Tag Archives: Gamma-Aminobutyric acid

Methylation and Addiction

February 6, 2015

The Mechanisms in Methylation and Addiction

Addiction refers to a very strong need to take something like drugs or do particular activities. Addictions are so strong that people think they have no control over them. Addiction becomes one of the important things in your life. Due to this it ends up affecting the quality of your life as well as your relationship with others.

Addiction occurs when one feels they should take something like drugs or alcohol or carry out a particular activity such as gambling. Today addiction affects people across all ages. There is no known reason why people get addicted to something. However, regular intake of drugs or gambling may result in the person’s life getting tuned to that particular choice. People get strongly attached to these things and they feel the need to repeat the same thing over and over again. This way they become addicted to that thing and it becomes an important part of their life.

What is methylation?

Methylation basically refers to the process of adding a methyl group to a substance or simply replacement of an atomic group with that of a group of methyl. It is takes place where a methyl group undergoes alkylation instead of the normal hydrogen atom replacing a carbon chain. Such terms apply in biochemistry, chemistry, biological sciences as well as soil science.

Methylation and Addiction

In biological sciences for instance methylation involves the enzyme catalyzation. This form of methylation is responsible for heavy metal modification, gene expression regulation, processing of RNA as well as regulation the functioning of proteins in the body. Heavy metal methylation often takes place outside the biological system. Reduction of histological staining is made possible by the chemical methylation of tissues in the body.

Methylation in the body

It is one of the important processes that take place in the body.  It takes place when the body receives a substance and converts it to another. This is basically so that the substance can be removed from the body. Methylation takes place in the liver during the second detoxification phase a billon times per second.

In order to understand detoxification, there is need to look at what makes up a methyl group. A methyl group is basically made up of three atoms of hydrogen. Methylation takes place when S-adenosine methionine (SAMe) gives out a methyl group that is then attached to the molecule that undergoes detoxification.  The SAMe s then converted to homocysteine. The methylation process must occur often in order to detoxify the body regularly. Buildup of toxics in the body leads to poisoning of cells which can lead to serious medical conditions a like inflammation and cancer. The methylation process is kept going by vitamin B12, B6 as well as folic acid. These substances are necessary in the body in order to facilitate homocysteine reduction to facilitate the process of methylation.

Homocysteine is an amino acid that is naturally toxic to the body. If left to accumulate it can prove toxic to the cells leading to several health conditions. If methylation does not take place as it should a person can suffer from conditions like stroke, cancers of the reproductive system, colon cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, defects of the neural tubes, impairment in DNA repair, kidney infarct, impaired detoxification and dysplasia among others.

Faulty methylation leads to the levels of homocysteine increasing. This leads to poisoning of the cells and tissues. However, studies show that B vitamins facilitate lowering of the levels of homocysteine in the body and therefore reducing the risk of a person getting disease like stroke and heart attack.  Common belief among people is that the main cause of heart attack is in accumulation of cholesterol in the body therefore they cut out their intake of cholesterol in their foods. However, studies show that only a fraction of people who suffer from heart attacks is as a result of cholesterol build up in the body. This being the case, other people who suffer from heart disease may be because of buildup of homocysteine in the body.

Methylation and Addiction

Methylation and Addiction

Recent research studies show that over exposure to certain drugs facilitates chances in methylation levels in the bloods. The same also promotes DNA methylation levels to be altered. DNA methylation takes place in the brain neurons. The altered level of methylation promotes altered levels in gene expression this can happens when one is addicted to certain substances like drugs and alcohol.

Basically methylation is used in DNA. Naturally, each cell in the body contains DNA of other cells. Methyl groups that occur naturally in the body are responsible from suppression of DNA that should not be read. When there is poor methylation due to an addiction to drugs or alcohol, the methyl groups are removed from the genes in order to be used in other body processes. This removal of a methyl group is what leads to cancer expression in the body.

For more information about methylation and addiction, visit www.awaremednetwork.com today. Here you will also find other helpful health and awareness tips. Dr. Dalal Akoury will provide assistance with any information you may need.

