neil riordan - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by neil riordan

Medical Hypotheses, Oct 1, 2012

The altered energy metabolism of tumor cells provides a viable target for a non toxic chemotherap... more The altered energy metabolism of tumor cells provides a viable target for a non toxic chemotherapeutic approach. An increased glucose consumption rate has been observed in malignant cells. Warburg (Nobel Laureate in medicine) postulated that the respiratory process of malignant cells was impaired and that the transformation of a normal cell to malignant was due to defects in the aerobic respiratory pathways. Szent-Györgyi (Nobel Laureate in medicine) also viewed cancer as originating from insufficient availability of oxygen. Oxygen by itself has an inhibitory action on malignant cell proliferation by interfering with anaerobic respiration (fermentation and lactic acid production). Interestingly, during cell differentiation (where cell energy level is high) there is an increased cellular production of oxidants that appear to provide one type of physiological stimulation for changes in gene expression that may lead to a terminal differentiated state. The failure to maintain high ATP production (high cell energy levels) may be a consequence of inactivation of key enzymes, especially those related to the Krebs cycle and the electron transport system. A distorted mitochondrial function (transmembrane potential) may result. This aspect could be suggestive of an important mitochondrial involvement in the carcinogenic process in addition to presenting it as a possible therapeutic target for cancer. Intermediate metabolic correction of the mitochondria is postulated as a possible non-toxic therapeutic approach for cancer.

This fact needs prompt attention to understand the significance of intravenous vitamin C administ... more This fact needs prompt attention to understand the significance of intravenous vitamin C administration. This review describes the current state-of-the-art in oral and intravenous vitamin C pharmacokinetics. In addition, the governmental recommendations of dose and frequency of vitamin C intake will also be addressed.

Age, Apr 1, 2001

Background. Elevated serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) are risk factors for ath... more Background. Elevated serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) are risk factors for atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease. Adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) is associated with elevated TC and TG. Many treatment protocols for AGHD use relatively high doses of growth hormone (GH) given at low frequency, which is associated with increased incidences of edema, joint pains, and carpal tunnel syndrome. We have treated > 2200 patients using a low-dose high frequency (LDHF) dosing regimen of GH which results in similar beneficial subjective responses, and fewer of the side-effects associated with the higher-dosage treatment at a substantial cost savings. Clinically, in addition to increased insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), we observed lower TG and TC levels and no elevation of prostate specific antigen levels in treated patients. Methods. A retrospective analysis of IGF-I, TG, TC, and PSA data from our patient population was performed to test our hypothesis that positive objective responses of IGF-I, TG, and TC occur and that elevation of PSA does not occur in response to LDHF dosing regimen of GH. The mean duration of treatment of the analyzed data ranged from 181 to 259 days. Results. The mean plasma IGF-I level rose significantly (p<.00001) to a level 37% greater than baseline with treatment. TC and TG decreased significantly (p<.001) in those patients with elevated baseline values, and did not change significantly in those with normal baseline values. PSA concentrations decreased non-significantly during treatment, and few cases of edema, joint pain, or carpal tunnel were reported.

PubMed, 2012

Despite the significant number of in vitro and in vivo studies to assess vitamin C effects on can... more Despite the significant number of in vitro and in vivo studies to assess vitamin C effects on cancer following the application of large doses and its extensive use by alternative medicine practitioners in the USA; the precise schedule for successful cancer therapy is still unknown. Based on interpretation of the available data, we postulate that the relationship between Vitamin C doses and plasma concentration x time, the capability of tissue stores upon distribution, and the saturable mechanism of urinary excretion are all important determinants to understand the physiology of high intravenous vitamin C dose administration and its effect on cancer. Practitioners should pay more attention to the cumulative vitamin C effect instead of the vitamin C concentrations to account for observed discrepancy in antitumor response. We suggest that multiple, intermittent, short-term intravenous infusions of vitamin C over a longer time period will correlate with greater antitumor effects than do single continuous IV doses of the same total exposure. This approach would be expected to minimize saturation of renal reabsorption, providing a continuous "dynamic flow" of vitamin C in the body for optimal systemic exposure and clinical outcomes. This prevents the "systemic saturation" phenomena, which may recycle vitamin C and render it less effective as an anticancer agent. Nonetheless, more pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies are needed to fully understand this schedule-dependence phenomenon.

