New Insight Into How Schwann Cells Repair Damage To Peripheral Nervous System

Editor's Choice
Main Category: Neurology / Neuroscience
Also Included In: Diabetes
Article Date: 04 Jun 2012 - 11:00 PDT Current ratings for:
'New Insight Into How Schwann Cells Repair Damage To Peripheral Nervous System'

Researchers have gained new insight into how cells that insulate the nerve cells in the peripheral nervous system, Schwann cells, protect and repair damage caused by disease and trauma.

The researchers state that their findings will help in the development of future treatments for the repair and improvement of damage to the peripheral nervous system.

The study, conducted by researchers from the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Exeter, together with colleagues from Rutgers University, Newark, and University College London, is published in the journal Neuroscience.

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of all the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. The main function of the PNS is to connect the central nervous system to the limbs and organs, thus allowing us to feel the sun on our face and motor information, that allows us to move.

However, the PNS can be damaged through trauma and can occur in individuals with common inherited conditions, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, and in diabetic neuropathy - which almost half of individuals with diabetes suffer from.

Symptoms include: Losing sensation in the hands and feetBladder control problemsDigestion problemsSexual function problemsProblems with blood pressure regulation Schwann cells provide the myelin sheath (insulation) for the nerve cells that transmit electrical signals to and form the spinal cord. The Schwann cells are able to transform back to an immature 'repair' cell due to their plasticity, thus allowing them to repair damage to the PNS. Although these cells are able to repair damage well, incomplete repair, perhaps after the severance of a nerve, may result in pain and long-term loss of function.

Although these cells are able to demyelinate, this makes them vulnerable to diseases, such as CMT, which affects 1 in 2,500 people. Variations in different CMT genes can cause cycles of repair and re-insulation (re-myelination). This can cause both Schwann cells and nerve cells to die as well as long-term damage. At present, there is no treatment for CMT and those with the disease suffer from increased sensory and motor problems which could leave them permanently disabled.

According to the researchers, findings from this study will lead to therapies to improve damage from severe trauma and stop the damage caused by CMT. Furthermore, they note that their may be the potential to improve repair in cases of diabetic neuropathy.

Professor David Parkinson, Associate Professor in Neuroscience, Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Exeter, explained:

"The findings of our research are excited because we have pinpointed and are understanding the mechanism by which our bodies can repair damage to the peripheral nervous system. With further investigation, this could well lead to therapies to repair nerve damage from trauma and mitigate the damage which related to common illnesses, such as CMT."

Written By Grace Rattue
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

Visit our neurology / neuroscience section for the latest news on this subject. p38 MAPK Activation Promotes Denervated Schwann Cell Phenotype and Functions as a Negative Regulator of Schwann Cell Differentiation and Myelination
David P. Yang, Jihyun Kim, Neeraja Syed, Young-john Tung, Ambily Bhaskaran, Thomas Mindos, Rhona Mirsky, Kristjan R. Jessen, Patrice Maurel, David B. Parkinson, and Haesun A. Kim
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Our Immune System Under Attack! How Can Ganoderma Help?

Why is our Immune System under attack today? There are many reasons. People in general are either too busy to take the time to provide nourishing meals for their families or many people make very poor choices when preparing meals. Fast food restaurants and processed foods have not only contributed to many people becoming obese, but the lack of foods high in Antioxidants and Nutrients is creating alarming concern among health care practitioners. Why?

Antioxidants and Nutrients feed the body and ward off diseases. When our cells become undernourished, the breakdown of the body begins. Antioxidants are phytochemicals, vitamins and other nutrients that build the immune system by protecting our cells from damage caused by free radicals. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that antioxidants help prevent the free radical damage that is associated with cancer and heart disease. When a free radical attacks a molecule, it will then become a free radical itself, causing a chain reaction which can result in the destruction of a cell. Antioxidants have the ability to neutralize free radicals without becoming free radicals themselves. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals then become inactive. So our bodies need a continuous supply of antioxidants to keep our immune system fine-tuned. The action of free rdicals could increase the risk of diseases such as cancer and heart problems and accelerate the aging process.

