New approach for treating neuropathic or nerve pain

 

 

The study aimed to block signals caused by the binding of nNOS to the protein NOS1AP (model on the left) during neurotransmission, as a new approach for treating chronic pain. NOS1AP is present in fine structures of living neurons (image on the right), including the thin filopodial structures visible here that may be synaptic spines. The University of Turku.

Neuropathic pain is the chronic, pathological pain that continues even when the cause of pain is removed. Causes include damage to nerve cells and medicines used to treat cancer. A collaboration between research groups from Indiana University in Bloomington, USA and Turku Centre for Biotechnology in Finland has discovered a novel therapeutic that appears to interrupt the signaling cascades in the body required for multiple forms of neuropathic pain.

Neuropathic pain is extremely common, affecting up to 5-10% of the population globally, and no cures or effective treatments are currently available. Moreover, chemotherapy-induced pain can be so extreme that it causes some patients with cancer to discontinue treatment and greatly impairs quality of life in survivors.

Prior to this study, researchers were aware that pathological pain is triggered by a biological pathway that is activated by binding of the excitatory transmitter glutamate to receptors called NMDARs. This process then triggers activation of an enzyme neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) that generates nitric oxide gas that plays a role in aberrant pain sensation. However, experimental drugs designed to block either the NMDAR receptor or the nNOS enzyme can cause intolerable side effects, such as memory impairment and motor dysfunction.

Now, researchers from Indiana University in Bloomington, USA and the Turku Centre for Biotechnology in Finland have demonstrated that an experimental molecule reduces neuropathic pain in rodents resulting from either nerve damage or a common chemotherapy drug.

The team in the University of Turku in Finland was able to design the molecule after discovering that a protein, NOS1AP, that is downstream of nNOS, triggers several biological pathways that are associated with abnormal glutamate signaling, including neuropathic pain.

The Indiana University group demonstrated that an experimental molecule designed by the Turku group to prevent nNOS signalling to NOS1AP reduced two forms of neuropathic pain in rodents. These forms of pain develop as result of either chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel or nerve damage.

The treatment also disrupted markers of nociceptive signaling in the spinal cord when the test drug was injected at that site into mice. Importantly, the NOS1AP inhibitor did not cause typical motor side effects observed with previous experimental molecules that directly target NMDARs.

– Importantly, the chemical that prevents this signalling did not cause the negative side effects observed in previous experiments. Our studies suggest that the nNOS-NOS1AP interaction site is a previously unrecognized target for pain therapies”, says Professor Andrea Hohmann from the Indiana University in Bloomington.

The results suggest that the protein NOS1AP might be a valuable novel target in the development of more effective medicines to treat neuropathic pain.

– NOS1AP should be studied in more detail to find the best way to prevent this protein from contributing to chronic pain, said Senior Researcher Michael Courtney from the University of Turku.

 

How Cells Divide and How Chemotherapy Works

How Cells Divide and How Chemotherapy Works

How Cells Divide and How Chemotherapy Works

How Cells Divide and How Chemotherapy Works. Learn more about this cancer treatment in this important video! For more on radiotherapy as a cancer treatment please go here.

Women and hair loss: coping tips

Alopecia

Alopecia

Losing your crowning glory can be particularly difficult for women. But there are ways to cope.

Losing your hair as a woman, especially if you’re young or at a vulnerable time in your life, can badly affect your confidence.

Jackie McKillop, Alopecia UK spokesperson and junior nursing sister at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, says society considers hair to be an important part of how you look:

“For women, there is a social stigma attached to going bald,” she says. “Hair loss can affect your sensuality and how you perceive yourself. There are usually emotional trials and tribulations when it happens.

“Some women question whether their partner will still love them. I’ve known others become socially reclusive and give up enjoyable activities like swimming and going to the gym, because they can’t bear using the communal changing rooms for fear of their hair loss being discovered.”