PubMed, Dec 1, 2002

Background: Plant materials represent promising sources of anti-cancer agents. We developed and t... more Background: Plant materials represent promising sources of anti-cancer agents. We developed and tested a novel extract from the ubiquitous plant Convolvulus arvensis. Materials and methods: Convolvulus arvensis components were extracted in boiling water, and small molecules were removed by high-pressure filtration. The extract's biological activity was assessed by measuring its effects on S-180 fibrosarcoma growth in Kun Ming mice and on heparin-induced angiogenesis in chick embryos. We also examined the extract's effects on lymphocytes ex vivo and tumor cell growth in vitro. Results: The extract (primarily proteins and polysaccharides) inhibited tumor growth in a dose-dependent fashion when administered orally. At the highest dose tested, 200 mg/kg/day, tumor growth was inhibited by roughly seventy percent. Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal administration at 50 mg/kg/day also inhibited tumor growth by over seventy percent. The extract's acute LD50 in Kun Ming mice was 500 mg/kg/day when injected, indicating that tumor growth inhibition occurred at non-toxic doses. It inhibited angiogenesis in chick embryos, improved lymphocyte survival ex vivo, and enhanced yeast phagocytosis, but did not kill tumor cells in culture. Conclusion: High molecular mass extract deserves further study as an anti-cancer agent.

PubMed, Mar 1, 2008

There is a strong advocacy movement for large doses of vitamin C. Some authors argue that the bio... more There is a strong advocacy movement for large doses of vitamin C. Some authors argue that the biological half-life for vitamin C at high plasma levels is about 30 minutes, but these reports are the subject of some controversy. NIH researchers established the current RDA based upon tests conducted 12 hours (24 half lives) after consumption. The dynamic flow model refutes the current low-dose recommendations for dietary intakes and links Pauling's mega-dose suggestions with other reported effects of massive doses of ascorbate for the treatment of disease. Although, a couple of controlled clinical studies conducted at The Mayo Clinic did not support a significant benefit for terminal cancer patients after 10 grams of once-a-day oral vitamin C, other clinical trials have demonstrated that ascorbate may indeed be effective against tumors when administered intravenously. Recent studies confirmed that plasma vitamin C concentrations vary substantially with the route of administration. Only by intravenous administration, the necessary ascorbate levels to kill cancer cells are reached in both plasma and urine. Because the efficacy of vitamin C treatment cannot be judged from clinical trials that use only oral dosing, the role of vitamin C in cancer treatment should be reevaluated. One limitation of current studies is that pharmacokinetic data at high intravenous doses of vitamin C are sparse, particularly in cancer patients. This fact needs prompt attention to understand the significance of intravenous vitamin C administration. This review describes the current state-of-the-art in oral and intravenous vitamin C pharmacokinetics. In addition, the governmental recommendations of dose and frequency of vitamin C intake will also be addressed.

Cancer prevention international, Sep 1, 1998

Annals of Pharmacotherapy, Jun 1, 2007

In the last decade the simplistic, stepwise concept of initiation, promotion, and progression has... more In the last decade the simplistic, stepwise concept of initiation, promotion, and progression has matured to a better understanding of the genotypic changes that ultimately lead to cancer. The hypothesis has been proposed that it may be possible to intervene pharmacologically during this process and that carcinogenesis may be arrested or reversed by synthetic or naturally occurring agents. Evidence supports the potential role of antioxidant agents in cancer prevention. Basic research has demonstrated that antioxidants can trap organic free radicals and prevent tissue damage. Although observational epidemiologic studies are not entirely consistent, many show an inverse association between dietary intake or blood levels of antioxidants contained in foods and subsequent cancer risk. The Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPI) recently concluded that the antioxidant drug tamoxifen (Nolvadex) which was being evaluated for its potential ability to prevent primary breast cancer among high-risk candidates reduces breast cancer risk by 45% among women younger than 50, Long term side effects have not been evaluated. A current interest has arisen in utilizing a strategy known as chemoprevention in breast cancer prevention. Chemoprevention is defined as the inhibition or reversal of carcinogenesis by the use of non-cytotoxic nutrients or pharmacologic compounds that protect against the development and progression of mutant clones of malignant cells I. The goal of any cancer chemoprevention strategy is to reduce cancer incidence while producing minimal to no side effects. Cancer Prevention Agents: From Drugs to Vitamins A range of compounds, from synthetic drugs to naturally occurring micronutrients in the diet, have been proposed as cancer prevention agents Epidemiologic studies have suggested that some antioxidants agents as well dietary constituents with antioxidant properties may be acting as naturally occurring cancer prevention agents and may explain some of the differences in cancer incidence seen in populations with varying dietary intake 6-9. In vitro and in vivo laboratory studies have supported this concept In. These areas of research have led to human trials testing the effect of potential cancer prevention agents on cancer incidence andlor potential biomarkers of carcinogenesis. Although the field of clinical cancer chemoprevention is in its infancy and still evolving, there has been a general consensus among investigators that potential chemoprevention agents identified in epidemiologic and laboratory studies should proceed through clinical evaluation " ". The clinical development of cancer chemoprevention agents is similar to that of cytotoxic agents. On the basis of promising preclinical studies, agents

