PROTEIN REGULATES BURNING OF BODY FAT

Muscle movements generate body heat. However, body heat can also be generated in another way: body fat contains a small number of brown adipose cells -- special fat cells that can generate heat without muscle activity. They do this using a protein known as UCP1 that enables babies or hibernating animals to keep warm without shivering. A research team at the University of Veterinary Medicine (Vetmeduni Vienna) has found that a specific chemical compound, an aldehyde, can activate UCP1 under certain conditions, and that could also trigger fat burning. The data were published in the journal PLoS One

The uncoupling Protein 1 (UCP1) is found exclusively in brown adipose tissue. Until some years ago it was thought that only babies and hibernating animals had brown adipose tissue, but since then it also has been found in adults, so UCP1 could be useful in the fight against obesity. "If we can find out how to regulate this protein, we might also find a way to trigger fat burning in the body," explains biophysicist Elena Pohl from the Unit of Physiology and Biophysics at the Vetmeduni Vienna.

UCP1 burns energy

UCP1 is located in the membrane of mitochondria, the power plants that fuel every single cell in the body. Cells that require a lot of energy, such as muscle cells, contain many mitochondria. But brown adipose tissue contains even more mitochondria than muscle tissue. In fact, it is the mitochondria that are responsible for the brown colour of this form of adipose tissue. Regular adipose tissue, which is the majority, is white. UCP1 in mitochondria uses the cell's energy to produce heat. If UCP1 is 'turned off' in mice, the animals will freeze. Hibernating animals would not survive the winter if they did not have this protein.

Researchers aim to regulate UCP1

Elena Pohl and her research group are trying to find a way to regulate UCP1. In a project funded by the FWF, they have tested different substances reported to activate UCP1, under them also reactive aldehyde 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE).Using an artificial cell membrane containing UCP1, the researchers were able to detect the activity of the protein by measuring the electrical conductivity on the membrane. The researchers dripped HNE onto the membrane and found that UCP1 can be activated by HNE only if combined with fatty acids. "In this model, all the 'players' are known so we could determine clearly whether the substance influences the protein directly or not. The discovery helps to improve our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate UCP1 and may even lead us to a way to burn body fat," explains co-author Olga Jovanovic.

Reducing free radicals

Free radicals play an important role in many biological processes, but they also cause cellular damage and play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. The research team has also shown that HNE, combined with fatty acids, also has the potential to minimize these damaging free radicals by reducing the membrane potential. "We want to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of UCP. We are still examining various aldehydes and other UCPs. There are five different UCPs and all their functions are not yet fully understood. We hope that our work will contribute to the development of therapies for various diseases."

Drugs in the battle against obesity

In the 1930s, a substance similar to UCP1 was developed that seemed to promise an easy way of losing weight. The substance was called 2,4-dinitrophenol and, like UCP1, it worked as an uncoupler in the mitochondria of cells. Taken in the right amounts, the drug accelerates the human metabolism by up to 50 percent. However, in some cases it caused serious or even lethal side effects and had to be withdrawn from the market. "If we are able to regulate UCP1 in a controlled way, it might be different story," says Pohl.

Burning And Tingling Not The Only Symptoms Of Neuropathy

Today's post from dailyalternativehealthandwellness.com (see link below) is a correction of the common misconception that pain, numbness and tingling in the feet are the only symptoms of neuropathy and nerve damage. They're not and as the article points out, if motor nerves are damaged, then a whole raft of other symptoms can be the result. It is true that the commonest symptoms of neuropathy are to be found in the feet but there are over 100 forms of neuropathy with also more than 100 different possible causes. It's possible you may feel some symptoms but not others and/or a combination of all of them. It's a disease you can't fit neatly into fixed rules and regulations and this article is quite right in pointing that out.

Neuropathy And Loss Of Muscle Control Symptoms
March 5, 2016 by admin

Have you noticed your muscles acting a little strange since developing neuropathy? Perhaps they affect your ability to walk? Or maybe you find it difficult to use your fingers to pick something up? While we normally associated peripheral neuropathy with symptoms like pain, numbness and tingling – there are other symptoms as well.

