Anorexia nervosa is one type of eating disorder. Anorexia does not harm everybody the same way. For example, evidence suggests that the results of the disease in adolescents may differ from those in adults. It usually starts in the teenage years. Anorexia is more than just a problem with food. most people with anorexia are female. It is characterized by low body weight and body image distortion with an obsessive fear of gaining weight. Individuals with anorexia often control body weight by voluntary starvation, purging, vomiting, excessive exercise, or other weight control measures, such as diet pills or diuretic drugs. Anorexia is a life-threatening condition that can put a serious strain on many of the body’s organs and physiological resources. For many individuals with anorexia, the destructive cycle begins with the pressure to be thin and attractive. A poor self-image compounds the problem.

Anorexia is a condition that goes beyond out-of-control dieting. Treatment will vary depending on the individual circumstances. Women who develop this eating disorder at an early age have a better chance of complete recovery. Anorexia nervosa is a life-threatening illness, and should be treated as soon as possible. It tends to occur in post-puberty, but can develop at any major life change. People with anorexia nervosa usually lose weight by reducing their total food intake and exercising excessively. Many persons with this disorder restrict their intake to fewer than 1,000 calories per day. Persons with anorexia nervosa develop strange eating habits such as cutting their food into tiny pieces, refusing to eat in front of others, or fixing elaborate meals for others that they themselves don’t eat. There is no one single treatment that has proven to be effective in all cases. in some cases, medication is necessary, especially where there is depression or serious compulsive symptoms.

Causes of Anorexia nervosa

The exact cause of anorexia nervosa is not known. Traumatic events like rape as well as stressful things like starting a new job, can lead to the onset of anorexia. Genes, hormones, and chemicals in the brain may be factors in developing anorexia. Eating disorders also tend to run in families, with female relatives most often affected. A girl has a 10 to 20 times higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa, for instance, if she has a sibling with the disease. Behavioral and environmental influences may also play a role. Stressful events are likely to increase the risk of eating disorders as well.

Symptoms of Anorexia nervosa

Symptoms of anorexia nervosa include:

1. Extreme dieting, including skipping meals or extended fasting.

2. Self-esteem that depends on weight and appearance.

3. Skin dryness or flakiness.

4. Brittle nails and hair.

5. Intolerance to cold.

6. Poor concentration.

Treatment of Anorexia nervosa

Treatment will vary depending on the individual circumstances. in some cases, medication is necessary, especially where there is depression or serious compulsive symptoms. Some form of psychotherapy is needed to deal with underlying emotional issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is sometimes used to change abnormal thoughts and behaviors. Group therapy is often advised so people can share their experiences with others. Family therapy is important particularly if the individual is living at home and is a young adolescent. if the weight loss becomes serious admission to hospital may be required. Severe and life-threatening malnutrition may require intravenous feeding.

Juliet Cohen – About the Author:

Juliet Cohen writes articles for cancer treatment.

Recently Boswellia Serrata (frankincense) has received much attention due to its anti-inflammatory action.the use of this plant is common in the African, Chinese, and Ayurvedic traditional medicines.

It is now used comprehensively in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is also popularly known as Salai Guggal which comes as a powdered extract of the gum resin from Boswellia tree which contains Boswellic Acid. This Salai Guggal contains upto 16% essential oil (mostly alpha-thujene and p-cymene), along with terpenoids and gum.

Four pentacyclic triterpene acids have been identified, the major one being beta-Boswellic Acid (BA), which is bellieved to be the main active principle. An ethanol extract of the gum resin is commonly used as the active substance. the Boswellic acid is shown to inhibit leukotriene biosynthesis. Compounds from the gum with proven anti-inflammatory effects are pentacyclic triterpenes of the BA type. recently the tetracyclic triterpene 3-oxo-tirucallic acid has been identified as a key active principle in Boswellia resin.

BA function as specific, nonredox inhibitors of leukotriene synthesis either interacting directly with 5-lipoxigenase or blocking its translocation. BA are specific, non-reducing type inhibitors of 5-lipoxygenase. in addition to their effects on the lipoxygenase system, certain BA inhibit elastase in leukocytes, inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis, and inhibit topoisomerases of leukoma and glioma cell lines. A series of chronic infalmmatory diseases are plausibly perpetuated by leukotrienes.

In clinical trials promising results supporting the anti-inflammatory effects of Boswellia extract (BE) were observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis,chronic colitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, bronchial asthma, and peritumoral brain edema. the enzymatic oxidation of arachidonic acid yields potent pathological agents by two major pathways, prostaglandin and lipoxygenase. The lipoxygenase pathway generates a new class of arachidonic acid oxygenation products, called the leukotrienes which mediates inflammation. unlike the prostaglandins, some of which play important roles as biological regulators, the action of the lipoxygenase products appear to be exclusively of a pathological nature. Thus the anti-lipoxygenase activity of BA are likely to have therapeutic implications.

