# BlueOakNx > Grounded in Science, Guided with Heart --- ## Pages - [Milestone 1 Award-Winning Team in XPRIZE Healthspan $101 Million Competition](https://www.blueoaknx.com/xprize-healthspan-top-40-award-winner/): Milestone 1 Award-Winning Team in XPRIZE Healthspan $101 Million Competition Team – A New Dimension – led by BlueOakNx co-founder... - [Advisors](https://www.blueoaknx.com/advisors/): Our Scientific Advisory Board Robert Lustig, MD, MSL Masters of Studies in LawHastings College, University of California at San Francisco... - [Events](https://www.blueoaknx.com/events/): Events Find us at an Upcoming Event LHON Conference Supported by BlueOakNxJune 19 – 21, 2025St. Louis, MO Join us... - [Batch Info](https://www.blueoaknx.com/batch-info/): Label Claims & Testing Mitokatlyst™ – E Batch EMH024004 Manufactured July 2024 Blue Oak Nutraceuticals manufactures its product in a... - [Preferences](https://www.blueoaknx.com/opt-out-preferences/): - [Communication preferences](https://www.blueoaknx.com/communication-preferences/): - [Refund & Return Policies](https://www.blueoaknx.com/refund-return-policies/): Refund & Return Policies Overview This article provides an overview of the Levels refund and return policies. For information on... - [FAQ](https://www.blueoaknx.com/faq/): Have a question? 
We’ve got you covered. About Mitokatylst™ DosageShippingAccounts and subscriptionsOrders and returnsOffers Product When should I take Blue... - [Support](https://www.blueoaknx.com/support/): Have a question? 
We’re happy to help. It’s natural to want to have all the answers when it comes to... - [Terms of Service](https://www.blueoaknx.com/terms-of-service/): TERMS OF SERVICE Last updated 15 March 2024 AGREEMENT TO OUR LEGAL TERMS We are Blue Oak Nutraceuticals Inc. (“Company,”... - [Home](https://www.blueoaknx.com/): Promote, support and stimulate your mitochondria to boost your cellular energy all day every day View product View product Clinically... - [Mitochondria 101](https://www.blueoaknx.com/science/mitochondria-101/): Your body is constantly fighting to stay healthy. All it needs is the right support. Salugenesis Salutogenesis (coined by medical... - [About Us](https://www.blueoaknx.com/about-us/): Our mission Use proven scientific methods and rigorous research to develop and deliver nutraceuticals that support healthier, happier lives for... - [Science](https://www.blueoaknx.com/science/): Your body is constantly fighting to stay healthy. All it needs is the right support. Salugenesis Salutogenesis (coined by medical... - [Research](https://www.blueoaknx.com/science/research/): Science based. Heart led. Mitokatlyst™, the key ingredient in our first product, Mitokatlyst™-E, is the only clinically tested molecule known... - [Payment Failed](https://www.blueoaknx.com/payment-failed/): We’re sorry, but your transaction failed to process. Please try again or contact site support. - [Payment Confirmation](https://www.blueoaknx.com/payment-confirmation/): - [Shop](https://www.blueoaknx.com/shop/): - [Privacy Policy](https://www.blueoaknx.com/privacy-policy/): PRIVACY POLICY – Blue Oak Nutraceuticals Inc. REVISED: March 29, 2024 Blue Oak Nutraceuticals describes how and why we might... - [Bioenergetics & You Blog](https://www.blueoaknx.com/science/bioenergetics_blog/): Bioenergetics & You Blog --- ## Products - [Mitokatlyst - E](https://www.blueoaknx.com/product/mitokatlyst-e/): --- ## Study - [(−)-Epicatechin Dosing of Adults with Beckers Muscular Dystrophy Shows Increase in Markers of Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Muscle Regeneration](https://www.blueoaknx.com/study/epicatechin-dosing-of-adults-with-becker-muscular-dystrophy-shows-increase-in-markers-of-mitochondrial-biogenesis-and-muscle-regeneration/): This 8-week, open-label study of a unique formulation and dosage of (-)-epicatechin was conducted in ambulatory adults with genetically confirmed... - [(-)-Epicatechin dosing in normal and overweight / obese subjects showed a 30% reduction in C-reactive protein, a key marker of inflammation in the body](https://www.blueoaknx.com/study/epicatechin-dosing-in-normal-and-overweight-obese-subjects-showed-a-30-reduction-in-c-reactive-protein-a-key-marker-of-inflammation-in-the-body/): This randomized, placebo-controlled, and double-blind study was conducted on 30 human subjects with high triglyceride levels for 4 weeks. Read... - [(-)-Epicatechin is Safe with Good Tolerability and is Rapidly Absorbed in Adults](https://www.blueoaknx.com/study/epicatechin-is-safe-with-good-tolerability-and-is-rapidly-absorbed-in-adults/): The purpose of this study was to determine the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of various doses of (-)-epicatechin in... - [(−)-Epicatechin dosing in normal and overweight test subjects showed an increase in fat burning and lowering of blood glucose and triglycerides after consuming a meal](https://www.blueoaknx.com/study/epicatechin-dosing-in-normal-and-overweight-test-subjects-showed-an-increase-in-fat-burning-and-lowering-of-blood-glucose-and-triglycerides-after-consuming-a-meal/): Twenty adult volunteers (normal and overweight) participated in this crossover, open-labeled study. The test criteria excluded those with chronic diseases... --- ## Blog - [LA County Assistance Token: Building a Community of Care Together](https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/la-county-assistance-token-building-a-community-of-care-together/): From the Pandemic to LA Wildfires our health is at stake. BlueOakNx is committed to establishing a circle of care,... - [Let’s Talk Mitochondria and the Discovery and Role of a New Steroid - A Scientific Presentation by Dr. Sundeep Dugar](https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/lets-talk-mitochondria-and-the-discovery-and-role-of-a-new-steroid/): The annual R. Bryan Miller Symposium at the University of California at Davis features noble laureates, researchers, and scientists presenting... - [Laugh for Mito Gala - San Diego 2025](https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/laugh-for-mito-gala-san-diego-2025/): We were at the Laugh for Mito Comedy Night Gala this last Saturday in San Diego. The BlueOakNx team –... - [Is Endometriosis a Mitochondrial Disease?](https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/is-endometriosis-a-mitochondrial-disease/): Millions of women worldwide suffer from endometriosis, a chronic illness that is complicated and sometimes misdiagnosed. According to recent studies,... - [Dr. Richard Johnson: A conversation on the Fat Switch and what we can do about it](https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/dr-richard-johnson-a-conversation-on-the-fat-switch-and-what-we-can-do-about-it/): Dr. Richard Johnson, MD, FACP is Professor of Medicine Renal Disease & Hypertension at the University of Colorado. He also... - [Not your Grandma’s Nutraceutical](https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/not-your-grandmas-nutraceutical/): This is a lightly edited version of Dr. Robert Lustig’s talk at the launch of Blue Oak Nutraceuticals in Palo... - [Dr. Arun Varadhachary: A conversation on mitochondrial dysfunction in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders](https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/dr-arun-varadhachary-a-conversation-on-mitochondrial-dysfunction-in-autoimmune-and-inflammatory-disorders/): Dr. Arun Varadhachary, MD, PhD, is Professor of Neurology and Chief of Neurohospitalist Medicine at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri.... - [Metabolic Syndrome and the Fat Switch](https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/metabolic-syndrome-and-the-fat-switch/): BlueOakNx hosted a panel of distinguished scientists and researchers on November 7, 2024, in Palo Alto, California. The discussion on... - [Dr. Robert Lustig: A conversation on Why All Roads Lead to Metabolism](https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/dr-robert-lustig-a-conversation-on-why-all-roads-lead-to-metabolism/): Dr. Robert Lustig, MD, MSL is Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology at the University of California at San... - [Role of Menopause & Mitochondria in Women’s Aging](https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/role-of-menopause-mitochondria-in-womens-aging/): Estrogen is a pivotal category of hormones in the female body. A sex hormone, this category of steroid hormones affects... - [Role of Mitochondria in Arthritis](https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/role-of-mitochondria-in-arthritis/): The term inflammatory arthritis usually refers to a group of arthritis forms in which inflammation of the joints is brought... - [Impact of Lifestyle & Aging Mitochondria on Longevity and Wellness](https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/impact-of-lifestyle-and-aging-mitochondria-on-longevity-and-wellness/): You may recall mitochondria being referred to as the powerhouses of the cell from your high school biology class. This... - [What is Inflammation and how Mitochondria combat Chronic Inflammation](https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/what-is-inflammation-and-how-mitochondria-combat-chronic-inflammation/): If you’ve lived long enough, you may have experienced inflammation in painful ways, such as twisting your ankle, and you... - [Salugenesis and the Story of Mitochondria](https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/salugenesis-and-the-story-of-mitochondria/): Since World War II, modern medicine has made great strides by dealing so effectively with the triggers and risks associated... - [What are Mitochondria and why are they important?](https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/what-are-mitochondria-and-why-are-they-important/): Mitochondria are capsule-shaped organelles (mini organs) found in most plants, fungi, and animal cells. The reason mitochondria are considered the... --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages ### Milestone 1 Award-Winning Team in XPRIZE Healthspan $101 Million Competition - Published: 2025-05-23 - Modified: 2025-06-03 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/xprize-healthspan-top-40-award-winner/ Milestone 1 Award-Winning Team in XPRIZE Healthspan $101 Million Competition Team - A New Dimension - led by BlueOakNx co-founder BlueOakNx announces the selection of a team led by BlueOakNx co-founder Dr. Sundeep Dugar, to be a semifinalist and Top 40 Milestone 1 Award winning team in the prestigious XPRIZE Healthspan competition. The team – under the name A New Dimension – was one of 40 teams selected from 600+ pre-registered teams from 60 countries. The team includes eminent scientists and clinicians including Prof. Paul Shiels (University of Glasgow), Prof. Peter Stenvinkel (Karolinska University Hospital), Prof. Richard Johnson (University of Colorado), and Paul Maffuid. The team's expertise spans across successful drug discovery, pre-clinical development, clinical development, drug approval, and the launch of a practitioner-grade dietary supplement. About XPRIZE Healthspan Increasing human life expectancy is one of the greatest breakthroughs in modern history. We have more than doubled the global average in the last 100 years, but the length of our healthy lives has not increased at the same rate. XPRIZE Healthspan is a 7-year, $101 million global competition to revolutionize the way we approach human aging. Competing teams will develop and test therapeutics that restore muscle, cognition, and immune function by a minimum of 10 years with a goal of 20 years. Teams were evaluated based on the best, most feasible, and safe approaches. The top 100 Teams are all considered Semifinalists, and presented a single or combination therapeutic approach that demonstrates feasibility to restore muscle, brain, and immune function lost to age-related degradation by at least 10 years, with an ambitious goal of 20 years, and deliver their therapy in 1-year or less in adults aged 50-80 years who are free of major or life-threatening disease and disability. Top 40 Milestone 1 Award-winning teams are each receiving $250,000 to help support them through the next phase of the competition. Read the XPRIZE Healthspan press release. About XPRIZE XPRIZE is the recognized global leader in designing and executing large-scale competitions to solve humanity’s greatest challenges. For 30 years, our unique model has democratized crowd-sourced innovation and scientifically scalable solutions that accelerate a more equitable and abundant future. Donate, learn more, and co-architect a world of abundance with us at XPRIZE. org. About