An Exciting New Treatment for Brain Cancer

Selenium is a metal that is necessary for the functioning of many enzymes. In high concentrations, it depletes glutathione thereby inducing autophagy and apoptosis. I have written about these topics before.

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2007/07/a-new-treatme-2.html

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/03/sodium-selenite.html

In the first essay referenced, I recommended that liquid sodium selenite be introduced into the nose to treat brain cancer. SS does not harm normal neurons, but it does promote the death of gliomas by the depletion of glutathione.

The following is the story of a member whose breast cancer metastasized throughout her entire body, including the brain. There is no trace of cancer in her brain any longer.

Hi Steve,

Here is the story about the brain mets from my wife Ria.

My wife is suffering from breast cancer since 10 years. It has metastasized to the sternum, lungs, liver, neck, middle spine and lower spine.

In the past years she had all the treatments you can think of. In 2004 FAC chemo removed the mets in the lungs and made the tumour in the liver a lot smaller. The rest of this liver met we had removed by laser (LITT) in Frankfurt. They do not know the treatment in Holland.

The first time there was a met in the neck it was discovered too late by the doctors (actually they denied it). That is why my wife has two paralyzed hands and all of her fingers. So since three years she cannot do anything by herself. Just nothing at all, so I do it for her. She got radiation 5 times. After 8 months the tumor in the neck was back. Second time radiation (5 times).

One year later she had mets in the lower spine on different places. This meant that the cells were spreading through the liquor along the spine and the head. Radiation followed on lower spine.

Last October my wife had mets on the middle part of the spine. This time she got Taxol chemo. After three weeks of taxol (weekly) she got problems in the right side of her face and her right eye. MRI scan showed a tumour on the right side of the truncus cerebri (do not know the English translation) and different small mets all over the meninges in the head.

In November 2007 So then she got whole brain radiation. Five times (during one week). We had just started to take DHA – 15 capsules per day. (http://www.derooderoos.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1980&osCsid=a7146936dd05b89878f63a5426bc458a

She continued taking these DHA capsules during radiation and after following you advise.

Just before the start of and radiation she had a ruffling sound an high sound in her right ear. The nerve from the truncus cerebri to the right eye and right side of the face goes through the right ear.

She had NO Dexamethasone. The sounds in the ear disappeared shortly after radiation was finished.

Two weeks after radiation we thought of clearing up possible rest mets by using Sodium Selenite drops (from LEF) in the nose. Clearing up not only in the head, but also in the rest of the liquor through which it has spread. On drop per day which she inhaled as advised in your protocol.  After two or three days the sounds in the ear were back. I thought it must have been the same ROS reaction as caused by the radiation.) So I thought a good sign. We stopped after the 5th day. The sounds disappeared again.

About one month after radiation we stopped the DHA capsules.

Next after every month we tried some maintenance by doing the Sod. Selenite drops in the nose for 5 days and stop taking the Sod. Sel. Capsules during these 5 days. I do not know if the drops and the capsules can be combined as you state in your protocol: NOT more then one drop per day.

In May 2008 (6 months after the radiation) an MRI scan was made from the head. There were NO signs of mets.

Apart from the present condition my wife is in at this moment I thought I should tell you about this experience. Still there are no signs that point at growing mets in the head.

Hope this information is useful for you.

Hope you understand my Dutch English well.

SUMMARY

Ria had 5 brain radiations during one week only.

No Dexamethasone (which inhibits apoptosis in cancer cells) was used to control brain inflammation.

They used DHA fish oil before radiation, during radiation and thereafter. One month after radiation DHA use was stopped.

Two weeks after radiation they inhaled one drop of LEF (lef.org) liquid sodium selenite in the nose for 5 days.

Every month thereafter they used sodium selenite in the nose for 4 or 5 days.

After 5.5 months the MRI scan showed no signs of cancer.

The radiation caused a ringing in Ria's right ear. When the the radiation stopped, the ringing stopped.

When sodium selenite was administered, the ringing (rubble) began again. They attribute this to the oxidative damage induced by both radiation and selenite in the cancer cells.

When selenite is now administered in the nose, there is NO ringing. They believe this confirms that the cancer is now cleared from the brain.

CONCLUSION

It is possible that radiation alone killed Ria's brain cancer, but I doubt it. I believe radiation, the absence of Dex and the use of sodium selenite accomplished this incredible cure.

Well done. Great feedback.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

Are Methyl Jasmonate and Lithium the PERFECT Treatment for Brain Cancer

This essay is reposted from our subscription blog in the public interest.

The American Senator Ted Kennedy has been diagnosed with brain cancer. His brain surgery at Duke University was successful. This will be followed up by chemotherapy and radiation therapy as Mass. General Hospital in Boston. I wish Sen. Kennedy all the luck in the world. But there is a problem.

I have written about this many times. Chemo drugs and radiation induce massive inflammation in the brain. The swelling, edema, must be controlled or the patient can die. So it is standard medical practice to treat the patient with the steroid dexamethasone. This controls the inflammation. Unfortunately, dexamethasone prevents the cancer cells from dying of programmed cell death.

A few weeks ago I wrote an essay on the inhibition of glycolysis by methyl jasmonate and lithium.