Another cause of the lack of nutritional value in our food chain is the length of time it takes to get fresh fruits and vegetables from the grower to our table. When a big juicy red delicious apple is picked from the tree, it immediately starts to lose it's nutritional value as does other produce. By the time we take our bite of this delicious looking apple it's nutritional value is almost completely depleted. So unless you have an apple tree in your back yard you may receive very little if any benefit from eating that apple.

So what can we do to supplement our source of Antioxidants and Nutrients? After much research, I found an herb that made a tremendous impact on my immune system. It is called Ganoderma Lucidum. In Japan it is known as 'Reishi' and in China as 'Lingzhi'. This herb has a 4000 year old history and was revered by Emperors and Kings for it's medicinal benefits. One of the reasons is it's high content of Antioxidants and Nutrients. When properly preserved, this mushroom has amazing ability to heal and keep the human body healthy. Today in the Orient it is prized as the 'King of Herbs'. For years this herb was virtually unavailable to the peoples of North America because of the way it grew. From a forest of over 10,000 dead plum trees, you may find one or two mushrooms that were edible. Over the past few years, growers have decided to mass produce this herb to make it available on global markets.

Ganoderma Lucidum or the Reishi Mushroom has one of the highest content of Antioxidants and Nutrients including polysaccharides and triterpenes. Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi) is one of the most highly regarded medicinal mushrooms and is probably the best choice when looking for a general health tonic to improve overall health and increase longevity. It is considered an Adaptogen and helps keep the body alkaline. Over 98% of all North Americans have acidic bodies. Disease cannot start in a properly maintained alkaline environment.

When purchasing Ganoderma Lucidum you want to make sure you are getting the best quality. To ensure this make sure to check the labeling. Many companies make the claim that their product is Organic but fail to provide what they claim. If it is not 100% certified organic with the certifications plainly displayed on the label, you are not getting the quality of Ganoderma that you think you are purchasing. 100% certified organic ganoderma is devoid of fillers and has been prepared free of any bacterial content. Inspection regularly at these farms by the proper authorities is a must and the Eco Cert Certification is the quality certification you need to see on the products you purchase. If the label does not say 100% certified organic it is most likely not and it is recommended you look for the labels that guarantee the highest quality of Reishi.

We live in a world far different from that of our Grandparent's day. It is not uncommon to see in public, people wearing protective masks on their faces. People are afraid to go into public places, such as hospitals, fearful of being in an infectious disease environment. As we heard this past winter, people flying the airways were exposed to viral infections and the flu. Our children in school are particularly exposed to disease germs that they bring home, thus infecting the whole family. The work place and gyms are especially vulnerable during high risk season for flu and virus infections. So, do we need to supplement our diet with something that will keep our immune system up and running smoothly? Most certainly, and we could not choose a better herb to do this than Ganoderma Lucidum. The Reishi Mushroom is definitely the 'King' when it comes to protecting our Immune System!

I am known on the Internet as "Java" Joan. Personal use of the Reishi Mushroom, Ganoderma Lucidum to build up my Immune System has been nothing short of a life changing experience. My passion for sharing this herb with the world is based on my constant use of the Reishi for over nine years. You can check out my video at the link below.

http://organojavajoan.com/healthy-coffee-business

Immune System Glitch Identified Which Is Linked To A Fourfold Higher Likelihood Of Death

Main Category: Immune System / Vaccines
Also Included In: Diabetes;  Heart Disease;  Respiratory / Asthma
Article Date: 06 Jun 2012 - 0:00 PDT Current ratings for:
'Immune System Glitch Identified Which Is Linked To A Fourfold Higher Likelihood Of Death'

Mayo Clinic researchers have identified an immune system deficiency whose presence shows someone is up to four times likelier to die than a person without it. The glitch involves an antibody molecule called a free light chain; people whose immune systems produce too much of the molecule are far more likely to die of a life-threatening illness such as cancer, diabetes and cardiac and respiratory disease than those whose bodies make normal levels. The study is published in the June issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

Researchers studied blood samples from nearly 16,000 people 50 and older enrolled in a population-based study of plasma cell disorders in Olmsted County, Minn. They found that those who had the highest level of free light chains - the top 10 percent - were about four times more at risk of dying than those with lower levels. Even after accounting for differences in age, gender and kidney function, the risk of death was roughly twice as high.