It is a known fact that the peripheral nervous system is made up of three different kinds of nerves: motor, sensory and autonomic. In addition, each type of nerve controls different functions. Motor nerves send signals from the brain and spinal cord to your muscles – controlling motor functions like walking, dexterity and more. Sensory nerves do the opposite – relaying signals like temperature, pain, etc. from the muscles back to the brain and spinal cord. Finally, the autonomic nerves control involuntary or semi-voluntary functions like heart rate, digestion, blood pressure and more.

Peripheral neuropathy can affect some or all of these nerves. The symptoms you experience will depend entirely upon the type of nerve(s) that have been damaged as a result of your neuropathy. If your sensory nerves have been damaged you will experience symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling or burning. Damage to the autonomic nerves can lead to problems with dizziness, sweating (either too much or too little), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, difficulty urinating and more.

If your motor nerves fall victim to nerve damage – various motor functions can be affected. Let us take a look at five possible symptoms you might experience if your neuropathy has damaged your motor nerves:
Loss of balance and difficulty walking – Damage to the motor nerves can make walking difficulty.

Loss of Dexterity – A few common difficulties associated with loss of dexterity are inability to grip objects, loss of hand strength, difficulty writing or typing, difficulty performing tasks that require small movements, decreased reflexes and more.

Muscle Weakness & Deterioration – For many, decrease in physical activity results in muscle deterioration and weakness. As the muscles deteriorate, you lose muscle mass and tone.
Cramps & Spasms – Generally, the cramping strikes at night and can range in severity from mild to extremely painful.

Loss of Muscle Control – Generally, you will have loss of reflexes, inability to move hands or feet quickly, difficulty with fine motor tasks (i.e. buttoning a shirt, writing, etc) and more.

Just remember, while the most common symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy are pain, numbness, burning or tingling in the hands or feet – they are not the only symptoms.

http://dailyalternativehealthandwellness.com/neuropathy-and-lost-of-muscle-control-symptoms/

Hands And Feet Tingling And Burning Read On

Today's post from winnipegfreepress.com (see link below) is a post that will help you if you've suddenly realised that the strange symptoms you've been feeling may well signal a more serious problem. Despite the tens of millions of patients all across the world, there's still a widespread public ignorance about neuropathy and when your doctor first mentions it, you'd be forgiven for looking glassy eyed and rushing for the dictionary (or Google) when you get home. This article, plainly and accurately gives you a heads up as to what's going on in your body but it's only a start. After reading this you need to do your own research (this blog is a good place to start) and prepare a list of questions for your doctor you can't find the answers to yourself. It's a disease of contradictions, where everybody reacts differently to treatments; perhaps not surprising when you realise that there are over 100 different types and over 100 different causes. That said, you have to start somewhere and knowledge is definitely power when it comes to neuropathy. Don't despair: eventually you'll find something that helps control your symptoms but be prepared for a bumpy road!

Tingling hands: What you need to know about peripheral neuropathy
By: Audra Kolesar Winnipeg Health Region Wave, May / June 2016

What is peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is a term used to describe problems with the nerves of the peripheral nervous system. It is also called nerve palsy.

What is the peripheral nervous system?

The peripheral nervous system is the term used for all of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral nerves transmit information from the brain and spinal cord to every other part of the body. They connect your brain and spinal cord to your muscles and allow you to move your muscles. They also conduct sensations such as pain, temperature, and touch to your brain. The nerves connecting to internal organs that allow you to do things like breathe and digest food are also part of the peripheral nervous system.

How does peripheral neuropathy occur?

Peripheral neuropathy has many different causes. Anything that interferes with the function of a nerve can lead to neuropathy. Some common causes are:
Direct injury to the nerve, such as a sports injury.
Pressure on a nerve caused by repetitive use (such as carpal tunnel syndrome), improper use of crutches, or an abnormal growth, such as a tumor.
Diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, lupus, or alcoholism.
Infections (usually viral, for example, infections by the herpes virus).
Exposure to poisons.
Some medicines, such as some cancer medicines.
Lack of vitamins, such as vitamin B-12, or minerals.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy depend on which nerves are damaged.

