�Many health problems can buoy be efficaciously treated and managed if they are caught early enough. But until now, diagnosing the early stage of degenerative joint disease - the often cripplingly painful disease that causes damage to the joints and is thought to affect around 8.5m Brits - has been tricky. That's because diagnosing currently relies on x-ray photograph evidence and physical interrogatory, both of which may not spot signs of the disease until it's in its later stages.
However scientists have just now announced the development of new medical imaging engineering science that hindquarters spot signs of degenerative arthritis even in front it starts causing junction damage.
Dr Alexej Jerschow, from New York University, is behind the new diagnosis method acting, and presented his findings at the recent yearly meeting of the American Chemical Society in Philadelphia (i). Dr Jerschow uses an MRI scanner - already unremarkably used in hospitals - to step levels of a substance called glycosaminoglycan (GAG). GAG is a polymer that holds a large amount of water and helps make gristle tough and elastic. Indeed, a low-pitched concentration of GAG is linked to the attack of osteoarthritis and other cartilage disorders.
"Our methods have the potential of providing early warning signs for gristle disorders like osteoarthritis, thus potentially avoiding surgery and physical therapy later on," says Dr Jerschow.
Nutritional help
Another benefit of the new applied science is that it could help discover how effective new and existing osteoarthritis drugs are at combating the disease. A growth number of studies, however, suggest that a nutritionary substance called glucosamine - which is commonly used by degenerative arthritis sufferers - is effective at both building novel cartilage (ii) and helping to relieve joint pain (iii).
Glucosamine makes up 50 per centum of the lubricant found within the synovial fluid - the fluid that surrounds your joints - so it's involved in protecting against joint wear and snap. It helps your body make collagen and wield healthy conjunction tissues, all of which is requisite for rebuilding and repairing cartilage.
Glucosamine is an active fixings in supplement called OmegaFlex (www.vegepa.com). OmegaFlex uses a vegetarian course of glucosamine called glucosamine hydrochloride, which is the most bio-available form (ie. the nearly easily absorbed). Until late, most glucosamine supplements were derived from shellfish.
OmegaFlex also contains omega-3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, all of which ar considered to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
- Omega-3 butterball acids come in the form of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) from marine fish oil, which some studies have shown reduces inflaming and the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Virgin evening primrose oil colour provides GLA (gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty blistering), which experts believe whitethorn improve joint pain and tenderness, addition morning stiffness.
- CLA - or conjugated linoleic acid - another omega-6 fatty acid fatty acidulent may help oneself relieve pressure on joints by reduction body fat.
- Meanwhile virgin olive oil (or oleic bitter), an omega-9 fatty blistering, is as well thought to have anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory drug properties.
OmegaFlex is priced at �16.95 for 60 high-strength capsules, presently available aim from Igennus on 0845 1300 424 or hTTP://www.igennus.com.
References
(i) For a report of the findings on the American Chemical Society website, see here
(ii) S. Wang, S. Laverty, M. Dumitriu, A. Plaas, M. Grynpas."The effects of glucosamine hydrochloride on subchondral osseous tissue changes in an creature model of osteoarthritis". Arthritis & Rheumatism May 2007, Volume 56, Issue 5, Pages 1537-1548
(iii) Braham R, Dawson B, Goodman C. "The effect of glucosamine subjunction on people experiencing regular knee painful sensation." BR J Sports Med 2003; 37:45-49. See also Houpt J, McMillan R, Wein C. "Effect of glucosamine hydrochloride in the treatment of painfulness of osteoarthritis of the knee." Journal of Rheumatology 1999; 26:2423-2430. See also Richy F, et al. Structural and diagnostic efficacy of glucosamine and chondroitin in knee osteoarthritis: a comprehensive meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med 2003; 163:1514-1522.
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Sunday, 7 September 2008
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