Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

The name by which this disease is known alludes to the wolf -lupus in Latin- because of the destructive injuries that can bring to mind the bites of this animal. It is possible that in the beginning the name did not refer to a particular disease, but rather to any ulcerated injury with the destruction of tissue.

Although this name has been attributed to Paracelsus (1493-1541), Giovanni Manardi (1462-1536) had previously referred to some ulcers on the leg, which destroyed the surrounding area, using the comparison with a bite of hungry wolf.

Paracelsus, somewhat younger than Manardi, may have taken this graphic denomination from him, since he (Paracelsus) frequently speaks about lupus, fluently and as if dealing with something already known which did not need further explanation. As far as he was concerned, lupus was a cutaneous injury that "devoured" the excess blood, for which reason he suggested treating it with bleeding.

Rudolf Virchow's keen historical curiosity led him to make a great effort towards establishing the origin of the term and to investigate ancient sources. According to his conclusions it might have been a popular term used in the Middle Ages, and, having caught on, later became more generalized and entered the language of Medicine, thereby preceding Manardi and Paracelsus and their usage. One of the texts that he found, attributed to the German Johann Tollat von Vorchenberg, written at the beginning of the 15th century, said textually:

...for the wolf and for cancer, caprifolin...

Another text referred to by Rudolf Virchow (1821-1902) is older still. It dates back to the end of the 13th century and is a treatise on surgery by Roger de Palma, of the school of Salerno:

Sometimes lupus arises in the thighs and the lower legs (and is) distinguished from cancer from the symptoms mentioned above.

Nevertheless, no passage has been found that reveals the distinction between lupus and cancer. What is clear, however, is that from Roger to Manardi, lupus is spoken of as a typical complaint affecting the lower extremities. So, in those times, the term lupus would not refer, as it would later, to a disease of the nose and face. As Virchow already stated, this denomination was applied in a very diverse and vague way in the Middle Ages. It was Virchow himself who showed that Hans von Gersdorf was one of the first medical writers that referred to a facial disorder using the word lupus:

Leprosy is more clearly recognized in the nose, where it shows well-defined symptoms. Sometimes it is a

lso called wolf because it can contaminate all of a man's limbs as does cancerous lupus

In short, the prevailing idea up to the end of the 16th century, inherited from the school of Salerno, was that lupus was a type of cancer of the lower extremities.

However, there are indications that what we know today as lupus erythematosus was a disease that also existed in antiquity, even before the discovery of America. According to conclusions reached after paleo-pathologic studies, a young female pre-columbian mummy of the Huari culture, seems to represent "one of the earliest cases of collagen disease, with many aspects compatible with SLE".

What is lupus?

Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years. In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and other germs (“foreign invaders,” like the flu). Normally our immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from these invaders. Autoimmune means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues (“auto” means “self”). In lupus, your immune system creates autoantibodies , which attack and destroy healthy tissue. These autoantibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.

When people talk about “lupus,” they usually mean systemic lupus erythematosus. This is the most common type of lupus. Studies suggest that more than 16,000 new cases are reported annually across the country.

Although lupus can affect almost any organ system, the disease, for most people, affects only a few parts of the body. For example, one person with lupus may have swollen knees and fever. Another person may be tired all the time or have kidney trouble. Someone else may have rashes.

Normally, lupus develops slowly, with symptoms that come and go. Women who get lupus most often devel

op symptoms and are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 45. But the disease also can develop in childhood or later in life.

For most people, lupus is a mild disease. But for others, it may cause serious problems. Even if your lupus symptoms are mild, it is a serious disease that needs treatment. It can harm your organs and put your life at risk if untreated.

Although the term “lupus” commonly refers to SLE, this is only one type of the disease. There are other, less common types of lupus:

• Discoid lupus erythematosus, also called DLE, mainly affects the skin. A red rash may appear. Or, the skin on the face, scalp, or elsewhere may become scaly or change color. Sometimes DLE causes sores in the mouth or nose. A doctor will remove a small piece of the rash or sore and look at it under a microscope to tell if someone has DLE. If you have DLE, there is a small chance that you will later get SLE. There is no way to know if someone with DLE will get SLE.
• Drug-induced lupus is a lupus-like disease caused by certain prescription drugs. The symptoms of drug-induced lupus are similar to those of systemic lupus, but only rarely will any major organs be affected. Symptoms can include: joint pain, muscle pain, and fever. Symptoms are mild for most people. Most of the time, the disease goes away when the medicine is stopped. More men get this type of lupus because the drugs with the highest risk of causing it are used to treat heart conditions that are more common in men; however, not everyone who takes these drugs will develop drug-induced lupus. The drugs most commonly connected with drug-induce d lupus are procainamide (Pronestyl^®, Procanbid^®) and hydralazine (Apresoline^®; also, hydralazine is an ingredient in Apresazide^® and Bidil^®).
• Neonatal lupus is a rare condition that affects infants of women who have lupus and is caused by certain antibodies from the mother acting upon the infant in the womb. At birth, the infant may have a skin rash, liver problems, or low blood cell counts, but these symptoms disappear completely after several months with no lasting effects. Some infants with neonatal lupus can also have a serious heart defect. With proper testing, physicians can now identify most at-risk mothers, and the infant can be treated at or before birth. Most infants of mothers with lupus are entirely healthy.

