Tag Archives: Ageing

Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reduce Inflammation

February 26, 2015

Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reduce Inflammation modulates Regulatory T Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Mesenchymal stem cells are a rare type of cells that are multi-potent and can be isolated from the adipose tissues, bone marrow among other crucial sources.  These cells have very unique properties that have seen them become targets of very many medical therapies especially in treating degenerative diseases like aging and even joint diseases like arthritis. These cells have been found to be also very effective in modulating the functions of immune cells, including T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, monocyte or macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils. T cells, activated to perform a range of different effector functions, are the primary mediators of many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases as well as of transplant rejection and graft-versus-host disease. Some of the well-defined T-Cell effector cells include; CD4+ (T helper cell) subsets Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes which are derived from antigen-specific activation of simple CD8+ precursors. In addition, naturally occurring and induced regulatory T cells represent CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell phenotypes that potently suppress effector T cells to prevent autoimmunity, maintain self-tolerance, and limit inflammatory tissue injury. The ability of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells to suppress the effector T-Cells and limit inflammation has made them very effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis which is characterized with inflammations around the joints. Typically, many immune-mediated diseases entail an imbalance between regulatory T cells and effector T cells of one or more phenotypes. Mesenchymal Stem Cells broadly suppress T-cell activation and proliferation in a controlled environment outside of a living organism via (Vitro) a plethora of soluble and cell contact-dependent mediators.  These mediators may work in two ways; first they can work directly on T cells or indirectly via modulation of antigen-presenting cells and other accessory cells. Mesenchymal Stem Cells administration has also been shown to be variably associated with beneficial effects in autoimmune and transplant models as well as in several human clinical trials. However, in a small number of studies Mesenchymal Stem Cells administration has been found to heighten T cell-mediated tissue injury. The multiple effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on cellular immunity may reflect their diverse influences on the different T-cell effector subpopulations and their capacity to specifically protect or induce regulatory T-cell populations.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells

 Mesenchymal stem cell modulation of T cell-mediated immune responses

To repeat for emphasis, the T cells are the primary cellular effectors of the adaptive immune system and their functional properties are central to antigen specificity and memory associated with cognate immunity, this therefore means that to a greater extent they are responsible for rejection of implanted cells of varied specificity.  Antigen-specific activation and differentiation of naïve T cells result in the generation of a range of T-cell phenotypes that may be defined by the acquisition of characteristic cytokine secretion profiles, cytolytic mechanisms, or counter-regulatory properties.

Following antigen-specific adaptive immune responses, a small proportion of activated T cells persist as memory cells and have the capacity to respond more rapidly and potently to secondary encounters with the same antigen. These memory cells may retain the effector phenotype imprinted upon them during primary activation. When these memory cells are appropriately coordinated and regulated, the diversity of T-cell effector phenotypes allows immune protection against a multitude of pathogenic microorganisms while maintaining self-tolerance and homeostasis. On the other hand, over exuberant pro-inflammatory T-cell responses may lead to auto-immune and allergic diseases, including multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and asthma. Therefore it is crucial to have a modulatory strategy on the effector T-cells. Furthermore, life-saving treatments such as allogeneic bone marrow and solid organ transplantation may be complicated by alloantigen-specific T-cell immune responses, resulting in graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) or transplant rejection.

Study finding

Mesenchymal Stem Cells and InflammationIn a research study done at School of Medicine, University of Seville, Seville, Spain by Gonzalez-Rey E, Gonzalez MA, Varela N, O’Valle F, Hernandez-Cortes P, Rico L, Büscher D,  and Delgado M  it was found that human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells suppressed the antigen-specific response of T cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells inhibited the proliferative response and the production of inflammatory cytokines by collagen-activated CD4 and CD8 T cells. On the contrary, the numbers of IL10-producing T cells and monocytes were significantly augmented upon human adipose stem cell treatment. The suppressive activity of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells was cell-to-cell contact dependent and independent. Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells also stimulated the generation of FoxP3 protein-expressing CD4 (+) CD25 (+) regulatory T cells, with the capacity to suppress collagen-specific T cell responses. Lastly, human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells down regulated the inflammatory response and the production of matrix-degrading enzymes by synovial cells isolated from patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The study had sought to find out the immunosuppressive activity of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on collagen-reactive T cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis.  The method used involved investigating the effects of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells on collagen-reactive RA human T cell proliferation and cytokine production as well as effects on the production of inflammatory mediators by monocytes and fibroblast-like synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Stem cell therapy is a promising approach to treatment of degenerative diseases like arthritis but still you will need an expert in degenerative medicine. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) an expert in integrative and regenerative medicine will be able to help. Visit us at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Centre at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Reduce Inflammation modulates Regulatory T Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Cortisol and Adrenal Fatigue

