Janette Hope

Ochratoxin A (OTA) exposure via ingestion and inhalation has been described in the literature to cause kidney disease in both animals and humans. This paper reviews Ochratoxin A and its relationship to human health and kidney disease with a focus on a possible association with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in humans. Prevention and treatment strategies for OTA-induced illness are also discussed, including cholestyramine, a bile-acid-binding resin used as a sequestrant to reduce the enterohepatic recirculation of OTA.

License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Underlying individuals ’ unique, invaluable, and enigmatic metaphysical qualities, the human organism is, in a physi-cal sense, essentially a self-regulating biochemical machine. At any moment, our thoughts and feelings, our actions, metabolism and physical well-being all stem from the sum of dynamic, intricate biochemistry working within a distinc-tive genetic context; innumerable biochemical reactions are taking place to prepare the enzymes, hormones, neurotrans-mitters and all that we need to undertake the tasks required for daily life. We are truly wonderfully crafted. Like any functional system, however, in order to thrivewemust receive the raw materials that we need to carry out our biological processes and we must stay away from influences that are

The Hawaiians still have evidence of remarkable spiritual, mental, and physical illness since western contact over two centuries ago. Their pure blooded population has decreased by more than 98 % but the mixed Hawaiians are approximately near pre-contact pure blooded levels, at 400,000. 60,000 (15%) people with Hawaiian ancestry now live in California. This paper attempts to provide a detailed but concise historical summary of health in Hawaii and of Native Hawaiians. Also, an attempt is made to educate health providers, and to help them take better care of their Native Hawaiian and traditional patients.

License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. What are the objectives of 21st century healthcare? Five fun-damental pillars and presuppositions appear to underscore the provision of clinical healthcare, whether conventional or alternative: (i) Healthcare should genuinely assist individuals (a) to prevent illness through health education; (b) to overcome and recover from disease and suf-fering when possible; (c) to receive compassionate and ongoing care when cure is no longer a reality. (ii) Healthcare should be based on credible scientific evi-dence rather than ideology, anecdote, or corporate science.

Copyright © 2013 Janette Hope.This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Physicians are increasingly being asked to diagnose and treat people made ill by exposure to water-damaged environments, mold, and mycotoxins. In addition to avoidance of further exposure to these environments and to items contaminated by these environments, a number of approaches have been used to help persons affected by exposure to restore their health. Illness results from a combination of factors present in water-damaged indoor environments including, mold spores and hyphal fragments, mycotoxins, bacteria, bacterial endotoxins, and cell wall components as well as other factors. Mechanisms of illness include inflammation, oxidative stress, toxicity, infection, allergy, and irritant effects of exposure. This paper reviews the scientific li...

License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Ochratoxin A (OTA) exposure via ingestion and inhalation has been described in the literature to cause kidney disease in both animals and humans. This paper reviews Ochratoxin A and its relationship to human health and kidney disease with a focus on a possible association with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in humans. Prevention and treatment strategies for OTA-induced illness are also discussed, including cholestyramine, a bile-acid-binding resin used as a sequestrant to reduce the enterohepatic recirculation of OTA. 1.

Evidence for the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of mycotoxin-related illness is increasing. The glutathione antioxidant and detoxification systems play a major role in the antioxidant function of cells. Exposure to mycotoxins in humans requires the production of glutathione on an "as needed" basis. Research suggests that mycotoxins can decrease the formation of glutathione due to decreased gene expression of the enzymes needed to form glutathione. Mycotoxin-related compromise of glutathione production can result in an excess of oxidative stress that leads to tissue damage and systemic illness. The review discusses the mechanisms by which mycotoxin-related deficiency of glutathione may lead to both acute and chronic illnesses.