Hair loss, known medically as alopecia, is common. It’s estimated, for instance, that around 50% of women over the age of 65 experience female-pattern baldness – the most common type of hair loss, which is thought to be inherited.

Different types of hair loss

There are lots of different types of hair loss. It can take the form of “thinning” or involve a total loss of hair. It can be gradual or sudden; it can affect the old and the young.

Hair loss can be genetic, or as a result of extreme stress, a medical condition or treatment.

Hair loss is a well-known side effect of chemotherapy, and around 50% of women lose more hair than usual after they’ve given birth.

Hair loss treatments

Jackie McKillop, who has herself lost all her hair, says it can help to address the physical aspects of hair loss. Try to find out everything you can about hair loss and the treatment options available to you.

A proven treatment for female-pattern baldness is a hair lotion containing minoxidil. After using it, most women see improvements, including a slowing or stopping altogether of balding, as well as thicker hair. Up to 25% of women experience hair regrowth while using it.

Always contact your GP or dermatologist for advice before starting or finishing any treatments or medication for alopecia.

Find out about hair loss treatments that work.

Ways to cope with hair loss

It’s also important to address the psychological impact of hair loss. If you’ve lost your hair, even temporarily, life will be easier if you can accept what’s happened and learn to live with your altered appearance.

“How well you cope with looking at yourself in the mirror depends on your coping strategies, personality, self-esteem and the support around you,” says Jackie. “It’s really important to try to promote positivity in your life.”

Here are some useful self-help tips:

Share stories: It helps to know you’re not alone. Watch this video of a woman’s personal experience of alopecia, read this real-life story of Michelle Chapman who was diagnosed with alopecia when she was five. Read the comments at the end of this article to see how others cope.

Join a support group: There are groups around the country where you can meet and socialise with other people with alopecia. Find your nearest Alopecia UK support group.

Go online: If you prefer to go online to talk to others, join Alopecia UK’s discussion forum.

Accept it: It’s not easy, but try to come to terms with your hair loss. One way to do this is to make a list of all your good qualities and focus your energy on celebrating these attributes.

Talk about it: Discuss your hair loss with your friends, family and loved ones, preferably early on. Let them know how you feel about it and what kind of support you need. If hair loss is affecting your relationship with your partner, going to therapy or couples counselling may help.

Cover up: Look into disguising and covering up your hair loss with things like wigs, hair extensions, scarves and make-up. Persevere until you find a product and style that suits you. “Equally, you may prefer not to cover up at all. Whatever works best for you,” says Jackie.

If you have hair loss that you find difficult to cover up (around 50% hair loss or more), or your hair loss is a result of cancer treatment, you could be eligible for a wig on the NHS. Find out about NHS wigs.

Be patient: many cases of hair loss in women are temporary. That said, regrowth is unpredictable and can take years. Remember that your new hair can be any texture and colour.

Avoid miracle cures: don’t be taken in by claims for wonder products. There are no cures for female hair loss.

“There are lots of snakeoil products out there. Usually the greater the claim, the greater the letdown,” says Jackie McKillop. Her advice is to stick to products recommended in the British Association of Dermatologists’ clinical guidelines (PDF, 85kb).

You can read more articles on all aspects of hair loss, including the different types, its diagnosis and treatment.

Do breast cancer treatments affect cognitive functioning?

Breast cancer screening

Breast cancer screening

Breast cancer is indeed a biggest threat for the women. It was scarier in the past but with the passage of time things have been improved yet there is need to conduct more researches in order to improve the situation. Breast cancer screening is the first step to start with. This start makes so many things clear and gives a way to follow. This way is actually the phase where one has to go through several treatments once diagnosed with breast cancer.


Unfortunately some of the treatments have side effects as well. Side effects are though not an enigma but obviously one has to be careful about all the related things. Certainly experts are working on it to lessen the harmful effects of the prescribed treatments not only with regards to breast cancer but also the other diseases.