BlueOakNx BlueOakNx is a Public Benefit Corporation on a mission to provide affordable access to science-based, practitioner-grade nutraceuticals that enable a better quality of life from the inside out. The company’s first product Mitokatlyst™ - E is backed by 15 clinical studies, 45 years of combined research by Blue Oak scientists, and 64 peer-reviewed papers. Mitokatlyst™ is the first targeted molecule clinically proven to induce mitochondrial biogenesis and boost cellular energy. This promotes skeletal muscle strength, supports metabolic function, supports cardiovascular health, and stimulates a healthy inflammatory response. The product was introduced in August 2024; since then, new clinical trials and observational studies have been initiated, or are in process, at various universities in the US and Sweden. Read about the role of mitochondria in healthspan, longevity and... --- ### Advisors - Published: 2025-04-16 - Modified: 2025-04-18 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/advisors/ Our Scientific Advisory Board Robert Lustig, MD, MSL Masters of Studies in LawHastings College, University of California at San FranciscoDoctor of MedicineCornell UniversityBachelor of ScienceMassachusetts Institute of Technology PubMedDr. Lustig is a renowned endocrinologist, researcher, and clinician focused on childhood obesity and diabetes. As Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), he specialized in neuroendocrinology, with an emphasis on the regulation of energy balance by the central nervous system. Dr. Lustig’s research on childhood obesity led him to explore the role of fructose in metabolic health, childhood diabetes, and obesity. He is known globally for fostering conversations on the causes, prevention, and treatment of the obesity epidemic. Dr. Lustig is author / co-author of over 100 peer-reviewed publications. His 2011 video, Sugar: The Bitter Truth, has been viewed over 25M times on Youtube. Dr. Lustig is also the author of a number of books, including the NYTimes best sellers: Fat Chance, Hacking of the American Mind, and Metabolical. Learn more at https://robertlustig. com/. Arun Varadhachary, MD, Ph. D. FellowshipNeuromuscular Disease, Barnes-Jewish HospitalResidencyNeurology, Barnes-Jewish HospitalDoctor of MedicineTemple University - Lewis Katz School of MedicinePhD in immunologyTemple University - Lewis Katz School of Medicine PubMedDr. Varadhachary is Professor of Neurology and Neurohospitalist at Washington University School of Medicine and affiliated with the Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis. He focuses on neuropathy, autoimmune/ inflammatory nervous system disorders, and metabolic/degenerative neurologic disorders. His research explores the interaction between autoimmune/inflammatory disorders and mitochondrial dysfunction with particular focus on dermatomyositis. Dr Varadhachary’s 23 peer-reviewed publications range from the study of peripheral nervous system disorders across rheumatology and neurology to functional decline as a result of deficits in skeletal muscle transcriptome and mitochondrial coupling in progressive diabetes. Dr. Varadhachary, along with Washington Hospital, hosts the Annual Beckers Muscular Dystrophy Education Day (BEED) in St. Louis with the purpose of building community and bringing together experts in Beckers care and research for people living with Beckers and their families. Learn more at: physicians. wustl. edu Richard Johnson, MD, FACP Residency & FellowshipNephrology & Infectious Disease, University of Washington, SeattleDoctor of MedicineUniversity of Minnesota Medical SchoolBachelor of ScienceUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison PubMedDr. Johnson is a renowned nephrologist, clinical scientist, and world expert on sugar and its role in health. He is Professor Emeritus, Medicine-Renal Medicine and Diseases/Hypertension at the University of Colorado. For several decades, Dr. Johnson has led research on the cause of obesity and diabetes, with a special interest in the role of fructose and uric acid in these conditions. Dr. Johnson shares the latest research on these topics with the lay public in a very approachable and easily understood way via general education articles and as a frequent speaker on popular health podcasts and panels. Dr. Johnson is author / co-author of over 700 peer-reviewed publications. He is author of several best selling and popular books, including, The Sugar Fix, Nature Wants Us to Be Fat, and The Fat Switch. He is founding editor of the book, Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology,... --- ### Events - Published: 2025-04-11 - Modified: 2025-06-04 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/events/ Events Find us at an Upcoming Event LHON Conference Supported by BlueOakNxJune 19 - 21, 2025St. Louis, MOJoin us at the Mitochondrial Medicine LHON (Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy) Conference to connect with the global community, researchers, and clinicians for resources, support, and education on this rare mitochondrial disorder. Learn More SLC6A1 Europe Supported by BlueOakNxAug 29, 2025Lisbon, PortugalJoin us at SLC6A1C for a scientific presentation by BlueOakNx co-founder and distinguished scientist Dr. Sundeep Dugar at the European Inaugural Symposium on SLC6A1. Learn More Integrative Medicine for Mental Health - IMMH 2025 Supported by BlueOakNxSeptember 11-14, 2025Town and Country Resort, San DiegoJoin us for the 2025 Revolutionising Mental Health Care with Integrative Medicine conference in San Diego. Learn More First Annual Symposium - Mitochondrial Health, Healthspan, & Aging 25 September, 2025 (8am - 6pm)Robertson Auditorium, Mission Bay Conference CenterUCSF Medical Center, San Francisco, CAJoin us at the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center for a symposium featuring leading scientists presenting fundamental concepts on mitochondria. Organizing Committee - Dr. Robert Naviaux, Dr. Robert Lustig and Dr. Sundeep Dugar. Robert Lustig, MD, MSL (Opening Remarks)Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology at the University of California at San Francisco. He also serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of Blue Oak Nutraceuticals, Inc; author of several best-selling books including Fat Chance, Hacking of the American Mind, and Metabolical. Andrew Dillin, Ph. D. Professor, University of California at Berkeley, Departments of Molecular and Cell Biology, Immunology and Molecular Medicine. Howard Hughes Medical Investigator and the Thomas and Stacey Siebel Distinguished Chair in Stem Cell Research at the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology. Phillip Dumesic, MD, Ph. D. Assistant Professor in the Diabetes Center at University of California, San Francisco. His research has been supported by the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. Elissa Epel, Ph. D. Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, at University of California, San Francisco. Director of the Aging, Metabolism, and Emotions Center, Associate Director of the Center for Health and Community and the NIDDK UCSF NORC, member of the National Academy of Medicine, and past President of the Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research and Co-Chair of the Mind and Life Institute Steering Council. Mark Mattson, Ph. D. Adjunct Professor of Neuroscience, John Hopkins University School of Medicine and Former Chief of the Laboratory of Neurosciences at the National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health. Robert Naviaux, MD, Ph. D. Founder of the UCSD Mitochondrial and Metabolic Disease Center (MMDC). He discovered the cause of Alpers syndrome, and part of the team that reported the first mitochondrial DNA mutation to cause genetic forms of autism. Mark Tarnopolsky, MD, Ph. D. McMaster Children's Hospital / Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation Chair in Neuromuscular Disorders, Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine, Division Head of Neuromuscular and Neurometabolic Disorders, McMaster Children’s Hospital, Canada, CEO and CSO, Exerkine Corporation. Sundeep Dugar, Ph. D. (Closing Remarks)Pharma drug discovery expert with over 35 years of... --- ### Batch Info - Published: 2024-08-28 - Modified: 2024-09-11 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/batch-info/ Label Claims & Testing Mitokatlyst™ – E Batch EMH024004 Manufactured July 2024Blue Oak Nutraceuticals manufactures its product in a cGMP facility with the following accreditations: USFDA, WHO-GMP, UNICEF, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45000:2018, FSSC 22000, HACCP, SQF, Halal, Kosher, SMETA etc. Our internal product quality specifications meet or exceed ICH/USP guidelines. Active Ingredients Internal Specifications Results (-)-Epicatechin Purity 98% minimum by HPLC NLT 98% Complies Quality Testing Internal Specifications Results Pesticide Residues Compliance to USP Complies Solvent Residues Compliance to USP Complies Heavy Metals NO MORE THAN 10 PPM LESS THAN 10 PPM Lead NO MORE THAN 2 PPM LESS THAN 2 PPM Arsenic NO MORE THAN 0. 1 PPM LESS THAN 0. 1 PPM Mercury NO MORE THAN 0. 1 PPM LESS THAN 0. 1 PPM Cadmium NO MORE THAN 1 PPM LESS THAN 1 PPM Total Plate Count NO MORE THAN 1000 cfu/g as per USP 10 cfu/g Yeast & Mold NO MORE THAN 100 cfu/g as per USP LESS THAN 10 cfu/g E. coli To be absent in 1g Absent in 1g Salmonella To be absent in 10g Absent in 10g Staphylococcus To be absent in 1g Absent in 1g --- ### Preferences - Published: 2024-07-19 - Modified: 2024-09-11 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/opt-out-preferences/ --- ### Communication preferences - Published: 2024-07-11 - Modified: 2024-09-11 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/communication-preferences/ --- ### Refund & Return Policies - Published: 2024-07-09 - Modified: 2024-09-11 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/refund-return-policies/ Refund & Return Policies Overview This article provides an overview of the Levels refund and return policies. For information on cancelling your ongoing CGM subscription, please visit How to Cancel your CGM Subscription. For information on Levels Labs, please visit Levels Labs Policies. Refunds 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee Try Levels Premium for 30 days and if you are not satisfied with your experience, Levels members can request a full refund for the Levels Membership and most recent CGM purchase less shipping (if applicable) by contacting support@levelshealth. com. Beyond the 30 Days After the satisfaction guarantee window has lapsed: Annual Memberships: If you purchased an annual membership and cancel after the 30-day window has lapsed, no refund will be issued. You can turn off auto-renew in your member portal and your membership will expire at the end of your annual cycle. Monthly Memberships: After the 30-day window has lapsed, please ensure to cancel your membership prior to your next billing date to avoid being charged again. Refunds will not be issued after your first 30 days. Eligible CGM Purchases: Depending on the circumstances, refunds may be granted for the most recent CGM purchase only. Please see our Subscription Cancelation Policy for more information. Please be advised that CGM refunds will not include the cost of shipping. Subscription Cancelation Policy We send out email reminders for CGM subscription renewals 5 days prior to the billing date. Once your payment has been processed, it cannot be canceled. Due to the nature of the medical devices we use with our product, we are unable to accept returns. If you wish to cancel your CGM subscription, please do so before your subscription date. Learn more about cancelling a CGM subscription here. Replacements In the event that a CGM replacement is issued, the purchased sensor is no longer eligible for a refund. Learn more about our Replacement Policy here. Returns Due to the nature of the medical devices we use with our product, Levels is unable to accept CGM returns. In the event of a refund and/or cancelation, you may keep or dispose of your Levels kit. Please remember: prescription or research products used in the Levels program may not be shared, resold, or redistributed under any circumstances. Expired Sensors Levels will only ship CGMs with at least 3 months of shelf-life. It is the member’s responsibility to use their devices in a timely manner. Levels is not responsible for refunding or replacing unused sensors that expired as expected. --- ### FAQ - Published: 2024-07-05 - Modified: 2024-09-11 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/faq/ Have a question? 
