StemCell Therapy

EVAN HARDING

Last updated17:39, June 13 2017

John Hawkins

Arthritis sufferer Thelma Buck, of Invercargill, is devasted a pain relief product has been blocked from entering New Zealand.

An Australian-made supplement which has given some arthritis sufferers in Southland a new lease on life has been blocked from entering the country, devastating users.

The liquid supplement, Arborvitae, is marketed as an arthritis pain reliever and health supplement across the Tasman.

Until recently it was being imported into New Zealand and onsoldto Kiwis by a Canterbury-based company, whileother New Zealanders were buying it online directly from Australia.

John Hawkins

Arborvitae, arthritis pain relief supplement, blocked from entering New Zealand.

However, the Ministry for Primary Industries says it poses a biosecurity risk and has banned it from entering the country.

Among the users of Arborvitaeare two Invercargill women who say the product has deadened their arthritic pain andallowed them to live a better quality of life.

However, they now fear the pain will return if they can no longer access the product.

A Ministry for PrimaryIndustriesspokesman saidArborvitaewas not allowed into New Zealand because it did not meet New Zealand's biosecurity requirements.

It contains a level of honey that is prohibited unless it has been heat-treated to ensure potential bugs are destroyed.

In order to clear biosecurity requirements, the product requires an official declaration stating the honey hasbeen heat treated.

"MPI has communicated this requirement to the importer," the MPI spokesman said.

"While we sympathise with those who wish to buy the product, we must apply New Zealand's biosecurity rules evenly because any exceptions could lead to incursions of bugs and pests."

Arthritis sufferer Thelma Buck, of Invercargill, said she was devastated the product was no longer allowed in the country.

She turned to the product when her GP said she should nolonger take pillsfor her arthritis because it affected her blood pressure.

The 72-year-old had been buying Arborvitaefor three months months off a Christchurch company that was importing it from Australia.

Buck said she had suffered from arthritic pain for 30 years and had tried many things to help ease the pain, but Arborvitae was the best.

Before she began taking Arborvitae, she used a walker to get around town and now she only needs a walking stick.

She can also sleep through the night, having previously being unable to sleep for the pain.

"Itabsolutely deadens the pain from arthritis. You don't feel the pain.

"Now I can walk around the house whereas I was thinking I might have to go into a home."

Buck's sister-in-law, Ray Riley, who also suffers from arthritis,said it had made a massive difference to her life.

She is in less pain than previously and can move around more than she could in the past.

"It's madea hellof a lot of difference."

Andrew Thorman, owner of Jet Trading Ltd in Christchurch which was importing Arborvitaefrom Australia for three months until a fortnight ago, said he had since received calls from upset Kiwi customers unable to buy it.

"It's had huge success in Australia and I am trying to make it available in New Zealand so people can reap its benefits."

He sells a number of products but Arborvitae was a "standout as far as making a noticeable difference very quickly to people's lives".

Vic Davidson, the Australian businessman who "invented" the Arborvitaesupplement, said it waslisted with the TGA in Australiaas a "complementary medicine", which was a medicine that did not contain drugs.

The TGA [Therapeutic Goods Administration] regulates therapeutic goods in Australia.

"We sell 3000 to 4000 bottles a week in Australia, it's in a lot of chemist shops.

He was trying to get the issue resolved so it could be sold in New Zealand.

Former Canterbury Bankstown rugby league player Graeme Hughes haspublicly endorsed the product online.

-The Southland Times

Excerpt from:
Arthritis sufferers devastated pain reliever not allowed in NZ - Stuff.co.nz

Kansas City Star

Watch: Chiefs' Charcandrick West sings to raise awareness for childhood arthritis Kansas City Star Chiefs' running back Charcandrick West has a busy summer ahead as he battles for positioning on the depth chart. But West, who was diagnosed with arthritis at 14 years old, realizes life goes beyond football. So before organized team activities began ...

Continue reading here:
Watch: Chiefs' Charcandrick West sings to raise awareness for childhood arthritis - Kansas City Star

GETTY

It affects more than 690,000 people in the UK, of which over 500,000 are women and around three-quarters are of working age.

Experts believe the Mediterranean diet is effective in suppressing rheumatoid arthritis - but the elements responsible for this currently remain unknown.

Now researchers from Osaka City University in Japan, have set out to investigate what part of the diet - which constitutes oily fish, olive oil, fruit and vegetables - could help ease symptoms of the disease.

A study looked at 208 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 205 healthy volunteers from the same age group.

GETTY

Their food and nutrient intake was assessed using a questionnaire, a Mediterranean diet score was calculated and the prevalence of the disease in 28 joints was analysed.

Experts found the consumption of MUFA - monosaturated fatty acids, alcohol, pulses, vegetables, meat milk and dairy products were significantly lower among participants with RA.

The study authors said: Intake of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) was significantly lower in the RA, than in the control group (P=0.003) and the ratio of consumed monounsaturated to saturated fatty acid significantly differed within the RA group.

What are monosaturated fats?

Monounsaturated fats can help reduce levels of bad cholesterol in the blood - reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Examples of foods which are high in monounsaturated fats include olive oil, sesame oil, avocados, peanut butter and nuts and seeds.

Getty

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GETTY

Daily MUFA intake, a component of the Mediterranean diet score, might suppress disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Experts have also revealed eating a diet high in monounsaturated fats can reduce belly fat and encourage weight loss.

The study concluded: Daily MUFA intake, a component of the Mediterranean diet score, might suppress disease activity in RA patients.

People with rheumatoid arthritis experience a range of symptoms, including pain and swelling in the joints, tiredness and depression which can affect their daily lives, from their ability to do basic everyday tasks like buttoning a shirt, to the possibility of having to stop work as a result of their condition.

The study was published in the journal Clinical Nutrition.

Experts, writing in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology last year said eating a Mediterranean diet with no limit on calories and plenty of olive oil is the best way to stay healthy.

