I think Dimone deserves a hearty thank you from all of us for spending the amount of time he did posting all the specific STD info. Most of it is very useful stuff and generally accurate.

I disagree with some of the details posted. I do not have the time or inclination now to challenge the info. It is a pretty thankless endeavor, given the unnecessary level of vitriol that ensues from such disagreements, and the fact that on an internet board with anonymous handles and no sources cited, one persons facts are no more or less valid than another's, even if they claim the exact opposite.

I wonder if Mr. Dimone could provide some citations for where he got his info. I would then gladly do some fact checking on my own time, rather than turn any of these threads into an online episode of "Firing Line".

My 2 cents: the most important info in this Men's Health section is under TJHombre's posting "STD Clinics in San Diego".

Again, great work Dimone at the comprehensive level of your recent posts. I believe most of the info is accurate and quite valuable.

Shy Guy

Thanks Shy Guy

I got most all on the info off of a web site designed to “meet the specific needs of East Boston High School Students”. I was looking at STD info across the web and the stuff on this site was consistent with almost everything else I could find and is written in a format that is easy to read and understand.

I am NOT a medical professional, so cannot account for the accuracy of the info. With the collective knowledge of this group we can all learn a lot by discussing theses topics.

I do think that anyone who pursues our hobby need to educate themselves as much as possible about the risks involved.

---------------------------------------------

Here are the credits that are supposed to be posed with all of this STD info.

All of the STD sections were reproduced from the website below.
http://www.grin.net/~sycamore/std/index.html
Brought to you by Tri D. Do, M.D.

This STD pamphlet was created by a medical student at Boston University School of Medicine (now a doctor). It was intended to meet the specific needs of East Boston High School Students, as interpreted from a survey distributed to teens aged 12 to 18. Couched in appropriate language, to the point, and yet factually exhaustive for non-medical persons' level of understanding, it is undergoing numerous revisions to become more suitable for urban teens in health crises and to meet the demands of web-based users.

Anti-Copyright (0) 1995-99 -- May be freely accessed and copied.
However, the author would like to be credited and/or contacted.
-----------------------------------------------

A fellow poster here (I’m not going to name him) sent me an e-mail and the only text was the subject line “Are you a ////// paranioa franchise??” (yes…I took out a word there) and some question marks in the body area of the message.

I am assuming that he thinks that I posted all of the STD info because I am “paranoid” or trying to scare people. So, I thought it might be a good idea to let the people here know where I am coming from on this.

I am not trying to scare people or even preach safe sex. I just think it is important for information to be available so the people can make informed decisions on the type and amount of risk they are willing to take and the consequences of those risks (“Risk Assessment”) that are involved in the pursuit a specific activity. We all take many risks each day and we either consciously or subconsciously assess each situation based on the risks that we know are involved. Then we decide if the activity is worth the risk we must take and we identify the precautions that we can take to minimize those risks. When there are risks that we are unaware of or that we don’t fully understand then we tend to get ourselves in trouble or get hurt. This hobby of ours is full of risks ranging from flying/driving just to get to TJ to the possibility of being mugged on the street and of course the risk of disease. We all need to be aware of as many potential risks as possible and understand what precautions are available to minimize the risk.

I am sure there are a lot of people who pursue our little hobby who have never really thought much about all of the risks involved, I know I didn’t when I first started out, and others who may have grown complacent and have dropped their guard. When some of these people run into a problem, such as caching an STD, they may not be prepared to accept the consequences. Just a few of these consequences could be – catching a life long STD (Warts, herpes or HIV), infecting a wife or girlfriend, your family or employer/coworkers finding about your hobby or just the simple embarrassment of going to get treatment.

A fairly good and recent example of someone who may not have been fully aware of the level of risk he was taking comes from some posts by Nevervana (Im not picking on you here dude and I hope everything works out for you) after he found that he might have caught an STD (herpes), He said…

“Once i get my fucking life in order and accept the fact that I will never be able to be with the girl of my dreams now”

“Bottom line? We're all fucking crazy to be having sex with these girls.”

His reaction sounds to me like he underestimated the level of risk we are all taking by fucking prostitutes and was not fully prepared for the consequences.

I have taken a fair amount of time to try to identify risks (all risks not just STDs) and the consequences of those risks as they pertain to the way that I pursue this hobby. Of course this is really a never-ending pursuit, I continue to learn about risks and risk prevention most everyday. Based on my current level of knowledge I have made the conscious decision to continue to pursue this hobby and I am prepared to deal with the consequences if anything ever happens to me. At this particular time in my life the rewards far outweigh the all of the risks that I can identify. I see most STDs as not much more then an annoyance as long as they are identified early and treated and IMHO the risk of female to male transmission of HIV is minimal and can be avoided by taking simple precautions. I am not saying that I would not be upset if I caught an STD, I would, but I also know that I would have to deal with it just as I would have to deal with injuries from a car crash. I can also accept the fact that there would be no one to blame except my self because I am the one who chooses to fuck prostitutes and I am aware of the risks involved.

So…no… I am not paranoid; in fact I am quite comfortable with the decisions I have made over the past few years. I have been mongering for over 7 years now and plan to continue for many more years. Each time I cross the border I do a complete “Risk Assessment” and plan my day/activities accordingly.

Dimone

Dimone said:

"I am not trying to scare people or even preach safe sex."

Well why the hell not? I can't believe some guys who post here have full blown herpes and are still having sex with those girls. No wonder diseases are flying rampant down there.

Dimone, thank you for putting this information up and providing a threaded structure for it that makes it easy to find specific information. Aplauso amigos!!

Dimone Paranoia.com was the url for the old world sex guide plus a lot of info. This included details on STDs
Thanks for your postings.

Nevervana asks: “Well why the hell not?”

Because we are all adults here who live in a free country and it is not my place to push my beliefs on others. There are already to many people in this world making a living by trying to control the lives/morals of other people. (I currently live in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The sorry ass government out here is vary good at getting legislation passed to dictated the morality of the citizens. BTW I hate it out here!!!)

As adults we should be able to make our own decisions about the risks that we are willing to take. There are many sources of information, including this site, which can allow us to make informed discussions, regarding the risks involved in our hobby.

The decision to take a any particular risk should up to the individual involved, that person is the one that will have to live with the consequences if anything should happen.

Dimone

Neverana also states "I can't believe some guys who post here have full blown herpes and are still having sex with those girls. No wonder diseases are flying rampant down there."
I have to agree that this is very uncool.If i found out that i had herpes i would not want to possibly expose these girls who are just trying to make a living,other mongers who may be with these girls later,thier wives and girlfriends,and on and on to it.I don't think my conscience would let me do that.I don't think very highly of any monger who would do that and feel they have an option to try to find an infected girlfriend or service provider for thier needs.
In Nevada and probably other states there is a law where they test busted prostitutes for aids and if they test positive for HIV and then get busted again later are sent away to prison for a long time.This is to prevent people knowing they are endangering others lives from plying thier trade further.I realize Herpes is not deadly like aids but it is forever.Think about your fellow human being guys!
Taxibob

well, i guess this means that Nevervana will never have sex with the chicas. Cause it is possible to transmit this disease when it's asymptomatic.