Who gets lupus?

Anyone can get lupus. But 9 out of 10 people who have lupus are women. African American women are three times more likely to get lupus than white women. Lupus is also more common in Hispanic/Latina, Asian, and Native American women.

African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos tend to get lupus at a younger age and have more symptoms, including kidney problems. Lupus also tends to be more severe in these ethnic groups. For example, African Americans with lupus have more problems with seizures and strokes. Hispanic/Latino patients have more heart problems. Scientists believe that genes play a role in how lupus affects these ethnic groups.

Why is lupus a concern for women?

Nine out of 10 people who have lupus are women. And lupus is most common in women of childbearing years. Having lupus increases your risk of developing other health problems that are common in women. It can also cause these diseases to occur earlier in life:

• Heart disease. When you have lupus you are at increased risk for the main type of heart disease, called coronary artery disease (CAD). This is partly because people with lupus have more CAD risk factors, which may include: high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol levels, type 2 diabetes, and an inactive lifestyle due to fatigue, joint problems, and/or muscle pain. Heart disease is the number one killer of all women. But, women with lupus are 50 times more likely to have chest pain or a heart attack than other women of the same age.
• Osteoporosis. Women with lupus have more bone loss and breaks than other women. This is thought to happen because some medicines used to treat lupus cause bone loss. Bone loss also may occur as a direct result of the disease. Also, pain and fatigue can keep women with lupus from exercising. Keeping active is an important way to keep bones healthy and strong.

What causes lupus?

The cause of lupus is not known. More than one factor is likely to play a role in getting lupus. Researchers are looking at these factors:

• Environment (Sunlight, stress, certain medications, and viruses might trigger symptoms in people who are prone to getting lupus.)
• Hormones (Lupus is more common in women during childbearing years.)
• Problems with the immune system

What are the symptoms of lupus?

The signs of lupus differ from person to person. Some people have just a few symptoms; others have more. Lupus symptoms also tend to come and go. Lupus is a disease of flares (the symptoms worsen and you feel ill) and remissions (the symptoms improve and you feel better).

Common signs of lupus are:

• joint pain and stiffness, with or without swelling
• muscle aches and pains
• fever with no known cause
• feeling very tired
• skin rashes
• anemia (too few red blood cells)
• trouble thinking, memory problems, confusion
• kidney problems with no known cause
• chest pain when taking a deep breath
• butterfly-shaped rash across the nose and cheeks
• sun or light sensitivity
• hair loss
  

Less common symptoms include:

• blood clots
• purple or pale fingers or toes from cold or stress
• seizures
• sores in the mouth or nose (usually painless)
• severe headache
• dizzy spells
• "seeing things", not able to judge reality
• feeling sad
• strokes

The Other Symptoms of Lupus

The symptoms of SLE come on in waves, called flares or flare-ups. In between flares, patients may have almost no symptoms. Almost every SLE patient suffers from general discomfort, extreme fatigue, fever, and weight loss at some point. In addition to these general symptoms, SLE produces different symptoms in different body systems.

Skin Rashes caused by SLE are red, itchy, and painful. The rash can show up on any part of the body. The most typical SLE rash is called the butterfly rash, which appears on the cheeks and across the nose. SLE also causes hair loss. The hair usually grows back once the disease is under control.

People with SLE tend to be very sensitive to sunlight. Being in the sun for even a short time can cause a painful rash. Some people even get a rash from fluorescent lights at work.

Muscles and Bones Almost everyone with SLE has joint pain or inflammation. Any joint can be affected, but the most common spots are the hands, wrists, and knees. Usually the same joints on both sides of the body are affected. The pain can come and go, or it can be long lasting. The soft tissues around the joints are often swollen, but there is usually no excess fluid in the joint. Many SLE patients describe muscle pain and weakness, and the muscle tissue can swell.

