New study on Zonulin

New study out this month about Zonulin and NCGS (Non-celiac gluten sensitivity).  Here is the news report on the study.  The study was presented at a conference as an oral presentation.  The notes from the presentation are below.

I'll comment later.  For now I just wanted to save this link.
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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4669990/

OP269 THE ROLE OF ZONULIN IN NON-CELIAC GLUTEN SENSITIVITY AND IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

M. R. Barbaro¹, C. Cremon¹, G. Caio¹, L. Bellacosa¹, R. De Giorgio¹, U. Volta¹, V. Stanghellini¹, G. Barbara¹

¹Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Contact E-mail Address: ti.obinu@2orabrab.airam

Introduction: Zonulin, the human homolog of the zonula occludens toxin secreted by Vibrio cholera, is the only known endogenous modulator of epithelial tight junctions (TJs) and intestinal permeability. Intestinal bacterial infections and gluten evoke zonulin release in the intestinal milieu and in the bloodstream. A role for zonulin has been demonstrated in different diseases such as celiac disease (CD). Increased intestinal permeability has been reported in Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) although the mechanisms involved are not clear. Zonulin serum levels and its diagnostic value in NCGS and IBS remain undetermined

Aims & Methods: In the present study, we aimed at characterizing zonulin serum levels in patients with NCGS (n=27) and IBS-D (n=15) compared with CD (n=15; positive control) and healthy controls (n=15; HC, negative control). ELISA assay was used to evaluate zonulin serum levels; qPCR was used to evaluate zonulin gene expression in the colonic mucosa. Clinical data, abdominal symptoms and bowel habit were recorded and analysis of HLA alleles was performed. Zonulin serum levels were evaluated in a subgroup of NCGS patients during gluten containing diet (GCD) and gluten free diet (GFD).

Results: CD patients showed significantly higher zonulin serum levels compared to HC (0.033± 0.004 vs 0.007 ± 0.001 ng/mg total proteins, p < 0.0001) and to IBS-D patients (0.012 ± 0.002 ng/mg total proteins, p < 0.001). NCGS showed significantly higher zonulin serum levels compared to HC (0.030 ± 0.006 vs 0.007 ± 0.001, p < 0.05) and IBS-D (p < 0.05). IBS-D patients showed higher zonulin serum levels and colonic mRNA expression compared to HC. Zonulin levels were positively correlated with the titer of anti-TTG antibodies (r:0.6; p < 0.05) and anti-DGP antibodies (r:0.6; p < 0.05). A decrease in zonulin serum levels was observed during GFD compared to GCD (p=0.06) and a comparable decrease was observed for AGA IgG levels (p=0.06). Only HLA-DQ2-positive patients showed a significant decrease in zonulin serum levels during GFD compared to GCD (p < 0.05). A significant difference was observed in zonulin serum levels during GFD between HLA-DQ2-positive patients and HLA-DQ2/DQ8 negative ones (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Zonulin serum levels are increased in IBS-D and NCGS, in addition to CD. A positive and significant correlation was found between zonulin serum levels and both anti-DGP and anti-TTG antibody titers. A comparable decrease of AGA IgG and zonulin serum levels was observed during GFD. Interestingly, only HLA-DQ2-positive patients showed a significant decrease of zonulin serum levels during GFD compared to GCD. Our data suggest that a zonulin-dependent TJ dysfunction may play a role in the pathophysiology of IBS and NCGS, particularly in a subset of patients.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared

Glyphosate leaches through soil...

Interesting study I ran across published in early September 2015 that looked at biochar as a way to "reduce the leaching of glyphosate in agricultural soils".  The first thing that struck me is that the very first sentence stated that glyphosate leaches through soil layers into water supplies.  It has been stated by the manufacturers all along that glyphosate doesn't move in the soil.  They say that it stays where it is sprayed, where it degrades.  Monsanto themselves claim in a referred to reference that "field and laboratory studies show it does not leach appreciably"  Unfortunately, that has been found to be false and this study shows that the problem exists to a level that agriculturalist are actively seeking out ways to mediate the glyphosate.  In this study, they did find that the biochar has potential to help reduce glyphosate leaching in soils. 

Folks, glyphosate in the environment is a real issue.  Farmers know this, researchers know this, and the public knows this, yet agribusiness still denies this.  The problem is that when you have known chemicals showing up in water samples from surface water, underground wells and sea waters, the problem is widespread. Glyphosate does indeed accumulate in the environment.

Another study showing glyphosate effect on bees.

What does glyphosate do to bees? Look here at a new Sept 2015 study.

Basically, at low doses(where it has previously been stated to do no harm), it interferes with the ability of honeybees to navigate.  It impairs their cognitive abilities.  They have a hard time finding food and returning to their hive.

Why is this important? 