Life, 2021

Currently available anti-viral drugs may be useful in reducing the viral load but are not providi... more Currently available anti-viral drugs may be useful in reducing the viral load but are not providing the necessary physiological effects to reduce the SARS-CoV-2 complications efficiently. Treatments that provide better clinical outcomes are urgently needed. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, AA) is an essential nutrient with many biological roles that have been proven to play an important part in immune function; it serves as an antioxidant, an anti-viral, and exerts anti-thrombotic effects among many other physiological benefits. Research has proven that AA at pharmacological doses can be beneficial to patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other respiratory illnesses, including sepsis. In addition, High-Dose Intravenous Vitamin C (HDIVC) has proven to be effective in patients with different viral diseases, such as influenza, chikungunya, Zika, and dengue. Moreover, HDIVC has been demonstrated to be very safe. Regarding COVID-19, vitamin C can suppress the cytokine sto...

Twentyeight fatty aclds (C8:O to C24:ln-9) were measured by gas chromattography In four normal ce... more Twentyeight fatty aclds (C8:O to C24:ln-9) were measured by gas chromattography In four normal cell lines (C3H/lOT1/2, CCD18Co, CCD25SK and CCD 37Lu) an# seven cancer cell llnes ( M I , Caov-3, LS-180, PC3, SK-MEL-28, SK-MES-l and U-87 MG). Results show that C20:4 n-6, C24:0, C24:l n-9, Polyunsaturated fatty aclds (PUFA'S) and ratlos of C20:4 n-6 to C20:5 m3 and C16:O to C18:l n-9 and steatlc to olelc (SA/OA) were lower In the cancer cell llnes than In their normal courterparts. All cancer cell llnes had SA/OA ratlos lower than 0.7 while normal cell llnes had ratlos greater than 0.7 (p<0.05). In addition, the ratlos of total saturated fatty aclds (SFA) to PUFA'S and the concentration of C18:l rr 9, Cl8:2 n-6, C20:0, C20:2 n-6, C20:5 n-3 were higher In cancer cell llnes as compared to normal cell llnes. A positive cottelation was detected between C16:O and longer SFA'S (r=+0.511, p<0.05) In normal cell llnes whereas a negative correlation (r=0.608, ~ ~ 0 . 0 5 ) was...

Human physiology depends on countless biochemical reactions, numerous of which are co-dependent a... more Human physiology depends on countless biochemical reactions, numerous of which are co-dependent and interrelated. the speed and level of completion of reactions usually depend on the availability of precursors and enzymes. t he enzymatic activity depends on the bioavailability of micronutrient cofactors such as vitamins and minerals. in order to achieve a healthy physiological state, the organism requires that biochemical reactions occur at a controlled rate. to achieve this state it is required that metabolic reactions reach what can be considered an optimal metabolic equilibrium. a combination of genetic makeup, dietary patterns, trauma, disease, toxins, medications, and environmental stressors can elevate the demand for the nutrients needed to reach this optimal metabolic equilibrium. in this, part 1, the general concept of metabolic correction is presented with an elaboration explaining how this concept is increasing in importance as we become aware of the presence of genetic va...

This fact needs prompt attention to understand the significance of intravenous vitamin C administ... more This fact needs prompt attention to understand the significance of intravenous vitamin C administration. This review describes the current state-of-the-art in oral and intravenous vitamin C pharmacokinetics. In addition, the governmental recommendations of dose and frequency of vitamin C intake will also be addressed.

Puerto Rico health sciences journal, 2015

Human physiology depends on countless biochemical reactions, numerous of which are co-dependent a... more Human physiology depends on countless biochemical reactions, numerous of which are co-dependent and interrelated. The speed and level of completion of reactions usually depend on the availability of precursors and enzymes. The enzymatic activity depends on the bioavailability of micronutrient cofactors such as vitamins and minerals. In order to achieve a healthy physiological state, the organism requires that biochemical reactions occur at a controlled rate. To achieve this state it is required that metabolic reactions reach what can be considered an optimal metabolic equilibrium. A combination of genetic makeup, dietary patterns, trauma, disease, toxins, medications, and environmental stressors can elevate the demand for the nutrients needed to reach this optimal metabolic equilibrium. In this, part 1, the general concept of metabolic correction is presented with an elaboration explaining how this concept is increasing in importance as we become aware of the presence of genetic var...

