ABSTRACT
To provide an overview of molecular and cellular processes involved in erectile dysfunction (ED) with emphasis on circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) and discuss possible nutraceutical means of intervention. A review of literature on Pubmed related to EPC and ED was conducted. Patients with ED appear to possess a reduced number of circulating EPC, which is associated with poor endothelial function possibly as a result of underlying low-grade inflammation. Several studies support the possibility of improving erectile function by inhibition of inflammation as well as administration of various stem cell types. One particularly interesting approach is nutraceutical supplementation to increase circulating EPC, as demonstrated in the product Stem-Kine. Interventions aimed at increasing circulating EPC may have potential in treatment of vascular ED.
Subject(s)
Endothelial Cells/cytology , Erectile Dysfunction/drug therapy , Stem Cells/cytology , C-Reactive Protein/metabolism , Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor/metabolism , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization/methods , Humans , Inflammation , Male , Nutritional Sciences , Penis/pathology , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
A series of seven cases are presented in which intravenous vitamin C has been used as antineoplastic agent in the treatment of different types of cancers. The cancers cases reviewed are the following: Renal cell carcinoma (2), Colorectal cancer (1), Pancreatic cancer (1), Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (2) and breast cancer (1). Toxic reactions were not observed at these high doses of intravenous Vitamin C. All patients were prescreened for Glucose 6--phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency before administering intravenous Vitamin C in order to prevent hemolysis
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Ascorbic Acid/administration & dosage , Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage , Antioxidants/administration & dosage , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Ascorbic Acid/adverse effects , Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects , Antioxidants/adverse effects , Injections, Intravenous , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
High dose intravenous(i.v.) ascorbic acid (AA) has been used as therapy for infectious disease from bacterial and viral origin and adjuvant therapy for cancer. In this publication we describe a clinical protocol that has been developed over the past twenty years utilizing high dose i.v. AA as therapy for cancer. This includes principles of treatment, rationale, baseline workup, infusion protocol, precautions and side effects.