In its late stages, SLE can cause areas of bone tissue to die, called osteonecrosis.. Osteonecrosis can cause serious disability. It can be caused at least in part by using high doses of corticosteroids over a long time. Corticosteroids help control the symptoms of SLE.

Kidneys People with SLE usually don't notice any problems with their kidneys until the damage is severe. Sometimes kidney problems aren't noticed until the kidneys are actually failing.

Nervous System SLE can cause headaches, seizures, abnormal blood vessels in the head, and many other problems with the nervous system. SLE can also cause organic brain syndrome. This disorder involves serious problems with memory and concentration, emotional problems, and severe agitation and hallucinations. Any of these symptoms may show up alone, without any other symptoms of SLE.

Membranes In the body, membranes surround your internal organs. The membranes around your lungs, heart, and the organs in the abdomen become inflamed in SLE. This is called serositis and can be seen on X-rays. Many SLE patients develop symptoms of pleurisy (swelling of the membrane around your lungs). The pericardium, the membrane around your heart, is often affected as well.

Digestive System Problems with the stomach and intestines are common. Symptoms include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. In most cases this is caused by serositis in the membrane around the organs in your abdomen.

Lungs SLE can cause many lung problems.

• Inflammation of the lungs, called Lupus pneumonitis, can come on suddenly or slowly. It has many of the same symptoms of pneumonia.
• A hemorrhage (burst blood vessel) can occur in the lungs.
• A blood clot can form in the artery going to the lungs.
• The blood vessels in the lungs can begin to contract.
• Shrinking lung syndrome involves scarring of the lungs due to long standing inflammation decreases the lungs' capacity to take in air. It seems that the lungs can no longer hold normal amounts of air.
  

Blood SLE causes very low levels of red and white cells in your blood. SLE often does not directly cause low levels of red blood cells, called anemia. Anemia is instead caused by blood loss, kidney problems, or the drugs taken to control the disease.

You may have few of these symptoms, almost all of them, or any combination in between. The disease affects different people in very different ways. There is even a group of patients considered to have latent lupus. They have some chronic SLE symptoms, but the disease never seems to progress into true SLE.

A few patients have drug-induced lupus. In these cases, SLE symptoms come on suddenly while taking certain kinds of drugs. The symptoms are usually milder than in true SLE, and the symptoms go away when the patients stop taking the drug.

Pregnancy Because so many SLE patients are young women, pregnancy is a major concern. Women with SLE can get pregnant. The disease can be managed during pregnancy if it has already been brought under control. However, the chances of miscarriage, premature birth, and death of the baby in the uterus are high.

Medication

Several types of drugs can be used to treat the complications of SLE. What your doctor prescribes for you will depend on your symptoms.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to treat muscle, bone, and joint pain, and mild cases of serositis (inflammation of internal membranes). They may also be used for fevers.
• Corticosteroids are used in many forms. Creams are rubbed into rashes, and oral or intravenous forms are used to treat flare-ups and to keep the disease under control. Corticosteroids can be injected directly into painful arthritic joints. These drugs are very toxic, howevehydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, and quinacrine) work to manage the skin problems of SLE. They can also help treat other symptoms. These drugs can hurt your eyes. As a preca
• Methotrexate in low weekly doses can help manage arthritis, rashes, serositis, and other symptoms.
• Cyclophosphamide, given intravenously, is often used when SLE is affecting the kidneys, heart, and lungs. This is an extremely toxic drug, with many side effects. Patients often experience severe nausea and vomiting and almost total hair loss. The hair does grow back, even when patients must continue taking the drug.
• Azathioprine can be used instead of cyclophosphamide to treat kidney disease. Doctors consider it less effective, but it is also far less toxic. It can also be used instead of steroids.

SLE progressively damages the kidneys over time. In late stages of the disease, kidney failure requires dialysis or kidney transplants.

SLE is a very serious disease. Its effects on the kidneys, heart, and lungs can cause many long-term problems. Although doctors now have better ways to help you live with SLE, there are not many options to help prevent or reverse the damage to your organs.

Taken from:
www.womenshealth.gov
www.eorthopod.com
www.bium.univ-paris5.fr

The miracle of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) fruit

Papaya is rich in vitamin C and is a good source of antioxidants. Its fiber is too soft, so that both consumed by the infants to old age. Papaya tree originally from southern Mexico. The height can reach ± 10 meters and its fruit can be enjoyed anytime. Papaya plants is now widespread, particularly in tropical countries.

