24th Aug 2011, 11:41 am by Olivia D'Orazio

United Therapeutics (NASDAQ:UTHR) announced Wednesday that its drug intended to treat patients suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) failed to meet the primary goal of a phase three study, causing its stock to plummet.

PAH is a disease characterized by increased blood pressure in the lungs, and is marked by a reduced tolerance for exercise. Common symptoms include dyspnea, fatigue, and fainting, among others.

The endpoint of the 16 week placebo-controlled study was based on patients’ six-minute walk distance – a test designed to determine how far a patient can walk in six minutes, and factors in conditions such as fatigue, dyspnea, or shortness of breath.

Mean walk distance was 333 metres at the start of the study, and by the end of the trial, the mean change was ten metres, for those in the United drug arm and the placebo group.

There was not enough of a difference between patients treated with United’s drug, and with the placebo, to determine definitive results, the company said.

United’s treprostinil diethanolamine drug is a sustained-release treatment and is administered orally to treat PAH by inducing the widening of arteries in the lungs and body.

The trial, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, examined 310 patients currently treated for the disease. Each patient received either the treprostinil diethanolamine drug, or a placebo, twice daily.

“While we did not achieve a statistically significant result for this trial, we believe the positive results from our previously-announced FREEDOM-M study support an NDA filing of oral treprostinil in treatment naive patients,” said president and CEO, Roger Jeffs.

Indeed, the company’s previous phase 3 trial, called Freedom-M, showed that the mean change for the six-minute walk distance for those taking United’s drug was 23 metres.

“Given that treprostinil is already approved for use in PAH by subcutaneous, intravenous and inhaled routes of administration, we believe the data obtained from all FREEDOM trials support an NDA for oral treprostinil in this indication,” added Jeffs.

United said it is continuing further review and analysis of the preliminary results from the latest trial. the company still also plans to complete the new Drug Application (NDA) for the drug, to be filed in the first half of 2012.

The Silver Spring, Maryland-based company’s stock on the Nasdaq exchange plunged 17.45% as of 10:59 am EDT, to trade at $40.25 per share on Wednesday.

The month of February is National Heart Health Awareness Month. we should familiarize ourselves with the signs and symptoms of the No. 1 killer that continues to haunt this country — cardiovascular disease. it is essential to understand coronary heart disease and heart attack.

Here are several key bits of information:

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood, nutrients, and oxygen to the heart muscle. when this occurs, the individual is diagnosed with coronary heart disease. according to the American Heart Association, 500,000 people die each year of heart attack that is caused by coronary heart disease.

CHD is caused by the buildup of both fatty buildup and cholesterol in the wall of the arteries causing hardened and narrowing that result in diminish blood supply to the heart muscle. this condition is known as atherosclerosis. The individual sometimes complain of chest pain (angina) due to the reduction of blood flow to the heart muscle. this is the early sign of a heart attack.

A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to the heart muscle is completely shut off. Some of the symptoms include chest pain — sometimes described as pressure or sharp pain — shortness of breath, indigestion, nausea, and pain between the shoulder blades, pain in one or both arms, pain in the jaw, abdominal pain, and sometimes cold or hot sweaty skin.

Can coronary heart disease be prevented?

The first and most important thing is to make regular appointments with your physician and follow-up appointments especially if there is a family history of heart disease. Change your lifestyle by eliminating high-fat foods and include regular exercise in your daily routine. for instance, walk for 30 minutes daily. this may prove beneficial in maintaining your ideal body weight. Take prescribed medications to control your blood pressure, and stop smoking. You should know your cholesterol levels and normal laboratory values for both LDH, and LDL. The Mayo Clinic released on July 21, 2010, the normal range of LDH and HDL.

Here's a look at those cholesterols:

LDH: Lactate Dehydrogenase (the bad cholesterol). It's an enzyme found in many body tissues, such as the liver, kidneys, skeletal muscles, blood cells, and lungs. this enzyme carries cholesterol — a wax-like substance — to many organs and body tissue that is beneficial for the cells. However, if there is an excess, it can build up in the body vessel and this could cause coronary heart disease and possibly a heart attack. this laboratory test is ordered to determine if there is tissue damage to rule out heart attack or other conditions. Normal LDH is 105-333 Iu/L (international units per liter). if the result is elevated, it could possibly indicate a heart attack.

HDL: High-density lipoprotein (the good cholesterol). The more elevated this number is the better because this enzyme picks up and transports excess cholesterol to the liver where it is metabolized. Normal range: men less than 40 mg/dL and in women less than 50 mg/dL.

