In the News

Scientists pave the way for saliva test for Alzheimer's disease

Laser Protocol Zaps Bad Tooth Germs Away

NIH scientists find that breast cancer protection from pregnancy starts decades later

Professor of Cannabis Science announced to research the role of cannabis in opioid overdose treatment

MegaFood® Names Dr. Tieraona Low Dog Chief Medical Advisor

Scientists pave the way for saliva test for Alzheimer's disease

University of Alberta scientists have identified three biomarkers for detecting mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease in saliva samples. The research has promising results for application in a clinical setting.

The research team combines expertise in metabolomics from Liang Li, professor in the Department of Chemistry, and neurodegenerative disorders from Roger Dixon, professor in the Department of Psychology. "All projections point to an impending and staggering global impact of neurodegenerative disease and dementia," said Dixon of the critical importance of this research.

Li and Dixon examined saliva samples from three sets of patients, those with Alzheimer's disease, those with mild cognitive impairment, and those with normal cognition. Using a powerful mass spectrometer, the pair examined more than 6,000 metabolites -- compounds that are part of our body's metabolic processes -- to identify any changes or signatures between groups.

"In this analysis, we found three metabolites that can be used to differentiate between these three groups," said Li. "This is preliminary work, because we've used a very small sample size. But the results are very promising. If we can use a larger set of samples, we can validate our findings and develop a saliva test of Alzheimer's disease."

A saliva test would prove useful in clinical settings for its ease and non-invasive nature. It also has the potential to detect neurodegenerative diseases earlier on, allowing for early intervention.

"So far, no disease-altering interventions for Alzheimer's disease have been successful," explained Dixon. "For this reason, researchers are aiming to discover the earliest signals of the disease so that prevention protocols can be implemented."

Another added benefit of identifying these biomarkers is the ability to conduct efficacy testing for treatments. "Using the biomarkers, we can also do testing to see what types of treatments are most effective in treating Alzheimer's disease -- from diet to physical activity to pharmaceuticals," added Li.

Story Source: University of Alberta. 

Laser Protocol Zaps Bad Tooth Germs Away

Certain oral bacteria are associated with multiple diseases, including periodontitis in the oral cavity, and potentially Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of oral and non-oral cancer.  New research shows that the minimally-invasive LANAP® protocol with the PerioLase MVP-7 laser can eliminate or markedly reduce these dangerous microbial pathogens around teeth.  As published in the Journal of the International Academy of Periodontology, the LANAP® protocol is able to immediately decrease bacteria associated with severe human periodontitis to levels undetectable by microbial culture, even in periodontal pockets greater than 6 millimeters.

The peer-reviewed research study, "Immediate Effects of Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) on Human Periodontitis Microbiota," was authored by periodontists Thomas K. McCawley, DDS; Mark N. McCawley, DMD, MS; and Thomas E. Rams, DDS, MHS, PhD.

In the study, 20 systemically healthy adults with severe periodontitis were treated with the LANAP® protocol while 6 others received conventional ultrasonic root debridement alone. Subgingival biofilm specimens were collected before and immediately following the completion of treatments and analyzed using anaerobic microbial culture techniques.  The results found that 85% of patients treated with the LANAP® protocol were completely culture-negative immediately after treatment for red and orange complex bacterial species, which are strongly associated with severe periodontitis, in comparison to only 16.7% of patients treated with conventional ultrasonic root debridement.

"The LANAP® protocol provided a superior immediate post-treatment microbiological outcome, which is very important in the regeneration of damaged periodontal tissues back to health," notes lead study author Dr. Thomas McCawley.

"Drs. McCawley and Dr. Rams have independently confirmed the effectiveness of the LANAP® protocol in significantly reducing the bacteria associated with severe periodontitis," states Robert H. Gregg II, DDS, founder of Millennium Dental Technologies and inventor of the LANAP® protocol. "This data on the antimicrobial effects of LANAP® surgery with the free-running pulsed PerioLase MVP-7 Nd:YAG laser adds to the body of research supporting the inclusion of LANAP® treatment as part of the standard of care for periodontal disease treatment."

Favorable changes in periodontal pocket microbial community structure induced by the LANAP® protocol, as demonstrated in this new research study, adds insight into predictably beneficial LANAP® protocol treatment outcomes documented by two human histological studies, more than 420 published human clinical patient cases, and a research-based clearance in 2016 for True Periodontal Regeneration™ by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Dr. Thomas McCawley, a pioneer in periodontal laser therapy, and Dr. Mark McCawley, board certified in periodontology and dental implant surgery, practice at the McCawley Center for Laser Periodontics and Implants in Fort Lauderdale, FL.  Dr. Rams is a Professor in the dental school Department of Periodontology and Oral Implantology, and the medical school Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.

SOURCE:  Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc

NIH scientists find that breast cancer protection from pregnancy starts decades later

Breast cancer risk remains elevated 20-30 years after childbirth.

