Tag: HIV

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‘Circumcision Doesn’t Cut HIV Risk’

There is not enough evidence to show that circumcision reduces the risk of AIDS in sex between men, researchers are reporting, even though previous studies in Africa have shown its pronounced benefit in reducing AIDS from heterosexual sex.

……………….

“Over all, we’re not finding a protective effect associated with circumcision for gay and bisexual men,” said Gregorio A Millett of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the lead author of a report that appears Wednesday in The Journal of the American Medical Association.

The researchers based their conclusions on a review of 15 studies involving 53,567 gay and bisexual men in eight countries, including the United States, where nearly half of the 1.1 million people infected with the AIDS virus are men who have sex with men.

Circumcised men were 14 percent less likely to be infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, than those who were uncircumcised, but the finding was not statistically significant, the researchers said.

Sources: The Times Of India

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A Pill for HIV

Dried sea cucumbers in a Chinese pharmacyImage via Wikipedia

Indian scientists have identified a chemical in sea cucumbers that may protect against unwanted pregnancy as well as HIV.

……….…
The next generation of spermicides to help women in birth control may contain a compound extracted from sea cucumbers found in the Andaman Sea. A team of researchers from the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) in Lucknow has found that the foot-long, cylindrical sea cucumber, called semper, has abundant quantities of a compound that may be more effective and safer than nonoxynol-9 (N-9), a key-ingredient of all major over-the-counter birth control products available in the market today.

N-9 has been in the dock for a while now as scientists elsewhere have found that though it is a very effective spermicide, it offers limited or no protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. This is because N-9 — which is also used in detergents and several cleaning and cosmetic products — has a strong detergent action leading to the destruction of lactobacilli, which has a protective function, in the vagina.

The compound that the CDRI scientists extracted from semper, of the Bohadschia vitiensis family, is actually a part of the marine organism’s defence system against potential predators. The compound, bivittoside-D, is contained in the white filaments that sea cucumbers release when they feel threatened. These white filaments, called Cuvierian tubules, are of high adhesive and tensile strength which helps immobilise the predators.

The molecular studies of the compound have been reported by the scientists in the latest issue of Archives of Medical Research. They have also reported that in lab studies the extract killed 100 per cent of the sperms in less than 20 seconds. Besides, it didn’t have any adverse effect on the friendly lactobacilli.

CDRI scientist Vijai Lakshmi, who led the team, says that bivittoside-D — which belongs to a class of chemicals called saponins — can offer protection against HIV because it eliminates the favourable conditions that HIV exploits to enter a human system. These favourable conditions are provided by lipid rafts, tiny regions in the cell membrane which are filled with cholesterol. Interestingly, these lipid rafts are vital for the survival of sperms post-coitus. Saponins, on the other hand, form complexes with cholesterol, ensuring that the lipid rafts are not available to both HIV and the sperm.

Though more studies are required, the scientists hope that bivittoside-D — with its irreversibly immobilising capacity — may emerge as a possible replacement for N-9.

Sources: The Telegraph (Kolkata, India)

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Suppliments our body needs

Bromelain

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Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes found naturally in the juice and stems of pineapples. Called a proteolytic enzyme, bromelain is believed to help with the digestion of protein.

Some bromelain appears to be absorbed by the body intact, so it’s also thought to have effects outside the digestive tract. In fact, bromelain is often marketed as a natural anti-inflammatory for conditions such as arthritis. It’s one of the most popular supplements in Germany, where it is approved by the Commission E for the treatment of inflammation and swelling of the nose and sinuses due to surgery or injury.

Bromelain is typically extracted from pineapples and made into capsule or tablet form. Because it’s able to digest protein, bromelain is available in some grocery stores as a meat tenderizer. A topical form of bromelain is also being explored experimentally for burns.

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When used for as a digestive aid, bromelain is usually taken with meals. When used for inflammatory conditions, practitioners typically recommend taking bromelain between meals on an empty stomach to maximize absorption.

