Supplementation with vitamin C and N-acetyl-cysteine increases oxidative stress in humans after an acute muscle injury induced by eccentric exercise.

There has been no investigation to determine if the widely used over-the-counter, water-soluble antioxidants vitamin C and N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) could act as pro-oxidants in humans during inflammatory conditions. We induced an acute-phase inflammatory response by an eccentric arm muscle injury. The inflammation was characterized by edema, swelling, pain, and increases in plasma inflammatory indicators, myeloperoxidase and interleukin-6. Immediately following the injury, subjects consumed a placebo or vitamin C (12.5 mg/kg body weight) and NAC (10 mg/kg body weight) for 7 d. The resulting muscle injury caused increased levels of serum bleomycin-detectable iron and the amount of iron was higher in the vitamin C and NAC group. The concentrations of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and myoglobin were significantly elevated 2, 3, and 4 d postinjury and returned to baseline levels by day 7. In addition, LDH and CK activities were elevated to a greater extent in the vitamin C and NAC group. Levels of markers for oxidative stress (lipid hydroperoxides and 8-iso prostaglandin F2alpha; 8-Iso-PGF2alpha) and antioxidant enzyme activities were also elevated post-injury. The subjects receiving vitamin C and NAC had higher levels of lipid hydroperoxides and 8-Iso-PGF2alpha 2 d after the exercise. This acute human inflammatory model strongly suggests that vitamin C and NAC supplementation immediately post-injury, transiently increases tissue damage and oxidative stress.

The use of unproven methods of treatment by cancer patients. Frequency, expectations and cost.

The use of unproven therapies is of concern for a number of reasons, including the lack of scientific evidence of support them, their potential financial costs and the possibility of interference with conventional treatment. This study explored the prevalence, predictors and experiences of unproven therapy use by cancer patients attending an oncology clinic at an Australian teaching hospital. A questionnaire was administered to patients whilst they were waiting for a consultation with their oncologist. A total of 173 patients were invited to participate, and 156 consented to complete the survey (90%). Over half the patients (81, 52%) had used at least one unproven therapy since their diagnosis, and 28% had used three or more. Patients most commonly practised mediation/relaxation, changed their diet and used multi-vitamins. Most expected that the therapies would aid their conventional treatments and make them feel more in control of their situation. Benefits reported were largely psychological, such as an increased sense of control or a reduction in anxiety. Younger patients, those with early stage or advanced metastatic disease and those who had used unproven therapies prior to developing cancer were more likely to use unproven therapies. Health professionals involved in the care of cancer patients should be prepared to discuss the use of unproven therapies and try to identify and deal with unmet needs to help patients to cope with their illness.

Fifteen-cycle cranial electrotherapy stimulation for spasticity.

Severe post-anoxic spasticity in a 25-year-old female was significantly improved during an open trial of 15 cycle per second CES. The bipolar LISS device with suboccipital electrode placement was used for 40 minutes three times a day. A synergism appeared when dantrolene 50 mg twice a day was combined with the CES, these additive effects being greater than either modality used alone.