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What is Apo E? test_tube

Apo E is a protein which, in the blood, helps carry cholesterol and fat. The three common forms of the gene for this protein are Apo E2, Apo E3, and Apo E4. In early 1993, Apo E4 was identified as a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.

The Apo E test is a lab test. Genetic material (DNA) is extracted from an individual's blood sample or cheek swap to assess the Apo E genes. A person inherits either an E2, E3, or E4 gene from each parent.

What is the normal function of the Apo E gene?

The Apo E gene provides instructions for making a protein called apolipoprotein E. This protein combines with fats (lipids) in the body to form molecules called lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are responsible for packaging cholesterol and other fats and carrying them through the bloodstream. Apolipoprotein E is a major component of a specific type of lipoprotein called very low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs). VLDLs remove excess cholesterol from the blood and carry it to the liver for processing. Maintaining normal levels of cholesterol is essential for the prevention of disorders that affect the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular diseases), including heart attack and stroke.

There are at least three slightly different versions (alleles) of the Apo E gene. The major alleles are called e2, e3, and e4. The most common allele is e3, which is found in more than half of the general population.


How are changes in the Apo E gene related to health conditions?

Alzheimer disease -There is an increased risk with variations of the Apo E gene. The e4 version of the Apo E gene increases an individual's risk for developing late-onset Alzheimer disease. People who inherit one copy of the Apo E e4 allele have an increased chance of developing the disease; those who inherit two copies of the allele are at even greater risk. The Apo E e4 allele may also be associated with an earlier onset of memory loss and other symptoms.

It is important to note that people with the Apo E e4 allele inherit an increased risk of developing Alzheimer disease, not the disease itself. Not all people with Alzheimer disease have the Apo E e4 allele, and not all people who have this allele will develop the disease.

Other disorders associated with the Apo E gene -Variants of apolipoprotein E have been studied extensively as risk factors for many different conditions. For example, Apo E alleles have been shown to influence the risk of cardiovascular diseases. People who carry at least one copy of the Apo E e4 allele have an increased chance of developing atherosclerosis, which is an accumulation of fatty deposits and scar-like tissue in the lining of the arteries. This progressive narrowing of the arteries increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

The Apo E e2 allele has been shown to greatly increase the risk of a rare condition called hyperlipoproteinemia type III. Most people with this disorder have two copies of the Apo E e2 allele, leading researchers to conclude that the e2 allele plays a critical role in the development of the condition. Hyperlipoproteinemia type III is characterized by increased blood levels of cholesterol, certain fats called triglycerides, and molecules called beta-very low-density lipoproteins (beta-VLDLs), which carry cholesterol and lipoproteins in the bloodstream. A buildup of cholesterol and other fatty materials can lead to the formation of small, yellow skin growths called xanthomas and the development of atherosclerosis.

Apo E variants have also been studied as a potential risk factor for age-related macular degeneration, an eye disease that is a leading cause of vision loss among older people worldwide. Some studies have suggested that having at least one copy of the Apo E e4 allele may help protect against this disease or delay the onset of vision loss, while having at least one copy of the Apo E e2 allele may increase the risk of this disease or cause symptoms to appear earlier. However, other studies have not found these associations. More research is needed to clarify what role, if any, Apo E variants play in the development of age-related macular degeneration. Recent studies suggest a role for Apo E in obesity and increased Body Mass Index (BMI) and blood lipid (fat) levels in obese children and in early onset Sjogren's Syndrome.

 

 

 

 

 

 
Order Your Supplements Online PDF Print E-mail


Yes, you can now order your supplements online.
What could be more convenient? Also fast-they generally will arrive in 2-3 working days!

veggies_smCaveat: This service is for our patients only. The products that we carry are often formulated with clinically driven therapeutic doses that, ideally, should be monitored by skilled health care professionals. For this reason, our products are sold only directly to our patients. Therefore, we do not sell our products directly to the general public. You will be asked to register on the site so that we can verify that you are indeed our patients. If you have any questions or would prefer to order over the phone, just give us a call at: 413-528-2948 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Download this pdf to learn why all supplements are not alike.

