by Nilima Desai, MPH, RD Research has established that inflammation is a risk factor for several chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and metabolic syndrome.1 But understanding how inflammation works can be overwhelming. Types of Inflammation Inflammation is classified as either acute or chronic. Inflammation is a natural and necessary component of innate immunity since acute inflammation is the normal physiologic response to injury, infection, or irritation1 and is often short-lived. This acute inflammatory process…

This downloadable article discusses the relationship between bacterial infections and acute inflammation. Underlying mechanisms for how bacterial infections contribute to active resolution of acute inflammation are unknown. Here, we performed exudate leukocyte trafficking and mediator-metabololipidomics of murine peritoneal Escherichia coli infections with temporal identification of pro-inflammatory (prostaglandins and leukotrienes) and specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). In self-resolving E. coli exudates (10(5) colony forming units, c.f.u.), the dominant SPMs identified were resolvin (Rv) D5 and protectin D1 (PD1), which at 12 h were…

Acute inflammation is normal and protective to the host, but when inflammation becomes chronic, it can damage tissues and be destructive to health. The resolution of inflammation involves several key steps: the termination of neutrophil recruitment, counterregulation of proinflammatory mediators, stimulation of macrophage-mediated clearance, and tissue remodeling. This review of the evidence by leading experts explains how the failure of inflammation resolution contributes to metabolic diseases and the pivotal role that specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), resolvins, protectins, and maresins, play…

by Kara Fitzgerald, ND It is plain myth that there is nothing that can be done to prevent, slow or even reverse the progress of cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s Disease. The Institute for Functional Medicine held a 3-day international conference earlier this month, attended in droves, diving into the body of evidence that demonstrates this, and we also just really appreciate the work of Dr. Dale Bredesen and his team from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging who are showing that mild-to-moderate…

by Bianca Garilli, ND A Presidential Advisory on brain health was recently released by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association in September 2017. The goals of the publication were to provide a definition of “optimal brain health” in adults, and guidance on how to maintain brain health through the years. From these data, the following 7 metrics were brought forward as steps to implement for improving brain health where ideal brain health was defined as “having an optimal capacity to…

by Lewis Chang, PhD Data from a recent epidemiological study revealed the bidirectional, pathogenic relationship between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension (HTN).1 Both T2D and HTN are important risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Previous epidemiological studies have shown that the presence of HTN predicts future T2D. An international team of researchers from Italy, Mexico and the US were interested in whether the presence of T2D predicted future HTN. Two cohorts were included in this study. The first was the…

Menopausal transition represents a critical period in women’s lives that marks an increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Traditional CVD risk factors, such as reduced glucose tolerance, increased blood pressure and endothelial dysfunction, tend to become very present during menopausal transition and post-menopausal years which can partly explain the augmentation in CVD risk among women. The natural decline in oestrogen levels during menopause has been associated with the increase in CVD risk among post-menopausal women. Similarly, VMS are postulated to…

Inflammation plays key role in many chronic conditions including IBD, arthritis, diabetes etc. Curcumin, as an active ingredient present in turmeric has long been known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. However, due to its poor bioavailbility in humans (1-2%), there was a need for developing formulations that increased its bioavailability. Curcuminoids in plasma exist in free and conjugated forms. Recent literature suggests that conjugated curcumin metabolites possess low bioactivity and permeability compared to free curcuminoids. Measurement of free curcuminoids…

Sedentary behaviors have been linked to obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality. In terms of potential mechanisms, research has revealed associations between sedentary time and cardiometabolic risk factors, including higher waist circumference, higher blood pressure, unbalanced glucose and insulin metabolism, and unfavorable blood lipid profile.1 Television watching and its negative impact on health have been well-documented. A recent research study examined whether other types of sedentary behaviors netted a similar, deleterious impact on health. Specifically, the group of public…

by Lewis Chang, PhD  A randomized trial demonstrated that Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) supplementation in combination with aspirin improved cognitive function after an ischemic stroke better than aspirin alone.1 Researchers from Nanjing University Medical School (Nanjing, China) conducted a randomized, open-label, single-blind trial.1 They enrolled 348 patients with an onset of acute ischemic stroke within 7 days from five hospitals in Jiangsu Province (Eastern China). Participants were randomly assigned to GBE (450 mg/day) plus aspirin (100 mg/day) or only aspirin…