History:
Bromelain is one of a group of proteolytic enzymes that are capable of digesting protein and is found in the stem and fruit of the pineapple plant. It is extracted from the pineapple by filtration or by chemical processing, and both are safe and effective. The German Commission E (the equivalent of the USFDA) recommends the use of Bromelain as a digestive aid, a treatment for traumatic injuries and joint inflammation and a treatment for bronchitis and sinusitis. There is a great deal of new research currently being conducted into its use as an antibacterial, an antiviral (including HIV) and an immune system enhancer.

Beneficial Uses:
Bromelain is considered an aid to good digestion, because it intensifies the digestive process by breaking down protein, and facilitates the passing of food to the intestine. The ability to speed protein digestion makes it useful in treating Crohn’s disease, and the protein digesting enzymes found in it may help to heal gastric ulcers and relieve symptoms of heartburn and stomach and gastrointestinal upset. It is believed to promote and maintain overall proper digestion and may be used as a digestive enzyme for pancreatic insufficiency. Interesting note: It is so effective in digesting protein that the food industry employs Bromelain to tenderize meat.

In the matter of diabetes management, Bromelain’s ability to facilitate the passing of food to the intestine helps to counteract gastroparesis, a condition caused by long-term diabetic nerve damage, in which the stomach is unable to pass food along properly. Controlling gastroparesis is of considerable importance in diabetes management, since delays in passing flood through the digestive tract makes the timing of insulin medications and injections difficult, and the use of Bromelain may help diabetics time the need for their insulin and other medications. Moreover, Bromelain has also been used as a digestive enzyme for pancreatic insufficiency.

Bromelain has been called a fine anti-inflammatory and is widely used after traumatic injuries and surgery. It is said to “release” inflammation by breaking down proteins in swollen tissues and is thought to reduce swelling in virtually all kinds of inflammatory reactions. Bromelain apparently inhibits formation of prostaglandin E-2, a chemical that causes inflammation, and it also helps to stimulate the production of prostaglandin E-1, an anti-inflammatory chemical. Bromelain supplements may be as effective as some commonly used nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, etc.) for reducing the pain of carpal tunnel sydrome, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It has also been said to ease pain and bruising, bursitis, cuts, lymphedema, sore muscles, tendonitis and speeds up the healing of joint and tendon injuries.

For the relief of bronchitis and sinusitis, Bromelain is said to suppress cough, reduce nasal mucus that is associated with sinusitis and relieve the swelling and inflammation caused by hay fever and allergies. Although not all experts agree, The Complete German Commission E Monograph recommends Bromelain for sinus inflammation. Bromelain supplements are believed to enhance the efficacy of antibiotics by keeping them in the system longer and helping them to treat infection. Bromelain may also stop sinusitis from progressing to bronchitis and is also thought to decrease bronchial secretions, increasing lung function, and inhibit upper respiration infections. There have been reports that the same actions that reduce blood platelet stickiness (see heart health below) also reduce the thickness of mucus in patients with chronic bronchitis or asthma. Bromelain is also approved by the Commission for treatment of sinus and nasal swelling, following ear, nose and throat surgery or trauma, which supports its anti-inflammatory properties.

Bromelain may support good heart health and lower blood pressure. It is said to stop blood clot formation by inhibiting the platelet-activating factor (PAF), a chemical that signals blood platelets to form clots. Inhibiting PAF short-circuits the entire clotting process and leads to lower blood pressure and reductions in angina pain. This anti-clotting action might help to prevent ischemic stroke and heart attack. Moreover, it is also believed that Bromelain breaks down arteriosclerotic plaques once they have formed. This blood thinning action has been said to help in cases of thrombophlebitis.