You can order supplements from the following companies here:
Allergy Research Group
Biogenesis
Cardiovascular Research
DaVinci Labs
Designs For Health
Douglas Labs
Herbalist & Alchemist
Himalaya USA
Innate Response
Klare Labs
Nordic Naturals
Perque
and many more...
These products will be sent directly to your address with just a $8 shipping & handling fee.

You can also order Metagenics products online. Metagenics will also ship directly to your address and they will wave their shipping fee if your order is for $100 or more.

 
Laser Therapy Now Available at Mahaiwe Chiropractic PDF Print E-mail

FDA Approved Therapy

Dr. Nancy Bronstein has finished advanced training in the therapeutic use of low level lasers, and we can now offer that service to the Great Barrington community. Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been used worldwide for over 40 years to relieve pain, remove scars, heal wounds, and regenerate nerves.  On January 17th, 2002, Erchonia, (the laser we use at Mahaiwe Chiropractic), was the first U.S. Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) company to receive FDA clearance through clinical trial.  The study took 100 patients complaining of Neck and Shoulder pain.  Half were treated with a useless red light (placebo group), similar to that on a computer lasermouse or grocery check-out, and the other half received LLLT.  The treatment group beat the placebo group by 66%!   That’s 66% faster relief and more complete relief, a remarkable margin.  Such a study is known as “double blind” research, and is the gold standard for measuring the validity of a therapy.  Similar studies have been passed by the FDA for Carpal Tunnel, wounds and scar tissue.  There are over 2000 published studies on LLLT reporting zero negative side effects.

“What does this thing do again?”

In a nutshell, Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) causes tissues to heal faster – muscle, skin and nerve – 66% faster according to the above FDA study.  And in some of our cases, when a condition does not completely respond to the chiropractic adjustment, it allows our patients to get more thorough results at different areas of injury. Specifically, LLLT works at the cell level.  Human cells produce a chemical known as ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate) to run the body and heal tissue.  All of our body’s activities result from the use of ATP, it’s like gasoline to a car.  LLLT stimulates a micro-structure within the cells called the mitochondria (nicknamed the “powerhouse” because it produces ATP) to produce slightly higher amounts of ATP.   Thus with more ATP at the cell level, tissues heal faster, and therefore relief comes quicker.

Conditions and Symptoms
As is true of many alternative therapies, you may receive alternative benefits to being treated, in addition to what you wanted fixed in the first place.  This is because the ATP being produced is “systemic”, meaning although we’re focusing the laser on a particular area, the ATP is ultimately being sent throughout your entire body.   The list of symptoms responding to LLLT is growing, and more valid research is being performed on a daily basis.

  • Acute and Chronic Pain
  • Neuropathy
  • Neck & Back Pain
  • Headaches & Migraines
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Acne
  • Nerve & Disc Pain
  • Carpal Tunnel
  • Sciatica
  • Sports Injuries
  • Scars and Scar Tissue
  • Raynaud's
  • Macular Degeneration


Number of Treatments Needed: 4-12 treatments are necessary to begin the healing process of tissue, although in some cases relief can begin immediately.  Maximum treatment would be 1x per day per area, minimum would be 1x per week to still see results.  Multiple areas of complaint may be treated.  This treatment cycle may need to be repeated, and eventually spread out.

See our Laser FAQ for more information.

Published Studies:

Low Level Laser Therapy--a conservative approach to the burn scar?
Gaida K, Koller R, Isler C, Aytekin O, Al-Awami M, Meissl G, Frey M.
Burns. 2004 Jun;30(4):362-7

Low level laser therapy for treatment of primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon.
al-Awami M, Schillinger M, Maca T, Pollanz S, Minar E.
Vasa. 2004 Feb;33(1):25-9

Treatment of postmastectomy lymphedema with low-level laser therapy: a double blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Carati CJ, Anderson SN, Gannon BJ, Piller NB.
Cancer. 2003 Sep 15;98(6):1114-22. Erratum in: Cancer. 2003 Dec 15;98(12):2742