In general, women who have had children have a lower risk of breast cancer compared to women who have never given birth. However, new research has found that moms don’t experience this breast cancer protection until many years later and may face elevated risk for more than 20 years after their last pregnancy.

Scientists at the National Institutes of Health, along with members of the international Premenopausal Breast Cancer Collaborative Group, found breast cancer risk increases in the years after a birth, with the highest risk of developing the disease about five years later. The findings, which appeared online in the Annals of Internal Medicine, suggest breast cancer protection from pregnancy may not begin until as many as 30 years after the birth of the last child. 

According to senior author Dale Sandler, Ph.D., head of the Epidemiology Branch at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of NIH, a few prior studies reported an increase in breast cancer risk after childbirth. However, most of what researchers knew about breast cancer risk factors came from studies of women who have gone through menopause. Since breast cancer is relatively uncommon in younger women, it is more difficult to study.

Researchers combined data from approximately 890,000 women from 15 long-term studies across three continents, to understand the relationship between recent childbirth and breast cancer risk in women age 55 and younger.

"We were surprised to find that an increase in breast cancer risk lasted for an average of 24 years before childbirth became protective," said Sandler. "Before this study, most researchers believed that any increase in risk lasted less than 10 years." 

The scientists also found that the association between recent childbirth and breast cancer risk was stronger for women who were older at first birth, had more births, or had a family history of breast cancer. Breastfeeding did not appear to have any protective effect, even though it is generally thought to reduce breast cancer risk. Many of these additional factors were not addressed in earlier studies, underscoring the statistical power of this larger project.

Sandler and first author Hazel Nichols, Ph.D., of the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, started the study when Nichols was a research fellow at NIEHS. Nichols explained that childbirth is an example of a risk factor that is different for younger women than older women.

"This difference is important because it suggests that we may need to develop tools for predicting breast cancer risk that are specific to young women," Nichols said. "Doing so would help women talk to their health care providers about when they should start mammography screening."

Nichols and Sandler both stressed the importance of keeping these findings in perspective.  Breast cancer is uncommon in young women. An increase in the relative risk of breast cancer in women under age 55 translates to a very small number of additional cases of breast cancer per year. 

Anthony Swerdlow, D.M., D.Sc., Ph.D., and Minouk Schoemaker, Ph.D., scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, co-led the study with Sandler and Nichols.

About the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS): NIEHS supports research to understand the effects of the environment on human health and is part of the National Institutes of Health. For more information on NIEHS or environmental health topics, visit www.niehs.nih.gov or subscribe to a news list.

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

Professor of Cannabis Science announced to research the role of cannabis in opioid overdose treatment

 Examining the potential of cannabis in addressing the opioid overdose crisis and other substance use disorders is a top priority for Dr. M-J Milloy, a recognized leader in the field of epidemiology and the first Canopy Growth Professor of Cannabis Science at the University of British Columbia. Initially, this professorship will lead clinical trials to explore the role cannabis can play in helping people with opioid use disorder stay on their treatment plan.

In the first nine months of 2018, it's estimated that 1,143 people died of a suspected opioid overdose in British Columbia.

"We need all hands-on-deck to save lives and help people find the treatment and recovery services that will work for them long term," said Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. "Our government has been bold and innovative in providing treatment options – based on evidence – for people living with addiction. This first-of-its-kind professorship will lead research and clinical trials on how cannabis products can be used to address the overdose crisis that is taking three to four lives a day."  

Dr. Milloy is a research scientist at the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU). As a substance use epidemiologist, his research has focused on the interrelationships between illicit drugs and HIV, as well as the public health impact of cannabis regulation and the medical application of cannabis and cannabinoids, especially for people living with HIV or substance use disorders.

Research shows that fewer than one-third of people who start opioid agonist therapy (OAT), with methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone, remain in treatment after six months. Dropping out of addiction treatment is a serious risk factor for overdose death. Findings from these clinical trials could help identify ways to better support people with opioid use disorder with cannabis-based therapy. 

Dr. Milloy's research will contribute to an emerging body of evidence suggesting that cannabis can have a positive impact on the wellbeing of people with opioid use disorder.

This professorship was established through funding from Canopy Growth and the Province of British Columbia. The Province invested $500,000 to the BCCSU in support of research leading to solutions to the overdose crisis. Canopy Growth is contributing $2.5 million to UBC and BCCSU to establish the Professorship and create an enduring legacy of research through the Canopy Growth Cannabis Science Endowment Fund.

Quick Facts:

Dr. Milloy's recent research includes studies that have found:

Using cannabis every day was linked to a lower risk of starting to inject drugs amongst street-involved youth

Daily cannabis use increased likelihood that people will stay in OAT treatment

Intentional cannabis use resulted in preceded declines in crack use among crack cocaine users

Dr. Milloy has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed articles on the impact of policy on the health outcomes of people who use drugs.

