deserusan 
"Magna res est vocis et silentii temperamentum."
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Archive for October, 2007
Sunday, October 14th, 2007
For the record, "popular" BCAA dosing protocols are rediculous and foolish. They are designed so the consumer will use more product quicker. Even worse, some of those pimping this protocol are on gear which I have to laugh at as well. "Megedose your BCAA’s and use this diet for great results." We’ll leave out the winnie, deca, and g-d knows what else from the bottom line. Gluconeogenesis doesn’t give you those results and if it did we’d all be shooting dextrose.
Don’t get me wrong, I like BCAA’s. To me, a small dose intraworkout goes a long ways and there is no need to megadose. I’m basing my own opinion on the understand that I have a higher rate of gastric emptying then most people. I eat numerous small meals a day and leave a larger window between meal frequency around workout times. This study here definately highlights the Catch 22 of BCAA’s in the conclusion:
Quote:
| Although in many human exercise studies, a dose of >5 g of BCAA was used as a supplement, the minimum dose to produce the beneficial effects of BCAA supplementation remains to be established. Furthermore, the most effective ratio of the three BCAAs is unclear. Toxicity studies of BCAAs using animals showed that BCAAs are quite safe amino acids when the three BCAAs are provided in a ratio similar to that of animal protein (e.g., a 2:1:1 leucine:isoleucine:valine ratio). Although leucine is the most potent amino acid among the BCAAs for stimulating protein synthesis, supplementation of leucine alone may cause BCAA imbalance via the activating effect of its keto acid on the BCKDH complex. A number of research groups examined whether BCAA supplementation might have a beneficial effect on endurance performance (32–36), but the results are inconsistent. Additional studies are required to clarify the appropriate amount of BCAA supplementation for beneficial effects and the responsible mechanisms. |
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/134/6/1583S
Since exercise causes BCAA oxidation I do feel that injestion of small amount of free form BCAA’s decrease BCKDH complex activity. This is why some like myself don’t experience a high degree of DOMS while using BCAA’s. I also feel that on a hypercaloric diet, this benefit is certainly decreased. However, I do feel there is some benefit eitherway, whether small while hypercaloric, or much grander while hyporcaloric.
I do also feel there is something to be said about leucine. Some are avoiding the fact that free form leucine does have a effect nutrient signalling and down regulation of catabolic pathways. Is some supplemental free form leucine beneficial in temporarily tricking the body into thinking it’s in a fed state? It’s possible. Will adding a bunch in with your shakes or PWO impact your physique? Probably not. Obviously when combine this with carbs you can’t pinpoint the effect because carbs themselves are obviously insulinotopropic (to a much greater degree then leucine).
However, those of you who are saying you get plenty of leucine in your diet do have a point. Anyone meeting their protien requirements does. You cannot argue there is a chance of going catabolic while working out, doing double sessions of cardio, etc. To me, the small investment of flavored BCAA’s helps me to stay out of this state and can mildly help with my recovery. If it’s just placebo, then so be it, because I feel and look a lot better when I use them. I’d much rather be drinking some flavored BCAA’s that turn my water pink than sipping on pureed steak or chicken at the gym. Call me fashionable.
Posted in Advanced Supplement Discussion
Saturday, October 13th, 2007
I’ll be writing more about this later but I had some complications last week from surgery I had a few years ago to correct a hydrocele suffered from competitive Tae Kwan Do. Anyway, the complication resulted in testicular torsion actualized by a brutal leg training session. Normally this can be handled without surgery but in my case it required some. This is why you may or may not have heard me mention that my "nuts" were sore.
Obviously, this has thrown a huge wrench in my training schedule. No training for 4-6 weeks to be blunt. Yeah I’m pissed, but you live and learn. More to come later.
-Dan
Posted in Injuries
Wednesday, October 10th, 2007
Supplements. A lot of us here who are part of the bodybuilding.com culture are addicted to them. We are searching for that single product that will give us the perfect body and make us look like the guy or girl on the cover of that magazine that catches our eye on whatever newsstand. We are all guilty of this in some way, shape, or form and for good reason: the marketing works.
