BioCeuticals Article

Synopsis: 3rd BioCeuticals Research Symposium



Synopsis: 3rd BioCeuticals Research Symposium
Date: 2015-04-09
Author: - Editor
Access: Public


 

Dr David Haase MD

Plenary title: Optimising the brain-body - neurobiochemistry

The focus of this lecture will be on the 'brain soup' that constitutes the neurotransmitters and metabolism of the brain and body. By viewing the brain as being dependent upon the overall function of the body, Dr Haase will provide a framework for understanding brain function from a systems perspective. Considerable attention will be given to the structure and neurochemical functioning of the nervous system in the context of neurotransmitter function, the blood brain barrier (BBB), blood nerve barriers (BNB), immune function, the bi-directional chemical pathways of communication between peripheral and central nervous systems, and energy production as it applies to mitochondria.

Workshop title: Optimising the brain-body - neurobiochemistry

Using patient examples, this workshop will focus on the clinical applications and approaches for optimising the neuroanatomy and neurochemistry. These case studies will also demonstrate the interaction between chemical and electrical signalling to provide an informed strategy for effective treatment.

Plenary title: Optimising the brain-body – electrophysiology

The brain can be understood as a complex, integrated system of electrical signalling networks. By using the tools of qEEG, Event Related Potentials, HRV and computer based neuropsychiatric assessments we can identify a dynamic set of interconnected, yet discrete systems. This lecture will step back and examine the brain from an electrophysiologic point of view. With the overriding purpose of neuroprotection and neurocorrection, Dr Haase will review key clinical tools and techniques designed to optimise brain network functioning. As a part of a whole-person approach, special attention will be given to the connection between the autonomic and central nervous systems as well as the peripheral nervous system and its powerful influence on the CNS and human behaviour.

Workshop title: Optimising the brain-body – electrophysiology

Using patient examples, this workshop will focus on the clinical applications and approaches for optimising energy signalling and cycles. These case studies will also demonstrate the interaction between chemical and electrical signalling to provide an informed strategy for effective treatment.


Michael Ash BSc(Hon) DO ND DipION

Plenary title: Functional gastroenterology

The gut is an organ of opportunity and risk, in effect an immune tissue that also has to do some digestion. Without tolerant, interpretative abilities the gut environment is altered, influencing bacterial and molecular diversity, structure and inappropriate inflammation. How to restore the dysbiotic gut to a state of 'eubiosis' is a key question for disease prevention and treatment. This lecture will examine the numerous underlying processes that lead to dysbiosis and the important therapeutic tools and strategies required to achieve microbial metabolic fitness.

Workshop title: Functional gastroenterology

The gut barrier is a complex multilayer system, consisting of an external 'physical' barrier and an inner 'functional' immunological barrier. The interaction of these two barriers enables equilibrated permeability to be maintained. By drawing on case studies and identifying the best therapeutic targets for patients in whom diverse immunopathogenic mechanisms are activated, this workshop will provide multilayered, iterative strategies to achieve safe and effective outcomes.

Plenary title: Mucosal immunology

The focus of this lecture will be on the mucosal immune system and its extensive role in human health. Special attention will be given to dysbiosis and the induction of mitochondrial damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and sterile inflammation. Activation of innate immunocytes, inflammasomes and cytokines, through microbial pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) will also be examined in relation to the propagation of IBD, IBS and an increasing list of metabolic disorders.

Workshop title: Mucosal immunology

The link between metabolism, immunity, food and microbes, through gene activated triggers in the gut mucosa, as a driver of chronic disease, is highlighted in this workshop. Key areas of intervention are intertwined in case studies chosen to demonstrate patient recovery.

 

Dr Joseph Pizzorno ND

Plenary title: Exogenous toxins

Since World War II, production of industrial chemicals has risen rapidly. Each day the human body is exposed to hundreds of different synthesised chemicals and hormone disruptors. These are heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), solvents and other such chemicals. Both recognition of exposure and assessment of the efficacy of the detoxification mechanisms are essential for effective detoxification of the patient. Referring to the most recent data, this lecture will examine the types and sources of exogenous toxins, their biological impact and clinical consequences of exposure as well as methods and evaluation of detoxification.

Workshop title: Exogenous toxins

The average body load of exogenous toxins is substantial. Most of the population have levels associated with an increased incidence of a wide range of diseases. Avoidance works, but in this day and age, exposure is unavoidable. In this workshop Dr Pizzorno will discuss the well trialled and researched clinical interventions he has adopted for countless patients over many years. Several case histories will be presented as examples demonstrating the therapeutic strategies required for effective detoxification.

