Kynurenine Tryptophan Cycle in Addiction

February 16, 2015

Kynurenine Tryptophan Cycle in Addiction

The immune system is an important part of normal body functioning. It is constantly modulating a balance between tolerance to non-harmful antigens and responsiveness to some pathogens. The process that facilitates tolerance is not known. However, recent studies show that this tolerance is due to tryptophan catabolism via the kynurenine metabolic pathway. The breakdown of tryptophan requires several enzymes which. These enzymes are found in various cells which includes those of the immune system.

Some of these enzymes involved in the breakdown of tryptophan produced through activation of the immune system. This process involves among others limitation of enzymes that are present in the dendritic cells and macrophages, 3-dioxygenase and indoleamine 2. Recent studies have shown that inhibition of these enzymes can result in the body rejecting allogeneic fetuses. This means that breakdown of tryptophan is necessary in immune tolerance aspects.

Some theories have been invented to try and explain how catabolism of tryptophan facilitates tolerance to drugs like alcohol. One such theory holds it that breakdown of tryptophan ends up suppressing proliferation of T cells by greatly reducing the supply of this amino acid that is critical in body processes. The other theory states that the down streaming of the metabolites involved in catabolism of tryptophan act as suppressors of some immune cells mainly through mechanisms of pro-apoptotic processes.

Kynurenine Tryptophan Cycle

What is tryptophan?

It is an amino acid that is required by all processes of the body for the synthesis of proteins and other body metabolic functions. Tryptophan is synthesized mainly from molecules like phosphoenolpyruvate that are present in bacteria, plants and fungi. Such organisms activate the tryptophan throughout the food chain. Animals are incapable of synthesizing this amino acid and because of this it must be taken in the diet in form of proteins which are then broken down into the respective amino acids in the digestive tract. The tryptophan that results from diet is deposited in the liver via the hepatic portal system. The protein that is not broken down in the liver enters into any of the two metabolic processes.

Because animals are incapable of synthesizing tryptophan, they must take it in the form of proteins, which are then hydrolyzed into the constituent amino acids in the digestive system. Dietary tryptophan is delivered to the liver through the hepatic portal system, and that portion which is not used for protein synthesis in the liver can then follow one of two basic metabolic fates.

In the first place, the protein that does not undergo synthesis can enter into the blood stream to later be used for synthesis of proteins and other cell functions in the body. Secondly, it can undergo degradation in the liver via a number of steps of metabolism which is basically referred to as the kynurenine pathway. Besides being a building block for proteins in the body, tryptophan also acts as the only source of substrate used for the production of important molecules in the body. Tryptophan is used in the gut and nervous system for serotonin synthesis and on the other hand pineal gland is useful in melatonin synthesis. In case the content of niacin in the body is not enough to carry out metabolic processes, tryptophan come in to facilitate cellular cofactor synthesis and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD +) synthesis. NAD + synthesis as research shows take place mostly in the liver.

The kynurenine pathway

The kynurenine pathway results from proteins that are not synthesized in the liver. The enzymatic reactions take place proceeding from tryptophan. The main intermediates of the metabolic system include quinolinate, 3-hydroxyanthranilate and kynurenine. A catabolic reaction is completed in the liver and this result in the total oxidation of the amino acid tryptophan and in the process carbon dioxide and adenosine triphosphate are produced.

Tryptophan metabolism and addiction

The three stages that take place in the kynurenine pathway include an intial stage that involves tryptophan being broken down into kynurenine. The second stage starts from the produced kynurenine all the way to production of quinolinate. The final stage of the process involves enzymes that translate into total oxidation. The other processes that occurs within the three major processes picolinate production, kynuretic acid synthesis and synthesis of NAD +.

Most cells in the body have some of the enzymes that are involved in the kynurenine pathway. However, only hepatocytes have been shown to contain each and every enzyme that is used in every stage of the kynurenine pathway. Since the liver is the only tissue in the body that contains all thes enzymes of the pathway, the liver then acts as the major site in which NAD + is synthesized from tryptophan. Diet and intake of certain substances like alcohol can affect the flow of metabolisms in the kynurenine pathway. For more information about this topic visit www.awaremednetwork.com. At AwareMed you will also find other health and awareness tips that will benefit you.