In traditional Chinese herbal, papaya is known to overcome digestive disorders. Fruit that do not recognize this season can eliminate intestinal worms. Ripe papaya can be used to cure dysentery, rheumatism and the mucus production problem.

The International Cancer Foundation in 1997 reported on the benefits of vitamin C and carotenoids, which are scattered in papayas, to help prevent cancer. Recommendations emerged diet containing vitamin C and carotenoids to prevent lung cancer. This is also the possibility to fight colon cancer, pancreatic, bladder and breast, and reduce free radicals which trigger cancer.

There are 10 benefits of papaya fruit :

1
Papaya fruit contains many kinds of enzymes, vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A was more than carrots, vitamin C was higher than oranges. Also rich with vitamin B complex & vitamin E.

2
Contains papaya enzyme papain. This enzyme is very active and have the ability to accelerate the process of protein digestion. Digesting protein is the major problem faced by many people are in your diet everyday. Body has limitations in protein digests expenditure due to lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

3
Protein content in papaya fruits are not too high, only 4-6 grams per kilogram weight of fruit. But this small amount can be almost completely digested and absorbed by the body. This caused the enzyme papain in papaya substances capable of digesting 35 times larger than its own. Digestive power of this protein to remind us to more carefully select the food, that food that contains high protein may not be beneficial to the body. What matters is whether or not easily absorbed by the body's proteins.

4
Papain can split into arginine proteins. Arginine compound is one of the essential amino acids in normal conditions can not be used to produce the body and obtained through foods such as eggs and yeast. But when the papain enzymes involved in digestion of proteins, are naturally some proteins can be converted into arginine. The process of formation of this arginine with papain also influence the production of human growth hormone is commonly known as human growth hormone (HSG), because arginine is a mandatory requirement in the formation of HGH. Well, this HGH helps increase muscle health and reduce fat accumulation in the body. Other important information, laboratory tests showed functional arginine inhibits cell growth of breast cancer.

5
Papain can also break down food that contains protein to form various compounds are amino acids or automatically remove autointoxicating formation of unwanted substances due to incomplete digestion. High blood pressure, constipation, arthritis, epilepsy and diabetes are diseases that arise due to ingestion of food that is not perfect. Papain is not always able to prevent it, but at least can minimize the negative effects that arise. Clear papain can help make the process of digesting food better.

6
Papain helps arrangement of amino acids and helps remove body toxins. In this way the immune system can be improved.

7
Papaya can also speed up the digestion of carbohydrates and fats. Papain enzyme capable of breaking the fibers of the meat, so meat is more easily digested. No wonder when the papaya is often used as meat tenderizer materials, particularly for the manufacture of cooking kebabs or stews.

8
Papaya has antiseptic properties and helps prevent the proliferation of harmful bacteria in the gut. Papaya helps normalize intestinal pH of the intestinal flora, so the situation becomes normal.

9
Papain formed in all parts of the fruit, good skin, pulp, and seeds. So papaya should be fully utilized. In fact, for those who experience digestive problems, are advised to eat fruit and papaya seeds.

10
Fruit that is still raw or undercooked contain higher nutrients than mature fruit. But women who want to have children or are pregnant are prohibited to consume, because the raw fruit and mengkal have the effect of abortion. Because of this effect, in various countries such as Papua New Guinea and Peru, papaya is used as a means of contraception. Suggestions for pregnant women, if you want to get the benefits papaya, eat the ripe fruit only.

Penile tumor, penile cancer/ penile carcinoma/ penile malignancies

The cause (etiology):
At least 25-75% of men with penile cancer phimosis.
In women who suffer sexual partner penile cancer, the rate for cervical cancer increased 3-8 times compared with the normal sexual partner.
Role of viral infections continue to be studied. Both cancer penis (penile cancer) and cervical cancer (cervical cancer) associated with the presence of herpes virus infection and human papilloma virus (HPV).

Human papilloma viruses (HPV) types 16 and 18 have been found in a third man who suffered from penile cancer. Does this virus causes cancer or merely acting as saprophytes, not defined.

Penile intraepithelial neoplasia is considered as a precursor, but only 5-15% of these lesions develop into invasive squamous cell carcinoma.

There is no real evidence that smegma is a carcinogen (cancer causing substances), although this has been widely believed.
Clinical symptoms:

Patient presents with lesions that are difficult recovery, accompanied by "subtle induration" on the skin, a small growth on the skin (a small excrescence), papules, pustules, or warts growing veruka (a Warty growth), or exophytic growth.

Many men do not see a doctor until the cancer to erosion (eroded) and became preputium smells because of infection and necrosis.

