Nutrition: Eleven Superfoods You Ought To Know About

There’s a lot more to foods than just the nutrition they contain. Some can act as medicines, helping to tame inflammation in the body, or protect cells from DNA damage. Others can act as aphrodisiacs (see number 2 below). Still others can protect your memory. Superfoods are “super” precisely because they offer more benefits than what you can find on the “nutrition facts” label. Every one on this list qualifies!1.BlueberriesThese amazing berries are on anyone’s list of superfoods. Recent research shows that they’re brain food– feeding blueberries to rats actually slows their age-related mental decline. Blueberries contain pterostilbene, a plant compound recently shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties. Their ORAC value (antioxidant rating) is the highest of any fruit. And blueberries are rich in fiber. Tip: try them frozen. They taste like sherbet!2.MacaBased on a long history of traditional use in Peru, maca has recently become known as a “natural Viagra”, and is popular as an aphrodisiac, and for increasing fertility and stamina. (I talked about it in my book ‘The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth” as part of a natural treatment for restoring sexual potency.) But maca’s also a superfood from a nutrition point of view. It’s an important staple for the Andean Indians, has been around since 3800 BC and is rich in sugars, protein, starches and essential minerals, especially iron and iodine. You can buy it as a supplement, or, even better, as a powder which you can add to shakes. 3.CherriesCherries are absolutely loaded with anti-inflammatory, antiaging, anticancer compounds that don’t show up on your average nutrition facts label. These include quercetin, a member of the flavonoid family which has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Cherries also contain anthocyanains which act like natural COX-2 inhibitors, reducing pain and inflammation. That’s one reason why they’re so great for gout. My favorite “healthy” desert- frozen cherries mixed with full fat yogurt. Tastes like Cherry Garcia only way better for you.4.GuavaAmong the superfoods of the world, guava is a sleeper. With a taste that’s been described as “part strawberry part pear”, one low-calorie cup of this vitamin rich fruit contains a whopping 8 grams of fiber. And in one widely used nutrition lab test for antioxidant power, guava scored second only to blueberries, and right behind kale. Guava also contains cancer fighting lycopene.5.KaleKale is a member of the brassica family, vegetable royalty that boasts cabbage and broccoli among it’s relatives. It’s simply loaded with nutrition. It’s rich in potent cancer fighting substances called indoles, and loaded with bone-building vitamin K. Kale also contains sulforaphane, a powerful nutrient that helps the liver detoxify carcinogens and other toxins. Kale has the highest antioxidant rating of any vegetable and is ridiculously low in calories. Try it tossed with olive oil, a few dried cranberries and some pine nuts.6.SardinesThese are the best kept nutrition secret in the world when it comes to health foods and the secret weapon of travelers looking for a cheap, portable, easily available source of protein. Sardines are rich in omega-3 fats, and one of the least contaminated of any seafood since it’s so low on the food chain. Eat them out of the can or throw them on some salad.7.Coconut oilThis superb oil has been long neglected as a healthy oil because it contains saturated fat. But not to worry: the saturated fat in coconut is a very healthy kind called MCT (medium chain triglyecerides) which is easily burned by the body for energy. Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, a natural anti-viral and anti-microbal. And today’s excellent virgin coconut oil- unlike the inferior products of a few decades ago- doesn’t contain trans fats. Note to skeptics: The Puka Puka islanders consumed 80 % of their diet from coconut products and had virtually no heart disease.8.Green teaHere’s a superstar beverage if there ever was one. Green tea helps with weight loss and helps fight against cancer. It contains EGCG, a catechin (plant compound) which stimulates metabolism and has anti-cancer properties to boot. Green tea also contains theanine, a natural relaxant which helps explain why the caffeine in green tea doesn’t make you nearly as jittery as coffee.9.FlaxseedsFlaxseed oil is one of the only plant sources of omega-3 fats, but the flaxseeds themselves provide the added nutrition benefit of fiber along with the omega-3’s. Flaxseeds can be thrown on salads, tossed into smoothies, or sprinkled on vegetables. They also contain lignans, a group of plant nutrtients that have been studied by the National Cancer Institute for their cancer preventive properties.10.EggsThe protein source against which all others are judged. And for goodness sake, stop with the egg white omlettes. The yolk is loaded with good stuff! Half of the measly 4.5 grams of fat are actually monounsaturated fat, the same heart-healthy fat that’s in olive oil. The yolks are also one of the best sources of lutein, the superstar of eye nutrition. Plus they contain choline, which helps support brain function and help keep harmful homocysteine levels down. Look for the new designer eggs with increased omega-3 content.11.Pomegranate juice If you’re wondering if all the hype about pomegranate juice is for real, stop wondering: it is. Animal studies suggest that pomegranate juice combats artherogenesis (hardening of the arteries) as well as other cardiovascular diseases such as strokes and heart attacks. It’s rich in antioxidants and has a higher amount of polyphenols- heart healthy plant compounds– than even red wine. Look for the pure pomegranate juice (not the watered down cocktail). You can always dilute it with water or mix it with other juices.In the long run, the rules for healthy eating are a lot simpler than you might think: Eat food that your ancestors could have hunted, fished for, gathered or plucked. If it’s food your grandmother would have recognized as food, it’s probably good for you. And if it doesn’t have a bar code, so much the better.

