Guest guest Posted June 14, 1999 Report Share Posted June 14, 1999 I would very much like to have your office phone number or address, as I live in New canaan,Ct,have had neuro Lyme Disease for over 5 years and have heard of your success but forgot how to get in touch with you. Thank You,serenabee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 14, 1999 Report Share Posted June 14, 1999 In a message dated 6/13/99 10:53:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time, frg@... writes: << This article was given to us by an " alternative health " person that we know. It talks about a product called allicin which is apparently some kind of garlic extract >> allicin is in garlic...it is supposed to have anti-bacterial properties...I started taking it last week...two a day...Bernadette Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 14, 1999 Report Share Posted June 14, 1999 In a message dated 6/14/99 5:31:58 AM Central Daylight Time, BratDet@... writes: << << This article was given to us by an " alternative health " person that we know. It talks about a product called allicin which is apparently some kind of garlic extract >> allicin is in garlic...it is supposed to have anti-bacterial properties...I started taking it last week...two a day...Bernadette >> My LLMD has recommended garlic also for anti-bacterial properties and says kyolic (?) is considered the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2000 Report Share Posted January 16, 2000 In a message dated 1/16/00 6:48:54 PM Eastern Standard Time, moores@... writes: << The Mysteries of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Multiple Infections and Psychological Disorders May Create Complex Disease By Jeanie Lerche WebMD Medical News Nov. 9, 1999 (Atlanta) -- Chronic fatigue syndrome -- a debilitating illness that over the last decade has been called Epstein-Barr virus, chronic mononucleosis, and yuppie flu -- may be an illness caused by one or more infections, according to a paper appearing in the current issue of ls of Behavioral Medicine. Stress and depression may act to perpetuate the condition by disrupting immune, neurological, and hormone functions necessary to fight the infection, K. , PhD, a psychologist with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, tells WebMD. " There very much is a mind-body connection, " she says. Studies conducted at a Chronic Fatigue Research Center at the New Jersey Medical School have looked at the role psychiatric disease plays in CFS. They have identified two types of CFS patients. One group had a gradual onset of physical symptoms, accompanied by psychiatric problems, such as depression and anxiety. The other group had a sudden onset of physical symptoms with no psychiatric problems. Studies have shown that when CFS is accompanied with depression or anxiety, the chance for cure is dramatically reduced, says. Several additional studies have shown CFS patients have a tendency to minimize the psychological implications of their illness. Other studies show many people with CFS tend to regard the disease as the sole problem in their lives, and believe that it has a biological origin. They are resistant to implications that the disease has a psychological rather than biological basis, says . Chronic fatigue is an illness that impairs daily function and involves numerous arthritis-related, infectious, neurological, and psychiatric symptoms. Criteria for diagnosis once focused on infectious symptoms, but in 1992 it was modified to include depression and anxiety. Symptoms may include mild fever, muscle weakness, sore throat, severe fatigue after mild exercise, headaches, body aches, sleep problems, depression, and anxiety. Fewer doctors today consider chronic fatigue to be a trivial complaint. " It's taken much more seriously than it once was, " tells WebMD. The illness is difficult to diagnose, in part because fatigue is a very common, subjective symptom found in many illnesses. " Fatigue can denote problems with muscle weakness, exhaustion ... mental tiredness ... or lack of motivation, " says . Most doctors today establish a diagnosis by ruling out all the other diseases, she adds. While chronic fatigue primarily affects middle-aged women, it seems to be most prevalent among black and Native American women with incomes under $40,000. " The image of chronic fatigue syndrome as an illness of the white professional class is inaccurate, " says . Because researchers have been unable to pinpoint any physical cause, a true explanation of the illness' cause has eluded researchers. There is an unresolved debate whether chronic fatigue is an emotional disorder or an organic disease, says . Also, the type of depression found in chronic fatigue patients can be quite different from classical depression, with significantly lower evidence of sadness in CFS patients. Research to date has failed to provide convincing evidence that a single infectious agent causes the illness. " It is likely that more than one