Occasionally, penile cancer in accident on histopathology examination during circumcision (circumcision).

Sometimes found in a mass, ulceration, suppuration, or bleeding (hemorrhage) in the groin area (inguinal) due to nodal metastases.

The pain rarely occur even if the damage has occurred the local network (local significant destruction of tissue) that means.
Patients with cancer that has spread widely (advanced metastatic cancer) may complain of weakness (weakness), weight loss (weight loss), fatigue (fatigue), lesions of the penis may be bloody.

The presence of lesions (wounds) in the penis that does not go away (nonhealing) usually make the patient went to the doctor.

Category lesions of the penis:
1. Benign lesions (benign lesions)
For example: Pearly penile papules, hirsute papillomas, and coronal papillae.

2. Lesions are potentially malignant (premalignant)
This was associated with leukoplakia and squamous cell carcinoma. The most common example is balanitis xerotica obliterans.

3. Malignant lesions (malignant neoplasm or malignant carcinoma)
These include variants of squamous cell carcinoma such as: carcinoma in situ (CIS), erythroplasia of Queyrat, and Bowen disease.

Laboratory examinations:
1. There are no specific laboratory tests (specific) or an indication tumors (tumor markers) in penile cancer.

2. Public inspection, including: complete blood count, chemistries with liver function tests (a chemistry panel with liver function tests), and assessment (assessment) the status of the heart, lungs, and kidneys, is very helpful to detect unforeseen problems.

3. Patients with severe disease can anemis, with leukocytosis and hypoalbuminemia.

4. Hypercalcemia was found in some patients during the absence of spreading (Absence of metastases).


Diagnostic procedures:
Diagnostic test is most important is the biopsy.
Medical Therapy:
Intraepitel neoplasms such as Bowen disease or erythroplasia of Queyrat can be treated with topical 5-fluorouracil.

Radiation therapy
Colors:
1. External beam radiation therapy
2. Brachytherapy

Indication of radiation therapy:
1. The young man with cancer in the glans or coronal sulcus with small size (<3 style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Chemotherapy
The drugs most commonly used are: cisplatin, bleomycin, methotrexate, and fluorouracil.

Therapy Surgery (Surgical therapy)
Standard therapy for primary cancer is cut in the local (local excision) and partial or total penectomy.

In patients with small tumors confined to the preputium, enough with the circumcision (circumcision).
Amputation of part (partial amputation) suitable if the cancer involves the glans penis and distal penile erection (distal shaft).
In some situations / circumstances, Local wedge resection can be done easily (feasible), is associated with an average recurrence of 50%. If surgical resection with wedge or partial penectomy does not give enough freedom (adequate margin), then the strategy must be considered a total penectomy. If some of the rest of the penis (penile residual) and the urethra is not enough for the patient to urinate standing up, it can be done urethrostomy perineal action.

Another surgical technique is Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), which can be used (applicable) for patients with noninvasive disease.


Laser Surgery
Laser surgery (laser surgery) is used in patients with benign lesions (benign) and malignant (malignant) in the surface (superficial). This therapy has been applied in cases of "local and limited invasive disease". Four types of laser used in laser surgery, namely: carbon dioxide, Nd: Yag, argon, and potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) lasers.


Complications
Few surgical complications encountered in the primary tumor excision, partial or complete penectomy, such as:
1. infection
2. edema
3. striktura urethra
if the new urethral meatus should be made.

Complications associated with inguinal node dissections:

1. Early Complications (early complications) such as: wound infection (wound infection), seroma, skin flap necrosis, phlebitis, and pulmonary embolism (pulmonary embolus)

2. Complications follow-up (Late complications) such as: lymphedema of scrotum and lower limbs (legs).

Complications of radiation therapy:
Usually seen in tumors larger than 4 cm.
1. urethral strictures (in 50% of patients)
2. urethral fistula
3. penile necrosis
4. edema
5. pain in the penis

Surgery after radiation therapy is required in 20-60% of patients.

Prevention:
Khitan (circumcision) is set as preventive (prophylactic) is effective for penile cancer. Please note, penile cancer is found more often when circumcision / circumcision was postponed until puberty. Circumcision as an adult little or no protection from penile cancer.

Note:
1. This disease rarely occurs in men who have been circumcised (circumcised men), especially if circumcised as a baby.

2. Penile cancer tend to experience an adult male aged approximately 60-80 years. In young adults do not always encountered. One study reported that 22% of patients younger than 40 years, and only 7% under the age of 30 years.