Remergent Q and A

Remergent Q and AQ: What is AGI Dermatics’ liposome delivery system?Remergent Answer: AGI Dermatics’ liposome delivery system has been validated in published laboratory and clinical research for over a decade. AGI Dermatics’ liposome systems have been engineered to deliver biologically active proteins in topical formulas into the cells of the skin. The liposomes are pH sensitive which enable them to act where they are sent.1 This journal is one of many that have published articles about the efficacy of the liposomal delivery system.Q: What are the active ingredients in Remergent’s DNA Repair Formula?Remergent Answer: There are three enzymes in DNA Repair Formula, Photolyase, endonuclease, and OGG1 all work in various ways to excise DNA damage and stimulate the repair process. CPDs and 8-oxo-guanine are not limited to a few individuals because they are present in all DNA damage. The body has two mechanisms that defend against UV radiation, one, melanin and the other removing damaged bits of DNA. The consequences of unrepaired DNA are enormous and the risk of skin cancer increases dramatically. , Q: Remergent DNA Repair Formula can repair and remove DNA damage. Competitors only claim to repair damage with nicotinic acid. Can you explain how nicotinic acid works?Remergent Answer: NIA, in their own literature and journals, doesn’t deal with DNA excision and repair. “First the bioactive form of nicotinic acid, NAD, is required for the repair of DNA damage ( not excising DNA damage)necessary for maintenance of genomic integrity and combating photo immune suppression. Nicotinic acid is based on the vitamin niacin which helps to stimulate cell turnover not excise DNA damage. Second, NAD stimulates skin cell energy crucial to skin barrier integrity. Third, nicotinic acid (not NAD) stimulates the release of leptin that strengthens skin barrier integrity”.Q: How does Remergent’s patented liposome delivery system penetrate into the skin cells?Remergent Answer: Liposomes are pH sensitive and the spherical objects are approximately 200nm in diameter when viewed by electron microscopy. The liposomes (in a study published in a peer reviewed journal) remained localized in the epidermis and hair follicles, with little penetration into the dermis. Liposomes were observed localized perinuclear in keratinocytes and opening up within cells at the basal layer of the epidermis. These studies establish unequivocally that liposomes cross the stratum corneum and deliver DNA Repair enzymes into the cells of the skin.1Q: Has Remergent products been tested, proven, and patented?Remergent Answer: Remergent is formulated by AGI Dermatics which has over 20 patents for tested and proven liposomes and enzymes and has a product awaiting approval for skin cancer prevention. Q: Presented in a study, “Topical niacin appears to be a promising skin cancer prevention agent.” Has AGI Dermatics tested this yet?Remergent Answer: Yes, many of these studies had the vitamin tested on animals, and no humans were involved. AGI Dermatics has tested with human subjects and has seen the same results. Q: Do Remergent products have to be used as a full skin care system? Are they easy to use?Remergent Answer: No, all Remergent products are stand alone and can be used with any protocol. Products are directed to be applied once or twice per day, morning and night, am and pm? Each product contains an airless pump that supplies a metered dose per pump versus taking a complicated “dime sized dollop” out of an open air jar. This ensures product integrity, freshness, and avoids contamination.Q: How does Remergent products compare to competitor skin care lines?While there are price differences, there are obvious product differences which make the price of the products affordable. Remergent is pharmaceutically priced and with the metered dose, airless pump, and safety sealed a much better value. Not to mention the obvious product benefits for the patient.Q: Does Remergent have any media or press placements?Remergent Answer: Remergent had 15 million editorial placements in 2007 and 25 million placements already in 2008. Clearly, Remergent is quite popular among the press.Q: There are so many competitors out there why should anyone choose Remergent? Remergent Answer: Why go with an imposter when you can go with the original and proven clinical leader.

