CARNITINE FOR HEART DISEASE

INTRODUCTION: Carnitine is a natural substance structurally similar to amino acids. Its primary function in metabolism is to move fatty acids from the bloodstream into cells, where carnitine assists in the breakdown of lipids and the production of energy. The best food sources of carnitine are organ meat, fish, muscle meats, and milk products.

Carnitine is available as a supplement in several forms, including L-carnitine, D-carnitine, and acetyl-L-carnitine. D-carnitine is associated with potential adverse effects and, therefore, should be avoided. Carnitine has been claimed to enhance energy and sports performance, heart health, memory, immune function, and male fertility. It is sometimes marketed as a “fat burner” for weight reduction. Carnitine has been extensively studied. There is solid evidence to support supplementation in patients who are deficient in carnitine. Although a normal diet supplies 300 mg per day, certain patients, such as vegetarians or those with heart disease, may need additional amounts. Carnitine supplementation has been shown to improve exercise tolerance in patients with angina. The use of carnitine may prevent the occurrence of dysrhythmias in the early stages of heart disease. Carnitine has also been shown to decrease triglyceride levels while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) serum levels, thus helping to minimize one of the major risk factors associated with heart disease.

RELATED;

1.  GINSENG FOR CARDIVASCULAR  2.  GARLIC FOR CARDIOVASCULR DISEASE

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INFLAMMATION

 

Introduction:  Inflammation is a physiological response to cell injury, associated with cellular, vascular events and cytokine secretion.  The primary intention of the inflammatory process is to eliminate any invading microbe by increasing the in-flow of blood and immune cells at the affected site.  The inflow of blood then will come with different immune components from both cellular and humoral immunity.

Dimensions of the condition:  There are specific signs that are visible with a naked eye and they are indicative of occurrence of the inflammatory process.  This is especially true when inflammation is local meaning, it occurred on a visible skin surface on the outside of the body.  Cardinal Signs of Inflammation include the following five characters; 

1.  Rubor also known as redness at the site of injury and this can especially be more evident in light skinned individuals.  The red color mainly comes from blood and this cardinal sign is indicative of the amount of blood inflowing into the inflamed area, compared to the rest of the body parts. 

2.  Color or heat is also present and this can be noted by the increase in temperature at the infection site.

3.  Dolar or pain is also a very common and evident sign and this is a reminder that, wherever there is pain, more that 80% of the instances there will be an inflammatory process involved. 

4.  Tumor or swelling is another cardinal sign, 

5.  Functio laesa or loss of function is the last one.  From that point of view, let us look at each sign independently:  

Redness (Rubor): An acutely inflamed tissue appears red, due to dilatation of small blood vessels and increase blood supply (hyperemia) in the associated tissue.  

Swelling (Tumor):  Swelling in inflammation results from accumulation of fluid in the extravascular space as part of the inflammatory fluid exudates, and to a much lesser extent, from the physical mass of the inflammatory cells accumulated in the area.  

Heat (Color):  Increase in temperature is readily detected in the skin; it is due to increased blood flow (hyperemia) through the region, resulting in vascular dilation and delivery of warm blood to the area.  

Pain (Dolor): Pain results partly from the stretching and distortion of tissues due to inflammatory edema and, in part from some of the chemical mediators of acute inflammation, especially bradykinin and prostaglandins. 

Loss of Function (Functio laesa): Loss of function is a well-known consequence of inflammation, movement of an inflamed organ is inhibited by pain, either consciously or by reflexes, while severe swelling may physically immobilize the affected area.

RELATED;

1.  CHRONIC INFLAMMATION

2.  INFLAMMATORY CONDITIONS AND THE HUMAN BODY

3.  INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

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COMPLICATIONS OF WOUND HEALING

Introduction:  Wound healing is a gradual process and in a normal human being, the process will take 72 hours to years depending on the competence of the host immunity, and extent of damage caused.  At the hallmark, the healed wound will leave a scar tissue but sometimes even the scar disappears with time.  In some cases however, the process of wound healing may not be as productive as expected and the following complications will rise.

Excessive Scar Formation: Excessive granulation is characterized by the formation of a mass of granulation tissue protruding from the wound and prevents re-epithelialization.  Such excesses are commonly refer red to as "proud flesh".

Keloid Formation: Keloid formation also refers to an aberration of wound healing resulting in the formation of large bulging scars, but it differs from excessive scar in that it is caused by excessive collagenization of the wound and not excessive formation of granulation tissue, this phenomenon is a common problem in darker people.

Wound Rupture: Failure of fusion of the two ends of the wound, or nonunion of bone fracture.

Epidermoid Cyst: Implantation of epidermal cells, giving rise to keratin  filled cyst known as epidermoid cyst.

Infection: Bacterial infection and pus discharge may take place if a wound is contaminated. 

Weak Scars Formation: Failure to close the wound.  [WOUND HEALING BY SECONDARY REUNION]  [INFLAMATION]  REFERENCES