In recent years, there has been a great deal of interest in the pharmacological effects of tea co... more In recent years, there has been a great deal of interest in the pharmacological effects of tea consumption. By far, most research on health benefits of tea has focussed on its chemopreventive effects and its potential in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. It has also been reported that tea has a role in weight control and dental health. These reported health properties may be due to its constituents, which include carotenoids, chlorophyll, polysaccharides, fats, vitamins C and E, manganese, potassium and zinc. Tea is also an excellent source of several B-complex vitamins. However, experts agree that it is mainly the anti-oxidant polyphenols that provide most of the health benefits.
This report presents findings of a study that was conducted by Brain Sciences Institute and Gradu... more This report presents findings of a study that was conducted by Brain Sciences Institute and Graduate School of Integrative Medicine, Swinburne University of Technology, on behalf of Enzo Bioactives Pty Ltd. The study investigated the effects of an extract of Pinus radiata, pine bark (Enzogenol) on neurological cognitive function and cardiovascular disease risk factors amongst older at risk subjects. The primary focus of this study was application of novel steady-state probe topography (SSPT) neuroimaging techniques to investigate changes in brain electrical activity associated with Enzogenol supplementation. The study has found significant changes in patterns of brain electrical activity, reflecting improvements in performance on object working memory and episodic memory tasks, following 5 weeks of Enzogenol supplementation but not following placebo supplementation. Secondly, a battery of computerized cognitive tests was used to investigate the effects of Enzogenol on cognitive processes. Increased speed of response was found on tests of spatial working memory and simple recognition memory with Enzogenol supplementation but not with placebo supplementation. Given these findings it is suggested that Enzogenol may improve cognitive processes in the brain and may act to reduce the deleterious effects of ageing on cognition. The effects of Enzogenol on blood pressure were also investigated. A reduction in systolic blood pressure means by 7 mm Hg in the Enzogenol group compared to 0.9 mm Hg in the placebo group did not reach significance. However, it is suggested that with a larger sample size the reduction of 7 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure would be significant and consistent with a previous open-labeled study. A meta-analysis of systolic blood pressure data combining the present results with other clinical studies on Enzogenol is recommended. Other markers of cardiovascular health did not show any significant changes in this study. Finally, using a number of standard biochemical and hematological indices to evaluate treatment safety it was concluded that Enzogenol was safe and well tolerated at a daily dose of 960 mg over the five week treatment. Investigators Dr Andrew Pipingas* Prof Richard Silberstein* Dr Luis Vitettaψ Cindy Van Rooy* Prof Avni Saliψ ψ *Brain Sciences Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia ψGraduate School of Integrative Medicine, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia Dr Fernando Cortizo Dr Joseph Nastasiψ Dr John Song*
SummaryWe report the case of a 50-year-old lady who presented with arterial thrombosis in the set... more SummaryWe report the case of a 50-year-old lady who presented with arterial thrombosis in the setting of thrombocytopenia. Investigations confirmed the diagnosis of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. A spontaneous platelet aggregating factor (SPAF) was isolated from the immunoglobulin fraction of the patient's plasma. The isolated IgG irreversibly aggregated platelet-rich plasma and washed platelets, an effect abolished by pretreating the platelets with aspirin. The activity of the IgG was greatly enhanced by subaggregatory concentrations of thrombin and adrenalin and was localized to the F(ab')2 of the molecule. Plasmapheresis in combination with anti-platelet therapy resulted in an increase in the patient's platelet count, reduced platelet aggregating activity of plasma and significant clinical improvement.We suggest that the presence of this platelet aggregating IgG contributed to the development of thrombosis in our patient and postulate that a similar factor may e...
ABSTRACT Psychosocial treatment programs for cancer patients range from traditional approaches of... more ABSTRACT Psychosocial treatment programs for cancer patients range from traditional approaches offered by mainstream medical institutions to less orthodox approaches. The Gawler Foundation in Melbourne, Australia provides active cancer support programs designed to improve quality of life and if possible, to impact on length of life. The programs are complementary to mainstream medical treatment and focus on relaxation and meditation, a low-fat vegetarian diet, positive thinking and drawing on effective support.