Joker's right - it looks like Nevervana will have to take a permanent vacation.

According to latest data from NHANES, about 30% of adult Americans are infected with HSV-2. About 80% of those infected don't admit to any history of herpes, that is they have no idea they have it. I guess a lot of mongers will be hanging up their codpieces now.

Thank you Shy Guy! I was about to post these same stats. If 30% of "average" (non-mongering) Americans have HSV-2 (genital herpes) with 80% asymtomatic, what percentage of putas have it?

I would venture that the average working chica in TJ has contact with more partners in a day than the average monger does in a month... (Monger MMV) If 30% in middle America are infected, what percent of working girls? Probably 3 times, say 90%, with 80% never having symptoms...

Let's be real, all the mongers on this board are just a drop in the vagina compared to the thousands who flock to TJ from the 4 corners of the planet... How self righteous can we be to think we can stop or even slow down something almost as prevalent as the common cold or flu?

ag

I received the following in an email recently, thought it is worth passing on. There have been a few cases in S. California over the past couple of years as well..
*********************************************
THIS IS SERIOUS, PLEASE READ:

A stock clerk was sent to clean up a storeroom at their Maui, Hawaii location. When he got back, he was complaining that the storeroom was really filthy, and that he had noticed dried mouse or rat droppings in some areas.

A couple of days later, he started feeling like he was coming down
with a stomach flu, achy joints, headache, and he started throwing
up. He went to bed and never really got up. Within two days he was so ill and weak. His blood sugar count was down to 66 and his face and
eyeballs were yellow. He was rushed to the emergency room at Pali Momi,
where they said he was suffering from massive organ failure.

He died shortly before midnight.

None of us would have ever made the connection between his job and his
death, but the doctors specifically asked if he had been in a warehouse or exposed to dried rat or mouse droppings at any time. They said there is a virus (much like Hanta virus) that
lives in dried rat and mouse droppings. Once dried, these droppings are like dust, and can easily be ingested if a person is not careful to wash their hands and face thoroughly, or wear protective gear.

An autopsy was conducted to verify the doctors' suspicions. This is why it is extremely important to ALWAYS carefully rinse off the tops of any canned sodas or foods, and wipe off pasta packaging, cereal boxes, etc. Almost everything you buy in a supermarket was stored in a warehouse at one time or another, and stores themselves often have rodents. Most of us remember to wash vegetables and fruit but never think of boxes and cans. The ugly truth is that even the most modern, upper class, super store has rats and mice. And their warehouse most assuredly does!

Whenever you buy any canned soft drink, beer or juice, PLEASE make sure that you wash the top with running water and soap, or if not available, drink with a straw.

A brief investigation by the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, of
soda cans, discovered that the top of soda cans can be encrusted with
dried rat's urine, which is toxic and lethal!

Canned drinks and other food stuffs are stored in warehouses and containers that are usually infested with rodents and then get transported to the retail outlets without being properly cleaned.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE YOU CARE ABOUT."

Nope, another Urban Myth.

http://www.snopes2.com/toxins/raturine.htm

Redongdo,
You're the man!By the way,last night your daughter was looking kinda good. lol.Good seeing you the other day.

Redongdo,
Thanks for providing the other side of the story... As it says:

"Nonetheless, it's still always a good idea to wipe off cans from exposed six-packs or those dispensed from drink machines, if for no other reason than to avoid picking up something passed on by the human handlers of the product"

A couple of years ago there were a few people in So Cal & AZ that had a severe respiratory infection or condition that was traced back to dust from rodent poop. I can't recall for sure if they died but it was really bad news. Granted all rodents are probably not carriers, but if I were sweeping our an area with dust & rodent poop (hopefully not in this life time, hehe) I'd be damn careful and wear a respirator top quality..

Or better still, hire my favorita's novio to do it (just kidding)...
ag

Dzona,

She's a good girl, just what are your intentions young man? Good seeing you again too...think she believed you're my hermano?


Altogringo,

For sure, I wasn't trying to dilute the importance of making sure the stuff we imbibe is clean as well as the containers they come in. We just have to watch out for these e-mail hoaxes.

Hanta virus is not an urban myth. And it is contracted by inhaling dust that is in contact with infected rodent excreta. And it is deadly.

I don't know anything about a stockboy in Maui. The Hanta virus cases occured in the four corners area of the American Southwest, Navajo land.

Shy Guy,

I think one of the big dangers of these e-mail hoaxes is the "Boy Who Cried Wolf" syndrome. So much of it is nonsense we tend to dismiss it to the point of overlooking any potential real information...throwing caution to the wind.

The following article came in an email, thought I'd share it with the group... I didn't realize viagra didn't work for 30% of cases with ED... It's amazing what even 25MG will do for those who don'r really need it but want a little booster for round 2 or 3, hehe..
ag
----------------===========----------------
Key Enzyme Identified In Sexual Dysfunction

Some researchers, including chemist David W. Christianson,
from the
University of Pennsylvania, have identified an enzyme
called arginase,
which breaks down the amino acid, arginine - and which
appears to be
responsible for sexual dysfunction in both men and women.
These same
researchers have also found an amino acid derivative,
called BEC, that
inhibits the action of arginase. Slated to appear in the
March 13 issue
of Biochemistry, a journal of the American Chemical
Society, these
findings may prove to be the holy grail of sexual
dysfunction remedies.
The enzyme, arginase, by interceding and destroying the
amino acid,
arginine, interferes with the biochemical pathway that
produces nitric
oxide from arginine. Nitric oxide is the chemical that
allows blood to
flow to the genitals, producing arousal in both sexes. BEC
binds to the
undesirable arginase before it can destroy the body's
supply of
arginine. This allows the arginine to be metabolized into
the highly
desirable nitric oxide. Viagra works in much the same way
as BEC, but it
does so several steps later in the sequence of chemical
events that lead
to nitric oxide. For this reason, about 30% of men do not
respond to
Viagra, as do even fewer women. Researchers are hopeful
that they have
found the remedy to sexual dysfunction in both men and
women, and it
appears as though they have good reason to be.

LONG ARTICLE, you may want to copy & print to keep your screen saver from kicking in, hehe

More info for those interested... This one is also touted to increase sex drive & performance even in us old farts over 50, hehehe...
ag

VITA- NUTRIENTS WITH UNIQUE ROLES

COENZYME Q10 (UBIQUINONE): The vital nutrient

When I coined the word "vita-nutrient," I was thinking of coenzyme or CoQ10. It is neither vitamin (the body can make it from other nutrients) nor mineral nor amino acid, yet it is absolutely vital to our health and vital that we get enough of it. CoQ10 is essential to energy production in our every cell, allowing the cells to live longer. It is universally present in the body, so much so that science formally named it "ubiquinone."

