December 2019

Metalloestrogens

Stealth toxins that can play havoc with your hormones.InterClinical eNews December 2019, Issue 99 Metalloestrogens - Factors influencing SusceptibilitySeveral metals can act as metalloestogens by binding to the oestrogenic receptor alpha and initiating cellular changes. However, not everyone exposed to toxic metals develops symptoms. (1) Some factors which affect the likelihood of developing symptoms include: Timing and duration of exposure - This appears critical. For example in hypogonadal males, correcting the hormone...

A fresh look at Vitamin E -What you need to know about Isomers and Synergists

InterClinical eNews November 2019, Issue 98 Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble vitamin first discovered in 1922. It is an important antioxidant involved in cellular protection from free radical damage, immune regulation, endothelial cellular integrity, blood viscosity maintenance and wound healing.  In this issue we take a look at the eight isoforms discovered so far, how vitamin E needs selenium and glutathione to provide antioxidant support, its gene interactions, its properties and why some studies yield equivocal results. Vitamin E...

Hidden heavy metal toxicity?

Hair Tissue Mineral AnalysisInterClinical eNews October 2019, Issue 97 Heavy metals are so ubiquitous in our environment that everyone is exposed to them. They cannot be avoided completely and are found in virtually everyone to some degree. Sources of heavy metals range from environmental, occupational, household (including foods, water, paints, cosmetics, etc), medical and hobbies. Heavy metals can enter the body through inhalation, intestinal absorption as well as be absorbed through the skin depending upon their chemical form. Once absorbed...

Ferrous Bisglycinate – The Gentle Iron

InterClinical eNews August 2019, Issue 95 Iron deficiency anaemia affects a significant portion of the Australian population. Those at higher risk of developing a deficiency include children and teenagers; pregnant, breast feeding or menstruating females; vegans and vegetarians and endurance athletes. Whilst dietary intake is important to help maintain adequate stores, in those with depleted iron levels it can be hard to replenish by diet alone so oral iron supplementation is routinely recommended to help improve iron stores. In this...

True Cinnamon and Cassia – exploring their anti-diabetic properties.

InterClinical eNews June 2019, Issue 93 Cinnamon has a long history of domestic and medicinal use going back several hundred years. It is has been used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese medicine since ancient times and has recently received researchers attention due to its extensive range of medicinal properties such as anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, gastro-protective and cholesterol lowering properties. (1) Of the approximately 250 species in the genera, the bark...

Zinc puts out the fire in chronic infections

InterClinical eNews January 2019, Issue 88 In this month's issue, we take a look at new research on the role of zinc in moderating the immune system's response to chronic infections. Australian researchers wanted to know what moderates the activity of pro-inflammatory interferon IFN-L3.    Study Design  To better understand the regulation of pro-inflammatory interferon IFN-L3 in acute and chronic disease, researchers at the University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital developed an in vivo / in vitro model to examine a range of potential inducers and inhibitors of IFN-L3 lambda interferon's activity within...

Pyrroluria  -  Medical Condition or Biomarker?

InterClinical eNews March 2019, Issue 90 This month's issue explores the evidence for Pyrroluria, and asks the question - is it a discrete medical condition or is it a biomarker of other pathology? We take a look into the history, research findings and treatment options.  Detection  Hydroxyhemopyrrolin-2-one (HPL) or "mauve factor" was first discovered in 1958 in the urine Dr Hoffer's psychiatric patients. It was named after the colour it appeared in chromatograph assays. It was later identified by a fellow researcher, Irvine, as...

Chronic Beryllium Disease  – Who is at Risk? 

InterClinical eNews February 2019, Issue 89 In this month's issue, we take a look at all things beryllium. We consider its properties, commercial uses, populations at risk from contamination and the consequences of short-term and long-term exposure.      Beryllium's Properties   Beryllium is a very strong, lightweight, corrosion resistant and heat absorptive material. It generates and absorbs neutrons, conducts electricity and is transparent to X-rays. This unique set of properties make it highly desirable for a number of industrial uses. (1)  Industrial Uses  Beryllium...

Glycine an unsung hero

InterClinical eNews February 2019, Issue 89 Glycine – an unsung hero.  Glycine is the smallest, conditionally-essential, amino acid. It is a crucial structural component in the body and exerts a far-reaching range of biologically moderating effects within the body. It can be synthesised in the body from serine, threonine, choline, and hydroxyproline via metabolism in the liver and kidneys.(1,2,3)  Mineral Carrier  Glycine's small size and neutral charge make it an ideal ligand for facilitating the delivery of minerals within the body; increasing its ease of absorption. Glycine improves the solubility of the...

Eucommia ulmoides – The Bone Protector

InterClinical eNews May 2019, Issue 92 Eucommia ulmoides-The Bone Protector Eucommia ulmoides (EU) also known as 'Du Zhong' in the Chinese language, has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a yang tonic for the kidneys and liver and as a bone and sinew (tendon) strengthener.  In TCM it is indicated for bone weakness and pain in the lower back, joint pain or weakness particularly in the knees, and muscular and tendon weakness in...