January 29, 2015

Cortisol and Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue is a common health problem that affects many Americans today. It often occurs when you undergo some stressful situation that you can’t bounce out of. If you feel tired all the time or don’t feel like your body is functioning as it would, you are probably a victim of adrenal fatigue. When it occurs, it affects the quality of your life to a great extent. All of a sudden you face difficulties when trying to exercise and an attempt to just sit down and relax proves quite hard. There is more.  If you suffer from adrenal fatigue you tend to fall ill more often than you are used to and the healing process is a long one.

The condition is not a new one. It has affected people for year. Physician awareness of the disease is on the increase although many doctors are not conversant with it as a syndrome. Patients thereby end up suffering because the symptoms are not well diagnosed and therefore the treatment they are given is wrong.

What is adrenal fatigue?

First of all adrenal glands refer to glands that are located in the kidneys perform the function of secreting a number of hormones. Such hormones include; cortisol, DHEA, progesterone, testosterone and estrogen among others. Adrenal fatigue thereby occurs as a result of the adrenal glands not operating normally. This dysfunction is often brought about by pressure, stress or an illness the person may be going through. In the case of adrenal fatigue, the adrenal glands function at a lower level when the patient is under stress, rest or illness.

Adrenal-Fatigue-Patterns

Role of Cortisol in the Body

It is one of the hormones produced by the adrenaline glands. Cortisol is a stress hormone that is produced when we are under stress of tension in order to cool us down. Some situations are often stressful and no matter how much we try to avoid them, we find that at one point in our lives stress must be a part of us. It may be stress due to loss of property or relative, financial pressures, drugs or any other major event in our lives that takes a toll on us.

This is where the adrenal glands come in. They play a major role in the body and none of us can do without them. The hormones produced by the adrenaline glands are useful to us in one way or another. Adrenaline keeps you relaxed and in control of the situation.

cortisolSo when do things start going bad? It is common knowledge that too much or too little of something can wreak havoc in our bodies. In as much as adrenal glands are important especially during stress, too much pressure on then may lead to them wearing out. Cortisol as a stress hormone is produced by the adrenal glands. When you are constantly under pressure stress for a long time, the adrenal glands are under pressure to produce more cortisol. When this happens, hey become worn and therefore not able to function efficiently.  What happens after that is that the production of the stress hormone reduces. This means that the body is not in the position of handling subsequent stress, pressure or illnesses as they occur. This is the point when you begin to feel tired even after doing so little. Furthermore, you find it difficult to recover after exercises. Al of a sudden, you frequently fall ill and take long to recover.

Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

People with adrenal fatigue will often experience the following symptoms:

  • Feeling tired for no particular reason.
  • Constantly feeling overwhelmed
  • You find it hard to recover from illnesses or stress
  • Difficulties waking up in the morning.
  • You feel more energetic after 6PM
  • Abnormal sugar and salt craving

Treatment for Adrenal Fatigue

Lifestyle Adjustment: the best way to treat the condition is by adjusting your routine for example encourage happy thoughts to avoid stress. You can also ensure maximum time to rest and relax as well as regular exercise.

Diet: avoid polished carbohydrates instead combine whole grain carbs with a good quantity of proteins and vitamins, fiber and essential oils. Also if you are suffering from adrenal fatigue ensure you eat regularly say at 10 AM and lunch time.

Supplements: supplements like vitamin C, E, B, B-6, niacin, pantothenic acid, magnesium citrate and minerals like zinc are essential in treatment of adrenal fatigue.

Dr. Dalal Akoury will provide treatment for adrenal fatigue. She has many years of experience in this and other medical conditions. To learn more about this topic visit www.awaremednetwork.com today.

Cortisol and Adrenal Fatigue

 

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Saving your skin this summer from further decay

December 30, 2014

Saving your skin this summer from further decay – The most endangered organ the Skin

Saving your skin this summer from further decay

Saving your skin this summer from further decay. Make adjustment to your skincare routine during summer for a more beautiful look of your skin.

One of the most endangered human assets is the body’s largest organ the skin. This is also the organ that expresses ones beauty because it is what the face will first come into contact with. How good we protect it will determine how beautiful we will look both from the inside and outside. The skin is very vulnerable in all seasons and therefore saving your skin this summer from further decay would be very necessary. For sure summer would be the perfect time to start over, recharge, and relax. As the temperature changes, your beauty skincare routine should too. You may not need to put aside all your spring skincare products, just update your regimen with these tips to protect your skin from the warm, humid and sunny months. Doctor Dalal Akoury a skincare professional and also the founder of the home of beauty for all seasons AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center explains a few tips for saving your skin this summer from further decay.

