Would You Want To Live Forever?

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Anti-aging Possibilities

Have you ever wondered if it would be possible to live for hundreds of years? Or wonder what it would be like to never age? We may be closer to answering these questions than you once thought, thanks to the rapid advances and new discoveries of modern-day science.

Telomeres Anti-Aging Capabilities

We are born with 15,000 base pairs attached to the end of our chromosomes. These ends or our chromosomes are referred to as telomeres and begin shortening the very moment we are conceived. Every time a cell replicates we lose 50 to 100 base pairs.  So it is no wonder that the rapid growth from conception to birth results in a 1/3 shortening of our telomeres. Fortunately, the same rapid growth that occurs prior to birth, slows as we age. Research has shown that it’s the next 5,000 base pairs that count, and once we reach that last 5,000; well, all bets are off. Telomeres protects us from disease and infection which is why older individuals are more susceptible and have stronger reactions to colds or flu.

For years scientists knew that telomeres were involved in the aging process, but to what degree? Does aging lead to shorter telomeres, or do shorter telomeres cause aging?

Telomerase, the enzyme that activates telomeres, was discovered in 1984 by two scientists, Carol Greider and Elizabeth Blackburn, who later went on to receive the nobel peace prize for their discovery. Their ground breaking research confirmed that telomeres were indeed the culprit of aging, which lead to the question; how do we stop our telomeres from shortening?

It was not long after that the Geron Corporation conducted further research on telomerase in the attempts to find, and develop, a product that would slow down, or even stop telomere shortening.  With these goals in mind researchers stumbled upon astragalus root;  a medicine that has been used in Chinese culture for centuries. The chemicals found in astragalus root act as a telomerase activator however, only on a very minute level.

The next step was to provide large enough quantities to individuals in a pill form, and along came TA-65® and Product B™. Proponents of these natural telomerase activators claim that they drastically improve ones overall health and help the body fight off infections.  The thought process behind this is that telomerase will only be distributed to those chromosomes with the shortest telomeres. However, these products are not strong enough to turn on telomerase, and only slow down the aging process, rather than stop, or even reverse aging.

Telomeres Turned Off

Perhaps what is most fascinating is how fixed the telomerase gene is once turned off. The field of epigenetics and nutrigenomics have shown us that genes are much more “plastic” then was once believed. Our environment, methylation, sulfation, and our diet, just to name a few, can turn genes on or off.

However, telomerase, the gene that controls our telomeres appears to be controlled by several factors, and it is the uncovering of these chemicals that scientists are currently exploring. Dr. Ron DePinho of MD Anderson, conducted an experiment with genetically engineered mice.  In this experiment he was able to take mice that were in their 60’s and bring them back to their 20’s by turning on the telomerase gene. His research miraculously showed that he was able to reverse aging.  Equally important, his research revealed that other age related factors such as methylation, oxidation, and sulfation decreased as a result of telomerase activation. This has led Dr. DePinho and other researchers to suggest that telomeres are the “kingpin of aging.” Now one must remember that these were mice who were genetically engineered so Dr. DePinho could manipulate the telomerase gene. To have the same results in humans they would need to genetically alter embryos. Since this is not possible, scientists must find alternate methods of turning on the telomerase gene.

Dr. Bill Andrews was one of the chief researchers at Geron during their discovery and he is currently working on developing chemicals that can strongly ‘turn on” telomerase. The goal is to find chemicals that are just enough to stop aging without posing any potential harm. This “potential harm” refers to concerns of several other physicians and scientists who caution against proclaiming telomerase as the “miracle cure.” Dr. Michael West was the founder of the Geron corporation and currently CEO of Biotime. He to believes that telomerase activators have their role in modern-day health care, but warns that we need to be cautious to whom such supplements are provided to due to the lack of substantial research. His main concern is whether or not using telomerase will increase the risk of cancer. Cancer cells are able to overcome telomere shortening and do not go through normal cell death (apoptosis), and thus become immortal.

At the present time results are inconclusive, but even with that said there are many physicians and scientists like those listed above who think supplementation does make sense for some individuals. Preliminary research has been done, but additional funds are needed and further research to back up such claims. What we do know is that there are many individuals that have provided amazing anecdotal reports about the positive impact telomerase has had in their lives. It does appear that telomerase may offer a way to enjoy a healthy, long, and productive life.

