Author Archives: McCarty

Elevated serum levels of the antioxidant bilirubin tend to be associated with lower risk for cardiovascular disease and many other disorders, but people who have elevated bilirubin owing to their expression of a low-activity form of an enzyme that aids … More scientific detail →

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of partial blindness in the elderly. This essay reviews what is known of its origins, emphasizing evidence that oxidative stress is a key mediator of this syndrome, and summarizing evidence that fish … More scientific detail →

Retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells play a number of crucial roles in supporting healthful function of the retina. Oxidative stress in RPE cells is suspected to be a key factor in the onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but the … More scientific detail →

Although our capacity to detect hepatitis C in the blood has greatly reduced transmission of this disorder via blood transfusion, this infection is still very common worldwide, and remains the leading reason for liver transplantation in the U.S. There is … More scientific detail →

Preeclampsia, a disorder of pregnancy in which the placenta fails to form properly, is a leading cause of fetal prematurity, growth retardation, and mortality, and can even endanger the life of the mother if not treated properly. Oxidative stress, within … More scientific detail →

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common genetic disorder in Caucasians that ultimately leads to premature death. Owing to genetic absence of a functional chloride channel, patients with cystic fibrosis experience chronic lung inflammation, mucus obstructions, and frequent lung infections, … More scientific detail →

A couple of recent Finnish epidemiological studies have yielded that novel conclusion that a high-salt diet may increase risk for type 2 diabetes. This article proposes that high salt intakes in salt-sensitive subjects, by increasing the production of a pro-oxidant … More scientific detail →

As we get older, our body’s harbor an increased number of “senescent” cells no longer capable of dividing. These cells tend to secrete pro-inflammatory hormones which may contribute to the cancer induction and inflammation linked to the aging process. This … More scientific detail →

Cites evidence that this syndrome, often thought to be an inevitable concomitant of aging, was in fact once rare in elderly East Asians. Suggests that low growth factor activities associated with plant-based diets and a low-insulin lifestyle may have been … More scientific detail →

The loss of cartilage associated the osteoarthritis reflects an inflammatory process that promotes degradation of cartilage proteins. This essay proposes that a number of nutraceuticals – spirulina, phase 2 inducers, berberine, glucosamine, vitamin D, and fish oil – have potential … More scientific detail →

Dietary nitrate, richly supplied by green leafy vegetables and beet juice, aids production of protective nitric oxide, and is now thought to reduce risk for heart attack and stroke. This essay suggests that dietary nitrate may also decrease diabetes risk … More scientific detail →

A high daily intake of spinach or collard greens has been linked to a considerable decrease in risk for age-related macular degeneration, chief cause of partial blindness in the elderly. Although the lutein content of these vegetables is thought to … More scientific detail →

Low-dose aspirin has tremendous protective potential; not only can it reduce risk for heart attack and stroke, but more recent evidence suggests it may notably reduce cancer mortality during long-term use. Nonetheless, it also sometimes provokes GI ulceration and bleeding … More scientific detail →

High-normal cadmium levels have recently emerged as a risk factor for vascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis, kidney disease, diabetes, and total mortality. This essay proposes that supplementing meals with zinc and multi-minerals can be expected to impede the absorption of dietary … More scientific detail →

Recent studies demonstrate that the natural metabolite bilirubin functions physiologically to inhibit a primary source of the oxidative stress driving many health disorders – NADPH oxidase. A phytonutrient known as phycocyanobilin, richly supplied by spirulina, is a chemical relative of … More scientific detail →