infectious agent is involved in producing CFS, " says . Laboratory researchers are investigating cellular activity to better understand how viral infection affects cell functions and the immune function. As with all studies of CFS, findings have not proven consistent, says . " To date, there are still no useful viral or immune diagnostic markers for CFS, although there is promising work being done. " With the diverse symptoms shown by chronic fatigue sufferers, it is hardly surprising that there is no firmly established treatment, says . While many physicians recommend low-dosage antidepressant therapy, at least one study showed that it had no effect. A few drug treatments have been identified as important sources of symptom relief and symptom management. But the vast majority of antiviral medications, immune modifiers, antifungal agents, vitamins, and minerals that chronic fatigue patients try have not been tested. While exercise and psychological counseling have been suggested to increase activity levels and interrupt cycles of depression, studies indicate that they are promising but high dropout rates show that they do not fit all cases of chronic fatigue. Researchers still don't understand why many who suffer from chronic fatigue never are cured. But studies consistently show that those who are less likely to have complete recovery tend to be older and suffer from depression or anxiety disorder. " There's been some pretty good physiological research, but it's been frustrating, too, " says . " Findings look promising but tend not to be replicated [in subsequent studies]. There's something there, but we're having lot of trouble grasping it, pinning it down. " CFS is a multidimensional illness and challenges traditional perspectives on illness, tells WebMD. " There's been progress, but it's been incremental. There are still many unanswered questions. " >> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 17, 2000 Report Share Posted January 17, 2000 Steve posted the article re CFS from WebMD re reserach by , PhD.L WebMD posted a summary of her research months ago citing the prevalence statistics from CDC saying that CFS afflicts mainly white women. I e-mailed with a summary of the epidemiological findings of Leonard . She responded to me that she was indeed in contact with Lenny and was well aware of his findings but had agreed to not use his findings until after Lenny published his data. This article seems to portray as straddling the fence on the AIYH issue. Perhaps it was all in the reporting of her findings. I have no fundamental quarrel with studying the psychiatric aspects of illness, since every illness has a psychiatric impact. When the etiology or underlying mechanism of an illness is not understood, it is frustrating to see that more reserachers prefer to study the psyche of PWCs even though this will bring us to closer to getting better. Bonnes > > > Stress and depression may act to perpetuate the condition by disrupting > immune, neurological, and hormone functions > necessary to fight the infection, K. , PhD, a psychologist with > the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, tells > WebMD. " There very much is a mind-body connection, " she says. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 2, 2000 Report Share Posted April 2, 2000 --- robert harris <raharris@...> wrote: > -- thought you might find this article > interesting. Hope you are feeling better. For the record, I'd meant to send this message to , not to the list. Not that I mind this going out to the list -- I mis-addressed it and that is no big deal! Drkoop.com is where and I are currently running a chat session for psoriatic arthritis. Even before news of drkoop.com's probable insolvency and I had talked about migrating the chat elsewhere, and, as PatB has noted, we now have our own chat resources. Whatever happens, the PA community will have an online chat -- Cheers all -- __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 14, 2000 Report Share Posted June 14, 2000 > , Thanks for the reference article. My family physician is convinced that my achalasia is due to reflux, even though I was not aware of any heartburn or acid. He wants to prescribe antacids to prevent further damage. I can't buy his theory, so I don't take the antacids. I have gotten severe gas pains that feel like a heart attack after the dilation procedure. They are controlled by anti-gas pills (simethicon), but they have lessened with time. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2001 Report Share Posted September 5, 2001 What does CFS stand for? Edie Interesting article > Treatment: CDC Pharmacological Treatments for CFS Pharmacologic Therapy > > Pharmacologic therapy is directed toward the relief of specific symptoms > experienced by the individual patient. Patients with CFS appear particularly > sensitive to drugs, especially those that affect the central nervous system. > Thus, the usual treatment strategy is to begin with very low doses and to > escalate the dosage gradually as necessary. > > Prescription medications > Low-dose Tricyclic Agents: Tricyclic agents are sometimes prescribed for CFS > patients to improve sleep and to relieve mild, generalized pain. Examples > include doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan), amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon, > Limbitrol, Triavil), desipramine (Norpramin), and nortriptyline (Pamelor). > Some adverse reactions include dry mouth, drowsiness, weight gain, and > elevated heart rate. > > Antidepressants: Antidepressants have been used to treat depression in CFS > patients, although non-depressed CFS patients receiving treatment with > serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been found by some physicians to benefit > from this treatment as well or better than depressed patients. Examples of > antidepressants used to treat CFS include serotonin reuptake inhibitors such > as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil); > venlafaxine (Effexor); trazodone (Desyrel); and bupropion (Wellbutrin). A > number of mild adverse reactions, varying with the specific drug, may be > experienced. > > Anxiety or anxiolytic agents: Anxiolytic agents are used to treat panic > disorder in CFS patients. Examples include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam ( > Klonopin), and lorazepam (Ativan). Common adverse reactions include > sedation, amnesia, and withdrawal symptoms (insomnia, abdominal and muscle > cramps, vomiting, sweating, tremors, and convulsions). > > Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs: These drugs may be used to relieve pain > and fever in CFS patients. Some are available as over-the-counter > medications. Examples include naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosen), ibuprofen > (Advil, Bayer Select, Motrin, Nuprin), and piroxicam (Feldene). These > medications are generally safe when used as directed, but can cause a > variety of adverse effects, including kidney damage, gastrointestinal > bleeding, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. > > Antimicrobials: An infectious cause for CFS has not been identified, and > antimicrobial agents are not commonly prescribed for CFS, unless of course > the patient has been diagnosed with a concurrent infection.. A controlled > trial of the antiviral drug acyclovir found no benefit for the treatment of > patients with CFS. > > Antiallergy Therapy: Some CFS patients have histories of allergy, and these > symptoms may flare periodically. Non-sedating antihistamines may be helpful > for CFS patients. Examples include astemizole (Hismanal) and loratadine > (Claritin). Some of the more common adverse reactions associated with their > use include drowsiness, fatigue, and headache. Sedating antihistimines can > also be of benefit to patients at bedtime. > > Antihypotensive Therapy: Fludrocortisone (Florinef) has sometimes been > prescribed for CFS patients who have had a positive tilt table test. > Florinef is currently being tested in controlled studies for its efficacy in > the treatment of CFS patients. Beta blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin) > have also been prescribed for patients with a positive tilt table test. > Increased salt and water intake is also recommended for these patients. > Adverse reactions include elevated blood pressure and fluid retention. > > Experimental drugs and treatments > Ampligen is a synthetic nucleic acid product that stimulates the production > of interferons, a family of immune response modifiers that are also known to > have anti-viral activity. One report of a double-blinded, placebo-controlled > study of CFS patients documented modest improvements in cognition and > performance among Ampligen recipients compared with the placebo group. > > These preliminary results will need to be confirmed by further study. > Ampligen is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for > widespread use, and the administration of this drug in CFS patients should > be considered experimental. Although the recipients of Ampligen in this > study tolerated the drug well, the adverse reactions of this material are > still incompletely characterized, and some participants did experience > reactions that might be attributable to Ampligen. > > Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was reported in preliminary studies to improve > symptoms in some patients; however, this finding has not been confirmed and > the use of DHEA in patients should be regarded as experimental. Gamma > globulin (Gammar) is pooled human immune globulin. It contains antibody > molecules directed against a broad range of common infectious agents and is > ordinarily used as a means for passively immunizing persons whose immune > system has been compromised, or who have been exposed to an agent that might > cause more serious disease in the absence of immune globulin. Its use with > CFS patients is experimental and based on the unsubstantiated hypothesis > that CFS is characterized by an underlying immune disorder. Serious adverse > reactions are uncommon, although in rare instances gamma globulin may > initiate anaphylactic shock. High colonic enemas have no demonstrated value > in the treatment of CFS. The procedure can promote intestinal disease. > Kutapressin is a crude extract from pig's liver. Its use should be regarded > as experimental in any clinical circumstance, and there is no scientific > evidence that it has any value in the treatment of CFS patients. Kutapressin > can elicit allergic reactions. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 5, 2001 Report Share Posted September 5, 2001 What does CFS stand for? Edie Interesting article > Treatment: CDC Pharmacological Treatments for CFS Pharmacologic Therapy > > Pharmacologic therapy is directed toward the relief of specific symptoms > experienced by the individual patient. Patients with CFS appear particularly > sensitive to drugs, especially those that affect the central nervous system. > Thus, the usual treatment strategy is to begin with very low doses and to > escalate the dosage gradually as necessary. > > Prescription medications > Low-dose Tricyclic Agents: Tricyclic agents are sometimes prescribed for CFS > patients to improve sleep and to relieve mild, generalized pain. Examples > include doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan), amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon, > Limbitrol, Triavil), desipramine (Norpramin), and nortriptyline (Pamelor). > Some adverse reactions include dry mouth, drowsiness, weight gain, and > elevated heart rate. > > Antidepressants: Antidepressants have been used to treat depression in CFS > patients, although non-depressed CFS patients receiving treatment with > serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been found by some physicians to benefit > from this treatment as well or better than depressed patients. Examples of > antidepressants used to treat CFS include serotonin reuptake inhibitors such > as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil); > venlafaxine (Effexor); trazodone (Desyrel); and bupropion (Wellbutrin). A > number of mild adverse reactions, varying with the specific drug, may be > experienced. > > Anxiety or anxiolytic agents: Anxiolytic agents are used to treat panic > disorder in CFS patients. Examples include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam ( > Klonopin), and lorazepam (Ativan). Common adverse reactions include > sedation, amnesia, and withdrawal symptoms (insomnia, abdominal and muscle > cramps, vomiting, sweating, tremors, and convulsions). > > Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs: These drugs may be used to relieve pain > and fever in CFS patients. Some are available as over-the-counter > medications. Examples include naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosen), ibuprofen > (Advil, Bayer Select, Motrin, Nuprin), and piroxicam (Feldene). These > medications are generally safe when used as directed, but can cause a > variety of adverse effects, including kidney damage, gastrointestinal > bleeding, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. > > Antimicrobials: An infectious cause for CFS has not been identified, and > antimicrobial agents are not commonly prescribed for CFS, unless of course > the patient has been diagnosed with a concurrent infection.. A controlled > trial of the antiviral drug acyclovir found no benefit for the treatment of > patients with CFS. > > Antiallergy Therapy: Some CFS patients have histories of allergy, and these > symptoms may flare periodically. Non-sedating antihistamines may be helpful > for CFS patients. Examples include astemizole (Hismanal) and loratadine > (Claritin). Some of the more common adverse reactions associated with their > use include drowsiness, fatigue, and headache. Sedating antihistimines can > also be of benefit to patients at bedtime. > > Antihypotensive Therapy: Fludrocortisone (Florinef) has sometimes been > prescribed for CFS patients who have had a positive tilt table test. > Florinef is currently being tested in controlled studies for its efficacy in > the treatment of CFS patients. Beta blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin) > have also been prescribed for patients with a positive tilt table test. > Increased salt and water intake is also recommended for these patients. > Adverse reactions include elevated blood pressure and fluid retention. > > Experimental drugs and treatments > Ampligen is a synthetic nucleic acid product that stimulates the production > of interferons, a family of immune response modifiers that are also known to > have anti-viral activity. One report of a double-blinded, placebo-controlled > study of CFS patients documented modest improvements in cognition and > performance among Ampligen recipients compared with the placebo group. > > These preliminary results will need to be confirmed by further