Focused on their circumscribed methodology, early researchers never asked why a supposedly "nonessential" biochemical was ubiquitous. Fortunately some progressive investigators did ask, and they eventually learned the answer: In high enough amounts it performs an entire gamut of functions essential to optimum health. Nature, it seems, must want it to be made available to all part of our bodies.

Far beyond producing energy, CoQ10 can protect the body from destructive free radicals and enhance our immune defenses, making it extremely important to preventing and treating heart disease, diabetes, periodontal disease, high blood pressure, obesity, cancer, and a growing list of neurological conditions. On top of all this, it may help put the brakes on the aging process.

All the benefits on this laundry list are attainable---but only when we provide ourselves with an optimal amount of CoQ10, which can be attained only with supplements. Food contains only trace amounts, and our bodies manufacture it in sometimes adequate, but never optimal, quantities. Deficiencies, unfortunately, are quite common.

HEALTH STARTS WITH THE HEART

All organs with high energy demands need a lot of CoQ10, and the most important is the heart. At the beginning of 1990, some fifty studies around the world attested to CoQ10's impact on cardiomyopathy, arrthmia, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, mitral valve prolapse, and hypertension.1 When people who needed heart transplants took the nutrient, their conditions improved so remarkably that transplant surgery was no longer necessary.2 When administered following a coronary bypass operation, CoQ10 reduces recovery time. And separate studies showed that when 100 mg was given daily to several thousand people suffering from heart failure, more than 75 percent displayed improvements in pulmonary function, edema, and heart palpatations---with no side effects.3 Nothing in mainstream cardiology comes close to this kind of success. I am at a loss to explain why CoQ10 is not prescribed routinely to every heart patient.

I'm particularly impressed by CoQ10's therapeutic strength in treating cardiomyopathy, a mixed bag of conditions impairing the heart muscle that collectively are the third most common form of cardiovascular disease. Cardiomyopathy often is the most life threatening of all heart conditions, and it's probably the number one reason that people undergo a heart transplant operation. Supplementation improves the prognosis in so many instances that I think the condition is best described as a CoQ10 deficiency.4

Generous doses of CoQ10 have helped a clear majority of my cardiomyopathy patients, and several of them, who were on the waiting list for a donor heart, found that their old heart would do just fine. My experience is by no means unique, as the abundant research documents.5 In one study, 87 percent of 126 cardiomyopathy patients displayed noticeable improvements in heart function, again without adverse effects, after taking 100 mg per day.6

The virtual absence of side effects could arguably be CoQ10's foremost advantage. Drugs merely mask symptoms; they don't solve the underlying problem, which for most heart disease is the continued absence of atherosclerotic plaque buildups that ultimately block blood vessels.

Most cardiovascular drugs not only fail to deal with hardening of the arteries, but in many cases compound it, exposing people to even greater perils. CoQ10, in contrast, deals effectively with most of the factors that cause atherosclerosis.

The heart is utterly dependent on CoQ10 to meet its constant energy needs; the muscle contains twice as much of the nutrient as any other organ or tissue in the body. People with heart disease have 25% less CoQ10 than their healthy counterparts. Should the deficiency reach 75 percent, some experts have speculated, the heart would stop beating.7
Perhaps this explains why lovastatin and the other overprescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs have such a mediocre record for saving lives: on of their side effects is inhibiting the body's natural ability to make CoQ10. One investigation documented six cases of cardiomyopathy that were caused by lovastatin. Cholesterol drugs are self-defeating in another CoQ10-related way. The ubiquitous quinone actually is a good antioxidant, helping to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, considered to be the most artery-clogging substance of all.8 Because CoQ10 migrates naturally to the heart, some
researchers suggest that it may be the most important of all antioxidants for preventing atherosclerosis.9

High Blood Pressure. Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease, but CoQ10's contribution to overcoming the disorder is worth mentioning separately. In no small part because of the nutrient, some 85 percent of all people we treat for high blood pressure can end their reliance on antihypertension medications. More than a few studies confirm that dosages of 60 to100 mg per day will significantly lower blood pressure readings.10 This ability accounts for why I occasionally caution people with low blood pressure against taking CoQ10: it might lower their blood pressure even more.

Diabetes. Diabetes is arguably the most common metabolic cause heart disease. Happily, a daily CoQ10 dose of 60 mg can help reduce high blood sugar within six months.11 Because hardening of the arteries is a frequently encountered complication of diabetes, CoQ10 is doubly important.

Obesity. Decades spent watching overweight people become slim and trim convince me that the Atkins diet, or another low-carbohydrate eating plan, is the surest way to shed pounds. CoQ10 lends its weight to reducing yours, researchers think, by facilitating the use of stored fat as a fuel. About half of the people with weight problems lack a sufficient amount of the energy nutrient, which may help explain why obese peopIe are prone to both heart disease and diabetes.
CoQ10's value is plain to see in a study of overweight people following a low-calorie diet. Those who were deficient in the nutrient took a daily 100 mg supplement of the nutrient; the others received no additional nutritional support. After two months the supplement takers had lost thirty pounds--considerably more than the thirteen pounds that their counterparts dropped.12


Cancer. The presence of cancer correlates strongly with a reduced amount of CoQ10. Complementary practitioners have long known this, and animal studies reinforce the link. The inverse of this relationship is becoming quite apparent, too, and I'm now convinced that CoQ10 should be a permanent fixture in cancer therapy. If the research conclusions are true for all people, we may have found something that can stop certain malignancies dead in their tracks.

Several years ago Danish researchers gave daily 390 mg in supplements (quite a hefty dose) to members of a group of women with metastatic breast cancer. After several months the cancer went into remission for four women. After eleven months one woman's cancer, which had spread from the breast to the liver, was completely gone, and doctors reported that her health was excellent.13

Dosage is apparently the key here. In an earlier trial, the Danish researchers gave 90 mg per day to a different group of breast cancer patients. That amount didn't reverse the malignant onslaught, although it probably helped to prolong the women's lives.14

Like most other complementary cancer therapies, CoQ10 seems to work by revitalizing the immune system, not by directly attacking a tumor. If that's true, we're all the more disadvantaged because of some convoluted regulations imposed on cancer investigators by the National Cancer Institute. The NCI authorizes research into potentially therapeutic substances only if they are "effective agents." The institute defines "effective" as the ability to kill tumor cells. If a substance opposes cancer in any other way, it doesn't qualify. CoQ10 (or any other harmless, nontoxic agent that helps our own cancer defenses get the job done) is therefore deemed "ineffective" and intrinsically worthless. This stipulation encourages scientists to work only with radiation therapy and chemotherapeutic drugs, both often futile and lethal treatments.