Another relevant action of Boswellic acids is the inhibition of of enzymes such as leukocyte elastase and hyaluronidase, which degrade the extracellular matrix and contribute to the tissue degeneration processes typical of inflammation.Due to their multiple properties, Boswellic acids are used as analgesic, anti-rheumatic, anti-allergic, anti-histamatic, antiedemic, antileukemic, and anti-tumor agents. its anti-inflammatory properties make it extremely useful in the soothing of skin irritations. in these treatments the inhibitory action of Boswellic acids on metalloproteinases plays a substantial role, since some of these enzymes become activated in case of skin irritation.

Tamir Biotechnology, inc. (Pink Sheets: ACEL) (formerly Alfacell Corporation) announced today that scientists supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) reported test results confirming two of our lead compounds showed excellent in vitro antiviral activity and no cellular toxicity at dose levels tested for Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Testing was performed using the HPV 11 strain, which along with HPV type 6, is responsible for ninety percent of genital or anal warts.

According to the scientist performing the test, the results were among the top one to two percent seen by the researcher for testing of HPV type 11. The report states the following: “Excellent antiviral activity and no cellular toxicity at doses tested.”

Within the last several months, we have reported significant results for our compounds against Dengue Fever, Yellow Fever, SARS, CMV, and now HPV. We are on the cusp of building an impressive antiviral portfolio that will be targeting viruses where there is currently an unmet need.  besides the fact that our drugs have shown significant antiviral activity against the viruses mentioned above, equally impressive is the fact that very low concentrations of our drugs were needed in order to show this significant antiviral activity.

It is important to realize that Onconase®, our lead compound, has been in clinical studies for other oncology indications and has proven itself to be well tolerated in over 1,000 patients treated to date.  We cannot stress enough how significant our drug safety profile is as we look into entering into human clinical trials for those viruses where we have reported significant antiviral activity without the toxicity levels inherent with other viral therapies.

“This latest HPV result confirms and validates the broad range of antiviral activity our compounds have demonstrated in both RNA and DNA viruses. It is quite unusual to find a group of compounds targeting a broad range of viruses from different viral families. These are very exciting times for our shareholders, primary care physicians, and for those patients suffering from these diseases who, for so long, have been waiting for drugs that are safe and effective,” stated Tamir Chief Executive Officer Charles Muniz.

About Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the name for a group of viruses that includes more than 100 types. More than forty types of HPV can be passed through sexual contact. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States and the world.

When referring to HPV, there are four types of the virus one should know about. This is because these four types cause the most cases of HPV-related diseases in males and females. HPV type 6 and 11 cause about 90% of genital wart cases in males and females. HPV types 16 and 18 cause about 75% of cervical cancers, 70% vaginal cancers, and up to 50% vulvar cancers in females. HPV is thought to be the only cause of cervical cancer, as well as vaginal infections with discharge and chronic infections of the urinary tract.

HPV affects both males and females. HPV transmission can happen with any kind of genital contact with someone who has HPV. Intercourse isn’t necessary in order to contract HPV. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately twenty million Americans are currently infected with HPV and an additional six million are infected every year. HPV has become so common that at least fifty percent of sexually active men and women will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Half of those infected with HPV are between fifteen and twenty-four years of age.

How Is HPV Spread

HPV is spread through direct sexual contact or, more rarely, skin-to-skin contact during sexual acts. Genital warts, the most obvious sign of HPV infection, are highly contagious. About two-thirds of people who have sexual contact with a partner with genital warts will develop warts, usually within three months of contact.

Signs and Symptoms

The most easily recognized sign of genital HPV infection is genital warts. Genital warts are usually flesh-colored growths that can be raised, flat, or cauliflower-shaped. they can be small or large, and appear alone or in clusters. in males, they can appear on the surface of the penis, scrotum, thigh, groin, or in and around the anus. in females, warts can grow inside a woman’s vagina, or on the cervix, making them hard to see. Most people who have a genital HPV infection do not know they are infected because many types of the virus remain latent and cause no symptoms. Noticeable symptoms are warts over the genital areas of men and women, including the inner thighs and sometimes the inside of the mouth and throat.

The Different Types of HPV Warts

Common warts usually appear on the hands, but can appear anywhere.

Flat warts are generally found on the face and forehead. they are common in children, less common in teens, and rare in adults.

Genital warts are usually found on the genitals, in the pubic area, and in the area between the thighs, but they can also appear inside the vagina and anal canal.

Plantar warts are found on the soles of the feet.

Subungual and periungual warts appear under and around the fingernails or toenails.