The study suggests that high levels of free light chains are markers of increased immune system response to infection, inflammation or some other serious disorders, says lead researcher Vincent Rajkumar, M.D., a Mayo Clinic hematologist.

Researchers have known that high levels of free light chains are associated with increased risk of death among patients with plasma disorders, such as lymphomas and other blood cancers, but this is the first study to find that high levels of light chains are associated with increased mortality in the general population. Free light chain levels can be measured by using a serum free light chain assay, a simple blood test. This test is often used to monitor light chain levels in patients with plasma disorders such as myeloma to gauge how well they are responding to treatment.

However, Dr. Rajkumar cautions against administering this test with the intent of gauging one's risk of death.

"We do not recommend this test as a screening test, because it will only cause alarm," Dr. Rajkumar says. "We do not know why this marker is associated with higher rates of death. We do not have a way of turning things around. Therefore, I would urge caution in using this test until we figure out what to do about it and what these results mean."

Plasma cells are white blood cells that produce large amounts of antibodies and are key to fighting off infection. The antibodies are comprised of two different types of molecules tightly joined to each other: heavy chains and light chains. Most people produce at least a slightly excess amount of light chains that can be detected in the blood in the "free" state, unbound to heavy chains. Free light chains are not usually a threat to health, but excess levels serve as a marker of underlying immune system stimulation, kidney failure or plasma cell disorders such as myeloma.

Next steps for researchers include identifying the precise mechanisms by which excess free light chains are associated with a higher likelihood of death and determining if specific diagnostic or treatment options need to be pursued.

Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release. Click 'references' tab above for source.
Visit our immune system / vaccines section for the latest news on this subject. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health. Freelite, the manufacturer of the serum free light chain assay, provided the serum free light chain assay reagents for this study.
Mayo Clinic Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

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Chinese Herbs - Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum) to Boost Immune System and Prevent Cancer

The interest of the modern Western world on the wisdom of the ancient eastern Chinese herbal remedy as a complementary or alternative therapy is rising and gaining popularity because of its holistic approach, emphasis on quality of life and prevention of illness by strengthening and restoring the body's immune system.

Building a strong immune system is critical for the body to recognize and eliminate cancerous cells. Cancer is a disease resulting from uncontrolled defective cell division from damaged genes from any parts of the body. A weaker or impaired immunity will increase your susceptibility to various bacterial and virus infection, allergies, eczema, chronic fatigue, sickness and aging prematurely also.

Modern advanced technology and scientific research have helped to unlock the many preventive and healing secrets in Chinese herbs.

History of Ancient Herbal Remedy

Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum) - is a mushroom commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine and traditional Japanese medicine. In Japan it is called Mannetake meaning 'thousand year mushroom'.

Its Chinese name is Lingzhi which means "herb of the spirit". It was a very rare and precious Chinese herb in ancient time and Emperors of the great Chinese dynasties and Japanese royalty drank teas and concoctions of Lingzhi for vitality and long life.

For over 2000 years Reishi mushroom has been the most cherished and sought after medicinal herb in Asia and rated as one of the superior herbs in the "Seng Nong's Herbal Classic", a 2000-year old medicinal Chinese book for:


its efficacy for multiple diseases
maintaining and restoring balance to the body's interdependent systems
safety in long-term consumption with no unfavorable side-effects
natural resistance of the body and longevity


The dried powder of reishi was popular as a cancer chemotherapy agent in ancient China. Research has shown that reishi clearly demonstrated anticancer activity with cancer cells and has possible therapeutic potential as a dietary supplement for an alternative therapy for breast and prostate cancer.

Medicinal mushrooms such as Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi) and Cordyceps have well been documented in many recent scientific studies to be potent medicine to enhance and support the body's immune function from certain compounds in them such as polysaccharides which increase the activity of the body's natural killer cells(lymphocytes) that are vital to eliminate foreign cells(such as cancer cells).