Women may find relief from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with the use of Bromelain supplements. It is believed to balance the body’s production of prostaglandins, a class of regulatory hormones, including a number of substances that cause smooth muscles to contract. As a smooth muscle relaxant, Bromelain is thought to decrease spasms of the cervix that accompany PMS.

Bromelain is believed to have strong antiviral properties and may be very helpful in stimulating the immune system. Scientists at Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital in New York City have observed that Bromelain dissolves cellular adhesion molecules that allow HIV to attach to surfaces of uninfected

T- cells and increases production of compounds called integrins that are depleted when HIV attacks cells in the central nervous system. It also inhibits protease, an enzyme the human immunodeficiency virus HIV needs to replicate itself. Its antiviral qualities appear to provide enzymes that dissolve warts and activate immune system against the viruses that cause them.

As an antiseptic, Bromelain shows great promise in copious current lab research. Some research has shown evidence that the supplement can fight against infectious agents, such as bacteria and viruses (see above), and may prove to be a useful addition to conventional treatment of bronchitis, pneumonia and urinary tract infections. Its antibacterial effects may also help to control diarrhea caused by bacteria. Bromelain is believed to increase the actions of antibiotics and chemotherapy, apparently by keeping them in the system longer.

Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) capsule, one (1) time each day with water at mealtimes.

You may click to see:-->The Benefits of Bromelain to improve quality of life

>Bromelain The Natural Treatment For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Side Effects and Safety Concerns:

Some of the more common side effects of bromelain include indigestion, nausea and diarrhea. Other side effects may include vomiting, increased heart rate, drowsiness and abnormal uterine bleeding or heavy menstruation.

Bromelain has resulted in allergic reactions and asthma symptoms, including breathing problems, tightness in the throat, skin hives, rash or itchy skin. People with allergies to pineapples should avoid bromelain. Allergic reactions may also occur in people with allergies to latex, carrot, celery, fennel, rye, wheat, papain, bee venom or grass, birch or cypress pollens.

People with peptic ulcers should not use bromelain. People with other digestive disorders should consult a qualified healthcare professional before using bromelain.

Theoretically, bromelain may increase the risk of bleeding, so people with bleeding disorders and those taking medication that can increase the risk of bleeding should only use bromelain under the supervision of their physician. It should not be taken two weeks before or after dental procedures or surgery.

The safety of bromelain in pregnant or nursing women, children or people with liver or kidney disease isn’t known.

Possible Drug and Herb Interactions:-
People taking “blood-thinners” (anticoagulant or anti-platelet medication), such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, clopidogrel (Plavix), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve) should only use bromelain under a physician’s supervision. It should also be used with caution by people taking herbs and supplements that are thought to increase the risk of bleeding, such as ginkgo biloba and garlic.

Studies suggest bromelain may also increase the absorption of other medications, such as:

amoxicillin, tetracycline and other antibiotics

chemotherapy drugs such as 5-fluorouracil and vincristine

“ACE inhibitor” blood pressure medications such as captopril (Capoten) and lisinopril (Zestril)

medications that cause drowsiness, such as benzodiazepines lorazepam (Ativan) or diazepam (Valium), some antidepressants, narcotics such as codeine, and barbituates such as phenobarbitol.

Resources:
http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/herbsvitaminsa1/a/Bromelain.htm
http://www.herbalextractsplus.com/bromelain.cfm

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Feline Dangers

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The human population can be divided into two categories: cat lovers and others. People generally regard cats as “safe” pets. This is because they know of “mad dogs” and the dreaded fatal disease — rabies — that they may transmit. Cats and dogs belong to the same mammalian species but come from different branches of the same family tree. And, as a matter of fact, cats spread the same diseases as dogs do.

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While dogs are leashed, confined and controlled, cats are never chained. They are, therefore, more likely to be infected by diseases. Public awareness about dog bites is high and this ensures that affected people immediately seek treatment. Cat bites or scratches, on the other hand, are not taken very seriously.

