Barry S. Kendler

Taurine: an overview of its role in preventive medicine.

Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid), well known for its role in bile salt synthesis, is also involved in a number of crucial physiological processes including modulation of calcium flux and neuronal excitability, osmoregulation, detoxification, and membrane stabilization. With the exception of cows milk, taurine is widely distributed in foods from many animal, but not plant, sources. Although taurine is synthesized from sulfur-containing amino acids, concern has been expressed about the adequacy of endogenous sources, especially in neonates. Accordingly, proprietary milk formulas are now supplemented with taurine. Retinal dysfunction occurs in taurine-deficient animals. A milder form of this condition has been observed in children on long-term total parenteral nutrition. Preliminary evidence suggests a possible role for taurine administration in congestive heart disease, acute hepatitis, cystic fibrosis, and myotonia. Further studies are required before taurine can be routinely advocated for use in these and other disorders. Recent discoveries concerning taurines role in cellular proliferation and membrane protection underscore its physiological significance. In this context, taurines interaction with other nutrients, biochemicals, and xenobiotics warrants extensive exploration. As a conditionally essential nutrient, taurine has several important preventive medical applications.

Garlic (Allium sativum) and onion (Allium cepa): A review of their relationship to cardiovascular disease

Garlic and onion have been used for millenia in the traditional medical practice of many cultures to treat cardiovascular and other disorders. Both Allium species, their extracts, and the chemical constituents of these plants have been investigated for possible effects on cardiovascular disease risk factors--both definite (hyperlipidemia, hypertension and hyperglycemia) and suspected (platelet aggregation and blood fibrinolytic activity). Action of these Allium species on blood coagulability is more clearly defined than their effect on the other risk factors. While many of the studies have serious methodological shortcomings, there is some evidence to suggest that use of certain formulations of garlic and/or onion is accompanied by favorable effects on risk factors in normal subjects and in patients with atherosclerotic disease. The possibility of toxicity resulting from acute and chronic ingestion of large amounts of these plants or their extracts is unresolved. Accordingly, further clinical and epidemiological studies are required before the role of these plants in the prevention and control of cardiovascular disorders is understood and can be realized. Additional research in this area is recommended.

Re-evaluation of a possible proximity effect on muscular strength.

Inconsistent findings of a proximity effect of sucrose on muscular strength and a potential interaction of nutritional status prompted the current study. Double-blind, counterbalanced assessments of grip strength were performed with and without 76 subjects holding a container of sucrose. No main effect was found for proximity of glucose, and no interaction was found for prandial status.

Double-blind study of possible proximity effect of sucrose on skeletal muscle strength.

The hypotheses that close physical proximity to sucrose, without its ingestion, affects skeletal muscle strength and time between meals influences the direction of this effect, were tested. 28 college students performed 10 one-arm curls using the dominant arm, while either holding a bottle containing sucrose or sand in the free hand, without knowledge of which bottle was held. Data were first collected following an overnight fast. A week later, data were collected 1 hr. after these students had each consumed a bagel. During the fasting state, the mean maximal isometric strength while holding the bottle of sucrose was significantly greater than when holding a bottle of sand; however, no significant difference was found for the group tested after having consumed a bagel. Some possible explanations for these results are discussed, recognizing limitations imposed by lack of control for order of conditions and amount of experience.

Evaluation of a possible proximity effect of aspartame and vitamin C on muscular strength.

Inconsistent findings of a proximity effect on muscular strength, using a neutral control substance, prompted the current study. Double-blind, counterbalanced assessments of grip strength were performed, with subjects holding either an envelope of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) or aspartame. No proximity effects were found despite the use of two substances believed by some applied kinesiologists to yield positive and negative results, respectively.

Environmental Lead Contamination

Aims to: familiarize the audience with the potentially serious consequences of exposure to lead and ways of preventing them; facilitate understanding of how massive environmental contamination with lead occurred, and is still happening, with the expectation that this knowledge will be useful in designing strategies to reduce environmental contamination with lead and other toxic substances, in the future; emphasizes the relevance of lead to the subject‐matter of virtually every department in schools of arts and sciences in anticipation that some instructors will incorporate this information into their respective courses to increase their students′ awareness of this topic. Discusses some of the properties and uses of lead and its compounds and then indicates its ubiquitous presence in air, water, soil, dust and food. Considers some effects of exposure to lead and describes some pivotal contributions of various researchers. Explores the role of lead in history, in literature and in art. Briefly surveys occup...

Melatonin: Your body's natural wonder drug

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