Other Illnesses. The full therapeutic reach of CoQ10 is still largely unknown. It may not turn out to be a panacea, but many studies suggest a wide world of possibilities. Against Alzheimer's disease, to use one ex ample, CoQ10 joined iron and vitamin B6 in minimizing symptoms of dementia and slowing progressive memory loss. For some people in the study, symptoms actually improved enough that researchers diagnosed them as "normal.15

Other work suggests a role for the energy enzyme in preventing miscarriages and treating tinnitus, Miniere's disease, Bell's palsy, deafness, muscular dystrophy,16 Huntington's disease,17 ulcers, and a low sperm count.18 Seven different clinical trials demonstrated its ability to reverse periodontal disease.19 Because it fortifies the immune system, CoQ10 also enriches my overall treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. For the same reason, it even may help people infected with HIV.

Fatigue. For an everyday advantage, I've saved the best for last. Partly because it's an antioxidant and partly because it helps turn food into energy, CoQ10 is a fatigue fighter par excellence. It is especially valuable for elite athletes, such as marathoners and triathlon participants, who must perform under prolonged aerobic conditions. This activity generates free radicals capable of damaging the mitochondria, the little energy-generating furnaces inside each of our cells. It is here that CoQ10 exerts much of its protective power. In all probability, athletes who "burn out" prematurely and can no longer perform as they once did are, in fact, victims of a relative CoQ10 deficiency.
People with health problems will notice more of an improvement from using supplements than will elite athletes. When, for example, a group of people with chronic lung disease took 90 mg of CoQ10 for eight weeks, they showed significant normalization of their oxygen levels. In contrast, a similar group of sedentary but otherwise healthy young men gained only a moderate (3-12 percent) improvement in pulmonary capacity.20

In those rare conditions where the mitochondria are the focus of illness, such as mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, CoQ10 administration produces a dramatic reversal of symptoms.21


SUPPLEMENT SUGGESTIONS

Our need for CoQ,0 supplements can be pronounced, especially after the age of forty, when we begin to make less of the nutrients. The body's production peaks around the age of twenty, declining to some 60 per cent below that mark by the time we are eighty years old. Low-fat dieters probably have lower than average body stores of CoQ10 because our best food sources are organ meats (such as heart and kidney), other red meats, nuts, and unprocessed vegetable oils. Cereal bran and dark green vegetables will provide a lesser amount. Consuming the nutrient with an oil or a fat improves our absorption, while our own internal production depends on the presence of a sufficient amount of the B complex vitamins.

I take CoQ10 every day, and I prescribe it readily to anyone who has a health problem related to the heart, blood pressure, metabolism, energy level, or cancer. That seems to be just about everyone I treat. In most in stances 90 mg a day is the bare minimum required to get a therapeutic response. For cancer protection the usual dose is 200-400 mg a day.

Thought I'd pass this along...

**********************************************
How Normal Is the Aging Process?
**********************************************
Webster’s dictionary defines aging in this way: “to become
old: to show the effects or the characteristics of
increasing age.” Most people think of the aging process as
having two distinct characteristics – increased number of
years “under one’s belt” and the accumulation of various
imbalances, body changes and health problems. We have been
conditioned to believe that it is normal to become frail,
sick and infirm as we get older.
We have accepted the declining health, reduced sex drive
and
appearance of heart disease, cataracts, arthritis and many
other illnesses as par for the course.
Is this a normal process? Do we really have to become
sicker
as we get older? According to the latest scientific
research, the answer is a resounding NO!
Are You Helpless Against the Aging Process?
For most people, aging is a slow progression of bodily wear
and tear that occurs throughout their lifetime. Are you
forced to suffer through the “normal aging process”?
Thankfully, the answer is that No You Are Not! While it is
true that we cannot do anything about our genetic makeup
and
hereditary predispositions, we can definitely help
influence
the process of aging by glandular activity.
The process of anti-aging science is the regulation and
normalization of glandular activity, which results in the
improvement of hormonal levels. Up until recently, this was
not an easy task. Most of the time it required frequent
visits to a doctor, blood tests and expensive medications.
But now, thanks to the research conducted over the last two
decades, we can maintain youthful hormonal levels using
nutritional supplements that are natural, free of side
effects and very effective.

Why are Hormones so Important?
In a word, hormones are important because without them life
is simply not possible. This is why we have a number of
special organs called endocrine glands that continuously
manufacture and release hormones into the blood. Severe
hormonal deficiencies give rise to a number of diseases,
some of which can be fatal. Hormones are vital and
essential
for the normal function of every cell, tissue and organ in
our bodies. Without them we would not have good health; in
fact we would not be able to survive.
As is true about most organs, endocrine glands work best
when we are young. Not surprisingly, the levels of hormones
are the highest in our youth; the time of our life when we
have the best health and performance. Unfortunately, the
levels of these substances tend to plummet with increasing
age. This development has a major effect on the ability of
our bodies to repair cellular damage, which results in an
acceleration of the process of aging.
Each hormone has a certain specific effect on the function
and activity of the cells of the body. The reason there are
so many of them is that each hormone contributes to the
well
being of the cells in its own unique way; which is why
every
one is important. The thyroid hormone, adrenal hormones,
estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, melatonin and many
others ensure normal function of an organism and its
continued survival.

The Effects of Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
One hormone has such a dramatic effect on the aging process
that it deserves special mention. I am referring to the
Human Growth Hormone; also known as HGH. The pituitary
gland
produces this hormone and its levels are the highest when
we
are 14-18 years of age. As we get older, the levels
plummet.
It is not unusual to see a 50-year-old person whose level
of
HGH is less than 10% of what it was at the age of 18. In
fact, by the age of 60, most people have such low levels
that they are indistinguishable from people who suffer from
clinical HGH-deficiency.
Up until recently, HGH was thought to have only one
function
- linear growth. According to thousands of medical studies
performed during the last 15 years, however, HGH is also
important for the continual repair and maintenance of the
cells, tissues and organs. In other words, HGH helps the
body to retain its youthful characteristics.
That’s why many researchers call HGH the proverbial
fountain
of youth; the magic bullet against the ravages of aging.
Numerous medical studies have shown that HGH can:
 increase both muscle mass and muscle strength (9%
on the average)
 produce almost 15% loss of fat, without any changes
in the diet
 improve the appearance of the skin, making it
younger-looking with fewer wrinkles
 cause disappearance of cellulite
 improve energy levels
 enhance sexual performance
 increase exercise performance
 improve bone health
 accelerate wound healing
 improve the size of internal organs that usually
shrink with age (heart, liver, spleen, kidneys and others)
 enhance immune functions
 decrease blood pressure
 normalize lipid profile, with higher HDL and lower
LDL
 increase memory and retention
 elevate mood
 improve sleep
 make vision sharper
 and many other incredible benefits.
The implication of boosting the levels of HGH in the body
is
so powerful that it is likely to revolutionize the way that
medicine is practiced today.

How can You Increase Your HGH Levels?
Until very recently, the only way to increase the level of
HGH was to inject the growth hormone every day; not unlike
patients with diabetes who have to use insulin injections.
This method is still available, but it is very costly (over
$100 a week), painful and inconvenient.
The good news is that it is now possible to increase your
HGH levels simply by supporting your pituitary gland to
release more of it. This can be accomplished with some oral
supplements, especially certain amino acids.