Domesticated cats can revert to their “wild” or “tom cat” ways on certain days. They disappear for varying lengths of time. During these periods, cats — even well fed ones — can attack, kill and eat other animals. They are also territorial and ferociously defend their area. These battles can leave them injured. Cats can acquire rabies during these forays because of contact with other infected cats or dogs. After getting infected, they may harbour the dreaded rabies virus, remaining asymptomatic all the while.

Unlike dogs, cats with rabies rarely become furious biters. Instead, they tend to develop the passive form of the disease. They remain silent and withdrawn but infective, until they eventually die.

Cats forage for food. If they come across the carcass or placenta of cows or buffaloes, they eat it. Domesticated cattle often harbour cysts of an organism called Toxoplasma gondii.CLICK & SEE The cats then acquire the infection but remain asymptomatic. As they groom themselves, they shed the infective oocytes (eggs) of the organism, and the floors of houses and other surfaces become contaminated. These oocytes can remain dormant for years unless they are accidentally swallowed.

Children are particularly susceptible to Toxoplasma infection because of their propensity to touch contaminated surfaces and then their mouths. Almost 40 per cent of the adult population has had asymptomatic infection with demonstrable antibody levels.

Toxoplasma infection is dangerous if it is acquired during pregnancy as the infection can be transmitted via the placenta to the foetus. It can affect the baby’s brain and result in a small head, developmental retardation, blindness and deafness.

Cats were worshiped in ancient Egypt and reared by the royal families (of the pharaohs). Killing a cat was a serious offence punishable by death. The royal families eventually perished, with many members dying young or born deformed with small (microcephalic) heads and having seizures and developmental retardation. These are classical symptoms of Toxoplasma gondii infection.

Almost 75 per cent of cats carry pasteurella bacteria in their mouths and can transfer the infection upon biting. Hence, wounds inflicted by cats need to be cleaned thoroughly with hydrogen peroxide solution. An antibiotic ointment (Neosporin or Bacitracin) should then be applied.

Cats often have fleas and ticks living on them unless these are manually removed by the owner. The insects can jump onto other warm-blooded hosts such as human beings. They cause red, itchy lesions. The patches can be mistaken for frustratingly recurrent eczema that remains unresponsive to treatment. The fleas also harbour the bartonella species of bacteria which can cause “cat scratch disease” with fever, body ache and enlarged lymph nodes.

Cats suffer from diarrhoea caused by the same viruses and bacteria that infect humans. Their excreta may dry unnoticed in a corner of the house, contaminating the environment and transmitting infection.

Similar groups of streptococcal bacteria cause tonsillitis in both humans and cats. The disease is mild in cats but can be severe, persistent, recurrent and unresponsive to treatment in children and immuno-compromised adults.

H. pylori, a bacterium implicated in stomach ulcers and cancer, is found in cats and can spread from them to humans. Many cat owners panicked when they read that H. pylori is a familial infection commoner in families that have cats as pets.

Mycobacteria (belonging to the TB group) species, typical and atypical, can cause diseases in cats. These can then be transmitted to humans too. This is likely to occur in immuno-deficient (HIV) individuals and young children.

Small pox has been eradicated, but cowpox infection still occurs and is transmitted by cats. The latter can cause fever and rash with a similar confounding appearance in humans, particularly children.

Diseases caused by cats are greater threats to children, pregnant women and immuno-compromised adults (HIV or cancer patients). The diagnosis may be missed as patients, unaware of the serious implications, fail to mention feline contacts to the attending physician.

ATTENTION CAT LOVERS :

Immunise your cat, yourself and your family against rabies

Treat all illnesses (diarrhoea, sore throat and cough) in your cat promptly

Do not allow cats in areas where food is prepared

Do not feed cats from your plate

Wash hands after contact with cats

Swab the house with a disinfectant solution daily

Sources: The Telegraph (Kolkata, India)

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Health Quaries

Some Health Quaries & Answers

‘I strayed and am scared’:-

Q: I had a misunderstanding with my wife and left her for three years. At that time I fell in love with a married woman. Recently her husband died. I think he had AIDS. I have left my partner and am back home, but am very scared.