If you witness an individual with any of the symptoms described, you should phone 911 immediately. if the person is unconscious, check for a pulse and if you are unable to feel a pulse, begin CPR immediately because a high percentage of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before arriving to the hospital. Encourage friends and family to enroll in a CPR class. this could be a matter of life or death.

Joyce Peacock is a registered nurse.

Some important FactsAbout Vitamin C

If you could takeonly a single vitamin, it must be Vitamin C or ascorbic acid. the function of vitamin C in the body is notcompletely understood. Chemically it functions as a reducing agent. Vitamin Cconcentrates in the organs and tissues of high metabolic activity such asthe adrenal and pituitary glands, the brain, eyes, ovaries and other vitaltissues.

Functions of VitaminC

One of the most important functions of Vitamin C or ascorbicacid is in the synthesis and maintenance of collagen.. Collagen is theprotein-like cement that supports andholds the body’s tissues and organs together. Collagen cannot be formed withoutascorbic acid and in the absence ofcollagen, our body’s most extensive tissue system, we would disintegrate and dissolve away..Whenthere is deficiency in Vitamin C , it results to disturbance in collagenproduction causing occurrence of fearful aspects of scurvy, the brittle bones that fracture at theslightest impact since collagen providesbones with their elasticity and toughness, the weakened arteries that rupturethe bleed,etc. the gradual deteriorationof collagen formation is associated with the entire aging process.

Vitamin also functions as a powerful detoxifier in the body. it negates the effects of heavymetals such as lead, mercury, andarsenic, the carbon monoxide and sulfurdioxide of air pollution and many other carcinogens which if notdetoxified can cause cancer.

Vitamin C also increases the therapeutic of various drugs and medicines such as aspirinand insulin, while at the same time reducing their toxic side effects. In large doses , Vitamin C has antiseptic and bacteriocidal qualities. In very large doses about 10grams to 1000 grams, it helps kill viruses.

Vitamin C Deficiency

Severe deficiency of Vitamin C leads to the sickness known as scurvy. Thesymptoms include hemorrhage into the muscles and skin, tenderness and aching ofjoints, a general weakening ofconnective tissues, lethargy, loss of appetite and anemia.

The following are symptoms of scurvy :

- failure of strength

- skin becomes sallow and dusky

- the gums swell and ulcerate

- breath becomes foul

- blood penetrates the muscles and other tissues causinga severe bruising

- in final stage deep exhaustion and diarrhea

- as well as pulmonary and kidney trouble leading todeath.

Vitamin C and the Mind

Mental symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency are fatigue, listlessness, lassitude,confusion and depression. the face wears a haggard frowning, “pained” expression with a carewornknitted brow.

Confusional states in the elderly often mistakenlyconsidered as senility may be due to Vitamin C deficiency and will clearwith intake of 1000milligrams of VitaminC daily for three weeks.

Vitamin C in doses of one to two grams at a time works as a tranquilizer for the anxious. due to the vitamin’s sedative effects ,similar doses help the insomniac fall asleep.

A dosage of 3 to 30 grams of Vitamin C daily are helpful insevere mental illness, where the sufferers is stressed by extreme anxiety.Possibly also Vitamin C acts to detoxify a brain poison, as Vitamin C helps convert a body chemical ,adrenochrome to leucoadrenochrome, anon-toxic substance. one theory ofschizophrenia is that the substance adrenochrome is converted instead toadrenolutin, a toxin which causes hallucination and bizarre sensorydys-perception.

Sources of Vitamin C

Leafy green vegetables

SOURCE :

VITAMIN SECRETS BY ROGEN INTERNATIONAL

Viridian Coleus Forskholii

The basic mechanism of action of Coleus is the activation of an enzyme, adenylate cyclase, which increases the amount of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in cells. Cyclic AMP is perhaps the most important cell regulating compound. once formed it activates many other enzymes involved in diverse cellular functions. the effects of raised cAMP include: inhibition of mast cell degranulation and histamine release, inhibition of platelet activation and degranulation, increased force of contraction of heart muscle, relaxation of the arteries and other smooth muscles, increased insulin secretion, increased thyroid function, and increased lypolysis (fat breakdown).  Note: smooth muscle refers to the tissue found in the bronchials, GI tract, uterus, bladder and arteries.