Researchers said guidelines promoting low-fat, low-calorie diets had created an unnecessary fear of the fats present in food loved by the southern Europeans.

The study looked at more than 7,000 participants who were either given an unrestricted Mediterranean diet or a low-fat diet where the advice was to avoid all dietary fat.

On average, those in all groups lost some weight with the greatest loss seen in the group eating the Mediterranean diet with olive oil.

Dr Aseem Malhotra, cardiologist advisor to the National Obesity Forum, said: A high fat Mediterranean diet which I follow and tell my patients to not only doesnt lead to weight gain but is also the most protective dietary pattern against heart disease, cancer and dementia.

Read the original post:
Diet to cure arthritis: Eating THIS part of the Mediterranean diet could suppress symptoms - Express.co.uk

BBC News

Arthritis sufferers 'waiting longer' in Wales, figures show BBC News More needs to be done to help people in Wales living with rheumatoid arthritis, an expert has said. New figures suggest an increase in the number of people sent to see a specialist because of pain. Nearly half a million people live with the illness in ... and more »

More here:
Arthritis sufferers 'waiting longer' in Wales, figures show - BBC News

June 12, 2017 David Merryman, associate professor of biomedical engineering, and his team discovered that a rheumatoid arthritis drug holds promise for treating heart valve calcification. Credit: Vanderbilt University

The first drug to treat calcification of heart valves may be one originally designed for rheumatoid arthritis.

Today (June 12) in Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association, Vanderbilt University researchers published findings that the druga monoclonal antibody known as SYN0012shows promise in keeping heart valve leaflets supple. About a quarter of Americans suffer hardening of the valves by age 65 and about half by 85, and the only treatment is surgical replacement.

"Very elderly patients' bodies can't handle that," said Cyndi Clark, research assistant professor of biomedical engineering and the first author on the paper. "I hope to see an earlier treatment option available within the next decade."

The culprit in the condition, called aortic valve stenosis, is cadherin-11, a binding protein necessary for normal wound healing. Fibroblasts, the most common cell in connective tissue, produce it to ensure cuts and broken bones reconnect, and heart valves are composed of this type of cell. As hearts age and lose elasticity, the fibroblasts become overactive, producing mass amounts of cadherin-11 until the three thin leaflets that make up aortic valves become virtually immobile. The heart pumps harder in an attempt to push blood through the valve, causing the chambers of the heart to enlarge, leading to heart failure if the valve isn't replaced.

The rheumatoid arthritis drug, an anti-inflammatory, physically binds to cadherin-11 (CDH-11) on the surface of cells so that they can't bind together.

"Aortic valve stenosis, even though it involves only a little piece of tissue, has a catastrophic effect on the heart," said W. David Merryman, associate professor of biomedical engineering. "The antibody we're working with blocks fibroblasts from becoming the active type that leads to disease. It keeps them from becoming inflamed.

"We believe there is potential for using this drug at the first sign of valve disease to prevent the progression. You likely cannot reverse the damage, but we believe the drug can prevent it."

Common disease claims lives

About 750,000 Americans per year suffer heart attacks, and those plus all other varieties of heart disease are the No. 1 killers in America. Surgeons can replace damaged valves with ones made from either pig or cow tissue or with mechanical versions, said Vanderbilt cardiologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine Mike Baker. Physicians' only option is to monitor calcifying valves once they're detected and then operate when symptoms appear, he said.

"Once the patient becomes symptomatic, they start running a significant risk of heart failure or even death," Baker said. "The exciting thing about this drug's potential is that it could allow us to consider a strategy of prevention, as we do with other forms of heart diseaselike lowering cholesterol or using ACE inhibitors. We don't have any interventions for aortic valve stenosis that slow its progression."

The drug is in human clinical trials for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. After those are complete, Merryman hopes to gain permission to run clinical trials for uses in heart valve disease.

Fluke leads to potential cure

Merryman's research into CDH-11 dates back to 2013, when two of his Ph.D. students compared two studies of heart valve cellular responses that came to completely different conclusions. One found that a chemical compound caused valve fibroblasts to become active, similar to what is observed during valve disease, but the other study indicated that the same compound prevented the cells from calcifying, indicating that a key piece of the valve disease puzzle was missing. They realized that the teams behind those studies were inadvertently turning CDH-11 production on and off, affecting the outcome.

The Ph.D. students obtained heart valves preserved from surgeries at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and found that patients suffering from calcification had, in some cases, 50 times as much CDH-11 present in their valves as patients without the condition. They completed another study that showed a NOTCH1 genetic mutation likely ensured those carrying it eventually would suffer from heart valve disease because it leads to CDH-11 overproduction.

Explore further: Discovery of a key regulatory gene in cardiac valve formation

More information: Circulation (2017). DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.117.027771

Journal reference: Circulation

Provided by: Vanderbilt University

A new study shows that a hybrid molecular imaging system unites three imaging modalities to map the composition of dangerous arterial plaques before they rupture and induce a major cardiac event. The research was presented ...

A study by the University of Birmingham has revealed a treatment gap in patients suffering from a heart condition that causes an irregular or abnormally fast heartbeat.

Researchers have long sought ways to harness the body's immune system to treat disease, especially cancer. Now, scientists have found that the immune system may be triggered to treat atherosclerosis and possibly other metabolic ...

Seventy per cent of readings from home blood pressure monitors are unacceptably inaccurate, which could cause serious implications for people who rely on them to make informed health decisions, new UAlberta research reveals.

(HealthDay)Adoption of four healthy lifestyle behaviors is associated with increased lifespan for men and women, according to a study published online May 31 in the Journal of Internal Medicine.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, yet the few available treatments are still mostly unsuccessful once the heart tissue has suffered damage. Mammalian hearts are actually able to regenerate and repair ...

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The rest is here:
Drug developed for arthritis could be first to stop heart valve calcification - Medical Xpress

Dear Doctor: A friend suggested I try MSM crystals for arthritis. What are they, and do they work? If they do, where can I find them?