If you are taking better care of yourself throughout your life, you are delaying aging, and living a longer and healthier life.

You must not only eat right and exercise regularly and keep your stress level down. You have to feed your skin-the largest organ of the body, internally and topically.

As you get older, your skin tends to loose its youthful glow, moisture and suppleness. One of the best active ingredients for aging skin is Soy.

In regards to the skin Soy is fantastic. Applying a cream containing soy to your face will boost collagen production and actually reverse signs of aging. Topically applied soy does not exert any hormonal effects. Now it is considered to be an active ingredient in skin care as Vitamin C, retinol, Glycolic acid and Hyaluronic acid.

Recent research has shown that soy possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on skin. The components in soy responsible for these effects are isoflavones, a class of plant compounds abundant in Soy beans.

Isoflavones are:

- stimulating collagen production in the skin, which helps to increase the skin’s supporting structure thereby increasing its thickness and elasticity

- inhibiting matrix metallo-proteinases, enzymes that break down network of protein, that make up the skin’s support layer

Numerous studies have also shown that Soy has the reputation for improving hyper-pigmentation, elasticity and moisture in the skin due to estrogen-type and antioxidant effects of its metabolites: genistein and daidzein. They are phytoestrogens with a weak estrogenic effect.

Genistein significantly inhibits carcinogen-induced reactive oxygen species and oxidative DNA damage.

Postmenapousal women have a measurably thinner dermis and less collagen as compared to younger women.

Topical applying of estrogen ( derived from Soy) diminishes significantly the skin thinning and collagen loss. It was well known even in the 19th century.

Developed in the 19th century by French pharmacist Henri Coullet secret recipe formula for the family of the French movie star of the 60-ies Delphine Vouler, inspired the creators of the luxury MD skin care line Adorage to formulate and produce Antistress serum and Antistress cream.

Adorage creators would like everybody to adore how they look-their own glamour, their own skin. The goal is not to be younger, but to Adore how you look at your Age. Adorage is designed for those who want to be happy with their skin and appearance at every age.

Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun or from tanning booths cause premature wrinkles, DNA damage and skin cancer with repeated and prolonged exposure.  In natural sunlight, these rays are present even on cloudy days and exposed skin is left vulnerable without sunblock or sunscreen. 

The first line of defense against sun damage is the use of sunscreen or sunblock on a regular basis.  When selecting a sunscreen or sunblock, the dermatologists recommend the use of a broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection sunscreen or sunblock. 

How do you know if a product meets these requirements?  The SPF and “Broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection” should be stated right on the label.  Also be sure that your selection includes one of the three key ingredients that offer maximum UVA/UVB protection: micronized zinc, titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

Looking for physician strength, dermatologist recommended products?  South Shore Skin Center carries a line of the most advanced sunscreen and sunblock products available which include: Solar TiZo, which is a brand new mineral based sunscreen; Solbar and Neutrogena Helioplex.  These products are sold through physician offices.

Anti-Aging Tip

UV exposure can cause sun damage which includes fine lines and wrinkles.  Drs. Eisen and Saad suggest that by using an anti-oxidant prior to applying sunscreen can prevent, and sometimes even reverse, sun damage.

Protecting Against Skin Cancer

Adults and children should take these important measures in the prevention of skin cancer:

·          Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

·          Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

·          Use ample amounts of sunscreen or sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even if it is cloudy.

·          Wear large framed or wrap-around sunglasses to protect the eye area.

·          Have your skin checked by a dermatologist regularly.

·          Note any moles or other spots on the skin that have changed.  Have them checked as soon as possible.

