DMSA with NAC Works Better at Reducing Lead

DMSA is a potent chelating agent reducing body and blood lead levels and increasing lead excretion in the urine. NAC is a potent antioxidant that increases glutathione antioxidant protection in the body. In this study it was found that giving NAC while on DMSA treatment reduced lead more efficiently and restored homeostasis to altered biochemical variables of the body quicker than DMSA alone. The study is published in the December 31st, 2004 Supplement of the journal Cellular and Molecular Biology.

Inflammation Tied to Diabetes Risk

Researchers examined the association between chronic inflammation and Insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a risk factor for developing diabetes and recent research has tied chronic inflammation to an increased risk of developing diabetes. 5,959 adults who were free of diabetes over the age of 20 participated in this study. Levels of ferritin, uric acid, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, and the white blood cell count (all signs of inflammation) were higher in individuals with insulin resistance. Elevated C-reactive protein had the strongest tie in. Each marker was definitely, and independently associated with decreased insulin resistance. The study is published in the December 2004 issue of the journal Diabetes Care.

Antidepressants may Cause Bleeding

The neurotransmitter serotonin improves depression, yet it is also involved with blood clotting. Most antidepressants affect serotonin, but some selectively increase serotonin levels and are referred to as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). The SSRIs include Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft. Previous studies have connected SSRIs to abnormal bleeding from the uterus, stomach, and intestines but the research has been considered inconclusive.

In this new study, researchers in the Netherlands examined the medical records of 64,000 patients taking antidepressants. There were 196 cases of abnormal bleeding. Almost half were hospitalized for abnormal uterine bleeding, 16% experienced bleeding from the stomach or intestines, and 10% had brain hemorrhages. Bleeding from the joints, nose, or within the bladder accounted for about 20% of hospitalizations. The likelihood of bleeding was stronger with SSRIs, and taking one of these drugs increased the risk of abnormal bleeding by 2.6 fold compared with patients on other antidepressants with the least effect on serotonin (Remeron, Serzone, Doxepin, and Wellbutrin fit this low category). Drugs with an intermediate effect on serotonin almost doubled the risk (these include Effexor and Celexa). Anafranil, used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder also strongly increased the risk. The study appears in the November 22nd, 2004 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Commentary by Jerry Hickey, R.Ph.

This is a study based on hospital records but supports other findings. Do not stop antidepressant medication on your own; discuss any change in medication with your doctor.