Antioxidant vitamins, cancer, and cardiovascular disease

Article Abstract:

Beta carotene supplementation apparently fails to protect against cancer, according to two large-scale studies in 1996. Beta carotene, a dietary source of vitamin A, is believed to lower the risk of cancer, stimulating enormous sales of these supplements. Research involving more than 22,000 physicians and 18,000 adults found no reduction of cancer among participants, already at risk for lung cancer, who took beta carotene for years. On the contrary, some patients in the beta carotene group had a higher risk of lung cancer than those taking placebo supplements. These meticulously designed studies represent the scientific correction of popular belief, a worthy effort rather than a failure to confirm presumed therapeutic benefit. However, the association between healthy eating habits and disease control remains firmly in place until further aspects of vitamin therapy and diet therapy come into view.

Cardiovascular diseases, Antioxidants, Antioxidants (Nutrients), Beta carotene

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Answers to the antiphospholipid-antibody syndrome?

Article Abstract:

Patients with antiphospholipid-antibody syndrome should receive continuous treatment with the anticoagulant drug warfarin to prevent recurring blood clots. Antiphospholipid-antibody syndrome is an autoimmune disorder characterized by antibodies against fats in cell membranes and recurrent blood clots in veins and arteries that block the flow of blood. It is not known whether the antibody itself causes excessive blood clotting or if it is a marker of an underlying blood clotting disorder. The syndrome is so rare there have been few clinical studies to find effective treatments. A 1995 study found that high-dose warfarin substantially reduced the risk of recurrent blood clots in patients with the syndrome who had a history of recurrent blood clots. This treatment cannot be recommended for pregnant women with the syndrome, since warfarin can cause birth defects.

Complications and side effects, Antiphospholipid syndrome, Thrombosis

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Warfarin for cancer prevention

Article Abstract:

The anticoagulant drug warfarin may be beneficial in some patients who have risk factors for some types of cancer. Abnormal blood clotting has been linked to cancer, but the exact mechanism is not clear. Tumor cells may cause abnormal clotting, or a clot may carry tumor cells to another part of the body. A study published in 2000 showed that patients with abnormal blood clotting who took warfarin for six months had a lower rate of cancer than those who took the drug for only six weeks.

Drug therapy, Thromboembolism

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