Pathophysiology of Haemostasis and Thrombosis, 1991
Quinine-dependent (Q) IgG antibodies (Q.Ab) in drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia are heterogen... more Quinine-dependent (Q) IgG antibodies (Q.Ab) in drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia are heterogeneous and bind to different platelet surface glycoproteins (GP), namely GPIb, IX, IIb, IIIa and an unidentified 57-kDa membrane proteins. Although both the Q-dependent epitope on GPIIIa and the P1A1 antigen require intact disulphide bonds for their expression, they are distinct because Q.Ab bind to GPIIIa lacking P1A1. Epitopes for both antigens were examined on Western blots of either intact washed human platelets or purified GPIIIa. When intact platelets were digested with trypsin and washed and solubilised prior to electrophoresis, membrane-associated fragments of GPIIIa of 78 kDa were found to be reactive with both antibodies. In addition, 60- and 68-kDa fragments bound anti-P1A1 but not Q.Ab. Similar digestion with chymotrypsin produced only 60-kDa fragments containing both epitopes. Digestion of purified GPIIIa with chymotrypsin produced 60-kDa peptides reactive with Q.Ab and anti-P1A1 in immunoblotting studies. Similar digestion with elastase produced 58-kDa fragments also containing the epitopes for both antibodies. Longer digestion times or sequential digestion with different enzymes did not reveal extra fragments. However, immunoprecipitation of trypsin-digested 125I-labelled GPIIIa with affinity-purified Q.Ab produced a 17-kDa fragment containing the Q-dependent epitope.
Screening tests are ubiquitous in contemporary medical practice, yet the principles of screenin... more Screening tests are ubiquitous in contemporary medical practice, yet the principles of screening can be widely misunderstood. That is, screening can be the testing of apparently well people to find those at increased risk of having a disease or disorder. Within this framework of scientific inquiry, the investigation of blood samples can assist the clinician in identifying factors in the blood that may be consistent with abnormal disease process. Such scrutiny of blood sample components can be further investigated with darkfield microscopy, the technique that underpins the Live Blood Analysis (LBA) test. Like all manner of scientific devices, the LBA test has limitations. What it does not purport to be is a diagnostic test for disease. It is however a valuable screening tool that aids the clinician who deals with medicine and lifestyle-nutritional interventions as key modifiable risk factors in the prevention of disease.
Current Issues for SustainableResearch and Innovation In Microbial Biotechnology
Certain groups of microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus can produce a class of immunostimu... more Certain groups of microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus can produce a class of immunostimulatory protein exotoxin which belongs to the group of T cell mitogens known as superantigens. Extracts of fermentation broths of Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcaceae) have been used as a biological response modifier in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy in cancer therapy for the last decade in several trials. Results of many of these clinical studies have demonstrated that the patients treated with the bacterial extracts showed a significant increase in immune system activity and an increase in leucocytes counts. In this paper we describe a method to clone the superantigens outlined earlier. The microbial by-products were cloned following the construction of an expression vector from Staphylococcus aureus and transferred to an E. Coli bacterial culture. The active ingredients were produced by fermentation and further purified by chromatography.
These cloned microbial by-products were able to activate T-lymphocytes and kill tumour cell lines in vitro. In experiments on BALB/c mice and analysis with flow cytometry, these microbial by-products were shown to increase the differentiation of T-lymphocytes into CD4+, CD8+ subpopulations.
In other in-vitro studies, these microbial by-products were able to stimulate human PBMC proliferation and induce an increase in IFN-γ production. Furthermore, in co-cultures treated with human PBMC they led to more death of a variety of cancer cell lines from different sources. Systemic treatment in mouse and rabbit models significantly decreases tumour growth. In tumour-bearing rabbits, tumour necrosis and strong infiltration of lymphocytes into tumour tissue were observed; the rabbits also benefited with less metastatic cancer cells in the liver and lungs. Our preliminary data shows the microbial isolates to be non-toxic and safe in 30 BALB/c mice animal studies. The implanted mice were randomized into five groups, and were injected i.m. with normal saline or either one of 250, 500, 1000, 2000μg/kg of the microbial isolates in saline solution on days 1, 4 and 7. Mice were weighed and examined frequently for clinical signs of adverse effects. None of the mice died or displayed other adverse health effects after follow up for 1 month. The microbial isolates have the potential to be useful as a non-toxic and safe functional supplement for the stimulation of the immune system in conjunction with standard medical therapy. The molecular mechanism underlying these findings warrants further intensive investigation.