The Mechanisms in Methylation and Addiction

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Progesterone And Nicotine Addiction

January 7, 2015

Research Shows Progesterone Influences Nicotine Addiction in Women

Nicotine addictionNicotine is a common substance in certain drugs. In fact we interact with nicotine most of the time without even stopping to think that it is really an addictive substance. Nicotine can be found in tea but again the level of nicotine will be different depending on which drug you are using. However nicotine has always been associated with tobacco and this is because it forms a bigger content of tobacco. Unknown to many, nicotine is the addictive substance in the tobacco and so should be avoided as much as other drug contents that are often considered more dangerous. Today, Nicotine addiction is on the rise and it continues to be the main cause of preventable death in developed countries. Despite of use of tobacco by people of all genders, it has been found that women and teen girls appear to be more vulnerable on certain aspects of nicotine addiction compared with men and boys. While the mechanism of gender differences in nicotine addiction is not yet clear, evidence suggests that while estrogen may underlie enhanced vulnerability in females, progesterone may protect females. Thus, progesterone may have therapeutic use for tobacco addiction, especially in female smokers. Researchers are working to establish the reason for this gender variation in nicotine addiction and the revelation will pose a greater understanding of the role of progesterone in nicotine addiction is important not only from a treatment purposes but also from a prevention perspective. The changes in hormones in the body of women such as those that occur at adolescence and during pregnancy and following birth. The changes in hormones that are also caused by hormonal manipulation like using methods of hormonal birth control may all contribute to changes in vulnerability to nicotine addiction.

In this article we will explore in reference to recent evidences from clinical studies how progesterone affects the health of a woman in relation to nicotine addiction. Depending on the data already availed from past researches we will find out the effects of progesterone during the initiation stage and even during the later stages of nicotine addiction process as a potential relapse prevention treatment.

Several studies have indicated that in spite of the public knowledge that nicotine addiction can be dangerous to one’s health, tobacco use has been on the rise especially on young women and teens. In a 2007 study results on National Survey on Drug Use research done by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration often shortened as SAHMSA found that Females aged 12–17 are also more likely than males initiate smoking. It has also been found out that women take shorter time to develop tobacco dependence syndrome after their initial use of tobacco.

Similar reports of enhanced vulnerability in females versus males have been reported among adult smokers. For example, among adults (18 years and over), although more men than women smoke, women take less time to become dependent after initial use, report shorter and less frequent abstinence periods and smoke for longer periods of time in their lives compared with men with the median cessation age of 33 years for males versus 37 years for females. This finding was reported by a research done by Pierce and Gilpin in 1996 in a study titled: How long will today’s adolescent smoker be addicted to cigarettes?

Of all the studies that have been available on tobacco use it has been found that women are more vulnerable to nicotine addiction as they also appear to respond less favorably to smoking cessation treatments.

Preclinical studies on rats

A preclinical study on rats done by Donny and Clark with other researchers provided information that is Consistent with the above findings. In preclinical studies, adolescent and adult female rats showed faster acquisition of intravenous nicotine self-administration and higher break points on a progressive-ratio schedule compared with adolescent and adult males. Similarly, female mice showed a greater preference for nicotine in a two-bottle choice task compared with male mice indicating greater sensitivity of females to nicotine’s reinforcing effects. These studies point to important gender differences in initiation and maintenance of nicotine use that may contribute to smaller gains in curbing nicotine addiction in women.

Progesterone interacts with GABA receptors

Nicotine addictionSeveral research findings point out that Progesterone and its metabolites interact with multiple neurotransmitter receptors including GABA, glycine, sigma1, kainate, serotonin3, and nicotinic cholinergic receptors. However, most relevant for nicotine addiction are interactions with GABA. Progesterone’s active metabolites, pregnanolone and allopregnanolone, have positive modulatory effects on GABA receptors which enhance GABAergic transmission. GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and has significant influence on multiple central nervous system (CNS) function. The positive modulatory effects of progesterone metabolites on the GABA receptors have been proposed to weaken drug reward. Remarkably, the effects of progesterone and its metabolites on GABAergic signaling vary with menstrual cycle phase and at hormone transition phases including during adolescence and during pregnancy. For instance, during puberty, allopreganolone’s effects on GABAergic transmission are opposite to those seen before and after puberty with results showing a reduction in GABAergic transmission.