3. If cancer (carcinoma in situ or CIS) occurs in the glans penis, called erythroplasia of Queyrat. But if there is the "follicle-bearing skin of the shaft" is called Bowen disease.

4. The death rate for penile cancer patients reached 22.4%.

5. As many as 15-50% of patients with penile cancer to see a doctor delayed for more than 1 year.

6. Most of penile cancer is "squamous cell carcinomas".

7. Penile tumors can be found anywhere in the penis, but most found in the glans penis (48%) and preputium (21%).

emedicine.medscape.com

Dietary Health Benefits

The benefits of any dietary factors are very difficult to prove, and, to date, there is little evidence that most dietary supplements protect against major diseases in otherwise healthy people with normal eating habits. However, a diet naturally high in vitamins and minerals can be the best defense against many diseases. Fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains are the primary sources of vitamins, carotenoids, and vitamins, as well as of fiber and important minerals.

Antioxidants: Pros and Cons

Description of Free Radicals (Oxidants). Currently, the most important benefit claimed for vitamins A, C, E, and many of the carotenoids and phytochemicals is their role as antioxidants, which are scavengers of particles known as free radicals (also sometimes called oxidants). These chemically active particles are by-products of many of the body's normal chemical processes. Their numbers are increased by environmental assaults, such as smoking, chemicals, toxins, and stress. In higher levels, oxidants can be very harmful in the following way:

• They can damage cell membranes and interact with genetic material, possibly contributing to the development of a number of disorders including cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and even the aging process itself.
• Free radicals can also enhance the dangerous properties of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, a major player in the development of atherosclerosis.

Description of Antioxidants and Warnings on High-Dose Supplements. Antioxidant vitamins (A, C, and E), carotenoids, and many phytochemicals can neutralize free radicals. Unfortunately, although it is clear that vitamins are required to prevent deficiency diseases, high doses of vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene supplements may also have pro-oxidant effects, which can be harmful in patients with cancer. In these people, high doses of antioxidant vitamins may actually protect cancer cells just as they do healthy cells.

The strongest evidence on negative effects to date comes from studies reporting an increase in lung cancer and overall mortality rates among smokers who took beta carotene supplements.

Some evidence also indicates that high doses of vitamin C may speed up atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.

Some researchers speculate that certain immune factors generate oxidants to fight bacteria. The antioxidant vitamin E may block that action. Further study is necessary.

Protection against Heart Disease

Vitamins and Heart Protection.

• Antioxidant Vitamins A, C, and E. A low dietary intake of vitamins A, C, E, and beta carotene has been linked to heart disease. All of these nutrients have antioxidant effects and other properties that should benefit the heart. However, there is now clear evidence that supplements of these vitamins, singly or in combination, do not protect against heart disease or cancer.
• Folate and B12 Vitamins. Deficiencies in the B vitamins folate (known also as folic acid) and B12 have been associated with elevated blood levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that has been associated with a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. However, there is now clear evidence that supplements of these vitamins do not reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Niacin. Niacin (vitamin B3) is used for improving unhealthy cholesterol levels, though very high doses are required. Although vitamin B3 is available over the counter, it can have significant side effects. A physician should prescribe niacin in order to ensure its safety and effectiveness.

Carotenoids and Heart Protection. Studies have reported that a diet high in fruits and vegetables containing beta carotene, lycopene, and other carotenoids may reduce the risk of heart attack Diets low in lycopene (particularly from tomatoes) were associated with a significantly higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

Phytochemicals and Heart Protection. Several phytochemicals are associated with heart protection.

• Flavonoids. Certain flavonoids, found in both black and green tea, dark chocolate, onions, red wine or red grape juice, and apples, appear to be heart protective. Flavonoids may protect against damage done by cholesterol and help prevent blood clots. A number of studies have now reported heart protection from the flavonoid catechin, which is found in both black and green tea. The flavonoid resveratrol, which is found in grape skin, appears to contribute to the heart protective effects in red wine.
  
• Organosulfurs. Organosulfurs found in onions and garlic have been under investigation for possible beneficial effects on cholesterol levels.
• Isoflavones. Soy protein is the most studied source of isoflavones (known as phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens). Not all studies are consistent, but some have shown an improvement in at least one of the cholesterol components in people who consumed at least 25 grams of soy protein. A meta-analysis of all soy protein studies performed from 1990 - 2006 found that soy protein significantly decreased total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, but had no effect on HDL or triglycerides. The effect was particularly evident in people with hypercholesterolemia. Soy may also reduce other heart risk factors, at least in certain populations. For example, in one study, soy was beneficial for controlling blood sugar and lowering LDL in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes. In a study of overweight men and postmenopausal women, soy protein reduced blood pressure and arterial stiffness. The best sources are soy products (tofu, soy milk) or whole soy protein. Powdered soy protein that contains at least 60 mg of isoflavones may provide similar benefits.
• Sterols. The plant sterols, including sitosterol, are also proving to be potent cholesterol fighters by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine. Sitostanol, a derivative of sitosterol, is being used in new margarine products to lower cholesterol levels. Sterols and stanols are now found in breads, cereals, yogurt, and fruit juices.