Kynurenine Tryptophan Cycle in Addiction

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Chronic Fatigue and NAD Treatment

February 7, 2015

Chronic Fatigue and NAD Treatment

Chronic fatigue is very common among modern population. Studies have shown that over 9 million Americans today suffer from chronic fatigue. It affects people differently in that some may have a mild form of chronic fatigue while in others it may be severe. The severe form of chronic fatigue leads to a condition called chronic fatigue syndrome.

So what is chronic fatigue syndrome?

It is a debilitating disorder that affects a number of organs and is characterized by intense fatigue. This kind of fatigue worsens with mental or physical activity and does not go away easily even with bed rest. The symptoms of chronic fatigue include general body weakness, impaired memory, muscle pains, depression, anxiety and insomnia. Because chronic fatigue affects more than one body system, it ends up affecting the quality of your life.

People who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome end up spending most of their time in bed due to the pains that accompany the condition. The condition is not easily diagnosed and some patient who exhibit similar symptoms end up being diagnosed with other conditions. Fibromyalgia (FMG) is one condition that tends to be every similar with chronic fatigues syndrome.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by symptoms such as prolonged muscle pains and tenderness. Fatigue, sleep disorders and impaired memory are also conditions that accompany FMG. The two conditions are however treated along the same line. The only difference is that in case of FMG, muscle pains prevail over other symptoms.

Chronic Fatigue

Causes of Chronic Fatigue

The official cause of the condition is still unknown. However, several studies point to certain factors that may indeed cause the symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Hormonal Imbalances: most patients with chronic fatigue syndrome in one way or another suffer from hypothyroidism and adrenal fatigue. The thyroid and adrenal hormone are responsible metabolism regulation. In this case, low levels of these hormones in the body cause energy levels to decline thus causing fatigue.

Toxics: compounds such as pesticides, herbicides contain toxics that poison the mitochondria and thereby affecting the production of energy that leads to symptoms of fatigue.

Mitochondrial dysfunction: the mitochondria are very vital in the body for the production of energy. When the mitochondria are not functioning as they should, energy production for the cells is affected. The body thereby ends up exhibiting symptoms of fatigue.

Food allergies: food allergens cause several symptoms one of them including fatigue. Some allergies manifest physically e.g. through swelling while others do no show. Most patients with chronic fatigue may not realize that it is being caused by the foods they eat because the allergies are not physically manifested.

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) Treatment

The fatigue experienced in chronic fatigue syndrome is as a result of declined energy levels in the body. NAD treatment is one the several ways of treating chronic fatigue as it is shown to boost energy levels in an individual. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is usually a molecule whose work is to react with the mitochondrial oxygen in order to produce energy required for body functions such as breathing, digestion and blood circulation among others. When the body lacks this essential energy, it means that energy production is affected leading to fatigue, anxiety, depression, muscle pains, memory impairment, insomnia, decreased concentration levels as well as other chronic conditions.

NAD is usually an active form of the B3 vitamin. When combined with hydrogen it becomes a coenzyme called NADH. The body uses hydrogen in combination with oxygen to generate energy. The carbohydrates, fats and proteins we take in our diets, have chemicals that are necessary for energy production. The NAD is then loaded with hydrogen and when it enters the mitochondria, it reacts with the oxygen present producing energy. Conditions such as stress and toxins end up inhibiting this process and energy is not produced resulting in fatigue.

Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome undergo NAD therapy in order for the body to actively generate energy. Research studies show that NAD is present in almost every type of food we consume. However, most of it is lost during preparation and cooking of food. The little that is left is broken down in the digestive system by acids present. The body therefore ends up not having enough of the molecule which is why a large number of the population suffers from chronic fatigue.

To learn more about chronic fatigue and its treatment, just visit www.awaremednetwork.com. Dr. Dalal Akoury will also provide you with more health and awareness tips. She has treated many patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome by use of NAD Therapy. You too can be part of this healing at AwareMed.

Chronic Fatigue and NAD Treatment

Enzymes and Contribution in Cancer Treatment

December 9, 2014

Enzymes for Cancer Treatment

enzymes-for-fighting-cancer Cancer has managed to earn itself quite a reputation throughout the world as a major threat to everyone. This therefore warrants a keen understanding of the disease and how it works.