We’ve got you covered. About Mitokatylst™ DosageShippingAccounts and subscriptionsOrders and returnsOffers Product When should I take Blue Oak Mitokatlyst-E? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Does Blue Oak Mitokatlyst-E interact with any medication? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Can I take Blue Oak Mitokatlyst-E with other supplements? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Can I take Blue Oak Mitokatlyst-E while pregnant? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. How should I store Blue Oak Mitokatlyst-E? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Shipping --- ### Support - Published: 2024-07-03 - Modified: 2024-09-13 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/support/ Have a question? 
We’re happy to help. It’s natural to want to have all the answers when it comes to your health. It’s a good thing then that we love answering questions about our science, our products, our research and anything else to do with Blue Oak Nutraceuticals. Click here to read FAQs. Not the type to make a call? No worries, send us an email. Send us an email by clicking this link Don’t like writing long emails? Let’s chat. Nudge our chatbot awake by clicking this linkMonday to Friday. 10 am to 5 pm Want to talk to a human? Give us a call. We’re available at +1 650 897 1441Monday to Friday. 10 am to 5 pm --- ### Terms of Service - Published: 2024-07-03 - Modified: 2024-09-11 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/terms-of-service/ TERMS OF SERVICE Last updated 15 March 2024AGREEMENT TO OUR LEGAL TERMSWe are Blue Oak Nutraceuticals Inc. ("Company," "we," "us," "our"). We operate this website, as well as any other related products and services that refer or link to these legal terms (the "Legal Terms") (collectively, the "Services"). You can contact us by email at care@blueoaknx. com. These Legal Terms constitute a legally binding agreement made between you, whether personally or on behalf of an entity ("you"), and Company concerning your access to and use of the Services. You agree that by accessing the Services, you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by all of these Legal Terms. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH ALL OF THESE LEGAL TERMS, THEN YOU ARE EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED FROM USING THE SERVICES AND YOU MUST DISCONTINUE USE IMMEDIATELY. Supplemental terms and conditions or documents that may be posted on the Services from time to time are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to make changes or modifications to these Legal Terms at any time and for any reason. We will alert you about any changes by updating the "Last updated" date of these Legal Terms, and you waive any right to receive specific notice of each such change. It is your responsibility to periodically review these Legal Terms to stay informed of updates. You will be subject to, and will be deemed to have been made aware of and to have accepted, the changes in any revised Legal Terms by your continued use of the Services after the date such revised Legal Terms are posted. We recommend that you print a copy of these Legal Terms for your records. TABLE OF CONTENTS Our Services Not Intended as Medical Advice Products for Personal Use Only Payment and Order Terms Submitted Ideas, Reviews, Comments, and Other Content Risk of Loss, Return Policies, and FAQ Calling, Texting, and Electronic Communications Intellectual Property Rights User Representations Services Management Term And Termination Modifications and Interruptions Governing Law Dispute Resolution Changes Corrections Disclaimer Limitations Of Liability Indemnification User Data Electronic Communications, Transactions, And Signatures Miscellaneous Contact Us 1. Our Services The information provided when using the Services is not intended for distribution to or use by any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or which would subject us to any registration requirement within such jurisdiction or country. Accordingly, those persons who choose to access the Services from other locations do so on their own initiative and are solely responsible for compliance with local laws, if and to the extent local laws are applicable. 2. Not Intended as Medical Advice All information made available via the Services, including any product, service, business or medical information, is solely for informational purposes only. Such information is not a substitute for actual medical care. You should not use the information available on or through the Services for diagnosing or treating... --- ### Home - Published: 2024-06-15 - Modified: 2025-05-23 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/ Promote, support and stimulate your mitochondria to boost your cellular energy all day every day View product View product Clinically proven to stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis Explore our research Pure, precise and safe 98% pure (-)- Epicatechin --- ### Mitochondria 101 - Published: 2024-06-04 - Modified: 2025-05-23 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/science/mitochondria-101/ Your body is constantly fighting to stay healthy. 
All it needs is the right support. Salugenesis Salutogenesis (coined by medical sociologist Aaron Antonovsky in his book, Health, Stress and Coping) is an approach that focuses on the origins of health versus the origins of disease. This approach considers the body’s potential to sustain health and well-being is central to living a healthful life. Taking this concept further, Robert K. Naviaux, MD, PhD, professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Pathology at UC San Diego School of Medicine, defines a more narrow focus – Salugenesis – on the molecular, metabolic, and cellular stages of the healing cycle. It is the process by which the body tries to heal itself in response to physical and mental stresses. In Salugenesis, every molecule, every cell and every organ inside the body takes part in this self-healing process. Together, they fight to keep your body in optimal health. What provides the power for this fight? Mitochondria. (More about them later) The science behind all of this? Not so simple. Salugenesis Bioenergetics Mitochondria Mitochondrial biogenesis Mitophagy Mitokatlyst Salugenesis Modern medicine focuses on how a disease develops, progresses and resolves. Salutogenesis (coined by medical sociologist Aaron Antonovsky in his book Health, Stress and Coping) focuses on the opposite. It concentrates on the body's potential to sustain health and well-being. Salugenesis (derived from salutogenesis) is the process by which your body tries to heal itself in response to physical and mental stresses. Every molecule, every cell and every organ inside your body takes part in this self-healing process. Together, they fight to keep your body in optimal health. Bioenergetics Simply put, bioenergetics can be described as the flow of energy through all living things. There are three key bioenergetic processes: cellular respiration in animals, photosynthesis in plants, and metabolism. The cell transforms energy by producing, storing, or using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which can be understood as the main energy currency used to fuel health and well-being, growth, vitality, physical activities, and mental clarity. Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions that a) convert the energy in food into energy ton fuel processes in cells, b) convert food into molecules that are the building blocks of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and carbohydrates, and c) eliminate waste products. Mitochondria Mitochondria, the powerhouses of your cell, are subcellular structures with a critical job description: generate chemical energy to power the cell's biochemical reactions. Except for red blood cells, every cell in your body can contain thousands of mitochondria. Mitochondria also participate in regulating other systems (for more details, see our blog articles). Mitochondria utilize the energy released during the oxidation of the food you eat to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP, also known as the 'energy currency of the cell,' is the human body's primary energy source. Some of the body functions powered by mitochondria Strength and endurance of heart and skeletal musclesBlood flow to the heart and muscleMaintaining healthy blood sugar levelsRenal filtration and transport functions 0 % 0 % 0 %... --- ### About Us - Published: 2024-05-28 - Modified: 2025-06-04 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/about-us/ Our mission Use proven scientific methods and rigorous research to develop and deliver nutraceuticals that support healthier, happier lives for everyone, everywhere. Our story A drug hunter, an activist, and the mother of a child with a rare disease walk into a room. It might sound like the beginning of a joke, but trust us, the punchline is no laughing matter. Sundeep Dugar, a PhD with over 35 years of experience in small-molecule drug discovery and development, was in the room after steering two drugs from the lab to the market. He had just realized how out-of-reach and out-of-pocket medicines had become. Sonya Pelia was in the room after spending 30+ years as a grassroots activist and leader. A serial entrepreneur and expert in product-led growth, she also knew a thing or two about building digital revenue engines in tech. She had seen up close exactly how the game was rigged in favor of those who have everything and still want more. Monica Pal, a tech entrepreneur and the mother of a child with a rare disease was in the room because she had skin in the game. She had experienced firsthand how innovation and investment in health care were geared toward improving the health of the stock market at the expense of the people who suffer every day. Together, they imagined a world where the groundbreaking scientific discovery made by Sundeep and his collaborators could help people who needed it the most, regardless of where in the world they lived. They asked themselves, “If not us, then who? ”And Blue Oak Nutraceuticals, Inc; a Public Benefit Corporation, was born. Our scientists Our leadership team PubMed Dr. Sundeep Dugar Post-doctoral fellowship Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH)Post-doctoral fellowship Cornell University Ph. D. Chemistry University of California Davis + Read moreSundeep has almost 40 years of experience and great success in small-molecule drug discovery and development in oncology, - inflammation, the central nervous system, and cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Founded Advantium Pharma (2005), a contract research and manufacturing company; Sphaera Pharma (2008), establishing a new and unique model for drug discovery and development; Epirium Bio (2019), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company; Aayam Therapeutics (2022) advancing therapeutics for patients. 15 years ago, research in mitochondrial bioenergetics piqued his interest, and he has devoted significant time and resources to this research ever since. Co-inventor of Zetia® (ezetimibe) and Vytorin® (ezetimibe/simvastatin) at Bristol-Myers Squibb and Schering-Plough. American Chemical Society’s 2005 National Inventor of the Year Award and 2004 Heroes of Chemistry Award. Co-author of 70+ publications and presentations, and co-inventor on 100+ issued and applied patents. Co-organizer of the R. Bryan Miller Symposium at UC Davis for 20+ years, where he is Senior Research Fellow, helped create the UC Davis Pharmaceutical Chemistry program, and previously served as Trustee of the UC Davis Foundation. Leading team (named A New Dimension) that is a semifinalist and Top 40 Milestone 1 Award winner in the prestigious $101 Million XPRIZE Healthspan competition. PubMed Francisco Villarreal, MD, PhD Professor of... --- ### Science - Published: 2024-05-21 - Modified: 2025-05-23 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/science/ Your body is constantly fighting to stay healthy. 