There are also many other natural ways that we can increase our telomeres, some of these include; hormone replacement therapy, low stress, exercise and a healthy diet can slow the aging process. For more information check out our past blogs, resources, and contact Vitali-T Medical Clinics for more information.

 

Barlow, et al. Long-Term Hormone Implant Therapy-Hormonal and Clinical Effects. Obstetrics & Gynecology Vol. 67, No. 3, March 1986. Page 321-325.

Blackburn EH, Greider CW.  Identification of a specific Telomere Terminal Transferase Activity in Tetrahymena Extracts. JScholarship Vol. 12, 1995. Pages 405-413.

Blasko, MA, et al. Telomere Shortening and Tumor Formation of Mouse Cells Lacking Telomerase RNA. Cell Vol. 91, No. 1, 3, October 1997. Pages 25-34.

Rudolph KL, et al. Longevity, Stress Response, and Cancer in Aging Telomerase Deficient Mice. Cell Vol.96, No. 5, 5, March 1999. Pages 701-712.

Sahin  E, et al. Telomerase Dysfunction Induces Metabolic and Mitochondrial Compromise. Nature Vol. 470, Issue 7334. Pages 359-365.

Women Used To Ingest Urine To Relieve Menopause Symptoms!?

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A Crazy Story: How Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Originated

Previously we took a look at the difference between synthetic, natural and bioidentical hormones. Today we will take a look at the history of development hormone replacement therapy.

The act of replacing hormones has been around for some time

In fact, there were several ancient civilizations in which women going through menopause would ingest the dried urine of young adult females. I know, it sounds pretty unappealing and extreme, but it’s only a hop skip and jump away from the conjugated horse urine pills (Prempro) taken by some women today.

Bioidentical hormone therapy development became mainstream in the 1930’s when James Collip, a Canadian biochemist, began using Emmenin.  Emmenin was an orally active estrogen derived the urine of pregnant women. It just so happens that the company marketing this drug was Ayerst, which later became Wyeth; the company that in the 1950’s developed and sold Premerin.

By the 1960’s hormone therapy really began to heat up after Robert Wilson’s wrote his immensely popular book; “Feminine Forever,” sensationalizing estrogen replacement. Prescriptions for women taking hormone replacement therapy grew exponentially and at the time it seemed that this “miracle drug” offered women a new “lease on life.” However, research in the 1970‘s indicated that taking Premerin, or oral estrogen alone could lead to uterine cancer. So Wyeth set out to create a new drug that could curtail these effects and voila, along came Provera.

All was well once more in the land of hormone replacement therapy and once again women were being prescribed hormone replacement therapy. Then, to show the efficacy of their medication, Wyeth decided to partake in a research study along with the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI). However, the results that were released in 2002 did not glowing recommend the use of hormone replacement therapy, in fact, it did quite the opposite.

To Wyeths’ dismay the results indicated that such therapy contained many negative side effects such as an increased risk in stokes, heart attacks, blood clots, and breast cancer. Unfortunately, the results were generalized to all types and methods of hormone replacement therapy, and once again the number of women taking hormone replacement therapy dropped dramatically.

Around the same time, bioidentical hormones began to gain steam; particularly after Susan Summers and Oprah Winfrey discussed their success stories on national television. Shortly after, Wyeth petitioned the FDA for stronger regulations and more intense supervision of compounding pharmacies. Wyeth’s argument was that bioidentical hormones were unsafe and developed in compounding pharmacies whose claims could not be trusted.

They also stated that compounding pharmacies have minimal oversight and regulation. Interestingly enough, at the same time, Wyeth continued to market and produce Prempro; the same medication that showed all the negative side effects in the WHI study. The justification behind this being that Prempro is now prescribed in lower doses and for shorter time periods.

So why would Wyeth continue to prescribe Prempro while pursing regulatory action against the use of bioidentical hormones and compounding pharmacies. What evidence or studies do Wyeth and other pharmaceutical companies provide in their argument? Why are compounding pharmacies being belittled on one hand and yet held in such high regard when it comes to formulating and creating mixtures of other medications?

Unfortunately, we don’t have all the answers to these questions, but it does bear some consideration. However, one thing is for certain, with history being our guide, the debate on hormone therapy is long from over.

To find out more about hormone replacement therapy and, whether or not it is right for you, contact VitaliT Medical Clinics.