Protection against Stroke

A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in salt and saturated fats may significantly lower the risk for a first stroke, perhaps by helping to protect against high blood pressure -- a major risk factor for stroke.

Vitamins and Stroke Protection. The effects of antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids (vitamins C or E, or beta carotene) on stroke have been studied extensively. Most studies have found that these vitamins do not help protect against stroke.

Recent studies have indicated that while B vitamin supplements help lower homocysteine levels, they have no effect on heart disease outcomes. A large randomized controlled trial is underway to evaluate the benefit of vitamins on reducing stroke risk.

Protection against Cancer

Many fresh fruits and vegetables contain chemicals that may fight many cancers, including lung, breast, colon, and prostate cancers. Examples of important cancer fighting foods include the following:

• Cruciferous vegetables (such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli)
• Tomatoes (which contain lycopene)
• Carrots (which contain alpha carotene)

Any protective effects of vitamins or specific phytochemical against cancer, however, appear to depend on the cooperative effort among them. Individual supplements of any vitamin or food chemical have not as yet shown any benefits.

Additionally, certain supplements may actually encourage tumor growth, particularly when taken in large amounts. Two recent studies found a connection between folate supplements and colorectal cancer. A large National Cancer Institute/AARP study found an increased risk of advanced and fatal prostate cancer in men who took more than 7 multivitamins a week, but no association between multivitamin use and localized prostate cancer.

High consumption of cruciferous vegetables (at least once per week) was associated with lower risk of kidney cancer, and low consumption (less than once per month) of cruciferous vegetables was associated with higher risk of kidney cancer in a multinational European study. Cruciferous vegetables also appear to offer protection against head and neck cancer resulting from chemical toxins found in cigarettes and alcohol, for example.

Vitamins and Cancer Protection. Because many cancers are thought to be initiated by the effects of oxygen-free radicals on DNA, the antioxidants A, C, and E and beta carotene have been intensively studied. Beta-carotene supplementation increased lung cancer risk in smokers and persons exposed to asbestos.

In 2006, a study for the National Institutes of Health reviewed randomized trials evaluating the effectiveness and safety of multivitamin and mineral supplements in preventing cancer and chronic disease. The studies had mixed results, and some supplements reduced cancer rates in certain populations. However, the reviewers concluded that current evidence is not sufficient to determine that multivitamin and mineral supplements prevent cancer and chronic disease.

Carotenoids and Cancer Protection. A number of studies have reported that fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids are associated with protection against many cancers. Lycopene, found in tomatoes, may have particular value in protection against prostate, colon, lung, and bladder cancer. Individual supplements, however, do not offer any advantage. In fact, evidence now strongly suggests that beta carotene supplements increase the risk for lung cancer in smokers and people exposed to asbestos

Phytochemicals and Cancer Protection. The following phytochemicals appear to have cancer-protecting properties.

• Isothiocyanates. Isothiocyanates and sulforaphane, found in cruciferous vegetables, may block the effects of carcinogens and suppress tumor growth.
• Isoflavones. Isoflavones, found in soy beans and flax seed, behave like estrogen in some ways and not in others. Researchers are very interested, then, in their effects on hormone-related cancers, including breast and prostate cancers. Much research has focused on soy. In general, a number of Asian studies have reported an association between a higher intake of soy and a lower incidence of reproductive and breast cancers. The effects of phytoestrogens in all women, however, are far from settled. Some evidence suggests the genistein in soy may have properties that are protective against lung cancer. Nonfermented soy products (tofu, soy milk) also may protect against stomach cancer, while fermented soy products (miso, soy paste) appears to increase the risk.
• Organosulfurs. The organosulfur compounds found in the onion and garlic family may have very potent properties in suppressing or blocking carcinogenic substances. Studies indicate that people who regularly consume fresh or cooked garlic have about half the risk of developing stomach cancer and two thirds the risk of colorectal cancer as people who eat little or no garlic. One possible explanation for garlic's anti-cancer effect in the stomach is its antibacterial action against H. pylori, which can promote stomach cancer. Taking garlic supplements, however, did not offer these benefits.