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/04/methyl-jasmon-1.html

We have a member in Europe whose brother has melanoma metastasized to his brain. He has purchased methyl jasmonate which will be introduced into the brain via the nose. We are going to add lithium orotate to this mix.

Lithium orotate is a neuroprotectant. It induces autophagy, but not cell death in the absence of oxidative stress. Methyl jasmonate, by virtue of its ability to reduce ATP levels in cells, will definitely induce oxidative stress.

Further, both compounds detach hexokinase from the mitochondria, thereby blocking aerobic glycolysis and promoting, eventually, programmed cell death.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=18408762&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12559851&itool=pubmed_docsum

Methyl jasmonate is toxic to neuroblastoma cancer cells but not normal neurons.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=18525316&itool=pubmed_docsum

One of the nice properties of methyl jasmonate is its efficacy in chemo drug resistant and mutant p53 cancer cells.

Since the nose is a direct conduit to brain, the combination of low doses of methyl jasmonate and lithium administered nasally could be the perfect treatment for brain cancer and localized metastatic cells.

My beloved Uncle Buddy died of brain cancer so this disease has taken on a personal importance for me.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

In 24 Hours, My Shoulder Cancer is Already Dying

This essay is reposted from the private blog in the public interest.

As I wrote in the previous blog, the death lipid ceramide is now known to initiate the process of autophagy. In our current treatment protocol, we have attempted to promote autophagy by blocking the activity of its inhibitors, such as mTOR. Now we find ourselves in the enviable position of being able to BOTH initiate autophagy and block its inhibition.

The lesion, cancer, on my shoulder has been getting worse and worse. It is now three times larger than it was three months ago and it has increased in height. It bleeds rather constantly. If you apply even the slightest amount of pressure, it bleeds from at least 4 different parts of the lesion. After trying about ten different treatment protocols without success, I was resigned to undergo surgery, whatever, to get rid of this lesion.

For some reason, I remembered that Anna and Deanne, two women with different kinds of cancer, were treated with topical and oral protocols, respectively, designed to induce the synthesis of ceramide in the body. Over time,  I moved away from ceramide based protocols to others.

On a whim, I did a search to find out if ceramide had anything to do with autophagy, the best method of programmed cell death. Much to my shock, I found that ceramide initiates autophagy. I was stunned.

I have a great deal of experience in making ceramide inducing skin creams. So I combined palmitic acid and serine, the building blocks of ceramide, niacinamide, and some orange oil into my favorite non-irritating 70% DMSO gel and applied it to the lesion. Within 5 minutes, the lesion began to "quiet down". Over the next 12 hours, there was NO blood on the bandage. I cannot remember when the bandage was not semi- or completely bloody. Last night, I changed the bandage. The lesion had changed from an ugly red to a pretty pink color. I applied another application of the gel and bandaged it. Normally, if I rolled over on this shoulder at night, the pressure would cause the lesion to bleed. So I conducted an experiment. I slept on my side with the lesion all night to see if it would bleed.

This AM I lay in bed praying, "No blood, no blood, no blood....please!" When I looked into the mirrow, there was NO blood on the bandage. Further, the lesion, which used to be soft and gushy (a fine technical term} was now hard. After 5 minutes of air drying, I noticed that parts of the lesion were turning semi-white. I immediately remembered that this happened to Anna as her chest lesion began to die. And all this happened in 24 hours.

It is too early to draw conclusions, but we are on the right track. In time, this simple inexpensive topical protocol could be used for the treatment of skin cancer, inflammatory breast cancer and any topical cancer lesions. Further, the oral version of this protocol would be expected to be an excellent treatment for stomach cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, gastrointestinal cancer and perhaps pancreatic cancer as well. Again, time will tell.

Right now, I have no bandage on the lesion. It is hard, dry, and turning slightly white. I am a happy man.

I will update the condition of the lesion in the comments section of this blog. The next essay will discuss the biochemistry of ceramide and autophagy.

Mouse Steve signing off.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

Topical Home Made Pain Relief and Hair Growth Preparations that REALLY Work

NEW BOOK EMPOWERS CONSUMERS TO CREATE POTENT HOMEMADE
REMEDIES FOR PAIN, HAIR LOSS AND HERPES INFECTIONS

San Francisco, Calif., May 20, 2008—In a new book titled “If You Can Cook…You Can Make Powerful Topical Remedies for Pain, Hair Loss, and Herpes Infections,” the medical organization Grouppe Kurosawa opens a new world of medical intervention. This compelling new book—written by Grouppe Kurosawa’s Chief Scientist Dr. Stephen Martin and now available on Amazon.com—leverages the power of topical creams to cure some of today’s most prevalent and chronic medical challenges.

According to industry experts, pain-related problems are extremely diverse as are the severity of symptoms facing Americans and others around the world. Today, Americans spend billions of dollars annually on a wide range of pain-relief products. Unfortunately, many if not most of these products are not as effective as promised. Equally problematic is the costly nature of these solutions. Finally, many are extremely addictive as can be the case with prescription narcotics such as morphine and OxyContin.

In contrast, solutions such as topical ibuprofen have proven highly effective as evidenced by their successful use in Europe for almost 20 years. Yet these topical solutions are not sold in the United States due to their potential ability to replace some prescription and most over-the counter pain remedies.