It has also been reported that progesterone also affects signaling at nicotinic receptors. Specifically, both progesterone and allopregnanolone are negative modulators of the α4β2 nicotinic receptors. Progesterone has also been reported to increase mRNA expression of α5 nicotinic receptors.

In conclusion

Progesterone may avail a skeleton for nicotine treatment in women but more research need to be done on this issue so as the potential of nicotine addiction with progesterone can be examined. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) of AWAREmed Health and Wellness Center is an expert in integrative medicine for addiction. Call her on (843) 213-1480 for help.

Research Shows Progesterone Influences Nicotine Addiction in Women

 

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Effects of Benzodiazepine

October 4, 2014

Sedative and Euphoric Effects of Benzodiazepine

BenzodiazepineBenzodiazepines are drugs that have been used in hospitals to curb pain, as anti-anxiety and for sedation. However these drugs are can be abused as they are rewarding in higher doses. For this reason many people have used these drugs for all the wrong reasons. What happens when you take these drugs depends on the dosage. When used as prescribed the work as anti-anxiety and for sedation but when abused they result in even more grave side effects.

Benzodiazepines are glycoproteins with an affinity for benzodiazepine receptors which act as specific binding sites for gamma aminobutyric acid shortly known as GABA. The GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. Many scientists have proposed various action mechanisms but despite all these proposed action mechanisms, the exact sites and mechanisms of actions of these drugs is still a mystery unraveled.

The mechanism of action of these drugs is often based on this belief that these drugs affect CNS by interacting with a macromolecular protein complex in the neuronal membrane which includes GABAa receptors, high-affinity benzodiazepine receptors and chloride channels. The scientists are still working to find more about the mechanisms of action of benzodiazepines in the CNS but until now we can dwell more on their effects in the body and how to safely use them.

Occupation of the benzodiazepine receptor increases the affinity of the GABAa receptor for GABA. GABA potentiates the direct opening of the chloride ion channel, allowing an increased influx of chloride into the neuron. The inward shift of chloride ions hyperpolarizes and stabilizes the membrane, resulting in a net inhibitory effect on neuronal firing. Benzodiazepines alone have little effect on chloride ion channel permeability and depend upon the presence of GABA in the synapse for their actions.

Some of benzodiazepines are very similar in their chemical structures but their potency differs greatly and so is the rate of absorption and other pharmacological parameters. The potency of a benzodiazepine is correlated with its affinity for its binding site, the benzodiazepine receptor. In therapeutic use, the benzodiazepines, while differing in potency, have similar pharmacologic profiles.

It is believed that there are different types of benzodiazepine receptors in different areas of the CNS which produce the various pharmacological actions of the drugs. As the dose of benzodiazepine is increased, anxiolytic effects are first produced, followed by anticonvulsant effects, a reduction in muscle tonus, and finally sedation and hypnosis.

Clinically, benzodiazepines are used in the management of anxiety disorders, insomnia, seizure disorders, skeletal muscle spasticity, alcohol withdrawal, panic disorder and as premedicants prior to surgical or diagnostic procedures. Benzodiazepines have also been used in the management of nausea and vomiting associated with emetogenic cancer chemotherapy.

When taken benzodiazepines get widely spread in the body and accumulate preferentially in lipid rich areas such as the CNS and adipose tissue. The more lipophilic agents have the fastest rates of absorption and onset of clinical effects. Benzodiazepines and their metabolites are highly bound to plasma proteins. Steady state plasma concentrations of benzodiazepines and their metabolites are reached after about 5 elimination half-lives, typically, a few days to 2 weeks after initiation of therapy. The higher the concentrations of benzodiazepines   in the plasma the higher their sedative and euphoric effects. For sedative purposes the concentrations of benzodiazepine in the plasma are much lower than the concentrations of benzodiazepine in plasma that would evoke euphoric effects. This shows that that a person may have euphoric feelings after using higher doses of benzodiazepine than the doses needed for sedative purposes. However, the higher the doses of benzodiazepines the danger it beckons for higher doses may result in intoxication or even delirium which is characterized by ataxia, amnesia, stupor, impaired consciousness, nystagmus.