Treatment

Although there is currently no medical cure for human papillomavirus infection, the benign lesions and warts these viruses cause can be treated. however, treatment for genital warts can be a painful process which can involve cutting, freezing, laser, or burning the warts with Trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Another treatment is loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), where tissue is removed using a hot wire loop. Even after treatment, genital warts can come back. in fact, twenty-five percent of cases come back within three months.

Market

In the United States, $1.7 billion is spent annually to treat HPV infections. The market for HPV can be broken down into three distinct categories:

Vaccines: Two vaccines are available to prevent infection by some HPV types: Gardasil, marketed by Merck; and Cervarix, marketed by GlaxoSmithKline. Both vaccines protect against initial infection for HPV types 16 and 18, which cause HPV cervical cancer. Both vaccines provide no protection to females who are already infected with HPV. The vaccines work best when given to females before their first sexual contact. Both vaccines are recommended for eleven- and twelve-year-old girls. The vaccines are given in a series of three shots. between 2006 and the first half of 2009, sales of Gardasil were approximately $2.5 billion.

Prescription Drugs: Two drugs dominate the genital wart market: Aldara, originally marketed by 3M and since sold to Graceway Pharmaceuticals in 2006; and Podofilox marketed by Watson Pharmaceuticals. neither drug treats the virus itself. they treat symptoms of the virus.

Over-the-counter medications: Three medications used to treat common warts (warts that are primarily found in the hand area) dominate the market: Dermisil, Condysil Gel, and Wartrol. all three remedies are available over-the-counter and can be found in most drug stores. It is estimated that the overall market for over-the-counter wart medications is a multi-million dollar market.  These medications are not recommended for genital warts.

Important Facts and Statistics

HPV is as common in men as in women.

HPV does not cause herpes.

Most people with genital HPV have no visible signs or symptoms.

Genital HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States.

About two out of three people will get genital warts after having any kind of genital contact with someone infected.

One of the most astounding scientific realizations of the last fifty years was that cancer could be caused by an infectious disease, specifically, one caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Before the 1980′s the idea that people could transmit cancer to each other was considered ludicrous by most people in the scientific community. however, HPV would soon prove them wrong. It is now widely accepted that HPV causes ninety-nine percent of cervical cancers.

While vaccines have proven to be effective, they only work before an individual is exposed to the virus. after exposure, vaccines have no therapeutic effect.

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2010 about 12, 200 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer, and about 4,210 women in the United States will die from the disease.

In the United States, cervical cancer occurs in Hispanic women at a rate that is twice that for non-Hispanic women.

Starting at age twenty-one, women should have a Pap test every two years. Women age thirty and older who have had three normal Pap test in a row should have the test performed every three years.

A Pap test can find changes on the cervix caused by HPV.

HPV has been linked to certain types of skin cancer as well as throat cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, and cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer was once the leading cause of cancer-related death in women in the United States. however, the Pap smear test has helped to dramatically reduce overall deaths. Nevertheless, it is still the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.

Gay men are seventeen times more likely to develop anal cancer than heterosexual men.

Women, especially young women, have the highest known levels of HPV infections. an average of fourteen percent of American female college students get infected with genital HPV each year.

An average of twenty-eight to forty-six percent of women under the age of twenty-five are infected with genital HPV.

About NIAID

NIAID is a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) our Nation’s Medical Research Agency. NIH is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. NIAID supports basic and applied research to prevent, diagnose, and treat infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, and illness from potential agents of bioterrorism.

About Tamir Biotechnology, inc.

Tamir Biotechnology, inc. (formerly Alfacell Corporation) is the first company to advance a biopharmaceutical product candidate that works in a manner similar to RNA interference (RNAi) through late-stage clinical trials. The product candidate, ONCONASE®, is an RNase that overcomes the challenges of targeting RNA for therapeutic purposes while enabling the development of a new class of therapies for cancer, viral, and other life-threatening diseases. Currently, Tamir is conducting a Phase II clinical trial with the addition of RANPIRNASE (ONCONASE®) to PEMETREXED plus CARBOPLATIN in patients with non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

ONCONASE® is a first-in-class therapeutic based on Tamir’s proprietary ribonuclease (RNase) technology. A natural protein isolated from the leopard frog, ONCONASE® has been shown in the laboratory and clinic to target cancer cells while sparing normal cells. ONCONASE® triggers apoptosis, the natural death of cells, via multiple molecular mechanisms of action.

Tamir’s proprietary drug discovery program is also the basis for the development of recombinant designed RNases for chemical conjugation and fusion (gene and protein) products with various targeting moieties, such as monoclonal antibodies, growth factors, and cytokines. This program also provides for joint design and development of new products with outside partners seeking line-extensions and/or improvements of the therapeutic effectiveness of their existing products. The reproducibility of our conjugation and fusion methodologies and the stability of these products has been demonstrated, and thus can be produced in a cost-effective and controlled manufacturing environment. For more information, visit tamirbio.com.  