Cancer is formed through a breakdown in a variety of the normal cellular and immunity mechanisms in the body. Often, body components damaged by free radicals are built up within the cells in the body throughout life. Extreme oxidative stress resulting from factors such as body injury or diseases catalyze this process. This damage caused to body tissue initiates the release of chemical signals to arrest the situation, but in large amounts, the chemical signals eventually cause further damage to tissue. This tissue damage cycle is responsible for the damage of DNA in the end.

As you might have known from raw biology, the DNA is responsible for a number of regulatory processes and mechanisms. If it can no longer perform this regulation function, it only means that the growth of cancer cannot be regulated any more. And given the inflammation or tissue damage already in place, the body immunity is likely to miscommunicate, mistaking the developing cancer cells for other damaged body tissue. This disrupted cellular communication gives cancer a window to thrive. Even more disadvantageous to the victim is the effects of the reactive species of oxygen whose effects on the natural cellular controls eventually prevent apoptosis of the developing cancer cells.

Cancer cells are also ‘smart’. They have adaptive characteristics that make them survive against the body immunity mechanisms. While enzymes are known for their digestive abilities in the body, the cancer tumor for instance produce a dense fibrin protein which not only help them stick around but also aid their protection against the possible digestion by the immune system. Enzymes in the bloodstream are capable of digesting and dissolving the fibrin coating on the cancer tumor. The enzymes would however have to be in large amounts. In addition, they would need to be enzymes with high amounts of nattokinase or protease or break down the thick fibrin.

Low Enzyme Levels And Cancer

Research suggests a rather close relationship between low levels of enzymes and the formation and proliferation of cancer tumor. The enzymes as already mentioned are capable of destroying the cancer tumor naturally. The body is programmed to have the foods taken in digested by the very enzymes that come into the gut with the food. This suggests that the digestive system is meant to process foods that are raw for this ideal set up to work out, since raw food comes with enzymes that aid the breakdown of that particular food right in the upper gut (stomach). Food usually stays there for about 30- 45 minutes.

If that were to be the case. It would mean that down the gut in the lower stomach and the duodenum, the pancreatic enzymes have a reduced work and a lot of them can be reserved and channeled into the bloodstream where they do the cleaning work and could help digest any existing cancer tumor in the bloodstream.

However, this is never the case as the foods we eat are processed: cooked or treated. These processes that food undergoes are responsible for killing of the enzymes. The food thus does not get predigested in upper stomach. The pancreas is therefore overworked as soon as the food gets to the lower stomach as it has to produce extra enzymes for braking down the food. In the process, the food is often incompletely digested.

This partial digestion of the food ends up with some undigested food into the bloodstream where they are treated as foreign and toxic to the body system. Being viewed in that lens by the body’s immunity, the system that already has much to do, has to put up with even extra work of fighting the undigested food being considered toxic in the bloodstream.

The overworked pancreas loses its ability to produce sustainable amount of enzymes in the long run resulting with an individual with low enzyme levels. The moment all the essential enzymes exist in low amounts, the body loses its ability to naturally fight and destroy cancerous cells.

enzymes-for-fighting-cancer

How to Boost the Enzymes Level

In that condition, you must make use of enzyme supplements. A number of them are recommended for use. The most recommended one being the PapayaPro. The product has mature green papaya powder as key ingredient, with the most active enzyme being Papain. Papain has a unique digestive formula and is expressly powerful as compared to pancreatin or even the pancreatic enzymes. It is not affected by changes in the intestinal pH and can work equally in both alkaline and acidic conditions. It is highly aggressive when taken in an empty stomach and will work more than the pancreatic enzymes in its attacking and destroying of the cancer tumor.

The Citrus Pectin enzyme also found in the PapayaPro has an even more unique ability, it can prevent the spread of cancer cells (metastasis). Their molecules enter the blood and confuse cancer cells for lectin (cancer protein). As a result, the tumors are prevented from being able to attach to other body parts to start new cancer colonies. This has been supported by a number of studies.

AwareMed recommends the use of enzyme supplements to boost the body immunity and help fight cancer. More information can be obtained by contacting our doctors at AwareMed.

Enzymes and Contribution in Cancer Treatment

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Mitochondrial Restoration and Cancer Treatment

December 7, 2014

Mitochondrial Restoration and Cancer Treatment

mitochondrion Research indicates that humans can survive up to 20 years of exposure to carcinogen before their bodies develop a solid tumor. All this while the body remains healthy despite the exposure to the potentially harmful substances due to the body’s natural ability to defend itself. This natural body defense mechanism is made possible by a series of cellular activity. The cells must keep replicating and actively breaking down the toxins that enter the body rendering them powerless so that they cannot harm the body. In the process of defending itself, the body has to have some of its cells dying away. The white blood cells fight and die but the body continues to manufacture more of these ‘fighter cells.’