Treatment of chronic postmastectomy lymphedema with low level laser therapy: a 2.5 year follow-up.
Piller NB, Thelander A.
Lymphology. 1998 Jun;31(2):74-86

Effect of Low-Level Laser Irradiation on Bisphosphonate-Induced Osteonecrosis of the Jaws: Preliminary Results of a Prospective Study.
Scoletta M, Arduino PG, Reggio L, Dalmasso P, Mozzati M.
Photomed Laser Surg. 2009 Oct 1

Low Level Laser Treatment of Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.
Tumilty S, Munn J, McDonough S, Hurley DA, Basford JR, Baxter GD.
Photomed Laser Surg. 2009 Aug 26

The effect of low-level laser in knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
Hegedus B, Viharos L, Gervain M, Gálfi M.
Photomed Laser Surg. 2009 Aug;27(4):577-84.

Effectiveness of combined counseling and low-level laser stimulation in the treatment of disturbing chronic tinnitus.
Cuda D, De Caria A.
Int Tinnitus J. 2008;14(2):175-80.

The Effectiveness of Conservative Treatments of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Splinting, Ultrasound, and Low-Level Laser Therapies.
Dincer U, Cakar E, Kiralp MZ, Kilac H, Dursun H.
Photomed Laser Surg. 2009 Jan 26.

Low-level laser therapy and myofacial pain dysfunction syndrome: a randomized controlled clinical trial.
Shirani AM, Gutknecht N, Taghizadeh M, Mir M.
Lasers Med Sci. 2009 Sep;24(5):715-20

Effect of 655-nm low-level laser therapy on exercise-induced skeletal muscle fatigue in humans.
Leal Junior EC, Lopes-Martins RA, Dalan F, Ferrari M, Sbabo FM, Generosi RA, Baroni BM, Penna SC, Iversen VV, Bjordal JM.
Photomed Laser Surg. 2008 Oct;26(5):419-24.
PMID: 18817474

The effects of low level laser in clinical outcome and neurophysiological results of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Shooshtari SM, Badiee V, Taghizadeh SH, Nematollahi AH, Amanollahi AH, Grami MT.
Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol. 2008 Jun-Jul;48(5):229-31

Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in Ménière's disease: a pilot study of 10 patients.
Teggi R, Bellini C, Fabiano B, Bussi M.
Photomed Laser Surg. 2008 Aug;26(4):349-53

Low-level laser therapy improves vision in patients with age-related macular degeneration.
Ivandic BT, Ivandic T.
Photomed Laser Surg. 2008 Jun;26(3):241-5.
PMID: 18588438

Low level laser therapy for healing acute and chronic wounds - the extendicare experience.
Saltmarche AE.
Int Wound J. 2008 Jun;5(2):351-60.

In chronic low back pain, low level laser therapy combined with exercise is more beneficial than exercise alone in the long term: a randomised trial.
Djavid GE, Mehrdad R, Ghasemi M, Hasan-Zadeh H, Sotoodeh-Manesh A, Pouryaghoub G.
Aust J Physiother. 2007;53(3):155-60. Erratum in: Aust J Physiother. 2007;53(4):216

Effect of low level laser therapy in rheumatoid arthritis patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Ekim A, Armagan O, Tascioglu F, Oner C, Colak M.
Swiss Med Wkly. 2007 Jun 16;137(23-24):347-52

Short-term efficacy of physical interventions in osteoarthritic knee pain. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials.
Bjordal JM, Johnson MI, Lopes-Martins RA, Bogen B, Chow R, Ljunggren AE.
BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2007 Jun 22;8:51. Review.

Strategies for prevention and management of musculoskeletal conditions. Neck pain.
Jensen I, Harms-Ringdahl K.
Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2007 Feb;21(1):93-108. Review

Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome by low-level laser versus open carpal tunnel release.
Elwakil TF, Elazzazi A, Shokeir H.
Lasers Med Sci. 2007 Nov;22(4):265-70. Epub 2007 Mar 3

Conservative management of mechanical neck disorders: a systematic review.
Gross AR, Goldsmith C, Hoving JL, Haines T, Peloso P, Aker P, Santaguida P, Myers C; Cervical Overview Group.
J Rheumatol. 2007 May;34(5):1083-102. Epub 2007 Jan 15.