And for more information click on the links in the article and check out our previous blogs.

Methods of Hormone Administration

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Pros And Cons of Different Methods of Hormone Therapy

Today we will take a closer look at bioidentical hormones and the pros and cons of the various methods of administering these hormones.

Hormone replacement therapy is not as easy as just taking a pill. The method in which bioidentical hormones are administered can make a huge difference in outcomes.

It is imperative that anyone interested in seeking treatment be aware of these options.

Today we will be looking at the following methods of hormone administration; oral, sublingual, intramuscular, transdermal, patches and subcutaneous. However, before we move on it is important to note that not all methods of administering hormones necessarily contain bioidentical hormones; some may be synthetic or natural. For more information about synthetic, natural and bioidentical hormones; check out our previous blog. It is also important to point out that side effects can be different depending on what type of hormone is being replaced. For the purpose of this blog we be focusing primarily on estrogen and testosterone.

Pills

When it comes to taking medications, most of us are familiar with taking pills, and hormone replacement therapy is no exception. However, oral hormones must pass through our gastrointestinal track and be metabolized by the liver. This results in harmful byproducts which can increase the risk of certain diseases such as strokes and blood clots. This process is one of the pitfalls of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Study and the medication Prempro. Prempro, containing various estrogens and a progestin, was provided orally to participants. The study failed to test other methods of administration and generalized their results to all types of hormone replacement therapy. Another downfall of taking hormone replacement pills is that estrogen when taken orally often converts to estrone, which is “old lady estrogen.”

Testosterone when taken orally is more likely to be converted to estrogen, which obviously defeats the purpose of even taking testosterone in the first place. This conversion for estrogen and testosterone also occurs with sublingual tablets/drops, transdermal creams, transdermal patches and intramuscular injections. Sublingual tablets and transdermal creams need to be applied multiple times a day, in most cases. Additionally, when the hormones are released, they create a huge spike in hormone levels followed by a drastic decline. This can leave someone with up’s and down’s throughout the day.

Injections

Intramuscular injections are also prescribed, especially when it comes to testosterone and typically require someone to receive an injection one time per week. In many cases they have the same “roller coaster ride”of ups and downs. In some cases they have chemicals added to decrease these effects. Testosterone replacement for women through IM is also problematic because the testosterone increases DHT conversion which can multiply side effects such as facial hair and balding.

Patches

Another common method is transdermal patches which have become one of the more popular methods of hormone administration over the past decade. One advantage is that they bypass the effects of the liver and disperse a level of hormone that is relatively consistent throughout the day.  The downfall to the patch is….well… that it is a patch, which can be a nuisance to wear, and cause skin irritation.

Hormone PelletsPellet hormone therapy treatments involve inserting a custom hormone pellet into your body.

The final method we will be discussing today is hormone pellets. Hormone pellets are bioidentical and often administered below the hips or in the buttock region via a minor incision, which is innocuous, and does not require stitches. The fact that this method requires the use of a minor procedure can deter some individuals.

However, the benefits far outweigh any adverse effects. Bioidentical hormones, like our own hormones, are lipid soluble and are used up by the body as needed; mimicking the bodies own endogenous system. This methods also allows the hormones to be used directly negating any conversion during metabolization. Another benefit is that the patient only needs to see the doctor once every 3-4 months, which for most of us with a go-go go schedule can appreciate.

One key point to keep in mind is that we are not all the same. Okay, I know this a simplistic statement, but it is important to note as what works for one individual may not work for someone else. With that being said, this is one of the benefits of working with a doctor and a compounding pharmacy; the treatment is customized to your needs. So stay tuned next week as we look more into some of these issues and contact Vitali-T Medical Clinics to find out if bioidentical hormone replacement is right for you.

References:

Archer, David F. Estradiol gel: A new option in hormone replacement therapy. OBG Management. September 2004. Page 46-64

Barlow, et al. Long-Term Hormone Implant Therapy-Hormonal and Clinical Effects. Obstetrics & Gynecology Vol. 67, No. 3, March 1986. Page 321-325.

British Medical Journal. Volume 294, 936-937. April 1987. Effects of combined implants of oestradiol and testosterone on libido in postmenopausal women.

Buster, et al. Testosterone Patch for Low Sexual Desire in Surgically Menopausal Women: A Randomized Trial. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Vol. 105, No. 5, Part 1, May 2005. Page 944-952.