• ANTI-ALLERGIC – Conditions such as eczema and asthma are characterised by a relative decrease in cAMP in the skin and bronchial smooth muscle, respectively. the effect of this causes mast cell degranulation and smooth muscle contraction along with excessive levels of platelet activating factor (PAF). PAF plays a central role in many inflammatory and allergic responses including bronchoconstriction and reduced coronary blood flow. most modern drugs for allergic symptoms are designed to increase cAMP levels. Coleus achieves this through improving enzyme activity without negative side effects.

• SKIN CELL REGULATOR – Psoriasis is a common skin disorder believed to be caused by a decrease in cAMP in relation to another cell-regulating substance, cyclic guanine monophosphate (cGMP). the result of this is a dramatic increase in cell division (1000 times the normal level). Studies have indicated that Coleus may be very useful for psoriasis sufferers because of its balancing effect on cAMP and cGMP.

• CARDIOVASCULAR SUPPORT – one of the most beneficial aspects of Coleus appears to be relating to its use in conditions such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, and angina. Coleus has been shown to reduce blood pressure along with improving the contractility of the heart. this improvement in function appears to be mainly due to the increase in cAMP. Coleus is also noted for its effects on reducing platelet aggregation and acting as a direct cerebral vasodilator.

• WEIGHT CONTROL / HYPOTHYROIDISM – Coleus may offer benefit through regulating lypolysis (breakdown of stored fat) and increasing thyroid hormone production and release.

• MALABSORPTION AND DIGESTIVE DISORDERS – Coleus stimulates digestive secretions i.e. HCL, pepsin, amylase and pancreatic enzymes. Coleus has also demonstrated effects in improving nutrient absorption in the small intestine as well as improving the release of salivary amylase (helpful in cases of dry mouth).

Dosage

50mg two to three times daily, standardised to contain 10 percent forskolin.

Potential applications

Eczema / Psoriasis, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders, allergic conditions, glaucoma, weight control, IBS, dry mouth syndrome, immune enhancement.

Known contraindications

Caution suggested in those with peptic ulcer or hypotension.

Interactions

Caution in those taking anti-coagulant, antihypertensive, and antiasthmatic medication as it may potentiate the effects of these drugs.

Useful links

May be particularly useful in combination with Hawthorn in some cases. other links include milk thistle, digestive enzymes, quercetin, flax/hemp seed oil.

More from Viridian Nutrition, Certified Organic Vitamins & Supplements

Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike substance that the dead body needs to function normally.

Cholesterol is naturally there in cell walls or membranes everywhere in the body, including the brain, nerves, muscles, skin, liver, intestines, and heart.

The body uses cholesterol to create many hormones, vitamin D, and the bile acids that help to digest fat. it takes only a small amount of cholesterol in the blood to meet these needs.

For more information please visit ayurvedicherbalcure.com

Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike body that your body needs to function normally. Cholesterol is naturally present in cell walls or membranes everywhere in the body, including the brain, nerves, muscles, skin, liver, intestines, and heart.

Cholesterol is used by your body to build healthy cells, as well as some vital hormones. if you have too much cholesterol in your bloodstream, the excess may be deposited in arteries, including the coronary (heart) artery, where it contributes to the narrowing and blockages that cause the signs and symptoms of heart disease.

Symptoms of high cholesterol typically are rare. High cholesterol levels are generally identified from a blood test. the symptoms seen are actually from the end-result of high cholesterol for health issues such as coronary disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.

People with severely elevated cholesterol may have fat deposits in tendons and skin (called xanthomas), liver and spleen swelling (that the doctor will feel on exam), and abdominal pain if pancreatitis develops.

High Cholesterol Treatment

A high cholesterol behavior aims to reduce the risk of serious health problems that may occur since of high cholesterol.

ayurvedicherbalcure.com/home-remedies/cholestrol-homeremedies.html

There are two types of cholesterol, bad cholesterol (LDL, or low-density lipoproteins) and good cholesterol (HDL, or high-density lipoproteins). High levels of LDL cholesterol are well thought-out a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Usually, high cholesterol treatment not only focuses on lower the bad cholesterol, but also raising the good cholesterol. an ideal way of life for lower cholesterol includes cholesterol lowering diet, regular exercise and weight loss. when a patient takes a right medicine along with proper lifestyle, a severe drop in cholesterol is achieve.

Home Remedies for Cholesterol

The patient suffering from high blood cholesterol should drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily as it stimulate the excretory commotion of the kidneys. good Home Remedy to Lower Cholesterol.