To help consumers tap into the power of these topical solutions, Dr. Martin’s new book gives detailed instructions on how to make homemade versions of pharmaceutical grade products such as topical ibuprofen at very little cost. Once applied, these topical solutions are almost immediately effective and remain in the skin for many days after the initial application.

Commenting on Dr. Martin’s special formula, one user said “This cream is a MIRACLE…I have no other word for it. I have had horrible back pain since 1989…and 2 back surgeries to no avail. Until now, I would say that at least $250,000 [worth of treatment] has been stuck into my back…with no relief. When I can make a cream in my own home for less than $10 and get real pain relief for the first time in all these years…to me that is truly a Miracle.”

In addition to pain relief, the book provides step-by-step instructions on how to make hair growth formulations using caffeine, a powerful growth factor when applied directly to the hair follicles. Finally, the book provides topical solutions to alleviate the symptoms and pain associated with the outbreak of herpes lesions.


-more-



NEW BOOK EMPOWERS CONSUMERS TO CREATE……………………………………….Page 2


Dr. Martin reports that the formulas discussed in this book are not speculative but rather the result of extensive scientific documentation. In addition, the formulations use common household items as well as readily available “over the counter” pharmaceutical ingredients. “If You Can Cook….” is available from Amazon.com or through the website www.ifyoucancook.com.

About Grouppe Kurosawa: Founded in 2000, Grouppe Kurosawa is an alternative medical organization dedicated to developing treatment protocols for acute and chronic diseases using natural medicines, over the counter drugs and some generic prescription drugs. To ensure the efficacy of these formulations, volunteers use their own bodies as experimental organisms to test these treatment protocols on a wide variety of disease conditions. Results are then reported to Grouppe Kurosawa’s discussion group so that they can be honed and optimized. At a time when current health care costs are skyrocketing, Grouppe Kurosawa members are successfully developing inexpensive, bioavailable and effective treatment protocols for a diversity of diseases that do not require the supervision of a physician. For more information visit www.grouppekurosawa.com.

# # #


Contact Info:
Dr. Stephen Martin
smartin@grouppekurosawa.net

The Flax Lignan Wars

This essay is reposted from our subscription natural medicine blog in the public interest.

Steven Evans, a former cancer research scientist and a long time member of the Natural Medicine Blog, and I have been fighting the flax lignan war for some time now. In brief, Dr. Evans and myself, as traditionally trained scientists, don't REALLY believe anything unless it can be proven.

We have both asked Omega Nutrition to prove that their flax product does indeed include the concentration of flax lignans claimed for their product. After repeated efforts by Steve and myself, this company has not provided the information. Therefore, they can be considered a fraud. Do not purchase ANY product sold by Omega Nutrition.

This is a copy of Steve's recent email to me.

There are a number of updates to pass along, so mindful of your time, I will try to summarize them as short as possible.

1. Omega Nutrition.  Recall this is the firm that supplies the flaxseed I had recommended based on the fact that they stated their product has 105 mg of lignans per tablespoon.  You had attempted to contact them, got nowhere, so moved on.  I said I would work on it.  Here's the update.  From Jan 3, 08 through April, I emailed and called them more than a  dozen times.  Finally I received a response from their quality assurance officer -- who after more emails and calls -- figured out we wanted some documentation of the product and that we were not a threat.  After yet many more calls and emails, she finally said the "new" [Canadian] management [her supervisor] was stone-walling providing the information she said she could provide.  Then I tried to contact her supervisor -- to no avail. So after 4 months and a very substantial number of call, conversations, and emails, they will provide zip.  I bore you with this long litany so you could see that they had ample opportunity.  In my [free] Newsletter I send to those on our clinical trials, I stated that I was withdrawing Omega Nutrition  as a recommendation.  In substitution, I have recommended a product carried by Swanson, a 15 ounce 100% certified cold-milled organic ground flaxseed with a stated range of SDG lignans of 98-256 mg per 2 tablespoons.  It is made by Spectrum Essentials and is product #SP007 on the Swanson site.  Several things.  First it is far more believable and realistic that a product when tested will show a range, not a constant value like Omega Nutrition uses.  Second, Swanson is a certified GMP company, which includes the requirement that they only work with other GMP-compliant companies.  So there is some increased level of confidence with the new recommendation while Omega Nutrition is not a certified-GMP company, for example.  What I like about the new product is that there is a given lower bound of lignans, so by adjusting the muffin recipe, individuals can have a good idea of their likely lignan intake per muffin.  I also contacted our own testing firm to see if they could test for lignans, since I thought I would possibly test Omega Nutrition from my own pocket, but it turns out this is a costly and more difficult process which they did not do.

2.  Recall the case report you carried on your site about the fellow with prostate cancer whose PSA went from the 300's to 14 during about a 6 week period on the cytotoxic protocol.  The immune support protocol did not help him, and you agreed that he should return to a cytotoxic protocol, but unfortunately he was never able to get back on the cytotoxic protocol.  One illness after another kept him in and out of the hospitals, and finally he was too weak to get on any Protocol.  I did have his daughter deliver 50 grams of glutamine every day as per the case study of the man "who stopped dying,"  but it was too late, and he died about two weeks ago.  I have another prostate cancer patient starting on the cytotoxic protocol, the most recent one, and there is a woman with breast cancer starting at the end of July [she had been on it briefly but has stopped for a while].  I will monitor both closely.  I think the new prostate case will provide excellent data.