All it needs is the right support. Salugenesis Salutogenesis (coined by medical sociologist Aaron Antonovsky in his book, Health, Stress and Coping) is an approach that focuses on the origins of health versus the origins of disease. This approach considers the body’s potential to sustain health and well-being is central to living a healthful life. Taking this concept further, Robert K. Naviaux, MD, PhD, professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Pathology at UC San Diego School of Medicine, defines Salugenesis – focused on the molecular, metabolic, and cellular stages of the healing cycle. It is the process by which the body tries to heal itself in response to physical and mental stresses. In Salugenesis, every molecule, every cell and every organ inside the body takes part in this self-healing process. Together, they fight to keep your body in optimal health. What provides the power for this fight? Mitochondria. (More about them later) The science behind all of this? Not so simple. Salugenesis Bioenergetics Mitochondria Mitochondrial biogenesis Mitophagy Mitokatlyst Bioenergetics Metabolism is about all the chemical processes - including Salugenesis - that happen inside living organisms and every chemical process involves the making and breaking of chemical bonds in molecules.   Simply put, Bioenergetics is about how energy flows as bonds are made and bonds are broken - how energy in food is converted into energy that fuels processes in cells, how energy is used to convert food into molecules that are the building blocks of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids and carbohydrates, and how energy is used to eliminate waste products. Key to this flow of energy, is adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule that is the "currency of energy" used to fuel health and well-being. And all the action happens in the Mitochondria. Mitochondria Mitochondria are organelles inside cells that are key to maintaining a functioning cell and keeping it alive. One of their critical jobs is to generate ATP, the energy carrying molecule found in the cells of all living things. Mitochondria store energy obtained from food metabolism, and provide it to fuel cellular processes from maintaining optimal cellular function to responding to cellular stress or insult that can lead to acute, sub-chronic or chronic pathologies. They provide the cell and the body the needed resources to address these insults and promote healing – also called Salugenesis. Cells that need more energy, like those in the heart and brain have more mitochondria per cell while others like skin cells have fewer. Except for red blood cells, every cell in your body can contain thousands of mitochondria that also participate in regulating other systems (for more details, see our blog). Mitochondria play an important role in Promoting strength and endurance in heart and skeletal muscles Promoting optimal blood flow Maintaining a healthy metabolic profile Improving kidney function Addressing both internal and external insults that affect the health and function of a cell Supporting a healthy inflammatory response 0 % 0 % 0 % of your energyis generated... --- ### Research - Published: 2024-05-21 - Modified: 2025-05-23 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/science/research/ Science based. Heart led.  Mitokatlyst™, the key ingredient in our first product, Mitokatlyst™-E, is the only clinically tested molecule known to stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis, support ATP production, protect mitochondria from damage and dysfunction, and support optimal mitophagy. *Structural requirements for Mitokatlyst™ activity are highly specific. Closely related structural analogs not only have no efficacy but can also antagonize the effect of this molecule. The product has an exceptional Safety Profile and works at a precise dose and purity. Scientific Publications Dr. Sundeep Dugar - PubMed Our Core Research Pharmacokinetic, partial pharmacodynamic and initial safety analysis of (−)-epicatechin in healthy volunteers. * READ MORE Effects of (−)-epicatechin on molecular modulators of skeletal muscle growth and differentiation. * READ MORE (−)-Epicatechin induces mitochondrial biogenesis and markers of muscle regeneration in adults with Beckers muscular dystrophy. *READ MORE Acute effects of an oral supplement of (-)-epicatechin on postprandial fat and carbohydrate metabolism in normal and overweight subjects. * READ MORE (−)-Epicatechin Activation of Endothelial Cell Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase, Nitric Oxide, and Related Signaling Pathways. * READ MORE A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study on the effects of (−)-epicatechin on the triglyceride/HDLc ratio and cardiometabolic profile of subjects with hypertriglyceridemia: Unique in vitro effects. * READ MORE Other Select Research (−)-Epicatechin Activation of Endothelial Cell Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase, Nitric Oxide, and Related Signaling Pathways*READ PAPER 11-β-hydroxysterols as possible endogenous stimulators of mitochondrial biogenesis as inferred from epicatechin molecular mimicry* READ PAPER New Clinical Trials Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)Human clinical trial to evaluate the effect of (-)-Epicatechin (Blue Oak Nutraceuticals inc. Mitokatlyst™ - E) on mitochondrial dysfunction, muscle function, muscle mass, and myosteatosis in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Initiated at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden. ClinicalTrials. gov ID - NCT06631820 --- ### Payment Failed - Published: 2024-05-14 - Modified: 2024-09-11 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/payment-failed/ We're sorry, but your transaction failed to process. Please try again or contact site support. --- ### Payment Confirmation - Published: 2024-05-14 - Modified: 2024-09-11 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/payment-confirmation/ --- ### Shop - Published: 2024-05-04 - Modified: 2024-09-11 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/shop/ --- ### Privacy Policy - Published: 2024-05-04 - Modified: 2024-09-11 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/privacy-policy/ PRIVACY POLICY - Blue Oak Nutraceuticals Inc. REVISED: March 29, 2024Blue Oak Nutraceuticals describes how and why we might collect, store, use, and/or share your information when you use our services or any website of ours that links to this privacy notice, or engage with us in other related ways, including any sales, marketing, or events. Questions or concerns? Reading this privacy notice will help you understand your privacy rights and choices. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Services. If you still have any questions or concerns, please contact us at care@blueoaknx. com. SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS This summary provides key points from our privacy notice, but you can find out more details about any of these topics by clicking the link following each key point or by using our table of contents below to find the section you are looking for. What personal information do we process? When you visit, use, or navigate our Services, we may process personal information depending on how you interact with us and the Services, the choices you make, and the products and features you use. Learn more about personal information you disclose to us. Do we process any sensitive personal information? We may process sensitive personal information when necessary with your consent or as otherwise permitted by applicable law. Learn more about sensitive information we process. Do we receive any information from third parties? We do not receive any information from third parties. How do we process your information? We process your information to provide, improve, and administer our Services and communicate with you for security and fraud prevention, and to comply with law. We may also process your information for other purposes with your consent. We process your information only when we have a valid legal reason to do so. Learn more about how we process your information. 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The easiest way to exercise your rights is by visiting www. blueoaknx. com, or by contacting us at care@blueoaknx. com. We will consider and act upon any request in accordance with applicable... --- ### Bioenergetics & You Blog - Published: 2022-06-22 - Modified: 2025-04-24 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/science/bioenergetics_blog/ Bioenergetics & You Blog --- --- ## Products ### Mitokatlyst - E - Published: 2024-07-04 - Modified: 2025-04-07 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/product/mitokatlyst-e/ - SKU: BO-U1014BAT02 - Price: 342.00 USD - Product type: variable - Product categories: US --- --- ## Study ### (−)-Epicatechin Dosing of Adults with Beckers Muscular Dystrophy Shows Increase in Markers of Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Muscle Regeneration - Published: 2021-02-20 - Modified: 2025-04-17 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/study/epicatechin-dosing-of-adults-with-becker-muscular-dystrophy-shows-increase-in-markers-of-mitochondrial-biogenesis-and-muscle-regeneration/ This 8-week, open-label study of a unique formulation and dosage of (-)-epicatechin was conducted in ambulatory adults with genetically confirmed Beckers Muscular Dystrophy (BMD). Note that the formulation and dosage of (-)-epicatechin used in this clinical are relevant to our key ingredient, Mitokatylst™ in the product Mitokatylst™ – E. The baseline of the trial subjects showed a severe loss of mitochondria cristae and significantly reduced levels of dystrophin (a protein that strengthens and protects muscle fibers in the heart and skeletal muscles). Results were evaluated using muscle biopsies, electron microscopy, Western Blots, exercises, and grip strength. Key Takeaways After 6 weeks, the muscle biopsy results showed an increase in three key areas of the mitochondria: a) increase in the transcriptional coactivators of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, b) increase in the levels of mitofilin, a protein that controls and maintains mitochondrial cristae, and c) an increase in cristae which orchestrate cellular energy production. Markers of skeletal muscle regeneration — myogenin, myogenic regulatory factor-5, myoblast determination protein 1, myocyte enhancer factor-2, and structure-associated proteins, dysferlin, utrophin, and intracellular creatine kinase — increased. This indicates that skeletal muscle may have recovered or improved to some degree. Graded exercises — six-min walk, four-stair climb, and exercise cycle test — showed decreased heart rates and blood lactate levels plus increased oxygen consumption suggesting less fatigue during exercise. READ PAPER Authors Craig M. McDonald, Israel Ramirez-Sanchez, Björn Oskarsson, Nanette Joyce, Candace Aguilar, Alina Nicorici, Jonathan Dayan, Erica Goude, R. Ted Abresch, Francisco Villarreal, Guillermo Ceballos, Guy Perkins, Sundeep Dugar, George Schreiner, Erik K. Henricson --- ### (-)-Epicatechin dosing in normal and overweight / obese subjects showed a 30% reduction in C-reactive protein, a key marker of inflammation in the body - Published: 2016-11-20 - Modified: 2024-08-01 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/study/epicatechin-dosing-in-normal-and-overweight-obese-subjects-showed-a-30-reduction-in-c-reactive-protein-a-key-marker-of-inflammation-in-the-body/ This randomized, placebo-controlled, and double-blind study was conducted on 30 human subjects with high triglyceride levels for 4 weeks. A precise formulation and dosage of (-)-epicatechin was administered to the treated group. Note that the formulation and dosage of (-)-epicatechin used in this clinical are relevant to our key ingredient, Mitokatylst™ in the product Mitokatylst™ – E. Blood samples were collected in all subjects to assess indicators of glucose and lipid control as well as inflammation. Key Takeaways A significant reduction of the levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was noted (-30. 2% in the treated group) while the placebo group did not show any change in their hs-CRP levels. The hs-CRP test is used to estimate inflammation in the body and can help predict the risk of heart disease and stroke. Test results for the treated subjects showed significant decreases in triglycerides (-30%) versus the placebo group (-12. 9%). The group receiving (-)-epicatechin also showed a 25. 8% reduction in their TG/HDLc index whereas the placebo group showed a 5. 7% reduction. Test results also demonstrated significant decreases in fructosamine blood levels suggesting improved blood glucose control. The effects of (-)-epicatechin appeared more prominent in the overweight subjects. READ PAPERAuthors Gabriela Gutiérrez-Salmeán, Eduardo Meaney, Miguel A. Lanaspa, Christina Cicerchi, Richard J. Johnson, Sundeep Dugar, Pam Taub, Israel Ramírez-Sánchez, Francisco Villarreal, George Schreiner, Guillermo Ceballos --- ### (-)-Epicatechin is Safe with Good Tolerability and is Rapidly Absorbed in Adults - Published: 2015-03-13 - Modified: 2024-09-25 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/study/epicatechin-is-safe-with-good-tolerability-and-is-rapidly-absorbed-in-adults/ The purpose of this study was to determine the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of various doses of (-)-epicatechin in healthy human subjects. Note that the formulation and dosage of (-)-epicatechin used in this clinical study are relevant to our key ingredient, Mitokatylst™ in the product Mitokatylst™ – E. The study results reported no adverse cardiovascular effects. The test results also showed that the levels of follistatin – a protein that can stimulate muscle mass and strength – increased significantly in all subjects. To date, the only known way to physiologically increase follistatin levels is with exercise. Key Takeaways The open label study was designed to give healthy human subjects a unique formulation and dosages of (-)-epicatechin as follows: single doses (50 mg, 100 or 200 mg) or multiple doses of 50 mg daily or twice daily. The study results did not show any adverse effects on the heart rate, (diastolic and systolic) blood pressure, or electrocardiogram at any of the (-)-epicatechin doses or dosing schedules of the nine healthy human subjects. None of the subjects reported any symptoms, such as light headedness, dizziness, fatigue, chest discomfort, or changes in breathing during the research duration. Plasma follistatin levels in subjects receiving (-)-epicatechin for 5 days were found to be approximately 2. 