study. > Ampligen is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for > widespread use, and the administration of this drug in CFS patients should > be considered experimental. Although the recipients of Ampligen in this > study tolerated the drug well, the adverse reactions of this material are > still incompletely characterized, and some participants did experience > reactions that might be attributable to Ampligen. > > Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was reported in preliminary studies to improve > symptoms in some patients; however, this finding has not been confirmed and > the use of DHEA in patients should be regarded as experimental. Gamma > globulin (Gammar) is pooled human immune globulin. It contains antibody > molecules directed against a broad range of common infectious agents and is > ordinarily used as a means for passively immunizing persons whose immune > system has been compromised, or who have been exposed to an agent that might > cause more serious disease in the absence of immune globulin. Its use with > CFS patients is experimental and based on the unsubstantiated hypothesis > that CFS is characterized by an underlying immune disorder. Serious adverse > reactions are uncommon, although in rare instances gamma globulin may > initiate anaphylactic shock. High colonic enemas have no demonstrated value > in the treatment of CFS. The procedure can promote intestinal disease. > Kutapressin is a crude extract from pig's liver. Its use should be regarded > as experimental in any clinical circumstance, and there is no scientific > evidence that it has any value in the treatment of CFS patients. Kutapressin > can elicit allergic reactions. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2001 Report Share Posted September 6, 2001 Hi Edie, Unless it's changed, CFS is for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which feels something like Fibromyalgia, yet is completely different. Betty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 25, 2001 Report Share Posted November 25, 2001 Dear Dawn, Thank you. It is an interesting article. Suzy Interesting Article > Friends, > > The following article should prove interesting to you: > > http://www.mercola.com/2001/nov/24/cholesterol.htm > > The Avenging Angel > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2002 Report Share Posted February 10, 2002 I liked the article but wished it had citations for his facts listed. Whenever I look at saving an article to forward to friends who are unsure I like to have well cited articles so it doesn't look like people are just pulling facts randomly out of their a**. L. Proud mom to Autumn 1-13-97 & Zoe 8-8-00 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2002 Report Share Posted August 6, 2002 Very, very interesting, from sources hard to refute. In my first 3 days of loading Synthevol2 (Creatine) and also tons of protein (target 152 gms) I have to agree with the doctor that my kidneys and system have been flushing everything. However, its just starting to even out, now, today (after being quite sick this morning) I am starting to feel much better and " flushing " far less often that Sunday or Monday. Research is based on fact, a lot of bodybuilding stuff can be hocos pocos, I think. The proof is in the pudding, we've all seem the BFL winners and know what they did to succeed. However, think of a prison inmate, how do they get so ripped? Their food source is the worst. Only possible answer....they have a lot of time on their hands and all they do is lift and eat. They probably couldn't do it in 12 weeks. :-) > http://content.health.msn.com/content/article/1676.50058 > > No wonder people are so confused about how/what to eat!! This article > completely villianizes protein! > > Betty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2002 Report Share Posted August 6, 2002 hehehe - I know I have seen what works and I felt better when I decreased the carbs and increased my protein. I am by NO means agreeing with what is in that article. I actually wonder some days if there isn't some kind of weird conspiracy going on in the background between some of these organizations that we are not aware of. MILLIONS have followed Bill's plan with no reported/known ill effects and the protein/carb/fat ratio is 40/40/20 - which flies in the face of what the American Dietetic Assc, American Heart Assc, American Diabetes Assc & the food Pyramid recommend which is 20/60/20 (roughly, this article said 15% for protein). I have noticed in the last year that their has been increased scrutiny for the BFL program and that medical professionals almost seem to want to DISCOURAGE people from following a program that cleans up peoples diets and gets them to exercise. Anyone else ever notice this kind of thing, or am I just weird with too much time on my hands???? I know - it is all those toxic ketones building up along with the lactic acid and my decreasing body mass making me delirious!!! btw - don't give up