Thanks again for all your fantastic efforts!

Steve

This is the best source for standardized flax lignans. Recipies are provided.

http://www.spectrumorganics.com/?id=60

The product is called Ground Organic Flaxseed. 15 ounces cost $6.79. Two tablespoons of this product contains between 98-256 mgs of SDG lignans. Keep refrigerated.

Although flax lignans are not part of the current autophagy protocol, I strongly recommend their use. Bake with the products or sprinkle them over yogurt/cottage chese or salads. 

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

.

If you can cook, you can make powerful topical remedies for hair loss, pain and herpes infections

Yes, my new book is finally out. Our beloved Mouse Thea designed the covers for the book and the corresponding web site. And she refuses to take any money from me.

As the book title suggests, this short book cites information published in the scientific literature on methods to alleviate pain, including arthritic, muscle and CNS pain, promote hair growth with simple compounds like topical caffeine, and stop the development of herpes lesions in their tracks.

The book is available from Amazon.com for $29.95. Select the books category and type in If You Can Cook. The book's page will be near the top of the selections. The Amazon entry allows you to read the front and back covers, table of contents, and some internal content. If you order through Amazon, please do so via the Amazon logo on the bottom of our home page. We get an affiliate fee that way.

The home page of the book is http://www.ifyoucancook.com. This book is one of four in the IF YOU CAN COOK series. These books will eventually be available in many different languages, but only in electronic format. If you order the book through this web site, the price is the same, but we get a higher commission since the publisher, Create Space, is handling the transactions.

As the members know, it is amazing what you can find in scientific databases if, and only if, you know where to look.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

The New Cytotoxic Stress/Autophagy Cancer Treatment Protocol. Revised

The following is our most up to date treatment protocol for cancer and leukemia. This is a general protocol, which can easily be modified for specific cancers and leukemias. This particular protocol was developed to exploit the autophagy death process, a form of programmed cell death that is non-inflammatory and relatively resistant to mutations (inactivation)in normal pro-cell death pathways.

Grouppe Kurosawa is a private medical organization that is supported by its members. The URLs referenced are only accessible to the members of the private subscription Natural Medicine blog. Access to this blog and our discussion group cost$35 for three months. Subscription information is provided on our home page,
http://www.grouppekurosawa.com.


With the exception of lithium orotate, we have provided the recommended daily doses for the therapeutic products referenced in this natural medicine protocol. We don't want you to use lithium orotate, a powerful initiator of autophagy, if you don't understand how it works. That information, for many complicated reasons, is not available in "25 words or less" to the general public.

Good luck!

THE TREATMENT PROTOCOL

This general cytotoxic cancer/leukemia protocol concentrates on inducing oxidative stress and autophagy as a treatment for cancer and leukemia. In previous protocols, I attempted to maximally induce apoptosis. This is difficult considering all the mutations that exist in the apoptotic pathway. Autophagy is a better method of programmed death because it is not affected by mutations in the biochemical pathways governing apoptosis. Nevertheless, this protocol will also enhance apoptosis and necrosis mediated cancer cell death. These products are listed in their "general" order of importance.

1. Glutamine. 50 grams a day in juice. 25 grams twice a day. See our homepage supplement file for bulk purchase options.

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/04/he-just-stopped.html

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/04/glutamine-deple.html

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/04/glutamine-dep-1.html

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/04/glutamine-defic.html

2.  Sodium Selenite. 200 micrograms five times a day. 1 mg total per day.

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/03/sodium-selenite.html

3. Lithium orotate. Dosages are listed below.

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/03/lithium-is-a-po.html

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/03/autophagy-lithi.html

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/03/gsk3-nf-kappab.html

4. Methyl Jasmonate. 2 grams five times a month via aerosol inhalation. MJ can also be administered in a 70% DMSO gel directly into the hair follicles of the arm pit (for introduction into the lymphatic system), on the scrotum for the treatment of prostate cancer, or directly on surface cancers such as skin and breast cancer.

MJ is expensive and it is getting more expensive. The wholesale price for one kilogram increased by $700 in two months. I use this product in my skin cream SkinAlive. I will sell it to anyone who wants it for $170/10 grams. Send the money via PayPal to smartin@grouppekurosawa.net. MJ is one of the most potent anti-cancer agents known.

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/04/methyl-jasmonat.html

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/04/methyl-jasmon-1.html

5. Sulindac. This inexpensive anti-inflammatory prescription drug powerfully activates a "magic bullet" death pathway that promotes autophagy. Sulindac also inhibits Cox-2, AKT, STAT3 and NF-kappaB signaling. In addition, sulindac is a TRUE histone deacetylase inhibitor. The dose is 200 mgs three times a day, 600 mgs total.

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2006/07/
sulindac_an_old.html

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/04/the-anti-inflam.html

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/02/sulindac-is-a-s.html

A non-prescription source of sulindac is available at a reasonable price.

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/05/sulindac-source.html

6. Isoleucine. 10 grams a day. 5 grams twice a day. This is a minimal dose. The amino acid isoleucine inhibits the synthesis of VEGF, a growth factor which promotes the development of blood vessels into tumors and sites of inflammation.

