Turns out that a study found that the reactivation of VZV is associated with the use of certain drugs, such as methotrexate and certain biologic medications [2]. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Reactivation of VZV usually occurs as a result of weakening of the immune system due to aging or a damaged immune system. Children may also develop shingles, however the risk of getting shingles increases when as you get older, usually at the age of 60 or older[1].

 

The development of technology in the modern era has contributed to our understanding of various diseases mechanisms and drug development methods. In addition, post clinical epidemiological research highly contributes to our understanding of whether a current treatment is efficient and to what extent.

Turns out that a study found that the reactivation of VZV is associated with the use of certain drugs, such as methotrexate and certain biologic medications [2].

This study results suggest the need for a vaccination against VZV in patients with psoriasis and various risk factors for shingles. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

 

I bet your next question might be, “What is Methotrexate?” Well, good question! Methotrexate is a medication used to treat certain types of cancer such as breast, skin, head and neck, or lung, as well as severe psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis [3]. According to Medline Plus, Methotrexate may decrease the activity of the immune system, and as a result develop serious infections [4]. Which actually may be the reason to the reactivation of VZV I mentioned, though the actual reason for reactivation was not discussed in the study.

In actual fact, Psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis are a chronic inflammatory disorders of the immune system [5-6], in which the body actually attacks itself. This causes a problem: on the one hand, there is a need to regulate and control the immune system, and on the other hand, if the immune system is too down regulated, the body won’t be able to fight latent infections. Therefore, this study results suggest the need for a vaccination against VZV in patients with psoriasis and various risk factors for shingles.
References
1. CDC.gov – “Shingles (Herpes Zoster)” – Prevention & Treatment. Last Reviewed on May 1, 2014.
http://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/prevention-treatment.html
2. Family Practice News – Methotrexate and biologics linked to higher zoster risk in psoriasis. Published on March 22, 2015.
3. Drugs.com – Methotrexate. Last revised on January 6, 2015.
http://www.drugs.com/methotrexate.html
4. Medline Plus – Methotrexate. Last revised May 15, 2014.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a682019.html
5. Psoriasisconnect.com – Psoriasis and your immune system.
http://www.psoriasisconnect.com/learn/psoriasis-and-immune-sys.jsp
6. Shah, Ankur. Harrison’s Principle of Internal Medicine (18th ed.). United States: McGraw Hill. p. 2738.

According to a study, Luteolin, which is found in celery, calms inflammation of the brain, which according to doctors and scientists is believed to be the primary cause of neurodegeneration. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Nowadays, people have become more and more aware of their health and well being. This awareness is expressed in frequent workout, getting more sleep, yoga and Pilates practicing, frequent family quality time and healthy eating.

A healthy diet is reflected in consuming less processed food and more fruit and vegetables. Out of all fruit and vegetables, celery is usually least consumed due to various reasons.

First, it has a strong dominant taste that many people can’t happen to get used to. Secondly, it is composed of these long strips that some people find hard to chew on. Anyway, regardless of that, turns out that celery is even healthier than we thought.

According to a study, Luteolin, which is found in celery, calms inflammation of the brain, which according to doctors and scientists is believed to be the primary cause of neurodegeneration. So in a matter of fact, luteolin can prevent the onset of degeneration in the brain [1].

This fact is very interesting, since some viruses, such as the varicella zoster virus (VZV) are known to cause inflammation in the brain [2]. Therefore, adding more celery to our diet may help prevent and even fight infection with VZV!

Some viruses, such as the varicella zoster virus (VZV) are known to cause inflammation in the brain [2]. Adding more celery to our diet may help prevent and even fight infection with VZV! Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

According to several studies, it is recommended not to leave celery in the refrigerator for more that 5-7 days since it loses its health qualities. In addition, you should wait to chop up your celery just before adding it to a salad or cooked dish, rather that leaving it stored chopped in the refrigerator overnight. It will help to preserve its maximum nutrient potential [3-5].
There are many ways to incorporate celery in our diet, from chicken and celery stir-fry, to creamy celery soup– everything is possible! You may find these delicious recipes useful!
Do you have an idea for a recipe with celery you’d like to share with us??

References
1. Jang, Saebyeol, Keith W. Kelley, and Rodney W. Johnson. “Luteolin reduces IL-6 production in microglia by inhibiting JNK phosphorylation and activation of AP-1.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 105.21 (2008): 7534-7539.
2. Nagel MA1, Gilden D. “The relationship between herpes zoster and stroke.” Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2015 Apr;15(4):534
3. Hostetler GL, Riedl KM, and Schwartz SJ. Endogenous enzymes, heat, and pH affect flavone profiles in parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum) and celery (Apium graveolens) during juice processing. J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Jan 11;60(1):202-8. Epub 2011 Dec 30.
4. Rizzo V and Muratore G. Effects of packaging on shelf life of fresh celery. Journal of Food Engineering, Volume 90, Issue 1, January 2009, Pages 124-128.
5. Vina SZ and Chaves AR. Antioxidant responses in minimally processed celery during refrigerated storage. Food Chemistry, Volume 94, Issue 1, January 2006, Pages 68-74.