When I first heard Designer Supplements was releasing a new version of ActivaTe that little demon in my head got excited and said, “Dan you gotta get on that dude?” Seriously, I don’t like being called dude but of course he did have a point. The DS Crew as I like to call them has always put out top notch and innovative products so of course I jumped at the opportunity to try this out. I knew this would be based around 3,4-Divanillyltetrahydrofuran which I’ve had good results from in the past.
When it comes to formulation of a product which modulates hormones it is always best to address through multiple pathways. You can’t just successfully stick one compound in and hope it will elicit a ton of positive effects without throwing off the natural balance of your body. As with most things in nature, balance is key to harmony, and the human body is no different. ActivaTe Xtreme does this through a well designed and meticulous approach to not only test boosting, but mild estrogen and cortisol control, all the while keeping nitrogen levels positive.
This is where I typically begin to spout off a bunch of technical “mumbo jumbo” which doesn’t make a whole lot of sense but elevates me as some sort of wannabe guru. In all seriousness, any attempt at writing a technical review would certainly not do justice to the technical write up for this product found here:
Some of you are thinking, “Dan you are getting a bit lazy when it comes to reviews” and you are RIGHT! I’m one busy “dude” as the demon in my head likes to refer to me as. Gaspari keeps me busy so what do you want from me? Not to get off track, I have no issue with any of the citations used to support the efficacy of ActivaTe Xtreme and feel they are all used in proper form. More importantly it isn’t full of marketing fluff.
I’ve seen a recent trend of Pub Med diving to find supprt rather weak formulas in order for them to seem superior to the vast droves of drooling morons out there (not you of course). The Designer Crew certainly isn?t guilty of this and should be applauded for their continuous effort to be one of the leaders in science based formulation. They certainly aren?t members of the “me too”clan who love to scan the ingredient lists of the innovators to give the legions of bros out there something to clamor over. That is one “journey” respectable companies don’t embark on.
This Journey is Worth Paying Attention To Since I?m on a roll, Designer was thoughtful enough not to try and fool you with yohimbine either. This novel approach to mask the thoughts of “Man this shit really sucks” from consumers by spiking their “test booster” with harsh stimulants is disgusting if you ask me. However, we all know the “me too” crew will do what it takes to trick you into thinking something works even if it will give you hypertension and tachycardia. I’m sure if a bum found sample on the street he might enjoy it too!
Rack ‘Em Willie Wants Some! After all was said and done in my eight week trial of this product, I’d give Activate Xtreme a 9.1 out of 10 for a DSHEA compliant and legal testosterone promoting supplement. I noticed some of the “on feeling” effects about two week into my review and noticed increased vascularity about two or three days after my first dose. Since I was cutting and hypocaloric for the duration of my cycle I did not gain any muscle but rest assured, I didn’t loose much either.
Would I buy this product on my own? Yes. Even better, I do recommend this out in the real world while doing demos at various supplement shops because I feel strongly about the efficacy of the formula. It would be a disservice to the consumer not to highlight products which use science backed formulation, safe compounds, and the all important multiple pathway approach to build a truly unique product. I support innovation and stand by those who choose to be leaders in the industry instead of followers and so should you.
-D
Posted in Supplement Reviews
Tuesday, October 9th, 2007
In case some of you aren’t aware, Bodybuilding.com is having a huge blowout sale on some great products this month. Everyday designates a different sale item at a greatly reduced price. YOU CANNOT BEAT THESE DEALS ANYWHERE!
*strong SizeON plug! 
Lastnight there was quite the buzz on the bodybuilding.com forums. It just so happens that Oct . 9 was a sale for Scivation Xtend. The first 10 orders were supposed to get a free tub of this great product using code 31DxtendFree682. After the first 10 orders were placed then every subsequent order using code 31DxtendDisc579 would get a greatly reduced price. Well, somewhere along the way there was a coding glitch and the free Xtend code never turned off. WOOPS!
I’m not sure what the final damage was but some people are rumoured to have order upwards of 50 tubs. That’s ****ing insane! According to bodybuilding.com customer service they will be honoring all orders. If they do, it’ll be like Christmas in October for some lucky forum members who abused the system. Honestly, I can’t fault anyone for being a bit greedy. Xtend is a great product and if you haven’t experienced it check out my review from a few months ago and big thanks to Bodybuilding.com!