Plenary title: Exogenous toxins/ Toxins of choice

Endogenous toxins are waste products from normal metabolic activities. While your body may be well equipped to eliminate these they do require efficient functioning of detoxification enzymes to prevent a build-up of harmful metabolites. An often overlooked source of endogenous toxins is intestinal dysbiosis. Endotoxins from bowel flora have been associated with depression, chronic fatigue, inflammatory bowel disease, and atherosclerosis; effects partly influenced both by bacterial species as well as intestinal permeability. Add to this the poor food choices, recreational drugs and pharmaceutical agents that are so pervasive in today's society and the toxic burden can become overwhelming. In this lecture, the sources and impacts of these toxins will be examined with additional attention given to appropriate laboratory and clinical assessment.

Workshop title: Exogenous toxins/ Toxins of choice

Endotoxins are harmful, body-derived poisons which disrupt energy production and promote maladaptive inflammation. The intestines can harbour endotoxins in considerable amounts and, in the presence of intestinal barrier breakdown, can enter the systemic circulation in increasing amounts. This state is always made worse by inappropriate dietary choices. By drawing on numerous patient examples, Dr Pizzorno will demonstrate strategies for minimising the absorption of endotoxins, inhibiting pathogenic bacterial overgrowth, establishing optimal GI bacteria and facilitating the detoxification and elimination of metabolic by products.

 

Dr Mark Houston MD MS ABAARM FACP FAHA FASH

Plenary title: Dyslipidaemia and cardiovascular disease

Dyslipidaemia is one of the top 5 cardiovascular risk factors, and yet proper measurement using advanced lipid profiles is rarely considered to verify risk and optimal treatment. Originally, we relied on measuring total cholesterol and then went on to measure LDL and HDL. Now that we can look at the subfractions of each of these, as well as assess any associated modifications and dysfunctionality, our entire understanding of cardiovascular disease risk and treatment is in flux. This lecture will explore the latest lipid profile research, as well as the advanced therapies required to manage pathophysiologic risk factors, mediators and their downstream effects, and to decrease or halt subsequent vascular damage.
Workshop title: Dyslipidaemia and cardiovascular disease
This workshop will focus on several case presentations, treatment rationales and clinical outcomes related to dyslipidaemia and CVD. Reference will be made to advanced lipid profile analysis, genetic testing, diet, herbal and nutritional supplementation, exercise and lifestyle modifications.

Plenary title: Management of hypertension and cardiovascular disease

Hypertension is a progressive cardiovascular syndrome arising from complex and interrelated aetiologies. Early markers are often present well before blood pressure elevation is sustained. Implicit in this definition is that hypertension is not actually a disease – rather, it is a marker of endothelial dysfunction resulting from an imbalance between angiotensin II and nitric oxide. In this session, Dr Houston will describe the myriad influences that can disturb this balance, including many micronutrient deficiencies, genetics, inflammation, oxidative stress, and autoimmune dysfunction of the arteries and kidneys. Therefore, treating hypertension is not simply a matter of reducing the BP numbers; the blood vessel itself must be healed. With this in mind, Dr Houston will introduce a clinical approach that incorporates diet, foods, nutrients, herbal medicines, exercise and other lifestyle strategies that can be systematically and successfully incorporated into clinical practice.

Workshop title: Management of hypertension and cardiovascular disease

In this workshop, Dr Houston will draw on numerous cases from his practice to present an iterative learning approach for the diagnosis and management of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The DASH 2 diet, nutritional supplementation, medications, specific exercise and lifestyle factors are all discussed.

 

Dr Mark Houston MD MS ABAARM FACP FAHA FASH
Dr David Haase MD
Dr Joseph Pizzorno ND
Michael Ash BSc (Hon) DO ND DipION

Plenary title: Functional medicine interrelationships

Presented by all four speakers, this critical session will examine the common metabolic and functional interconnections related to the genesis of diseases. All of the various processes that determine the progression to physical and mental diseases and ageing will be reviewed. The specific roles of inflammation, oxidative stress and immune dysfunction will be discussed in detail. The common physiological relationships between cardiovascular disease, renal disease, neurological disease, gastrointestinal disease, immune disease and others will be presented in a manner to allow the clinician to connect common underlying mechanisms in order to provide a cohesive diagnostic and therapeutic framework using interventions and integrative approaches that are scientifically valid.