Puerto Rico health sciences journal, 2000

The use of alternative/complementary medicine has been increasing considerably. Conventional medi... more The use of alternative/complementary medicine has been increasing considerably. Conventional medicine must begin to address issues related to the use, safety, regulation, research and education of alternative/complementary medicine. Integrative medicine combines conventional medicine and alternative complementary practices. Integrative medicine is an innovative approach to medicine and medical education. It involves the understanding of the interaction of the mind, body and spirit and how to interpret this relationship in the dynamics of health and disease. Integrative medicine shifts the orientation of the medical practice from disease based approach to a healing based approach. It does not reject conventional medicine nor uncritically accepts unconventional practices. Integrative medicine is an effective, more fulfilling human approach to medicine based on the benefit of the patient by following good medicine practices in a scientific manner.

Puerto Rico health sciences journal, 2002

Plant materials represent promising sources of anti-cancer agents. We developed and tested a nove... more Plant materials represent promising sources of anti-cancer agents. We developed and tested a novel extract from the ubiquitous plant Convolvulus arvensis. Convolvulus arvensis components were extracted in boiling water, and small molecules were removed by high-pressure filtration. The extract's biological activity was assessed by measuring its effects on S-180 fibrosarcoma growth in Kun Ming mice and on heparin-induced angiogenesis in chick embryos. We also examined the extract's effects on lymphocytes ex vivo and tumor cell growth in vitro. The extract (primarily proteins and polysaccharides) inhibited tumor growth in a dose-dependent fashion when administered orally. At the highest dose tested, 200 mg/kg/day, tumor growth was inhibited by roughly seventy percent. Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal administration at 50 mg/kg/day also inhibited tumor growth by over seventy percent. The extract's acute LD50 in Kun Ming mice was 500 mg/kg/day when injected, indicating that tu...

Journal of orthomolecular medicine : official journal of the Academy of Orthomolecular Medicine, 2012

Despite the significant number of in vitro and in vivo studies to assess vitamin C effects on can... more Despite the significant number of in vitro and in vivo studies to assess vitamin C effects on cancer following the application of large doses and its extensive use by alternative medicine practitioners in the USA; the precise schedule for successful cancer therapy is still unknown. Based on interpretation of the available data, we postulate that the relationship between Vitamin C doses and plasma concentration x time, the capability of tissue stores upon distribution, and the saturable mechanism of urinary excretion are all important determinants to understand the physiology of high intravenous vitamin C dose administration and its effect on cancer. Practitioners should pay more attention to the cumulative vitamin C effect instead of the vitamin C concentrations to account for observed discrepancy in antitumor response. We suggest that multiple, intermittent, short-term intravenous infusions of vitamin C over a longer time period will correlate with greater antitumor effects than do...

Puerto Rico health sciences journal, 2008

There is a strong advocacy movement for large doses of vitamin C. Some authors argue that the bio... more There is a strong advocacy movement for large doses of vitamin C. Some authors argue that the biological half-life for vitamin C at high plasma levels is about 30 minutes, but these reports are the subject of some controversy. NIH researchers established the current RDA based upon tests conducted 12 hours (24 half lives) after consumption. The dynamic flow model refutes the current low-dose recommendations for dietary intakes and links Pauling's mega-dose suggestions with other reported effects of massive doses of ascorbate for the treatment of disease. Although, a couple of controlled clinical studies conducted at The Mayo Clinic did not support a significant benefit for terminal cancer patients after 10 grams of once-a-day oral vitamin C, other clinical trials have demonstrated that ascorbate may indeed be effective against tumors when administered intravenously. Recent studies confirmed that plasma vitamin C concentrations vary substantially with the route of administration. ...

Cancer Prevention International, 1998

Puerto Rico health sciences journal, 2006

Many mathematical models have been proposed to study tumor growth parameters in vivo. Nevertheles... more Many mathematical models have been proposed to study tumor growth parameters in vivo. Nevertheless most of the medical models have given variable results even when experimental conditions are exactly the same. There are multiple factors that are capable of affecting tumor growth that should be taken into account when proposing a mathematical model for tumor growth in vivo. We discuss here own proposed model for tumor growth kinetics utilizing a modified Gompertz function that better responds to the growth characteristic of in "vivo" tumors.