My Review of All the Xtend Flavors
For the past three years I have been a faithful Scivation Xtend user. On a couple occasions I have strayed trying other products but always seem to return to my old favorite. I first learned of Scivation as a company when I joined the Bodybuilding.com forums and soon discovered A TON of positive feedback for this product.
Having experimented with numerous BCAA products in the past I certain welcomed something which supposively tasted good. After jumping off the BCAA tablet bandwagon after learning the benefits of free form powder I had been using either bulk BCAA’s which tasted worse than your grandma’s dirty panties or Optimum Nutrition BCAA powder which wasn’t much better.They always seemed to ruin a nice postworkout protein shake no matter what. GROSS!
So some of you folks who are new to supplementation might ask why would anyone subject themselves to anything that tastes like shit? To put it simply, BCAA supplementation is one of the best investements you can make for recovery purposes in a hyper (1,2) or hypocaloric state ( 3, 4) . Also, they to help protect hard earned muscle and maintain energy levels while you are attempting to drop body fat (3). As you can see, this is why serious lifters and athletes use free form BCAA’s as a staple in their supplemental arsenal.
Now when it comes to Scivation Xtend, you not only get a healthy dose of BCAA’s but also the added benefits of Citrulline Malate. Citrulline Malate is what I would consider a functional pump supplement. Essentially, citrulline malate has the ability to increase aerobic ATP production in cells and also aide in ammonia clearance (5).
A popular misconception is that citrulline itself is responsible for increased aerobic capacity within mitochondria of a cell. In reality it is actually malate which contributes to aerobic ATP production as it is a TCA cycle intermediate. Citrulline supplementation is responsible for enhanced ammonia clearance during exercise (6). This is very important because ammonia deanimates AMP in both fast and slow twitch muscles which can greatly hinder performance as it accumulates (7, . As you can see this is also a powerful little addition to any formula and part of the reason I would choose Xtend over bulk BCAA’s.
Now some of you might be wondering why the heck I haven’t done a review of this product if I have been using it for over three years now. The honest answer was that I didn’t feel compelled to do so until I tried the new flavor. Here is my opinion of the three flavors offered.
Grape: 6.8 out of 10
I’m not really a fan of any grape products out there but do on occasion buy a tub of this flavor. It’s definitely not the best Xtend flavor, but when megadosing it does add some variety. By all means, this taste a hell of a lot better than bulk bcaa’s so given the extremely marginal price difference between it and bulk BCAA’s and also considering the inclusion of citrulline malate it is by far the superior choice. All in all, I’d say I have bought about ten large tubs of this.
Watermelon: 8.7 out of 10
For a long time this was my favorite flavor. It is quite refreshing and covers the taste of BCAA’s extremely well. In all honesty, I have gotten numerous fellow gym patrons hooked on this flavor as well. At my gym you will see plenty of folks sporting a water bottle full of a pink liquid. Oddly enough, I feel some of the cardio bunnies I know drink it just because it’s pink and feel they are stylish. Eitherway, this flavor rocks and over the years I would say I have bought anywhere from 15-20 large tubs.
Lemonade: 9.4 out 10
This is the flavor which compelled me to write this review. When you open the tub it smells like Lemonheads candy is quite potent. When it first hit my taste buds I couldn’t believe at how enjoyable this was. THIS DOESN’T EVEN TASTE LIKE A SUPPLEMENT!!!! It’s hard to mask BCAA’s and with this flavor Scivation definitely did just that and then some. However, I did have to neg it a bit because it isn’t tart like a true lemonade but regardless, it is a damn enjoyable product. I now find myself throwing a few scoops in my bottled water. It’s an expensive way to flavor water but I enjoy it that much. GOOD JOB SCIVATION!!!! I just bought two tubs of this so I’m set a for a couple months.
References
1. Shimomura Y, Yamamoto Y, Bajotto G, Sato J, Murakami T, Shimomura N, Kobayashi H, Mawatari K. Nutraceutical effects of branched-chain amino acids on skeletal muscle. Journal of Nutrition. 2006 Feb;136(2):529S-532S.