An infection with VZV during the first 28 weeks of the pregnancy increases the risk of damage to the eyes, legs, arms, brain, bladder or bowel in 1%-2% of the babies [1]. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

While some viruses won’t cause any harm to a child or adult, others may cause severe health and developmental problems in a fetus or newborn baby with a compromised immune system.

I’d like to focus on the Varicella zoster virus (VZV). Wait, perhaps you’re more familiar with the chickenpox virus? Well, in actual fact, it is exactly the same virus. This virus causes both shingles and chickenpox. This first phase of this virus is chickenpox, whereas the second phase is always shingles. In between the two phases the virus establishes a lifelong latent infection.

So in a matter of fact, when the immune system is weakened, for instance in case of chemotherapy, AIDS, in neonates or during a post transplant treatment, the VZV virus can reactivate and awaken from a latent state, causing the disease known as shingles as well as other, serious complications [3].

An infection with VZV during the first 28 weeks of the pregnancy increases the risk of damage to the eyes, legs, arms, brain, bladder or bowel in 1%-2% of the babies [1].

Therefore, it is very important that women who aren’t sure that they have had chickenpox must avoid anyone with the infection. It is important to note that pregnant women who have already had chickenpox do not need to avoid contact, because they have already been immunized against the virus [2].

I bet your next question might be, can I catch shingles or chickenpox from a person who has shingles? Well, you can catch chickenpox from being exposed to a person with shingles if you have not had chickenpox yourself. However, you cannot catch shingles from a person with chickenpox, or catch shingles from a person with shingles. As I noted above, Shingles is a later phase of the chickenpox.

Adults and teenagers over the age of 14 are more likely than children to have complications resulting from chickenpox, therefore, they should take the medication. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

In some cases, women may be unsure whether they have been infected with the virus in the past or not. So then, how should they know whether to be careful or not? Well, they can ask their GP for a blood test that check immunity to the virus.

But hold on, what about treatment for chickenpox?

Turns out there is an effective vaccine that is administered during childhood in certain countries such as USA, Canada and Australia [3].

In addition to the vaccine there are antiviral pills such as aciclovir that can reduce the severity of chickenpox, However, theses pills don’t eliminate the virus from the body but stop the virus from replicating.

Adults and teenagers over the age of 14 are more likely than children to have complications resulting from chickenpox, therefore, they should take the medication. However, they should take it only if they start within 24 hours of the rash first developing. If medication is first administered after this time it is not likely to have much of an effect [3]. Additionally, there is natural treatment. The oral antiviral product Novirin has a formula that was shown to be effective in reducing viral symptoms in two post-marketing clinical studies that followed FDA guidelines [4].

So, if you’re pregnant, or planning, you must show responsibility by being aware of the various viral infections that can harm you and your baby.

References:
1. Russell, R. “New guidelines on chickenpox and pregnancy” – WebMD.com. Published January 21, 2015.
2. The Herald – “CHICKENPOX ALERT FOR PREGNANT WOMEN.” – Published January 21, 2015
3. Patient.co.uk – “Chickenpox in Adults and Teenagers.” Last Checked August 21, 2014.
4. Polansky, H. Itzkovitz, E. Gene-Eden-VIR Is Antiviral: Results of a Post Marketing Clinical Study. Published in September 2013.

Shingles Virus May Cause Deafness. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Did you know??? According to the CDC, “almost 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles, also known as zoster or herpes zoster, in their lifetime. There are an estimated 1 million cases of shingles each year in this country”[1].

But what is shingles you’re now asking??? Good question!!

The varicella zoster virus (VZV), which is a herpes virus, causes both chickenpox and shingles.

The varicella zoster virus (VZV), which is a herpes virus, causes both chickenpox and shingles.

After you’ve had chickenpox, the virus stays inactive in the body. For reasons that are not fully known, the virus can reactivate years later, causing shingles [1]. Even children can get shingles. However, the risk of shingles increases as you get older [1].

A worrying fact regrading shingles is that Infected individuals may infect others without knowing it.

And it doesn’t end there, the virus may reactivate in the throat [3], potentially causing serious conditions in addition to the painful symptoms of shingles, such as facial paralysis.

Moreover, studies show that VZV infections affecting the facial nerve near one of the ears can lead to deafness. The latter is also known as Herpes Zoster Otica, and it may eventually cause hearing loss [4].

