Recent scientific discoveries have dramatically changed our understanding of the inflammatory response. For example, a controlled level and duration of inflammation is now recognized as essential for some physiological functions. Moreover, it is now established that inflammation does not subside passively but is actively terminated by a complex network of different anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution molecules.
Inflammation is used by the body to restore homeostasis in response to numerous local and systemic signals of tissue damage or danger; it is longer considered only an innate immune system response to infection and/or injury. An increased understanding of root causes of inflammation helps with development of individualized treatment strategies. Many recent scientific discoveries validate concepts, therapies and medications included in traditional medical paradigms. For example, the systems science view of inflammation as multiple, dynamically interacting networks supports using natural multicomponent mixtures (eg. herbal medicines, dietary therapy, various supplements) as effective strategies not only for rapidly and effectively reducing symptoms of inflammation but also minimizing side-effects and supporting longer term, more robust tissue repair. This lecture will introduce some of the most recent scientific discoveries on the topic of inflammation as well as include the associated clinical implications. Developing a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of inflammation will provide Naturopathic doctors, and other healthcare professionals, with additional insights into therapeutic tools that can improve the care of their patients with acute or chronic inflammatory disease.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this lecture, participants will be aware of:
1- Novel and unexpected scientific discoveries in the inflammatory response including:
- Not all inflammation is bad
- Triggers of inflammation include more than just infection and injury
- A systems view of the control of inflammation includes more than just single targets such as NF-kb, IL-1b and TNF-a
- Multiple hubs of control exist including mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, epithelial barrier, microbiome, lymphatic system as well as the extracellular matrix and resident immune cells
- Three different phases of inflammation exist: pro-inflammatory, resolution, post-resolution
2- General clinical implications of all of the above scientific discoveries
CE Credits
Canadian Residents: General- 1.0 credit; Category A-CONO; Category C-British Columbia
OANP: General- 1.0 credit
AANP: General- 1.0 credit
Dr David W Lescheid, BSC, PHD, ND
David W Lescheid, BSc, PhD, ND works as freelance Medical Writer and consultant providing scientific material and delivering lectures that help support patient care using Integrative medical principles. He also works part-time teaching Leadership workshops to scientists as well as part-time as the MedicoScientific Manager of the International Academy of Bioregulatory Systems Medicine in Baden-Baden, Germany.
Prior to these current positions, Dr Lescheid was a Professor at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine where he taught Physiology, Microbiology, and Infectious disease as well as Clinical Care. Additionally, he spent four years practicing full-time in a large multidisciplinary health clinic in Ottawa with specialized interests in the immune system and infectious disease, men’s health issues, obesity concerns, and sports medicine. He has been a member of several federal and international committees including the Expert Advisory Committee (EAC) to Health Canada, the Council for Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND), and other government and media relations subcommittees.
Dr Lescheid graduated with honors from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in 2002. He earned his PhD in Molecular Biology and Protein Chemistry from the University of Victoria. He completed his B.Sc. in Biology, earned a Diploma in Health and Fitness studies from Simon Fraser University, and has additional training in IV therapies, homotoxicology, homeopathy, and different forms of bodywork. Dr Lescheid is a frequent guest speaker at various international medical and scientific seminars, and has published extensively on complementary and integrative medicine.