She says that the first thing to do is to make adjustment to your skincare routine. For example you will need to exfoliate your skin 3 times per week to get rid of any spring flakiness and change to a slightly lighter moisturizer for the protection of your skin from the warmer weather. Even as you make these adjustments, it is still very important that you maintain the use of spf30 sunscreen daily to protect skin from the sun’s damaging rays.

Saving your skin this summer from further decay – Cleanse

Because the beauty of your skin and the face to be specific is our focus, and with warmer weather approaching, washing your face must be the first item to prioritize in your skincare routine. Instead of a moisturizing cleanser, chose a more clarifying oil-absorbing cleanser. Ensure that you don’t use a cleanser with any detergent (SLS). The common foaming agent found in many skin care face washes sodium laurel sulfate (SLS) is the same ingredient found is dish washing soap and laundry detergent. These ingredients can be extremely harsh and frustrating to the skin, therefore get all the information about the ingredient of any product you use. It would be advisable that you use a soothing and purifying facial cleanser that is natural and non-drying. Look for ingredients such as silver and salicylic acid as well as resveratrol (super anti-oxidant and detoxing). These cleansers will not only dissolve make up and dirt, but will leave your skin calm, clean and clear thereby saving your skin this summer from further decay.

Saving your skin this summer from further decay – Exfoliate

Did you know that your body shed off dead skin cells at a very high speed every minute on a daily basis? Because of this, exfoliation becomes very important. If these are not disposed, the skin will look dull, dry and un attractive. It may not matter the quality of body lotion you use, if you don’t exfoliate you will never get that glamorous skin and especially when you are moving from spring to summer if you want to reveal a fresh young complexion then grab a gentle facial exfoliator and hit the shower. The steam will gently soften your skin and allow the scrub to easily slough off dead dull skin. Gently rub your exfoliator in circular movements on your face for 2-3 minutes and rinse with warm water. Continue to do this 2-3 times a week for beautiful skin.

Saving your skin this summer from further decay – Treat & Prevent Pigmentation

Now that summer is approaching we want to also transition into effortless and minimal make-up. Nothing looks worse than the sun reflecting on caked on make-up that’s attempting to cover up an uneven complexion. So now is the time to not only lighten uneven pigmentation- but prevent it as well. Try wearing a lightening gel or treatment underneath your moisturizer. Look for ingredients like Bellisperennis extracted from a Daisy flower that works to lighten and brighten spots as well and protect the skin from reacting to the sun and developing future damage. This is a genius breakthrough ingredient and I would recommend that you use it at most twice daily however if you have very sensitive skin, then apply it once and preferably in the evenings.

Saving your skin this summer from further decay – Nourish & Protect

While we appreciate that oil free products may not be the solution, some oils are healthy for your skin after all your skin needs to be nourished with certain oils. For instance, olive oil is considered very beneficial for the health of your skin alongside flax oils and grape seed oils for their cosmetic ones. What must be avoided are mineral oils instead go for cosmetic grade flax seed oil and grape seed oil rich in anti-oxidants and omega-3 fatty acids that are often found in hydrating serums. These help in nourishing the skin from the inside out and also help balance and control skin’s natural oil production.

Finally don’t forget your body. Summer is the season for tank tops, shorts, halter tops and other reveling clothing. You should focus on transitioning the skin on legs, arms, chest, and shoulders too. The following steps may be very helpful for glowing skin throughout your body:

  • Exfoliate your entire body in a warm steamy shower 2-3 times a week.
  • Apply good quality body oil as soon as you get out apply on damp skin for best absorption. If you shower in the morning follow with a layer of sunscreen spf30 to protect your skin.
  • Treat body blemishes as you do facial ones. This mean have a spot treatment handy for little pesky body breakouts- so nothing gets in between you and your summer wardrobe.

Remember that the largest organ needs care all round and the involvement of the experts at every stage is very important.  Saving your skin is Dr. Akoury first priority. The decision made by doctor Akoury to create a medical center whose main objective is to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power is actually meant for you. It is in Dr. Akoury’s practice to focus on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms. With this great expertise, this is the place to be. Therefore, schedule for that appointment with doctor Akoury today.

