.  They are supposed to be there. In fact, these same little non-FDA approved bioidentical hormones have been present in the blood stream of all primates (this includes AP medical news journalists and monkeys) for 40 million years. That’s a long time, even for an AP journalist.

Non-FDA Approved ?

This AP News article attempts to discredit bioidentical hormones as non-FDA approved, and not proven safe nor effective.

Both FDA Approved and Non-FDA Approved

But Wait! No need to even worry about it, because, Bioidentical Hormones ARE INDEED FDA approved. The author even says so in her article. This list of FDA approved bioidentical hormones is presented below.

But wait! How can bioidentical hormones be both FDA approved and non-FDA approved? If they are in a bottle at the corner drug store, they are FDA approved, and if they are in my body, they are non-FDA approved. This is really confusing.

The answer can be found in the textbook of biochemistry used by all medical schools, Lehninger’s Principles of Biochemistry Chapter 23 on Hormonal Regulation (see left image).(16) This authoritative source says the chemical structure of a hormone is independent of where it is. The hormone can be in the human body, in a glass of water, in a bottle at the corner drug store. This doesn’t matter; the hormone has the exact same chemical structure. This means that if a bio-identical hormone is FDA approved in a bottle of pills at the drugstore, then the same chemical structure is FDA approved in the human body or anywhere else, it’s the same stuff. But for some strange reason, the FDA doesn’t work that way and separate paperwork has to be submitted for each one. Welcome to the US government.  Left image cover for Lehninger Texbook of Biochemistry.

Examining the Misinformation Line by Line:

But first, let’s take a closer look at the disinformation in the AP article (in bold italic below):

“Millions of women have tried custom-compounded hormones …. since 2002, when a big federal study found risks from traditional hormone replacement therapy, or HRT.”

The author is correct about the massive switch in 2002, when millions of women abandoned synthetic hormones, and embraced bioidentical hormones after a federal study, the Women’s Health Initiative, found that a combination of premarin and provera caused cancer and heart disease. This NIH study used Prempro, a combination of Premarin and Provera, and was terminated early. The culprit was Provera, a synthetic, chemically altered form of progesterone, which has been known for decades to increase risk of cancer and heart disease. The form of estrogen used in the study was Premarin, a horse estrogen from pregnant horse urine. This massive switch to bioidenticals shows that women are smart. Two important things happened after this. Synthetic hormone drug maker Wyeth lost 4 billion dollars in sales, and secondly, breast cancer rates dropped precipitously when masses of women stopped synthetic hormones and started bioidenticals instead. This data was published in 2007 in: “ The Decrease in Breast-Cancer Incidence in 2003 in the United States” by Peter M. Ravdin et al. (14) Another study showed a similar decrease in breast cancer rates in Canada after discontinuing synthetic hormones. (15)

“However, instead of a safer option, (women) are getting products of unknown risk that still contain the estrogen many of them fear, women’s health experts say.”

This is deliberate misinformation. Bioidentical hormones are safer and more effective than the synthetic chemically altered “monster” hormones used in the Women’s Health Initiative study. The safety of bioidentical hormones was demonstrated by the French Cohort study, which showed no increased cancer in the bioidentical group. (9) In addition, Dr Holtorf’s article cites 196 research studies comparing bio-identical hormones to synthetic patented hormones (like Provera). (10) Dr Holtorf’s review of the medical literature concludes:

Based on both physiological results and clinical outcomes, current evidence demonstrates that bioidentical hormones are associated with lower risks than their nonbioidentical counterparts. Until there is evidence to the contrary, current evidence dictates that bioidentical hormones are the preferred method of HRT. (10)  See my article on the safety of bioidentical hormones for more on this topic.

The USA Today article continues:

“Bioidentical” is a marketing term that has no accepted medical meaning.”

This statement is entirely wrong. The term bioidentical has a definite meaning and is widely used. The term, bioidentical, means a hormone chemical structure which is identical to that found in the human body. Both the Endocrine Society and ACOG (American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology) define the term, “bioidentical”, exactly the same, even though the two definitions are worded differently. It is an embarrassment to medical science that the word “bioidentical” has to be used at all. All hormones should have been manufactured as bio-identical hormones. However, because of U.S. patent law which prevents patenting a bioidentical hormone chemical structure, the drug industry created chemically altered hormones which could be patented and sold at higher profit margins. These altered-synthetic hormones are monsters that should never have been approved by the FDA for human consumption.

“…many prescription drugs contain hormones that chemically match estrogens and progesterones made naturally by the body.”

This is correct. These bioidentical hormones have gone through the FDA approval process showing they are safe and effective.  Here a chart of FDA approved bioidentical hormones available at the corner drug store:

Hormone Product
Year of FDA Approval
Manufacturer


Alora (estradiol):
FDA approved 1996
Watson Labs


Climara (estradiol):
FDA approved 1994
Bayer


FemPatch : (estradiol)
FDA approved 1997
Parke Davis


Vivelle-Dot (estradiol):
FDA approved 1994
Novartis


Estraderm: (estradiol)
FDA approved 1986
Novartis


Esclim: (estradiol)
FDA approved 1998
Women’s First Healthcare


Estrace (estradiol):
FDA approved 1993
Bristol Myers Squibb


Estring: (estradiol)
FDA approved 1996
Pharmacia UpJohn


Prometrium (progesterone):
FDA approved 1998
Solvay Pharmaceuticals


Crinone: (progesterone)
FDA approved 1997
Columbia Labs


AndroGel (testosterone):
FDA approved 1999
Unimed / Abbott


Testim (testosterone):
FDA approved 2002
Auxilium

“…Custom-compounded hormones are not approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration and have not been proved safe or effective. “

This is a misleading and deceptive statement. Custom compounding is regulated at the state level, not by the federal government or the FDA. So, of course compounding is not FDA approved. No FDA approval is required or even desired. Are we going to reject intravenous antibiotic treatment at the hospital because, as a compounded medication, this is also non-FDA approved and not proven safe or effective? Aspirin is FDA approved for over the counter sales. If the compounding pharmacy crushes the aspirin tablet and places the powder into capsules, the aspirin becomes non-FDA approved aspirin, even though it is the same stuff. Starting to make sense now?

The author falsely claims that bioidentical hormones have not been proven safe and effective as required for FDA approval process. Take a look at the list of bioidentical prescription hormones above. These are all FDA approved and proven safe and effective.

“They may carry the same cancer and heart risks as traditional treatments and have had even less testing to find out.”

The author is wrong again. The French Cohort study, showed no increased cancer in the bioidentical group. (9) Again, look at, Dr Holtorf’s article in Postgraduate Medicine listing 196 research articles showing Bio-identical Hormones are associated with lower risk, and are more efficacious than synthetic counterparts.(10) Two calcium scoring studies showed no increased risk of heart disease associated with bioidentical hormones. A study of CAT calcium scores by Dr. JoAnn E. Manson in the June 2007 JAMA actually showed less heart disease in the women taking unopposed estrogen (they had hysterectomies and were not given the synthetic progestins). (11) These same results had been published 2 years previously in a coronary calcium score study by Dr. Budoff in the 2005 Journal of Women’s Health. (12)

“Hormone preparations do not need to be customized for each woman; a few standard doses work for almost everyone, medical experts say. “

I don’t know who the medical experts were, but I have found dosage varies for bioidentical hormones just as dosage varies for any other drug. Pick up any medical pharmacology text book. What you find is drug dosage varies according to age, body weight, genetics, and hepatic metabolism of the drug.(7) The advice to use standard dosing comes from drug company marketing literature, and is simply wrong.

“The saliva tests that some women are given to tailor formulas are of dubious value because hormone levels fluctuate widely throughout the day.”

Again the above statement is an oversimplification that is misleading. For some hormone levels salivary testing is advantageous. For example, saliva testing with four samples throughout the day shows salivary cortisol levels are highest in the morning and lowest in the evening before sleep. Regarding sex hormones, in young cycling females, hormones vary according to a monthly pattern of ovulation called the menstrual cycle. Estrogen and progesterone peaking around day 19-21 of the cycle. Here, salivary hormone testing every two or three days can show this variation and the peaks. In older, post menopausal women who are no longer ovulating, menstrual cycles have stopped and hormone levels typically decline to low levels. As a general rule, wild daily hormone fluctuations simply do not happen for post-menopausal woman. Rather, hormone levels decline to low levels, and since ovulation has stopped, hormone levels don’t change much from day to day as revealed by blood testing of hormone levels.

“Compounding pharmacists use such different methods that a customized prescription can contain widely varying amounts of hormones depending on who fills it.”

This is a completely wrong and misleading statement. If a prescription for hormone cream is sent to two different compounding pharmacies, and the two creams analyzed, they should have the same amounts of hormones. If they don’t, then something is wrong and needs to be fixed. Each compounding pharmacy should make up the exact same formulation when given the same prescription. In other words, there should be reproducibility and consistency from one pharmacy to another. The reality is that there are so many small compounding pharmacies that quality control can be an issue. I have found that this becomes a non-issue when dealing with the larger national compounding pharmacies that specialize in hormones. The quality control is better, and formulations are more consistent.

“Many compounders use estriol, a form of estrogen not approved for sale in the United States. The FDA is in a battle with compounding pharmacies over its use.”

Estriol is commonly use in compounding hormone preparations, and like many other natural compounds used for many years, approval was grandfathered in. Formal FDA approval was not required nor was it requested. Medical research shows that of the three estrogens, estriol, is the safest and most protective.

The bottom line? “Women need to understand there’s no rigorous evidence these preparations are any more effective or any safer than traditional hormone therapy.”

Again, the above statement is false. Dr Holtorf’s article published in the medical literature cites 196 references showing safety and efficacy of bioidentical hormones.

“For years, medical groups have warned against custom-compounded hormones. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has denounced claims about their safety. The American Medical Association has urged more FDA oversight. The Federal Trade Commission has filed complaints against online sellers who made health claims for natural progesterone creams without supporting evidence.”

These organizations are all heavily controlled by the drug industry, so of course, they are going to oppose natural substances that cut into profits of the drug industry. Bioidentical hormones compete directly with the synthetic hormone profits of the drug industry. That is what this is all about. This is an information war to protect drug company profits pure and simple.

NON-FDA Approved Indications

Off-Label Prescriptions

Doctors write 65 million prescriptions yearly for non-FDA approved medications, as part of routine medical practice. (8) This is called Off-Label prescribing. Two examples are phenobarbital, an anti-convulsant, and chloral-hydrate, a sedative.(8) Another example is intravenous antibiotic treatment at the hospital, a non-FDA approved compounded drug prepared by the hospital compounding pharmacy.