Dear Reader: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic sulfur-containing compound naturally found in plants such as Brussels sprouts, garlic, asparagus, kale, beans and wheat germ. It can also be found in horsetail, an herbal remedy. MSM, which has been touted as a treatment for arthritis, is related to a similar compound, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. MSM may have anti-inflammatory properties as well, but different from those associated with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). Unlike DMSO, which is a liquid applied at room temperature, MSM is a white crystalline compound -- hence the reference to "crystals."

As for whether it works, let's look at the evidence. A 2011 study performed in Israel assessed its impact on 50 people with arthritis of the knee. Twenty-five patients took a placebo, while 25 took 1.125 grams of MSM three times per day for 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, symptoms had worsened by 14 percent in the placebo group, but had improved by 20 percent in the MSM group. Pain had increased by 9 percent in the placebo group, but had decreased by 21 percent in the MSM group. Note that in this 12-week study, users noted no side effects.

A 2006 study also assessed MSM's impact on people with arthritis of the knee, with 25 people receiving a placebo and the other 25 receiving a 3-gram dose of MSM twice a day. At 12 weeks, pain had decreased by 25 percent in the MSM group, and by 13 percent in the placebo group. The physical function of the knee also improved with the use of MSM, but stiffness improved only slightly as compared to the placebo. This higher dose of MSM was associated with the mild side effects of bloating and constipation. One interesting note: The study authors found no change in inflammatory markers with MSM.

Lastly, a 2004 study from India compared the use of MSM, the use of glucosamine, the use of a combination and the use of a placebo for arthritis of the knee. After 12 weeks, patients who took 500 milligrams of MSM three times a day reported a significant reduction in pain and swelling of the knee. This was also seen in the group who took glucosamine. Those who took the combination of both MSM and glucosamine reported an additive benefit in regard to pain and swelling.

Granted, these are small studies, but they do show a slight benefit from MSM, but even milder than from Tylenol or NSAIDs. In these studies, the medication was used every day for 12 weeks, so I would assume that you would have to take MSM daily for a long period to see the benefit.

Excerpt from:
Organic compound MSM could help with arthritis pain | | thetandd.com - The Times and Democrat

Dear Doctor: A friend suggested I try MSM crystals for arthritis. What are they, and do they work? If they do, where can I find them?

Dear Reader: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic sulfur-containing compound naturally found in plants such as Brussels sprouts, garlic, asparagus, kale, beans and wheat germ. It can also be found in horsetail, an herbal remedy. MSM, which has been touted as a treatment for arthritis, is related to a similar compound, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. MSM may have anti-inflammatory properties as well, but different from those associated with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). Unlike DMSO, which is a liquid applied at room temperature, MSM is a white crystalline compound hence the reference to "crystals."

As for whether it works, let's look at the evidence. A 2011 study performed in Israel assessed its impact on 50 people with arthritis of the knee. Twenty-five patients took a placebo, while 25 took 1.125 grams of MSM three times per day for 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, symptoms had worsened by 14 percent in the placebo group, but had improved by 20 percent in the MSM group. Pain had increased by 9 percent in the placebo group, but had decreased by 21 percent in the MSM group. Note that in this 12-week study, users noted no side effects.

A 2006 study also assessed MSM's impact on people with arthritis of the knee, with 25 people receiving a placebo and the other 25 receiving a 3-gram dose of MSM twice a day. At 12 weeks, pain had decreased by 25 percent in the MSM group, and by 13 percent in the placebo group. The physical function of the knee also improved with the use of MSM, but stiffness improved only slightly as compared to the placebo. This higher dose of MSM was associated with the mild side effects of bloating and constipation. One interesting note: The study authors found no change in inflammatory markers with MSM.

Lastly, a 2004 study from India compared the use of MSM, the use of glucosamine, the use of a combination and the use of a placebo for arthritis of the knee. After 12 weeks, patients who took 500 milligrams of MSM three times a day reported a significant reduction in pain and swelling of the knee. This was also seen in the group who took glucosamine. Those who took the combination of both MSM and glucosamine reported an additive benefit in regard to pain and swelling.

Granted, these are small studies, but they do show a slight benefit from MSM, but even milder than from Tylenol or NSAIDs. In these studies, the medication was used every day for 12 weeks, so I would assume that you would have to take MSM daily for a long period to see the benefit.

One important caveat: We don't know if there are any long-term side effects with MSM. If you do try it, start with 500 to 1,000 milligrams three times per day. That dose can be found in any drug or vitamin store.

Go here to read the rest:
Ask the Doctors: Using MSM may help alleviate arthritis pain - Billings Gazette

San Francisco Examiner

Arthritis: The Preventable Disease? San Francisco Examiner Arthritis affects 27 million Americans, with knee arthritis alone affecting 9 million. Most of it may preventable. Here's why: Arthritis is a disease affecting the bearing surface (articular cartilage) of joints and the underlying bone, along with the ...

View post:
Arthritis: The Preventable Disease? - San Francisco Examiner

Executive Director Deborah Jackson, of Northern California Arthritis Foundation, recently joined me as part of a Health Focus television show, inaugurated by Vallejo Community Access Television.

July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation.

As a rheumatologist, I see arthritic diseases afflicting our community, at all ages.

The kids with arthritis, however, tend to garner less attention.

Consider the impact of arthritis, for Americans of all ages.

Dr. Sharad Lahhanipal, president of the American College of Rheumatology, recently wrote that arthritis is common, expensive and a leading cause of disability.

One in four adults carry this diagnosis, to a tune of $81 billion in annual medical expenses. Although 32 million arthritis sufferers are between the ages of 18 and 64 years, we also see 300,000 youths whose lives are challenged by this diagnosis.

Clinical assessment by an experienced clinician, combined with state-of-the art treatments, can combine to minimize disabling complications.

Arthritis, which is inflammation of a joint, is typically managed by a team approach, involving primary care doctors, rheumatologists, physical therapists and perhaps, orthopedic surgeons and other specialists.