This indicates that the body is an actively working machine. And for a machine to remain active there must be the expenditure of energy. And a lot of that energy is needed for the body defense mechanism. The DNA plays a central role in this. The mitochondria are the organelles that are responsible for the generation of the energy used during every one of these processes. Research has therefore indicated that there are many intimate ways in which dysfunctional mitochondria contribute to the development of cancer and its subsequent metastasis.

Given mitochondria’s central role in defending the body against disease attack including formation of cancer tumor, mitochondrial dysfunction is fundamentally connected to the development of cancer in the human body. A decline in mitochondrial energy production is often associated with old age and this is closely related with the generation of larger volumes of free radicals. This in turn often cause mitochondrial mutations. These mitochondrial mutations interfere with the normal process of cell removal, a process that is usually referred to as apoptosis.

The ability of the body to remove dead cells through apoptosis is central to the general protection against cancer. Current research is being focused on the enormous energy-dependent body processes that are required in eradicating defective or abnormally growing cells. The studies indicate that dysfunctional mitochondria often disallow the cells’ ability to go through normal apoptotic elimination processes. This means that cancer tumor can freely take advantage of the situation and initiate growth and proliferation.

To make the mitochondrial dysfunction even more central to the formation of cancer, the energy organelles (mitochondria) are usually the source for numerous proteins that are responsible for cell apoptosis. The proteins work by activating cell death in their journey to eliminating dead cells, meaning that in their absence the whole process is bound to break down allowing dead cells to remain in the body.

According to a recent study, mitochondrial dysfunction associated with aging in humans often provides a major stimulus on carcinogenesis. This form of dysfunction is prerequisite to the progression of prostate cancer in surgery patients.

Fighting Cancer by Reversing Mitochondrial Dysfunction

A number of recent studies have shown that deteriorated cancerous cells can potentially be reversed back to normal cellular function if particular enzyme-active nutritional substances are used. This involves a set of processes targeting the mitochondrial energy generating mechanism and general restoration of the dysfunctional mitochondria.

mitochondrion

Other researchers suggest that select fruit and vegetable hydrogen acceptors may be utilized as well. These are nutritional substances rich in enzymes which will catalyze the recovery of the broken processes. A number of these substances have been identified including raw crystallized red beets, saccharomyces cerevisiae live fluid yeast strain, red beet juice, bromelain; a pineapple enzyme, raw blueberry juice, raw pineapple juice, raw red cherries, raw red grapes and beta carotene.

The health benefits of live S. cerevisiae yeast are far reaching yet many orthodox medical practitioners as well as nutritionists are yet to become aware of these extensive benefits.

In addition, the use of green foods is also seriously recommended. Some of the best green foods that can be utilized for this medical purpose include kamut grass powder, barley grass powder and sun chlorella. A specialized form of red beet crystals that are freeze-dried are used for the most effective hydrogen acceptor. Essiac, a uniquely special liquid extract formula is utilized or herbal protection.

Alternatively, a specialized compound Anoxe with low-molecular antioxidant properties is recommended for further cellular protection. This compound has been highly suggested by therapists basing their arguments on various clinical observations and medical experience. Anoxe is therefore said to be the possible ultimate antioxidant. It has high efficiency and is greatly safe in restoring the reactive oxygen species- antioxidant balance. The substance is said to be an effective anti-aging compound scientifically proven. It is also perfect for use as a cosmetic enhancement agent particularly for wrinkles and bad skin.

AwareMed recommends the use of Anoxe as an alternative for protection against cellular dysfunction. More information can be accessed freely at the AwareMed web site.

Mitochondrial Restoration and Cancer Treatment

Restoring Mitochondrial NAD/ NADH Ratio

November 11, 2014

Restoring Mitochondrial NAD/ NADH Ratio To Revitalize Mitochondrial Energy And Effectively To Treat Addiction

The term NAD may not be new to you but it is safer to have it defined so that we lay a proper foundation for understanding how important the balance between NAD and NADH is and how it can help to revitalize mitochondrial energy and effectively to treat addiction.