2. Blomstrand E, Eliasson J, Karlsson HK, Kohnke R. Branched-chain amino acids activate key enzymes in protein synthesis after physical exercise. Journal of Nutrition. 2006 Jan;136(1 Suppl):269S-73S.
3. Shimomura Y, Murakami T, Nakai N, Nagasaki M, Harris RA. Exercise promotes BCAA catabolism: effects of BCAA supplementation on skeletal muscle during exercise. Journal of Nutrition. 2004 Jun;134(6 Suppl):1583S-1587S
4. Mourier A, Bigard AX, de Kerviler E, Roger B, Legrand H, Guezennec CY. Combined effects of caloric restriction and branched-chain amino acid supplementation on body composition and exercise performance in elite wrestlers. International Journal of Sports Medicine. 1997 Jan;18(1):47-55.
5. Bendahan D, Mattei JP, Ghattas B, Confort-Gouny S, Le Guern ME, Cozzone PJ. Citrulline/malate promotes aerobic energy production in human exercising muscle. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2002 Aug;36(4):282-9.
6. Callis A, Magnan de Bornier B, Serrano JJ, Bellet H, Saumade R. Activity of citrulline malate on acid-base balance and blood ammonia and amino acid levels. Study in the animal and in man. Arzneimittelforschung. 1991 Jun;41(6):660-3.
7. Vanuxem D, Duflot JC, Prevot H, et al. Influence of an anti-asthenia agent, citrulline malate, on serum lactate and ammonia kinetics during a maximum exercise test in sedentary subjects. S©minaire des H´pitaux de Paris 1990;66:477…81.
8. Mutch BJ, Banister EW. Ammonia metabolism in exercise and fatigue: a review. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 1983;15(1):41-50.
Posted in Rants
Friday, October 5th, 2007
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Originally Posted by EMISGOD
If you’d indulge me a bit more, I’m still not clear on where you’re going with this, strictly in terms of yohimbine…
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To market to the masses it makes sense to load mildly hormonal products with substances that increase serotonergic firing rates in the brain. Yohimbine is an alpha2 adrenoceptor antagonist and does just that. They increase noradrenergenic transmission which means they work the same way amphetamine does.
Hey you feel it but some unwanted side effects are hypertension and irregular heartbeat. The fact it increases epinephrine release to high degree means one thing: it will hasten the onset of adrenal fatigue. This is part of the reason I don’t like it beyond making a dick like myself more irritable already. Honestly, who cares about adrenal fatigue right? Who cares about tachycardia right? As long as you have the notion your small investment is working because you can FEEL it then it’s all good.
I believe we are seeing a new trend with quasi-hormonal products contain good old yohimbine. If you truly want people to feel your test RAGING I can think a few better compounds that won’t cause adrenal fatigue or give you a heart palpitation. They will also actually boost your test instead of tricking you.
Ever wonder why the "best" fat burners contain yohimbine in wopping doses? YOU FEEL IT but they will actually do more harm in the long term then good when it comes to effective fat burning. Does the average consumer know this? Hell no. Also, I wonder if we’ll get warnings not to use tyramine (that would take some basic understanding of MAOI pharmacology? Based on what I’ve seen probably not.
Posted in Rants
Thursday, October 4th, 2007
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Originally Posted by getbustered
I don’t think you are a bad bro at all, and I don’t think there is anything wrong with this thread. I DO hope that it doesn’t turn into bad blood between anyone in the future, but only time will tell that. In the end, this has been an informative thread; and how many threads these days feature an appearance from Bill and Phosphate? That is notable in itself.
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There isn’t any bad blood nor will there be. Obviously, since a similiar supplement has been marketed my attention will certainly be drawn to this and questions will follow.
You have to understand that despite not being expert in anything I do field hundreds of questions a week regarding compounds like these. Will this stack well with that? Will product X interfere with product Y and so and so forth. Despite obvious biases I try to form my responses to give the best possible answer regardless of affiliation. I pride myself on this ability.