Cancer develops secondary to genetic and epigenetic changes of multiple genes. The overall 5 yea... more Cancer develops secondary to genetic and epigenetic changes of multiple genes. The overall 5 year survival rate of cancer is less than 50%. The main reason of this poor outcome lies in the technical limitations of the methods used for the early detection of cancer. Cancer is characterized by extreme variation. ie.; each cancer is different in its genetic profile. It is possible to detect cancer cells, free “cancer DNA” or “cancer protein” from body fluid(blood, stool and sputum) of cancer patients even when the tumor mass is too small to be visible by radiologic study or endoscopy. The objective of this lecture is to review existing new genomic technology which aims to detect cancer in its early stages by the testing of body fluids for a combination of multiple, cancer-related key genes and marker proteins. The multiplex molecular test system for the early detection of cancer, recognizes multiple cancer related genes and proteins, with high sensitivity and precision. It can also be applied to the management, treatment and prevention of cancer by offering unique information on the nature of the genetic changes and alterations specifically associated with this particular cancer.
These new generation of skin tests offer more accurate & objective results than conventional skin... more These new generation of skin tests offer more accurate & objective results than conventional skin test. They are Safe, in vitro tests, rapid & cost effective, assisting the practitioner in the clinical diagnosis of skin diseases and in the selection of the best skin care for each individual based on each unique genetic signature • Objective evaluation of the status, health and pathology of the skin by using qualitative and quantitative test of multiple genes known to play a key role in skin barrier function, hydration, metabolism, DNA damage & repair, growth, death, aging, wrinkle, pigmentation and carcinogenesis. Tailor made skin care, cosmetics and cosmeceuticals based on genomic information.
In recent years, there has been a great deal of interest in the pharmacological effects of tea co... more In recent years, there has been a great deal of interest in the pharmacological effects of tea consumption. By far, most research on health benefits of tea has focussed on its chemopreventive effects and its potential in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. It has also been reported that tea has a role in weight control and dental health. These reported health properties may be due to its constituents, which include carotenoids, chlorophyll, polysaccharides, fats, vitamins C and E, manganese, potassium and zinc. Tea is also an excellent source of several B-complex vitamins. However, experts agree that it is mainly the anti-oxidant polyphenols that provide most of the health benefits.
This report presents findings of a study that was conducted by Brain Sciences Institute and Gradu... more This report presents findings of a study that was conducted by Brain Sciences Institute and Graduate School of Integrative Medicine, Swinburne University of Technology, on behalf of Enzo Bioactives Pty Ltd. The study investigated the effects of an extract of Pinus radiata, pine bark (Enzogenol) on neurological cognitive function and cardiovascular disease risk factors amongst older at risk subjects. The primary focus of this study was application of novel steady-state probe topography (SSPT) neuroimaging techniques to investigate changes in brain electrical activity associated with Enzogenol supplementation. The study has found significant changes in patterns of brain electrical activity, reflecting improvements in performance on object working memory and episodic memory tasks, following 5 weeks of Enzogenol supplementation but not following placebo supplementation. Secondly, a battery of computerized cognitive tests was used to investigate the effects of Enzogenol on cognitive processes. Increased speed of response was found on tests of spatial working memory and simple recognition memory with Enzogenol supplementation but not with placebo supplementation. Given these findings it is suggested that Enzogenol may improve cognitive processes in the brain and may act to reduce the deleterious effects of ageing on cognition. The effects of Enzogenol on blood pressure were also investigated. A reduction in systolic blood pressure means by 7 mm Hg in the Enzogenol group compared to 0.9 mm Hg in the placebo group did not reach significance. However, it is suggested that with a larger sample size the reduction of 7 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure would be significant and consistent with a previous open-labeled study. A meta-analysis of systolic blood pressure data combining the present results with other clinical studies on Enzogenol is recommended. Other markers of cardiovascular health did not show any significant changes in this study. Finally, using a number of standard biochemical and hematological indices to evaluate treatment safety it was concluded that Enzogenol was safe and well tolerated at a daily dose of 960 mg over the five week treatment. Investigators Dr Andrew Pipingas* Prof Richard Silberstein* Dr Luis Vitettaψ Cindy Van Rooy* Prof Avni Saliψ ψ *Brain Sciences Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia ψGraduate School of Integrative Medicine, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Australia Dr Fernando Cortizo Dr Joseph Nastasiψ Dr John Song*