What is NAD?

NAD is an abbreviation of Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. It is a coenzyme that is present in all living cells. The compound is a dinucleotide, this simply means that it consists of two nucleotides joined through their phosphate groups. One nucleotide contains an adenine base and the other nicotinamide. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide exists in two forms, an oxidized and reduced form abbreviated as NAD+ and NADH respectively. It is therefore safe for us to say that NADH is a reduced form of NAD. NAD is a crucial coenzyme in metabolism. In metabolism, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is involved in redox reactions, carrying electrons from one reaction to another. The coenzyme is, therefore, found in two forms in cells: NAD+ is an oxidizing agent – it accepts electrons from other molecules and becomes reduced. This reaction forms NADH, which can then be used as a reducing agent to donate electrons. These electron transfer reactions are the main function of NAD. Therefore there is need for a balance between the NADH and the NAD to maintain a favorable environment for homeostasis. Apart from its functions in electron transfer, the NAD has other functions in the body such as being a substrate of enzymes that add or remove chemical groups from proteins, in posttranslational modifications. Owing to its importance on performing these functions, the enzymes involved in NAD metabolism have been targeted to help come up with drugs that could heal different complications.

Mitochondrial

The NAD and the NADH are crucial in the production of energy in the mitochondria. What happens after eating is that the vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins and fats from our diet provide the building blocks to our bodies. Energy that is produced from citric acid cycle makes NAD and links it to hydrogen forming NADH which enters the electron transport chain in the mitochondria and is sparked with oxygen which breaks the nutrients to give energy through oxidation. This energy enables the heart to beat sufficiently and enable muscle contraction providing cellular energy that is required by the body cells to function. The energy that is produced is also used by the brain therefore if the level of NADH is low then the brain will not function well at the same time if NAD level is low then production of energy will be low. There is need to establish a favorable ratio between the NAD and NADH since without a good balance of the two then there will be fatigue and depression which are factors that mostly deter addicts from quitting using their substances of abuse.

In most cases NAD deficiency is first evident in brain-related symptoms of poor concentration, difficulty focusing, and attention deficit disorders. If the energy shortage lasts long enough, brain neurons cannot synthesize neurotransmitters. When this occurs, the molecules of consciousness such as serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline are affected. Anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance and other mood changes can then arise. These are not good for addicts as they may trigger them to use drugs as escapade. Many addicts got trapped after trying using drugs as self-medication against fatigue and depression. This even lowers NAD level even further and it is a continuous vicious cycle. It is also important to note that the crucial enzymes that catalyze the Citric Acid Cycle are inhibited and may get destroyed by chemical toxins that create oxidative or free radical damage. The sources of this damage are substances of abuse like cigarette smoke, drugs, and chronic stress. This problem may also be caused by exposure to myriads of toxins.

NAD+/NADH ratio

Mitochondrial The balance between the oxidized and reduced forms of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is called the NAD+/NADH ratio. This ratio is an important component of what is called the redox state of a cell, a measurement that reflects both the metabolic activities and the health of cells. The effects of the NAD+/NADH ratio are complex, controlling the activity of several key enzymes, including glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase. In healthy mammalian tissues, estimates of the ratio between free NAD+ and NADH in the cytoplasm typically lie at around 700; the ratio is thus favorable for oxidative reactions. These different ratios are key to the different metabolic roles of NADH and NADPH.

NAD deficiency in the body can be corrected by having an IV NAD therapy. This will not only increase the production of energy but will also increase the level of NADH which is critical for enzymatic action. The IV NAD goes straight to receptors in the brain and so is not digested in the stomach. Another reason for ensuring balance between NAD/NADH is that the correct ratios will help in restoring damaged neurotransmitters by drugs. It is a detoxifier that works faster as it takes only few days rather than weeks or months to flush out stored drugs from the body and its organs, replenish balance in the brain, and reverse damage. Results can be mental clarity, cognitive function increase, focus and concentration returns, more energy, better mood, positive outlook.

And finally, AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center encourages addicts to come for addiction recovery .We have qualified doctors who will see to it that every addict is helped to break the bond of addiction and enjoy life of freedom. Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) is committed to availing help to every patient. Call on her at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.

Restoring mitochondrial NAD/ NADH ratio to revitalize mitochondrial energy and effectively to treat addiction

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