For more information about skin care, contact South Shore Skin Center’s Cohasset (781) 383-3340 or Plymouth office (508) 747-0711.

South Shore Skin Center

Founded in 1984, South Shore Skin Center is one of Massachusetts’ most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services. 

South Shore Skin Center is the only provider in the area offering the advanced technology of Fraxel re:pair laser treatments in addition to Fraxel re:store laser treatments.  Dr. Richard Eisen, a board certified dermatologist at South Shore Skin Center is a leading expert in lasers, in particular, the Fraxel re:pair and Fraxel re:store laser systems. Other cosmetic services include Gentle YAG, innovative Laser, IPL (Intensive Pulse Light), Thermage and treatments for age spots, acne scarring, birth marks, tattoos and more.

South Shore Skin Center also offers a full range of affordable anti-aging services including Botox, wrinkle fillers, Microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels. 

South Shore Skin Center offices are located at 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202 in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340, and 45 Resnik Road, Suite 102 in Plymouth, Mass., (508) 747-0711.  For more information, visit their website at www.southshoreskincenter.com.

ATM (Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated) Antibodies from Imgenex

ATM, the gene product mutated in the cancer susceptibility syndrome ataxia–telangiectasia, is related to proteins involved in DNA repair and cell-cycle control. It encodes a nuclear 350 kDa phosphoprotein containing a carboxy terminus phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (Pl-3 kinase) catalytic domain shared by members of a superfamily of large eukaryotic proteins involved in intracellular signaling, DNA-damage induced cell cycle checkpoints, DNA repair and recombination. It was discovered as mutated proteins in patients with ataxia-telagiectasia (A-T), a severe genetic disorder characterized by cerebellar degeneration, neuromotor dysfunction, chromosomal instability, immune system defects, cancer predisposition, and acute sensitivity to ionizing radiations. In undamaged cells it is present as a dimer or oligomer molecule in which the kinase domain is silent because associated with the FAT region of another ATM monomer. Following DSB formation, it rapidly autophosphorylates on residue Serine 1981, and the inactive ATM dimers are converted (dissociated) into active ATM monomers. Active phosphorylated ATM molecules interact and phosphorylate downstream proteins that affect one or more of the cell cycle checkpoints. Some of the known substrates are the p53 protein and its ubiquitin ligase, MDM2; the Nbs1 protein; the Brca1 protein, which interacts with other repair proteins; the checkpoint kinase 2, Chk2; the Rad17 protein and the chromatin remodeling protein SMC1. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that the ATM protein is most closely related to several very large proteins that define a subgroup of the PI 3-kinase family which include the Schizosaccharomyces pombe Rad3 protein and its probable Saccharomyces cerevisiae homologue, Mec1p/Esr1p. Other proteins in the ATM family are S. cerevisiae Tor1p and Tor2p and their mammalian counterpart FRAP, which function, at least in part, by controlling progression through the G1 phase of the cell cycle. The ATM gene provides instructions for making a protein that is located primarily in the nucleus of cells, where it helps control the rate at which cells grow and divide and also assists cells in recognizing damaged or broken strands of DNA. It has been suggested that it acts as a lipid kinase, and feeds the phosphorylated lipids into signaling pathways to regulate cell-cycle progression or the activity of DNA-repair components. It regulates NF-κB activity and control the transcription of many genes that play important roles in the development and function of the immune system. In the DNA-damage response pathway, it acts upstream of p53 to induce cell cycle arrest at the G1/S and G2/M boundaries and a slowing of the S-phase. Signalling by ATM involves interactions with and phosphorylation of critical molecules, including the mitotic checkpoints Chk1 and Chk2. Apart from its role in ataxia telangiectasia (AT), ATM gene mutations have also been found in T-cell prolymphocytic leukaemia patients with no family history of AT and in non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas.

Join The Age Specific Probiotic Revolution For Better Health

Probiotics are good or friendly bacteria that may just be the most important supplement of all. Probiotics may help boost your immunity, heal disease, and according to recent research, help prevents cancer. All of the above especially applies to both babies and vulnerable older adults. Along with helping people to maintain healthy populations of beneficial bacteria, probiotics have many other health benefits. One that has recently become known is the ability to protect against colon cancer.