SummaryWe report the case of a 50-year-old lady who presented with arterial thrombosis in the set... more SummaryWe report the case of a 50-year-old lady who presented with arterial thrombosis in the setting of thrombocytopenia. Investigations confirmed the diagnosis of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. A spontaneous platelet aggregating factor (SPAF) was isolated from the immunoglobulin fraction of the patient's plasma. The isolated IgG irreversibly aggregated platelet-rich plasma and washed platelets, an effect abolished by pretreating the platelets with aspirin. The activity of the IgG was greatly enhanced by subaggregatory concentrations of thrombin and adrenalin and was localized to the F(ab')2 of the molecule. Plasmapheresis in combination with anti-platelet therapy resulted in an increase in the patient's platelet count, reduced platelet aggregating activity of plasma and significant clinical improvement.We suggest that the presence of this platelet aggregating IgG contributed to the development of thrombosis in our patient and postulate that a similar factor may e...
ABSTRACT Psychosocial treatment programs for cancer patients range from traditional approaches of... more ABSTRACT Psychosocial treatment programs for cancer patients range from traditional approaches offered by mainstream medical institutions to less orthodox approaches. The Gawler Foundation in Melbourne, Australia provides active cancer support programs designed to improve quality of life and if possible, to impact on length of life. The programs are complementary to mainstream medical treatment and focus on relaxation and meditation, a low-fat vegetarian diet, positive thinking and drawing on effective support.
Pathophysiology of Haemostasis and Thrombosis, 1991
Quinine-dependent (Q) IgG antibodies (Q.Ab) in drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia are heterogen... more Quinine-dependent (Q) IgG antibodies (Q.Ab) in drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia are heterogeneous and bind to different platelet surface glycoproteins (GP), namely GPIb, IX, IIb, IIIa and an unidentified 57-kDa membrane proteins. Although both the Q-dependent epitope on GPIIIa and the P1A1 antigen require intact disulphide bonds for their expression, they are distinct because Q.Ab bind to GPIIIa lacking P1A1. Epitopes for both antigens were examined on Western blots of either intact washed human platelets or purified GPIIIa. When intact platelets were digested with trypsin and washed and solubilised prior to electrophoresis, membrane-associated fragments of GPIIIa of 78 kDa were found to be reactive with both antibodies. In addition, 60- and 68-kDa fragments bound anti-P1A1 but not Q.Ab. Similar digestion with chymotrypsin produced only 60-kDa fragments containing both epitopes. Digestion of purified GPIIIa with chymotrypsin produced 60-kDa peptides reactive with Q.Ab and anti-P1A1 in immunoblotting studies. Similar digestion with elastase produced 58-kDa fragments also containing the epitopes for both antibodies. Longer digestion times or sequential digestion with different enzymes did not reveal extra fragments. However, immunoprecipitation of trypsin-digested 125I-labelled GPIIIa with affinity-purified Q.Ab produced a 17-kDa fragment containing the Q-dependent epitope.
Screening tests are ubiquitous in contemporary medical practice, yet the principles of screenin... more Screening tests are ubiquitous in contemporary medical practice, yet the principles of screening can be widely misunderstood. That is, screening can be the testing of apparently well people to find those at increased risk of having a disease or disorder. Within this framework of scientific inquiry, the investigation of blood samples can assist the clinician in identifying factors in the blood that may be consistent with abnormal disease process. Such scrutiny of blood sample components can be further investigated with darkfield microscopy, the technique that underpins the Live Blood Analysis (LBA) test. Like all manner of scientific devices, the LBA test has limitations. What it does not purport to be is a diagnostic test for disease. It is however a valuable screening tool that aids the clinician who deals with medicine and lifestyle-nutritional interventions as key modifiable risk factors in the prevention of disease.