Jeffrey Dach MD

Articles With Related Interest

Bioidentical Hormones According to the LA TImes

Oprah Winfrey and Bioidentical Hormones

Links and References

(1) http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-10-29-menopause-herbal_N.htm

Bioidenticals: Estrogen without FDA approval for menopause? By Marilynn Marchione,

(2) http://www.thewholechild.us/integrative_/2009/06/alternative-medicine-in-the-news-a-bit-too-much.html Alternative Medicine” in the news

(3) http://blogs.acponline.org/acpinternist/2009/06/throwing-baby-out-with-snake-oil.html

Throwing the baby out with the snake oil. Tuesday, June 9, 2009

(3) http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-12-13-breast-cancer-hormone_N.htm New study firmly ties hormone use to breast cancer.

(4) http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/360/6/573 NEJM Volume 360:573-587  February 5, 2009  Number 6.  Breast Cancer after Use of Estrogen plus Progestin in Postmenopausal Women. Rowan T. Chlebowski, M.D., Ph.D., Lewis H. Kuller, M.D.,et al. for the WHI Investigators.

(5) http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/djm111v1 J Natl Cancer Inst. 2007 Sep 5;99(17):1335-9. Declines in Invasive Breast Cancer and Use of Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy in a Screening Mammography Population. Karla Kerlikowske et al.

(6) http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070814162852.htm Drop In Breast Cancer Incidence Linked To Hormone Use, Not Mammograms ScienceDaily (Aug. 15, 2007)

(7) http://www.pharmj.com/pdf/cpd/pj_20040626_pharmacokinetics02.pdf Variability in Drug Dosage Requirements, Alison Thompson. Age, Weight, Genetics . Pharmacokinetic variability, hepatic metabolism of drugs, clearance with renal elimination, drug interactions

(8) http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/conditions/09/26/unapproved.drugs/index.html

NEW YORK (CNN) — Every year, doctors write approximately 65 million prescriptions for drugs not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the federal agency that regulates prescription drugs.

(9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12626212  Climacteric. 2002 Dec;5(4):332-40. Combined hormone replacement therapy and risk of breast cancer in a French cohort study of 3175 women. de Lignières B, de Vathaire F, Fournier S, Urbinelli R, Allaert F, Le MG, Kuttenn F.

(10) http://www.holtorfmed.com/pdf/01-Bioidentical-hormone-debate.pdf also see http://jeffreydach.com/files/80618-70584/The_Bioidentical_Hormone_Debate_Ken_Holtorf_MD.pdf

The Bioidentical Hormone Debate: Are Bioidentical Hormones (Estradiol, Estriol, and Progesterone) Safer or More Efficacious than Commonly Used Synthetic Versions in Hormone Replacement Therapy? Kent Holtorf, MD1

(11) http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa071513  Estrogen Therapy and Coronary-Artery Calcification JoAnn E. Manson, M.D. et al. N Engl J Med 2007; 356:2591-2602June 21, 2007

(12) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15989413  J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2005 Jun;14(5):410-7. Effects of hormone replacement on progression of coronary calcium as measured by electron beam tomography. Budoff MJ et al.

(13) http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/287/17/2215.abstract JAMA. 2002;287(17):2215-2220. Timing of New Black Box Warnings and Withdrawals for Prescription Medications Karen E. Lasser, MD, MPH; et al.

(14) http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsr070105  The Decrease in Breast-Cancer Incidence in 2003 in the United States. Peter M. Ravdin, Ph.D., M.D., Kathleen A. Cronin, Ph.D et al. N Engl J Med 2007; 356:1670-1674April 19, 2007.

(15) http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2010/09/23/jnci.djq345.abstract  Breast Cancer Incidence and Hormone Replacement Therapy in Canada. Prithwish De, C. Ineke Neutel, Ivo Olivotto and Howard Morrison.  J Natl Cancer InstVolume102, Issue19Pp. 1489-1495

(16) Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry by Albert Lehninger, David L. Nelson, Michael M. Cox.  W. H. Freeman; Fifth Edition edition (June 15, 2008)

Link to this article

Jeffrey Dach MD

7450 Griffin Road Suite 190

Davie, Fl 33314

954-792-4663

www.jeffreydachmd.com

http://www.drdach.com

http://www.naturalmedicine101.com

http://www.bioidenticalhormones101.com

http://www.truemedmd.com

Disclaimer click here: http://www.drdach.com/wst_page20.html

The reader is advised to discuss the comments on these pages with his/her personal physicians and to only act upon the advice of his/her personal physician. Also note that concerning an answer which appears as an electronically posted question, I am NOT creating a physician — patient relationship. Although identities will remain confidential as much as possible, as I can not control the media, I can not take responsibility for any breaches of confidentiality that may occur.

Copyright (c) 2016 Jeffrey Dach MD All Rights Reserved. This article may be reproduced on the internet without permission, provided there is a link to this page and proper credit is given.

FAIR USE NOTICE: This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of issues of significance. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

Serving Areas of: Hollywood, Aventura, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Davie, Coral Springs, Cooper City, Sunshine Ranches, Hallandale, Surfside, Miami Beach, Sunny Isles, Normandy Isles, Coral Gables, Hialeah, Golden Beach ,Kendall,sunrise, coral springs, parkland,pompano, boca raton, palm beach, weston, dania beach, tamarac, oakland park, boynton beach, delray,lake worth,wellington,plantation.

The post BioIdentical Hormones Trashed by AP News appeared first on Jeffrey Dach MD .

Ivermectin Antiparasitic Anticancer Wonder Drug

Ivermectin Antiparasitic Anticancer

Wonder Drug

by Jeffrey Dach MD

The 2015 Nobel Prize in Medicine went for discovery of Ivermectin, an “astonishingly safe” FDA approved anti-helminthic drug.

200 million people take the drug globally for prevention or treatment of parasitic disease.

Dr Sharmeen at the University of Toronto screened a library of 100 drugs for activity against a leukemic cell line, and reported Ivermectin as most promising, inducing leukemic cell death at low micromolar concentrations, while sparing normal cells.  Ivermectin was also effective against leukemia mouse xenografts.

Left Image Ivermectin Chemical Structure courtesy of Stanford.EDU.

Ivermectin was patented in 2012 for treating hematological malignancy.

Dr Alice Melotti studied Ivermectin as an inhibitor of the WNT‐TCF pathway in cancer. Her report was published in 2014 EMBO molecular medicine. Dr Melotti used a transcriptional reporter assay for TCF activity driven by Beta-CATENIN to test a collection of 1,040 drugs and small molecules. Only one agent, Ivermectin, perfectly tracked the gene expression profile induced by blocking the TCF gene, and therefore blocks the WNT pathway. This has profound significance for anti-cancer stem cell therapy, because blocking the WNT pathway is the key to killing cancer stem cells.

Left Image From NEJM showing  life cycle of scabies parasite involving skin.  Treatment with Ivermectin.

Ivermectin is a highly effective anti-parasitic drug,  FDA approved for pediatric scabies (see left image) .  Ivermectin has extensive veterinary use as an anti-parasitic drug for pets, horses and farm animals (See HeartGuard header image)

The anti-cancer effect of Ivermectin was an unexpected clinical benefit.  Will Ivermectin revolutionize leukemia and cancer treatment, making chemotherapy and stem cell transplant obsolete relics for the medical museum?

Left Image Medical Museum courtesy of Army.

Jeffrey Dach MD

7450 Griffin Road Suite 190

Davie, Fl 33314

954-792-4663

Links and references

Ivermectin inhibits WNT-TCF pathway

Ivermectin – WNT pathway

1) Melotti, Alice, et al. “The river blindness drug Ivermectin and related macrocyclic lactones inhibit WNT‐TCF pathway responses in human cancer.” EMBO molecular medicine (2014): e201404084.

Ivermectin used as a therapeutic WNT-TCF pathway response blocker to treat WNT-TCF-dependent diseases including multiple cancers.

We find that macrocyclic lactones of the Avermectin family have specific anti-WNT-TCF response activity in human cancer cells and that the clinically approved compound Ivermectin (EMEA- and FDA-approved) is a specific WNT-TCF response blocker at low micromolar concentrations.

cancer stem cells

Pre-treatment with Ivermectin and Selamectin inhibits colon cancer stem cell self-renewal in clonogenic spheroid assays.  These results suggest an action on both the bulk of the tumor and its cancer stem cells.

Moreover, they might also be useful as routine prophylactic agents, for instance against nascent TCF-dependent intestinal tumors in patients with familial polyposis and against nascent sporadic colon tumors in the general aging population.

Constitutive activation of canonical WNT-TCF signaling is implicated in multiple diseases, including intestine and lung cancers, but there are no WNT-TCF antagonists in clinical use. We have performed a repositioning screen for WNT-TCF response blockers aiming to recapitulate the genetic blockade afforded by dominant-negative TCF. We report that Ivermectin inhibits the expression of WNT-TCF targets, mimicking dnTCF, and that its low concentration effects are rescued by direct activation by TCFVP16. Ivermectin inhibits the proliferation and increases apoptosis of various human cancer types. It represses the levels of C-terminal ß-CATENIN phosphoforms and of CYCLIN D1 in an okadaic acid-sensitive manner, indicating its action involves protein phosphatases.In vivo, Ivermectin selectively inhibits TCF-dependent, but not TCF-independent, xenograft growth without obvious side effects. Analysis of single semi-synthetic derivatives highlights Selamectin, urging its clinical testing and the exploration of the macrocyclic lactone chemical space. Given that Ivermectin is a safe anti-parasitic agent used by > 200 million people against river blindness, our results suggest its additional use as a therapeutic WNT-TCF pathway response blocker to treat WNT-TCF-dependent diseases including multiple cancers.

Wingless/integrase-1 (WNT) signaling.  The name Wnt was a portmanteau of int and Wg and stands for “Wingless-related integration site.  Other cancers also show an active canonical WNT pathway; these include carcinomas of the lung, stomach, cervix, endometrium, and lung as well as melanomas and gliomas

We have used a transcriptional reporter assay for TCF activity driven by APC-insensitive N’?ß-CATENIN, to test a collection of clinical-trial tested small molecules (Microsource 1040 library).  Of the 4 putative antagonists, only one, 4B5 (Avermectin B1), perfectly tracked the gene expression profile induced by dnTCF4.  anti-helmintic agent Avermectin B1, which belongs to the 16-membered Avermectin macrocyclic lactone family derived fromStreptomyces avermitilis.