A recent study in Ireland found that probiotics, which are live bacteria that can benefit health, may also be just as important as vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and regular exercise in our strategies to lower the risk of cancer. This study was performed on eighty patients who had had either colon cancer tumors or polyps recently removed. Each patient received either a probiotic or a placebo. Included in the probiotic was Lactobacillus rhamnosus and a Bifidobacteria that was combined with other probiotics. These formulas which contain live probiotics and prebiotics are known as synbiotics. After three months of use, the balance of colon bacteria in those receiving the symbiotic formula had changed to having more lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria and less of the bacteria that is linked with increasing cancer risk, as compared to those patients who received placebos.

Additionally, those patients who received synbiotics showed a decrease in DNA damage in the lining of the colon along with a decreased growth and reproduction of colon cells. Also, neither of the groups reported any adverse effects of the synbiotics. These findings were also consistent with those of earlier studies, concluding that bad bacteria can produce substances that promote the development of colon cancer. Probiotics have also been shown to decrease abnormal colon cell development and DNA damage in animals.

However, these findings are not yet enough for the FDA to allow the claims that probiotics work against colon cancer, but rather simply state that they support colon health. These studies certainly suggest that the right beneficial strains in the right amounts of probiotics in your gut are a great amount better for you than too much of the bad bacteria.

Many people take a lifetime approach to probiotics, believing that they are appropriate for people of all ages, from babies to children to adults. Probiotics have an immunomodulatory effect at any age by stimulating and boosting the immune system. Even for infants, probiotics are critical. It has been shown that mothers who take a probiotic blend during pregnancy have babies who are less prone to eczema and other allergic conditions.

Additionally, the advent of new methods has made it possible to characterize the gut microbiota changes as we age, and in health and disease. Because of this, products that target specific issues and ages have been produced which can work with each individuals needs. The two key bacteria helping advanced adults are Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacteria, as they provide the additional bacterial strains that are associated with the older adults needs. Additionally, newborns and babies do not need the same composition as adults. Instead, products for babies include B. infantis, B. bifidum, and B. breve. The greatest thing about probiotics is that you cant overdose. Probiotics are always quite safe and very effective.

When buying a probiotic supplement, look to your local health food store to find the freshest name brand probiotic because not all probiotics are made the same.

IMGENEX has now p73 phosphospecific antibody

The p53 family member, p73, also known as tumor protein 73 (TP73) has been recently identified as a structural and functional homolog of the tumor suppressor protein p53. In accordance with its structural similarity, p73 functions in a manner analogous to p53 by inducing tumor cell apoptosis and participating in the cell cycle checkpoint control through transactivating an overlapping set of p53/p73-target genes. Under these conditions p73 is tyrosine-phosphorylated by c-Abl, a prerequisite modification for p73 to elicit cell death in fibroblasts. Increasing knowledge of its function, however, has cast doubts on its role. Like p53, the protein contains different isoforms with distinct and sometimes opposite functions. Like other members of the p53 family, p73 protein share the same modular organization consisting of an N-terminal transactivation domain, central sequence-specific DNA-binding domain, and a C-terminal tetramerization domain. However, the p73 gene encodes multiple isoforms varying in their N and C termini. In some cases, the use of a cryptic promoter generates isoforms lacking the transactivation domain located in the N terminus of p73 (deltaNp73 alpha and deltaNp73 beta). The p73 gene also generates several forms with varying C-terminal extensions,TAp73 (p73 alpha, beta, gamma, delta and epsilon). These splicing variants are expressed differently in normal human tissues and cell lines. The p73 gene has been mapped to human chromosome 1p36, a region that is frequently deleted in variety of human cancers including neuroblastoma, colon cancer, and breast cancer.The precise functions of p73 proteins in the organism and the signaling pathways that regulate their activity are still not well established. An interesting recent report shows that p73 is required for p53-dependent apoptosis induced by DNA damage as well as p53-independent apoptosis. These observations and the fact that p73 expression is affected in certain tumors suggest that p73 may function as a tumor suppressor gene. However, p73 deficient mice are not particularly prone to cancer, and only rarely have mutation or inactivation of p73 expression been found in human tumors. On the contrary the deltaNp73 isoforms have oncogenic potential and act in a dominant negative manner against TAp73 as well as p53. The Delta N isoforms of p73 can also protect neurons from apoptosis. Besides like p53, p73 may also play a role in developmental processes. Several lines of evidence show that p73 may play a role in nervous system and immune system development, thus implicating the role of p73 in cellular differentiation. Thus considering the contradictory role of the various splice variants of p73 protein, IMGENEX has developed an antibody that specifically recognizes the phosphorylated p73 protein which would elucidate the role of p73 in various cellular pathways.

Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer. It is evaluated that over 1 million new cases occur annually. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Skin cancer generally develops in the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin), so a tumor is usually clearly visible. The two most common types are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. It accounts for more than 75 percent of all skin cancers. Squamous cell carcinomas arise from the upper levels of the epidermis, usually on places that have been exposed to the sun. Squamous cell carcinoma also can spread internally. They account for about 20 percent of skin cancers in the United States.Melanoma is generally the most serious form of skin cancer because it tends to spread (metastasize) throughout the body quickly.

They usually form on the head, face, neck, hands and arms. Skin cancer is most closely associated with chronic inflammation of the skin. Sunburn or excessive sun damage, especially early in life. UVA %26 UVB have both been involved in causing DNA damage resulting in cancer. Chronic non-healing wounds, especially burns.

Treatment for skin cancer and the precancerous skin lesions known as actinic keratoses varies, depending on the size, type, depth and location of the lesions. The best ways to lower the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer are to avoid intense sunlight for long periods of time and to practice sun safety. For low-risk disease, radiation therapy and cryotherapy (freezing the cancer off) can provide adequate control of the disease; both, however, have lower overall cure rates than surgery.

Interferon and interleukin-2 are under study to treat melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers. Wear sunglasses with 99% to 100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin. Wearing protective clothing (long sleeves and hats) when outdoors. Photodynamic therapy destroys skin cancer cells with a combination of laser light and drugs that makes cancer cells sensitive to light. Avoid other sources of UV light. Tanning beds and sun lamps are dangerous because they can damage your skin. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Radiation may destroy basal and squamous cell carcinomas if surgery isn’t an option. Reapply sun block every 2 hours and after swimming. In chemotherapy, drugs are used to kill cancer cells.

Skin Cancer Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Radiation may destroy basal and squamous cell carcinomas.

2. Reducing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially in early years.

3. Avoiding sun exposure during the day (usually from 10 AM to 3 PM).

4. Wearing protective clothing (long sleeves and hats) when outdoors.

5. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB radiation.

6. Wear sunglasses with 99% to 100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes.

ATM, the gene product mutated in the cancer susceptibility syndrome ataxia–telangiectasia, is related to proteins involved in DNA repair and cell-cycle control. It encodes a nuclear 350 kDa phosphoprotein containing a carboxy terminus phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (Pl-3 kinase) catalytic domain shared by members of a superfamily of large eukaryotic proteins involved in intracellular signaling, DNA-damage induced cell cycle checkpoints, DNA repair and recombination. It was discovered as mutated proteins in patients with ataxia-telagiectasia (A-T), a severe genetic disorder characterized by cerebellar degeneration, neuromotor dysfunction, chromosomal instability, immune system defects, cancer predisposition, and acute sensitivity to ionizing radiations. In undamaged cells it is present as a dimer or oligomer molecule in which the kinase domain is silent because associated with the FAT region of another ATM monomer. Following DSB formation, it rapidly autophosphorylates on residue Serine 1981, and the inactive ATM dimers are converted (dissociated) into active ATM monomers. Active phosphorylated ATM molecules interact and phosphorylate downstream proteins that affect one or more of the cell cycle checkpoints. Some of the known substrates are the p53 protein and its ubiquitin ligase, MDM2; the Nbs1 protein; the Brca1 protein, which interacts with other repair proteins; the checkpoint kinase 2, Chk2; the Rad17 protein and the chromatin remodeling protein SMC1. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that the ATM protein is most closely related to several very large proteins that define a subgroup of the PI 3-kinase family which include the Schizosaccharomyces pombe Rad3 protein and its probable Saccharomyces cerevisiae homologue, Mec1p/Esr1p. Other proteins in the ATM family are S. cerevisiae Tor1p and Tor2p and their mammalian counterpart FRAP, which function, at least in part, by controlling progression through the G1 phase of the cell cycle. The ATM gene provides instructions for making a protein that is located primarily in the nucleus of cells, where it helps control the rate at which cells grow and divide and also assists cells in recognizing damaged or broken strands of DNA. It has been suggested that it acts as a lipid kinase, and feeds the phosphorylated lipids into signaling pathways to regulate cell-cycle progression or the activity of DNA-repair components. It regulates NF-?B activity and control the transcription of many genes that play important roles in the development and function of the immune system. In the DNA-damage response pathway, it acts upstream of p53 to induce cell cycle arrest at the G1/S and G2/M boundaries and a slowing of the S-phase. Signalling by ATM involves interactions with and phosphorylation of critical molecules, including the mitotic checkpoints Chk1 and Chk2. Apart from its role in ataxia telangiectasia (AT), ATM gene mutations have also been found in T-cell prolymphocytic leukaemia patients with no family history of AT and in non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas.