5X higher on day 5 versus day 1 indicating (-)-epicatechin has a vigorous and sustained effect on follistatin production. Other clinical studies, including some by Blue Oak scientists, have shown follistatin improving skeletal muscle mass, strength, and regeneration. READ PAPERAuthors Christopher F. Barnett, Aldo Moreno-Ulloa, Sruti Shiva, Israel Ramirez-Sanchez, Pam R. Taub, Yongxuan Su, Guillermo Ceballos, Sundeep Dugar, George Schreinerf, Francisco Villarreal --- ### (−)-Epicatechin dosing in normal and overweight test subjects showed an increase in fat burning and lowering of blood glucose and triglycerides after consuming a meal - Published: 2014-03-20 - Modified: 2024-08-26 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/study/epicatechin-dosing-in-normal-and-overweight-test-subjects-showed-an-increase-in-fat-burning-and-lowering-of-blood-glucose-and-triglycerides-after-consuming-a-meal/ Twenty adult volunteers (normal and overweight) participated in this crossover, open-labeled study. The test criteria excluded those with chronic diseases or those who used pharmacologic agents to modulate metabolism after a meal. Some of the test subjects received a dose of 100 mg of a precise formulation of (-)-epicatechin after fasting for 10 hours and before consuming a balanced commercial nutritional (meal) supplement. Results from treated subjects were compared to those from untreated volunteers. All test subjects were tested for blood glucose and triglyceride levels before, 2 hours after, and 4 hours after consuming the nutritional supplement. Indirect calaorimetry was performed to evaluate the respiratory (metabolic) quotient of the subjects. Note that the formulation and dosage of (-)-epicatechin used in this clinical are relevant to our key ingredient, Mitokatylst™ in the product Mitokatylst™ – E. Key Takeaways Test results in the treated group showed significantly lower glucose (four hours after the meal) and triglycerides immediately after consuming the meal. Overweight subjects showed significant decreases in fasting glycemia and post-eating triglyceridemia. Results from indirect calorimetry demonstrate treated subjects increased lipid metabolism after the meal as per the decrease in the respiratory quotient, which implies an increase in fat oxidation. This effect was most prominent in overweight subjects. READ PAPERAuthors Gabriela Gutiérrez-Salmeán, Pilar Ortiz-Vilchis, Claudia M Vacaseydel, Ivan Rubio-Gayosso, Eduardo Meaney, Francisco Villarreal, Israel Ramírez-Sánchez, Guillermo Ceballos --- --- ## Blog ### LA County Assistance Token: Building a Community of Care Together - Published: 2025-04-19 - Modified: 2025-04-23 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/la-county-assistance-token-building-a-community-of-care-together/ - Categories: Healthspan, Inflammation, News From the Pandemic to LA Wildfires our health is at stake. BlueOakNx is committed to establishing a circle of care, where everyone benefits. This spring, our very first EnAble Token was launched on the Sustainable Exchange, for good health & well-being for Los Angeles County in California. This innovative, matching approach, multiplies collective goodness with a community of care. Everyone benefits - first responders and compromised populations get needed support, BlueOakNx receives funding to continue their mission and corporate partners gain verifiable ESG impact. The Health Challenge We are Addressing Together Recent LA County wildfires created dangerous air quality conditions that persist long after the flames are extinguished. These microscopic particles damage cellular mitochondria—the body's energy generators—leading to health complications that can affect respiratory, cardiovascular, and immune systems with structural damage. Mitokatylst™ - E induces mitochondrial biogenesis and protects mitochondria from damage and dysfunction. It promotes cardiovascular health, supports metabolic function, promotes skeletal muscle strength, and stimulates a healthy inflammatory response. * Los Angeles Jan-Feb 2025; 743 wildfires, 60,132 acres burned, 30 deaths, 16,251 structures burned ~CalFire BlueOakNx invites forward-thinking organizations to join our groundbreaking LA County Initiative - a revolutionary model that transforms health resilience through the power of sustainable blockchain technology. Blue Oak will give a deep discount to firefighters, first responders and residents affected by the LA fires to lower the barrier to entry for those in need. The Community of Care supports this circular economy. How Our Token-based System Creates Value For All When your organization participates in our LA County Assistance Initiative through the Sustainable Exchange platform: First: BlueOakNx creates an EnAble Token representing our commitment to provide Mitokatlyst™-E at a $180 discount to 100 first responders and vulnerable residents affected by wildfires. Second: Your organization purchases this token on the Sustainable Exchange Marketplace supporting BlueOakNx’s mission while gaining verified ESG credentials. Third: The transaction is recorded on the Sustainable Exchange blockchain platform, creating an immutable record for transparency and third-party validation. Fourth: The bilateral matching mechanism amplifies your impact - for every dollar invested in the token, additional value is created through the health benefits delivered and the sustainable business model supported. Direct health support for those affected by environmental hazards Sustainable business model for continued innovation Verifiable ESG metrics to Society (BTS) and Matched Sustainable Returns (MSR) Beyond Corporate Responsibility Our initiative directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3), which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. The LA County wildfires have created a health crisis beyond the visible damage—one that affects cellular health through dangerous air pollution. By providing Mitokatlyst™-E to those affected, we're supporting a critical health need that aligns with SDG3's mission while creating a model of sustainable healthcare access. The pandemic has shown us how vulnerable our health systems can be, and initiatives like this help build community resilience against environmental health hazards. In today's business landscape, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are increasingly critical for investors to understand both risks and opportunities. The MSCI... --- ### Let’s Talk Mitochondria and the Discovery and Role of a New Steroid - A Scientific Presentation by Dr. Sundeep Dugar - Published: 2025-04-12 - Modified: 2025-04-23 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/lets-talk-mitochondria-and-the-discovery-and-role-of-a-new-steroid/ - Categories: Bioenergetics, Mitochondria, News, Salugenesis The annual R. Bryan Miller Symposium at the University of California at Davis features noble laureates, researchers, and scientists presenting the latest research in chemical biology, organic, and pharmaceutical chemistry. This year, the Symposium celebrated its 25th anniversary and also featured a key presentation from UC Davis alum Dr. Sundeep Dugar, co-founder of the Miller Symposium, co-founder of BlueOakNx, and a pharma drug hunter. Dr. Dugar has deep experience of almost 40 years in small-molecule drug discovery and development in oncology, inflammation,
the central nervous system, and cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. More about Dr. Dugar’s presentation later in this article. Other distinguished speakers included Nobel Laureate Jennifer Doudna, University of California at Berkeley with a presentation titled, "The Chemistry of CRISPR: What's Ahead for Genome Editing," and Nobel Laureate Frances Arnold, Caltech, with a presentation titled, "Innovation by Evolution: Bringing New Chemistry to Life. " About Professor R. Bryan Miller & the Founding of the Symposium The Symposium, in honor of R. Bryan Miller, brings together UC Davis departments across the entire campus, Alumni, community members, and scientists from all over the country. Professor Miller rapidly established a reputation as an imaginative researcher, a sterling teacher, and an extraordinary mentor to students at both the undergraduate and graduate level with Dr. Dugar being one of his mentees. The Founding Committee said: Professor Miller “... was truly the forerunner of the current thriving research efforts in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Chemical Biology in the Department. It is in a spirit of recognition of his achievements in research and teaching, and gratitude for his selfless service to the University and to the larger Chemistry community that we dedicate this annual symposium to the memory of Professor R. Bryan Miller. ” Watch this video to learn more about the history of the founding of the symposium and the contributions by Professor R. Bryan Miller to UC Davis, current students, and alumni. Dr. Sundeep Dugar - Discovery of a New Mitochondrial Human Sterol Hormone In his presentation, Dr. Dugar starts with an introduction on mitochondria and the role they play in the existence of all living things. He dives into the concept of Salugenesis, as defined by Dr. Robert Naviaux, founder of the Naviaux Lab and the Mitochondrial and Metabolic Disease Center at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, as a systems approach, one that is an “evolutionarily conserved, and highly choreographed sequence of molecular steps that comprise the healing cycle. ” Dr. Dugar discusses why and how healing and recovery begin with mitochondria and the cell. His presentation guides us through the discoveries made by Dr. Dugar and the team as they were researching the impact of pathogenic triggers and anthropogenic factors on mitochondrial function. The discovery of the new mitochondria human sterol hormone is backed by data from multiple studies. Watch the video to learn more. Read Next How mitochondria battle chronic inflammation Impact of lifestyle & aging mitochondria on longevity and wellness Salugenesis - Body’s innate healing process --- ### Laugh for Mito Gala - San Diego 2025 - Published: 2025-03-29 - Modified: 2025-04-24 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/laugh-for-mito-gala-san-diego-2025/ - Categories: Mitochondria, News We were at the Laugh for Mito Comedy Night Gala this last Saturday in San Diego. The BlueOakNx team – Sonya, Sundeep and I (Monica) – were at the event because the Mito Mom community in San Diego were having their annual gala to raise funds to support cutting-edge pediatric mitochondrial research at the UCSD Metabolic and Mitochondrial Disease Clinic. The Mito Moms – Christina, Ashley, Megan and 15 Mito Families of San Diego – also planned to fundraise to support 10 families with a year’s supply of Mitokatlyst™ - E. Now that it is all over, I thought about all the things I wanted to say but did not think to say in my 5-minute talk... so here goes: We were at the Laugh for Mito Gala because ... My daughter (who is graduating with an MBA this May) has a rare mitochondrial disease. My husband (the class clown; we met in high school) loves comedy; and, even during the toughest of days, has us cracking up laughing. It all started at UCSD Dr. Robert Naviaux, founder of the MItochondrial Center at the University of California at San Diego, says that the first book of medicine – for the first 5,000 years – has been all about dealing with acute injuries (fixing broken bones) and infections (from measles to malaria). The focus has been on symptoms and pathogenesis, or what makes you sick. Today, with one in two Americans suffering at least one chronic disease, Dr. Naviaux proposes the second book of medicine, one that views the body as a system and focuses on Salugenesis, the body’s innate ability to heal itself. All the action is inside the cell, and starts with the mitochondria, which make 90% plus of the energy that fuels every biological process, including the healing process. There are no coincidences We were at the Gala because after working with dozens of deep tech startup founders to scale their companies, The Monarch Mavens (that's Sonya Pelia and I), were looking to do something more meaningful ourselves. A dietary supplement company approached us for help in scaling in the U. S. ; but, we knew nothing about dietary supplements. We asked our Silicon Valley network and were introduced to Sundeep Dugar, PhD, a successful drug discovery expert. Fifteen years earlier, Sundeep met researchers at UCSD who were fascinated by the healing properties of cacao; and, trying to answer the question – why did the Mayans and the Incas only give cacao to the royal family and the messengers who ran from village to village? Collectively, they began to study the molecule that would become Mitokatlyst, conducting 15 preclinical and clinical studies and publishing 64 peer-reviewed papers showing amongst other findings, that Mitokatlyst triggers biogenesis – the process by which mitochondria multiply – and more mitochondria means more energy to fuel the healing process. We were at the Gala because we were intrigued about what Sundeep told us of his background and discoveries. Week after week, we met... --- ### Is Endometriosis a Mitochondrial Disease? - Published: 2024-12-10 - Modified: 2025-05-12 