Current Issues for SustainableResearch and Innovation In Microbial Biotechnology
Certain groups of microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus can produce a class of immunostimu... more Certain groups of microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus can produce a class of immunostimulatory protein exotoxin which belongs to the group of T cell mitogens known as superantigens. Extracts of fermentation broths of Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcaceae) have been used as a biological response modifier in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy in cancer therapy for the last decade in several trials. Results of many of these clinical studies have demonstrated that the patients treated with the bacterial extracts showed a significant increase in immune system activity and an increase in leucocytes counts. In this paper we describe a method to clone the superantigens outlined earlier. The microbial by-products were cloned following the construction of an expression vector from Staphylococcus aureus and transferred to an E. Coli bacterial culture. The active ingredients were produced by fermentation and further purified by chromatography.
These cloned microbial by-products were able to activate T-lymphocytes and kill tumour cell lines in vitro. In experiments on BALB/c mice and analysis with flow cytometry, these microbial by-products were shown to increase the differentiation of T-lymphocytes into CD4+, CD8+ subpopulations.
In other in-vitro studies, these microbial by-products were able to stimulate human PBMC proliferation and induce an increase in IFN-γ production. Furthermore, in co-cultures treated with human PBMC they led to more death of a variety of cancer cell lines from different sources. Systemic treatment in mouse and rabbit models significantly decreases tumour growth. In tumour-bearing rabbits, tumour necrosis and strong infiltration of lymphocytes into tumour tissue were observed; the rabbits also benefited with less metastatic cancer cells in the liver and lungs. Our preliminary data shows the microbial isolates to be non-toxic and safe in 30 BALB/c mice animal studies. The implanted mice were randomized into five groups, and were injected i.m. with normal saline or either one of 250, 500, 1000, 2000μg/kg of the microbial isolates in saline solution on days 1, 4 and 7. Mice were weighed and examined frequently for clinical signs of adverse effects. None of the mice died or displayed other adverse health effects after follow up for 1 month. The microbial isolates have the potential to be useful as a non-toxic and safe functional supplement for the stimulation of the immune system in conjunction with standard medical therapy. The molecular mechanism underlying these findings warrants further intensive investigation.
Cancer develops secondary to genetic and epigenetic changes of multiple genes. The overall 5 yea... more Cancer develops secondary to genetic and epigenetic changes of multiple genes. The overall 5 year survival rate of cancer is less than 50%. The main reason of this poor outcome lies in the technical limitations of the methods used for the early detection of cancer. Cancer is characterized by extreme variation. ie.; each cancer is different in its genetic profile. It is possible to detect cancer cells, free “cancer DNA” or “cancer protein” from body fluid(blood, stool and sputum) of cancer patients even when the tumor mass is too small to be visible by radiologic study or endoscopy. The objective of this lecture is to review existing new genomic technology which aims to detect cancer in its early stages by the testing of body fluids for a combination of multiple, cancer-related key genes and marker proteins. The multiplex molecular test system for the early detection of cancer, recognizes multiple cancer related genes and proteins, with high sensitivity and precision. It can also be applied to the management, treatment and prevention of cancer by offering unique information on the nature of the genetic changes and alterations specifically associated with this particular cancer.
These new generation of skin tests offer more accurate & objective results than conventional skin... more These new generation of skin tests offer more accurate & objective results than conventional skin test. They are Safe, in vitro tests, rapid & cost effective, assisting the practitioner in the clinical diagnosis of skin diseases and in the selection of the best skin care for each individual based on each unique genetic signature • Objective evaluation of the status, health and pathology of the skin by using qualitative and quantitative test of multiple genes known to play a key role in skin barrier function, hydration, metabolism, DNA damage & repair, growth, death, aging, wrinkle, pigmentation and carcinogenesis. Tailor made skin care, cosmetics and cosmeceuticals based on genomic information.