The drug is used in humans against insect and worm infections, including river blindness caused by Onchocerca volvulus.  The dominant negative forms of TCF (dn-TCF) that can be used to block Wnt signaling in the nucleus. as a therapeutic WNT-TCF pathway response blocker to treat WNT-TCF-dependent diseases including multiple cancers.

We find that macrocyclic lactones of the Avermectin family have specific anti-WNT-TCF response activity in human cancer cells and that the clinically approved compound Ivermectin (EMEA- and FDA-approved) is a specific WNT-TCF response blocker at low micromolar concentrations.

Ivermectin Inhibits cancer stem cells

Pre-treatment with Ivermectin and Selamectin inhibits colon cancer stem cell self-renewal in clonogenic spheroid assays

These results suggest an action on both the bulk of the tumor and its cancer stem cells.

Moreover, they might also be useful as routine prophylactic agents, for instance against nascent TCF-dependent intestinal tumors in patients with familial polyposis and against nascent sporadic colon tumors in the general aging population.

commercial form from the pharmacy, Stromectol™,

Selamectin, which scored as toxic in the primary screen at 10 µM, was ˜ tenfold more potent than ivermectin.

Here we report that Ivermectin (Campbellet al, 1983), an off-patent drug approved for human use, and related macrocyclic lactones, have WNT-TCF pathway response blocking and anti-cancer activities. Whereas the exact molecular target for Ivermectin and Selamectin that affects WNT-TCF responses remains to be identified, the present findings show that these drugs block WNT-TCF pathway responses, likely acting at the level of ß-CATENIN/TCF function, affecting ß-CATENIN phosphorylation status.

Cell toxicity appears at doses greater (> 10 µM for 12 h or longer or > 5 µM for 48 h or longer for Ivermectin) than those required to block TCF responses and induce apoptosis.

This drug does not cross the blood–brain barrier.

Indications may include treatment for incurable ß-CATENIN/TCF-dependent advanced and metastatic human tumors of the lung, colon, endometrium, and other organs.

Moreover, they might also be useful as routine prophylactic agents, for instance against nascent TCF-dependent intestinal tumors in patients with familial polyposis and against nascent sporadic colon tumors in the general aging population.

————————————————————————-

2) NEW ZEALAND DATA SHEET STROMECTOL ivermectin 3 mg tablet 2011

3) Chhaiya, Sunita B., et al. “IJBCP International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology.”  International Journal 2.6 (2013): 799. Chhaiya, Sunita. Ivermectin pharmacology and therapeutic applications Sunita Chhaiya 2012

4) The Pharmacokinetics and Interactions of Ivermectin in Humans.  Canga, Aránzazu González, et al.”The pharmacokinetics and interactions of ivermectin in humans—a mini-review.” The AAPS journal 10.1 (2008): 42-46.

Ivermectin is exceptionally potent, with effective dosages

levels that are unusually low. In the treatment of onchocerciasis,

the optimal dose of ivermectin is 150 µg/kg, but the

frequency of administration is still controversial, ranging from

150 µg/kg once to three times yearly. The optimal duration of

treatment has not been established (6).

It is effective in most patients with scabies after a single oral dose of 200 µg/kg, but often the regimen involves two or three repeated doses, separated by interval of 1 or 2 weeks (7).

prolonged prothrombin ratios were observed in 148  subjects given ivermectin orally. Although no patients suffered bleeding complications, factor II and VII levels were reduced in most of them, suggesting interference with vitamin K

metabolism.

———————————————————–

Take Ivermectin with FOod every 4 days.

5) J Clin Pharmacol. 2002 Oct;42(10):1122-33.

Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of escalating high doses of ivermectin in healthy adult subjects.  Guzzo CA1, Furtek CI, Porras AG, Chen C, Tipping R, Clineschmidt CM, Sciberras DG, Hsieh JY, Lasseter KC.

Safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of the antiparasitic drug ivermectin, administered in higher and/or more frequent doses than currently approved for human use, were evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose escalation study. Subjects (n = 68) were assigned to one of four panels (3:1, ivermectin/placebo): 30 or 60 mg (three times a week) or 90 or 120 mg (single dose). The 30 mg panel (range: 34 7-594 microg/kg) also received a single dose with food after a 1-week washout. Safety assessments addressed both known ivermectin CNS effects and general toxicity. The primary safety endpoint was mydriasis, accurately quantitated by pupillometry. Ivermectin was generally well tolerated, with no indication of associated CNS toxicity for doses up to 10 times the highest FDA-approved dose of 200 microg/kg. All dose regimens had a mydriatic effect similar to placebo. Adverse experiences were similar between ivermectin and placebo and did not increase with dose. Following single doses of 30 to 120 mg, AUC and Cmax were generally dose proportional, with t(max) approximately 4 hours and t1/2 approximately 18 hours. The geometric mean AUC of 30 mg ivermectin was 2.6 times higher when administered with food. Geometric mean AUC ratios (day 7/day 1) were 1.24 and 1.40 for the 30 and 60 mg doses, respectively, indicating that the accumulation of ivermectin given every fourth day is minimal. This study demonstrated that ivermectin is generally well tolerated at these higher doses and more frequent regimens.

————————————————————–

6) Editorial Commentary: Ivermectin as a Complementary Strategy to Kill Mosquitoes and Stop Malaria Transmission? Richard W. Steketee1 and Feiko O. ter Kuile2

Repeated doses of up to 800 µg/kg have been used in the treatment of onchocerciasis [8–10]. Furthermore, earlier dose-escalation studies with ivermectin have shown that doses up to 2000 µg/kg (ie, 5 times the highest US Food and Drug Administration–approved dose) are well tolerated with no indication of central nervous system or general toxicity [11]. Additional dosing during the third day of the ACT treatment (as done in this trial) or at day 7 (and perhaps at day 14)

—————————————————–

Ivermectin safely given incombination with Artemisinin Derivative Artemether

7)  Efficacy and Safety of the Mosquitocidal Drug Ivermectin to Prevent Malaria Transmission After Treatment: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Clinical Trial

André Lin Ouédraogo1,a, Guido J. H. Bastiaens2,a, Alfred B. Tiono1, Wamdaogo M. Guelbéogo1, Kevin C. Kobylinski3,4, Alphonse Ouédraogo1, Aïssata Barry1, Edith C. Bougouma1, Issa Nebie1, Maurice San Ouattara1, Kjerstin H. W. Lanke2, Lawrence Fleckenstein5, Robert W. Sauerwein2, Hannah C. Slater6, Thomas S. Churcher6, Sodiomon B. Sirima1, Chris Drakeley7, and Teun Bousema2,7

Background. Artemisinin combination therapy effectively clears asexual malaria parasites and immature gametocytes but does not prevent posttreatment malaria transmission. Ivermectin (IVM) may reduce malaria transmission by killing mosquitoes that take blood meals from IVM-treated humans.

Methods. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 120 asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum parasite carriers were randomized to receive artemether-lumefantrine (AL) plus placebo or AL plus a single or repeated dose (200 µg/kg) of ivermectin (AL-IVM1 and AL-IVM2, respectively). Mosquito membrane feeding was performed 1, 3, and 7 days after initiation of treatment to determine Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus survival and infection rates.

Results. The AL-IVM combination was well tolerated. IVM resulted in a 4- to 7-fold increased mortality in mosquitoes feeding 1 day after IVM (P < .001). Day 7 IVM plasma levels were positively associated with body mass index (r = 0.57, P < .001) and were higher in female participants (P = .003), for whom An. gambiae mosquito mortality was increased until 7 days after a single dose of IVM (hazard rate ratio, 1.34 [95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.69]; P = .012). Although we found no evidence that IVM reduced Plasmodium infection rates among surviving mosquitoes, the mosquitocidal effect of AL-IVM1 and AL-IVM2 resulted in 27% and 35% reductions, respectively, in estimated malaria transmission potential during the first week after initiation of treatment.

Conclusions. We conclude that IVM can be safely given in combination with AL and can reduce the likelihood of malaria transmission by reducing the life span of feeding mosquitoes.

8) Chaccour, Carlos J., et al. “Ivermectin to reduce malaria transmission: a research agenda for a promising new tool for elimination.” Malar J 12.153 (2013): 10-1186.

Recent publications have highlighted the likely benefit of combining ivermectin with drugs such as artemisinin combination therapy (ACT). ACT is

highly effective in most malaria-endemic settings but does not prevent malaria-transmission in the first weeks after treatment [53,54].

=====================================================

87)  Ivermectin Use in Scabies ROBERT S. FAWCETT, M.D., M.S., York Hospital Family Practice Residency, York, Pennsylvania.  Am Fam Physician. 2003 Sep 15;68(6):1089-1092.

—————————————-

ivermectin cancer cell death

2015

9)  Draganov, Dobrin, et al. “Modulation of P2X4/P2X7/pannexin-1 sensitivity to extracellular ATP via ivermectin induces a non-apoptotic and inflammatory form of cancer cell death.” Scientific reports 5 (2015).

We found that Ivermectin kills mouse and human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells through augmented P2X7-dependent purinergic signaling associated with caspase-1 and caspase-3 activation.

FIg 7 Model of P2X4/P2X7/Pannexin-1-induced cancer cell death.

Ivermectin induces P2X4/P2X7-dependent activation of Pannexin-1 channels and release of ATP. The release of ATP might be transiently protective, but only in cell types that are highly sensitive to Ivermectin-induces cell swelling when ATP and Ca2+ signaling are essential for control of cell volume. In cancer cells where no cell size changes can be observed (for example human TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells), high concentrations of ATP (1–3?mM) immediately enhance Ivermectin cytotoxicity. Potentiated P2X7 receptor signaling drives a fast progressing necrotic/pyroptotic mechanism driven by NADPH oxidases-generated ROS, cytosolic Ca2+/CaMKII activation, and MPTP, and characterized by caspase-1 cleavage, due to possible NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Necrotic killing is followed by a slower progressing apoptotic cell death program mediated by caspase-3 activation. The failure of the default apoptotic pathway might be attributed to faster activation of caspase-1, inadequate autophagic control of mitochondrial MPTP, collapse of cellular energy metabolism, resulting in rapid progression of necrotic cell death. Damage to mitochondria and ER stress as well as potential depletion of cellular ATP reserves simultaneously promote autophagy that might render even the slower apoptotic pathway immunogenic.

——————————–

2004

10) Drinyaev, Victor A., et al. “Antitumor effect of avermectins.” European journal of pharmacology 501.1 (2004): 19-23.