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/is-endometriosis-a-mitochondrial-disease/ Millions of women worldwide suffer from endometriosis, a chronic illness that is complicated and sometimes misdiagnosed. According to recent studies, mitochondrial dysfunction might be a key factor in the onset and progression of the condition. The connection between endometriosis and mitochondria is examined in this article, along with the possibility of improving symptoms and results by focusing on mitochondrial health. What Is Endometriosis When tissue that resembles the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, grows outside of it, it is known as endometriosis. Scarring, discomfort, and inflammation may result from this displaced tissue. Women of reproductive age are the condition's main victims, and infertility is frequently linked to it. Common symptoms of Endometriosis Symptoms of endometriosis can vary widely; however, common signs include:Pelvic pain, especially during menstruationPain during intercourseHeavy menstrual bleeding or irregular periodsFatigueInfertilityGastrointestinal issues like bloating, constipation, or diarrheaBack painPainful urination or bowel movements, particularly during periodsNausea and vomitingChronic fatigueThe possible link between endometriosis and mitochondrial health is highlighted by the fact that it can also present as systemic symptoms as immunological dysfunction and inflammation. Role of Mitochondria in Endometriosis The vital organelles called mitochondria are in charge of generating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the source of energy. To preserve cellular health, they also control the pathways leading to oxidative stress and cell death. According to recent research, a key factor in the pathogenesis of endometriosis is mitochondrial malfunction. Mitochondrial Dynamics: the processes of mitochondrial fission and fusion—collectively referred to as mitochondrial dynamics—are disturbed. Unbalanced dynamics contribute to the growth and invasiveness of endometriotic cells by increasing oxidative stress and impairing cellular energy production. Energy Production and Oxidative Stress: Endometrial cells produce less ATP when there is mitochondrial malfunction. Cellular function is impacted by this energy shortfall, which can also make inflammation worse. Moreover, oxidative stress is exacerbated by malfunctioning mitochondria's increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which harms nearby tissues and feeds the inflammatory cycle. Genomic Variations: People with advanced-stage endometriosis have been found to have changes in their mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Further connecting mitochondrial health to disease severity, these genetic alterations may make people more vulnerable to oxidative stress and disrupt mitochondrial function. Mitochondrial oxidative stress and inflammation in Endometriosis Endometriosis is characterized by oxidative stress, which is mostly regulated by mitochondria. Excess ROS are released by dysfunctional mitochondria, which destroys cellular components and sets off inflammatory pathways. By lowering egg quality and endometrial receptivity, this chronic inflammatory milieu not only exacerbates symptoms like fatigue and pelvic pain but also plays a role in infertility. Endometriosis and mitochondrial DNA: links to pain and inflammation Variations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been linked to endometriosis's painful and inflammatory symptoms. A higher inflammatory response is associated with specific mtDNA haplogroups, which exacerbates the pain and immunological dysregulation that are hallmarks of the illness. These results point to a possible genetic foundation for patient-to-patient variation in symptoms. Improving mitochondrial health for symptom relief A promising strategy for treating endometriosis is to focus on mitochondrial health. Among the methods... --- ### Dr. Richard Johnson: A conversation on the Fat Switch and what we can do about it - Published: 2024-11-28 - Modified: 2025-04-23 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/dr-richard-johnson-a-conversation-on-the-fat-switch-and-what-we-can-do-about-it/ - Categories: Bioenergetics, Healthspan, Inflammation, Mitochondria Dr. Richard Johnson, MD, FACP is Professor of Medicine Renal Disease & Hypertension at the University of Colorado. He also serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of Blue Oak Nutraceuticals, Inc. Dr. Johnson has published more than 550 peer-reviewed publications. He is also the author of several books including, Nature Wants Us to Be Fat, The Sugar Fix, The Fat Switch, and Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. Note: The content has been lightly edited for readability and conciseness. You've written a lot, including books, on the Survival or Fat Switch. Tell us more about your discoveries on the Fat Switch. Dr. Johnson - Most people think that the reason you gain weight is because we eat too much and we exercise too little. So, it's supposed to be kind of a simple thing. It's driven by poor behavior where we select foods that we know are bad, but we still go ahead and do it, and then we gain weight. And it's that simple. But, over the years, it's become obvious that this is not so and it is unlikely to be the mechanism; there must be another way that triggers weight gain. What we did was to start studying animals in the wild and we noticed some animals purposefully become fat, they do so in the fall before winter, and like the hibernating bear will gain a lot of weight. They become insulin resistant, get fatty liver, and all these things that we think of as unhealthy. But for the bear, it's actually important for survival. And so as we studied this, we tried to understand it, and we realized that there's a switch, which we call the Survival Switch, that animals can activate. And when they do, they become extremely hungry. They forage for food, they store fat, they become insulin resistant, and then they'll turn off that switch right before they hibernate. And so then when they hibernate, they go from storing fat to burning fat. I've written a book on this, titled, The Fat Switch. We've done a lot of research on it to identify what causes that switch. And we've been able to show that the switch is actually what's causing obesity in humans. How can a person turn the Fat Switch off? Or, is it even possible to turn off the Fat Switch? Dr. Johnson - That's a very complicated question, because in order to understand it, you actually have to know how the switch works. So let me tell you a little bit about how the switch works. The classic thought was that the way obesity occurs is we eat food, which is a type of energy. And we make energy from the food we eat. In our bodies there are these things called mitochondria and the mitochondria are energy factories. And when we eat food, the food's broken down and used by the mitochondria to generate energy. And this gives us the energy we need to run and to hike, to sing and talk... --- ### Not your Grandma’s Nutraceutical - Published: 2024-11-26 - Modified: 2025-04-23 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/not-your-grandmas-nutraceutical/ - Categories: Healthspan, Inflammation, Mitochondria, News This is a lightly edited version of Dr. Robert Lustig’s talk at the launch of Blue Oak Nutraceuticals in Palo Alto on 7 November, 2024. God gave you a red Corvette with no owner’s manual Everyone in this room was given, by God, a spanking brand new fire red Corvette. And the goal of life is to maintain that Corvette in perfect working order lest it become a jalopy. The problem is no owner's manual and no warranty. So you have to figure out for yourself how you're going to maintain that fiery red Corvette while driving it. And it's actually not that easy, is it? That's the goal of health, is to prevent that transition. When you do that, you'll be 110 playing tennis. If you don't do that, you'll be 40 years old . . on a gurney. . , on dialysis, waiting for your next stroke and anything in between. So the question is, what are those steps in the owner's manual that God didn't tell you? Metabolical - your owner’s manual And that's what my book Metabolical is about. I'm going to recite the 8 steps on how you’re going to maintain that Corvette. And then we're going to talk about the mitochondria. Glycation - the binding of glucose or fructose to any protein - which reduces protein flexibility and reduces protein capability. It also releases Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) - that's what causes rusting of your body, of your chassis, of your cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction itself. Insulin resistance - when your insulin doesn't do its job... fixing the liver is job one. Membrane stability - that's where omega threes come in. Inflammation. Where does inflammation come from? In some people it's going to be autoimmune disease, but in others the primary source of inflammation is the gut. So when your gut works right, your inflammation is low and when your gut works wrong, you have leaky gut and basically all the junk gets into your bloodstream, and you're going to set off inflammation throughout the body. Methylation - putting methyl groups in various places stops various genes from working, which is a big problem. Autophagy - garbage night for the cell. The cell makes all sorts of junk and the junk has to get cleaned out. And that's what sleep is - garbage night for the brain, taking all the junk that is accumulated. Most of that junk is a byproduct of mitochondrial metabolism. So of those 8, how many of those have a drug that works on them? None. We have drugs that treat symptoms of disease like Statins will lower LDL. Oral hypoglycemics will lower blood glucose. So what? Antihypertensives will lower blood pressure? That's not the problem. You have to actually treat the problem to fix the problem. You can't treat the symptom and then expect the problem to be fixed. And that's what modern medicine has been doing for chronic disease for the past 50 years. It has ignored the pathogenesis... --- ### Dr. Arun Varadhachary: A conversation on mitochondrial dysfunction in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders - Published: 2024-11-24 - Modified: 2025-04-23 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/dr-arun-varadhachary-a-conversation-on-mitochondrial-dysfunction-in-autoimmune-and-inflammatory-disorders/ - Categories: Healthspan, Inflammation, Mitochondria, News Dr. Arun Varadhachary, MD, PhD, is Professor of Neurology and Chief of Neurohospitalist Medicine at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. He also serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of Blue Oak Nutraceuticals, Inc. Dr. Varadhachary has published 24 peer-reviewed publications. Note: The content has been lightly edited for readability and conciseness. Your current research explores the interaction between autoimmune and inflammatory disorders and mitochondrial dysfunction. Tell us more about your discoveries. Dr. Vardhachary: We often try to categorize diseases based upon what we think is causing the problem. And in neurology, we typically will divide disorders into several broad categories, such as degenerative immune, metabolic, toxic or traumatic. That categorization works reasonably well at the highest or most superficial level of understanding a disorder. But when we dig deeper, we understand that these categories have a great deal of overlap between one category of potential disease, pathogenesis and another. When we think of autoimmune disorders, we typically think of it as the immune system attacking our own tissue. However, when we dig a little deeper, we also can see that in the setting of inflammation, there is often a metabolic perturbation that accompanies the disease state. We have observed and others have observed that many autoimmune disorders will have dysfunction of the energy producing systems. In the case of inflammatory myopathy, we can see when we look at pathology that there is evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction in addition to evidence of inflammation. And so what we have to try to understand is how those two pathologic findings are actually related and how those two findings contribute to the disease state that would be located in the center. And if you want to do that, think just the weight of the mechanism. Basically, the interaction between autoimmune and taurine disorders and controls. So in neurologic disorders, we frequently categorize diseases based upon what we presume to be their underlying pathophysiologic activity. And so disorders can be divided into being immune mediated or degenerative or due to a toxicity or a traumatic type of an event. However, we understand that these different types of pathogenic features of a disorder overlap with one another. When we typically think of an autoimmune disease, we typically think of the immune system attacking our own tissue and thereby causing tissue injury damage and then symptoms. However, when we look at that tissue under the microscope and look to see what those pathologic features are, not only do we often see the inflammation or the immune activation itself, we often see markers of abnormal metabolism. This pathologic finding is, of course curious because our disorders are typically not categorized as being immune and metabolic. But as we look at disorders in greater detail, we see that there's a great deal of overlap. Trying to understand how the immune system and metabolic dysregulation can coexist and co-contribute to a disease state is something that is quite fascinating. In neuromuscular disorders, we frequently take care of patients that have... --- ### Metabolic Syndrome and the Fat Switch - Published: 2024-11-22 - Modified: 2025-04-23 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/metabolic-syndrome-and-the-fat-switch/ - Categories: Healthspan, Inflammation, Mitochondria, News BlueOakNx hosted a panel of distinguished