Nerves that help you move your muscles are called motor nerves. If motor nerves are damaged, you may have muscle weakness or you may not be able to move the muscles controlled by the damaged nerves.

Nerves that conduct sensations, such as touch, are called sensory nerves. When these nerves are affected, you may have numbness, tingling, pain, or extreme sensitivity to touch.

The nerves controlling internal organs are called autonomic nerves. Symptoms caused by damage to these nerves depend on what organs are affected.

For example, you may have vision problems if the nerves to your eyes are involved. Problems with other nerves may cause dizziness, leaking of urine from the bladder, or digestion problems, such as constipation or diarrhea.

How is it diagnosed?

Your health-care provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and will examine you. You may have a nerve conduction test to check the function of specific nerves. You may have other tests.

How is it treated?

The goals of treatment are to manage the condition causing the neuropathy and to relieve symptoms. The treatment depends on the cause. For example, if the problem happens after an injury, depending on how severe the injury is, the neuropathy may go away on its own and not need any specific treatment. If it is caused by a disease, such as diabetes or lupus, the treatment is focused on better control of the disease. If the cause is a vitamin deficiency, your provider may prescribe vitamin supplements.

The symptoms of neuropathy can be treated with medicines, such as:
Non-prescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen.
Prescription NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Medicines that can be put on the skin and numb the skin (lidocaine) or cause irritation (capsaicin).
Medicines for seizures that also can treat pain, such as gabapentin (Neurontin).
Antidepressant medicines that can help relieve pain.

Some of the other possible treatments for nerve pain are:
Biofeedback (a way to control your body's responses with your mind) or relaxation methods.
Electronic nerve stimulation devices.
Shots of local anesthetics, steroids, or other medicines to block pain signals or decrease inflammation.
In severe cases, surgery to cut the nerve causing the pain.

How long will the effects last?

Peripheral neuropathy caused by an injury usually lasts from a few days to several weeks, depending on the injury. Neuropathy due to diabetes and other chronic diseases tends to not go away completely, but it may improve with treatment of the disease. Neuropathy caused by a viral infection is less predictable. It may or may not go away with time.

How can I help prevent neuropathy?

It can be hard to prevent neuropathy caused by injury. But you can reduce your risk of neuropathy by taking steps to manage your condition. For example, if you have a condition that requires medication, follow your health-care provider's advice and take your medicines as prescribed. It also helps to lead a healthy lifestyle - exercising and eating a balanced diet that includes fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meat to give you enough vitamin B-12.

Can you tell me more about neuropathy caused by diabetes?

Health-care professionals have been studying diabetic neuropathy for many years, but they do not yet understand how diabetes damages the nervous system. However, they do know that some people can prevent the development of neuropathy by keeping their blood sugar under control.

If a person does develop diabetic neuropathy, how is it treated?

Diabetic neuropathy is treated in several ways:
Muscle weakness is treated with support, such as splints. Physical therapy can also help with exercises for the weak muscles. Exercises can be also used to strengthen other muscles that have not weakened.
As with other cases of neuropathy, pain-killing drugs or cream can be applied to the skin to help pain during the night. Medicines can be used to treat nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

It is important to remember that injuries can be a serious problem for people with diabetic neuropathy. That's because the condition makes it harder to feel if something is hot or sharp. Diabetes also makes it harder for injuries to heal. People with diabetic neuropathy should be extra careful to avoid burns, cuts, and other injuries. Foot care is especially important, as a small injury or ingrown toenail can lead to long-term complications if you do not catch it quickly.

Can I help prevent diabetic neuropathy?

The best way to help prevent diabetic neuropathy is to:
Control your diabetes. Try to keep your blood sugar at a normal level.
Do not smoke.
Maintain normal blood pressure.
Exercise regularly, according to your health-care provider's recommendation.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink because it can cause neuropathy, too.
Eat a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables (some vitamin deficiencies can cause neuropathy).
Keep your checkup appointments with your health-care provider.

Audra Kolesar is a registered nurse and manager with Health Links - Info Santé, the Winnipeg Health Region's telephone health information service.

The information for this column is provided by Health Links - Info Santé. It is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a health-care professional.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/health/health-matters/377587402.html