Male albino rats were split into 3 groups: the first group received nothing
(the control group), the second group received lead acetate, and the third group
received lead acetate along with vitamin C and Silymarin, the active polyphenolic
blend in Milk Thistle. As predicted lead raised liver enzymes, caused damage to,
clogging of, and inflammation in the blood vessels leading to and within the liver,
and caused interface hepatitis. Fibrous infiltration of the liver was also seen. Lead
also caused damage to the animals DNA. In the rats receiving the Vitamin C and Silymarin
3 times a week showed that these nutrients offered strong liver protection improving
all parameters of liver health significantly protecting the liver from the toxic effects
of lead. The study is published in the January 5th, 2005 issue of the journal
Toxicology.
Severe Periodontal Disease a Real Killer in Diabetics
In 628 people with type 2 diabetes (Pima Indians in this study) panoramic X-rays and
clinical-dental examinations were performed to assess the degree of periodontal disease.
The patients were a minimum of 35 years of age and were followed for an average of 11
years. 204 of these subjects died in the follow-up period. Subjects with severe periodontal
disease had 3.2 times the risk of dying of cardio-renal mortality (ischemic heart disease
with kidney disease) than those with no, mild, or moderate periodontal disease combined.
The death rate for having no periodontal disease over a 1,000 year total human follow-up
was 3.7 for no or mild periodontal disease, 19.6 for moderate periodontal disease, and
28.4 for severe periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a strong predictor of ischemic
heart disease and diabetic kidney disease deaths in type 2 diabetics. The study is published
in the January 2005 issue of the journal Diabetes Care.
Commentary by Jerry Hickey, R.Ph.
Although this study was performed in Pima Indians, its conclusion likely applies to the entire population.