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/03/the-amino-acid.html

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/03/the-anti-cancer.html

The following is our new bulk source for isoleucine.

http://www.nutrabio.com/Products/isoleucine.htm

7. Metformin. This common anti-diabetes drug is a powerful activator of the AMP kinase. This kinase activates autophagy, our preferred form of programmed cell death.

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/03/metformin-activ.html

This drug can be purchased from an online pharmacy without a prescription.

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/05/non-prescriptio.html

The dose is 2 grams a day, 1 gram in the morning and 1 gram in the evening.

The use of metformin must be accompanied by vitamin B12 and calcium supplements.

http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2007/aug2007_atp_01.htm

8. Policosanol. This supplement is a powerful inducer of autophagy via the activation of AMP kinase. The daily dose is 20 mgs a day, taken at night.

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/04/the-supplement.html

9. DCA, 12mgs/kilo of body weight every OTHER day. Take it as one dose in the morning. Dissolve in juice or water. DCA should NOT be used to treat brain cancer.

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/03/dca-availabilit.html

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/03/caffeine-enhanc.html

DCA is largely unavailable to US citizens because the FDA has banned its use.

10. Caffeine. See essay above. Caffeine enhances the efficacy of DCA. Consume as much as you can stand.

Caffeine is also an mTOR inhibitor. The combination of mTOR and glycolysis inhibitors powerfully promotes programmed cell death. MTOR is the natural inhibitor of autophagy.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15459249&itool=pubmed_docsum

11.  Vitamin B1. 1 gram a day. Vitamin B1 combined with DCA, and caffeine is synergistic in their ability to kill cancer cells.

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/03/vitamin-b1-thia.html

12. Sodium salicylate. 1 tablespoon a day in water or juice. Take as much as you can stand. It is a remarkable natural medicine. I have written many blog essay on SS. Conduct a search on this blog for the relevant essays.

13. Vitamin D3. 10,000IU a day, 5000IU twice a day. Vitamin D is a well established anti-cancer hormone. Due to our lack of exposure to ultraviolet light and the lack of vitamin D in our diet, supplemental vitamin D is essential for good health.

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/03/the-antagonism.html

Vitamin D sources include LEF.org (order from our home page). This vitamin D must be dissolved in oil before ingesting. Another source is vitamin D3 encapsuled in olive oil.

http://www.carlsonlabs.com/product_detail.phtml?prodid=10001068&categid=0004

14. Vitamin A. 50,000IU a day. Vitamin A promotes the synthesis of TRAIL and other anti-cancer compounds.

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2007/05/
vitamin_a_trail.html

15. Melatonin. The World Health Organization now considers working the night shift a carcinogen. Melatonin is a known anti-cancer agent that is released from the brain at night in total darkness. Even a night light or a street light can inhibit melatonin synthesis. Women who work the night shift are particularly prone to developing breast cancer. Dose is 30-50 mgs a day, taken at night.

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/01/the-night-shift.html

If you have a B cell lymphoma or leukemia, you should not take large doses of melatonin.

16. Amino Acids. The mTOR biochemical pathway blocks autophagy and promotes cancer cell survival. The amino acid glutamine inhibits mTOR while the amino acid leucine activates it.

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/04/the-control-of.html

Of course, there are also dietary and supplement concerns. You cannot use omega 6 oils, such as corn, safflower or soy. They produce inflammatory prostaglandins in the body. You must also avoid supplements such as vitamin C, E, NAC (n-acetylcysteine), ALA (alpha lipoic acid). And stay away from high anti-oxidant fruit juices and foods. If you have cancer, anti-oxidants are not your friend.

Dropping your intake of sugar wouldn't hurt either.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

Methyl Jasmonate and Lithium Inhibit Glycolysis in Cancer Cells. Part Two

The following essay is reposted from our subscription blog in the public interest.

The members understand that the Warburg Effect refers to the preferential use of glycolysis for the production of ATP in cancer cells. The glycolytic pathway is very important for the growth of all cells. Although glycolysis only produces two molecules of ATP per molecule of glucose, respiration produces 30 molecules.

However, glycolysis, via the pentose monophosphate shunt, is essential for the production of nucleotides (DNA and RNA), phospholipids, fatty acids, and cholesterol. NADPH is produced by the pentose shunt. One of the roles of NADPH in the body is the regeneration of oxidized (inactive) glutathione into its reduced active form. Clearly, a rapid and sustained glycolysis is important for prolonged cellular growth.

Hexokinase 1/2 are the rate limiting enzymes for glycolysis. When glucose enters a cell, it is converted to glucose-6-phosphate by hexokinase. This compound, G6P, is converted into other molecules along the glycolytic and pentose shunt pathways. Interestingly, PET scans, using radioactive glucose molecules, in effect measure the activity of hexokinase enzymes in cancer cells.

Hexokinase is only stable if bound to the outer mitochondrial membrane. There are two reasons for this.

First, in order to produce large amounts of G6P hexokinase enzymes require a consistently available source of ATP, their energy source. ATP is synthesized in the inner mitochondrial membrane. This makes it readily available to hexokinase enzymes attached to the outer mitochondrial membrane.

Second, soluble hexokinase is feedback inhibited by its product, G6P. However, membrane bound hexokinase is unaffected by G6P.