Saving your skin this summer from further decay – The most endangered organ the Skin

 

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Entertainment Industry and Relationship to Alcohol Addiction

December 18, 2014

People Employed In the Arts, In the Leisure and Hospitality Prone To Drinking

Many people indulge in drinking of alcohol as leisure. Most people have only evenings and weekends to grab their bottles of alcohol and feel the fun. However there are other people who have all the time they want and can engage in alcohol drinking at any time of the day without this affecting their work relationships or at least they will not face such stiff penalties for drinking alcohol during working hours such as suspension and loss of job. This group that enjoys the freedom to drink alcohol whenever they want and as much as they want are those employed in the arts, in the leisure and hospitality.

George Washington University Medical Center researchers compared the alcoholism rates of various professions. It was found that people who are employed in Arts, leisure and hospitality tops the chart at 15 percent. This group is followed closely by construction and mining at 14.7, retail at 9.7, finance and real estate tied at 9.2, and transportation at 8.2. At only 7.2 percent, professional hunters and fishermen are less than half as likely as artists to be alcoholics. For education, health, social services, it’s 5.4 percent. Public administrators trail the pack at 5.3 percent.

Alcohol addiction

This research however did not give reasons why people employed as artists, in leisure and hospitality engaged more in drinking alcohol than all the other work groups. It is therefore safe to give personal opinion to why these people drink more than any other work group. Here are some of the reasons why those who are employed in art, leisure and hospitality drink alcohol more than those who are employed as teachers, health workers and even those who offer social services.

Most of them own their Jobs

The reason why teachers, health workers and other public servants do not engage more in drinking is because they do not own their jobs and have to abide with certain stipulated codes of conduct failure to which they will lose their jobs. Public servants have nothing special  that can make them not drink as much as artists but the fact that they are employed and must please their employers at all times leaves them with only weekends and evenings to drink and revel.

Public servants are also expected to be the eyes of their profession. In that they ought to paint their profession in a manner that it will be respected by the society. School teachers bear this pressure that they have to be seen as role models by the students they teach and no student will have a drunkard scholar as a role model.

Artists are generally rich

Artists are known to earn much out of their little effort. Take for example an athlete like Usain Bolt who will run few seconds yet earn millions from it. He therefore has too much to spend as compared to a teacher who will work an entire month and still will be left with very little to spare. I am not trying to say that the rich generally drinks more than the poor but the nature of an athlete’s profession leaves him with all the reasons to celebrate as compared to other professional who have nothing to celebrate about their jobs but are merely glued to their jobs just because they need to earn a living from it.

Nature of their work

Where do musicians perform? In offices where only water can be drawn from a dispenser? No most artistes work in places where alcohol is the most available beverage. They perform in bars and clubs where alcohol is just meters away. He lives with the alcohol as he is working but the social workers and other civil servants do not have that immediate access to alcohol as much as the artistes and those working in hospitality. There are people who began working in the hospitality industry when they were not taking alcohol but due to the exposure they got they began indulging in alcohol. You may think it is a choice you make irrespective of where you are but the exposure to alcohol may have a great influence on you.

Addiction

Merrymaking Culture

The salient characteristic of hospitality industry is the merrymaking culture. Drinking alcohol and merrymaking are identical twins therefore it only suits the situation that people working in these areas embrace the culture. You will always be attracted to work where you feel you will enjoy the benefits of such work and that is why most people working in hospitality industry are heavy drinkers. Another reason for their drinking is that they have flexible working time that allows them to create time for their bottle.

Peer influence

In the entertainment industry is where you will find varied trends ranging from hairstyle to dressing code. This influence does not only end in dressing code and appearance of an artist but also in their behaviors. You will find that most upcoming musicians will ape the way of life their roles models live and since most of the artists are drinkers these upcoming artistes grow up knowing that as the norm and embracing it.

Alcoholism is a vice that should be fought by all means that is why we at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center are committed to availing help to addicts and offering them a place to call home. It does not matter what kind of addiction you are wrestling with right now, just call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) today and begin your journey to victory against addiction.

People Employed In the Arts, In the Leisure and Hospitality Prone To Drinking

 

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What Is Affecting How Beautiful Your Skin Looks

November 18, 2014

Keeping Your Skin Beautiful – What is affecting how your skin looks

Beautiful Face of Young Woman with Clean Fresh Skin isolated on

Keeping your skin beautiful is not just to impress the on lookers but it is also for your good health. The effect of skin health complications are not friendly at all.

Take note of this, that your skin is your first contact with the world around you. Besides that it protects your body and it is the face you present to the world. It’s good and glowing healthy is a source of beauty. Therefore is goes without mention that the choices you make every day like what you eat, your destinations, your feelings all these affect how your skin looks. Doctor Akoury is discussing some of the common things you do or don’t do that harms your skin on a daily basis which when avoided you will succeed in keeping your skin youthful, healthy, and wrinkle-free. Take your time and read on and schedule for an appointment with doctor Akoury for more remedies of beautiful skin.