Efficacy of low level laser therapy on neurosensory recovery after injury to the inferior alveolar nerve.
Ozen T, Orhan K, Gorur I, Ozturk A.
Head Face Med. 2006 Feb 15;2:3

Low-Level Laser Therapy Facilitates Superficial Wound Healing in Humans: A Triple-Blind, Sham-Controlled Study.
Hopkins JT, McLoda TA, Seegmiller JG, David Baxter G.
J Athl Train. 2004 Sep;39(3):223-229

Low level laser therapy in primary Raynaud's phenomenon--results of a placebo controlled, double blind intervention study.
Hirschl M, Katzenschlager R, Francesconi C, Kundi M.
J Rheumatol. 2004 Dec;31(12):2408-12

Low-level laser treatment can reduce edema in second degree ankle sprains.
Stergioulas A.
J Clin Laser Med Surg. 2004 Apr;22(2):125-8

 

 
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Laser FAQ

General Knowledge

Q. What is Low Level Laser Therapy?

A. Low Level Laser therapy is the use of low intensity photonic energy as a treatment modality.

Q. How does Low Level Laser (3LT™) work?

A. Photonic stimuli excite the body’s cells infusing them with energy, with the three primary reactions being, reduction of inflammation, cell regeneration and increased blood flow.

Q. What is it used for?A. The potential applications of Low Level Laser (3LT™) are varied,  positive research has been published to show that low level lasers are effective in the treatment of neck and shoulder Pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, Raynoud's, macular degeneration, acne, as well as many other conditions.  Erchonia (our laser manufacturer) continues to conduct clinical trials on other applications.

Q. What are the benefits of low-laser therapy?

A. Low Level Laser Therapy is a noninvasive, fast and effective modality that has been proven in clinical trial to reduce pain, reduce edema and promote healing.

Q. How safe is Low Level Laser Therapy?

A. Low Level Laser Therapy has is very safe, the only general precaution is the use of special filtering glasses when a class 3B laser is in use.

Q. How deep into the tissue can laser light penetrate?

A. The depth of penetration is dependent on multiple factors including mass and density, however since low level laser has been proven in clinical study to effect subcutaneous cells; the point is low level laser, does penetrate; as opposed to the heat lamp devices that do not.

Q. Can I use Low Level Laser Therapy at home, on myself?

A. Low Level Laser Therapy is simple enough that once the protocol had been established by a physician, a patient could administer it themselves, however; all Erchonia market clearances stipulate “By Order of Physician.”

Q. What the difference is between pulsed vs. constant wave?

A. Like their names imply, constant wave is a continuous emission of laser energy, without disruption, for the length of time the device is ON.  Pulsed wave is controlled breaks in the wave, at predefined and programmed intervals.

Q. What is hertz as it relates to Low Level Lasers?

A. The predefined, controlled breaks in the laser emission, measured by the number of breaks per second, equals hertz.

Applications

Q. Is Low Level Laser Therapy painful?

A. No, most people do not feel anything, for those that have reported a feeling, it is nothing more than a slight tingling.

Q. Who uses the Low Level Lasers?

A. Erchonia has a broad client base with representative from every practice in the health Care industry, including by not limited; Cosmetic Surgeons, Chiropractors, Plastic Surgeons, Physical Therapists, Registered Nurses and Medical Doctors.

Q. How is Low Level Laser Therapy administered?

A. The mechanics of how low level laser therapy is administered is based on the indication for use, however; the general process is the probe containing the laser diode(s) are held in place or moved gently over the treatment area at a distance of anywhere from 4” – 12.”

Q. How long does it take for the laser to heal or improve a condition?

A. This is dependent of the application, however; progress is immediately evident.

Q. What’s the difference between Lasers vs. LED?

A. Erchonia 3LT™ devices used electric diodes, which are high end, culminated and strictly measured within a plus/minus .05%.  LEDs are inexpensive, non-focused wide range light sources.  The primary difference is in performance and depth of penetration, Laser diodes penetrate, working subcutaneously, LEDs do not affecting surface only .