With that said, I do firmly believe there is a contradiction between AA and CQ. Stacking the two renders one or both compounds useless for their intended purpose regardless of dosing (this dictates effectiveness). My own personal use and all the availably research seems to ellucidate this fact. I have nothing else to base my opinion on as user feedback is generally skewed. Here is some great research as to why:
McClung M, Collins D. “Because I know it will!”: placebo effects of an ergogenic aid on athletic performance. J Sport Exerc Psychol. 2007 Jun;29(3):382-94.Beedie CJ, Coleman DA, Foad AJ. Positive and negative placebo effects resulting from the deceptive administration of an ergogenic aid. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2007 Jun;17(3):259-69.
This wasn’t meant to be a pissing contest, but some parties failed miserably in providing insight. Obviously, yohimbine can take care of any doubts consumers may have these days about the effectiveness of their supplements. It sadly makes me wonder why I spend so much time doing research on my own free will.
Quote:
| Nat Prod Res. 2007 May 20;21(6):522-8.
Constituents of Cissus quadrangularis.Singh G, Rawat P, Maurya R.
Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.
Two new iridoids 6-O-[2,3-dimethoxy]-trans-cinnamoyl catalpol (1) and 6-O-meta-methoxy-benzoyl catalpol (2) along with a known iridoid picroside 1 (3), two stilbenes quadrangularin A (4) and pallidol (5), quercitin (6), quercitrin (7), beta-sitosterol (8) and beta-sitosterol glycoside (9) were isolated from Cissus quadrangularis Linn. The compounds 3 and 7 are first reported from this plant. The structures were elucidated by analysis of their spectroscopic data and by direct comparison with literature. This is the first reported occurrence of iridoids in C. quadrangularis. |
Iridoids are known COX II inhibitors showing preferential inhibition over COX I and LOX. Granted, I’m basing my opinion on the in vitro studies with iridoids isolated from a different genus of plant. However, this could in part explain some of the anti-inflammatory action of cissus via the COX-II pathway.
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| Biological and pharmacological activities of iridoids: recent developments.Rosa Tundis, Monica R. Loizzo, Federica Menichini, Giancarlo A. Statti,Francesco Menichini
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036-I Rende (CS), Italy |
http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache…RMC-132660.pdf
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Originally Posted by Dr.P
nice find on the iridoids. just be aware that there is a large variety of different iridoid derivatives that may have different effects. catalpol, for example has been shown to inhibit iNOS and TNF-alpha and to reduce ROS. other iridoids have been found to act on COX, while again some others have been found to affect LOX and IL1-beta.
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True. This whole debate has certainly rekindled my interest in cissus and luckily there is a little bit more research since I last took a close look at it. It’s funny you mention catapol inhibition of TNF-alpha. That cascade could potentially prevent atrophy in the short term. However, NF-kappaB is mediated downstream of TNF-alpha so inhibition of this pathway in myocytes can be caused by quercitrin, also a component of cissus.
Quote:
| EurJ Immunol. 2005 Feb;35(2):584-92.
In vivo quercitrin anti-inflammatory effect involves release of quercetin, which inhibits inflammation through down-regulation of the NF-kappaB pathway.
Comalada M, Camuesco D, Sierra S, Ballester I, Xaus J, G?lvez J, Zarzuelo A.
Department of Pharmacology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
Quercetin is a common antioxidant flavonoid found in vegetables, which is usually present in glycosylated forms, such as quercitrin (3-rhamnosylquercetin). Previous in vitro experiments have shown that quercetin exerts a bigger effect than quercitrin in the down-regulation of the inflammatory response. However, such results have not been reproduced in in vivo experimental models of intestinal inflammation, in which quercetin did not show beneficial effects while its glycosides, quercitrin or rutin, have demonstrated their effectiveness. In this study, we have reported that the in vivo effects of quercitrin in the experimental model of rat colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium can be mediated by the release of quercetin generated after glycoside’s cleavage by the intestinal microbiota. This is supported by the fact that quercetin, but not quercitrin, is able to down-regulate the inflammatory response of bone marrow-derived macrophages in vitro. Moreover, we have demonstrated that quercetin inhibits cytokine and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression through inhibition of the NF-kappaB pathway without modification of c-Jun N-terminal kinase activity (both in vitro and in vivo). As a conclusion, our report suggests that quercitrin releases quercetin in order to perform its anti-inflammatory effect which is mediated through the inhibition of the NF-kappaB pathway. |
At least this isn’t via COX II which would inbihibit PGE2alpha and the welcome effects of AA due the inflammation response to eccentric motion involved in hypertrophy.