Safe Harbor: This press release includes statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements, usually containing the words “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “expect” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, uncertainty whether the clinical trial results will allow the company to complete submission of a New Drug Application and if a New Drug Application submission is completed, uncertainty whether FDA will file or approve such application, uncertainties involved in transitioning from concept to product, uncertainties involving the ability of the company to finance research and development activities, potential challenges to or violations of patents, uncertainties regarding the outcome of clinical trials or differences of opinion in interpreting the results of clinical trials, the company’s ability to secure necessary approvals from regulatory agencies, dependence upon third-party vendors, and other risks discussed in the company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. by making these forward-looking statements, the company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release.

THE WORD ‘vitamine’ (from ‘amine’ – ‘of life’) was originally used to describe certain compounds thought to prevent certain diseases, such as beriberi and scurvy.  the name was eventually altered to ‘vitamin’ as not all these compounds were in fact amines. They are all nutrients required in small amounts and which cannot be synthesised at all, or in sufficient quantities by an organism – so must be derived from the diet.

the minimum recognised amount needed per day to prevent deficiency is known as the RDA (Recommended Daily Amount) and were first defined during the 2nd World War in an effort to prevent deficiencies and diseases whilst rationing was in force. RDA’s are now set by the EU but still represent the minimum quantities required daily to maintain adequate levels in the body to prevent diseases.

Vitamins can be split into either water soluble or fat soluble types.  the water soluble are generally safe to take in high strengths as any excess is simple lost in the urine. Fat soluble vitamins such as A,D,E and K tend to be stored in the body and can cause toxicity, especially in pregnancy. Indeed an early example of vitamin toxicity was discovered by polar explorers after eating polar bear liver which is very high in vitamin A.  Headache, drowsiness and skin peeling are mild symptoms, but eating only 500g can be fatal!

Vitamin A (Retinol, retinal and carotinoids) is good for eyesight, growth, appetite and taste, deficiency often results in night blindness: RDA is 800 micrograms.

Vitamin B is further sub divided into several distinct vitamins:

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is good for nerves, digestion, muscles and heart. Deficiency, which is very common in heavy drinkers, can cause tingling in the fingers and toes, confusion, loss of balance, concentration and appetite. RDA is 1.4mg. B1 is destroyed by alcohol, heat and coffee.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) is good for growth, skin, hair, nails and eyesight, also for the breakdown of fat, protein and carbohydrate. Deficiency causes itchy eyes, skin, lips, mouth and throat. RDA is 1.6mg. B2 is destroyed by light and alcohol.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin, nicotinamide) is required for energy production and controlling blood sugar levels. it also has a role in the nervous and digestive systems. Deficiency is rare but can cause weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite and skin problems.  in extreme cases a condition called pellagra can develop resulting in weight loss, skin problems, depression and dementia. RDA is 18mg. Niacin has been used for many years to treat high cholesterol and triglycerides, but its side effect of flushing can limit its use, although taking an aspirin 30 minutes before a dose of niacin can reduce this effect.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) is required for energy production and deficiency (which is very rare) can result in fatigue together with numbness and muscle cramps. RDA is 6mg.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is good for skin and nerves and is often recommended for PMT. A sign of deficiency is skin inflammation. RDA is 2mg, but women taking the contraceptive pill may need more, however high doses can cause nerve damage so limit your daily dosage to no more than 100mg. B6 is destroyed by cooking, alcohol and oestrogen.

Vitamin B7 (Biotin) is used in several metabolic processes in the body, but deficiency is rare as it is synthesised in the bowel by natural “friendly” bacteria. no RDA is published.

Folic acid (also known as vitamin B9 or folacin) is involved in the production of red blood cells and is essential in early pregnancy to prevent birth defects such as spina bifida and cleft palate. A daily dose of 400mcg is recommended during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and for anyone planning to have a child, otherwise the RDA is 200 micrograms. Deficiency can result in tiredness due to anaemia and a red tongue. Folic acid is destroyed by heat, light, oestrogen and water.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) is involved in the making of red blood cells, forming nerves, and energy production. Deficiency can result in tiredness, anaemia, breathing difficulties and nerve dysfunction. RDA is 1 microgram. it is denatured by light, alcohol and oestrogen. Absorption of B12 is dependent on intrinsic factor secreted by the stomach so deficiency is often treated with injections rather than oral supplements.

Michael Lord BPharm(hons) MRPharmS, UK Pharmacist with 20 years experience. now at Health & Beauty Abroad, Flamenca Beach Commercial Centre, Orihuela Costa.

Tel: 96 532 5116  HealthandBeautyAbroad.com