* Article goes on to tout a particular combination that is supposed to encourage production of HGH...

I think the name of this particular topic should be changed to "Infomercials"

I tend to wake up early, Sunday mornings are always flooded with religious and infomercials on the tube....now the 'puter!

"We have been
conditioned to believe that it is normal to become frail,
sick and infirm as we get older."

I always knew that was just a big scam perpetrated by the man to keep us down!

HA! Look out, bro, the man got even more scams ta run on ya--not just this 'old age' thang, but 'death' too!

This came in the mail recently and may be of interest to some.. (long article)
**********************
Can Green Super Foods Save Your Health?
**********************

Every year the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services,
the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Academy
of Sciences remind us that we should eat an abundance of
fruits and vegetables; at least 5 servings daily. They also
emphasize the importance of fiber and the disadvantage of
consuming too many “empty” calories from junk food. It
appears, however, that all of their appeals fall on deaf
ears. The incidence of obesity in this country is higher
than ever before among both the adults and even children.
The number of overweight kids has reached literally
epidemic
proportions, causing increasing concern among the medical
professionals who predict that this trend will result in a
greater likelihood of various diseases, from diabetes to
heart attacks.
Unfortunately, it is not always easy to consume the
recommended number of servings of fresh fruits and
vegetables daily. As a result, we develop nutritional
deficiencies that undermine our health and prevent us from
functioning at our peak levels.

Correcting Our Deficiencies
Many Americans are deficient in at least some vitamins and
minerals and most people lack the enzymes, bioflavonoids
and
phytonutrients that come from green vegetables. As a
result,
there has been a growing interest in nutritionally dense
green foods; the so-called super foods. Even though such
natural foods as Spirulina, Chlorella and Cereal Grasses
have been around for thousands of years, they have only
recently begun to enjoy more recognition and acceptance.
These super foods are naturally packed with vitamins,
minerals, Chlorophyll, phytonutrients, enzymes and other
essential substances. They are ideally suited to help us
prevent and correct all kinds of nutritional deficiencies
that have been blamed for chronic illnesses, such as
arthritis, asthma, allergies, Candida, Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome, dysfunctional immune system and possibly even
cancer.

How Chlorophyll promotes Good Health
Green foods are low in fat and contain lean, concentrated
protein, as well as many essential micronutrients, which
help protect us against free radical damage and numerous
toxins that overtax our detoxification system and increase
the risk of disease. They also contain Chlorophyll, the
pigment that gives plants their lush color. When it comes
to
supporting our health, Chlorophyll may be the most
beneficial phytochemical of all. Scientists have known for
over 50 years that it is probably the most versatile,
detoxifying and cleansing substance on earth!
Let’s face it, our world has become a toxic jungle. We are
exposed to a plethora of poisons--exhaust fumes, dioxins,
heavy metals, industrial solvents, volatile substances and
other chemical compounds percolate in the surrounding air,
soil and water. Plus, many of our foods contain artificial
dyes, preservatives, pesticide residues, nitrates,
hydrogenated oils and other agents known to have
carcinogenic potential. Chlorophyll may provide protection.
According to a review published at the American Journal of
Surgery, positive results using Chlorophyll were observed
in
over 1,200 cases ranging from acute respiratory infections
to chronic skin ulcers and even deep, infected wounds. The
authors concluded that Chlorophyll works by making our
cells
more resistant to bacteria and toxins and by increasing the
natural healing ability. It promotes the utilization of
oxygen and helps break down carbon dioxide, creating a
cleaner environment, which is more hostile for bacterial
growth. It also acts as a detoxifying and healing agent
that
stimulates the recovery and repair of connective tissue.

Where can You find Chlorophyll?
All green foods contain Chlorophyll, but some of the best
sources are Spirulina, Chlorella and Cereal Grasses.
Spirulina is a blue-green algae. It is a simple, one-celled
form of plant that lives in fresh water. Spirulina has
become famous due to its amazing ability to synthesize
high-quality protein more efficiently than any other plant.
About 71% of its weight is protein, which contains all of
the essential amino acids in perfect balance (also known as
a complete protein). It is one of the few plant sources of
vitamin B12, which is usually found only in animal
products.
A teaspoon of Spirulina supplies 2 1/2 times the
Recommended
Daily Allowance of vitamin B12. It also provides high
amounts of many other nutrients, such as essential fatty
acids (EFAs), chelated minerals, phytonutrients, trace
elements, enzymes and of course, Chlorophyll. Plus, all of
these nutrients are present in the organic form, which is
easily digestible and absorbable.
Chlorella is another type of algae. This plant has the
highest concentration of Chlorophyll. For example, Alfalfa,
which is used for commercial Chlorophyll production,
contains about 0.2% to 0.4% Chlorophyll by weight. Compare
that to Chlorella’s 3% to 5%!
Chlorella is over 60% protein and contains a special
substance known as Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF) that
speeds
up the healing rate of damaged tissue. It supports and
protects the liver, improving its ability to remove the
toxins from the blood. It helps keep the bowel clean by
helping to eliminate cadmium, lead and other heavy metals;
it also helps improve bowel regularity and normalizes
beneficial bowel flora. It helps clean the bloodstream,
regulate blood sugar, improves the function of the immune
system and is helpful in regulating blood pressure.
Japanese
researchers have also investigated Chlorella’s ability to
protect our bodies against toxins and even radiation.
Chlorella has an inherent genetic stability and may even be
able to effectively repair DNA.
Chlorophyll can also be found in abundance in Cereal
Grasses. These are the young green plants that will grow to
produce the cereal grain, such as wheat, barley, alfalfa,
rye and oats. Cereal Grasses contain virtually all known
nutrients, including calcium, enzymes and antioxidants,
plus
a growth factor that causes young animals to grow larger,
stronger and more resistant to disease. This factor also
causes the repair and replenishment of bodily tissues in
older animals.
Green foods have been an essential part of the human diet
for thousands of years. In fact, Cereal Grasses were first
used as human food supplements in the 1930’s and were the
first “multi-vitamins” available. Doctors used to give
Cereal Grass tablets to their patients who suffered
nutrient
deficiencies and for strong antioxidant protection.

Antioxidants Defend Your Body
Antioxidants are certain phytonutrients that can neutralize
free radicals. Free radicals are unstable chemical
molecules
that are extremely unstable. They damage all cellular
components, including DNA and cause malfunction of the
cells, organs and tissues. This is thought to be the main
cause of the aging process.
Oxidative (free radical) damage to cells is responsible for
every degenerative disease known, such as cardiovascular
disease, arthritis, cancer and others. Antioxidants seek
out
and destroy free radicals before they can do any damage to
the cells. This may help delay or even halt the severity
and
speed of aging and degeneration.
Green foods are the best sources of antioxidant nutrients.
Researchers at the University of California at Davis and
George Washington University have found that Cereal Grasses
contain such potent antioxidants as superoxide dismutase,
2-O-glycosylisovitexin (2”-O-GIV) and vitamin E. Each of
these vital nutrients has been shown to help prevent lipid
peroxidation and other detrimental effects caused by free
radicals.