11) Searching for Ivermectin Deficiency Syndrome by Dr Simon Yu author of Accidental Cure.

12) 2012 Patent for Ivermectin as treatment for hematologic malignancy (including mantle cell lymphoma.)  Use of synergistic combinations of an avermectin and an antineoplastic compounds for the treatment of hematological malignancies EP 2498785 A1 (text from WO2011054103A1)

13) Sharmeen, Sumaiya, et al. “The antiparasitic agent ivermectin induces chloride-dependent membrane hyperpolarization and cell death in leukemia cells.” Blood 116.18 (2010): 3593-3603.

To identify known drugs with previously unrecognized anticancer activity, we compiled and screened a library of such compounds to identify agents cytotoxic to leukemia cells. From these screens, we identified ivermectin, a derivative of avermectin B1 that is licensed for the treatment of the parasitic infections, strongyloidiasis and onchocerciasis, but is also effective against other worm infestations. As a potential antileukemic agent, ivermectin induced cell death at low micromolar concentrations in acute myeloid leukemia cell lines and primary patient samples preferentially over normal hematopoietic cells. Ivermectin also delayed tumor growth in 3 independent mouse models of leukemia at concentrations that appear pharmacologically achievable. As an antiparasitic, ivermectin binds and activates chloride ion channels in nematodes, so we tested the effects of ivermectin on chloride flux in leukemia cells. Ivermectin increased intracellular chloride ion concentrations and cell size in leukemia cells. Chloride influx was accompanied by plasma membrane hyperpolarization, but did not change mitochondrial membrane potential. Ivermectin also increased reactive oxygen species generation that was functionally important for ivermectin-induced cell death. Finally, ivermectin synergized with cytarabine and daunorubicin that also increase reactive oxygen species production. Thus, given its known toxicology and pharmacology, ivermectin could be rapidly advanced into clinical trial for leukemia.

Articles With Related Interest:

Cancer as a Parasitic Disease

Targeting Cancer Stem Cells With Nontoxic Therapies

Artemesinin Our Best AntiCancer Weapon

link to this article

Jeffrey Dach MD

7450 Griffin Road Suite 190

Davie, Fl 33314

954-792-4663

www.jeffreydachmd.com

http://www.drdach.com

http://www.naturalmedicine101.com

http://www.bioidenticalhormones101.com

http://www.truemedmd.com

Disclaimer click here: http://www.drdach.com/wst_page20.html

The reader is advised to discuss the comments on these pages with his/her personal physicians and to only act upon the advice of his/her personal physician. Also note that concerning an answer which appears as an electronically posted question, I am NOT creating a physician — patient relationship. Although identities will remain confidential as much as possible, as I can not control the media, I can not take responsibility for any breaches of confidentiality that may occur.

Copyright (c) 2016 Jeffrey Dach MD All Rights Reserved. This article may be reproduced on the internet without permission, provided there is a link to this page and proper credit is given.

FAIR USE NOTICE: This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of issues of significance. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

Serving Areas of: Hollywood, Aventura, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Davie, Coral Springs, Cooper City, Sunshine Ranches, Hallandale, Surfside, Miami Beach, Sunny Isles, Normandy Isles, Coral Gables, Hialeah, Golden Beach ,Kendall,sunrise, coral springs, parkland,pompano, boca raton, palm beach, weston, dania beach, tamarac, oakland park, boynton beach, delray,lake worth,wellington,plantation.

The post Ivermectin Antiparasitic Anticancer Wonder Drug appeared first on Jeffrey Dach MD .

Bioidentical Hormones According to the LA Times

Bioidentical Hormones

According to the LA Times

Jeffrey Dach MD

An article on Bioidentical Hormones appeared in the Los Angeles Times written by “The Healthy Skeptic”.(1) The author was a medical journalist with a master’s degree in biology. Sadly, this article contained a number of omissions, errors and falsehoods that require correction:

The author says:

“Over the decades, millions of women have taken some form of hormone therapy to relieve symptoms of menopause… The treatment typically included Premarin, estrogen isolated from the urine of pregnant mares, combined with Provera, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone.”

The article correctly states that millions of women have taken hormone preparations to relieve symptoms of menopause. However, the author then presents a biased and narrow viewpoint:  all took “synthetic” chemically altered hormones in the form of Provera and Premarin. These are the chemically altered hormones sold by the major drug companies.  The truth is that millions of women have taken and continue to take human Bioidentical Hormones, rather than Premarin and Provera for relief of menopausal symptoms.

The Women’s Health Initiative Study

The author of the LA Times article then discusses the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative Study, halted early because the study showed that synthetic, chemically altered hormones (Premarin and Provera) cause cancer and heart disease. In this, they are quite correct.(23)  The author says:

“But when a six-year study of more than 16,600 postmenopausal women that was part of the Women’s Health Initiative found that the combination of Premarin and Provera seemed to increase the risk of breast cancer, stroke and heart disease, doctors and patients suddenly had to consider other options.“

Although this is correct, I would remove the word, “seemed” from the text. The synthetic hormones, Premarin and Provera didn’t “seem” to cause cancer and heart disease. They DID cause cancer and heart disease in the WHI study. That’s why the study was terminated early, a small fact conveniently left out of the story.

The author then goes on the state:

“Soon after the WHI made headlines, some pharmacies, alternative health clinics and a few outspoken doctors started heavily promoting so-called “bioidentical hormones” for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Unlike Premarin or Provera, bioidentical hormones — which are produced in laboratories using yam and soy phytoestrogens as a starting point — exactly match the hormone made by human ovaries.“

After the revelations of the WHI study were made public in 2002, millions of smart women abandoned synthetic hormones and switched to Bioidentical Hormones. This switch was not caused by a massive drug advertising campaign of the type seen with statin drugs or SSRI antidepressants. As a matter of fact, there was no TV advertising for Bioidentical Hormones, so I would disagree that Bioidentical Hormones were “heavily promoted”. They weren’t. The massive switch was caused by rank and file physicians who simply stopped writing prescriptions for Medroxyprogesterone (MPA, Provera™), the synthetic hormone used in the WHI study.

Nine Per Cent Decline in Breast Cancer Rates

A small piece of information conveniently left out of the story is that this sudden decline in synthetic hormone prescriptions in 2003 was accompanied by a nine per cent decline in breast cancer rates as reported by Dr. Ravdin in the New England Journal of Medicine. (22)  A similar decline in breast cancer rates was seen in Canadian women after halting Prempro synthetic hormone use.(24)  Left Image breast cancer (white spot) courtesy of wikimedia commons on PET scan.

Exactly the Same as Hormones Made by the Ovary

The author is quite correct in the statement that Bioidentical Hormones are exactly the same as the hormones made by the female ovary.

FDA Approved Bioidentical Hormones

The author then states,

“The Food and Drug Administration has approved several prescription-only drugs that contain bioidentical hormones, including Estrace pills, Estrasorb topical cream and the Alora patch. But many health clinics and pharmacies also sell non-approved creams that contain bioidentical estrogen and/or progesterone. These creams are often custom-made — or “compounded” — for each patient, sometimes based on the results of a saliva test that measures a woman’s hormone levels.”

Many FDA approved Bioidentical Hormone preparations are available at the corner drugstore.  However, the author omits the fact that compounding pharmacies are regulated at the state level, not by the federal government, so FDA approval is not required or even desired for compounded hormone preparations. Insisting on FDA approval for compounded hormone preparations is similar to insisting that your state driver’s license is invalidated because it was not issued by the federal government.

FDA approval is sometimes waved about like a majestic frond, as if it grants magical qualities to a drug. In reality, FDA approval does not automatically mean the drug is effective or desirable. Ten percent of all FDA approved drugs are later recalled or banned and designated as “Bad Drugs“.(25)  Another ten per cent of FDA approved drugs later receive black box warnings.(25)  FDA approval means a major drug company has paid a lot of money for studies showing efficacy over placebo. Sometimes, these studies are fudged.

Catch 22 for Natural Substances

Another important omitted fact is that the FDA approval process is so expensive that it makes financial sense only for patented drugs with prospects for large returns. It is unlikely that any drug company will invest the millions for FDA approval studies when the drug in question is a natural substance such as a Bioidentical Hormone that cannot be protected by a patent. The publicly financed Women’s Health Initiative study sponsored by the NIH was done with patented hormones, Premarin and Provera, not the natural non-patentable bioidentical hormones. This no doubt reflects drug company control over NIH research dollars. The NIH should be studying natural substances like bioidentical hormones, but they rarely do.

In One Corner, We Have: Dr Kent Holtorf

The LA article goes on: “Dr. Kent Holtorf, a physician and proponent of bioidentical hormones …The website for Holtorf’s clinic says that women using bioidentical hormones “feel great” without suffering any of the side effects of “synthetic hormones,” said to include fatigue, depression and weight gain, along with the increased risk of breast cancer and heart disease. In a phone interview, Holtorf said that Bioidentical Hormones are more effective and safer than traditional treatments. “Over and over, women have told me that they feel much better” after taking the Bioidentical Hormones, he says.”

In the Other Corner, We have Dr. Nanette Santoro Representing Mainstream Medicine and Synthetic Hormones.  The LA Times author states:

“Bioidentical hormones have an obvious appeal to women seeking relief for menopausal symptoms, says Dr. Nanette Santoro, chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver and vice president of clinical science for the Endocrine Society. After all, it just seems to make sense that anything that exactly mimics a woman’s own hormones must be better than mare’s urine or a man-made compound that doesn’t exist in nature.“

“But Santoro says there is no proof that bioidentical hormones are any safer or more effective than traditional treatments. “All of the evidence that we have suggests that all of these hormones should be painted with the same brush,” she says.“

Dr Santoro represents mainstream medicine and synthetic hormones sold by the major drug companies, and as such uses coded language which requires translation. “Traditional Treatments” means synthetic chemically altered hormones sold by the drug companies. “Painted with the same brush” is the usual attempt to confuse the difference between chemically altered hormones and Bioidentical Hormones, claiming they are all the same thing. They are not the same thing. Chemically altered hormones are “Monster Hormones” that cause cancer and heart disease. Bioidentical hormones have the same chemical structure as the hormones in the human body and are safe and effective.

