Tag Archives: protein

Can a protein eliminate wrinkles?

Posted on by

New York: Controlling concentrations of a protein known as RHAMM could potentially eliminate wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin without surgery or neurotoxin injections.

Research at Berkeley Lab suggests that a protein linked to the spread of several major human cancers may also hold great potential for the elimination of wrinkles and the rejuvenation of the skin.

If this promise bears fruit, controlling concentration of RHAMM (receptor for hyaluronan mediated motility) a protein, could one day replace surgical procedures or injections with neurotoxins that carry such unpleasant side-effects as muscle paralysis and loss of facial expressions.

As we age, fat cells in the subcutaneous layer of the skin become smaller and fewer in number so that they are not longer able to “fill in” damage to the epidermal and dermal skin layers. The results are wrinkles and sagging.

Mina Bissell, cell biologist with Berkeley Lab and authority on breast cancer, collaborated with Eva Turley, oncology professor, University of Western Ontario on a study of the role that RHAMM plays in regulating the signalling of adipocytes (fat cells) during the repairing of tissue wounds from injuries such as skin cuts, heart attacks and stroke.

Earlier research by Turley, who discovered RHAMM, had shown that over-expression of this protein points to a poor patient outcome for such human cancers as breast, colon, rectal and stomach.

Bissell and Turley, working with mice, discovered that blocking the expression of the RHAMM protein – either by deleting its gene, or through the introduction of a blocking reagent – can be used to selectively induce the generation of fat cells to replace those lost in the aging process, said a Berkeley release.

“This technique could be developed as a means of providing a non-surgical approach for normalising skin appearance after reconstructive surgery, for wrinkle reduction, and for face lifts and figure enhancement,” said Bissell.

Passive smoking likely to cause impaired thinking, depression: Don’t take passive smoking lightly or you could end up with impared thinking, sleeplessness, depression and clouded consciousness, according to the latest research.

This is the first large-scale study to conclude that exposure to passive smoking could also lead to dementia and other neurological problems in adults. The research was led by David Llewellyn of University of Cambridge and his associates, which used saliva samples from nearly 5,000 non-smoking adults aged over 50 years.

By measuring levels of cotinine (a by-product of nicotine) in their saliva and taking a detailed smoking history, the researchers were able to assess levels of exposure to passive smoke.

Milk protein lowers blood pressure

Posted on by

New Orleans: Drinking milk can assist in lowering blood pressure, scientists at the Tulane University in New Orleans have discovered.

A trial on 140 patients with hypertension showed a significant drop in their blood pressure of between three and five per cent.

As a result the researchers are to carry out a larger trial to examine whether the protein in soy milk has a similar effect.

Just how proteins from milk work is not clear, although it is known that other foods, such as salt, potassium and alcohol, can have an effect on blood pressure.

Milk protein can be taken in supplement form, or as milk itself.

Eating the right food for your age

Posted on by

image
image

TEENAGERS

ANAEMIA (IRON): Teenage girls, particularly vegetarians are prone to anaemia. Partly because they loose iron in menstruation

at the same time as not getting it in the diet. Leafy green vegetables and apricots are good iron sources, but unless you eat

red meat twice a week, he recommends that teenage girls take an iron supplement containing vitamin C to aid absorption.

ACNE (ZINC): Zinc is vital for growth and repair of tissues and it regulates hormones.Low levels can lead to hormone

sensitivity and imbalances, a common trigger for teenage acne. Found in green leafy vegetables and seafood, Nigel recommends

an intake of 15 to 30mg of zinc a day – the equivalent of two servings of green vegetables or one serving of seafood.

MOODS(B-VITAMINS): Teenage blues are exacerbated by low levels of B-vitamins as well as zinc, magnesium and selenium. Vitamin

B6 (50mg daily) in particular has been shown to reduce PMS related mood swings. To ensure sufficient B-vitamins and

magnesium, teenagers should be eating three to five helpings of vegetables a day. Brazil nuts are a good source of selenium.

BONES (CALCIUM): Calcium is contained in cheese but it is far better to get it from grains and leafy green vegetables. Also

regular weight-bearing exercise which encourages calcium deposition in the
bones.