Side effects of chemotherapy for breast cancer…

Several treatments have different side effects. They vary from each other with regards to the procedure as well as the patient. It is said that chemotherapy effects the cognitive functioning of the patient. Researches are working to find out what exactly causes this and which parts of the brain are getting affected by the said treatment. Like breast cancer screening, doctors have done screening of the brains as well of those patients who are going through the chemotherapy for their breast cancer.

It was very much evident that the functioning of the brain which is related to the planning, attention and memory seemed fragile in the patients who were undergoing the chemotherapy than those who have not gone through the same procedure.

Accumulating the findings…

These findings regarding the side effects of chemotherapy will further help out to find out the ways to reduce the side effects of this particular treatment. It has also confirmed the complaints registered by many women regarding their cognitive functioning. It has also emphasized to realize this matter seriously and to work together to solve the issue.

Shelli Kesler who is the head of this study says, “There has been a controversy whether it’s the disease itself or hormonal blockade medications or chemotherapy”.

This particular disorder is actually the “chemo brain” which is commonly noticed in the patients with chemotherapy treatment. There were several women included in this experiment and those who didn’t have any chemotherapy have shown combatively better memory condition and functioning. It was also observed that issues related with the memory are also linked with the person’s own ability. Here the importance of breast cancer screening becomes more essential.




Reasons behind the cognitive disorder…

Several reasons or causes have been presented like,

  1. Chemotherapy being a toxic for the brain’
  2. This procedure may cause inflammation to the brain
  3. This treatment is also linked with some damage to DNA

This is not only the chemotherapy but hormonal therapy is also said to has some side effects for the brain functioning. So it’s not just the chemotherapy.

Shelli Kesler says, People sometimes think women are exaggerating [chemo brain] but this study showed that self-reported impairment actually correlates with brain impairment pointing to the fact that they should not be ignored”.

The real thing is to work together to lessen the side effects by eliminating the dangerous and problem creating elements in the said treatments as we have to proceed with these treatments if diagnosed with the breast cancer.

Author Bio :

Jasmine William an enthusiastic writer and a researcher who tend to follow a path which leads her to the road of wellness. She also wants others to follow the same roads. Health, wellbeing and breast cancer are particularity the topics she prefer to write on. She always uses her pen to write the authentic and informative stuff. You can follow her on  twitter

 

Using Essential Oils to Treat Neuropathy

Using Essential Oils to Treat Neuropathy

essential oils for neuropathyAs neuropathy is damage to the nerves throughout the body (other than in the brain or spine), it is clear that the signs and symptoms of this type of nerve damage have to do with losing feeling or developing tingling sensations. For instance, a pins-and-needles feeling may develop over time, beginning in the extremities and then spreading further into the body.

Various causes exist for neuropathy, including diseases and conditions which cause the degradation of the nervous system. Some of this damage may be caused by certain illnesses such as tumors, diabetes, alcoholism, Vitamin B12 deficiency, pain killer abuse, or exposure to harmful chemicals or substances. Sometimes chemotherapy, used to fight cancer, can cause neuropathy as a side effect. Although some nerve damage is permanent, not all of it is and there are options for natural healing of neuropathy with essential oils.

Neuropathy Symptoms

While numbness and tingling are the main symptoms of neuropathy, there are several other signs that your body may be experiencing nerve damage. These include:

  • Sharp prickling pain with pins-and-needles
  • Digestive issues
  • Pain that feels heated
  • Changes in skin color and hair
  • Tingling in extremities (especially hands and feet)
  • Extreme sensitivity to touch
  • Incoordination and/or weak muscles
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Loss of bladder control
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty with swallowing or speech
  • Uncontrollable muscle contractions or twitches
  • Sexual dysfunction (in men)

Typical Neuropathy Causes

Although there are a myriad of reasons that are related to the cause of neuropathy. Some of the most common ailments are listed here. Some can be debilitating while others may have a simple remedy.