Bioidentical Hormones Are Safer and More Effective than Synthetics

Dr Kent Holtorf’s review article, “The_Bioidentical_Hormone_Debate” , cites 196 medical studies showing bioidentical hormones are safer and more effective than synthetic altered hormones.(2)  The French Cohort study is another good reference showing safety and efficacy of bioidentical hormones. (27)

Synthetic Hormones Are Monsters

In my opinion, chemically altered hormones are MONSTERS that should never have been approved for human use. Lehninger’s textbook of biochemistry uses the word hormone which means a “bioidentical” hormone. Synthetic chemically altered hormones do not exist in the human body. The sole purpose of chemically altering a hormone chemical structure is to obtain a patent to protect profits of the drug industry. These chemically altered monster hormones are a recent invention in the history of medicine and are MONSTERS that should never have been approved for human use. Alternatively, bioidentical hormones and other natural substances by definition cannot be patented and therefore not profitable for the drug industry.

Dr. Nanette Santoro Has Concerns

The LA TImes author goes on to state:

“She has many concerns about bioidentical hormones that don’t have FDA approval. For one thing, she says, it’s impossible to know if unapproved creams have the promised amounts of hormones. “I’ve seen patients on these compounds actually losing bone mass because they were getting an insufficient dosage,” she says. “Why take that chance?”

We have discussed the FDA approval issue above. Compounding pharmacies are regulated by the states, not the federal government, so FDA approval is neither required nor desired for compounded preparations. The issue of quality control and proper dosage is a real consideration that applies to ALL TYPES of medications whether FDA approved or not. To get the best quality, I recommend working with a knowledgeable physician familiar with the best compounding pharmacies with the highest reputation for quality and service. Perhaps Dr Santoro’s statement is referring here to over-the-counter progesterone creams which are regulated by the cosmetics act. I agree with her point. These are not recommended because the amount of active hormone is not listed on the label, nor is there any assurance of the amount of active hormone inside the product.

Drug Company Fear Mongering

“Why take a chance?” says Dr Nanette Santoro. This is typical drug company propaganda and fear mongering that is usually seen with drug company television advertising. This plants doubt about compounded preparations. The problem with this logic is that the same doubt can be raised about hospital pharmacies which are all compounding pharmacies. For example, the intravenous medications prepared in the hospital pharmacy are, in fact, compounded medications. The reality is that synthetic hormones are the monsters, and the Bioidentical Hormones are safe and more effective than synthetic hormones,  as demonstrated in the French Cohort study published in 2002 Climacteric.(27)

Dr. Cynthia Stuenkel, Clinical Professor of Medicine at UC San Diego

The LA TImes author then goes on to state:

“Dr. Cynthia Stuenkel, clinical professor of medicine at UC San Diego and president of the North American Menopause Society, shares this concern. “Some progesterone creams may contain little or no progesterone, while others contain so much that they definitely should be available only with a prescription,” she says. “Taking hormones without the careful guidance of a doctor is risky business,” Stuenkel says, ” Among other things, too many hormones can potentially cause blood clots and endometrial hyperplasia, a precursor to uterine cancer.”

Dr Stuenkel is correct in that progesterone creams are relatively safe, and available OTC (over the counter) without a prescription. These are regulated by the cosmetics act. She is also correct in that the OTC progesterone creams may vary in potency. The highest quality and most reliable progesterone creams are made by prescription at a compounding pharmacy. These are freshly prepared according to the prescribed dosage written by the physician. This is all OK.

Blood Clots, Endometrial Hyperplasia, Uterine Cancer – Omitting History

Dr. Stuenkel is right that certain types of hormones cause blood clots and uterine cancer. However, blood clots are caused by oral estrogen, not progesterone. Uterine cancer is caused by oral estrogen, specifically Premarin. Progesterone is not on this list and does not cause blood clotting problems. Jumping from progesterone to blood clots and endometrial hyperplasia is somewhat misleading and reveals a lack of understanding of the history of medicine. Progesterone does not cause blood clots, endometrial hyperplasia, or uterine cancer. Progesterone is protective. This is taught to first year medical students. Blood clots, endometrial hyperplasia and uterine cancer are all caused by oral estrogen tablets, called Premarin, given without progesterone, which historically was the usual practice from 1950 to 1975. This medical practice was halted with the publication of a NEJM report revealing that Premarin causes uterine cancer.(21)  To prevent uterine cancer, a synthetic progesterone called Provera was added to the regimen, hence Prempro (a combo drug of Premarin plus Provera), the same drug used in the WHI (women’s health initiative) study. This is a little history omitted by the author of the LA Times article.

Also omitted was that oral estrogen tablets cause increased coagulability and increased risk of blood clots. For example, oral estrogen in birth control pills is the cause of blood clots, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary emboli and stroke in young women. On the other hand, Bioidentical Estrogen in topical cream form is safe, and not associated with increased risk of blood clots. See my article on this: The Safety of Transdermal Estrogen.

On the Payroll of Wyeth

Also omitted from the LA Times article was that the two hormone experts, Stuenkel and Santoro both disclosed financial ties to Wyeth and other drug companies that make synthetic chemically altered “Monster'” hormones. These financial ties were publicly disclosed elsewhere as required by medical ethics rules. In addition, The North American Menopause society has financial ties to Wyeth and other synthetic hormone makers. This is publicly disclosed on the NAMS position statement in which many members of the NAMS advisory panel have financial ties to the drug industry.(15-17)

Synthetic Hormones Are Frankenstein Monsters

The Los Angeles Times also conveniently omits important historical information about the first synthetic hormone invented in 1938, DES, Diethylstilbestrol. This monster hormone drug was used from the 1940s until the late 1980s, as an FDA-approved estrogen-replacement therapy. In 1972, the first reports of cervical cancer in the daughters of DES treated women was published in the New England Journal, and the drug was banned in 1975 after millions of women had been exposed.(5-7)

Another early synthetic hormone was Bisphenol A, originally invented in 1936, and now, six billion pounds per year is used for baby bottles, water bottles, and children’s toys.(8-9) These early “monster” hormones gave us a preview of coming attractions with the pharmaceutical industry continuing to sell chemically altered hormones to the public. It’s all about money, not health. The take home message is that smart women are avoiding the “monster hormones”.  Upper Left Image: Boris Karloff from The Bride of Frankenstein,1931, courtesy of Universal Studios and Wikimedia Commons.

Conclusion:

Post-menopausal women refuse to be fooled by drug company marketing tactics attempting to persuade them to use synthetic monster hormones.  Smart women have rejected synthetic hormones for the monsters they really, and have switched in massive numbers to safer and more effective bioidentical hormones.

Articles with Related Interest:

More Lies About Bioidentical Hormones

Newsweek Attacks Bioidentical Hormones

Bioidentical Hormones Opposed by Endocrine Society

New Attack on Bioidentical Hormones by Drug Industry

Jeffrey Dach MD

7450 Griffin Road Suite 190

Davie, Fl 33314

954-792-4663

www.jeffreydachmd.com

http://www.drdach.com

http://www.naturalmedicine101.com

http://www.bioidenticalhormones101.com

http://www.truemedmd.com

Links and References:

(1) http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jun/07/health/la-he-skeptic-20100607

LA Times, Bioidentical hormones for menopausal symptoms. Proponents boast improvement over older treatments; others say there isn’t enough evidence yet. The Healthy Skeptic June 07, 2010,|By Chris Woolston, Special to the Los Angeles Times, Chris Woolston, M.S

(2) http://www.postgradmed.com/index.php?article=1949   Postgraduate Medicine: Volume 121: No.1 by Kent Holtorf , The Bioidentical Hormone Debate: Are Bioidentical Hormones (Estradiol, Estriol, and Progesterone) Safer or More Efficacious than Commonly Used Synthetic Versions in Hormone Replacement Therapy?

(3) BioIdentical Hormone Disinformation From AP Medical Writer, Marilynn Marchione

(4)  http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-10-29-menopause-herbal_N.htm Bioidenticals: Estrogen without FDA approval for menopause? By Marilynn Marchione, The Associated Press

(5) http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM197108122850707  Vaginal Cancer after Maternal Treatment with Synthetic Estrogens, Peter Greenwald, M.D., Joseph J. Barlow, M.D., Philip C. Nasca, M.S., and William S. Burnett, M.D. N Engl J Med 1971; 285:390-392August 12, 1971

(6) http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6x_DES_Exposure_Questions_and_Answers.asp

DES Exposure: Questions and Answers- What is DES? Amer Cancer Society

(7) http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/450670_2 Diethylstilbestrol (DES) Update: History of DES

(8) http://www.ourstolenfuture.org/newscience/oncompounds/bisphenola/bpauses.htm

Bisphenol A from  Our Stolen Future: Are We Threatening Our Fertility, Intelligence, and Survival?–A Scientific Detective Story, Theo Colborn, Dianne Dumanoski, John Peter Meyers, Plume, 1997.

(9) http://www.environmentcalifornia.org/environmental-health/stop-toxic-toys/bisphenol-a-overview Bisphenol A Overview

(10) http://www.kentonbruicemd.com/blog/Tag/synthetic-hormones Kenton  Bruice MD, Why Synthetic Hormones Can Be Dangerous to the Body

(11) http://www.wsu.edu/~delahoyd/frank.comment3.html Frankenstein: The Man and the Monster- Suzanna Storment October 2002 – The future of science, if uncontrolled, could be disastrous.

(12) http://www.medpagetoday.com/pdf/IndiciaME03/  Cynthia A. Stuenkel, MD, NCMP  Dr. Stuenkel is a consultant for Eli Lilly, Upsher-Smith, and Wyeth.

(13) http://www.clinicianschannel.com/pik/1833/index.cfm   Cynthia A. Stuenkel, MD, has received honorarium from Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc, and Ally Pharma Options Pvt. Ltd.

(14) http://cme.medscape.com/viewarticle/709447  Cynthia A. Stuenkel, MD, financial relationships

(15) http://www.drugs.com/news/american-association-clinical-endocrinologists-north-american-menopause-society-fail-disclose-7750.html American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and North American Menopause Society Fail to Disclose Financial Ties to Wyeth Pharmaceuticals – Half of NAMS’s Board of Trustees for 2007-2008 receives consulting fees or research support from Wyeth, including Dr. Utian.

(16)   Wyeth funds research, awards, annual meetings, lectureship funds, educational programs and other activities of NAMS.

(17) http://www.menopause.org/donorlist.pdf Corporate Supporters  of NAMS

(18) http://www.revolutionhealth.com/articles/nanette-santoro-m.d./article.2006-11-27.4097812445

Nanette Santoro, M.D., Grants/Research Support: Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc., Serono SA. Consultant/Advisory Board: Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc., Serono SA, Wyeth, Pfizer Inc. Speakers’ Bureau: Wyeth, Pfizer Inc., Berlex Inc.