Quotes

Dr. Dermot Kelleher, Dean, Faculty of Medicine & Vice-President, Health at UBC -

"The opioid overdose crisis demands holistic and scientific approaches in order to develop new knowledge and strategies in response to this urgent health issue facing our society. The new Canopy Growth Professor of Cannabis Science at UBC promises to generate much-needed evidence-based solutions that will improve the health and well-being of British Columbians."

Dr. Mark Ware, Canopy Growth Chief Medical Officer -

"There's a clear need for significant resources and innovative collaborative leadership from industry, government, and academia to address the overdose crisis which continues to have a devastating impact on families and communities across Canada. Today, we acknowledge the lived experience of those affected and proudly support this significant step in building a legacy of medical cannabis research with a goal to positively impact those living with substance use disorders around the world. Dr Milloy is a passionate, dedicated scientist who focuses on research that has a real-word impact, and we are thrilled UBC has selected him as the Canopy Growth Professor in Cannabis Science."

Dr. M-J Milloy, Canopy Growth Professor of Cannabis Science -

"The therapeutic benefits of cannabis are only just beginning to be understood. Early research has shown that it could have a stabilizing impact for people with opioid use disorder, improving their quality of life and offering a pathway to long-term treatment solutions. In the midst of an overdose crisis, we have a scientific imperative to build upon this research. I'm grateful for the support from Canopy Growth and the Province of BC, and their commitment towards investing in evidence-based solutions to this urgent health crisis."

MegaFood® Names Dr. Tieraona Low Dog Chief Medical Advisor

MegaFood today announced the company has named award-winning integrative medical physician, Tieraona Low Dog, M.D., Chief Medical Advisor for its two vitamin and dietary supplement brands, MegaFood® and INNATE Response™, effective immediately. In this new executive consulting position, Dr. Low Dog will leverage her expertise as an internationally recognized expert in the fields of integrative medicine, herbal medicine and dietary supplementation to act as the company's medical executive, ultimately driving increased awareness and advocacy for the company's whole foods-based value proposition among targeted consumers as well as healthcare professionals. Previously, she led INNATE Response's practitioner education programs and product formulation efforts, and also developed MegaFood's line of gender- and age-specific multivitamins designed to support the health of men and women during various life stages.

"Tieraona has been a pivotal ingredient in our company's success since 2016—helping us to pioneer award-winning products and push us into new territories as an industry thought leader," states Robert Craven, CEO of MegaFood. "As we move into 2019, her guidance will be instrumental in helping us improve people's overall health and well-being with the best possible vitamins and supplements made from real, whole foods." 

In her expanded new role, Dr. Low Dog will provide critical integrative medical expertise to the company while continuing to support its innovation leadership and act as a brand spokesperson. She also will advise Craven and the leadership team on MegaFood's long-term vision, business strategy and planning, innovation and marketing; supporting overall efforts to drive profitable growth for the company.

"I am delighted and honored to take on this advisory position with MegaFood, a company that shares many of the values that I hold dearly," says Dr. Low Dog, Chief Medical Advisor. "As a certified B-corporation, MegaFood has shown their commitment to social and environmental accountability, demonstrating that a business can be a force for good by doing good. This includes delivering nutrients paired with real, whole foods and advocating for organic and regenerative agriculture – all to deliver the best products and a sustainable future too."

In addition to being an integrative medical doctor, Dr. Low Dog is a best-selling author of "Fortify Your Life – Your Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and More" and prolific public speaker on the benefits of nutrition and integrative health. She has served as Chair for Dietary Supplement/Botanical Panels for nearly two decades at the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), the scientific organization entrusted with setting standards for identity, strength, quality and purity for medicines and dietary supplements. Dr. Low Dog has also served on the Scientific Advisory Council for the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), the Federal Government's lead agency for scientific research on the diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine.

About MegaFood®
Fresh From Farm To Tablet™, MegaFood is committed to improving lives by delivering the most authentic nourishment possible. Since 1973, MegaFood has remained dedicated to producing the cleanest and highest quality, award-winning supplements made with real food from Farm Fresh Partners. A pioneer in the natural products industry, MegaFood was the first company to make its FoodState vitamin and minerals from scratch starting with farm fresh whole foods. MegaFood remains devoted to its "Big T Transparency" platform and is proud to be the first supplement brand to have its entire line certified Glyphosate Residue Free by The Detox Project. MegaFood continues to innovate by manufacturing more than 44 individual FoodState nutrients using their proprietary Slo-Food Process™, all in their own facility in New Hampshire. Their FoodState nutrients are blended and combined to create over 60 handcrafted supplements that make up the MegaFood product line today, found in over 3,500 natural products retailers and vitamin specialty shops throughout the United States. For more information, visit MegaFood.com.

About INNATE Response
At INNATE Response we share the belief that nothing is more important than restoring the body's innate ability to heal. To that end, we develop nutrient-rich supplements that embrace the wholism of nature, helping people achieve optimal health.* We are committed to supporting those wholistic healthcare professionals who understand that the body always seeks wellness and who appreciate the wisdom of nature in their protocols. For more information, please visit www.innateresponse.com and www.innate-edu.com.