Medical Hypotheses, Oct 1, 2012

The altered energy metabolism of tumor cells provides a viable target for a non toxic chemotherap... more The altered energy metabolism of tumor cells provides a viable target for a non toxic chemotherapeutic approach. An increased glucose consumption rate has been observed in malignant cells. Warburg (Nobel Laureate in medicine) postulated that the respiratory process of malignant cells was impaired and that the transformation of a normal cell to malignant was due to defects in the aerobic respiratory pathways. Szent-Györgyi (Nobel Laureate in medicine) also viewed cancer as originating from insufficient availability of oxygen. Oxygen by itself has an inhibitory action on malignant cell proliferation by interfering with anaerobic respiration (fermentation and lactic acid production). Interestingly, during cell differentiation (where cell energy level is high) there is an increased cellular production of oxidants that appear to provide one type of physiological stimulation for changes in gene expression that may lead to a terminal differentiated state. The failure to maintain high ATP production (high cell energy levels) may be a consequence of inactivation of key enzymes, especially those related to the Krebs cycle and the electron transport system. A distorted mitochondrial function (transmembrane potential) may result. This aspect could be suggestive of an important mitochondrial involvement in the carcinogenic process in addition to presenting it as a possible therapeutic target for cancer. Intermediate metabolic correction of the mitochondria is postulated as a possible non-toxic therapeutic approach for cancer.

This fact needs prompt attention to understand the significance of intravenous vitamin C administ... more This fact needs prompt attention to understand the significance of intravenous vitamin C administration. This review describes the current state-of-the-art in oral and intravenous vitamin C pharmacokinetics. In addition, the governmental recommendations of dose and frequency of vitamin C intake will also be addressed.

Age, Apr 1, 2001

Background. Elevated serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) are risk factors for ath... more Background. Elevated serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) are risk factors for atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease. Adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) is associated with elevated TC and TG. Many treatment protocols for AGHD use relatively high doses of growth hormone (GH) given at low frequency, which is associated with increased incidences of edema, joint pains, and carpal tunnel syndrome. We have treated > 2200 patients using a low-dose high frequency (LDHF) dosing regimen of GH which results in similar beneficial subjective responses, and fewer of the side-effects associated with the higher-dosage treatment at a substantial cost savings. Clinically, in addition to increased insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), we observed lower TG and TC levels and no elevation of prostate specific antigen levels in treated patients. Methods. A retrospective analysis of IGF-I, TG, TC, and PSA data from our patient population was performed to test our hypothesis that positive objective responses of IGF-I, TG, and TC occur and that elevation of PSA does not occur in response to LDHF dosing regimen of GH. The mean duration of treatment of the analyzed data ranged from 181 to 259 days. Results. The mean plasma IGF-I level rose significantly (p<.00001) to a level 37% greater than baseline with treatment. TC and TG decreased significantly (p<.001) in those patients with elevated baseline values, and did not change significantly in those with normal baseline values. PSA concentrations decreased non-significantly during treatment, and few cases of edema, joint pain, or carpal tunnel were reported.

PubMed, 2012

Despite the significant number of in vitro and in vivo studies to assess vitamin C effects on can... more Despite the significant number of in vitro and in vivo studies to assess vitamin C effects on cancer following the application of large doses and its extensive use by alternative medicine practitioners in the USA; the precise schedule for successful cancer therapy is still unknown. Based on interpretation of the available data, we postulate that the relationship between Vitamin C doses and plasma concentration x time, the capability of tissue stores upon distribution, and the saturable mechanism of urinary excretion are all important determinants to understand the physiology of high intravenous vitamin C dose administration and its effect on cancer. Practitioners should pay more attention to the cumulative vitamin C effect instead of the vitamin C concentrations to account for observed discrepancy in antitumor response. We suggest that multiple, intermittent, short-term intravenous infusions of vitamin C over a longer time period will correlate with greater antitumor effects than do single continuous IV doses of the same total exposure. This approach would be expected to minimize saturation of renal reabsorption, providing a continuous "dynamic flow" of vitamin C in the body for optimal systemic exposure and clinical outcomes. This prevents the "systemic saturation" phenomena, which may recycle vitamin C and render it less effective as an anticancer agent. Nonetheless, more pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies are needed to fully understand this schedule-dependence phenomenon.