Mortality hazards of the use of Benzodiazepine

The benzodiazepines are clinically useful but that does not mean that they are free from any side effects. The use of benzodiazepines within the prescribed doses foe sedation and sleeping disorders may give relief and a reason to celebrate but as I have written earlier, these drugs are prone to abuse and as commonly abuse of any drug will always give rise to undesired effects. Though it has not been perceived to be as dangerous as other drugs of abuse such as opioids and ‘bath salts’ that can cause death instantly due to overdose, the side effects of benzodiazepine can lead to death in one way or another. These side effects include; dependency, withdrawal, rebound symptoms, daytime sedation, confusion, cognitive deficits, ataxia, dysarthria, diplopia, and vertigo. The use of benzodiazepines have been linked to motor vehicle accidents especially in the elderly. Benzodiazepines are often used in patients undergoing dialysis for their sedation effects. However a study done in japan where these drugs were used widely in dialysis patients showed that benzodiazepine use may be associated with an increased mortality risk.

Benzodiazepine increased rise of falls in Elderly

BenzodiazepineBenzodiazepine has also been found to increase falls in the elderly leading major fractures. The long term use of these drugs is also associated with nocturnal falls and still the elderly still fall victims. Rise in falls is one of the problems that can be linked to the effects of the drug on the elderly.

Finally, you need more information to stay away from dependence on alcohol and drugs as these have crippled societies and that is why here at AWAREmed we are dedicated to finding the best solutions to addiction and dependence on substances. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is always in the mood of helping any patient to be addiction free. Do not hesitate to call on her for help in managing any sort of chronic pain or any type of addiction as well as other diseases.

Sedative and Euphoric Effects of Benzodiazepine

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Drugs Can Behave Like Neurotransmitters

September 15, 2014

Drugs Can Mimic Neurotransmitters

neurotransmittersDrugs will automatically interfere with the bodily functions. That is guaranteed. But some drugs do not only alter minor body functions but go a step further in inhibiting the functions of neurotransmitters.  Most of the drugs that can mimic or interfere with the functions of the neurotransmitters in any way are mostly hard and are hence illegal in many parts of the world. The brain is the engine that drives all the body functions. Even as you are reading this article you do not see with your eyes but you see with your brain. It has various mechanisms through which it accomplishes all the functions of the body. Before we learn how the drugs can affect the neuron transmitters it is good to know how they work.

Neurotransmitters are very crucial in the system. They are the chemicals that transmit messages from one nerve cell to another. Nerve cells are known as neurons. The nerve impulse travels from the first nerve cell through the axon, a single smooth body arising from the nerve cell to the axon terminal and the synaptic knobs. Each synaptic knob communicates with a dendrite or cell body of another neuron, and the synaptic knobs contain neurovesicles that store and release neurotransmitters. The synapse lies between the synaptic knob and the next cell. For the impulse to continue traveling across the synapse to reach the next cell, the synaptic knobs release the neurotransmitter into that space, and the next nerve cell is stimulated to pick up the impulse and continue it. An interference with the neurotransmitters can adversely affect the flow of message within the nervous system.

A point to note is that there is neurotransmitter compatibility, that is every transmitter is designed to be bound by a specific receptor. Some drugs are structurally similar to neurotransmitters and hence may be bound by the receptors and hence mimic the functions of the neurotransmitters. The drug will therefore disrupt the functions of the neurotransmitters adversely affecting the whole neuron system. Typically, this is like having an intruder into your personal computer- he will definitely interfere with your programs.

Here are some of the ways through which a drug can interfere with the neurotransmitters functions.

  • Stop the chemical reactions that create neurotransmitters.
  • Empty neurotransmitters from the vesicles where they’re normally stored and protected from breakdown by enzymes.
  • Block neurotransmitters from entering or leaving vesicles.
  • Bind to receptors in place of neurotransmitters.
  • Prevent neurotransmitters from returning to their sending neuron (the reuptake system).
  • Interfere with second messengers, the chemical and electrical changes that take place in a receiving neuron.

