Is Obesity an Oral Bacterial Disease?---New research published in the June issue of the Journal of Dental Research suggests that oral bacteria may con

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 9, 2009 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The world-wide explosion of overweight people has been called an epidemic. The inflammatory nature of obesity is widely recognized. Could it really be an epidemic involving an infectious agent?

In this climate of concern over the increasing prevalence of overweight conditions in our society, investigators have focused on the possible role of oral bacteria as a potential direct contributor to obesity.

To investigate this possibility, the study's researchers J.M. Goodson, D. Groppo, S. Halem and E. Carpino measured salivary bacterial populations of overweight women. Saliva was collected from 313 women with a body mass index between 27 and 32, and bacterial populations were measured by DNA probe analysis. Levels in this group were compared with data from a population of 232 healthy individuals from periodontal disease studies. The median percentage difference of seven of the 40 bacterial species measured was greater than 2 percent in the saliva of overweight women. Classification tree analysis of salivary microbiological composition revealed that 98.4 percent of the overweight women could be identified by the presence of a single bacterial species (Selenomonas noxia) at levels greater than 1.05 percent of the total salivary bacteria. Analysis of these data suggests that the composition of salivary bacteria changes in overweight women.

It seems likely that these bacterial species could serve as biological indicators of a developing overweight condition. Of even greater interest, and the subject of future research, is the possibility that oral bacteria may participate in the pathology that leads to obesity.

The complete research study is published in the June issue of the International and American Associations for Dental Research's Journal of Dental Research, and is available online at http://jdr.sagepub.com/cgi/content/full/88/6/519.

About the International Association for Dental Research
The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) is a nonprofit organization with more than 10,000 individual members worldwide, dedicated to: (1) advancing research and increasing knowledge to improve oral health, (2) supporting the oral health research community, and (3) facilitating the communication and application of research findings for the improvement of oral health worldwide. To learn more, visit www.iadr.org. The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) is the largest Division of IADR, with nearly 4,000 members in the United States. To learn more, visit http://www.aadronline.com/.

About the Journal of Dental Research
The Journal of Dental Research is a multidisciplinary journal dedicated to the dissemination of new knowledge in all sciences relevant to dentistry and the oral cavity and associated structures in health and disease. At 3.966, the JDR holds the highest Five-Year Impact Factor of all dental journals publishing original research, with a cited half-life >10 years, reflecting the influential nature of the Journal's content. It also has the highest Eigenfactor Score in the field.
SOURCE International Association for Dental Research

Slow Aging with BlueBerries

Slow Aging with BlueBerries
Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Millions of people enjoy blueberries because they taste good and are versatile enough to be part of many different menu items. Blueberries, however, are also nutrient-rich and offer a host of health benefits, one of which may be slowing down the aging process.

This isn't to say that blueberries can turn back the hands of time, but they may help slow down some of the typical side effects of aging, most notably diminished mental capacity. In a USDA Human Nutrition Research Center laboratory study, researchers fed blueberry extractions to lab mice. The extractions were the equivalent of a human eating one cup of blueberries per day. The mice were then run through a series of motor tests. The mice who were given the blueberry extractions performed better than the control group on motor functions and memory. They also showed an increase of exploratory behavior.

The antioxidant components of blueberries that give them their vivid colour help reduce oxidative stress, as observed after looking at the brains of the treated mice. Oxidative stress is damage to cell membranes and DNA from free radicals. Antioxidants are known to find and eradicate free radicals. Oxidative stress is thought to be a main culprit in many of the dysfunctions and diseases common to aging.

The research on mice bodes well for people, primarily because the senior population in so many countries continues to grow. By 2050 it is estimated that more than 30 percent of the population will be over 65. It's likely that these individuals will be interested in looking and feeling their best for years to come.

Because of their neurological, motor-function link, blueberries may be essential to reducing the severity of neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's and other dementias.
Apart from anti-aging properties, blueberries and their antioxidants can help with general health as well. There have been links to diets rich in blueberries and urinary tract health due to reduction of the adhesion of bacteria. Plus, blueberries may play a role in preventing certain cancers and cardiac issues.
Individuals interested in adding blueberries to their diet can do so in many ways. Whether enjoying blueberries atop cereals, on muffins or simply straight out of the refrigerator, incorporating servings of this fruit into a diet can be beneficial and delicious.

To see more of the Cayman Net News or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.caymannetnews.com/.

Sleep Link to Heart Risk

Sleep Link to Heart Risk
Birmingham Mail
07-03-09
WOMEN who get less than the recommended eight hours sleep a night are at higher risk of heart disease than men with the same sleeping patterns, Midland researchers have found.
Lack of sleep could be much more dangerous to women than men, according to a study University of Warwick and University College London.

Researchers found levels of inflammatory marker Interleukin-6 , which is related to coronary heart disease, were significantly lower in women who reported sleeping less than the recommended amount.

A second marker, High-sensitivity C-reactive protein, which is predictive of future cardiovascular morbidity were higher still in women who reported sleeping five hours or less.