Watch What You Eat For Your Face

If you want good skin, be mindful of your diet. It should interest you that consumption of more vitamin C and a lower intake of fats and carbohydrates gives better appearance as your skin ages. Therefore ensure altering your diet to help your desired looks. Remember that foods rich in antioxidants, such as fish, fruits, and vegetables help in protecting your skin.

Vitamins – Your anti-aging cream may contain vitamin C or E. Put these antioxidants to work from the inside, too. Eating foods rich in these vitamins, plus the mineral selenium, can help protect your skin against sun damage. They may even help reverse signs of aging, like wrinkles and skin discoloration.

Keeping Your Skin Beautiful – Physical Activities

Exercise benefits every part of your body including your largest organ, the skin. Working out improves circulation, helping nourish the skin. Better blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients and may help your skin produce collagen, which staves off wrinkles. It is important that you do not fret about sweat because exercise will not clog your pores and wash your face right after a workout and avoid tight headbands, which can trap sweat and irritate skin.

Get Adequate Sleep

Burn the candle at both ends for a few nights, and you may see it reflected in your face: Dark circles under the eyes, pale skin, and puffy eyes. Getting 7-8 hours a night will keep your body and skin in top shape. It matters how you sleep, too rest your face on the pillow in the same position for years, and you’ll get wrinkles where the skin is pressed against the pillow. Sleeping on your stomach will worsen bags under your eyes. With all these the solution is to sleep on your back

Keeping Your Skin Beautiful: Pregnancy

Oh stretch marks, over 90% of pregnant women get them however they are likely to fade off after delivery.

  • Moisturizers can slightly improve the appearance of stretch marks.
  • Prescription vitamin A creams or laser therapy can help, too.
  • Acne is another common skin problem, caused by the extra hormones in your body.
  • Your best bet for avoiding breakouts is to wash your face twice a day and use an oil-free moisturizer.
  • Consult with doctor Akoury before using any acne products.
The Harmful Effects Of The Sun

It may not matter your love for the sun or not, the truth is that about 90% of all skin damage is due to the sun. This can only mean that the more time you take on the sun the greater the risk of contracting skin cancer. Therefore skin protection by wearing broad-spectrum sunblock is a must and also putting on long sleeves shirts, and avoids the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when rays are strongest.

Keeping Your Skin Beautiful: Taking Coffee and Tea

Remember that the caffeine in coffee and tea are dehydrating and are likely to cause your skin to dry out.

Keeping Your Skin Beautiful: Alcohol

Too much alcohol is bad for your skin as well as your body. Alcohol is a diuretic; it causes the body to lose water and this may result in dry skin. It also dilates blood vessels. That’s why drinkers often have red, flushed faces. Over time, these blood vessels can become permanently damaged, so that skin stays red. Alcohol, especially red wine, can also trigger rosacea flare-ups.

Keeping Your Skin Beautiful: Smoking

Simply put, smoking is bad for your skin: It’s second only to the sun in causing premature wrinkles and dry skin. In fact, under a microscope you can see wrinkles in smokers as young as 20 tis is because smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and contributes to the breakdown of collagen and remember that less collagen means more wrinkling not to add that pursing your lips repeatedly also encourages wrinkles. It may be difficult reversing the damage, but you can stop it by quitting smoking.

Keeping Your Skin Beautiful: Cleaning Regularly

No matter what you do or where you are your skin comes in contact with pollution like cigarette smoke, car exhaust, or smoggy air and other pollutions every day. Therefore keep a skin healthy by clean regularly. Depending on the needs of your skin, you can cleanse your face with a gentle soap or wash, or exfoliate nightly with gentle scrubs and toners to remove dead skin cells, and then apply a retinoid cream and moisturizer.

Finally like we said before that your skin form the entry point with the world around you and taking good care of your largest organ is very primary of all things. Doing this is not just about applying the right creams and good food, it will also require the input of a qualified professional and that is why Dr. Akoury made a decision to create a medical center (AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center) whose main objective is to transform each individual’s life through increasing awareness about health and wellness and by empowering individuals to find their own inner healing power. Dr. Akoury’s practice focuses on personalized medicine through healthy lifestyle choices that deal with primary prevention and underlying causes instead of patching up symptoms. It will be very important that you schedule for an appointment with this great professional for any skin care concerns you may be having.

Keeping Your Skin Beautiful – What is Affecting How Your Skin Looks

 

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