Marijuana for example has a compound known as THC which is known to mimic the functions of various neurotransmitters. It mimics the activities of a natural neurotransmitter called anandamide.  Anandamide is an important neurotransmitter as it is charged with the role of boosting memory and learning, reducing pain, and stimulating the appetite.  Anandamide normally works in conjunction with dopamine, and together these neurotransmitters turn on and turn off different chemical pathways as required so as to accomplish certain functions.

The fact THC mimics the Anandamide does not mean that it will work as that natural neural transmitter would. When a person takes marijuana THC binds to cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are located in several parts of the brain namely, the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and basal ganglia. These brain areas are responsible for short-term memory, coordination, learning, problem solving, and unconscious muscle movements. When THC gets itself bound in the cannabinoid receptors, it blocks natural neurotransmitters like anandamide that need to bind to those sites to achieve all their functions. This therefore makes the functions of these neurotransmitters unaccomplished. When THC prevents anadamide from doing its job, the delicate balance between anadamide and dopamine is thrown off and suddenly a person will feel euphoric, off-balance, hyperactive, senseless to pain and unable to retain information.

Nucleus accumbens Reward Mechanism (addiction)

neurotransmitterThe core structures of the brain reward pathway are located in the limbic system. These are a set of primitive structures in the human brain. Typically, the function of the limbic system is to monitor internal homeostasis, mediate memory, mediate learning, and experience emotion.  It also enables important aspects of sexual behavior, motivation, and feeding behaviors. The primary parts of the limbic system include the hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus, septal nuclei, and anterior cingulate gyrus.  Also important in the function of the limbic system is the limbic striatum, which includes the nucleus accumbens, ventral caudate nucleus and the putamen. The nucleus accumbens, often abbreviated as (NA) has been implicated as an especially important structure of the brain reward pathway because it is targeted by drugs of abuse.

When the brain becomes exposed to a certain drug, it begins relying on self stimulation as opposed to the natural neurotransmitter induced stimulation and this is what causes addiction. Several experiments have been done on animal models by use of electrodes that are placed into the nucleus accumbens under conditions of imposed environmental stress. Through these experiments the dependence on drugs for stimulation in brains exposed to these drugs is seen.

Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is an experienced doctor that has helped many cancer patients in their fight against the disease. She is also dedicated to offer help to addiction patients. She founded AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center which is home to many people seeking health breakthrough. Call on her now and learn more on how to fight drug addiction.

Drugs Can Mimic Neurotransmitters

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IV Amino Acid Therapy For Addiction Treatment

September 5, 2014

Addiction Treatment With IV Amino Acid Therapy

Amino acids are the building blocks of human proteins and it is these proteins that the body uses to build and repair all kinds of human tissues. Amino acid therapy is a very effective way and a detox strategy for assisting those addicted to drugs and even alcohol. This treatment started with an American doctor who was investigating how amino acids could be used to provide neurotransmitter balance in the brains of those suffering from certain mental disorders.

Drug and alcohol addiction is shown to result from neurotransmitter imbalance which can be corrected by administering amino acids. This kind of treatment is not appropriate for everyone but has helped in various cases. What alcohol and drugs does is that it alters the required balance among neurotransmitters in the brain and the amino acid therapy restores the original balance. Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that carry electrical impulses throughout the brain and also to and from the central nervous system. When the neurotransmitters get out of balance, due to alcohol or drug use, larger quantities are needed in order for the addicted patient to achieve the same pleasurable effect, a situation known as tolerance.

IV Amino Acid Therapy

During detox, the addicted patient experiences cravings and many other side effects as a result of the neurotransmitters imbalance. Amino acids treatment helps many addicts by restoring the neurotransmitters balance. The detox process involves the intravenous supply of amino acids and other essential vitamins and minerals to the addict. This method has shown success rates of about 80% within the United States and the United Kingdom.

