#galectin-3

Dan Limbach

This webinar just became available as an OnDemand archive of the May 26, 2011 event. Galectin-3: Enabling a New Pharmaceutical Paradigm in Treatment of Heart Failure

This session will provide a unique look at the role of the protein galectin-3 in pharmacological treatment of heart failure. Galectin-3 may transform heart failure from a signs and symptoms based definition of disease to one based on distinct disease processes. Galectin-3 segmentation may be relevant for efficacy of certain drug classes and galectin-3 inhibition may one day offer a new approach to disease modifying therapy in heart failure.

Complementary Webinar. Sponsored by BG Medicine.

I recently shared the latest news in the prevention and treatment of cancer at the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) Integrative Oncology Fellowship. The June 2011 event held in Las Vegas, Nevada brought together some of the world’s leading medical experts to educate physicians, health practitioners and scientists on advancements in the fields of integrative medicine and cancer care.

  During the fellowship, I gave recommendations on holistic and integrative approaches to treating cancer and was thrilled to meet a group of enthusiastic physicians and health providers who are interested in and committed to learning and practicing integrative oncology. It is my belief and experience that integrating the best medical practices — from both East and West — with an open heart guided by love, compassion, and empowerment of the patient can offer true transformation in healthcare.

  A large focus of my practice incorporates the most important scientific breakthroughs in integrative and complementary medicine. There is now a significant body of research validating many ancient as well as modern approaches to treating illness using botanical-based medicine. As an Integrative Cancer Physician, a central focus of my practice is to bring together top well-researched treatments from both conventional and natural medicine in order to design each patient’s protocol with an emphasis on the person as a whole.

  Groundbreaking New Research on the Role of Galectin-3 Molecules

Inspired by cutting-edge research on natural health solutions, I presented new evidence on the positive effects of Modified Citrus Pectin (derived from the pith of citrus fruit peels) in blocking unhealthy levels of galectin-3 molecules in the body. Galectin-3 is produced naturally by our bodies, but new research proves that elevated levels in the body can lead to serious health conditions like heart disease, fibrosis and metastatic cancer. Modified Citrus Pectin is the only natural galectin-3 blocker. By binding to and blocking excess galectin-3 molecules, Modified Citrus Pectin prevents galectin-3 from wreaking havoc on our bodies. These new discoveries give Modified Citrus Pectin even greater potential in the prevention and treatment of many serious health conditions for which there are currently limited or no treatments available.

  Testing For Elevated Galactin-3 Levels

Early detection of any disease is critical for prevention and recovery. A new blood test that measures circulating levels of galectin-3 has been approved by the FDA and most types of health insurance as a useful tool in helping to determine cardiovascular disease risk and prognosis. This test can also be used to determine risks of cancer metastasis. The development and use of this simple blood test by conventional medicine means that galectin-3 is now on its way to being widely accepted and used as a therapeutic target in conditions from congestive heart failure to metastatic cancer, among others.

In a new important research study out of the UK, scientists found that Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) of the correct molecular weight interrupts deadly kidney fibrosis by binding to and blocking galectin-3 molecules. By disabling the galectin-3 molecules, MCP decreased the effects of inflammation and fibrosis in a kidney injury model.

  New uses for MCP

Modified Citrus Pectin is a form of pectin that has been altered so that it can be more easily absorbed by the digestive tract. Pectin is found in most plants and is particularly plentiful in the peels of apples, citrus fruits, and plums. The latest research study demonstrates an exciting new use for Modified Citrus Pectin. It is now understood that unhealthy levels of galectin-3 molecules in the body can be involved in the progression of numerous serious diseases, beyond what we already knew about cancer progression.

  Fibrosis is responsible for many chronic and deadly disease states because of the overproduction of excessive scar tissue within various organs and systems. Conditions such as cardiovascular & heart disease, pulmonary fibrosis (lung disease), cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, and many other serious health problems involve inflammation and fibrosis.

  By binding to the galectin-3 molecules, Modified Citrus Pectin prevents galectin-3 from fostering harmful inflammation, excessive scar tissue build up and abnormal cellular growth. This new discovery shows MCP has enormous potential for prevention and treatment of inflammation and fibrosis related conditions for which there are currently limited or no treatments available. As a pioneer in the field of Modified Citrus Pectin research, I want to emphasize that this new research is truly exciting because Modified Citrus Pectin is turning out to be much, much, more versatile than anyone imagined.

  In this new pre-clinical study, scientists at the Nephro-Urology Dept. of UCL Institute of Child Health in London, UK, researched the effects of my unique form of Modified Citrus Pectin in induced kidney fibrosis disease. The findings demonstrate the potential of using Modified Citrus Pectin as a new compound for acute kidney injury and its potential role in protection from other inflammatory and fibrosis related conditions.

  Because this citrus pectin is modified to a specific low molecular weight range and structure, it can easily be absorbed into the circulation and reach specific organs and tissues affected by this dangerous inflammation and fibrosis process. Now that we understand more about the role of galectin-3 in inflammation and fibrosis, we can use Modified Citrus Pectin to target various conditions involved in abnormal cellular growth and fibrosis, as well as apply it for preventative purposes.

  New FDA approved blood test for galectin-3

A new blood test which measures circulating levels of galectin-3 has been approved by the FDA and most health insurance as a useful tool in helping to determine cardiovascular disease risk and prognosis, as well as risks of cancer metastasis. The development and use of this simple blood test by conventional medicine means that galectin-3 is now on its way to being widely accepted and used as a therapeutic target in conditions from congestive heart failure to metastatic cancer and more. And Modified Citrus Pectin remains the leading natural galectin-3 inhibitor able to get into the blood stream and bind to galectin-3 throughout the body.

  As more research continues on the role of galectin-3 in a wide range of diseases, the extreme usefulness of Modified Citrus Pectin will continue to grow as well, offering new hope to patients seeking safe and effective therapies for fighting disease and restoring health naturally. For more information about the research study, click here.