PubMed, Dec 1, 2002

Background: Plant materials represent promising sources of anti-cancer agents. We developed and t... more Background: Plant materials represent promising sources of anti-cancer agents. We developed and tested a novel extract from the ubiquitous plant Convolvulus arvensis. Materials and methods: Convolvulus arvensis components were extracted in boiling water, and small molecules were removed by high-pressure filtration. The extract's biological activity was assessed by measuring its effects on S-180 fibrosarcoma growth in Kun Ming mice and on heparin-induced angiogenesis in chick embryos. We also examined the extract's effects on lymphocytes ex vivo and tumor cell growth in vitro. Results: The extract (primarily proteins and polysaccharides) inhibited tumor growth in a dose-dependent fashion when administered orally. At the highest dose tested, 200 mg/kg/day, tumor growth was inhibited by roughly seventy percent. Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal administration at 50 mg/kg/day also inhibited tumor growth by over seventy percent. The extract's acute LD50 in Kun Ming mice was 500 mg/kg/day when injected, indicating that tumor growth inhibition occurred at non-toxic doses. It inhibited angiogenesis in chick embryos, improved lymphocyte survival ex vivo, and enhanced yeast phagocytosis, but did not kill tumor cells in culture. Conclusion: High molecular mass extract deserves further study as an anti-cancer agent.

PubMed, Mar 1, 2008

There is a strong advocacy movement for large doses of vitamin C. Some authors argue that the bio... more There is a strong advocacy movement for large doses of vitamin C. Some authors argue that the biological half-life for vitamin C at high plasma levels is about 30 minutes, but these reports are the subject of some controversy. NIH researchers established the current RDA based upon tests conducted 12 hours (24 half lives) after consumption. The dynamic flow model refutes the current low-dose recommendations for dietary intakes and links Pauling's mega-dose suggestions with other reported effects of massive doses of ascorbate for the treatment of disease. Although, a couple of controlled clinical studies conducted at The Mayo Clinic did not support a significant benefit for terminal cancer patients after 10 grams of once-a-day oral vitamin C, other clinical trials have demonstrated that ascorbate may indeed be effective against tumors when administered intravenously. Recent studies confirmed that plasma vitamin C concentrations vary substantially with the route of administration. Only by intravenous administration, the necessary ascorbate levels to kill cancer cells are reached in both plasma and urine. Because the efficacy of vitamin C treatment cannot be judged from clinical trials that use only oral dosing, the role of vitamin C in cancer treatment should be reevaluated. One limitation of current studies is that pharmacokinetic data at high intravenous doses of vitamin C are sparse, particularly in cancer patients. This fact needs prompt attention to understand the significance of intravenous vitamin C administration. This review describes the current state-of-the-art in oral and intravenous vitamin C pharmacokinetics. In addition, the governmental recommendations of dose and frequency of vitamin C intake will also be addressed.

Cancer prevention international, Sep 1, 1998

Annals of Pharmacotherapy, Jun 1, 2007

In the last decade the simplistic, stepwise concept of initiation, promotion, and progression has... more In the last decade the simplistic, stepwise concept of initiation, promotion, and progression has matured to a better understanding of the genotypic changes that ultimately lead to cancer. The hypothesis has been proposed that it may be possible to intervene pharmacologically during this process and that carcinogenesis may be arrested or reversed by synthetic or naturally occurring agents. Evidence supports the potential role of antioxidant agents in cancer prevention. Basic research has demonstrated that antioxidants can trap organic free radicals and prevent tissue damage. Although observational epidemiologic studies are not entirely consistent, many show an inverse association between dietary intake or blood levels of antioxidants contained in foods and subsequent cancer risk. The Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPI) recently concluded that the antioxidant drug tamoxifen (Nolvadex) which was being evaluated for its potential ability to prevent primary breast cancer among high-risk candidates reduces breast cancer risk by 45% among women younger than 50, Long term side effects have not been evaluated. A current interest has arisen in utilizing a strategy known as chemoprevention in breast cancer prevention. Chemoprevention is defined as the inhibition or reversal of carcinogenesis by the use of non-cytotoxic nutrients or pharmacologic compounds that protect against the development and progression of mutant clones of malignant cells I. The goal of any cancer chemoprevention strategy is to reduce cancer incidence while producing minimal to no side effects. Cancer Prevention Agents: From Drugs to Vitamins A range of compounds, from synthetic drugs to naturally occurring micronutrients in the diet, have been proposed as cancer prevention agents Epidemiologic studies have suggested that some antioxidants agents as well dietary constituents with antioxidant properties may be acting as naturally occurring cancer prevention agents and may explain some of the differences in cancer incidence seen in populations with varying dietary intake 6-9. In vitro and in vivo laboratory studies have supported this concept In. These areas of research have led to human trials testing the effect of potential cancer prevention agents on cancer incidence andlor potential biomarkers of carcinogenesis. Although the field of clinical cancer chemoprevention is in its infancy and still evolving, there has been a general consensus among investigators that potential chemoprevention agents identified in epidemiologic and laboratory studies should proceed through clinical evaluation " ". The clinical development of cancer chemoprevention agents is similar to that of cytotoxic agents. On the basis of promising preclinical studies, agents

