Agri-Cures

Story by Debbie Olsen
Photography by Martin Lipman

Agriculture and medical science are being paired in ways we never imagined…

“FOOD SHALL BE THY MEDICINE AND MEDICINE SHALL be thy food” is an ancient proverb of Hippocrates that forms the basis for modern health care. For centuries, people have recognized the important role that food and nutrition play in maintaining health and preventing disease, but it may surprise you to know that a number of other medical innovations stem from agriculture. In fact, Alberta’s agriculture and food industry is creating medical breakthroughs in diabetes treatments, skin grafting, tissue development, nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.

HOPE FOR DIABETICS

The World Health Organization estimates that more than 176 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes, and the incidence is on the rise. This common condition contributes to the early death, illness and disability of many Canadians.

In 2000, researchers at the University of Alberta announced a major breakthrough in the development of an islet cell transplantation procedure that has been heralded around the world as the “Edmonton Protocol.” The procedure requires pancreatic islet cells to be taken from a cadaver and transplanted into a recipient. To date, 87 per cent of those who have received the treatment have remained free of insulin injections, and all others have shown a reduced need for insulin injections.

“The problem is we don’t have enough human cells to transplant,” explains Dr. Greg Korbutt, associate professor of surgery at the University of Alberta. “We are in the process of doing some basic research to develop a procedure for Xenotransplantation (transplanting between species) of pig islet cells, and we hope that within five years we will see another advance towards a cure for diabetes.” Pigs are closely related to humans physiologically, and scientists believe their organs have the potential one day to save thousands of lives through heart or liver transplants.

NEW WAYS TO TREAT BURNS AND WOUNDS

The idea of agriculture in the hospital isn’t new to the doctors who treat burn patients. For more than 25 years, pigskin has been used in the treatment of patients with severe burns and some North American hospitals are still using it.

At the University of Alberta hospital’s burn unit, doctors are now using a product called Integra for wound and burn treatment. This product contains collagen that is extracted from cows and is used as a way to regenerate new tissue for people who suffer from third-degree burns.

Linda Jabs—a central Alberta farmer is passionate about the potential of blending agriculture and medical science to treat burn victims. Jabs, who lost her first husband in a burn accident, has created an endowment in his name to spearhead research into new agri-treatments for burn victims.

“The two sciences just naturally fit together,” she says.“If you think about it, so many medical breakthroughs have their roots in plant or animal products. I think we’re just seeing the tip of the iceberg in terms of agri-cures.”

Another new product gaining popularity as a treatment for wounds and burns is oat-derived Beta Glucan, a powerful immune stimulator when used in wound dressings and topical creams. Beta Glucan is derived from the cell walls of yeast,mushrooms, barley and oats. A recent study showed that those treated with Beta Glucan wound dressings healed faster and required fewer narcotics than those treated with conventional dressings.

MILK PROTEIN SPELLS RELIEF

Imagine being able to take one small pill to prevent contracting gastroenteritis from contaminated water. For any traveller who has endured stomach trouble halfway across the world, it’s peace of mind worth its weight in gold. If a Calgary company has its way, it may soon be a reality.

AB BioPharma Inc. is a new Alberta company working to develop food products to help people who suffer from gastrointestinal problems. Using technology and research developed at the University of Calgary, Dr. Andre Buret and other researchers are working to extract and synthesize a natural protein found in milk, so that it can be used in new nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products.

Initial research indicates this protein may be useful in treating and preventing infections such as E. coli diarrhea or even the common stomach flu. “When this milk protein is present in the digestive system, it protects the intestinal wall and prevents infection, letting bacteria, protozoa and viruses harmlessly pass through,” says Dr. Andre Buret, principle investigator on the project.

CAN WE—SHOULD WE?

Like many new discoveries through the centuries, medical innovations have their share of moral debate. Scientists are hard at work asking the question “Can we do this?”At the same time, society grapples with the more difficult question—“ Should we?”

From genetically modified foods to xenotransplantation, the Canadian government and the scientific community are treading carefully, asking hard questions and engaging in farreaching ethical debate to ensure strict protocols for health and safety.

For Linda Jabs, it’s the potential to offer hope and relief to those in pain that drives her passion for seeking new treatments. “I believe there is enormous potential in the marriage of agriculture and medicine,” she says. “I like to dream about a future where physical suffering is a thing of the past.” •