In the case of pediatric rheumatology, there is a sub-specialty within a sub-specialty, which conveys expertise specific to the arthritic conditions of kids, typically under the age of 16.

We tend to find pediatric rheumatologists in academic medical centers.

There is a national shortage of both adult and pediatric specialists in this field, as the baby boomer physicians begin to retire. So many pediatric patients with arthritis are likely to encounter generalists, adult rheumatologists and pediatricians as therapeutic allies.

The term juvenile arthritis is itself somewhat simplistic.

Without getting too far into the weeds of medical jargon, rheumatologists are interested in distinguishing between inflammatory and non-inflammatory joint disease.

Adults often wear out their joints, due to sports injuries or degenerative processes. Pediatric arthritis may involve infiltration of the joint with inflammatory cells and cellular messengers called cytokines.

Historically, we often used anti-inflammatory drugs, prednisone or methotrexate. More sophisticated biologic agents now supplement or entirely replace many of these older therapies.

Every medicine, however, confers potential side effects, including those associated with attenuating healthy immune responses. It is easy to see why pediatric rheumatologists have a tough job.

Leaving aside treatment, diagnosis of pediatric arthritis is not always straightforward. Ranging from systemic to pauci-articular, a few joints involved, to pediatric forms of lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or muscle inflammation, we are confronted with an array of possible diagnoses within the pediatric arthritis umbrella.

Carefully tailored treatment and monitoring is necessary in the management of these conditions.

Some kids with arthritis also require regular monitoring by ophthalmologists, as subtle forms of inflammation may even threaten vision.

Jackson informed us that the Arthritis Foundation is sponsoring numerous activities, relative to juvenile arthritis.

Camp Kids allows youngsters to enjoy outdoor activities and to interact with peers facing similar challenges.

We discussed the fact that a child with arthritis still fulfills all the usual roles of youth, including student, emerging adult and family member.

The Arthritis Foundation also runs Team Retreat, which is more of a family oriented and comprehensive experience. Myriad services and activities sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation are by no means confined to one month of the calendar year.

What might we, as individuals, do to support Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month?

The Arthritis Foundation maintains a website (arthritis. org), with specific information with regard to the activities discussed. They welcome inquiries about further involvement by the community.

Educating ourselves about the importance of juvenile arthritis is a first step.

You are already ahead of many, simply by reading these few words. Thanks!

Scott T. Anderson, M.D., Ph.D. (email [emailprotected]), is clinical professor at UC Davis Medical School. This column is informational and does not constitute medical advice.

Originally posted here:
Educate yourself as Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month approaches - Fairfield Daily Republic

Arthritis affects 27 million Americans, with knee arthritis alone affecting 9 million. Most of it may preventable. Heres why.

Arthritis is a disease affecting the bearing surface (articular cartilage) of joints, and the underlying bone, along with the surrounding joint capsule.

Most of arthritis is due to sports and activity-related injuries which, later in life, lead to arthritis. While such injuries usually cannot be prevented, the subsequent arthritis would most likely not occur if the damage was repaired immediately using modern regeneration and replacement techniques.

But this doesnt often happen. Patients tend to ignore their injuries. Surgeons still remove the damaged tissue and tell their patients to come back when they need a knee replacement. Arthritis pain is treated with cortisone instead of growth factors and stem cells, and insurance companies dont pay for up-to-date tissue regeneration techniques. How do we change this?

First, dont ignore an injury. If you twist your knee, hear a pop, and then have swelling, theres a 90% chance you have torn a key tissue in the knee. If left alone, the injury will cause arthritis; if repaired properly, it may not. Getting an accurate rapid diagnosisoften with MRI confirmationis the critical first step. Not having the damaged tissue removed, if at all possible, is the next step.

Unfortunately, most surgeons still remove the damaged knee tissuesusually the meniscus shock absorber and the articular cartilage surfacewithout applying the latest repair, regeneration, and replacement techniques.

Why? Because those repair techniques are difficult, take extra operating time, are not reimbursed by insurance companies, and do not have enough large-scale studies to convince the entire medical establishment that they work. But here are the facts:

We know that if the joint cartilage is repaired or replaced when it is injured, the likelihood of arthritis is significantly less. In the USwhere 800,000 meniscus tears occur each yearless than 10% are repaired and only about 0.25% of people receive a new meniscus. Thats because a future arthritis problem is not likely to cost the insurer money, as most people dont stay with the same insurance company for more than a few years. Surgeons tell the patients to expect arthritis to set in 10 - 20 years in the future; sometimes it occurs much faster.

After arthritis does occur, cartilage repair and replacement procedures can still be beneficial. They can reduce pain, improve functions, and delay the time at which an artificial joint is required. Our own data shows that, on average, as long as it is not bone on bone, many severely arthritic joints can be biologically repaired. This can delay the need for an artificial joint by (on average) 10 years. (Since only the first artificial joint has the best outcome, and the joints last only a couple of decades, it is important to delay this procedure until patients are quite old.) Again, biological repair is not in the interest of the insurance company. Most patients are told to live with their arthritic knee, and their pain, until they are older.

The non-operative procedures for preventing arthritis are also exquisitely effective and underfunded. The joints are protected by the muscles that surround them. The forces absorbed by the joints are a multiple of body weight. Most people take 2 - 3 million steps per year at up to five times their body weight, depending on the height of the step. Optimizing your body weight matters. Being 10 pounds overweight leads to up to 50 pounds of extra force, 2 - 3 million times per year. And, the stronger the muscles around the joint, the better they absorb some of the forcesrather than the joint surfaces. Preventing self-induced injury would significantly lower the arthritis rate.