  • Vitamin B12 Deficiency
  • Alcoholism
  • Diabetes
  • Sports or other Physical Injuries
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Shingles (a strain of the Chicken Pox Virus)
  • Lyme Disease
  • Chemotherapy, Radiation, or other Cancer Treatments

Treatment of Neuropathy


If you are experiencing one or more of the above symptoms, it’s important to check with your doctor. The resolution may be as simple as adding vitamins to your diet, or treating a physical injury. Sometimes, however, you may find that your neuropathy is caused by an incurable issue (such as chemotherapy) and you may be looking for a way to relieve the discomfort. One of the best natural methods of relieving neuropathy is by using essential oils.

Which Essential Oils Work for Neuropathy?

Essential Oils are the “essence” of plants, powerfully extracted to provide the strongest, most effective means of applying the properties to the body. Essential oils are most commonly applied in a topical manner, typically using a carrier oil for dilution. Certain essential oils have properties which stimulate and provide healing to the nervous system. Essential oils can be used to address various issues with the nerves, including pain, hypersensitivity, discomfort, tingling, cold/heat susceptibility, and numbness.

The best essential oils for neuropathy are those that help bring healing to the nervous system while relieving stress. Some of the best essential oils for neuropathy include:

Helichrysum Essential Oil

Providing healing to the nerves as well as relief from pain, Helichrysum is an extremely powerful essential oil which comes from the flower of the Helichrysum plant. It is in the higher price range of essential oils, but those who use it find it extremely effective and a little goes a long way.

Cypress Essential Oil

Extracted from the cypress tree, this essential oil is effective in promoting circulation, taking the blood supply to the extremities and reducing the feelings of numbness or tingling. Cypress essential oil is also helpful when used for ailments related to respiration, liver function, and bleeding problems.

Tansy Essential Oil

Extracted from the tansy plant, this essential oil offers anti-itch and pain-relieving properties. Tansy should not be ingested as it could be poisonous if swallowed. Also on the expensive side, this oil is effective in relaxing muscles and reliving nerve difficulties.

Marjoram Essential Oil

Useful for calming and warming, Marjoram essential oil is particularly effective in soothing muscles and working as an antispasmodic. It can be helpful in relieving cramps while providing calming to muscle tension or aches which may be related to nervous system issues.

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Providing relaxation properties, Ylang Ylang is the perfect essential oil to soothe a disturbed nervous system. The scent is sweet with a bit of spice, and strongly aromatic.

Wild Orange Essential Oil

An essential oil with stimulating properties, Wild Orange promotes circulation while minimizing numbness or tingling. Sweet Orange is a less expensive but ineffective substitute, so be sure to stick with the Wild Orange variety. The antioxidants in Wild Orange also help to aid the body in healing itself.

Neuropathy Massage Recipe with Essential Oils

Combining essential oils into a massage oil allows physical stimulation (massage) to be used in conjunction with natural healing (essential oils). This combination may be particularly helpful when massaged into the areas of the body which are experiencing the symptoms:

5 drops Lavender Essential Oil

5 drops Cypress Essential Oil

5 drops Marjoram Essential Oil

9 drops Wild Orange Essential Oil

6 drops Helichrysum Essential Oil

6 drops Frankincense Essential Oil

3 Tablespoons Fractionated Coconut Oil

Use as a massage oil and rub onto areas affected by symptoms of neuropathy. Also, rub on the bottoms of the feet to allow for maximum absorption. Store in a dark glass bottle.

Neuropathy Bath Soak with Essential Oils

Sometimes a hot bath is one of the only things that can help provide relief and relaxation for those with neuropathy. Try out this blend of essential oils to provide relief to uncomfortable nerve problems.

5 drops Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

5 drops Blue Tansy Essential Oil

3 drops Wild Orange Essential Oil

1 cup Epsom salt

Add to hot bath and stir. Soak for at least 10 minutes or more.

When neuropathy exists as a peripheral issue, such as in diabetic neuropathy, it is important to deal with the symptoms in the most natural way possible. Of course, dealing with the main problem of diabetes is critical, but using powerful essential oils can offer a great deal of relief from the struggle.