scientists and researchers on November 7, 2024, in Palo Alto, California. The discussion on "Living a Healthful Life - The Next Frontier", focused on chronic health issues that plague modern society, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, autoimmune disorders among others. This article is a transcript of the presentation made by Dr. Richard Johnson, MD, FACP, at the event. Note: The content has been lightly edited for readability and conciseness. About Dr. Richard Johnson Dr. Johnson is Professor Emeritus of Medicine Renal Disease & Hypertension at the University of Colorado. He also serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of BlueOakNx. Dr. Johnson has published more than 700 peer-reviewed publications. He is also the author of several best selling and popular books including, Nature Wants Us to Be Fat, The Sugar Fix, The Fat Switch, and Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. Metabolic Syndrome is part of Nature Hi, I am Richard Johnson, I am a physician scientist and I've been doing research for a long time, for decades, with the National Institute of Health. I've been very interested in the cause of obesity and metabolic diseases including metabolic syndrome - where you're overweight and your insulin resistance and you have high blood pressure. Metabolic syndrome is very, very common. Maybe 30% of the adult population has metabolic syndrome. But, what's really become apparent is that metabolic syndrome is not only common, but it often precedes the development of many, many health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. Now it's becoming more apparent that metabolic syndrome is also linked with behavioral disorders like depression, vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, pre-eclampsia, and muscle wasting that is common as we age. Actually, the aging process itself is driven by Metabolic Syndrome! I wrote a book called, The Fat Switch, and one of the approaches we took in figuring out this switch is the fact that many animals will purposely get fat. For example, the Emperor Penguin gets really fat before it nests, bears get fat before they hibernate, animals that have to go a long distance, for example, migrate, like the Godwit bird, will get fat before they fly. And it's very, very specific. They maintain normal weight; they can eat more one day and eat less the next, and then suddenly, about eight weeks before the winter comes, they will suddenly change their whole system to eat twice as much or three times as much as they normally eat. They will drop their basal metabolism, they become insulin resistant, and they develop all the features of metabolic syndrome. So Metabolic Syndrome is part of nature. The problem is that we are activating it and we're not turning it off. So, the question is what is that and what turns it off? What we found was that there is one nutrient, only one nutrient that flips the switch. It's complicated because that nutrient is something not only that you eat, but you can also produce it in your body.... --- ### Dr. Robert Lustig: A conversation on Why All Roads Lead to Metabolism - Published: 2024-11-14 - Modified: 2025-04-23 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/dr-robert-lustig-a-conversation-on-why-all-roads-lead-to-metabolism/ - Categories: Healthspan, Inflammation, Mitochondria, News Dr. Robert Lustig, MD, MSL is Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology at the University of California at San Francisco. He also serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of Blue Oak Nutraceuticals, Inc. Dr. Lustig is author of several best-selling books including Fat Chance, Hacking of the American Mind, and Metabolical. Note: This content has been lightly edited for readability and conciseness. Can you elaborate on your phrase - All Roads Lead to Metabolism Dr. Lustig - People don't even know what metabolism is. It's really remarkable how this word that's been flitting around in the zeitgeist for so long and nobody really, really understands it. Metabolism is basically how you take anything from the outside and make it part of your inside. That's metabolism. There is protein metabolism, there is carbohydrate metabolism, there is fat metabolism, there are micro nutrients involved in that metabolism. Ultimately, metabolism is how we stay alive, minute-to-minute, day-to-day. Now, the part of metabolism that gets the most interest is energy metabolism. It turns out that defects in energy metabolism account for almost all of the chronic diseases that we see today. Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, skin, lipid problems, cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia, fatty liver disease, polycystic ovarian disease. These eight diseases are currently 75% of all health care dollars in the United States, and not one of them has a cure. And, they are all defects in energy metabolism. Ultimately, I'll even go further. They're all defects in the mitochondria because the mitochondria are the parts of the cell that process the food energy to turn it into chemical energy for use by your body. When those are screwed, so are you. You've said that people don't die of obesity but they die of the diseases that travel with it. Dr. Lustig - Obesity – nobody even knows what it means. They're about to redefine obesity; it used to mean increased BMI. They are now going to say it is excess adiposity; but, excess adiposity where? Because there are three fat depots and they're not the same; and, they contribute to disease differently. The fat depot that everyone talks about, of course, is the subcutaneous fat or the big butt fat, as in does this bathing suit make me look fat? (Never answer that question! ) That fat is actually metabolically inert and is not the cause of disease. Now, just so happens we have a lot of it and we can make more of it. And the more we make of it, the more likely that one of the other two fat depots are also going to start enlarging as well. And, that's where the disease comes from. What are those other two fatty depots? There's the visceral fat, the big belly fat – you don't need a lot of big belly fat to get sick. We know that from patients with depression. We know that from patients with Cushing's syndrome. They don't necessarily gain a lot of weight, but they gain... --- ### Role of Menopause & Mitochondria in Women’s Aging - Published: 2024-11-09 - Modified: 2025-04-23 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/role-of-menopause-mitochondria-in-womens-aging/ - Categories: Healthspan, Inflammation, Mitochondria Estrogen is a pivotal category of hormones in the female body. A sex hormone, this category of steroid hormones affects both reproductive and non-reproductive health and is key for healthy female longevity. Let’s first take a look at the biochemistry behind estrogen. Contrary to popular belief, there is not just one estrogen – estrogen is a category of sex hormones consisting of three primary forms of estrogen: Estrone (E1): Predominant post-menopause, it is primarily produced in fat tissue (adipose tissue). Estradiol (E2): Most potent form of estrogen, regulating menstrual cycles and supporting reproductive tissues. The lack of E2 really hits hard after menopause. Estradiol (E3): Primarily produced during pregnancy and important for fetal development and the health of the mother. Estetrol (E4): Also produced during pregnancy in the liver of the fetus. Pre-menopause, estrogen is primarily made in the ovaries. Post-menopause, most production shifts to peripheral tissues, such as the fat tissue (adipose tissue) and the adrenal glands. These tissues produce estrogen through modifying androgens, the other type of sex hormone prevalent in both males and females but dominant in males. Estrogen is key to Bone, Heart, and Skin Health Most people are aware that estrogen is essential for a female body’s reproductive function. It controls the growth of the uterine lining, stimulating its thickening during the cycle. If no fertilization with implantation of the embryo occurs, estrogen levels drop sharply and the uterine lining is shed during menstruation. Estrogen also regulates both a negative and a positive feedback cycle during the menstrual cycle: Low levels of estrogen at the beginning of the cycle signal to the hypothalamus in the brain to release gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which in turn stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH). As estrogen levels rise, they inhibit this release during the progression of the cycle, to allow follicles to grow. Mid-cycle, estrogen surges and, now through a positive feedback cycle, triggers a spike in LH and FSH, inducing ovulation. Less commonly known is the key role played by estrogen in the following non-reproductive health areas: Maintains bone density by inhibiting its breakdown (bone resorption) and promotes bone health by enhancing calcium absorption in the gut and regulating levels of active vitamin D. Promotes cardiovascular health by shifting the balance of cholesterol towards the good HDL, widening blood vessels via nitric oxide, and reducing inflammation, which helps prevent atherosclerosis. Stimulates collagen production, which is essential for skin elasticity and a young look, as well as mood booster effects via their interaction with serotonin. In about 5% of females, the downside of this is observable in Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), with excessive mood drops and swings. Three Stages of Menopause: Perimenopause, Menopause, and Postmenopause The key takeaway from the previous section is that there is a stark difference between the time before and the time after menopause. But what exactly is menopause, anyway? Let’s have a look. Towards the end of a female’s reproductive years, usually between 40 and 50 years... --- ### Role of Mitochondria in Arthritis - Published: 2024-10-15 - Modified: 2025-04-23 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/role-of-mitochondria-in-arthritis/ - Categories: Healthspan, Inflammation, Mitochondria The term inflammatory arthritis usually refers to a group of arthritis forms in which inflammation of the joints is brought on by an aberrant immune response. This immune-mediated mechanism may result in joint degeneration over time as well as discomfort, edema, and stiffness. Although Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is one of the most well-known types, inflammatory arthritis encompasses a range of illnesses and each of these illnesses has unique causes and symptoms. Viral Arthritis vs. Inflammatory Arthritis vs. Autoimmune Arthritis Initially, certain viruses, including parvovirus, hepatitis B and C, Epstein-Barr virus, and viruses spread by mosquitoes, such as Zika and chikungunya, can cause viral arthritis. Acute joint pain and swelling in several joints (polyarthritis) are common presentation symptoms, which frequently resemble those of autoimmune disorders. However, viral arthritis usually goes away in a few weeks and is milder. Diagnosing viral arthritis is important to differentiate it from other rheumatological conditions, as treatment typically focuses on symptom relief rather than immune suppression. Another type of inflammatory arthritis called reactive arthritis develops as a reaction to an infection, usually in the urinary or digestive tract. The joints, eyes, and urinary tract may be impacted by this kind of arthritis. It can be difficult to diagnose because the inflammation typically appears after the infection has disappeared. Common symptoms include inflammation where tendons attach to bones (enthesitis) and discomfort in the heel, and especially in the knees and lower back. Even if the symptoms could go away on their own, the goal of treatment is to control inflammation and avoid consequences. The third type of arthritis, the autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is caused by the immune system attacking the joint lining (synovium) by mistake, resulting in persistent inflammation. Small joints, such as those in the hands and feet, are the main targets of RA, which is frequently symmetrical, affecting the body equally on both sides. Untreated RA can result in severe disability and joint abnormalities. Among inflammatory arthritis, RA is distinct due to its progressive and chronic character, which frequently necessitates long-term medication with disease-modifying antirheumatic medications (DMARDs) to prevent joint destruction. Additional types of inflammatory arthritis include ankylosing spondylitis (AS), which mostly affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing stiffness and lower back pain, and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), which is associated with psoriasis. The most common symptom of gout, which is brought on by uric acid crystals accumulating in the joints, is abrupt, excruciating big toe pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is one particular form of immune-driven joint disease that falls under the general term inflammatory arthritis. Chronic, symmetrical joint involvement and the possibility of irreversible damage if treatment is delayed are the hallmarks of RA. Certain forms of inflammatory arthritis, such as reactive and viral arthritis, are frequently self-limiting or treated in a different way. They can be brought on by infections. Determining the best course of action for management and treatment requires an understanding of these distinctions. Role of Mitochondria in Arthritis As we previously discussed, the term inflammatory arthritis refers to a... --- ### Impact of Lifestyle & Aging Mitochondria on Longevity and Wellness - Published: 2024-09-15 - Modified: 2025-04-23 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/impact-of-lifestyle-and-aging-mitochondria-on-longevity-and-wellness/ - Categories: Bioenergetics, Healthspan, Mitochondria You may recall mitochondria being referred to as the powerhouses of the cell from your high school biology class. This is because these tiny organelles (mini organs), present