For more information about “ATM (Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated)” visit :

http://www.imgenex.com/antibody_details.php?catalog=IMG-80237

Liberman describes a number of experiments done with full spectrum light and /or specifically selected colors. Studies done on mice that were bred to develop tumors, indicated that a pink light environment resulted in the earliest development of tumors while full spectrum light inhibited the development of tumors for a twenty percent longer period of time. Older cells are more at risk for accumulated DNA damage that precedes cancer. Experiments done on fish and paramecia using near-ultraviolet radiation indicated that the damaged cells not only repaired themselves but also reversed their aging. What if it is discovered that human cells have the same capabilities?

Since 1900 when scientists first noted that certain substances were damaging to living tissue when exposed to light, but were not toxic in the dark, it has been discovered that many of these substances belong to a family of light-activated chemicals called porphyrins produced by almost all living organisms and necessary for cell respiration.

During World War II (1942) it was noted that if porphyrins were present in one’s body, tumors would floresce under light, brilliant red under ultraviolet light. This discovery was built upon in 1973 when technology made photodynamic therapy

possible. Scientists found that certain photosensitive chemicals selectively identify cancer cells under ultraviolet light and accumulate in these cells. Then, under red light, these chemicals destroy the cancer cells. 1

As of the 1991 publication date of Light-Medicine of the Future, only Photofrin (DHE) had been FDA approved for human use. After injection with a prescribed amount of Photofrin, the patient has to wait for up to seventy-two hours in an environment free of direct sunlight or other bright lights so that some of the Photofrin which also collects in certain normal tissues (kidneys, liver, spleen, and pancreas) can be eliminated. The treatment is delivered to the site of the tumor by hair thin fiber optic tubes. The result is that within hours the cancer cells begin to die leaving most normal tissues unharmed. “Even in tissues that are just partially cancerous, only the cancerous portions of the tissue will die. Since the specific photosensitive dyes are combined with highly tuned Laser light, the treatment is extremely precise.” (113)

On February 26, 2008 I did an on line search on Photofrin (DHE) through Encarta Encyclopedia to ascertain any further clinical trials/developments utilizing Photofrin. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Drug Dictionary, Photofrin is still the U.S. brand name and (DHE) the abbreviation. Synonyms are: dihematoporphyrin ether, Photofrin II, and Porfimer. The name Photofrin II indicates some new version of the original Photofrin.

The National Cancer Institute, as of February 26, 2008, lists two closed published clinical trials (1/1/2000, and 10/2/2003), three active published trials (3/22/2007, 9/12/2007, and 1/24/2008), one active non-published trial and two approved but not yet active trials. All deal with Photodynamic Therapy using one or another of the brand names (synonyms) for photofrin. The studies deal with an array of cancers: Bilary Tract Tumors, Cholongiocarcinomas, Bladder, Upper Digestive Tract, Esophageal, Lung and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Larynx.

It certainly appears that Light based therapies and medications are the Medicine of the Present and Future!

Endnote:

1 Jacob Liberman, Light-Medicine of the Future (Santa Fe, New Mexico: Bear and Company.1991) pp. 111-112. This and subsequent direct references from this work are reprinted by permission of Inner Traditions International, Rochester, Vermont.