Life, 2021

Currently available anti-viral drugs may be useful in reducing the viral load but are not providi... more Currently available anti-viral drugs may be useful in reducing the viral load but are not providing the necessary physiological effects to reduce the SARS-CoV-2 complications efficiently. Treatments that provide better clinical outcomes are urgently needed. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, AA) is an essential nutrient with many biological roles that have been proven to play an important part in immune function; it serves as an antioxidant, an anti-viral, and exerts anti-thrombotic effects among many other physiological benefits. Research has proven that AA at pharmacological doses can be beneficial to patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other respiratory illnesses, including sepsis. In addition, High-Dose Intravenous Vitamin C (HDIVC) has proven to be effective in patients with different viral diseases, such as influenza, chikungunya, Zika, and dengue. Moreover, HDIVC has been demonstrated to be very safe. Regarding COVID-19, vitamin C can suppress the cytokine sto...

Twentyeight fatty aclds (C8:O to C24:ln-9) were measured by gas chromattography In four normal ce... more Twentyeight fatty aclds (C8:O to C24:ln-9) were measured by gas chromattography In four normal cell lines (C3H/lOT1/2, CCD18Co, CCD25SK and CCD 37Lu) an# seven cancer cell llnes ( M I , Caov-3, LS-180, PC3, SK-MEL-28, SK-MES-l and U-87 MG). Results show that C20:4 n-6, C24:0, C24:l n-9, Polyunsaturated fatty aclds (PUFA'S) and ratlos of C20:4 n-6 to C20:5 m3 and C16:O to C18:l n-9 and steatlc to olelc (SA/OA) were lower In the cancer cell llnes than In their normal courterparts. All cancer cell llnes had SA/OA ratlos lower than 0.7 while normal cell llnes had ratlos greater than 0.7 (p<0.05). In addition, the ratlos of total saturated fatty aclds (SFA) to PUFA'S and the concentration of C18:l rr 9, Cl8:2 n-6, C20:0, C20:2 n-6, C20:5 n-3 were higher In cancer cell llnes as compared to normal cell llnes. A positive cottelation was detected between C16:O and longer SFA'S (r=+0.511, p<0.05) In normal cell llnes whereas a negative correlation (r=0.608, ~ ~ 0 . 0 5 ) was...

Human physiology depends on countless biochemical reactions, numerous of which are co-dependent a... more Human physiology depends on countless biochemical reactions, numerous of which are co-dependent and interrelated. the speed and level of completion of reactions usually depend on the availability of precursors and enzymes. t he enzymatic activity depends on the bioavailability of micronutrient cofactors such as vitamins and minerals. in order to achieve a healthy physiological state, the organism requires that biochemical reactions occur at a controlled rate. to achieve this state it is required that metabolic reactions reach what can be considered an optimal metabolic equilibrium. a combination of genetic makeup, dietary patterns, trauma, disease, toxins, medications, and environmental stressors can elevate the demand for the nutrients needed to reach this optimal metabolic equilibrium. in this, part 1, the general concept of metabolic correction is presented with an elaboration explaining how this concept is increasing in importance as we become aware of the presence of genetic va...

This fact needs prompt attention to understand the significance of intravenous vitamin C administ... more This fact needs prompt attention to understand the significance of intravenous vitamin C administration. This review describes the current state-of-the-art in oral and intravenous vitamin C pharmacokinetics. In addition, the governmental recommendations of dose and frequency of vitamin C intake will also be addressed.

Puerto Rico health sciences journal, 2015

Human physiology depends on countless biochemical reactions, numerous of which are co-dependent a... more Human physiology depends on countless biochemical reactions, numerous of which are co-dependent and interrelated. The speed and level of completion of reactions usually depend on the availability of precursors and enzymes. The enzymatic activity depends on the bioavailability of micronutrient cofactors such as vitamins and minerals. In order to achieve a healthy physiological state, the organism requires that biochemical reactions occur at a controlled rate. To achieve this state it is required that metabolic reactions reach what can be considered an optimal metabolic equilibrium. A combination of genetic makeup, dietary patterns, trauma, disease, toxins, medications, and environmental stressors can elevate the demand for the nutrients needed to reach this optimal metabolic equilibrium. In this, part 1, the general concept of metabolic correction is presented with an elaboration explaining how this concept is increasing in importance as we become aware of the presence of genetic var...