in all human cells (except red blood cells), are responsible for turning food into energy in the form of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) — the cellular currency of energy. For a deep dive into mitochondrial function, check out an earlier blog on this website. The role of mitochondria in an individual’s health, longevity, and wellness is actually much more multifaceted and nuanced than the maintenance of bodily functions and energy supply. In this sense, one can understand that mitochondrial function is not a 0 - 1 function, as in, it works (great) versus it’s broken (you die) In this article on the impact of lifestyle and aging mitochondria on longevity and wellness, let’s start with the beginning of the energy cycle, namely, the consumption of food (calories) and its transformation at three levels: Systemic (whole body) level Organ level Cellular level Calorie Intake at the Systemic (Whole Body) Level It is true that a person depends on a certain amount of calories to survive (and thrive), but the kinds of foods used to fulfill these calorie needs is also important. For example, research has shown that unprocessed foods are usually better than processed foods due to their lower calorie density and higher content of vitamins, micronutrients, fiber, and the macronutrient balance. Besides the type of calories consumed, the number of calories consumed is also important; eat too much and it can result in being overweight or even obese. Obesity can lead to metabolic stress which can manifest in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as Type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, inflammatory diseases, among others. It is important to keep in mind that every body benefits from a balance that includes carbohydrates and fats, despite what the diet fads of the day may purport. Therefore, healthier foods in a measured intake are key to making you feel good as a human. Digestion of Nutrients at the Organ Level Depending on an individual’s particular genetic and cellular makeup, they may or may not tolerate certain types of food contents, such as lactose or gluten. Allergies and other food sensitivities can cause adverse reactions such as inflammation at the location of their uptake, for example, in the stomach or colon. These in turn can further reduce the absorption of key nutrients. The digestion process starts in the mouth with the mechanical breakdown of food and enzymes, such as amylase which attack long-chain carbohydrates like starch. The stomach is mainly responsible for the digestion of proteins, and the small intestine together with the pancreas and gallbladder take care of everything else, especially fats. The macronutrients are broken down into glucose (from carbohydrates), peptides or amino acids (from proteins) and fatty acids and monoglycerides (from fats). The uptake in the small intestine (specifically the duodenum and jejunum) depends on intestinal health, so it is important to... --- ### What is Inflammation and how Mitochondria combat Chronic Inflammation - Published: 2024-07-25 - Modified: 2025-04-23 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/what-is-inflammation-and-how-mitochondria-combat-chronic-inflammation/ - Categories: Healthspan, Inflammation, Mitochondria If you’ve lived long enough, you may have experienced inflammation in painful ways, such as twisting your ankle, and you may have noticed its classic signs of swelling, If you’ve lived long enough, you may have experienced inflammation in painful ways, such as twisting your ankle, and you may have noticed its classic signs of swelling, heat, redness, pain, and lack of movement. The field of inflammation biology is undergoing a renaissance, driven by a new realization that inflammation is associated with almost every human disease. 2 “Our understanding of biology would be incomplete without learning how it is associated with inflammation. ” - Ruslan Medzhitov, PhD, Sterling Professor of Immunobiology, Yale University In this article, we explain what inflammation is, what problems cause inflammation, typical signs of inflammation, the difference between acute and systemic chronic inflammation, the relationship between chronic inflammation, macrophages and mitochondria and how mitochondria can trigger or combat inflammation. Five Cardinal Signs of Inflammation Inflammation typically displays the following five signs, each of which has a Latin derivation: functio laesa or temporary loss of function due to pain or swelling; dolor or pain; calor or heat; rubor or redness; and tumor or swelling. Loss of function – swelling, for example, of a joint, may physically prevent movement and movement of an inflamed area can result in pain Swelling – fluid accumulation in extravascular areas (outside lymph vessels and blood vessels) due to increased membrane permeability Pain – activation of inflammatory mediators like Bradykinin and Histamine which stimulate nerve endings causing pain Heat – due to vasodilation and increased blood flow Redness – due to vasodilation and increased blood flow Inflammation is commonly associated with injury, and while uncomfortable, it’s the body’s method of protecting itself from various perturbations (deviations from the norm) or disturbances, for example, a twisted ankle. Inflammation has historically had a narrow scope and a rather limited understanding as a negative side effect of injury or infection. As immunobiologists delve deeper into inflammation biology, we are beginning to understand the intricacies that underlie the physiological response of inflammation. For example, aging, obesity, sleep deprivation, and many chronic illnesses, such as cancer, are linked to inflammation. In fact, according to Ruslan Medzhitov, PhD, Sterling Professor of Immunobiology at Yale University, “Inflammation drives, or at least perpetuates, nearly every human disease. And COVID-19 is an important reminder that inflammation can have fatal implications—most COVID deaths have been due to inflammation caused by the viral infection. ”1Furthermore, inflammation is much more than a reaction to a disturbance to the body, it is also activated when something seems off in the body. Homeostasis is equilibrium in our systems, a basal, steady state, essentially maintaining a normal state. Inflammation also occurs when there is a divergence from this normal homeostatic state. Four Problems that cause Inflammation Now that we’ve established the signs of inflammation, let’s explore the four types of problems which can cause inflammation: Loss of structure Loss of function Loss of regulation Loss of recognition The loss of structure (for example, tissue injury) has traditionally been the most researched type of issue associated with inflammation. We now know that the first three types of... --- ### Salugenesis and the Story of Mitochondria - Published: 2024-07-18 - Modified: 2025-04-23 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/salugenesis-and-the-story-of-mitochondria/ - Categories: Healthspan, Mitochondria, Salugenesis Since World War II, modern medicine has made great strides by dealing so effectively with the triggers and risks associated with acute infections that people, Since World War II, modern medicine has made great strides by dealing so effectively with the triggers and risks associated with acute infections that people, at least in the developed world, are less likely to die from physical injuries, viral or bacterial infections, poisoning, or vitamin deficiencies. This pathogenesis approach, despite its success, is a siloed, engineering-style approach with a focus on dealing with symptoms, and not necessarily the root causes of diseases. In the last fifty to hundred years, the use of chemicals (7,000 plus used alone in agriculture, industry, and personal care) and plastics (more than 80 billion pounds of plastics generated each year) has been accelerating and these chemicals have been polluting our air, water, soil, and food. The combination of toxic chemicals and lifestyle changes in our diet, exercise, sleep cycles, and stress levels are damaging our mitochondria. 1 The World Health Organization estimates that over 70% of deaths around the world occur as a result of noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, dementia and cancer, caused by chronic inflammation. 2 (Check out a previous article on this blog for a detailed read on chronic inflammation. ) The U. S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention define chronic disease as any condition that is not cured within 12 months. Typically, interventions for chronic conditions, for example insulin for diabetes or statins for heart disease, often have to be taken for life because they are a response to the disease profile and not necessarily as a response to the root cause. From pathogenesis to salugenesis Until recently, there was no term to describe the reverse of pathogenesis – how healing and recovery happens. Robert K. Naviaux, MD, PhD, founder of Naviaux Lab and the Mitochondrial and Metabolic Disease Center at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, coined the word salugenesis from Salus, the Roman goddess of health, safety, well-being, and prosperity. 3 Dr. Naviaux defines salugenesis as a systems approach which is a “evolutionarily conserved, and highly choreographed sequence of molecular steps that comprise the healing cycle. ” This approach includes interventions that promote completion of the healing cycle and are not limited to drugs, but can also be exercise, stress relief, adaptogens, and more. He posits that if the last 5,000 years of human medicine can be called the first book of medicine focused on pathogenesis, we now need to turn towards salugenesis as the subject of the second book of medicine. Instead of using engineering logic or a reductionist and siloed approach to understanding disease, where the focus is on finding the pathogens or triggers that cause disease and mechanisms for removing them, we need to take the salugenesis approach, which calls for the use of biological logic where every molecule, cell and organ is interconnected. This systems approach will help us understand the body’s innate healing process. Note that salugenesis is not to be confused with salutogenesis; this latter term was first referred to by medical sociologist Aaron... --- ### What are Mitochondria and why are they important? - Published: 2024-07-04 - Modified: 2025-04-23 - URL: https://www.blueoaknx.com/blog/what-are-mitochondria-and-why-are-they-important/ - Categories: Bioenergetics, Healthspan, Mitochondria, Salugenesis Mitochondria are capsule-shaped organelles (mini organs) found in most plants, fungi, and animal cells. The reason mitochondria are considered the powerhouse of the cell is Mitochondria are capsule-shaped organelles (mini organs) found in most plants, fungi, and animal cells. The reason mitochondria are considered the powerhouse of the cell is because they generate 90% of the energy that fuels every single process in the cell, and every process in the human body including: growth, movement, homeostasis. Homeostasis maintains the body’s internal environment, such as: temperature, acid, and alkaline levels, etc), and salugenesis. Salugenesis is explored in greater detail in another blog post, however it’s the body’s innate ability to heal and essentially repair itself. So, we can safely say that without mitochondria there is no life, meaning no animal can survive without mitochondria with the apparent exception of a parasitic sea creature called H. salminicola, which was discovered in 2020 as the only animal without a mitochondrial genome. Other than the aforementioned parasitic blob, as far as we know, mitochondria is essential for life – humans can not live without mitochondria. Mitochondria are also instrumental in: cell signaling cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, and death (or apoptosis), as well as regulating a number of metabolic pathways. Mitochondria are known to play an important role in the complex processes of aging and immune system regulation. How Mitochondria create energy for the body Put simply, mitochondria turn glucose (sugar) and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and energy. A mitochondrion (a single mitochondria) uses pyruvates from glucose and oxygen to convert adenosine diphosphate (ADP) into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a small molecule with the highest energy bond made in the body. ATP is called the currency of energy. It is transported to different parts of the body where energy is needed. When ATP is broken down into adenosine diphosphate (ADP), it releases a large amount of energy that can be used to build or break other chemical bonds as part of biological processes. The Human Race owes its existence to Mitochondria Mitochondria are key to not just how our body functions, but to our very survival, and they play a starring role in our origin story. According to the endosymbiont theory, more than a billion years ago, an ancient bacteria or prokaryote (an organism without a nucleus) developed a symbiotic relationship with an eukaryote (a cell with a nucleus) whereby the host eukaryote provided nutrients and a protective environment. The mitochondria provided an ability to generate substantially more energy. In fact, mitochondria have their own mitochondrial DNA (called mtDNA) separate from DNA found in the nucleus of the cell. The additional energy they generated is what enabled eukaryotic cells to fuel biochemical processes and evolve into more complex organisms. Here’s a fun fact: mtDNA is only passed down from the mother – therefore, scientists actively use this to trace ancestral lines. Muscles have more Mitochondria Organs, like the brain, heart, liver and muscles, with high energy demands, contain cells that have far more mitochondria while skin cells, with lower energy requirements, have fewer mitochondria. The only cells with no mitochondria are red blood cells. The hardest working muscle in the... --- ---