Having a single sexual partner considerably lowers the risk of STDs

A: Fear of disease is difficult to live with. You can have yourself tested for HIV infection at any government hospital or voluntary counselling and testing centre at a nominal cost. If you wish to maintain confidentiality you can go to a reputed private laboratory. HIV is only one of the sexually transmitted diseases. It is better to also check for syphilis and hepatitis B by doing the appropriate blood tests. Use a condom until you have got the results of the tests.

Terminating a pregnancy:-

Q: My periods are overdue by 10 days and I feel I may be pregnant. I have a one-year-old baby born by caesarean section, and am not prepared to have another child. I want to know if I can take tablets to abort the pregnancy.

A: Having only one child is a decision to be made by you and your husband. However, you must use some form of contraception to efficiently prevent pregnancy rather than try to terminate it after conception. The former recourse is medically safer than the latter. Before you panic, do a pregnancy test rather than “feel” pregnant. Feelings and symptoms can be deceptive. Tablets (Mifepristone) can be taken to terminate a pregnancy under strict medical supervision. If the tablets fail, you must be prepared to follow through with a surgical termination. Otherwise you are likely to have a malformed baby.

Asthmatic child:-

Q: My son wishes to do computer engineering. I do not want to send him for the course, as I know the classrooms are air-conditioned. He has asthma.

An asthmatic child takes an inhaler to help him breathe more easily

A: Today, asthma can be managed effectively with inhalers, rotahalors, nebulisers and other drug delivery devices. The attack is controlled in minutes. Your son needs to be educated in the use of these devices and in the control of his problem. You could get in touch with a respiratory physician who will be able to guide you. Having asthma is not a contra indication to studying engineering in an air-conditioned classroom.

The calcium question:-

Q: How long do I need to take calcium tablets?

A: People need calcium all through their lives. The amount of calcium you need to stay healthy changes over your lifetime. The highest requirements are during adolescence, pregnancy and lactation. Although much of the calcium comes from the diet, supplements are required during this time. Postmenopausal women and older men also need to take more calcium. This is because as age advances the body not only becomes less efficient at absorbing calcium, there may also be other medications that interfere with its absorption. Around 1,500mg a day is needed at this time.

Stomach disease:-

Q: I have been told I have GERD. I do not know what it is and if it is curable. I have been given tablets but would prefer to drink antacids.

A: GERD simply is a pneumonic for Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease. It can be controlled by a variety of tablets that suppress acid formation. The medication works faster and at a lower dose if a few lifestyle changes are made at the same time.

If you are overweight, diet and exercise to get in shape

Eat small, frequent meals instead of three large ones

Drink at least 3-4 litres of water a day.

Remember, drinking milk only provides temporary respite. It often results in rebound acidity. Drinking glucose dissolved in water aggravates the problem and may cause vomiting. Antacids neutralise the acid but do not suppress the formation. They interfere with other medication and prevent their absorption. Long-term use of antacids containing aluminium has been associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It is thus better to follow your doctor’s advice.

My baby vomits:-

Q: My baby vomits whenever I feed him. I am very worried.

A: If a child vomits consistently after feeding, you must weigh him every week. If the weight is increasing it means the baby is getting enough food despite the vomiting. Some simple remedies are to feed the baby with the body held at least at a 45-degree angle, not lying down, even at night. After feeding, the baby needs to be burped to release air inadvertently trapped while swallowing. This may help.

If the vomited material looks like curd, it is “spitting up” and this is usually harmless. If it is yellow in colour and projectile, the symptom needs evaluation. Just blindly giving commercially available carminative preparations is neither advisable nor effective.

Sources: The Telegraph (Kolkata, India)

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