Hexokinase-2 is substantially over expressed in virtually all cancer cells. The genetic factor that controls the synthesis of hexokinase is HIF-1, or hypoxia inducing factor. This makes perfect sense. When a tumor becomes deprived of oxygen, HIF-1 shifts the cellular metabolism to glycolysis, a metabolic pathway that does not require oxygen to function.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15710218&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=14672622&itool=pubmed_docsum

There is a direct link between the inhibition of glycolysis and the promotion of apoptosis. Interestingly, it has nothing to do with the accumulation of reactive oxygen radicals in the mitochondria during respiration.

Hexokinase 1/2 bind to a protein in the mitochondrial membrane called VDAC. VDAC is a global regulator of mitochondrial function. Anti-death proteins such as BCL-2 close the VDAC and inhibit apoptosis. Pro-death proteins such as Bax and Bak do the exact opposite, they open the VDAC thereby promoting the release of cytochrome C.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12022949&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16261658&itool=pubmed_docsum

There is now evidence that the interaction between hexokinase and VDAC is THE critical regulator of mitochondrial stability. If hexokinase is dislodged from the mitochondrial VDAC protein, cytochrome C is released and apoptosis is initiated.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17876052&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16551620&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15846094&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15572122&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12871125&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15574336&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=14561215&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17876052&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11751859&itool=pubmed_docsum

A brand new study has found that the release of hexokinase from the mitochondrial membrane triggers apoptosis independently of VDAC activity. This confirms that the association of hexokinase with the mitochrodrial membrane blocks apoptosis. When hexokinase is dislodged, the mitochondrial membrane undergoes conductibity changes which increases its permeability and promotes the release of cytochrome C.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=18350175&itool=pubmed_docsum

The dislodged hexokinase also promotes necrosis by reducing the effectiveness of respiration and ATP synthesis. When bound hexokinase splits ATP, the ADP produced reenters the mitochondria to promote further respiration. ADP produced by soluble hexokinase does not do this.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=1897945&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=9387093&itool=pubmed_docsum

HIF-1 stimulates the synthesis of hexokinase, but these enzymes are not biologically active. In order for hexokinase enzymes to associate with the VDAC outer membrane protein, the enzymes MUST be phosphorylated by the PI-3K/AKT signaling pathway. This explains how AKT can both promote glycolysis while concurrently inhibiting apoptosis.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11390360&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16892082&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15574336&itool=pubmed_docsum

Methyl jasmonate is a powerful initiator of cancer cell death. It does so by specifically interacting with the outer mitochondrial membranes of cancer but not normal cells. This results in a reducation of ATP synthesis and the initiation of necrosis and apoptosis.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16170329&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15753398&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17549642&itool=pubmed_docsum

A recent study found that methyl jasmonate directly bound hexokinase enzymes and detached them from the mitochondrial membrane. This accounts for the profound pro-apoptosis/necrosis inducing ability of methyl jasmonate.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=18408762&itool=pubmed_docsum

Another study found that lithium also detached hexokinase from the mitochondrial membrane.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12559851&itool=pubmed_docsum

Methyl jasmonate is expensive, but lithium orotate is not. The combined synergistic use of these two agents could have a profound affect on the distruption of glycolysis and the promotion of programmed cell death (apoptosis and autophagy) and necrosis.

Summary

If glycolysis is inhibited, a cell will depend on respiration for the bulk of its ATP. ATP generated in the mitochondria produces superoxide anion, a highly reactive oxygen free radical. In order to neutralize this radical, reduced (active) glutathione must be actively transported into the mitochondria.

Glycolysis, via the pentose shunt, produces NADPH, a critically important co-factor for the synthesis of many pro-growth factors. In addition, NADPH controls, literally, the reducing potential of a cell via its ability to regenerate glutathione.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17623517&itool=pubmed_docsum

In past essays, we have attempted to block the uptake of glutathione into the mitochondria. In this essay, via the inhibition of hexokinase activity, we have discussed the inactivation of glycolysis and the pentose shunt. If NADPH synthesis is impaired, so is the synthesis of active glutathione, thereby rapidly promoting oxidation induced cellular death.

The synergistic use of methyl jasmonate, lithium and a few other goodies can induce necrosis, apoptosis and autophagy...and that ain't bad.

I am now completely rewriting the autophagy cytotoxic protocol. It will take me a few days. I intend to list the components in their order of importance.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

                              

Methyl Jasmonate and Lithium Inhibit the Glycolysis of Cancer Cells. Part One

This essay is reposted from our subscription blog in the public interest.

The following is one of my favorite scientific studies. It shows that blocking glycolysis reduces ATP levels in lymphoma and leukemia cells, but it does not inhibit the uptake of glucose into the cells. However, if you add mTOR inhibitors to the mix, the uptake of glucose is blocked thereby severly depleting ATP in these cells. This results in necrosis, apoptosis or autophagy depending on the level of cellular ATP.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16193082&itool=pubmed_docsum

Remember our friend dca or dichloroacetic acid? This simple compound inhibits a mitochondrial enzyme resulting in a shift from aerobic glycolysis to glucose oxidation. This promotes oxidative stress and the death of cancer cells.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17222789&itool=pubmed_docsum

Unfortunately, dca is not readily available to US citizens. The FDA has banned its sale in the US.