this time !!! Can you back off the supps some and then slowly add them back into your eating plan? Maybe that many different & new things at once is contributing to your queasy stomach? Betty > > http://content.health.msn.com/content/article/1676.50058 > > > > No wonder people are so confused about how/what to eat!! This > article > > completely villianizes protein! > > > > Betty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 6, 2002 Report Share Posted August 6, 2002 What is sad is that people are being mislead by wording such as this into thinking that protein is evil. " Adding more protein but not more calories or exercise to your diet won't help you build more muscle mass, but it may put your other bodily systems under stress. " This is TRUE!!! If you want to build mass, you need to up your calories, not push out your carbs with more protein. " Eating more protein and increasing total caloric intake while maintaining the same exercise level will build an equal amount of additional fat and muscle mass, according to a study published in 1992 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. " This also is not saying anything that goes against what many fitness gurus say. I don't know of anyone who goes into a " bulking " phase WITHOUT changing their exercise level so it it a moot point. AND we all know it is nearly impossible to gain muscle without gaining some fat no matter what you do to increase your exercise level. And furthermore, have there been no studies done on this in the past 10 years??? I hate when the media takes basically sound information and twists it to say something it's not! Lynda *who seems to be gramatically challenged today! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 7, 2002 Report Share Posted August 7, 2002 Some time when you have extra free time research who published a certain article, who paid for the testing, lab results, etc. Most of the time it is for example the dairy farmers promoting " milk is good for you " ads and the chicken farmers promoting " eggs are healthy " , etc. I had a class in college that was a real eye opener on this! I'm not saying the articles are necessarily biased, but the dairy farmer is sure going to be looking for info to help his income or position on things rather than info saying milk isn't good for you, etc. Personally I think what it boils down to is finding what works for us as an individuals and sticking to it. Colleen -- In @y..., " daisyheads2000 " <daisyheads2000@y...> wrote: > > I actually wonder some days if there isn't some kind of weird > conspiracy going on in the background between some of these > organizations that we are not aware of. MILLIONS have followed Bill's > plan with no reported/known ill effects and the protein/carb/fat > ratio is 40/40/20 - which flies in the face of what the American > Dietetic Assc, American Heart Assc, American Diabetes Assc & the food > Pyramid recommend which is 20/60/20 (roughly, this article said 15% > for protein). I have noticed in the last year that their has been > increased scrutiny for the BFL program and that medical professionals > almost seem to want to DISCOURAGE people from following a program > that cleans up peoples diets and gets them to exercise. > > Anyone else ever notice this kind of thing, or am I just weird with > too much time on my hands???? I know - it is all those toxic ketones > building up along with the lactic acid and my decreasing body mass > making me delirious!!! > > btw - don't give up this time !!! Can you back off the supps some > and then slowly add them back into your eating plan? Maybe that many > different & new things at once is contributing to your queasy > stomach? > > Betty > > > > > > http://content.health.msn.com/content/article/1676.50058 > > > > > > No wonder people are so confused about how/what to eat!! This > > article > > > completely villianizes protein! > > > > > > Betty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 > . > > " However, think of a prison inmate, how do they get so ripped? Their > food source is the worst. " > > I've not been in prision, but I've been told that the prison diet is > heavily regulated as to it's quality so that prisoners often eat > better on the inside than they did before going to jail. That could > be an exageration propigated by those who think we are too kind to > our prisoners, however, so maybe they do get crappy food. Of course, > they probably don't have the option of six small meals a day. > Probably steroids. You can get drugs inside a prison just like you can outside a prison although a bit more costly. The food is not what the population believes it to be. It is mostly carbs and fat, very little if any protein unless they buy their own food. They can also in some states get food sent in so they could be using protein powders, bars, etc. They can usually buy canned tuna and canned chicken also. They are usually fed twice a day and given a sack lunch. But if they've boughten food or had food sent