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Results of many of these clinical studies have demonstrated that the patients treated with the bacterial extracts showed a significant increase in immune system activity and an increase in leucocytes counts. In this paper we describe a method to clone the superantigens outlined earlier. The microbial by-products were cloned following the construction of an expression vector from Staphylococcus aureus and transferred to an E. Coli bacterial culture. The active ingredients were produced by fermentation and further purified by chromatography.
These cloned microbial by-products were able to activate T-lymphocytes and kill tumour cell lines in vitro. In experiments on BALB/c mice and analysis with flow cytometry, these microbial by-products were shown to increase the differentiation of T-lymphocytes into CD4+, CD8+ subpopulations.
In other in-vitro studies, these microbial by-products were able to stimulate human PBMC proliferation and induce an increase in IFN-γ production. Furthermore, in co-cultures treated with human PBMC they led to more death of a variety of cancer cell lines from different sources. Systemic treatment in mouse and rabbit models significantly decreases tumour growth. In tumour-bearing rabbits, tumour necrosis and strong infiltration of lymphocytes into tumour tissue were observed; the rabbits also benefited with less metastatic cancer cells in the liver and lungs.
Our preliminary data shows the microbial isolates to be non-toxic and safe in 30 BALB/c mice animal studies. The implanted mice were randomized into five groups, and were injected i.m. with normal saline or either one of 250, 500, 1000, 2000μg/kg of the microbial isolates in saline solution on days 1, 4 and 7. Mice were weighed and examined frequently for clinical signs of adverse effects. None of the mice died or displayed other adverse health effects after follow up for 1 month.
The microbial isolates have the potential to be useful as a non-toxic and safe functional supplement for the stimulation of the immune system in conjunction with standard medical therapy. The molecular mechanism underlying these findings warrants further intensive investigation.
• Objective evaluation of the status, health and pathology of the skin by using qualitative and quantitative test of multiple genes known to play a key role in skin barrier function, hydration, metabolism, DNA damage & repair, growth, death, aging, wrinkle, pigmentation and carcinogenesis. Tailor made skin care, cosmetics and cosmeceuticals based on genomic information.
Results of many of these clinical studies have demonstrated that the patients treated with the bacterial extracts showed a significant increase in immune system activity and an increase in leucocytes counts. In this paper we describe a method to clone the superantigens outlined earlier. The microbial by-products were cloned following the construction of an expression vector from Staphylococcus aureus and transferred to an E. Coli bacterial culture. The active ingredients were produced by fermentation and further purified by chromatography.
These cloned microbial by-products were able to activate T-lymphocytes and kill tumour cell lines in vitro. In experiments on BALB/c mice and analysis with flow cytometry, these microbial by-products were shown to increase the differentiation of T-lymphocytes into CD4+, CD8+ subpopulations.
In other in-vitro studies, these microbial by-products were able to stimulate human PBMC proliferation and induce an increase in IFN-γ production. Furthermore, in co-cultures treated with human PBMC they led to more death of a variety of cancer cell lines from different sources. Systemic treatment in mouse and rabbit models significantly decreases tumour growth. In tumour-bearing rabbits, tumour necrosis and strong infiltration of lymphocytes into tumour tissue were observed; the rabbits also benefited with less metastatic cancer cells in the liver and lungs.
Our preliminary data shows the microbial isolates to be non-toxic and safe in 30 BALB/c mice animal studies. The implanted mice were randomized into five groups, and were injected i.m. with normal saline or either one of 250, 500, 1000, 2000μg/kg of the microbial isolates in saline solution on days 1, 4 and 7. Mice were weighed and examined frequently for clinical signs of adverse effects. None of the mice died or displayed other adverse health effects after follow up for 1 month.
The microbial isolates have the potential to be useful as a non-toxic and safe functional supplement for the stimulation of the immune system in conjunction with standard medical therapy. The molecular mechanism underlying these findings warrants further intensive investigation.
• Objective evaluation of the status, health and pathology of the skin by using qualitative and quantitative test of multiple genes known to play a key role in skin barrier function, hydration, metabolism, DNA damage & repair, growth, death, aging, wrinkle, pigmentation and carcinogenesis. Tailor made skin care, cosmetics and cosmeceuticals based on genomic information.