	Food for Thought Magazine > Current Issue > Past Issues > Food for Thought on CTV > Food for Thought Gift Pack > Photo contest > Subscribe today! > Contest Rules and Regulations > About Food for Thought > Advertising Information Special Content for: > Parents and Teachers > Media > Industry and Producers The GROWING ALBERTA LEADERSHIP AWARDS were presented at the 11th Annual Harvest Gala on October 17th in Calgary. Find out more about the 2008 recipients. Click here. Take your fork on the road - visit Chomp Around Alberta to enjoy Alberta's marvellous food secrets! Visit our Market Place Craving quality Alberta food or innovative services? See what's new in Growing Alberta's Market Place.	Agri-Cures Story by Debbie Olsen Photography by Martin Lipman Agriculture and medical science are being paired in ways we never imagined… “FOOD SHALL BE THY MEDICINE AND MEDICINE SHALL be thy food” is an ancient proverb of Hippocrates that forms the basis for modern health care. For centuries, people have recognized the important role that food and nutrition play in maintaining health and preventing disease, but it may surprise you to know that a number of other medical innovations stem from agriculture. In fact, Alberta’s agriculture and food industry is creating medical breakthroughs in diabetes treatments, skin grafting, tissue development, nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. HOPE FOR DIABETICS The World Health Organization estimates that more than 176 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes, and the incidence is on the rise. This common condition contributes to the early death, illness and disability of many Canadians. In 2000, researchers at the University of Alberta announced a major breakthrough in the development of an islet cell transplantation procedure that has been heralded around the world as the “Edmonton Protocol.” The procedure requires pancreatic islet cells to be taken from a cadaver and transplanted into a recipient. To date, 87 per cent of those who have received the treatment have remained free of insulin injections, and all others have shown a reduced need for insulin injections. “The problem is we don’t have enough human cells to transplant,” explains Dr. Greg Korbutt, associate professor of surgery at the University of Alberta. “We are in the process of doing some basic research to develop a procedure for Xenotransplantation (transplanting between species) of pig islet cells, and we hope that within five years we will see another advance towards a cure for diabetes.” Pigs are closely related to humans physiologically, and scientists believe their organs have the potential one day to save thousands of lives through heart or liver transplants. NEW WAYS TO TREAT BURNS AND WOUNDS The idea of agriculture in the hospital isn’t new to the doctors who treat burn patients. For more than 25 years, pigskin has been used in the treatment of patients with severe burns and some North American hospitals are still using it. At the University of Alberta hospital’s burn unit, doctors are now using a product called Integra for wound and burn treatment. This product contains collagen that is extracted from cows and is used as a way to regenerate new tissue for people who suffer from third-degree burns. Linda Jabs—a central Alberta farmer is passionate about the potential of blending agriculture and medical science to treat burn victims. Jabs, who lost her first husband in a burn accident, has created an endowment in his name to spearhead research into new agri-treatments for burn victims. “The two sciences just naturally fit together,” she says.“If you think about it, so many medical breakthroughs have their roots in plant or animal products. I think we’re just seeing the tip of the iceberg in terms of agri-cures.” Another new product gaining popularity as a treatment for wounds and burns is oat-derived Beta Glucan, a powerful immune stimulator when used in wound dressings and topical creams. Beta Glucan is derived from the cell walls of yeast,mushrooms, barley and oats. A recent study showed that those treated with Beta Glucan wound dressings healed faster and required fewer narcotics than those treated with conventional dressings. MILK PROTEIN SPELLS RELIEF Imagine being able to take one small pill to prevent contracting gastroenteritis from contaminated water. For any traveller who has endured stomach trouble halfway across the world, it’s peace of mind worth its weight in gold. If a Calgary company has its way, it may soon be a reality. AB BioPharma Inc. is a new Alberta company working to develop food products to help people who suffer from gastrointestinal problems. Using technology and research developed at the University of Calgary, Dr. Andre Buret and other researchers are working to extract and synthesize a natural protein found in milk, so that it can be used in new nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products. Initial research indicates this protein may be useful in treating and preventing infections such as E. coli diarrhea or even the common stomach flu. “When this milk protein is present in the digestive system, it protects the intestinal wall and prevents infection, letting bacteria, protozoa and viruses harmlessly pass through,” says Dr. Andre Buret, principle investigator on the project. CAN WE—SHOULD WE? Like many new discoveries through the centuries, medical innovations have their share of moral debate. Scientists are hard at work asking the question “Can we do this?”At the same time, society grapples with the more difficult question—“ Should we?” From genetically modified foods to xenotransplantation, the Canadian government and the scientific community are treading carefully, asking hard questions and engaging in farreaching ethical debate to ensure strict protocols for health and safety. For Linda Jabs, it’s the potential to offer hope and relief to those in pain that drives her passion for seeking new treatments. “I believe there is enormous potential in the marriage of agriculture and medicine,” she says. “I like to dream about a future where physical suffering is a thing of the past.” •	Subscribe Today! Subscribe to Food for Thought magazine and never miss another issue again. Food for Thought on CTV Get the recipes of Alberta chefs featured on CTV. Enter to Win! Complete the Food for Thought reader response card and you will be entered to win some great prizes! Where to Find Food for Thought Copies of Food for Thought are available at the following grocery stores & outlets during March, June, September and December: Bigway Calgary Co-op Canada Safeway Save-On-Foods Sunterra Markets Super A Receive Food for Thought Online! Sign up now! Ask the Editor Submit your question or comments. Enjoy delicious recipes every week from the bestselling Company's Coming cookbooks. To view PDFs of the magazine you'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you don't have Acrobat Reader or aren't sure click here to get your free copy.

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Agri-Cures

HOPE FOR DIABETICS

NEW WAYS TO TREAT BURNS AND WOUNDS

MILK PROTEIN SPELLS RELIEF

CAN WE—SHOULD WE?