in, they can eat whenever they want. Colleen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 5, 2002 Report Share Posted October 5, 2002 I thought this article was interesting although I hade to read it a couple of times to absorb anyway I still found it interesting...Kathi in OK http://www.rheuma21st.com/cutting_index.html THE CURRENT STATUS OF BIOLOGICS IN THE TREATMENT OF SYSTEMIC RHEUMATIC DISEASES Reported by Reichlin, M.D. Vice President of Research & Scientific Director Member, Arthritis/Immunology Program Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Lynn Cross Research Professor Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center published 11. February 2002 Download As A PDF File: To read and print PDF files, you will need free Adobe Acrobat Reader The age of biologics is upon us. The tumor necrosis factor (TNFa) blockers etanercept and infliximab which are soluble TNF receptors and chimeric (mouse-human) monoclonal anti-TNFa antibodies respectively have taken their place in the armamentarium of agents used by rheumatologists to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Over 200 abstracts at the recent ACR Meeting were devoted to studies involving these two agents attesting to the widespread interest and clinical investigations associated with these agents. These two biologics reflect the two major methods now available for the production of materials active in treating disease. These are first monoclonal antibody production in mice followed by isolation of the murine variable region heavy and light chains which are then joined with human heavy and light chain constant region genes to produce a poorly immunogenic chimeric antibody molecule which can be produced by recombinant methods in bulk culture. As will be discussed, such chimeric antibodies directed to human complement components, cytokines and B cell markers, are being produced and studied for their favorable effects on disease activity in animal models and in human systemic rheumatic diseases. In the second method, recombinant methods are used to produce crucial receptors, costimulator molecules, and surface regulatory molecules which in soluble form can down regulate cellular activation by engaging the natural ligands which would otherwise stimulate immune cells. In what follows, several examples of ongoing work of this nature will be described. Most of the information derives from talks and published abstracts given at the recent ACR Meeting, but some studies are from the recent literature. There were several abstracts published about the treatment of RA with Anakinra which is a recombinant form of the IL1 receptor antagonist. Anakinra represents another biologic which has clinically significant activity in the therapy of RA. Anakinra increased productivity (Abstract 148) and had a favorable effect on functional status (Abstract 1915). By itself, it had a safety profile similar to other biologics in the treatment or RA (Abstract 190) as it did in combination therapy with etanercept (Abstra ct 157). In the latter study however, four serious infections (7%) requiring hospitalization were noted. All patients were successfully treated and discharged from hospital. This observation may signal some caution in the use of combination therapy. One of the more exciting factors to be described recently is B lymphocyte stimulator or BlyS. This is a 285 amino acid member of the TNF ligand superfamily (1). This material in a short time interval has been discovered several times and bears several different names including TALL1 (TNF and Apol-related leukocyte expressed ligand (1), BAFF (B cell activator belonging to the TNF family), THANK (TNF homologues that activates apoptosis, NFKB, and JNK) and zTNF4. (2) There are at least three identified receptors for BLyS protein: BCMA (B cell maturation antigen); TAC1 (transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand – interactor); and BAFF·R (BAFF receptor). These receptors are largely restricted to B cells. When BLyS which is produced in macrophages, monocytes, and dendritic cells engages its receptor on B cells, the B cells proliferate and become activated. Thus, BLyS represents the molecule that mediates monocyte driven B cell activation. Administration of recombinant BLyS to mice induces B cell lymphocytosis and polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia. Each of these above receptors in soluble form represent potential therapeutics if excess BLyS plays a pathogenic role since they can effectively bind and neutralize BLyS. That excess BLyS contributes to autoimmunity is suggested by several lines of evidence. Firstly, mice made transgenic for BLyS develop an SLE-like disease with polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia, ANA, anti-dsDNA, rheumatoid factor (RF), circulating immune complexes and Ig deposits in the kidneys (3-5). Secondly, BLyS plasma levels are elevated in murine SLE (3), and in three independent studies in human SLE (Abstract 