Inhibition of NF-KappaB itself it a tricky one to figure out. It is responsible for regulation of various genes involved with cell growth, death, and immune responses in skeletal muscle. This is why I was never a fan of long term use of certain compounds which inhibit NF-KappaB multiple times a day. You are just beating down an important pathway.
Quote:
| NF-kappa B mediates the protein loss induced by TNF-alpha in differentiated skeletal muscle myotubes
Yi-Ping Li and Micheal B. Reid
Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) regulates the transcription of a variety of genes involved in immune responses, cell growth, and cell death. However, the role of NF-kappa B in muscle biology is poorly understood. We recently reported that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha ) rapidly activates NF-kappa B in differentiated skeletal muscle myotubes and that TNF-alpha acts directly on the muscle cell to induce protein degradation. In the present study, we ask whether NF-kappa B mediates the protein loss induced by TNF-alpha . We addressed this problem by creating stable, transdominant negative muscle cell lines. C2C12 myoblasts were transfected with viral plasmid constructs that induce overexpression of mutant I-kappa Balpha proteins that are insensitive to degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. These mutant proteins selectively inhibit NF-kappa B activation. We found that differentiated myotubes transfected with the empty viral vector (controls) underwent a drop in total protein content and in fast-type myosin heavy-chain content during 72 h of exposure to TNF-alpha . In contrast, total protein and fast-type myosin heavy-chain levels were unaltered by TNF-alpha in the transdominant negative cell lines. TNF-alpha did not induce apoptosis in any cell line, as assessed by DNA ladder and annexin V assays. These data indicate that NF-kappa B is an essential mediator of TNF-alpha -induced catabolism in differentiated muscle cells. |
The forum needs more discussion like this. Anyway, my own use of cissus has been brief and when certain joint issues flare up. I don’t like the idea of using analgesics when not needed even if they have shown to be friendly to the GI tract unlike NSAIDs.
Posted in Advanced Supplement Discussion
Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007
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| Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and venotonic effects of Cissus quadrangularis Linn.
Panthong A, Supraditaporn W, Kanjanapothi D, Taesotikul T, Reutrakul V.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2007 Mar 21;110(2):264-70. Epub 2006 Sep 26. Links
Cissus quadrangularis, a medicinal plant indigenous to Asia and Africa, is used for many ailments, especially for the treatment of hemorrhoid. The effects associated with hemorrhoid, i.e. analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities as well as the venotonic effect of the methanol extract of C. quadrangularis (CQ) were assessed in comparison with reference drugs. In the analgesic test, CQ provoked a significant reduction of the number of writhes in acetic acid-induced writhing response in mice. CQ also significantly reduced the licking time in both phases of the formalin test. The results suggest peripheral and central analgesic activity of CQ. In acute phase of inflammation CQ elicited the inhibitory effect on the edema formation of the rats’ ear induced by ethyl phenylpropiolate as well as on the formation of the paw edema in rats induced by both carrageenin and arachidonic acid. It is likely that CQ is a dual inhibitor of arachidonic acid metabolism. In addition, CQ exerted venotonic effect on isolated human umbilical vein similarly to the mixture of bioflavonoids, i.e. 90% diosmin and 10% hesperidin. The results obtained confirmed the traditional use of C. quadrangularis for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with hemorrhoid as well as reducing the size of hemorrhoids. |
My simple question is this, what is the point of stacking arachidonic acid with cissus if cissus indeed inhibits arachidonic acid metabolism? It’s always been my understanding that cissus inhibits the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins.
Essentially, the hypertrophy inducing effect of arachidonic acid is by sustaining elevated PGF2alpha levels. Cissus has also been shown to stimulate type II collagen and PGE2 has been shown to inhibit this which alludes to the fact that cissus indeed can interfere with prostaglandins. Is there any research to the contrary?
Cissus Quadrangularis Linn.
It has also been shown that PGE2 can control collagen cleavage by attenuating collagenase activity known for chondrocyte hypertrophy. Since chondrocytes are differentiated from mesenchymal stem cells this also shows a relation to osteoblasts as MSCs become one or the other. Indeed, cissus has been shown to increase osteoblasts and human mesenchymal stem cells constitutively expressed COX-2 which also lends credence to the notion cissus interferes with PGE2 activity. Does it not?
