Correlaton between ME/CFIDS and POTS or OH

[Guest guest]

Hi Group,

I have been focusing on my POTS since it seems to be worse now that ME/CFIDS.

I am fascinated by the connection.

I also find interesting that in the book " Primer on the Autonomic Nervous

System " , there is a chapter on tetrahydrobiopterin Deficiency (BH4) pg 201 by

Hyland.

Here is some of the info from Chapter 38:

" BH4 is the cofactor for tyrosine hydroxylase and tryptophan, the rate-limiting

enzymes required for the synthesis of the catecholamines (dopamine,

norepinephrine and epinephrine) and serotonin. ....

The various defects of BH4 metabolism that occur within the CNS lead to a

deficiency of serotonin and the catecholamines.....hence, defects in BH4 leads

to hyperphenylalaninemia......Changes are thought to occur as a result of

insidious folate deficiency.... "

I know that I have this deficiency as tested for methylation pathway defect

(same test as for autistic children). The gene MTHFR A1298C is where I am

heterozygous ( + -) which affects the removal of ammonia and use of BH4. So I

should be supplementing with BH4. MTHFR C677T which deals with folate metabolism

is also heterzygous (+ -) which means that my body has a difficult time

converting folic acid to bio-available forms, first folinic acid then folate (5

methyltetrahydrofolate) causing a folate deficiency.

Also, I know from Organic Acids tests (urine, plasma)that my phenylalanines are

elevated. I doubt that my levels qualify me for a diagnosis of

hyperphenylalaninemia but perhaps this is contributing to my POTS.

After the glutathione trial, I plan on starting the treatment for BH4 deficiency

and am hopeful that this will make my POTS more manageable.

Then I reviewed some of Rich's papers and Dr. Yasko Methylation diagram and

found that Dr. Yasko tests for the ACE gene (I don't think the ACE gene is part

of 23andme data).

Anyway, going past glutathione on the diagram, you get to Angiotensin I ->

Angiotensin II which I have seen some POTsies discuss (but which I do not

understand it's relation to POTS). I think I have seen posts on different forums

about tests for antibodies to Angiotensin II? I haven't started looking at this

but thought I would point it out.

Has anyone made the connection between ME/CFIDS and POTS (beyond the fact that

the symptom lists are very much the same). I mean in terms of the genetics or

biochemistry.

Marti