Research funding would also help. Ninety-seven percent of arthritis diagnoses are the types that orthopaedic surgeons most commonly treat: osteoarthritis or traumatic arthritis. Only 3% are inflammatory; these are called rheumatoid arthritis (or related variants). Yet 97% of the funding of the Arthritis Foundation goes towards those 3% of arthritis diagnoses. Why? Two reasons. First, because thats where much of the money in pharmaceutical treatments of arthritis is to be made. Second, because rheumatologists control the Arthritis Foundation. A major effort to focus research dollars on improving techniques for injury repair would improve outcomes for millions of people.

Given the projected costs to society of $128 billion (or 1.2% of GDP) for arthritis treatment each year, one would think that a national program to prevent this disease would be a high priority. Cancer may kill 600,000 people in the US this year, but arthritis ruins more lives. And it doesnt have to.

Start your workday the right way with the news that matters most.

Read the original here:
Arthritis: The Preventable Disease? - HuffPost

Dear Doctor: A friend suggested I try MSM crystals for arthritis. What are they, and do they work? If they do, where can I find them?

Dear Reader: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic sulfur-containing compound naturally found in plants such as Brussels sprouts, garlic, asparagus, kale, beans and wheat germ. It can also be found in horsetail, an herbal remedy. MSM, which has been touted as a treatment for arthritis, is related to a similar compound, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. MSM may have anti-inflammatory properties as well, but different from those associated with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). Unlike DMSO, which is a liquid applied at room temperature, MSM is a white crystalline compound hence the reference to crystals.

As for whether it works, lets look at the evidence. A 2011 study performed in Israel assessed its impact on 50 people with arthritis of the knee. Twenty-five patients took a placebo, while 25 took 1.125 grams of MSM three times per day for 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, symptoms had worsened by 14 percent in the placebo group, but had improved by 20 percent in the MSM group. Pain had increased by 9 percent in the placebo group, but had decreased by 21 percent in the MSM group. Note that in this 12-week study, users noted no side effects.

A 2006 study also assessed MSMs impact on people with arthritis of the knee, with 25 people receiving a placebo and the other 25 receiving a 3-gram dose of MSM twice a day. At 12 weeks, pain had decreased by 25 percent in the MSM group, and by 13 percent in the placebo group. The physical function of the knee also improved with the use of MSM, but stiffness improved only slightly as compared to the placebo. This higher dose of MSM was associated with the mild side effects of bloating and constipation. One interesting note: The study authors found no change in inflammatory markers with MSM.

Lastly, a 2004 study from India compared the use of MSM, the use of glucosamine, the use of a combination and the use of a placebo for arthritis of the knee. After 12 weeks, patients who took 500 milligrams of MSM three times a day reported a significant reduction in pain and swelling of the knee. This was also seen in the group who took glucosamine. Those who took the combination of both MSM and glucosamine reported an additive benefit in regard to pain and swelling.

Granted, these are small studies, but they do show a slight benefit from MSM, but even milder than from Tylenol or NSAIDs. In these studies, the medication was used every day for 12 weeks, so I would assume that you would have to take MSM daily for a long period to see the benefit.

One important caveat: We dont know if there are any long-term side effects with MSM. If you do try it, start with 500 to 1,000 milligrams three times per day. That dose can be found in any drug or vitamin store.

Robert Ashley, M.D., is an internist and assistant professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Read more:
ORGANIC COMPOUND MSM COULD HELP WITH ARTHRITIS PAIN - NRToday.com

By Robert Ashley, M.D.

A: Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic sulfur-containing compound naturally found in plants such as Brussels sprouts, garlic, asparagus, kale, beans and wheat germ. It can also be found in horsetail, an herbal remedy. MSM, which has been touted as a treatment for arthritis, is related to a similar compound, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. MSM may have anti-inflammatory properties as well, but different from those associated with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). Unlike DMSO, which is a liquid applied at room temperature, MSM is a white crystalline compound -- hence the reference to "crystals."

As for whether it works, let's look at the evidence. A 2011 study performed in Israel assessed its impact on 50 people with arthritis of the knee. Twenty-five patients took a placebo, while 25 took 1.125 grams of MSM three times per day for 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, symptoms had worsened by 14 percent in the placebo group, but had improved by 20 percent in the MSM group. Pain had increased by 9 percent in the placebo group, but had decreased by 21 percent in the MSM group. Note that in this 12-week study, users noted no side effects.

A 2006 study also assessed MSM's impact on people with arthritis of the knee, with 25 people receiving a placebo and the other 25 receiving a 3-gram dose of MSM twice a day. At 12 weeks, pain had decreased by 25 percent in the MSM group, and by 13 percent in the placebo group. The physical function of the knee also improved with the use of MSM, but stiffness improved only slightly as compared to the placebo. This higher dose of MSM was associated with the mild side effects of bloating and constipation. One interesting note: The study authors found no change in inflammatory markers with MSM.

Lastly, a 2004 study from India compared the use of MSM, the use of glucosamine, the use of a combination and the use of a placebo for arthritis of the knee. After 12 weeks, patients who took 500 milligrams of MSM three times a day reported a significant reduction in pain and swelling of the knee. This was also seen in the group who took glucosamine. Those who took the combination of both MSM and glucosamine reported an additive benefit in regard to pain and swelling.

Granted, these are small studies, but they do show a slight benefit from MSM, but even milder than from Tylenol or NSAIDs. In these studies, the medication was used every day for 12 weeks, so I would assume that you would have to take MSM daily for a long period to see the benefit.

One important caveat: We don't know if there are any long-term side effects with MSM. If you do try it, start with 500 to 1,000 milligrams three times per day. That dose can be found in any drug or vitamin store.

Robert Ashley, M.D., is an internist and assistant professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. Send your questions to askthedoctors@mednet.ucla.edu, or write: Ask the Doctors, c/o Media Relations, UCLA Health, 924 Westwood Blvd., Suite 350, Los Angeles, CA, 90095. Owing to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.

If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us. We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.

Continue reading here:
ASK THE DOCTORS: Organic compound MSM could help arthritis ... - Bennington Banner (subscription)

Huntingdon, Huntingdon County, Pa. - A Huntingdon boy has raised more than $11,000 to find a cure for a disease he's battling every single day.