FOS promote Healthy Digestion
As the saying goes, it’s not what you eat, it’s what you
absorb. No matter how many useful nutrients you consume,
the
most important indicator of their usefulness is the amount
that actually is absorbed into the blood stream. To ensure
maximum absorption, it is important to have a good balance
of beneficial microorganisms (probiotics) in the small and
large intestine. One major factor in the maintenance of
good
intestinal balance is Fructo-Oligosaccharides (FOS) that
promote the development and proliferation of “friendly”
intestinal bacterial. FOS are naturally occurring
substances
that are present in vegetables, such as artichokes,
asparagus, spinach, soybeans and others.

Altogringo:
That was a pretty damn, fine, interesting article! I wanted you to know I really enjoyed that...

Elfman36, it's always amazed me that the animals with the most protein (cows) are vegatarians living on grass, hehe... What about the gorillas & elephants? You don't see them sitting down to a dinner of flesh, yet look at all that macho muscle...

I once knew a gal (at the time she was 27) who had never tasted of dead flesh in her life... Against her religion, (7th Day Adventist) but she ran 9 miles a day and had more muscles than me (not saying much, hehe)... She was also technically a virgin, but that's another story, hehehe..
ag

Article:

Cholesterol, Hypertension Linked to Alzheimer's

As if you need another reason to get your cholesterol and
blood pressure
down, the June 16th issue of the British Medical Journal
reports that
these conditions are linked to the development of
Alzheimer's Disease
(1). According to a Finnish study that looked at 1400
participants aged
65-79 who were examined during the 70's, the 80's and again
in the 90's,
people with either hypertension or hypercholesterolemia
were more than
twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, and those
with both
conditions were at four times greater risk than those with
normal blood
pressure and cholesterol levels - regardless of age or
other factors
such as alcohol consumption and tobacco use. Right now the
researchers
are unclear as to why this would be the case; suggested
mechanisms
include impaired blood flow to the brain due to arterial
plaques, but
this is purely speculative. What is clear is that mid-life
cholesterol
and blood pressure levels are going to profoundly affect
later-life
health.

Note: The following is a long article but I thought it was important for many reasons... Some professionals believe that high homocysteine levels contribute more to heart attacks, prostate cancer and many other health problems than high fat levels in the blood.
***
Mechanisms of Homocysteine Detoxification

Elevated homocysteine can be reduced (or detoxified) in two ways. The most common pathway is via the remethylation process, where methyl groups are donated to homocysteine to transform it into methionine and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe).

A potent remethylation agent is TMG, which stands for trimethylglycine. The tri means there are three methyl groups on each glycine molecule that can be transferred to homocysteine to transform (remethylate) it into methionine and SAMe. The remethylation (or detoxification) of homocysteine requires the following minimum factors: (1) folic acid, (2) vitamin B12, (3) zinc, and (4) TMG.

Choline is another "methyl donor" that helps to lower elevated homocysteine levels, and this conversion doesn't require cofactors. However, choline only enhances remethylation in the liver and kidney, which is why it is so important to take adequate amounts of remethylating factors such as folic acid and vitamin B12 to protect the brain and the heart. The published literature emphasizes that folic acid and vitamin B12 are critical nutrients in the remethylation (detoxification) pathway of homocysteine.

The other pathway in which elevated homocysteine is reduced is via its conversion into cysteine and eventually glutathione via the trans-sulfuration pathway. This pathway is dependent on vitamin B6. The amount of vitamin B6 required to lower homocysteine has considerable individual variability. Methionine is the only amino acid that creates homocysteine. People who eat foods that are high in methionine (such as red meat and chicken) may need more vitamin B6. Elevated homocysteine can occur when there are insufficient vitamin cofactors (such as folate and vitamin B6) to detoxify the amount of methionine being ingested in the diet.

Elevated homocysteine can also be caused by a genetic defect that blocks the trans-sulfuration pathway by inducing a deficiency of the vitamin B6-dependent enzyme cystathionine-B-synthase. In this case, high doses of vitamin B6 are required to suppress excessive homocysteine accumulation. Since one would not want to take excessive doses of vitamin B6 (greater than 300 to 500 mg a day for a long time period), a homocysteine blood test can help determine whether you are taking enough vitamin B6 to keep homocysteine levels in a safe range. There are some people who lack an enzyme to convert vitamin B6 into its biologically active form, pyridoxal-5-phosphate. In this case, if low-cost vitamin B6 supplements do not sufficiently lower homocysteine levels, then a high-cost pyridoxal-5-phosphate supplement may be required.

For many people, the daily intake of 500 mg of TMG, 800 mcg of folic acid, 1000 mcg of vitamin B12, 250 mg of choline, 250 mg of inositol, 30 mg of zinc, and 100 mg of vitamin B6 will keep homocysteine levels in a safe range. But the only way to really know is to have your blood tested to make sure your homocysteine levels are under 7. If homocysteine levels are too high, then up to 6 grams of TMG may be needed along with higher amounts of other remethylation cofactors. Some people with cystathione-B synthase deficiencies will require 500 mg a day or more of vitamin B6 to reduce homocysteine to a safe level. For the prevention of cardiovascular disease, you would want your homocysteine blood level to be under 7. For the prevention of aging, some people have suggested that an even lower level is desirable, but more research needs to be done before any scientific conclusions can be reached.

Elevated Homocysteine Is a Sign of
Other Degenerative Diseases

Elevated homocysteine can be a sign of a methylation deficiency throughout the body. Methylation is fundamental to DNA repair. If DNA is not adequately repaired, mutations and strand breaks will result. This will lead to accelerated aging, as greater amounts of faulty proteins are synthesized from the damaged DNA. The liver depends on methylation to perform the numerous enzymatic reactions required to detoxify every drug and foreign substance that the body is exposed to. Methylation is also required for the growth of new cells. Without it, new cells cannot be made.

A study published in the journal Medical Hypothesis (1998, 51[3]:179-221) provides evidence that aging may be exclusively a result of cellular "demethylation," or, said differently, the aging process is caused by the depletion of enzymatic "remethylation" activity that is required to maintain and repair cellular DNA. This study suggests that aging may be reversible if aged cells could be programmed to remethylate rather than demethylate.

Homocysteine induces cellular damage by interfering with the methylation process. Methylation will be compromised if homocysteine is elevated, and elevated homocysteine is a warning sign that the methylation cycle is not functioning properly. Homocysteine may also damage cells directly by promoting oxidative stress.

There is a growing consensus that deficient methylation is the major cause of the degenerative diseases of aging. The consumption of methylation- enhancing nutrients like TMG, choline, folic acid, and vitamin B12 may be one of the most readily available and effective anti-aging therapies presently known. However, it is important to tailor the intake of methylation-enhancing nutrients to one's individual biochemistry. The best way of assessing your body's rate of methylation is to measure blood levels of homocysteine. Elevated serum homocysteine is the classic sign of a methylation deficiency (or demethylation) that is correctable with the proper intake of methylation enhancing nutrients such as TMG, folic acid, and vitamin B12.