It should be noted that studies on the health benefits of vitamins and minerals have some important limitations. Some are held to rigorous standards, while others are not. In most cases, the results of existing research are complex, as they can easily be complicated by factors such as diet, exercise, the presence of healthy or unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, environmental and genetic factors, and more.

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www.astaxanthin.org/carotenoids.htm

Lycopene

Lycopene is a bright red carotenoid pigment and phytochemical found in tomatoes and other red fruits & vegetables, such as red carrots, watermelons and papayas (but not strawberries or cherries).

In plants, algae, and other photosynthetic organisms, lycopene is an important intermediate in the biosynthesis of many carotenoids, including beta carotene, responsible for yellow, orange or red pigmentation, photosynthesis, and photo-protection. Structurally, it is a tetraterpeneisoprene units, composed entirely of carbon and hydrogen, and is insoluble in water. Lycopene's eleven conjugated double bonds give it its deep red color and are responsible for its antioxidant activity. Due to its strong color and non-toxicity, lycopene is a useful food coloring. assembled from eight

Lycopene is not an essential nutrient for humans, but is commonly found in the diet, mainly from dishes prepared with tomato sauce. When absorbed from the stomach, lycopene is transported in the blood by various lipoproteins and accumulates in the liver, adrenal glands, and testes.

Because preliminary research has shown an inverse correlation between consumption of tomatoes and cancer risk, lycopene has been considered a potential agent for prevention of some types of cancers, particularly prostate cancer. However, this area of research and the relationship with prostate cancer have been deemed insufficient of evidence for health claim approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (see below under Antioxidant properties and potential health benefits).

Lycopene is a carotenoid originally isolated from a type of European yam in 1873. The proven antioxidant is best known, however, as a constituent of tomatoes, from which it was first extracted in 1875.

Similar to other carotenoids, lycopene is responsible for the coloration of various fruits and vegetables. Lycopene provides, for instance, the red pigment of tomatoes and certain varieties of chilies, as well as the pinkish hue of watermelon, grapefruit, and guava. As a carotenoid, lycopene is also essential for plant growth and photosynthesis. The substance, which can only be manufactured by green plants and some microorganisms, is also being found to be important for the good health of humans and other animals, which must obtain lycopene through dietary sources.

Lycopene tends to concentrate in bodily tissues at higher amounts than all other carotenoids, especially in the testes and adrenal glands. Indeed, dietary consumption of lycopene may be especially beneficial to men, since the carotenoid has been strongly associated with a lowered risk of prostate cancer. Some studies have also suggested that men who eat significant quantities of foods rich in lycopene are less likely to experience heart disease than those who do not. Yet, women may considerably benefit from lycopene consumption as well, since recent research indicates that lycopene may lessen the risk of macular degenerative disease, serum lipid oxidation, and cancers of the lung, bladder, cervix, and skin.

Overcoming Subtle Wrinkles On Face With Tomatoes

Smooth wrinkles that start appearing on the face, especially the chin, smile lines and forehead as well as a sign that you are not young anymore. To prevent this, you can use various techniques, starting with various anti-wrinkle cream, to surgery (face lifting). In addition to these treatments, you can also keep up with the maintenance of internal (from within), one of which consumes tomatoes.

Tomatoes are known to contain suspected its lycopene can prevent wrinkles and dark spots from the sun. 80% wrinkles caused by sunlight and lycopene is one of the potent antioxidant that can stop the aging process caused by exposure to sunlight.

According to experts, add tomatoes to the menu brings many benefits. Lycopene is also famous for its function in the fight against heart disease and cancer. So in addition to facial skin health, you can also prevent other diseases.

Tomato paste consumption of lycopene-rich can dramatically reduce skin damage caused by sunlight. Eating tomato paste mixed with olive oil for 10 weeks as an adjunct to your regular menu. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant and powerful weapons in preventing skin damage caused by free radicals.

Add some cooked tomato dishes into your menu such as spaghetti, pizza, tomato soup or the other. If possible choose a cooked tomatoes than raw. Though raw tomatoes contain more lycopene, but when cooked the contents will increase 4 times.

Add fresh tomato slices on sandwiches and hamburgers. Replace mayonnaise in sandwiches and hamburgers with tomato paste, then you will get the same taste very different.

There's a good idea to drink 1 glass of tomato juice every day instead of oranges. Because the tomato juice and you'll get the lycopene and vitamin C. If you do not like the tomatoes you can take lycopene supplements but should consult your doctor.