Jonathon Schneider is just like any other nine-year-old boy.

He's active and loves to play soccer.

The only thing that makes sports a little harder is his juvenile arthritis.

So, he's raising money for research.

"This walk, I raise money to find a cure. There's probably a cure out here somewhere."

The arthritis started in his knees, then spread to his hips and hands.

Jonathon's mom Melissa says the arthritis was triggered by a tick bite which caused Lyme disease.

"After the Lymes was totally gone the pain was there, the swelling was still there and it ended up being this is arthritis."

Last year, Jonathon participated in an arthritis walk and raised $5,000.

This year he wants to double that goal.

"So I thought I would try $10,000 I did it and people helped and that," he explained.

Between his personal fundraiser page and his team page, he's topped that goal.

"That was amazing, just friends and families, moose lodges and friends we've met along the way that have said who doesn't even know Jonathon, just hands us money and says put this towards his walk," said Melissa proudly.

This year Jonathon had a big accomplishment at the Arthritis Walk in Pittsburgh.

He did made it one whole mile but it wasn't an easy one.

"It hurt and it didn't feel the best on my knees and at night time I got a little cranky because when my knees hurt I get a little cranky."

Jonathon's team is still collecting donations for arthritis research.

Donations will be accepted until June 15th.

Click here for the team pageand here for Jonathon's page.

Read the original here:
Boy raises more than 10k for arthritis research - WTAJ

Richard and Louise Blanchfield, who have developed a healthy cook book with recipes which helped Richard (Andrew Cawley / DC Thomson)

LOUISE Blanchfield watched as her husband Richard struggled to pull himself up from the chair.

She pondered what the doctor had said that he wouldnt get any better, he would get worse and could be in a wheelchair by the time he was 60.

At just 41 and a father of two young children she struggled to accept his deteriorating way of life.

So she decided to do what any doting wife would: find a solution.

Five years on, Richards crippling arthritis and bowel disease have all but disappeared.

And hes grateful to Louise every single day.

I just couldnt accept that was the future for my husband, Louise said. He deserved more than that.

Richard, 46, struggled with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, from the age of 18.

Things got worse five years ago when it developed into secondary inflammatory arthritis.

He needed help getting dressed and couldnt cook, which was something he loved.

Scientist and physiotherapist Louise took on the role of family chef and spent her nights trawling the internet once the couples kids Megan and Alec, now 12 and 9, were tucked up in bed, determined to end her husbands agony.

Louise learned that gluten could be a major factor in inflammation, so cut that from the familys diet, then dairy.

She started to follow clean eating methods, with salads and vegetables, and introduced more fish.

It was a slow process, but within months, Richards symptoms began to improve.

A few years on and the doting dad, who works in renewable energy, has made a miraculous recovery. He now regularly plays tennis and shows virtually no signs of arthritis.

His last colonoscopy showed a normal-looking bowel and hes in remission from colitis.

In a nutshell, Richard is better, said Louise, 42. He has the occasional arthritis flare-up, like at Christmas when he falls off the dietary wagon. Well, were not perfect!

People often dont connect what they eat with their health. But anything from infertility to migraines and digestion problems can be alleviated by closer attention to diet.

Louises foodie theory led her to take a course in nutritional therapy. Shes now qualified in the field and launched her new company, The Food Physio, last year.

The couple, from Freuchie in Fife, are in the final stages of completing a cookbook, The Food Physio: Eating My Way Back to Health, filled with gluten and dairy-free recipes, all of which have been tried and tested by the Blanchfields.

They hope it will hit the shelves this summer.

Richard was a non-believer and look at him now. Hes proof that it can work, said Louise.

When youre ill, it can feel like theres no light at the end of the tunnel. But you can lie down and accept it or try to make it better and we did just that.

To pre-order the book, visit thefoodphysio.com

See more here:
How wife's clean eating plan helped husband's crippling pain from arthritis and bowel disease all but disappear - The Sunday Post

AbbVie Inc said on Wednesday its oral rheumatoid arthritis drug succeeded in a late-stage study on patients who had not adequately responded to standard treatments.

The drug, upadacitinib, is a once-daily pill belonging to a class of drugs known as JAK inhibitors, which block inflammation-causing enzymes called Janus kinases.

Pfizer Inc's Xeljanz is the only U.S.-approved JAK inhibitor for rheumatoid arthritis a chronic inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks tissues in the joints, affecting more than 23 million people.

AbbVie's success comes almost two months after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration rejected baricitinib, a rival JAK inhibitor developed by Eli Lilly and Co and Incyte Corp.

If approved, upadacitinib could help AbbVie lower its reliance on its flagship rheumatoid arthritis drug Humira the world's top selling medicine that will soon face competition from biosimilars in the United States.

AbbVie's shares were up 1.4 percent at $68.81 on Wednesday afternoon. They earlier hit a session high of $69.32, their highest since August 2015.

In AbbVie's 12-week study on upadacitinib, two doses of the drug were tested against a placebo on patients with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis.

AbbVie said 64 percent of patients given a 15-milligram dose and 66 percent of patients given a 30-mg dose experienced a 20 percent reduction in symptoms, measured using a commonly used rheumatoid arthritis scale.

The company said only 36 percent of patients given a placebo experienced a comparable drop in symptoms, meaning upadacitinib cleared the trial the first of six testing the drug on patients with various cases of rheumatoid arthritis.

As data from the other trials comes in, upadacitinib might prove to be more effective than Lilly and Incyte's baricitinib, Jefferies analyst Jeffrey Holford said.

Rheumatoid arthritis is currently treated with older drugs such as methotrexate, Pfizer's JAK inhibitor Xeljanz as well as injected biologics such as Amgen Inc's Enbrel and AbbVie's Humira.

Humira generated more than $16 billion in sales last year, but competition is looming. AbbVie is trying to block the launch of an FDA-approved biosimilar, made by Amgen, arguing that its patents on Humira offered protection until at least 2022.