EARLY TO MID 20s

ALCOHOL (DEHYDRATION):
For every unit of alcohol consumed drink at least half a glass of water on top of the daily water requirement of two litres

per day. Eat fresh fruit and vegetables and take a good multivitamin and mineral supplement, which includes vitamins B and C as these are destroyed by alcohol.

ENERGY & STRESS (B-VITAMINS): Vitamin B helps the body release energy and promotes skin and hair health. The Bs are also

stress busters supporting the adrenal glands and nervous system. In addition to eating plenty of fresh vegetables, take a B

complex supplement to boost energy levels and reduce stress.

LATE 20s TO MID 30s

FERTILITY (MULTI VITAMINS/ZINC): Zinc plays a key role in fertility so a diet rich in leafy green vegetables and seafood for

good for women, and men, attempting to conceive. Vitamins C and E found in fruit and vegetables are also implicated in health reproductive function.

PREGNANCY (FOLIC ACID/OILY FISH): Women of childbearing age should consider a folic acid supplement (400mg daily) as this

reduces the risk of key birth defects. Pregnant women should also eat lots of oily fish containing essential fatty acids as these help with brain development in unborn babies.

AGEING AND WRINKLES (ANTIOXIDANTS): To slow the formation of wrinkles, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydrated skin and

eat lots of fruit and vegetables containing antioxidant nutrients which fight the effects of ageing. A daily antioxidant

supplement should be taken to protect against ageing diseases such as those of the heart or cancer.

STRESS (GINSENG/B-VITAMINS): Career and personal life stress can be assisted with B-vitamins and
Siberian Ginseng, a herbal supplement that protects the adrenal glands,

MID 30s TO 40s

SLOWING METABOLISM (HEALTHY SNACKS): Metabolism slows with age resulting in weight gain but a major study recently found that snacking – eating little and often – could prevent this. Blood sugar is also better controlled, preventing hunger pangs. To boost your metabolic rate, he also recommends Kelp supplements which contain iodine, a substance needed by the thyroid gland which regulates food breakdown.

WATER RETENTION (OILY FISH/SEEDS): Water retention, dry skin and mood swings at this age may be caused by low-fat diets

replacing them with so called slimmers’ foods. The body needs good fats for
skin health, hormone production and water regulation, so always remember to eat oily fish or seeds which contain essential fats. Eat slow release carbohydrates in fresh fruits and vegetables rather than slimming foods.

SKIN (EVENING PRIMROSE OIL): As well as antioxidant vitamins, eat plenty of oily fish or supplements of Evening Primrose Oil to prevent dry skin and fat soluble vitamins which fight wrinkles.’

50s AND 60s

MENOPAUSE (SOYA BEANS): Soyabeans and their derivatives Tofu and Tempeh – are rich in plant oestrogens, which replace falling oestrogen levels at the menopause. Eating two servings daily, or a 30mg supplement of soya isoflavones can offset the menopausal symptoms such as osteoporosis and mood swings. Tofu is also known to lower breast cancer risk.

HOT FLUSHES (BLACK COHOSH): A herbal remedy, available from most health
food shops, has been found in scientific studies to relieve hot flushes.

70 PLUS

IMMUNITY (THYME): Thyme picked from the garden and used in food is an excellent antioxidant and immune boosterUsed as an infusion in hot water, or rubbed onto the skin in oil, it can also break up mucus to relieve congestion. Eat little and often as large meals strain the digestive system, especially in the elderly, lowering immune function.

MEMORY (GINKGO BILOBA): This herbal supplement boosts circulation and oxygen supply helping prevent cold hands and feet. Studies have also found it effective in preventing memory loss and dementia.’

JOINTS (GLUCOSAMINE): Glucosamine is produced naturally in the body to repair cartilage, but with age, we produce less and less. Supplementation with glucosamine sulphate has been found to promote joint repair and supplements of 500mg daily can even reverse mild arthritis.’

To keep bones healthy, you should also eat lots of calciumrich grains and leafy green vegetables.

image
image