Jim and his DCA Group, as I like to call them, have collected critically important feedback from people who have used dca to treat their cancers. Apparently, the people who had the most dramatic recoveries drank large amounts of caffeinated beverages, specifically tea and coffee. As strange as it may seem, caffeine is a powerful anti-cancer agent, but the therapeutic dosages are usually too high for people to tolerate.

http://grouppekurosawa.typepad.com/grouppe_kurosawa_natural_/2008/02/the-metabolism.html

So I did some checking.

Caffeine, at a dose of 1 mM, almost completely inhibits mTOR activity.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15459249&itool=pubmed_docsum

Caffeine also inhibits the uptake of glucose into cells.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15476664&itool=pubmed_docsum

It is not known if mTOR blocks glucose uptake into cells.

What we do know is that glycolysis inhibitors, such as dca, combined with mTOR inhibitors, such as caffeine, powerfully reduce ATP synthesis and promote death in cancer cells.

We have now identified four mTOR inhibitors. The prescription drug metformin and the supplement policosanol activate AMP kinase which blocks mTOR activity. Glutamine blocks mTOR activity probably via its ability to inhibit PI-3K/AKT signaling. And now we have caffeine.

In the next essay, I will present new evidence to show that methyl jasmonate and lithium block both glycolysis and many other pro-growth pathways. This makes the combination of MJ/lithium and mTOR inhibitors a POWERFUL anti-cancer protocol.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

Glutamine Deficiency and Its Relationship to Inflammation and Cancer. Angiogenesis

This essay is reposted from our subscription blog in the public interest.

It is well established that the migration of macrophages into tumors promotes cancer cell growth and angiogenesis. Macrophages secrete many pro-inflammatory immune hormones in addition to enzymes like MMP9 which break down the intercellular matrix. In addition, macrophages secrete VEGF, IL-8, macrophage chemotactic protein and other progrowth factors. The following paper identified the genetic factors NF-kappaB and AP-1 as being responsible for the synthesis and secretion of these factors.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17924976&itool=pubmed_docsum

It is known that high dose glutamine can inhibit the activation of NF-kappaB.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16317391&itool=pubmed_docsum

Glutamine stimulates the synthesis of HSP70 which inhibits NF-kappaB activation.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17234954&itool=pubmed_docsum

The following two papers show that glutamine deficiencies, which are very , very common during illnesses of all kinds, promote the synthesis of both VEGF and IL-8. Apparently, when certain key amino acids become depleted, it causes oxidative endoplasmic reticulum stress in cells. This stress promotes the synthesis of angiogenic factors such as VEGF and IL-8 so more blood vessels can be directed into the tumor mass. This brings in oxygen, glucose and amino acids to enhance cancer cell survival.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15256456&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=14738568&itool=pubmed_docsum

The increased synthesis of IL-8 is due to the activation of NF-kappaB and AP-1. It is not known how low glutamine increases VEGF synthesis.

In the first paragraph, I cited a study which showed that NF-kappaB and AP-1 promoted macrophage activation in tumors. This means that high glutamine doses could neutralize this macrophage activation and the production of growth promoting angiogenesis factors.

Although VEGF gets all the attention, the angiogenesis factor IL-8 is equally important. This factor promotes angiogenesis, the migration of macrophages and neutrophils into tumors, and is a growth factor itself. The progression of many cancers, including pancreatic, breast, ovarian and melanoma is highly correlated with increases IL-8 synthesis. The secretion of VEGF by these cancer cells and invading macrophages may be of much less clinical significance.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11544106&itool=pubmed_docsum

Interestingly, taxol, the toxic chemo drug that is the standard treatment for ovarian and other cancers, stimulates the secretion of IL-8. Although taxol is toxic to these cells, the secretion of IL-8 reduces the drugs overall efficacy.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15823106&itool=pubmed_docsum

Taxol increases the level of NF-kappaB and AP-1, which promotes cancer cell survival and IL-8 gene activation.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=10823417&itool=pubmed_docsum

So much for "modern" medicine.

In conclusion, the amino acid combination of isoleucine and glutamine could knock the hell out of cancer angiogenesis. This protocol is very inexpensive and potentially very powerful.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

Glutamine Depletion and Its Relationship to Inflammation and Cancer. NF-kappaB

This essay is republished from our subscription blog in the public interest.

Glutamine has long been known to be a life saving nutrient during criticial illness, but until recently no one understood why.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17713406&itool=pubmed_docsum

Granted, glutamine is an important nitrogen source, but so are many other amino acids. It is now clear that glutamine, in high doses, acts as a stress signaling molecule which protects the body against shock and protein denaturation. The MINIMUM therapeutic dose is 0.3 grams/kilo (2.2 pounds) of body weight. A 150 pound person would need to take 20 grams of glutamine a day in juice, 10 grams twice a day.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16543791&itool=pubmed_docsum

Glutamine stimulates the expression and activity of numerous heat shock proteins, including HSP70. Heat shock proteins were originally identified as factors which protected cells from elevated temperatures. Many stress factors can activate the heat shock stress response. Interestingly, glutamine is the only known clinical pharmacological regulator of heat shock protein expression.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16607117&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17346354&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=17234954&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16931604&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16552363&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16480901&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15973519&itool=pubmed_docsum

Thus far, we know that glutamine stimulates the synthesis of a host of heat shock proteins. So what!