Onion juice reduces cholesterol level and works as a tonic. it cleans blood, helps digestive system, cures insomnia and regulate the heart action & helps in lowering cholesterol. this is a good and simple home remedy for cholesterol.

A mudpack applied over the abdomen improves digestion and also improves the functioning of the liver and activate kidneys to promote excretion.

Oat bran 14 is also highly beneficial in lowering the cholesterol levels and is one of the useful home remedies for cholesterol.

Steam baths are also beneficial but the persons suffering from circulatory disorders and hypertension should not use this water treatment.

Cold hipbaths for 10 minutes in use twice every day have been proven beneficial. Another good Home Remedy to Lower Cholesterol.

Cholesterol treatment – Yogasanas like ardhamatsyaendrasana, shalabhansan, padmasana and vajrasana are also of use in lowering blood cholesterol.

Read more on Home Remedies for Cholesterol and Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure and Liver Support

The colon is the last part of the digestive tract that helps in digestion. often, the outer lining of the colon gets inflamed due to infections, a condition medically known as ‘colitis’. as a result of the inflammation, the lining of the colon and rectum get sore and is often associated with abdominal pain and diarrhea. Colon inflammation can occur due to several reasons including bacterial infection (infectious colitis), narrowing of arteries that limit blood supply to the colon (ischemic colitis), harmful chemicals infused in the colon (chemical colitis), autoimmunity (ulcerative colitis), and colon wall glutted with lymphocytes and collagens (microscopic colitis). Colon inflammation can also be associated with colon cancer in which blood appears in the stools. The signs of ulcerative colitis are similar to another common inflammatory bowel disease, ‘crohn’s disease’. Physicians often go for colonoscopy to diagnose the disease. if you wish to learn more about the signs and symptoms of colon inflammation, here is an overview of the symptoms of the same. Read on to educate yourself more on this.

Signs & Symptoms of Colon Inflammation

Treatment for Colon Inflammation Consult with your physician for early diagnosis if you exhibit any of the above signs and symptoms. Colon infection originating from bacterial infection is treated with antibiotics along with anti-inflammatory medications. if the patient does not respond well to anti-inflammatory medication, he or she is treated with drugs that suppress the immune system. Intravenous fluid is given to patients who are suffering from ‘ischemic colitis’, to give rest to the colon. Many patients require surgical intervention to get relief from this painful condition. Doctors particularly suggest surgery when patients have massive bleeding from the colon due to the inflammation. Surgery is particularly recommended to treat a ruptured colon that is highly at risk of developing cancer. In colon surgery, surgeons usually remove the colon and the rectum and create a small opening (stoma) for release of bowel waste. A small opening is made in the abdomen which is then connected to the small intestine. A plastic bag (known as colostomy bag) is then placed over the opening where feces get accumulated.  

It is common observation that heart diseases are on the rise and they are no longer restricted to people of a certain age or gender. every person has the potential to suffer from a cardiovascular complication. in such a situation, it is very important that people know about its causes and signs so that timely steps can be taken.

There are different types of cardiovascular diseases. the most common of them all is coronary heart disease or CHD. it develops when plaque blocks or narrows the veins or arteries of the body. Plaque is usually caused by fats, dead cells, high cholesterol and calcium deposits in the arterial walls. When arteries become completely blocked, a person can also suffer from heart attack and strokes. it has been reported by the Centre for Disease Control that sixty percent of all deaths are caused by coronary heart disease. This is due to the fact that CHD has no obvious signs and symptoms.

Another type of heart disease is congestive heart failure or CHF. When the heart is unable to pump sufficient amount of blood needed by the body, then congestive heart failure occurs. This is one of the most alarming kinds of cardiovascular diseases. its causes include hypertension, myocarditis, an infection-like disease of muscles, and coronary heart problems.

Atherosclerosis is also a form of cardiovascular disease in which arteries become hard. This is caused when high levels of cholesterol become deposited in the walls of the arteries. as these deposits grow in size, they first narrow and then completely block the arteries. This in result makes it harder for blood and oxygen to be distributed in the body. This is why some parts of the body like brain, eyes, kidneys and the guts suffer from a lack of oxygen.

The best way to prevent any type of heart disease is to exercise and to avoid foods that contain fats and lead to plaque deposits in arteries. Smoking is also injurious to health and should be stopped altogether. Add Omega 3 fish oil supplements to your diet. Checking your cholesterol levels regularly is an effective way of knowing what is happening inside your body. Try to keep your cholesterol within normal limits because this will go a long way in safeguarding you from heart disease.