The patient is normally hooked intravenously to a constant stream of amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Other medications are usually not administered with the amino acids so as to reduce the withdrawal symptoms as other medications can interfere with the work done by these amino acids.as the withdrawal symptoms begin, the intravenous solution is injected through the veins and goes directly to the brain through blood. Reaching the brain directly stimulates it to rebalance itself as soon as withdrawal occurs.

This treatment is rapid compared to the medicated detox which involves use of drugs such as opiates and takes weeks or months. Amino acids is faster and leads to recovery completely within a span of between five to seven days. For one to get the best results out of this therapy, it has to be combined with both mental and emotional aspects of addiction. Amino acids works as a substitute by giving the brain what it craves from the substance of abuse. Amino acids also eliminate most of the symptoms expected from a withdrawal.

This therapy has been found to be effective in neutralizing brain and body toxins involved, restoring brain function and balance, minimizing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, reducing potential for relapse and supporting the brain and nervous system. Amino acids are also essential for nourishing the brain that is recovering from addiction.

This kind of treatment is normally tailored to the individual but typical therapy cocktails include vitamin c, magnesium, vitamin b, zinc, selenium and amino acids. Intravenous amino acid is better because oral administration is hard on the stomach and intestines and less effective. This therapy is a biological shortcut that is fast and bypass intestinal absorption and liver metabolism. Using amino acids, brain chemistry can be changed to help normalize and restore deficiencies in the neurotransmitters that spur cravings

Examples of supplements given during the Intravenous therapy include:

  • D-Phenylalanine or DL-Phenylalanine which restores brain chemicals called enkephalins and endorphins which are depleted as a result of heroin, alcohol, marijuana, sweets, starches ,chocolate and tobacco use. The amino acid deficiency symptoms are sensitive to physical and emotional pain.it makes one to crave for comfort and pleasure, desire certain foods or drugs. The supplements Reward stimulation, prevent craving, and depression. Mild improved energy and focus, pain relief and increased pleasure are the effects of this amino acid supplement.
  • L-Phenylalanine or L-Tyrosine which restores Norepinephrine and Dopamine. These nutrients are depleted as a result of Caffeine, Speed, Cocaine, Marijuana, Aspartame, Chocolate, Alcohol, Tobacco, Sweets and Starches. The deficiency of these nutrients causes Depression, low energy, Lack of focus and concentration and Attention-deficit disorder. These supplements prevent craving, depression and provide increased energy as well as improved mental focus.

Amino Acid Therapy

  • L-Tryptophan or 5 hydroxytryptophan (5HTP) which restores Serotonin. Deficiency is brought about by Sweets, Alcohol, Starch, Ecstasy, Marijuana, Chocolate and Tobacco. The effects to the patient include bringing about low self-esteem, obsessive as well as compulsive behaviors, rage, difficulty in sleeping, cravings in the afternoons or evenings, negativity, heat intolerance and fibromyalgia. This supplement is an anti-craving, anti-depression and anti-insomnia.it gives improved appetite, mood and corrects other serotonin deficiency symptoms.
  • GABA (Gamma-amino butyric acid) restores GABA.GABA is depleted as a result of Valium, Alcohol, Marijuana, Tobacco, Sweets and Starches use. The negative effects for the nutrient’s lack includes Feeling of being stressed-out, Nervousness, Tense muscles and Trouble relaxing. The supplement Promotes calmness as well as relaxation.
  • L-Glutamine restores GABA (mild enhancement) and acts as a Fuel source for the entire brain. The deficiency causes Stress, Mood swings and Hypoglycemia.it is brought about by sweets, starches and alcohol. The supplement acts as an Anti-craving agent and anti-stress.it also Levels blood sugar and mood.

To assist in amino-acid nutritional therapy, the use of a multi-vitamin and mineral formula is highly recommended. Many vitamins and minerals serve as co-factors and serve to restore general balance, vitality and well-being to the patient who typically is in a state of poor nutritional health.

Whether you need help on balancing adrenals or you are an addict who is looking for a natural way of gradually recovering from an addiction, Awaremed Resource And Wellness Center is your perfect solution. You are free to call us, for more go to www.awaremednetwork.com.

Addiction Treatment With IV Amino Acid Therapy

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