CYBERMED LIFE - ORGANIC  & NATURAL LIVING

Environmental Factors

  • Ascorbate induces ten-eleven translocation (Tet) methylcytosine dioxygenase-mediated generation of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. 📎

    Abstract Title:

    Ascorbate induces ten-eleven translocation (Tet) methylcytosine dioxygenase-mediated generation of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine.

    Abstract Source:

    J Biol Chem. 2013 May 10 ;288(19):13669-74. Epub 2013 Apr 2. PMID: 23548903

    Abstract Author(s):

    Emily A Minor, Brenda L Court, Juan I Young, Gaofeng Wang

    Article Affiliation:

    Emily A Minor

    Abstract:

    BACKGROUND:Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase converts 5-mC to 5-hmC in DNA.

    RESULTS:Ascorbate significantly and specifically enhances Tet-mediated generation of 5-hmC.

    CONCLUSION:Our findings suggest that ascorbate enhances 5-hmC generation, most likely by acting as a co-factor for Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase to generate 5-hmC.

    SIGNIFICANCE:The availability of ascorbate could have significant consequences for health and diseases by modulating the epigenetic control of genome activity. Ascorbate (vitamin C) is best known for its role in scurvy, in which the hydroxylation of collagen catalyzed by dioxygenases is incomplete due to ascorbate deficiency. Here, we report a novel function of ascorbate in the hydroxylation of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) in DNA catalyzed by Tet (ten-eleven translocation) methylcytosine dioxygenase. The content of 5-hmC is extremely low in mouse embryonic fibroblasts cultured in ascorbate-free medium. Additions of ascorbate dose- and time-dependently enhance the generation of 5-hmC, without any effects on the expression of Tet genes. Treatment with another reducer glutathione (GSH) does not change the level of 5-hmC. Further, blocking ascorbate entry into cells by phloretin and knocking down Tet (Tet1, Tet2, and Tet3) expression by short interference RNAs (siRNA) significantly inhibit the effect of ascorbate on 5-hmC. These results suggest that ascorbate enhances 5-hmC generation, most likely by acting as a co-factor for Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase to hydroxylate 5-mC. Thus, we have uncovered a novel role for ascorbate in modulating the epigenetic control of genome activity.

    Article Published Date : May 09, 2013

  • Heavy metal detox

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    Heavy metal detox image

    I recently found out I have high levels of lead and mercury from a hair analysis. I'm not exposed to these metals through my job and don't have any dental fillings, which I know can contain mercury. Can you suggest any natural ways to get rid of these metals? I know they can't be good for me! — B.B., via email

    Heavy metals like lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic are so ubiquitous in the environment that virtually everyone is contaminated with them to some degree. But that doesn't mean they're nothing to worry about; all four are confirmed or probable carcinogens and can have wide-ranging toxic effects, from nervous system and hormone problems to immunological and cardiovascular damage.1


    Our bodies have a built-in detoxification system to get rid of these metals, along with other harmful substances, but various factors such as genes, nutrition and lifestyle can impact how well this system works. High exposure to heavy metals or other pollutants, for example, can overwhelm the system and impair the body's ability to eliminate them.2


    The good news is there are a number of natural, gentle ways to help the body with the removal of heavy metals. Here's a selection of what works.

  • Heavy metals as etiologic agents of illness due to enviroment

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    Prof. Dott. Giulio Tarro Phd MD

    After the first “white” book on "Health and Environment in Campania" (1977), there is a clear worsening of the environmental and health conditions of citizens. Illegal waste removal of toxic waste has led to an increase in tumor and malformation at birth (Campania, Land of Poison, 2012). Not always all the substances contained in illegal waste rubbish are known, but the presence of some of them outlines the inevitable carcinogenic effectsc (1).

  • Is arthritis a bacterial infection from a 'bad gut'?

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    Is arthritis a bacterial infection from a 'bad gut'? image

    Is there a link between a 'bad' gut and arthritis? Researchers have noticed that bacteria from the gut can infect an artificial knee and hip—but aren't sure whether they also attack the actual joints that cause the usual arthritic symptoms in the first place.

  • Schoolchildren suffering memory problems from using their cellphones

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    Schoolchildren suffering memory problems from using their cellphones image

    Teenagers are always using their cell (mobile) phones—but the radiation from the devices could be affecting their memory and their ability to study at school, a major new study has suggested.

    Memory problems are being seen in adolescents after they've been using a cell phone for just a year, say researchers from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute.

    Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from the phones affect a non-verbal type of memory known as figural, which is located more on the right-side of the brain.

  • The secrets of the centenarians

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    The secrets of the centenariansWant to live to 100? Of course you do, and science has a few suggestions to help you get there.

    Not smoking (of course) and being socially active help, as does living in communities that have good walking trails and a wide age range. Oh yes, and being a woman.