AbbVie is also evaluating upadacitinib for several other autoimmune conditions, including psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Holford estimated peak sales of $3.5 billion for the drug across all diseases. Pfizer's Xeljanz generated sales of $927 million last year.

2017 Thomson/Reuters. All rights reserved.

Here is the original post:
Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug Succeeds in Trial - Newsmax

Half of the people who have rheumatoid arthritis have to change jobs, and more than one in 10haveto quit work because of the debilitating condition, it has emerged

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the cells lining a bodys joints causing them to become swollen, stiff, and painful.

Arthritis Ireland has published research showing how the lives of people are impacted by rheumatoid arthritis. Those who participated in the survey were, on average, diagnosed at about 40 years of age and had the disease for 10 years.

It shows that 50% of people surveyed had to change jobs; 17% had to retire from work, and 13% were forced to quit because of their condition.

Almost one in four (24%) reduced their working hours.

Around 40,000 people in Ireland have rheumatoid arthritis, and most (70%) are women.

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but early diagnosis and appropriate treatment allows many people with the condition to reduce the number of flare-ups, lead full lives, and remain at work.

Almost 200 people with rheumatoid arthritis who are being treated by a rheumatologist were included in the Harris Poll online survey for Pfizer.

The study is part of the drug companys initiative to elevate the role of the patient in the successful management of the disease.

In addition to the impact on career, most (88%) people with rheumatoid arthritis worry about the disease getting worse 65% fear they will become disabled, and 64% are concerned about the damage caused to their joints.

More than three quarters (77%) of those surveyed are currently taking prescription medicines but wish they did not have to take so many drugs.

Three out of four (76%) sometimes worry that their medication will fail and more than half (52%) wish they had more medication options.

Seven out of 10 (69%) worry that rheumatoid arthritis will negatively affect their quality of life and most (64%) fear they will not be able to live independently.

Consultant rheumatologist, Prof Doug Veale, said the research is incredibly insightful and a welcome development in identifying the needs of patients.

Arthritis Irelands head of services, Grinne OLeary, said the survey shows that quality of life is a primary concern for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

This new research identifies the need for greater services around the country to assist those with rheumatoid arthritis to live a normal, active live and to empower them to work with their specialist to manage the condition.

Irish Examiner Ltd. All rights reserved

See the article here:
One in 10 arthritis sufferers quit work - Irish Examiner

AbbVie Inc said on Wednesday its oral rheumatoid arthritis drug succeeded in a late-stage study on patients who had not adequately responded to standard treatments.

The drug, upadacitinib, is a once-daily pill belonging to a class of drugs known as JAK inhibitors, which block inflammation-causing enzymes called Janus kinases.

Pfizer Inc's Xeljanz is the only U.S.-approved JAK inhibitor for rheumatoid arthritis a chronic inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks tissues in the joints, affecting more than 23 million people.

AbbVie's success comes almost two months after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration rejected baricitinib, a rival JAK inhibitor developed by Eli Lilly and Co and Incyte Corp.

If approved, upadacitinib could help AbbVie lower its reliance on its flagship rheumatoid arthritis drug Humira the world's top selling medicine that will soon face competition from biosimilars in the United States.

AbbVie's shares were up 1.4 percent at $68.81 on Wednesday afternoon. They earlier hit a session high of $69.32, their highest since August 2015.

In AbbVie's 12-week study on upadacitinib, two doses of the drug were tested against a placebo on patients with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis.

AbbVie said 64 percent of patients given a 15-milligram dose and 66 percent of patients given a 30-mg dose experienced a 20 percent reduction in symptoms, measured using a commonly used rheumatoid arthritis scale.

The company said only 36 percent of patients given a placebo experienced a comparable drop in symptoms, meaning upadacitinib cleared the trial the first of six testing the drug on patients with various cases of rheumatoid arthritis.

As data from the other trials comes in, upadacitinib might prove to be more effective than Lilly and Incyte's baricitinib, Jefferies analyst Jeffrey Holford said.

Rheumatoid arthritis is currently treated with older drugs such as methotrexate, Pfizer's JAK inhibitor Xeljanz as well as injected biologics such as Amgen Inc's Enbrel and AbbVie's Humira.

Humira generated more than $16 billion in sales last year, but competition is looming. AbbVie is trying to block the launch of an FDA-approved biosimilar, made by Amgen, arguing that its patents on Humira offered protection until at least 2022.

AbbVie is also evaluating upadacitinib for several other autoimmune conditions, including psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Holford estimated peak sales of $3.5 billion for the drug across all diseases. Pfizer's Xeljanz generated sales of $927 million last year.

(This story corrects paragraph 3 to clarify that Xeljanz is the only U.S.-approved JAK inhibitor.)

(Reporting by Divya Grover in Bengaluru, additional reporting by Natalie Grover; Editing by Sai Sachin Ravikumar and by Savio D'Souza)

GENEVA The number of suspected cholera cases in war-torn Yemen has risen to more than 100,000 since an outbreak began on April 27, the World Health Organization said on Thursday.

BRUSSELS The European Union's top court barred Germany's Dextro Energy on Thursday from making claims about the health benefits of glucose contained in its products, which include Dextrose tablets.

Read the original here:
AbbVie's rheumatoid arthritis drug succeeds in late-stage trial - Reuters

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints and mainly affects the hands feet and wrists.

AbbVie Inc, pharmaceutical company, said its oral rheumatoid arthritis drug succeeded in a study on patients who had not adequately responded to standard treatments.

The drug, upadacitinib, is a once-daily pill which is a JAK inhibitor, a type of drug which which block inflammation-causing enzymes called Janus kinases.

Participants in the study were treated for 12 weeks with the drug.

GETTY

Results showed that after 12 weeks of treatment, both doses of upadacitinib (15 mg and 30 mg) met the study's primary endpoints of ACR20 - criteria set by the American College of Rheumatology for medication, and low disease activity.