Homocysteine and Alzheimer's disease

Recent studies show that people with dementia of the Alzheimer's type have elevated levels of homocysteine in their blood. At an international scientific conference held in The Netherlands the week of April 27, 1998, a team of scientists unveiled findings showing a definitive link between elevated homocysteine and Alzheimer's disease. The scientists advocated that people have their blood tested for homocysteine in order to determine how much folic acid should be taken to drop homocysteine levels to the safe range.

While the scientists speculated that Alzheimer's disease could be avoided if people reduced their homocysteine levels, it has not yet been determined whether homocysteine itself contributes to Alzheimer's disease. A more likely explanation is that elevated homocysteine is an indication of the severe disruption in the methylation pathway that occurs in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. It has been reported that people with Alzheimer's disease have virtually no S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) in their brains. SAMe is required for DNA methylation (maintenance and repair) of brain cells. Thus, while homocysteine itself may not cause Alzheimer's disease, it appears to represent an important measurable biomarker of a methylation deficit that could cause Alzheimer's and a host of other degenerative diseases.

Research reported at Tufts University in 1995 documented the same finding linking elevated homocysteine and Alzheimer's disease and recommended supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B12. It should be noted that dementia can be caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12, folic acid, and other nutrients, so another reason for people with dementia of the Alzheimer's type have to elevated homocysteine levels could be that they are suffering from a common vitamin deficiency. Numerous studies conducted on the elderly show that deficiencies of folic acid, vitamin B12, and other nutrients are epidemic in elderly people who do not take vitamin supplements. Since both elevated homocysteine and vitamin deficiencies have been linked to dementia, the best approach to preventing and treating dementia (including Alz- heimer's dementia) would appear to be testing the blood for elevated homocysteine and taking meth- ylation enhancing nutrients such as folic acid, TMG, and vitamin B12.

A review of the published literature provides compelling evidence that elevated homocysteine is common in people suffering from dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Since Alzheimer's disease cannot be positively diagnosed until after death, it is impossible to state whether all the people in a scientific study are really suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Dementia can be caused by multi-infarct cerebrovascular disease or even by simple vitamin deficiencies.

In a study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry (April 1998, 235-239), Dr. McCaddon and his group were able to confirm that patients diagnosed with senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type have significantly elevated levels of homocysteine compared to age-matched controls. An earlier study published in the Journal of Gerontology and Biological Sciences (March 1997, 76-9) also showed that homocysteine levels were significantly elevated in Alzheimer's disease patients compared to controls. This study found that folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies were present in both the Alzheimer's disease patients and the age-matched case controls.

The reason that homocysteine levels are so high in people suffering from dementia of the Alzheimer's type is not fully understood. Scientists speculate that severe aberrations in the methylation cycle might be involved in the disease process and that elevated homocysteine is a sign of the breakdown of the methylation cycle (European Neuropsychopharmacol. (June 1995, 107-14). Other researchers report that abnormal amino acid metabolism early in Alzheimer's causes elevated homocysteine levels. This may lead to neuronal damage that occurs as the disease progresses (Journal of Neural Transmission (1998, 105:[2-3]:287-94). Remember, the repair and maintenance of cellular DNA is dependent on healthy methylation processes. Methylation deficiencies result in severe damage to brain cells. Under-methylation can cause severe damage to brain cells. Methylation is required for the maintenance of the myelin sheath and the repair of DNA in the brain. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood indicate some degree of methylation deficiency that is correctable with an individualized supplement program.

The studies showing that homocysteine is a biomarker for the development of dementia of the Alzheimer's type mandates that those seeking to avoid senility should have their blood tested in order to ascertain their homocysteine levels. While it was apparent in the year 1969 that homocysteine was a major cause of vascular disease, the evidence that homocysteine represents a marker of brain cell degeneration is of very recent origin, and has been overlooked by many conventional neurologists.

Despite the evidence linking elevated homocysteine to methylation deficiencies that are involved in the Alzheimer's disease process, the Alzheimer's Disease Society has criticized the recommendation that people take folic acid supplements to lower their homocysteine levels. What follows is a direct quote from that organization, "No one knows whether taking (folic acid) supplements will help prevent the disease or whether it will affect the rate at which the disease progresses. The only way this will be discovered is by doing further studies on many, many more patients over a long period of time." The Life Extension Foundation finds perplexing the concept that anybody would warn against taking folic acid supplements at a time when the conventional medical establishment has acknowledged that taking folic acid lowers homocysteine and protects against heart attack, stroke, and colon cancer.

The Critical Need for Homocysteine Blood Testing

Measuring blood levels of homocysteine is a new and potentially life-saving test that provides information about vitamin and methylation status, in addition to determining levels of toxic homocysteine. Those with a family history of heart disease, stroke, or Alzheimer's disease are at a particular risk for elevated homocysteine. Elevated homocysteine has also been linked to complications in diabetes, lupus, and other chronic diseases. While many people have assumed that because they are taking vitamin supplements, their homocysteine levels will be in a safe range, The Life Extension Foundation has discovered that this might not always be the case.

The only way of knowing for sure is to get tested. Homocysteine testing used to be expensive, but prices have come down as consumer interest has increased.

Summary

The newest scientific evidence indicates that there is no safe "normal range" for homocysteine. However, epidemiological data reveal that homocysteine levels above 6.3 cause a steep progressive risk of heart attack. Homocysteine levels should be medically tested to ensure that the proper combination and dosages of supplements are taken. Dosages should be adjusted based on individual needs. The following supplements have demonstrated effectiveness in lowering homocysteine levels either alone or in combination:


Folic acid, 800 to 5000 mcg a day.
Vitamin B12, 1000 to 3000 mcg a day.
Vitamin B6, 100 to 600 mg a day.
Zinc, 30 to 90 mg a day.
Choline, 500 to 5000 mcg a day.
Trimethylglycine, 500 to 9000 mg a day.
SAMe, 200 to 800 mg a day.
Inositol, 250 to 1000 mg a day.

Approved APHRODISIAC in Malaysia. According to Reuters Malaysia has patented a jungle plant "tongkat ali" which boosts men's sex drive. It is available at roadside tea stalls and in Thailand & Indonesia.
Go digging

A husband and wife were having sexual difficulties that were affecting their marriage. So, one day, when the husband was at work, the wife went to one of those sex stores and bought some crotchless panties.

When she got home, she lied on the bed with just those panties on. When the husband walked into their bedroom, the wife said "want a piece of this?"

And the husband replied, "Hell no!! Look what it did to your panties!!"