Supporting research reports published in the Journal of Alternative Complement Med. 2003, Journal of Cancer Integrative Medicine 2004, International Journal of Oncology 2004, FASEB 2004 showed that reishi clearly:


demonstrates anticancer activity in experiments with cancer cells
protects the liver and improves liver functions
has possible therapeutic potential as a dietary supplement for an alternative therapy for breast and prostate cancer

Health Benefits of Reishi(Ganoderma Lucidum):


supports the body's own immune system by promoting the activity of antibodies
improves the body's resistance to stress and infections
balances stress response
reduces allergies
promotes healthy liver function
enhances the body's detoxifying process to off load toxins
inhibits invasiveness of breast and prostate cancer cells
supports a normal, restful sleep
enhances vitality and energy

Tips to select the Best Reishi


choose red reishi - it has the highest quality extract and has most scientific evaluations
choose those with cracked spores - which release the medicinal benefits and better absorbed by body
solid wood log cultivation - this determines the potency of the resulting fungus
look for Good Manufacturing Practice(GMP) standards - this ensures the stability of reishi active bio-components harvested
standardization of active constituents - the effectiveness of reishi lies in its polysaccharides and triterpenes contents

Many commercial preparations are available, such as extracts, dietary supplement, tinctures, dried fruiting bodies, teas and teabags, tonics and pills.

Elena Leong is a health enthusiast and adviser in holistic health, a certified Aromatherapist by International Federation of Aromatherapy UK(IFA) and the founder of http://www.1Menopause.com ? a website for women going through menopause. She has helped many to restore their health and vitality through holistic therapy and herbal nutrition supplement.

What is Ganoderma Lucidum and Can This Herb Help Boost Your Immune System?

Would it not be amazing to live your life in full health, not having to worry about issues like weight, blood pressure, stress and so on? Is there a way for healthy weight loss? Without even going through all the trouble, like weight watchers, spending hours upon hours in the gym buying those expensive programs. Only to discover that you keep paying for them each month but you have lost your motivation?

What if there are natural remedies to boost your immune system, to have way more energy? Ever asked yourself why the chemically created pills most of the time do not work or work in a way that you need another pill to reduce the effect of the first one? Not too long ago I discovered something that goes by the name of Ganoderma Lucidum or Reishi (in Japan, known to the Chinese as Lingzhi). After doing research on this red mushroom, I am glad I found this herb, which in fact is known in Asia as "The King of Herbs".

What is Ganoderma Lucidum?

Ganoderma Lucidum or Reishi (in Japan), known to the Chinese as Lingzhi and Yeongji in Korea, is a red mushroom. Also known as 'The Herb of spiritual potency' or the '10,000 year mushroom'. Because of it's health benefits and absence of side effects it is considered to be the ultimate herbal mushroom.

It is hard to grow them in another climate then the tropics and it also takes knowledge of how to harvest them and understanding the process of using this herb to its full capacity. The mushroom itself tastes very bitter, not a motivation for many people to go and try it, although this medicinal mushroom can have huge health benefits for the human body.

The herb helps your body to be in balance. It has a wonderful effect on your body's organ functions especially the liver and the lungs (helps people with asthma and respiratory system problems). Ganoderma protects body from diseases as well as disorders. This magical mushroom is effective for all age groups, no exception.

Research

Scientific research has shown that this bitter tasting mushroom has a high percentage of the following four components (which will boost the immune system):

-organic germanium (this increases oxygen absorption on a cell level)
-triterpenes (builder,makes the digestive system,liver and heart muscles stronger)
-polysaccharides (cleanser, which enhances your natural healing ability. Also improves the functioning of the pancreas)
-Adenosine (regulator, controls cholesterol, balances hormones and endocrine and pH of your blood)

Conclusion

Ganoderma Lucidum is probably the most magical herb known to mankind so far. The natural ingredients in the herb have astonished many researchers but also people who started using this herb (infused in arabica coffee beans powder ) Increased vitality, energy levels and a real boost for the immune system.

Even though it is bitter of taste, once infused, with for example gourmet coffee (arabica beans with hardly any caffein in it), it tastes wonderful and gives heavy coffee drinkers a very healthy alternative too.

Being a heavy coffee drinker, I discovered the many benefits of drinking coffee infused with the Ganoderma Lucidum herb compared to drinking 'unhealthy' regular coffee. I have created a website called The Healthy Coffee Club check it out and come on over to have a healthy cup of coffee and a nice chat! Live healthier!