(19) http://www.uchsc.edu/obgyn/  Nanette F. Santoro, M.D.

(20) http://www.clinicianschannel.com/pik/1833/index.cfm Nanette F. Santoro, MD, has received grants,  support , consulting fees honorarium from Wyeth.

(21) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/171569

N Engl J Med. 1975 Dec 4;293(23):1167-70.   Increased risk of endometrial carcinoma among users of conjugated estrogens.Ziel HK, Finkle WD.

(22) http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsr070105  The Decrease in Breast-Cancer Incidence in 2003 in the United States, Peter M. Ravdin, Ph.D., M.D et al. N Engl J Med 2007; 356:1670-1674April 19, 2007

23)  Writing Group for the Women’s Health Initiative Investigators. “Risks and Benefits of Estrogen Plus Progestin in Healthy Postmenopausal Women: Principal Results From the Women’s Health Initiative Randomized Controlled Trial.” JAMA 288.3 (2002): 321-333.

(24) Breast Cancer Incidence and Hormone Replacement Therapy in Canada. Prithwish De, C. Ineke Neutel, Ivo Olivotto and Howard Morrison.  J Natl Cancer InstVolume102, Issue19Pp. 1489-1495

25) JAMA. 2002;287(17):2215-2220. Timing of New Black Box Warnings and Withdrawals for Prescription Medications . Karen E. Lasser, MD, MPH; et al.

27)  Climacteric. 2002 Dec;5(4):332-40. Combined hormone replacement therapy and risk of breast cancer in a French cohort study of 3175 women. de Lignières B, de Vathaire F, Fournier S, Urbinelli R, Allaert F, Le MG, Kuttenn F.

Link to this article:http://wp.me/p3gFbV-3ye

Jeffrey Dach MD

7450 Griffin Road Suite 190

Davie, Fl 33314

954-792-4663

www.jeffreydachmd.com

http://www.drdach.com

http://www.naturalmedicine101.com

http://www.bioidenticalhormones101.com

http://www.truemedmd.com

Disclaimer click here: http://www.drdach.com/wst_page20.html

The reader is advised to discuss the comments on these pages with his/her personal physicians and to only act upon the advice of his/her personal physician. Also note that concerning an answer which appears as an electronically posted question, I am NOT creating a physician — patient relationship. Although identities will remain confidential as much as possible, as I can not control the media, I can not take responsibility for any breaches of confidentiality that may occur.

Copyright (c) 2016 Jeffrey Dach MD All Rights Reserved. This article may be reproduced on the internet without permission, provided there is a link to this page and proper credit is given.

FAIR USE NOTICE: This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of issues of significance. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

Serving Areas of: Hollywood, Aventura, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Davie, Coral Springs, Cooper City, Sunshine Ranches, Hallandale, Surfside, Miami Beach, Sunny Isles, Normandy Isles, Coral Gables, Hialeah, Golden Beach ,Kendall,sunrise, coral springs, parkland,pompano, boca raton, palm beach, weston, dania beach, tamarac, oakland park, boynton beach, delray,lake worth,wellington,plantation.

The post Bioidentical Hormones According to the LA Times appeared first on Jeffrey Dach MD .

Best Answer for Cancer San Diego April 2016 Jeffrey Dach MD

Best Answer for Cancer San Diego April 2016 Jeffrey Dach MD

Thanks to Annie Brandt and Best Answer for Cancer Foundation for  hosting a great Three Day Conference in San Diego on April 14-16, 2016.

The slides for my talk, “ANTI-CANCER SYNERGY OF ARTEMISININ WITH BOTANICALS AND RE-PURPOSED DRUGS”, are available here:

——————————————————————————

Click Here for my PowerPoint Slide Presentation

——————————————————————————

Articles with Related interest:

Targeting Cancer Stem Cells with NonToxic Therapies part one

Cancer Stem Cells Natural Therapies Part Two

Artemisinin our Ultimate Cancer Weapon a Gift from China

Cancer as a Metabolic Disease

How Does Cannabis Kill Cancer Part One

How Does Cannabis Kill Cancer Part Two

Jeffrey Dach MD

7450 Griffin Road Suite 190

Davie, Fl 33314

954-792-4663

www.jeffreydachmd.com

http://www.drdach.com

http://www.naturalmedicine101.com

http://www.bioidenticalhormones101.com

http://www.truemedmd.com

Disclaimer click here: http://www.drdach.com/wst_page20.html

The reader is advised to discuss the comments on these pages with his/her personal physicians and to only act upon the advice of his/her personal physician. Also note that concerning an answer which appears as an electronically posted question, I am NOT creating a physician — patient relationship. Although identities will remain confidential as much as possible, as I can not control the media, I can not take responsibility for any breaches of confidentiality that may occur.

Copyright (c) 2016 Jeffrey Dach MD All Rights Reserved. This article may be reproduced on the internet without permission, provided there is a link to this page and proper credit is given.

FAIR USE NOTICE: This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of issues of significance. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

Serving Areas of: Hollywood, Aventura, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Davie, Coral Springs, Cooper City, Sunshine Ranches, Hallandale, Surfside, Miami Beach, Sunny Isles, Normandy Isles, Coral Gables, Hialeah, Golden Beach ,Kendall,sunrise, coral springs, parkland,pompano, boca raton, palm beach, weston, dania beach, tamarac, oakland park, boynton beach, delray,lake worth,wellington,plantation.

The post Best Answer for Cancer San Diego April 2016 Jeffrey Dach MD appeared first on Jeffrey Dach MD .

Best Answer For Cancer Meeting San Diego April 15 2016

Best Answer For Cancer Meeting

San Diego April 15 2016

Power Point Slides Jeffrey Dach MD Talk Entitled:

Artemisinin and Non-Toxic Targeted Cancer Therapies

Thanks to Annie Brandt and the Executive Board of Best Answer for Cancer and the IOICP International Organization of  Integrative Oncology and Cancer Physicians for inviting me to speak at a breakout session at their annual meeting in San Diego April 15, 2016.

Free Download

For free download of my Powerpoint slides of the presentation : Click Here.

DOWNLOAD SLIDES

Jeffrey Dach MD

Upper left image : Tu You You winner of first Chinese Nobel Prize in Medicine 2015 for discovery and work on Artemisinin.

Link to Conference Agenda

 

 

 

The post Best Answer For Cancer Meeting San Diego April 15 2016 appeared first on Jeffrey Dach MD .

Cancer Stem Cells Natural Therapies Part Two

Cancer Stem Cells Natural Therapies

Part Two

This article is part two, for part one, click here.

In part one, we discussed  natural therapies targeting cancer stem cells.  In addition, we discussed the anti-parasitic drug, Ivermectin, which has remarkable anticancer stem cell activity via inhibition of the WNT/TCF/Beta-Catenin Pathway.

CAPE Inhibits Cancer Stem Cells

Another such potent anti-cancer natural agent is a substance is found in bee propolis,  known by the acronym CAPE which is short for Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester, (see below image courtesy of Pengxuan Zhang et al. Molecules 2014).(12)

Dr Omene in 2012 reported that CAPE inhibits breast cancer in vitro  and in vivo mouse xenograft models.  CAPE also inhibited the breast cancer stem cells.(4)  The CAPE inhibited  gene expression for NF-κB, EGFR, and VEGF. (4)

Dr  Xiang reported in 2006, that CAPE from bee propolis (Caffeic acid phenethyl ester) induces apoptosis of colon cancer cells via suppression of  the Beta-Catenin/T-cell factor signaling pathway. (5).  The authors reported CAPE treated cancer cells had decreased total beta-Catenin protein, and decreased nuclear beta-catenin.  In addition, there was CAPE treatment reduced expression of cyclin D1 and c-myc, showing that CAPE is an excellent inhibitor of  Beta-Catenin/TCF in colon cancer cells.  In addition CAPE down regulates Nuclear Factor Kappa Beta.(1-12)

Down Regulation of BetaCatenin Signalling

Above image shows green color for β-catenin localization in colon cancer (SW480) cells.  Compared to untreated cancer cells (Left Fig A), the cancer cells treated with CAPE (Right Image B) (bee propolis) show decreased β-catenin protein in nucleus and cytoplasm, and concurrently increased its accumulation of green Beta Catenin on the surface of cell membrane.  From Figure 7A/B He 2006 (6) He, Yu-Jun, et al. “Inhibitory effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on the growth of SW480 colorectal tumor cells involves beta-catenin associated signaling pathway down-regulation.” World Journal of Gastroenterology 12.31 (2006): 4981.

Conclusion: Bee Propolis contains ingredeints such as CAPE with potent anticancer activity by virtue of down-regulation of the Beta Catenin/WNT pathway.

Articles with Related Interest:

Targeting Cancer Stem Cells with NonToxic Therapies

Artemisinin our Ultimate Cancer Weapon a Gift from China

Jeffrey Dach MD

7450 Griffin Road Suite 180

Davie, Fl 33314

943-792-4663

Links and References

bee propolis  caffeic acid phenethyl ester

2016

1) http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/19390211.2015.1008614

Patel, Seema. “Emerging Adjuvant Therapy for Cancer: Propolis and its Constituents.” Journal of dietary supplements 13.3 (2016): 245-268.

Cancer inhibition by propolis is so far the most startling finding. Cancer is a multifactorial disease, triggered by genetic aberrations and environmental mutagens and their hostile interactions. Antitumor properties of propolis have been attributed to the bolstered antioxidant status, augmented immune-surveillance, suppression of proliferation, reduction in the cancer stem cell populations, blockage of specific oncogene signalling pathways, anti-angiogenesis, modulation of the tumour microenvironment, valorization of chemotherapeutics and alleviation of side effects induced by drugs (Meneghelli, Joaquim, Flix, Somensi, Tomazzoli and da Silva, 2013).

It was observed that the Chinese red propolis and CAPE in particular showed strong suppressive effects against VEGF-induced angiogenesis

2015  free pdf

2) Murtaza, Ghulam, et al. “Possible molecular targets for therapeutic applications of caffeic acid phenethyl ester in inflammation and cancer.” Journal of Food and Drug Analysis 23.1 (2015): 11-18.

At a dose of approximately 80 mM, CAPE generally inhibits the activated nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) and other transcription factors via suppressing their binding with DNA

It is noteworthy to mention here that CAPE does not influence other tissues of body, and thus the usage of this natural anticancer agent is free of side effects with effective chemopreventive feature

full free

3) Armutcu, Ferah, et al. “Therapeutic potential of caffeic acid phenethyl ester and its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects (Review).” Experimental and therapeutic medicine 9.5 (2015): 1582-1588.