BEER for Breakfast? (article)
*******************************

Sound like a bad blues song? Well, we're only kidding -
sort of: a pair
of new studies suggest that a beer in place of a bowl of
fortified
breakfast cereal may provide the optimum amount of folate.
The first
study, published in the European Journal of Clinical
Nutrition(3) suggests
that moderate beer consumption provides the amount of
folate needed to
reduce the risk of heart disease! Folate, usually found in
the vegetable
fraction of your diet is also present in brewer's yeast - a
needed
ingredient in beer, since that is what provides
fermentation. According
to the study, residents of Pilsen, Czech Republic (known
for its beer
consumption and for originating the light style of beer
known as
"Pilsner") aged 35 to 65 who drank more than 196 grams
(equiv. 6.3
ounces) of pure alcohol from beer weekly had the lowest
blood levels of
homocysteine and the highest blood levels of folate - both
known to
reduce the risk of heart disease. The second study,
published a bit
earlier in the Journal of the American College of
Nutrition(4), suggests
that fortified cereals may have regular eaters of such
breakfast foods
consuming too much folate and iron. Eating a bowl of
fortified cereal
(and most all cereals are fortified) can provide the same
amount of
certain vitamins and minerals as that of a typical vitamin
tablet.
Complicating matters, 21 of 29 cereals tested by study
authors contained
120% more iron than was listed on the label while 14 of
them contained
more than 150% as much folate. While too much folate can
mask B-12
deficiency, the really bad news is that excess iron is a
known risk
factor for heart disease and cancer among men. So you be
the judge -
beer for breakfast? Your boss may not like it, but your
heart just
might!

Over-The-Counter Lubricants Fight HIV in Lab Test

SOURCE: AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses 2001;17:997-1002
By Karla Gale Wednesday August 15 5:19 PM ET


NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Three widely available, inexpensive personal lubricants have been found to block the replication of the human immunodeficiency virus in lab tests. The lubricants killed HIV (news - web sites)-infected white blood cells and HIV in seminal fluid, according to researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

Dr. Samuel Baron and colleagues conducted the study to examine over-the-counter vaginal preparations for their ability to inhibit HIV production.

While the spermicide nonoxynol-9 has been found in lab tests to fight HIV, it doesn't prevent the virus from spreading, probably because it causes genital irritation, the authors note in the July 20th issue of AIDS (news - web sites) Research and Human Retroviruses. For this reason, the researchers only looked at non-irritating lubricants.

Astroglide vaginal lubricant, ViAmor vaginal moisturizer and Vagisil vaginal moisturizer each inhibited HIV production by more than 1,000-fold when mixed in test tubes with cells contained in semen. When the preparations were mixed with cell-free semen containing the virus, they cut HIV replication eightfold.

Inactivation of the virus began within 5 minutes after the preparations were added, and the lubricants remained active for more than 8 hours at human body temperature. When layered over cells, the lubricants were still able to kill, indicating that their protective activity can diffuse into seminal fluid. The lubricants were still active when diluted in a one-to-four ratio.

Since submission of their report, the investigators have identified two components that are responsible for the inhibitory effects, Baron told Reuters Health. These components appear to interact with the lipid or fatty membrane that surrounds both the virus and the infected cells, he said.

``These materials we have identified are by the most stringent standards safe, falling in the Food and Drug Administration (news - web sites)'s No. 1 safety category,'' Baron noted. ``This separates them out completely from nonoxynol-9.''

He cautions that condoms remain the recommended method for preventing HIV transmission during sexual activity. However, Baron and his colleagues highly recommend that field trials of these agents be conducted among people at risk.

'Invisible Condom' May Prevent HIV and Herpes

By Melissa Schorr Friday September 21 1:35 PM ET

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A heat-activated, antimicrobial gel under development, known as the ``invisible condom,'' was able to prevent the transmission of HIV and herpes when tested on cells in the laboratory, Canadian researchers report.

``This gel acts as a barrier,'' said study co-author Dr. Jocelyne Piret, leader of the project and a researcher at Laval University in Quebec City, Canada. ``We have data that it is effective against herpes, it is also effective against HIV.''

In their report, published in the August issue of the journal Sexually Transmitted Diseases, the investigators explain that the gel successfully acted as a physical barrier blocking HIV-1 and the herpes simplex virus from infecting other cells.

The gel would contain microbicides such as sodium lauryl sulfate, which would further destroy the microbes. In addition to preventing the transmission of disease, the product would also act as a contraceptive, Piret said.

The researchers hope their gel may be less toxic than other spermicides currently on the market, such as nonoxynol-9, which the report indicates has been found to irritate the vaginal lining with frequent use and may actually foster the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.

The gel is entering a Phase I clinical trial on female patients and could be on the market as soon as next year, Piret noted.

The gel would be applied in liquid form to the vaginal area with an applicator and turn to a gel formation upon encountering body heat. Because it begins in this fluid state, the gel seems to be able to spread into all crevices of the vaginal area. In the lab, the gel remained effective for as long as 6 hours, Piret added.

SOURCE: Sexually Transmitted Diseases 2001;28:484-491.

Web source/URL... http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20010921/hl/condom_1.html

----------------------------
Red Meat and Prostate Cancer
----------------------------

The link between red meat consumption and prostate cancer
is nothing new,
however a new study by a group of researchers at Johns
Hopkins University
may have just discovered what the link is (2). This study,
appearing in
the journal, Cancer Research, shows that a gene involved in
digesting red
meat is also active in prostate cancer tumors. The gene,
AMACR, which
produces an enzyme used to break down a fatty acid present
in beef and
dairy products, is present in nine times the normal
prevalence in
prostate tumors. The suspicion would be that the gene is
somehow behind
the prostate tumor growth and that by cutting down on beef
and dairy the
production of the gene could be slowed down. The
researchers who found
the gene also looked at another approximately 6500 genes
and 168 tumors.
95% of the tumors had elevated levels of the AMACR gene,
making it an
excellent marker for prostate cancer if nothing else.

Found this article stating that the study found high cholesterol increases risk of Alzheimer's by 800%.. More incentive to watch the diet?
*****

Dr. Miia Kivipelto of the University of Kuopio in Finland said that these risk factors appear to be just as important as genetic risks for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have previously identified a gene, apolipoprotein E-e4, that is associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease, meaning disease that causes loss of memory and other cognitive problems in people aged 75 or older. This is the most common type of Alzheimer's disease and, worldwide, about one in four people carry at least one copy of the so-called Alzheimer's gene.
"We can't do anything to change the genetic risk," Kivipelto told Reuters Health. "But high blood pressure and high cholesterol can be controlled with medical treatments." Kivipelto presented the new research at the 8th International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders. She and her colleagues studied 1,449 individuals who had been followed by Finnish epidemiologists since 1972. The findings were based on data collected in evaluations conducted in 1998, after a follow-up of up to 21 years. Seventy-three percent of the study volunteers ranged in age from 65 to 79. Kivipelto said that individuals who carried the so-called Alzheimer's gene were about twice as likely to have developed the disease than those who had no genetic predisposition. "But if they also had high blood pressure, the person is five times more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. When high cholesterol is added, the risk is eightfold higher than healthy people with no genetic risk," she said.