Some nutrients work better in pairs

Some nutrients work better in pairs
United Press International
06-30-09
BOSTON, Jun 29, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Most nutrients don't fly solo -- they can interact, join forces or even cancel each other out -- a U.S. health newsletter reports.

Two of the key nutrient pairs the Harvard Health Letter writers mention are:
Vitamin D and calcium. Calcium is easily absorbed, primarily in the small intestine, if large quantities are present but in smaller amounts the mineral gets absorbed with active assistance from vitamin D. Right now, official nutrition guidelines recommend adults get 1,000 mg of calcium and 400 International Units of vitamin D daily. However, some experts say a much higher vitamin D intake -- 1,000 IU daily or more -- is even better.

Sodium and potassium. Although sodium is an essential nutrient, most Americans consume far more of it each day than they need, raising their blood pressure and increasing their chances of having a stroke or heart attack.
Potassium counters the harmful cardiovascular effects of a sodium surplus by encouraging the kidneys to excrete sodium. Many studies show a connection between high potassium intake and lower blood pressure and suggest the potassium-to-sodium ratio may be more important than potassium -- or sodium -- alone.

Higher vitamin C levels associated with improved vascular function in type 1 diabetes

Higher vitamin C levels associated with improved vascular function in type 1 diabetes
In an article published online on June 24, 2009 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Scandinavian researchers report that young type 1 diabetic patients with higher vitamin C levels have better vascular function compared to those with lower levels of the vitamin. Vascular function and structure changes can occur early in type 1 diabetes, and are associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular mortality later in life.

Petru Liuba and Michael Odermarsky of Lund University Hospital in Sweden, along with Jens Lykkesfeldt of the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, recruited 33 male and 26 female diabetic patients between the ages of 10 and 22 for the current study. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT, which measures atherosclerosis), assessments of cutaneous microvascular function, cardiac depolarization and repolarization (evaluated via electrocardiogram as QT interval corrected for heart rate, which, when prolonged, is a predictor of adverse cardiovascular prognosis), lipids, and plasma C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, vitamin C and oxidized vitamin C (dehydroascorbic acid) were assessed.

For subjects whose plasma vitamin C levels were among the lowest third of participants, carotid artery intima-media thickness and QT interval duration were greater than those whose vitamin C levels were in the highest third. Additionally, an assessment of cutaneous microvascular response was reduced in those whose vitamin C levels were lowest.
Oxidized vitamin C was found to increase as vitamin C levels decreased--a correlation that has been found in smokers. The finding suggests the presence of high oxidative stress levels in type 1 diabetes patients.

"It is not yet known whether vitamin C supplementation at a younger age could decelerate intimal thickening or retard the onset of cardiovascular complications in later life," the authors write. "On the basis of the epidemiologic evidence, this might be an important task for future studies given the predictive value of childhood cIMT in atherosclerosis progression and complications in the adult life."

Test Your Nutrition IQ

Test Your Nutrition IQ
The Sacramento Bee, Calif.
06-19-09
Want to lose weight?

Well, you could try exercising. Or, according to a new study, you could try consuming curcumin, a compound found in the spice turmeric, a staple of some Asian diets.

Take our quiz about curcumin.

1. According to a study in the May issue of the Journal of Nutrition, curcumin could stall the spread of fat tissue in what way:

a) inhibiting new blood vessel growth
b) increasing adrenalin levels
c) decreasing glycogen stores

2. The study was performed on which group:
a) rats
b) mice
c) rabbits

3. True or false: The curcumin-ingesting group also had lower levels of blood glucose, triglyceride, fatty acid, cholesterol and liver fat.

4. In addition to being an ingredient in curry powder and being used as a coloring agent in other dishes, curcumin has been found in which nonfood group:
a) floor wax
b) cosmetics
c) printing ink

5. In addition to its weight-loss property, curcumin has been shown in studies to help ease the symptoms of which condition:
a) attention-deficit
b) epilepsy
c) Crohn's

ANSWERS: 1:a; 2:b; 3:true; 4:b; 5:c
Sources: www.ars.usda.gov; www.food-info.net; www.advance-health.com.

Too stressed? Take a walk, have an orange

Too stressed? Take a walk, have an orange
United Press International
06-01-09

DALLAS, May 29, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Reducing stress is important because numerous studies have shown that people constantly stressed are more at risk of illness or disease, a U.S. expert says.
Bernadette Latson, assistant professor of clinical nutrition at University of Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, says the best way to address stress, particularly for office workers, is to get away from the computer monitor and take a brief walk or stretch break.

Incorporating stress-fighting foods into your daily diet can also help, Latson advises.
"A bowl of warm oatmeal will boost a calming brain chemical known as serotonin, while foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids will help keep the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline in check," Latson, a registered dietitian, says in a statement.

Other stress-fighting foods suggestions include:

A glass of skim or low-fat milk before bed can help reduce tension and anxiety.

Oranges, rich in vitamin C, strengthen the immune system and reduce stress hormone levels.
URL: www.upi.com