"We are excited by these promising results for upadacitinib. Selective inhibition of the JAK1 pathway may offer a novel treatment for rheumatoid arthritis patients who do not adequately respond to conventional therapies," said Michael Severino, executive vice president, research and development and chief scientific officer, AbbVie.

"We are especially encouraged by the results on the more stringent measures of efficacy, such as ACR70, low disease activity and clinical remission.

We look forward to seeing the full results from our Phase 3 program.

GETTY

AbbVie's longstanding leadership in the treatment of immune-mediated diseases provides an opportunity to build upon our understanding and develop innovative therapies to address unmet patient needs."

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, which means it is caused by the immune system attacking healthy body tissue - such as the lining go the joints.

It causes joints to become sore and inflamed and damages bones, cartilage, tendons and ligaments.

If the condition isn't treated, these chemicals gradually cause the joint to lose its shape and alignment.

Getty

1 of 12

GETTY

We are excited by these promising results for upadacitinib

Treatment for the condition can help reduce inflammation in the joints, slow damage and relieve pain.

The new treatment has been described as encouraging by Professor Gerd Burmeister, from the department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charit Berlin.

He said: Achieving the target of low disease activity in nearly half of the patients by 12 weeks and doing so at both high and low dose levels is encouraging.

Current treatment recommendations recognise the importance of this clinical target for patients, as achieving low disease activity has remained an unmet need in rheumatoid arthritis."

View original post here:
New drug could fight rheumatoid arthritis symptoms - 'exciting' results for patients - Express.co.uk

AbbVie Inc said on Wednesday its oral rheumatoid arthritis drug succeeded in a late-stage study on patients who had not adequately responded to standard treatments.

The drug, upadacitinib, is a once-daily pill belonging to a class of drugs known as JAK inhibitors, which block inflammation-causing enzymes called Janus kinases.

Pfizer Inc's Xeljanz is the only U.S.-approved JAK inhibitor for rheumatoid arthritis a chronic inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks tissues in the joints, affecting more than 23 million people.

AbbVie's success comes almost two months after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration rejected baricitinib, a rival JAK inhibitor developed by Eli Lilly and Co and Incyte Corp.

If approved, upadacitinib could help AbbVie lower its reliance on its flagship rheumatoid arthritis drug Humira the world's top selling medicine that will soon face competition from biosimilars in the United States.

AbbVie's shares were up 1.4 percent at $68.81 on Wednesday afternoon. They earlier hit a session high of $69.32, their highest since August 2015.

In AbbVie's 12-week study on upadacitinib, two doses of the drug were tested against a placebo on patients with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis.

AbbVie said 64 percent of patients given a 15-milligram dose and 66 percent of patients given a 30-mg dose experienced a 20 percent reduction in symptoms, measured using a commonly used rheumatoid arthritis scale.

The company said only 36 percent of patients given a placebo experienced a comparable drop in symptoms, meaning upadacitinib cleared the trial the first of six testing the drug on patients with various cases of rheumatoid arthritis.

As data from the other trials comes in, upadacitinib might prove to be more effective than Lilly and Incyte's baricitinib, Jefferies analyst Jeffrey Holford said.

Rheumatoid arthritis is currently treated with older drugs such as methotrexate, Pfizer's JAK inhibitor Xeljanz as well as injected biologics such as Amgen Inc's Enbrel and AbbVie's Humira.

Humira generated more than $16 billion in sales last year, but competition is looming. AbbVie is trying to block the launch of an FDA-approved biosimilar, made by Amgen, arguing that its patents on Humira offered protection until at least 2022.

AbbVie is also evaluating upadacitinib for several other autoimmune conditions, including psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Holford estimated peak sales of $3.5 billion for the drug across all diseases. Pfizer's Xeljanz generated sales of $927 million last year.

(This story corrects paragraph 3 to clarify that Xeljanz is the only U.S.-approved JAK inhibitor.)

(Reporting by Divya Grover in Bengaluru, additional reporting by Natalie Grover; Editing by Sai Sachin Ravikumar and by Savio D'Souza)

VIENTIANE Dozens of fertility clinics have mushroomed in land-locked Laos after scandals over commercial surrogacy have spurred wealthier southeast Asian neighbors to ban the controversial procedure since 2015.

ZURICH Novartis on Wednesday touted new data from its T-cell therapy CTL019, saying it is on a par with results of experimental molecules from Kite Pharma and Juno Therapeutics that also target aggressive blood cancers.

Here is the original post:
AbbVie's rheumatoid arthritis drug succeeds in trial - Reuters

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1m 24s

A golf tournament happening on the summer solstice is raising money to benefit the nonprofit Arthritis Foundation Alaska.

There are about 125,000 peoplewith arthritis living in Alaska, including 900 children, accordingto the Arthritis Foundation.

It was real obvious to me that they were the underdog when it came to charities, said Kevin Turkington, owner of Midnight Sun Homecare, a sponsor of the Midnight Sun Charity Golf Classic. We have kind of become family in this effort to help people understand that its not your grandmothers disease anymore.

There are many different types of arthritis, but its commonly referred to joint pain or joint disease. Symptoms of arthritis include swelling, pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion, according to the Arthritis Foundation. It is a disability that can change a persons way of life.

You dont just take a couple aspirin and everything is fine, Turkington said. its like your joints become your enemy and it attacks them.

The Arthritis Foundation Alaska helps fund research, public health programs and advocacy. Last year more than 2,600 Alaska relied on the foundation as atool, according to its website.

The money raised at the 2017 Midnight Sun Charity Golf Classicwill go to the foundation.

Eighty-two percent of all the funds raised go directly to finding a cure and supporting those who suffer, and here in Alaska, Turkington said. Which is unheard of in the nonprofit world where mostly 30 percent goes to admin-type costs.

Midnight Sun Charity Golf Classic Swing into Solstice

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Play a round of golf, help people living with arthritis - KTVA.com - Anchorage, Alaska