Watch the debate unfold here:
http://www.forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=4907943
-D
Posted in Advanced Supplement Discussion
Tuesday, October 2nd, 2007
Typically I have a lot of respect for ESPN as a news reporting organization. The facts are presented in a very entertaining manner and you cannot beat Sports Center on a Monday morning. However, last week I must say they went out on a limb attempting to draw ties between supplement industry powerhouse Europa Sports and illegal steroid distribution networks which have recently been exposed by the federal government’s Raw Deal sting operation.
Senior sports writer Shaun Assael is soon to be releasing his newest novel called “Steroid Nation: JUICED HOME RUN TOTALS, ANTI-AGING MIRACLES, AND A HERCULES IN EVERY HIGH SCHOOL: THE SECRET HISTORY OF AMERICA’S TRUE DRUG ADDICTION.” It’s quite irresponsible how he is trying to give credence to his new book by libeling a respectable supplement distributor such as Europa Sports.
“Eric Hillman, Europa’s CEO, didn’t return a message seeking comment about our findings either. But he might be happy to know his reps are on top of things. Our contact continues to e-mail us about placing our next order” reports Assael. However, Europa Sports phone logs say a different story. Will he apologize for his error?
Even worse is quoting Don Catlin in this mess. The world’s foremost steroid testing guru loves to comment on what he feels are dangerous compounds in the supplement industry. Remember his opinion of geranamine? It isn’t dangerous and you will notice that this compound even after getting blasted in the media is still deemed legal to sell. Not to bash my good friend Amy Shipley, but at times she can be a little opportunistic as can Mr. Catlin and it seems Assael is right there too now. You would figure as a staff member of UCLA that he would might try and clean up his institution’s own potential doping issues as he does with the IOC.
I’m not making excuses, but many classes of compounds are similar to amphetamines and ephedrine which are OTC and essentially in every home in America. As a trained MD/chemist (not sure to be honest) who is trying to maintain funding for his “unique” anti-doping lab it always helps to scare the public a bit with a sensationalist article in the hopes you will feel needed. Obtusification is something Catlin is quick to target (rightfully so at times) but also clearly does so himself on a regular basis. Terrorism too is just matter of perspective rather than an absolute existence.
Hey, he isn’t a bad guy by any means but like all of us, he needs to ensure he can put food on the table too. I just find it funny how their staff is focused on addressing “ethical” issues when they pick and choose who to focus on themselves. If you are going to be ethical in your approach then by all means do so instead of just saying so. Looking “in” instead of “out” might just prove how ethical Mr. Catlin is but in the interest of garnering the Bowl Championship windfall of cash I doubt we will ever see this.
Its not like there are guys who weigh over 300lbs running sub 5 second 40 times. That might be a clear indication of doping or is it? Will Mr. Assael ever look into the habits of the athletes praised all over ESPN who are obviously doping? No. He goes for the easy target and bends the truth to deliver his garbage to the masses.
Frankly, Caitlin and Assael should start looking at their parent institutions before they start judging respectable institutions elsewhere. Europa Sports does adhere to the law. Obviously there are some gaps in this and is where grey market items seem to thrive. However, it is not against the law. What is against the law is libel and I certainly hope Mr. Assael’s irresponsible reporting gets addressed strongly. Between him and Caitlin, they can almost figure out how to broach the reality of the government’s lack of enforcing DSHEA. Why libel the industry leader who sets the standard for safety and federal compliance?
Posted in Rants
Monday, October 1st, 2007
I’d really like to thank my boss and VP of Marketing Joe Vogue for setting this up. This was a wild time spent on top floor of the Rio at Voodoo Lounge.
Kirsten, myself, and NPC figure competitor Jasmine Corbett.
2007 Ms. Bikini Universe Marzia Prince, myself, and 2007 Ms. Model Universe Nicole Costa
Marzi’s lovely sister Alizia.
Myself and the lovely Kai.
There will certainly be more to come later so check back!
Posted in Rants
Monday, October 1st, 2007
Posted in Rants
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