CAPE is a potent and a specific inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation, and this may provide the molecular basis for its multiple anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities

CAPE suppresses NF-κB activation by inhibiting the interaction between NF-κB proteins and DNA

CAPE inhibits Breast Cancer Stem Cells

4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3388256/

Omene, Coral O., Jing Wu, and Krystyna Frenkel. “Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) derived from propolis, a honeybee product, inhibits growth of breast cancer stem cells.” Investigational new drugs 30.4 (2012): 1279-1288.

Cancer stem cells (CSC) are chemoresistant and implicated in tumor recurrence, metastasis and high patient mortality; thus substances impairing CSC activity, could be invaluable as novel cancer therapeutics. We previously showed that CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl ester), a component of propolis, a honeybee product, inhibits growth of MDA-MB-231 (MDA-231) cells, mdr gene expression, NF-κB, EGFR, and VEGF. We hypothesized that CAPE also acts by interfering with CSC-mediated effects. We isolated breast CSC (bCSC) from MDA-231 cells, a model of human triple-negative breast cancer, and mouse xenografts. bCSC grow as mammospheres (MMS) and when dissociated into single cells, form MMS again, a sign of self-renewal. bCSC exhibited the characteristic CD44(+)/CD24(-/low) phenotype and generated progenitors in the presence of serum, a CSC trait responsible for regenerating tumor mass. CAPE caused dose-dependent bCSC self-renewal inhibition and progenitor formation. Clonal growth on soft agar was inhibited dose-dependently, but apoptosis was not induced as determined by Annexin-V/PI assay. Instead, bCSC were noted to significantly progress from a quiescent cell cycle state in G0/G1 (82%), S phase (12%) to a cycling state with an increase in S phase (41%) and subsequent decrease in G0/G1 (54%). Treatment of bCSC with CAPE (4.5-days) decreased CD44 levels by 95%, while another cell population containing 10-100-fold lower CD44 content concurrently increased. Results suggest that CAPE causes pronounced changes in bCSC characteristics manifested by inhibition of self renewal, progenitor formation, clonal growth in soft agar, and concurrent significant decrease in CD44 content, all signs of decreased malignancy potential.

our results suggest that CAPE causes pronounced changes in breast cancer stem cell characteristics manifested by inhibition of self renewal, inhibition of clonal expansion in soft agar, and decrease in CD44 content, all signs of decreased potential for malignancy. Further, CAPE induces an increase in the cycling state of the bCSCs, potentially making them more susceptible to chemotherapeutic agents if used in combination.

5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16926625

Anticancer Drugs. 2006 Aug;17(7):753-62.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester induces growth arrest and apoptosis of colon cancer cells via the beta-catenin/T-cell factor signaling.

Xiang D1, Wang D, He Y, Xie J, Zhong Z, Li Z, Xie J.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester, an active component of propolis, has been implicated in the regulation of cell growth and apoptosis, although the exact mechanism of this activity has not been elucidated. In this study, we explored the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on growth, cell cycle, apoptosis and beta-catenin/T-cell factor signaling in human colon cancer cells. Using two human sporadic colon cancer cell lines (HCT116 and SW480), we assayed for cell growth inhibition, cell cycle and apoptosis induction. We also assayed for beta-catenin and downstream target genes (cyclin D1 and c-myc) mRNA and protein expression by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Beta-catenin localization was detected by indirect immunofluorescence. Beta-catenin/T-cell factor transcriptional activity was determined by transient transfection and reporter gene assay. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester completely inhibited growth, and induced G1 phase arrest and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in both HCT116 and SW480 cells. Treatment of human colon cancer cells with apoptotic concentrations of caffeic acid phenethyl ester resulted in a dose-dependent and time-dependent loss of total beta-Catenin protein, associated with decreased nuclear beta-catenin. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester reduced the expression of cyclin D1 and c-myc in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. We proved that caffeic acid phenethyl ester markedly suppressed the transcriptional activity of beta-catenin/T-cell factor in both HCT116 and SW480 cells depending on the concentration of caffeic acid phenethyl ester. These results indicate that caffeic acid phenethyl ester is an excellent inhibitor of beta-catenin/T-cell factor signaling in colon cancer cell lines and suggest that caffeic acid phenethyl ester merits further study as an agent against colorectal cancers.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nice image figute 7 shows cell localalization of Beta Cateninin before and after bee propolis

6) http://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/full/v12/i31/4981.htm

He, Yu-Jun, et al. “Inhibitory effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on the growth of SW480 colorectal tumor cells involves beta-catenin associated signaling pathway down-regulation.” World Journal of Gastroenterology 12.31 (2006): 4981.

———————————————-

7) http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.4161/cl.21882?mobileUi=0

Ye, Diana Zi, and Jeffrey Field. “PAK signaling in cancer.” Cellular logistics 2.2 (2012): 105-116.

Transformation of a normal cell to a cancer cell is caused by mutations in genes that regulate proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion. Small GTPases such as Ras, Rho, Rac and Cdc42 orchestrate many of the signals that are required for malignant transformation. The p21-activated kinases (PAKs) are effectors of Rac and Cdc42. PAKs are a family of serine/threonine protein kinases comprised of six isoforms (PAK1–6), and they play important roles in cytoskeletal dynamics, cell survival and proliferation. They act as key signal transducers in several cancer signaling pathways, including Ras, Raf, NFκB, Akt, Bad and p53. Although PAKs are not mutated in cancers, they are overexpressed, hyperactivated or amplified in several human tumors and their role in cell transformation make them attractive therapeutic targets. This review discusses the evidence that PAK is important for cell transformation and some key signaling pathways it regulates. This review primarily discusses Group I PAKs (PAK1, PAK2 and PAK3) as Group II PAKs (PAK4, PAK5 and PAK6) are discussed elsewhere in this issue (by „Minden).

PAKs are overexpressed and/or hyperactivated in several human tumors such as breast cancer, neurofibromatosis, colon cancer and lung cancer. They maintain cell transformation by promoting a number of hallmark processes including cell proliferation, survival, motility and angiogenesis

PAK Activation and Amplification in Cancer

There is little evidence for cancer cells having activating mutations in PAK genes although a mutation was found in the kinase domain of PAK4 (E329K) in a colorectal tumor sample. It is not known if the mutation affects kinase activity.3 However, PAK family members are amplified, overexpressed or hyperactivated in a number of human tumors. PAK1 is the isoform most commonly overexpressed but other family members, most often PAK4 is overexpressed in specific cancers (Table 1). PAK4, for example, is overexpressed in 75% of the NCI 60 cell line panel and a dominant negative mutant will block cell transformation of a colon cancer cell line.4

Several distinct molecular mechanisms cause aberrant PAK signaling in cancer, including gene amplification and alteration of upstream regulators. Both PAK1 and PAK4 are localized to genomic regions, which are frequently amplified in cancer cells. The PAK1 gene is localized within the 11q13 region, and 11q13.5-q14 amplifications involving the PAK1 locus are found in bladder, ovary and breast cancer.5-8 PAK4 localizes to another amplicon, 19q13.2, and PAK4 gene amplification has been found in colorectal and pancreatic cancers.3,9

Neurofibromatosis

Recently, PAK2 has been shown to be essential for the activation of proliferation signals Wnt/β-catenin signaling in schwannoma cells, and depletion of PAK2 suppressed active β-catenin, c-myc and cyclin D1.53 In NF2 tumors, loss of PAK activity, however, did not reduce Erk or Akt activity, two signaling proteins that are thought to mediate PAK function in NF1.52 Together, these studies suggest that PAK is a major player underlying Schwann cell transformation and an attractive target for therapeutics in both NF1 and NF2. There are multiple signaling pathways that PAK regulates in Schwann cells and the signals may differ between NF1 and NF2.

Overexpression of PAK1 is observed in 70% of colon cancer samples and is correlated with several signaling pathways including, Wnt, Erk and Akt pathways. Reduction of PAK1 expression decreased cell proliferation, migration/invasion, and survival. Rac1/PAK1 cascade controls β-catenin S675 phosphorylation and its activation in colon cancer cells. Downregulation of PAK1 in colon cancer cells reduces the β-catenin levels and cell proliferation. PAK1 also directly phosphorylated β-catenin at Ser675, leading to more stable and transcriptional active β-catenin.57 Erk and Akt, downstream targets of PAK1 are involved in colon cancer progression. PAK inhibition alone is equivalent to the dual inhibition of Erk and Akt, whereas inactivation of either the Erk or Akt pathway alone partially inhibited cell migration/invasion and survival and had no effect on proliferation. Thus, in at least this one case, instead of simultaneously inhibiting both Erk and Akt, PAK1 may be a convergence point for therapy.58

Lung cancer

Lung cancer, although not as well established as other cancers, is emerging as a tumor depends on PAK1 signaling. A mouse model for Ras-induced lung cancers is highly sensitive to Rac inhibition, suggesting that lung cancers may be dependent on PAK.59 PAK1 is expressed strongly in the nucleus and cytoplasm of squamous nonsmall cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs).8 Finally, selective inhibition of PAK1 but not PAK2 delayed cell-cycle progression in vitro and in vivo.8

———————–

Propolis blocks PAK1

pdf free

8) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26370527

Combination of immunoprecipitation (IP)-ATP_Glo kinase assay and melanogenesis for the assessment of potent and safe PAK1-blockers in cell culture.

Nguyen BC1, Be Tu PT, Tawata S, Maruta H.

Cucurbitacin I (CBI) is a triterpene from a bitter melon called Goya grown in Okinawa, Japan, and directly inhibits both the Tyr-kinase JAK2 and the G protein RAC, leading to the inactivation of PAK1 (RAC/CDC42-activated kinase 1). Bio 30, a propolis produced in New Zealand, contains CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl ester) as the major anti-cancer ingredient which directly down-regulates RAC, leading to the inactivation of PAK1. Since PAK1 is essential for the growth of RAS cancer cells such as A549 cell line which carry an oncogenic K-RAS mutant, and the melanogenesis in skin cells, here using these PAK1-blockers as model compounds, we introduce a new approach to the quick assessment of PAK1-blockers in cell culture. First, combining the immuno-precipitation (IP) of PAK1 from cell lysate and the in vitro ATP_Glo kinase assay kit (called “Macaroni-Western” assay), we confirmed that both CBI and Bio 30 inactivate PAK1 in A549 lung cancer cells in 24 h, and inhibit their PAK1-dependent growth in 72 h. Furthermore, we verified that CBI inhibits the PAK1/PAK4-dependent melanogenesis in melanoma cells by far more than 50%, while Bio 30 inhibits the melanogenesis only by 50%, with only a merginal effect on their growth per se. Since the “Macaroni-Western” kinase assay and melanogenesis are both rather simple and quick, the combination of these two cell culture assays would be highly useful for selecting both “potent” (highly cell-permeable) and “safe” (non-toxic) natural or synthetic PAK1-blockers.