Research

Q. What clinical studies have been conducted using Low Level Laser?

A. Erchonia has sponsored numerous clinical trials and continues to promote low level laser as a modality through ongoing research.  Other organizations have published clinical studies in regards to the treament of various conditions in a variety of  medical journals.

Compliance

Q. Is Low Level Laser Therapy FDA approved?

A. The FDA clears for market devices and specific indications for use, this is sometime referred to by persons outside the FDA as “FDA Approval”, although it is a terms unacceptable to the FDA.  All Erchonia devices have received a FDA market clearance or where self certified in accordance to FDA regulation.

Q. Are Erchonia Low Level Laser devices tested to ensure safety?

A. Erchonia Medical develops, design and manufactures devices in accordance to both FDA and International standards for Medical Device Quality Standards.  Prior to release to production, finished devices are tested to Medical Safety standards for Laser Controls, EMC and Safety.

Contraindications

Q. Are there any conditions which would prevent me from using?

A. There are no code regulated contra indications, however; since there are no long term evaluations on certain conditions, Erchonia does not recommend use on pregnant women.

Q. Does laser therapy cause heat damage or cancer in the tissue?

A. No, low level laser by virtue of design is not heat producing and does not alter the cell structure.  The laser irradiation is non-ionizing meaning it does not collect in tissue.

Q. Are there any side effects?

A. Some persons have reported a sense of deep relaxation that may cause drowsiness

Q. Are there any complications to the treatments?

A. There are no known and / or published adverse effects of Low Level Laser Therapy.

 
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Written by Nancy Bronstein   
Wednesday, 19 August 2009 03:28
Three New Programs At MCHS

Low Level Laser Therapy Now Available
laserDr. Nancy Bronstein has finished advanced training in the therapeutic use of low level lasers, and we can now offer that service to the Great Barrington community. Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been used worldwide for over 40 years to relieve pain, remove scars, heal wounds, and regenerate nerves.  There are over 2000 published studies on LLLT reporting zero negative side effects. Read more on our new laser therapy page.
12 Week- Moving  Beyond  A  Bad  Bone  Scan: Natural  Methods  to  Improve/Prevent  Osteoporosis
1) Proper diet to maintain good health as well as bone strength
2)  Lab tests to determine:
nutrient deficiencies
bone response to therapy -are you breaking down too much old bone &/or are you not building enough new bone?
problems with nutrient absorption in the gut (you are not just what you eat-you are what you absorb!)
hormonal imbalances that increase bone loss
older_woman
3) Exercise routines to reduce risk of bone loss
4) Lifestyle habits that have an impact on osteoporosis
5) Program individually tailored to fit your unique needs
This program begins with a 90 minute consult and examination where your health history and previous labs will be evaluated. Proper eating habits will be discussed in depth, as well as any nutritional supplementation deemed necessary and further tests that need to be ordered. Subsequent visits (will cover the other aspects of the program and) will be 30 minutes long and scheduled as necessary over the 12 weeks, generally at 2-4 week intervals.


21-30 Day Detox Program

1) The program is laid out in 3 easy to follow stages with step-by-step instructions.
2) It includes a daily elimination diet providing 3 healthy, low fat, meals and 2 to 3 snacks a day.
3) All potentially hyper-allergenic and pro-inflammatory foods, such as gluten, dairy and refined sugars are eliminated while encouraging clean, organic, anti-inflammatory foods in a well-balanced plan.

All in conjunction with a thoroughly planned supplemental protocol designed to:
  • Reduce Chronic Pain, Inflammation and Related Health Issues
  • Up-Regulate and Balance Phase I and Phase II Detoxification Pathways
  • Reduce Pathogenic, Heavy Metal, and Chemical Loads
  • Repair Intestinal damage and Restore Intestinal Integrity, eliminating Leaky Gut

 

Last Updated on Tuesday, 27 September 2011 17:03
 
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