First, low doses to affect bees.  It has been a "fundamental fact" within the industry that glyphosate is harmless.  Like the executive stated, you can drink it like you would a glass of water.  It is obviously not as harmless as water.  More evidence that the license for glyphosate should be revoked.  It is not as they stated in their paperwork for approval.  Real consequences are being observed.  Secondly, it impairs bees cognitive abilities.  With the concern in the increase in cognitive diseases (alzheimers, autism, depression,...) finding causes behind these could be life changing for so many people.  Any information that could lead to a cause, could help prevent many from disabling conditions.  These are two very important pieces of information.

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Effects of sublethal doses of glyphosate on honeybee navigation.

J Exp Biol. 2015 Sep;218(Pt 17):2799-805. doi: 10.1242/jeb.117291.

Abstract

Glyphosate (GLY) is a herbicide that is widely used in agriculture for weed control. Although reports about the impact of GLY in snails, crustaceans and amphibians exist, few studies have investigated its sublethal effects in non-target organisms such as the honeybee Apis mellifera, the main pollen vector in commercial crops. Here, we tested whether exposure to three sublethal concentrations of GLY (2.5, 5 and 10 mg l(-1): corresponding to 0.125, 0.250 and 0.500 μg per animal) affects the homeward flight path of honeybees in an open field. We performed an experiment in which forager honeybees were trained to an artificial feeder, and then captured, fed with sugar solution containing traces of GLY and released from a novel site either once or twice. Their homeward trajectories were tracked using harmonic radar technology. We found that honeybees that had been fed with solution containing 10 mg l(-1) GLY spent more time performing homeward flights than control bees or bees treated with lower concentrations. They also performed more indirect homing flights. Moreover, the proportion of direct homeward flights performed after a second release from the same site increased in control bees but not in treated bees. These results suggest that, in honeybees, exposure to levels of GLY commonly found in agricultural settings impairs the cognitive capacities needed to retrieve and integrate spatial information for a successful return to the hive. Therefore, honeybee navigation is affected by ingesting traces of the most widely used herbicide worldwide, with potential long-term negative consequences for colony foraging success.

Glyphosate and Endocrine Disruption (adrenal)

 A new study came out at the beginning of the month (Aug 2015) that looked at endocrine disruption effect of Roundup in adrenal gland of male rats. Here are two articles( an article  and another article) on the study that includes good analysis.

 

  It's an interesting study, and one that may be evidence for someone with adrenal fatigue (or perhaps everyone!)  to be certain they are eating only organic food.  The study found that the "chronic low dose of Roundup had effects similar to 'adrenal insufficiency in humans'."  Even a dose of 10mg/kg bodyweight per day reduced levels of corticosterone (produced in the adrenal glands).  Interestingly, no other effects on the rats were seen at this level, of the things they were observing.  Why is this number important? The NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) for chronic toxicity in multiple generation studies was 30mg/kg for adults and 10 mg/kg for offspring.....the level which was found to cause adrenal effects.  But get this, the government doesn't include multiple generation studies for endocrine disruption in their regulations.

 

 "Implications of the study

The recent information regarding Roundup^® and its metabolites detection in food, water and in human urine [1] signifies the relevance of toxicological studies as one presented. The findings that Roundup^® treatment down regulates endogenous ACTH, is similar to the condition known as adrenal insufficiency in humans. This condition manifests as fatigue, anorexia, sweating, anxiety, shaking, nausea, heart palpitations and weight loss. Chronic adrenal insufficiency could be fatal, if untreated. A progressive increase in its prevalence has been observed in humans [8], while a very few studies relating to xenobiotic exposure and adrenal insufficiency development have been reported. The present study describes one of the possible mechanisms of adrenal insufficiency due to Roundup^® and suggests more systematic studies, to investigate the area further."

 

  Thinking about how these multi generational studies are set up, what does this say about children of adults who have been eating food with Roundup residue? Would they be more sensitive to the current Roundup in the food supply?  What about infants who are drinking soy formula?  These are real issues.  As more research comes out, the regulatory review boards need to be willing to accept that perhaps these chemicals aren't all they were sold to be.  Perhaps, there are very real consequences to health across the board.  This study is further evidence that the glyphosate residue in our food supply could indeed be causing underlying conditions in a great many people, even though they appear to be "otherwise healthy".

Interesting study on preterm birth and gut bacteria

Interesting article on a research study that came out today.

Bacterial community in pregnant women linked to preterm birth, study finds

Interesting, because they noted that a lower level of Lactobacillus was linked to preterm birth. Glyphosate has been shown to decrease the levels of lactobacillus. If your food has glyphosate residue (which all GMO soy does, and many other crops harvested dry do..) could you say that glyphosate residue in food may contribute to preterm labor? Sounds like the next area of study; test the mothers for glyphosate l...evels and correlate that with the bacteria and term birth. 
 

Interestingly, glyphosate has been shown to have a negative effect on placental cells. Could it be that there are several factors at play here, and the lower lactobacillus is just an indicator? Perhaps the glyphosate residue is decreasing healthy gut bacteria, while harming the pre-birth environment for the baby, thus resulting in pre-term birth??? It is feasible when you actually look at the research of each component.