Cucurbitacin I (CBI) was purified from bitter melon called “Goya” by our own laboratory as previously described (13).

Bio 30, a CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl ester)-based propolis (tincture) from New Zealand was obtained from Manuka Health in Auckland. The content of major ingredients in Bio 30 was described in detail previously (14).

9) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19003952

Phytother Res. 2009 Mar;23(3):423-7. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2658.

Artepillin C (ARC) in Brazilian green propolis selectively blocks oncogenic PAK1 signaling and suppresses the growth of NF tumors in mice.

Messerli SM1, Ahn MR, Kunimasa K, Yanagihara M, Tatefuji T, Hashimoto K, Mautner V, Uto Y, Hori H, Kumazawa S, Kaji K, Ohta T, Maruta H.

There are mainly three types of propolis whose major anticancer ingredients are entirely different: (1) CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl ester)-based propolis in Europe, Far East and New Zealand, (2) artepillin C (ARC)-based Brazilian green propolis and (3) Brazilian red propolis. It was shown previously that NF (neurofibromatosis)-associated tumors require the kinase PAK1 for their growth, and CAPE-based propolis extracts such as Bio 30 suppress completely the growth of NF tumors in vivo by blocking PAK1 signaling. Also it was demonstrated that ARC suppresses angiogenesis, suggesting the possibility that ARC also blocks oncogenic PAK1 signaling. Here it is shown for the first time that both ARC and green propolis extract (GPE) indeed block the PAK1 signaling selectively, without affecting another kinase known as AKT. Furthermore, it was confirmed that ARC as well as GPE suppress almost completely the growth of human NF tumor xenografts in mice, as does Bio 30. These results suggest that both CAPE-based and ARC-based propolis extracts are natural anti-PAK1 remedies and could be among the first effective NF therapeutics available on the market. Since more than 70% of human cancers such as breast and prostate cancers require the kinase PAK1 for their growth, it is quite possible that GPE could be potentially useful for the treatment of these cancers, as is Bio 30.

10) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23943274

Phytother Res. 2014 May;28(5):656-72. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5054. Epub 2013 Aug 14.

Herbal therapeutics that block the oncogenic kinase PAK1: a practical approach towards PAK1-dependent diseases and longevity.

Maruta H1.

Over 35 years research on PAKs, RAC/CDC42(p21)-activated kinases, comes of age, and in particular PAK1 has been well known to be responsible for a variety of diseases such as cancer (mainly solid tumors), Alzheimer’s disease, acquired immune deficiency syndrome and other viral/bacterial infections, inflammatory diseases (asthma and arthritis), diabetes (type 2), neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, epilepsy, depression, schizophrenia, learning disability, autism, etc. Although several distinct synthetic PAK1-blockers have been recently developed, no FDA-approved PAK1 blockers are available on the market as yet. Thus, patients suffering from these PAK1-dependent diseases have to rely on solely a variety of herbal therapeutics such as propolis and curcumin that block PAK1 without affecting normal cell growth. Furthermore, several recent studies revealed that some of these herbal therapeutics significantly extend the lifespan of nematodes (C. elegans) and fruit flies (Drosophila), and PAK1-deficient worm lives longer than the wild type. Here, I outline mainly pathological phenotypes of hyper-activated PAK1 and a list of herbal therapeutics that block PAK1, but cause no side (harmful) effect on healthy people or animals.

propolis and curcumin that block PAK1 without affecting normal cell growth.

11) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26537230 

Phytother Res. 2016 Jan;30(1):120-7.  Artepillin C and Other Herbal PAK1-blockers: Effects on Hair Cell Proliferation and Related PAK1-dependent Biological Function in Cell Culture.  Nguyen BC1, Taira N1, Maruta H2, Tawata S3.

PAK1 (RAC/CDC42-activated kinase 1) is the major oncogenic kinase, and a number of herbal PAK1-blockers such as propolis and curcumin have been shown to be anti-oncogenic and anti-melanogenic as well as anti-alopecia (promoting hair growth). Previously, we found several distinct PAK1-inhibitors in Okinawa plants including Alpinia zerumbet (alpinia). Thus, here, we tested the effects of these herbal compounds and their derivatives on the growth of cancer or normal hair cells, and melanogenesis in cell culture of A549 lung cancer, hair follicle dermal papilla cell, and B16F10 melanoma. Among these herbal PAK1-inhibitors, cucurbitacin I from bitter melon (Goya) turned out to be the most potent to inhibit the growth of human lung cancer cells with the IC50 around 140 nM and to promote the growth of hair cells with the effective dose around 10 nM. Hispidin, a metabolite of 5,6-dehydrokawain from alpinia, inhibited the growth of cancer cells with the IC50 of 25 μM as does artepillin C, the major anti-cancer ingredient in Brazilian green propolis. Mimosine tetrapeptides (MFWY, MFYY, and MFFY) and hispidin derivatives (H1-3) also exhibited a strong anti-cancer activity with the IC50 ranging from 16 to 30 μM. Mimosine tetrapeptides and hispidin derivatives strongly suppressed the melanogenesis in melanoma cells.ropolis  caffeic acid phenethyl ester

12) Zhang, Pengxuan, et al. “Bioactivity and chemical synthesis of caffeic acid phenethyl ester and its derivatives.” Molecules 19.10 (2014): 16458-16476.

13) Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2016 Feb;71:111-8. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.12.012. Epub 2015 Dec 25.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester: Inhibition of metastatic cell behaviours via voltage-gated sodium channel in human breast cancer in vitro.

Fraser SP1, Hemsley F2, Djamgoz MB3.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester, derived from natural propolis, has been reported to have anti-cancer properties. Voltage-gated sodium channels are upregulated in many cancers where they promote metastatic cell behaviours, including invasiveness. We found that micromolar concentrations of caffeic acid phenethyl ester blocked voltage-gated sodium channel activity in several invasive cell lines from different cancers, including breast (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468), colon (SW620) and non-small cell lung cancer (H460). In the MDA-MB-231 cell line, which was adopted as a ‘model’, long-term (48h) treatment with 18μM caffeic acid phenethyl ester reduced the peak current density by 91% and shifted steady-state inactivation to more hyperpolarized potentials and slowed recovery from inactivation. The effects of long-term treatment were also dose-dependent, 1μM caffeic acid phenethyl ester reducing current density by only 65%. The effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on metastatic cell behaviours were tested on the MDA-MB-231 cell line at a working concentration (1μM) that did not affect proliferative activity. Lateral motility and Matrigel invasion were reduced by up to 14% and 51%, respectively. Co-treatment of caffeic acid phenethyl ester with tetrodotoxin suggested that the voltage-gated sodium channel inhibition played a significant intermediary role in these effects. We conclude, first, that caffeic acid phenethyl ester does possess anti-metastatic properties. Second, the voltage-gated sodium channels, commonly expressed in strongly metastatic cancers, are a novel target for caffeic acid phenethyl ester. Third, more generally, ion channel inhibition can be a significant mode of action of nutraceutical compounds.

14) Silva-Carvalho, Ricardo, et al. “Antitumoural and antiangiogenic activity of Portuguese propolis in in vitro and in vivo models.” Journal of Functional Foods 11 (2014): 160-171. Silva_Carvalho Rl_2014_Antitumoural propolis

15) Lin, Hui-Ping, et al. “Caffeic acid phenethyl ester induced cell cycle arrest and growth inhibition in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells via regulation of Skp2, p53, p21Cip1 and p27Kip1.” Oncotarget 6.9 (2015): 6684.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a main bioactive component extracted from honeybee hive propolis. CAPE is a well known NF-κB inhibitor at concentrations of 50 μM to 80 μM by preventing the translocation of p65 unit of NF-κB and the binding between NF-κB and DNA [17].

Our study suggested that CAPE treatment can efficiently induced G1 or G2/M cell cycle arrest, cellular and growth inhibition in CRPC cells via inhibition of Skp2 as well as induction of p21Cip1, p27Kip1, and p53 in CRPC cell lines. Our finding implied that CAPE treatment might be a potential therapy for patients with CRPC.

16)

Natarajan K, Singh S, Burke TR, Jr, Grunberger D, Aggarwal BB. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester is a potent and specific inhibitor of activation of nuclear transcription factor NF-kappa, B. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1996;93:9090–5.

Thus, overall our results demonstrate that CAPE is a potent and a specific inhibitor of NF-kappa B activation and this may provide the molecular basis for its multiple immunomodulatory and antiinflammatory activities.

Header bee honey comb image courtesy of Global Healing Center.

link to this page http://wp.me/p3gFbV-3wb

Jeffrey Dach MD

7450 Griffin Road Suite 190

Davie, Fl 33314

954-792-4663

www.jeffreydachmd.com

http://www.drdach.com

http://www.naturalmedicine101.com

http://www.bioidenticalhormones101.com

http://www.truemedmd.com

Disclaimer click here: http://www.drdach.com/wst_page20.html

The reader is advised to discuss the comments on these pages with his/her personal physicians and to only act upon the advice of his/her personal physician. Also note that concerning an answer which appears as an electronically posted question, I am NOT creating a physician — patient relationship. Although identities will remain confidential as much as possible, as I can not control the media, I can not take responsibility for any breaches of confidentiality that may occur.

Copyright (c) 2016 Jeffrey Dach MD All Rights Reserved. This article may be reproduced on the internet without permission, provided there is a link to this page and proper credit is given.

FAIR USE NOTICE: This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of issues of significance. We believe this constitutes a ‘fair use’ of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.

Serving Areas of: Hollywood, Aventura, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Davie, Coral Springs, Cooper City, Sunshine Ranches, Hallandale, Surfside, Miami Beach, Sunny Isles, Normandy Isles, Coral Gables, Hialeah, Golden Beach ,Kendall,sunrise, coral springs, parkland,pompano, boca raton, palm beach, weston, dania beach, tamarac, oakland park, boynton beach, delray,lake worth,wellington,plantation.

The post Cancer Stem Cells Natural Therapies Part Two appeared first on Jeffrey Dach MD .