As it turns out, the hsp70 heat shock protein forms a complex with the IKK enzymes responsible for activating latent NF-kappaB . HSP70 inhibits the ability of IKK to activate NF-kappaB, thereby promoting apoptosis and inhibiting inflammatory responses.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=18282612&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16912653&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16697380&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16243048&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16025056&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15198984&itool=pubmed_docsum

Since glutamine promotes the synthesis of heat shock proteins, and hsp70 inhibits the activation of NF-kappaB, it only natural to assume that glutamine is a natural inhibitor of NF-kappaB activation.

This is now known to be true.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=16317391&itool=pubmed_docsum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=18288455&itool=pubmed_docsum

Finally, we have an easy way to inhibit excessive NF-kappaB responses. However, you MUST take a big dose, 0.3 grams/kilogram of body weight. In our previous cytotoxic protocol, I recommended a glutamine dose of 40-50 grams a day. Now we have a minimal dose based on body weight.

Stay tuned...its gets better.

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

Glutamine Deficiency and its Relationship to Inflammation and Cancer. Overview

This essay is reposted from our subscription blog in the public interest.

Glutamine is the most common amino acid found in food. Therefore, you'd think that we could never become glutamine depleted. Well, you'd be wrong.

During periods of metabolic stress, e.g. illness, glutamine is rapidly depleted in the body. The following review article, which can be read online, discuss the many metabolic roles of glutamine.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/queryd.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=10468648&itool=pubmed_docsum

When a physician told me that a daily oral dose of 50 grams of glutamine allowed his terminal pancreatic cancer patient to recover and leave the Hospice, I was naturally delighted. But, I did not assume, for one second, that the glutamine could be used to kill his pancreatic cancer cells. I considered glutamine to be a nutritional supplement which largely gets converted in the body to glutamate, a known inhibitor of glutathione uptake into the mitochondria. Although blocking glutathione uptake into the mitochondria of cancer cells destabilizes them, it is not sufficient to reverse the course of pancreatic cancer.

But I never forgot the phjysicians words "he just stopped dying". Did this man really stop dying or did he just feel better for a short period of time. Since I received no follow up information, we will never know.

Over the last year I have conducted "buttloads" (a UC Berkeley term) of literature searches on glutamine. Glutamine is a major nitrogen source in the body, but it also acts as a hormone, much like leucine, isoleucine, arginine and cystine. It is also converted to glutamate in the liver. Glutamate is known to inhibit the uptaike of glutathione into the mitochondria. This profoundly destabilizes the mitochondria of cancer cells resulting in cytochrome C release and apoptosis.

I have recommended large glutamine doses in our cytotoxic treatment protocols for cancer. At the time, I was only interested in the conversion of glutamine to glutamate so the mitochondria of cancer cells could be destabilized. In the last few months, I have come to realize that glutamine itself is a powerful anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agent by virtue of its ability to inhibit NF-kappaB activation. Who knew?

Stay tuned...this is getting very interesting.

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

He Just Stopped Dying

This essay is reposted from our subscription blog in the public interest.

A year ago I received a telephone call from a primary care physician in the San Francisco Bay Area. Someone sent him copies of some of my blog essays on glutamine and cancer. In his medical practice, he worked with a number of different Hospice groups. He knew glutamine was an important nutrient, but he didn't know it could be used to treat cancer.

This is the story, paraphrased.

"I had a Hospice patient with terminal pancreatic cancer. He was within weeks of dying. He had bedsores, no appetite, and was in such poor physicial condition that his family began to cry as soon as they saw him. I think they prayed every night that he would die so the suffering would end. Since glutamine is an important nutrient I thought, what the hell. It can't hurt him. So I had the family purchase bulk glutamine and had them prepare it as you suggested. He received 50 grams a day in juice.

One month later, he was discharged from the Hospice. His bedsores healed, his appetite returned and the pasty white color of his skin returned to a normal pink. He just stopped dyring.

Do you understand that no one EVER gets discharged from a Hospice. They go there to die not to recover. This man recovered and was sent home. I still can't believe it."

We spent some time talking about the medicinal wonders of glutamine before he hung up. He promised to stay in touch, but he never did. Its the story of my life. I forgot his name and I didn't have the foresight to ask for his telephone number.

In the next series of blogs, I will rereview some of my earlier essays on glutamine and cancer. We now know that glutamine inhibits the mTOR pathway. This pathway is the natural inhibitor of autophagy, the best method of programmed cell death. Therefore, glutamine promotes autophagy, while leucine, an activator of mTOR signaling, inhibits autophagy.

There is much to discuss.

Stay tuned...

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com

The Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine is now Online

This essay is reposted from our subscription blog in the public interest.

One of the members sent me this URL. Bookmark this site.

http://www.newmediaexplorer.org/chris/2008/04/08/
squelching_information_for_profit_finally_jom_archives_online.htm

I am quite familiar with the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. It has been around for a long time, and publishes quality articles. I could never understand why PubMed refused to index it. Hell, they index Newsweek and AIDS Research News. The only explanation is politics. JOM freely discusses nutritional approaches to treating disease, and this does not go over big with the medical establishment.

So read their articles online. They are quite informative.

Stay tuned....

Grouppe Kurosawa, Medicine in the Public Interest

http://www.grouppekurosawa.com