Based on the research I have found, I would be willing to bet that if this theory holds, those women who delivered preterm (that had low levels of lactobacillus) also had trouble breastfeeding their babies (PSU study) due to zinc issues and early cell death of mammory tissue.

The characteristics are consistent between all of these.

GM crops aren't safer...report says

This has been my thought all along.  The "absence of evidence" is not evidence of safety.  Of course they aren't going to do those studies when they want to sell their product as "safe".  There is enough research showing harm, but less that ties it directly to disease or illness.  I have research article after research article that show a tie between celiac and glyphosate.  But, no direct studies have been done, yet.  So, yes, there is "absence of evidence of harm" for very specific situations, but no "evidence of safety" and certainly no studies disputing the ties I have found.

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The lead researcher in a report commissioned by the Norwegian Environment Agency and released by the Genok Centre for Biosafety at the Arctic University of Norway says,
"Statements of the safety of GM crops rely principally on the absence of evidence of harm in specific research tests, rather than actual evidence of safety", said Catacora-Vargas. "Absence of evidence of harm is a too low standard for adequate protection of human and environmental health ..."

Here is an article written about the report: GMO study finds 'indications of harmful and adverse effects'

Here is their report: http://genok.no/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/010615_GENOK-HTIntactaBrazil-FINAL_web.pdf

Preparing allergen free meals for others

For someone with food allergies, having a crisis arise is pretty stressful. It means that the time and effort they would normally put into staying healthy by avoiding food allergens is just not possible.  The potential to get sick or react to foods that you are unable to prepare yourself is a pretty scary thing. 

I hope to provide you with some practical help as you seek to live out Christ's command in Galatians 6:2 to care for others by bearing "one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ," in doing something as simple as providing a meal in their time of need.  If you would like some encouragement in this, check out this blog post where Lindsey Deitz at the Traditional Cooking School writes about Food as Ministry.  
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When you need to make a meal for someone who has food allergies, where do you start? 
 

First, pray for direction in planning and preparing the meal.  

Then, be sure you know exactly what they cannot eat.  This is absolutely critical!  There are substitutions for every allergy, but if you do not know what to avoid, it is impossible to make a safe meal.

There are three ways to go from there.

1.       Think about what you would usually make for a meal.  Are there any substitutions you could make to your recipes (based on the person’s allergy requirements) that would make it a ‘safe’ meal for them?

2.       Alternately, if you do not have a go-to meal, decide which meal option you are going to go with:

·         Meat/vegetable/starch

·         Soup/side or bread

·         Casserole style

·         Breakfast style

 And,

·         Will you add a dessert

3. There are times when a restaurant meal will work within the allergen constraints.  If you are unable to prepare a meal yourself, ask about this option.  This could include picking up a rotisserie chicken and sides at the grocery store.       

Then, look at the ingredients for those meals, making allergen-free substitutions where necessary. Keep the meals simple….rely on basic fresh/frozen vegetables and fruit, and fresh herbs for seasonings.

There are now many easy substitutions available at the supermarket for traditional ingredients:

• Gluten Free pasta for regular wheat pasta. (Wegmans brand gluten-free pasta is very good and only $1.29/lb)
• Coconut (or almond, or soy) milk for dairy milk. (I have found that SoDelicious unsweetened coconut milk works best in recipes and does not add a coconut flavor to dishes)
• Cornstarch as a thickener instead of wheat flour for gravies/sauces.

Another very important thing to keep in mind is avoiding cross contamination during meal prep.  The easiest way to do this is to start with a clean counter (which you should do anyway, right?) and clean cookware (ex. don't reuse a pasta strainer if you have just made wheat pasta, and the person has a gluten sensitivity).  A reasonable effort put into keeping allergen ingredients away from meal prep will go a long way in keeping their meal safe.

When providing a meal for someone with food allergies, it is essential to include a list of ingredients for each item you prepare.  For help with this, click here to download a printable template. This will serve as a reference for them to double check ingredients to see that you have only included ingredients that are ok for them to eat.  This is crucial, and so appreciated!   Using this template, you can provide ingredients and heating/serving instructions for each dish you have provided.  The form can be filled out by either opening the form in Adobe and typing your information right onto the form, or by printing the form and filling it out with a pencil or pen.  You can also add special notes to the person /family to whom you will be delivering the meal.

Remember that your meal is a blessing.  Those with food allergies know that their diets are a pain for others to work with, and many bear these burdens alone during a crisis because of that.  The effort you put into a ‘safe’ meal is a blessing beyond measure to the person you are helping.  Pray for the family you a providing a meal to.  Their time of need has unique stresses that someone who does not have allergies simply will not have.  By providing a meal for them, you are providing much more than just a meal. 

May God bless you beyond measure for providing a 'safe' meal.