Jace Endocrine Wellness Center

AMPK and Metabolic Health An apple a day keeps the doctor away, at least according to a new study that shows apple polyphenols increase the activity of 5’ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Activation of AMPK may be a good way to lose weight, balance lipoproteins, and support healthy blood sugar. Because AMPK inhibits fatty acid synthesis and increases fatty acid catabolism, researchers are investigating it as a possible pathway for weight loss. AMPK al...so inhibits HMG Co-A reductase, which influences cholesterol synthesis. Exercise is one sure way to increase AMPK. There are also phytochemicals that can increase AMPK, such as the polyphenol, berberine. Studies have shown that berberine has been reported to support healthy glucose and lipid levels. Berberine also promotes glucose consumption independent of AMPK activation, according to studies. Green tea polyphenols can also increase phosphorylation of AMPK. One study suggests the activation of AMPK as a potential mechanism by which green tea polyphenols regulate hepatic lipid metabolism in such a way that lipid synthesis is reduced and fat oxidation is stimulated. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4114874/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5658135/

AMPK and Metabolic Health An apple a day keeps the doctor away, at least according to a new study that shows apple polyphenols increase the activity of 5’ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Activation of AMPK may be a good way to lose weight, balance lipoproteins, and support healthy blood sugar. Because AMPK inhibits fatty acid synthesis and increases fatty acid catabolism, researchers are investigating it as a possible pathway for weight loss. AMPK al...so inhibits HMG Co-A reductase, which influences cholesterol synthesis. Exercise is one sure way to increase AMPK. There are also phytochemicals that can increase AMPK, such as the polyphenol, berberine. Studies have shown that berberine has been reported to support healthy glucose and lipid levels. Berberine also promotes glucose consumption independent of AMPK activation, according to studies. Green tea polyphenols can also increase phosphorylation of AMPK. One study suggests the activation of AMPK as a potential mechanism by which green tea polyphenols regulate hepatic lipid metabolism in such a way that lipid synthesis is reduced and fat oxidation is stimulated. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4114874/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5658135/

Study Links Lack of Motivation to Inflammation A new study published in the journal Trends in Cognitive Sciences has established a link between our dopaminergic drive (the motivation to do things) and chronic low-grade inflammation. The hypothesis presented by the researchers from Emory University is that "inflammatory cytokines signal immunometabolic shifts," which directly impact mesolimbic dopamine (DA). The mesolimbic pathway, also referred to as the "reward pathway, is ...implicated in the willingness to put in effort or seek reward. Motivational and neurological impairment has been connected to inflammation, possibly due to sensitivity to immune cytokines. The reason for the alteration in the immune response, effectively downgrading motivation and drive, is to focus energy on healing and conserve precious resources. This study offers a vital opportunity to think about how chronic/persistent low-grade inflammation impacts the pathophysiology of disease. https://www.cell.com//cogn/fulltext/S1364-6613(19)30066-X

Researchers Pinpoint 6 Genes Linked to Mental Health DNA A new report that studied genetic variants linked to mental health was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry on January 7, 2020, documenting the results of a large genome-wide analysis of 200,000 military veterans. The study led by Joel Gelernter, the Foundations Fund Professor of Psychiatry, professor of genetics and of neuroscience at Yale reported "This is the richest set of results for the genetic basis of... anxiety to date." A key focus for the Million Veteran Program is to understand the mechanisms underlying mental health challenges. Yale scientists analyzed data gathered from the program to find genetic variants that link to anxiety. One gene variant was of particular interest - the MAD1L1 gene that has been found to be implicated in those suffering with specific mental health challenges. In total, Gelernter and his team identified six variants linked to anxiety. Yale's researchers collaborated with the Veteran Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, VA San Diego Healthcare System, and the University of California San Diego for the purposes of this study. Further research is warranted to continue the studies into genes that are associated with risk factors for mental health behavioral traits. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releas/2020//200107081248.htm