Moreover, studies show that VZV infections affecting the facial nerve near one of the ears can lead to deafness. The latter is also known as Herpes Zoster Otica, and it may eventually cause hearing loss [4].

While shingles isn’t a life-threatening condition, it can be very painful. Vaccines can help reduce the risk of shingles outbreak, while early treatment can help shorten a shingles infection and lessen the chance of complications.
There are various treatments currently on the market. For instance, Zostavax is a vaccine that may reduce the risk of developing a shingles outbreak, and decrease the long-term pain due to damage in the nerve caused by the virus. Yet, in adults vaccinated at age 60 years or older, protection from the vaccine decreases within the first 5 years after vaccination [1].

Latent viruses aren’t easy to investigate, however, it is very much important to recognize them as a main research goal. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

There are also antiviral drugs, such as Zovirax or Valtrex. However, these medications, when effective, only shorten the time of the shingles outbreak. They are ineffective against the latent VZV virus [1]. In terms of natural treatment, Gene-Eden-VIR and Novirin are designed to help the immune system target latent herpes viruses, including the VZV, and they have been clinically proven to be very much effective [2].

Medical research contains various challenges that scientists deal with on an everyday basis. Latent viruses aren’t easy to investigate, however, it is very much important to recognize them as a main research goal in order to prevent suffering from further patients.

References:
1. CDC.gov – “Shingles (Herpes Zoster)” – Prevention & Treatment. Last Reviewed on May 1, 2014.
2. Polansky, H. Itzkovitz, E. Gene-Eden-VIR Is Antiviral: Results of a Post Marketing Clinical Study. Published in September 2013.
3. Myron J. Levin “Varicella-zoster virus and virus DNA in the blood and oropharynx of people with latent or active varicella-zoster virus infections.” Journal of Clinical Virology. Published December 2014.
4. The Merck Manual “Herpes Zoster Oticus.” Last reviewed in October 2012. Merckmanuals.com

Individuals who experience a shingles outbreak are almost twice as likely to develop Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Are you familiar with the herpes virus? That annoying virus that causes cold sores on the lips?

So it turns out that it is not the only Herpes virus, but a member of a family of viruses called herpesviridae.

Therefore there are several types of herpes viruses, while each virus infects a different part of the body, as well as causes different symptoms.

For example, Herpes virus 2 (HSV-2), causes genital warts, whereas Cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes mild symptoms or no symptoms at all [4].

I bet you’re asking yourselves by now, “Why is she telling us all about types of Herpes viruses??”

Well, the fact is that I actually want to tell you about Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), which is also a member of the Herpesvirus group. Interestingly, primary infections with VZV cause chickenpox whereas shingles is caused by recurrent infection [1].

And it doesn’t end there, after a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus persists in the sensory nerve in a latent state. For reasons that are not fully known, the virus can reactivate years later, causing shingles.

Another interesting fact is that apparently individuals who experience a shingles outbreak are almost twice as likely to develop Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

Another interesting fact is that apparently individuals who experience a shingles outbreak are almost twice as likely to develop Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

We must realize the fact that many diseases once thought unrelated to each other, emerge as related to a very large extent. Therefore, the importance of continued research in the field is enormous. Image by: www.freedigitalphotos.net

And what is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome you ask? Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder characterized by unexplainable constant fatigue (tired and weak all the time), while several factors contribute to the development of the disease, such as latent viral infections [2,3].

According to the study, due to its ability to infect the nerves, latent VZV causes long term nerve dysfunction, which helps explain why individuals infected with VZV experience CFS symptoms.

Moreover, additional studies had shown that administering antiherpes agents causes significant improvement in some CFS patients [3].

The medical world is extremely broad, and despite advanced technology and various tools we posses, there are still diseases which are not fully understood.

Furthermore, we must realize the fact that many diseases once thought unrelated to each other, emerge as related to a very large extent. Therefore, the importance of continued research in the field is enormous.

References:

1. CDC.gov – Shingles (Herpes Zoster) – Signs & Symptoms
cdc.gov/shingles/about/symptoms.html

2. Tsai SY1, Yang TY, Chen HJ, Chen CS, Lin WM, Shen WC, Kuo CN, Kao CH. Increased risk of chronic fatigue syndrome following herpes zoster: a population-based study. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2014 Sep;33(9):1653-9.

3. Shapiro JS. Does varicella-zoster virus infection of the peripheral ganglia cause Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Med Hypotheses. 2009 Nov;73(5):728-34. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19520522

4. Whitley, Richard J., David W. Kimberlin, and Bernard Roizman. “Herpes simplex viruses.” Clinical Infectious Diseases (1998): 541-553.