Puerto Rico health sciences journal, 2000

The use of alternative/complementary medicine has been increasing considerably. Conventional medi... more The use of alternative/complementary medicine has been increasing considerably. Conventional medicine must begin to address issues related to the use, safety, regulation, research and education of alternative/complementary medicine. Integrative medicine combines conventional medicine and alternative complementary practices. Integrative medicine is an innovative approach to medicine and medical education. It involves the understanding of the interaction of the mind, body and spirit and how to interpret this relationship in the dynamics of health and disease. Integrative medicine shifts the orientation of the medical practice from disease based approach to a healing based approach. It does not reject conventional medicine nor uncritically accepts unconventional practices. Integrative medicine is an effective, more fulfilling human approach to medicine based on the benefit of the patient by following good medicine practices in a scientific manner.

Puerto Rico health sciences journal, 2002

Plant materials represent promising sources of anti-cancer agents. We developed and tested a nove... more Plant materials represent promising sources of anti-cancer agents. We developed and tested a novel extract from the ubiquitous plant Convolvulus arvensis. Convolvulus arvensis components were extracted in boiling water, and small molecules were removed by high-pressure filtration. The extract's biological activity was assessed by measuring its effects on S-180 fibrosarcoma growth in Kun Ming mice and on heparin-induced angiogenesis in chick embryos. We also examined the extract's effects on lymphocytes ex vivo and tumor cell growth in vitro. The extract (primarily proteins and polysaccharides) inhibited tumor growth in a dose-dependent fashion when administered orally. At the highest dose tested, 200 mg/kg/day, tumor growth was inhibited by roughly seventy percent. Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal administration at 50 mg/kg/day also inhibited tumor growth by over seventy percent. The extract's acute LD50 in Kun Ming mice was 500 mg/kg/day when injected, indicating that tu...

Journal of orthomolecular medicine : official journal of the Academy of Orthomolecular Medicine, 2012

Despite the significant number of in vitro and in vivo studies to assess vitamin C effects on can... more Despite the significant number of in vitro and in vivo studies to assess vitamin C effects on cancer following the application of large doses and its extensive use by alternative medicine practitioners in the USA; the precise schedule for successful cancer therapy is still unknown. Based on interpretation of the available data, we postulate that the relationship between Vitamin C doses and plasma concentration x time, the capability of tissue stores upon distribution, and the saturable mechanism of urinary excretion are all important determinants to understand the physiology of high intravenous vitamin C dose administration and its effect on cancer. Practitioners should pay more attention to the cumulative vitamin C effect instead of the vitamin C concentrations to account for observed discrepancy in antitumor response. We suggest that multiple, intermittent, short-term intravenous infusions of vitamin C over a longer time period will correlate with greater antitumor effects than do...

Puerto Rico health sciences journal, 2008

There is a strong advocacy movement for large doses of vitamin C. Some authors argue that the bio... more There is a strong advocacy movement for large doses of vitamin C. Some authors argue that the biological half-life for vitamin C at high plasma levels is about 30 minutes, but these reports are the subject of some controversy. NIH researchers established the current RDA based upon tests conducted 12 hours (24 half lives) after consumption. The dynamic flow model refutes the current low-dose recommendations for dietary intakes and links Pauling's mega-dose suggestions with other reported effects of massive doses of ascorbate for the treatment of disease. Although, a couple of controlled clinical studies conducted at The Mayo Clinic did not support a significant benefit for terminal cancer patients after 10 grams of once-a-day oral vitamin C, other clinical trials have demonstrated that ascorbate may indeed be effective against tumors when administered intravenously. Recent studies confirmed that plasma vitamin C concentrations vary substantially with the route of administration. ...

Cancer Prevention International, 1998

Puerto Rico health sciences journal, 2006

Many mathematical models have been proposed to study tumor growth parameters in vivo. Nevertheles... more Many mathematical models have been proposed to study tumor growth parameters in vivo. Nevertheless most of the medical models have given variable results even when experimental conditions are exactly the same. There are multiple factors that are capable of affecting tumor growth that should be taken into account when proposing a mathematical model for tumor growth in vivo. We discuss here own proposed model for tumor growth kinetics utilizing a modified Gompertz function that better responds to the growth characteristic of in "vivo" tumors.