Cannabis Sativa: History, Chemistry & Uses Hemp and marijuana are both from the same Cannabis sativa plant, but hemp is marijuana’s non-psychoactive cousin mostly used for the extraction of cannabinoids. As legislation around hemp and marijuana change in the US, it’s important to understand the history and to know the difference between the plants. Hemp was originally grown in China and was introduced to the US in the 17th century. In the 17th and 18th century, it was legal t...Continue reading

Not All Supplements are Created Equally Dietary supplementation is now commonplace in the American diet with many people concerned food alone cannot meet nutritional requirements. However, not all supplements are created equally. In order to ensure that an individual can successfully navigate the endless choices of supplements, it’s important to know some do’s and don’ts of proper dietary supplementation. Bottom line up front: If a product claim sounds like it is too good to ...Continue reading

4 Ways Melatonin Regulates the Stress Response What is Melatonin? Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a hormone that is released by the pineal gland and the skin. In addition to regulating the sleep-wake cycle, it is intricately linked to the fight or flight response (and digestion). Melatonin plays a role in mitigating stress, as well as controlling the sleep-wake cycle and can, therefore, significantly alter mood. ...Continue reading

JAMA reports that exercise alone delivers similar benefits as all the drugs. It is even more beneficial than drugs for patients with stroke! http://jama.jamanetwork.com//Journals/JAMA/929168/jmn13012

Significant cost savings can be realized by health care payers, such as insurance companies and consumers, through the use of dietary supplements that have a demonstrable and substantial effect on the risk of costly disease-related events among targeted high-risk populations. Finally real DATA recognizing to prove nutritional supplements save money... http://www.crnusa.org//HCCS/CRNF-PR13-HCCSReport092313.html

Coenzyme Q10 Improves Blood Sugar Metabolism in Diabetics Researchers reported in June 2013 that coenzyme Q10 supplementation improved lipid and blood sugar metabolism in people with type 2 diabetes. An estimated 25.8 million Americans have diabetes, including 26.9 percent of American adults age 65 and older. Diabetes is a major cause for heart disease and stroke. Previous research indicates that diabetic individuals have reduced coenzyme Q10 levels. In this randomized, doubl...e-blind, placebo-controlled trial, investigators randomly assigned 64 subjects with type 2 diabetes to receive 200 mg coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) or placebo daily for 12 weeks. The investigators measured fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c and lipids including total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The investigators found that the people taking CoQ10 showed a decrease in serum hemoglobin A1c with no change found in the placebo group. The researchers did not find any effect of CoQ10 on fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol. However, the data showed a favorable effect of CoQ10 on total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. The researchers concluded, In this study, coenzyme Q10 treatment improved glycemic control, total and LDL cholesterol but these differences were associated with no favorable effects on triglycerides and HDL cholesterol. Reference: Kolahdouz Mohammadi R, et al. Minerva Gastroenterol Dietol. 2013;2:231-6.

Acupuncture Improves Sleep Quality in Elderly A recently published study determined that acupuncture improved sleep quality in elderly subjects with dementia. The National Sleep Foundation states that 48 percent of Americans report insomnia occasionally, while 22 percent experience insomnia every or almost every night. Furthermore, individuals over age 65 are 1.5 times more likely to complain of insomnia than younger individuals. The researchers followed 19 elderly subjects w...ith dementia during a six-week control period and six weeks of acupuncture. The investigators evaluated sleep quality using wrist actigraphy, which measures sleep patterns and circadian rhythms. The researchers assessed cognitive function using Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive. The researchers found that the subjects gained significantly more resting time and total sleep time during the acupuncture period compared to the control period. The investigators showed a trend toward improved sleep efficiency, although this was not statistically significant. The researchers did not find a significant change in cognitive function. The researchers concluded, Results reveal that acupuncture was effective in improving some domains of sleep quality of elderly with dementia, and the subjects showed acceptance towards the intervention. Reference: Kwok T, et al. Clin Interv Aging. 2013;8:923-9