278) (6,7). Finally, treatment of SLE mice with TAC1-lg fusion protein suppresses disease progression and improves survival (3, Abstract 2060). There have been as yet no therapeutic trials of human SLE with soluble forms of BLyS receptors, but soluble forms as TAC1-lg and BCMA-lg are available and could be used. In addition, a fully human-antihuman BLyS monoclonal antibody that neutralizes BLyS protein activity has been developed (Abstract 1377) and could be ready for phase 1 clinical trials. In addition to SLE, BLyS levels are also elevated in RA and in 7 of 7 instances BLyS levels were much higher in RA synovial fluid than in the plasma (7). It may well be that therapeutic strategies directed at BLyS would be appropriate in RA as well as SLE. Interestingly, in the RA patients, BLyS levels correlated far more strongly with RF titers than with total IgG or total IgM levels (7). A final recognized role for BLyS may be in Sjögren's Syndrome (Abstract 1205). Serum levels of BLyS were greatly elevated in patients with Sjögren's Syndrome 8.58 ng/ml versus 2.56 ng/ml (p<0.0001). The level of BLyS was associated with presence of anti-Ro/SSA anti-La/SSB 10.45 ng/ml versus 5.6 ng/ml (p=.008); the presence of rheumatoid factor; 10.76 ng/ml vs. 6.3 ng/ml (p=.03); the level of IgM and the level of rheumatoid factor (p<0.0001). It may be that BLyS plays an important role in triggering activation of self Ag driven B cells in Sjögren's Syndrome. Another agent that is being considered as a therapy in autoimmune disease is rituximab which is a chimeric murine-human monoclonal antibody directed to the B cell marker CD20. A phase 1/11 trial has been conducted with 12 SLE patients showing that rituximab was well tolerated and significantly depleted B lymphocytes (Abstract 2009). This favorable result paves the way for a larger placebo controlled trial aimed at assessing efficacy in the therapy of SLE. Interestingly, rituximab was used in a patient with Wegener's granulomatosis who could not be treated with cyclophosphamide because of bone marrow toxicity experienced with cyclophosphamide during treatment of a relapse. Other therapies such as azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil were ineffective and methrotrexate was contraindicated. The patient received four infusions of 375 mg/M2 of rituximab and high dose glucocorticoids. Complete remission was associated with the complete disappearance of cANCA and B lymphocytes. The glucocorticoids were discontinued and several months later the cANCA recurred and rituximab therapy was again given, this time without glucocorticoids. After eight months following the second course of retuximab the patients disease has remained in remission and the cANCA titer has remained negative. This promising result warrants closer study in a controlled clinical trial of antibody mediated vasculitis (8). CTLA4 is found on activated T cells and binds B7 on antigen presenting cells, thereby enhancing cellular interactions and proliferation. CTLA4 Ig is a soluble form of CTLA4 which has had Ig Fc added as part of its structure. By binding B7 and preventing this co-stimulatory interaction, T cell activation and proliferation are blunted. CTLA4 IgG has been used in active RA and was found to be well tolerated and to have favorable clinical effects and activity (Abstract 1327). This then is the fourth biologic with anti-inflammatory effects toward RA. Finally, two humanized monoclonal antibodies against human complement component 5 and IL6 were tested for their safety and efficacy in RA. At the two highest dosing schemes h561.1 (anti-C5) was safe and efficacious over a three-month period while the anti IL6 was effective and well tolerated at a minimum dose of 5mg/kg in a single dose with a measurable clinical effect at two weeks. Clearly, both regimens need to be tested for long- term efficacy and safety (Abstracts 1328, 1329). The aim and aspiration of all this work is to find in biologics more specific, effective, and safer therapies for the systemic rheumatic diseases than presently exist. From the pace of work evident in this field it would appear there is much to anticipate and a solid basis for optimism. . References 1. PA, Belvedere O, Orr A, et al. BLyS: Member of the tumor necrosis factor family and B lymphocyte stimulator. Science 1999: 285:260-263. 2. Reviewed by Stohl. There is No Bliss in Too Much BLyS (B lymphocyte stimulator). In ACR Basic Science Symposium. Pp. 1-8, Nov. 12, 2001. 3. Gross JA, ston J, Mudri, et al. TAC1 and BCMA are receptors for a TNF homologue implicated in B-cell autoimmune disease. Nature 2000; 404:995-999. 4. Mackay F, Woodcock SA, Lawton P, et al. Mice transgenic for BAFF develop lymphocytic disorders along with autoimmune manifestations. J. Exp. Med. 1999; 190:1697-1710. 5. Khare SD, Sarosi I., Xia X-Z, et al. Severe B cell hyperplasia and autoimmune disease in TALL-1 transgenic mice. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 2000; 97:3370-3375. 6. Zhang J, Roschke V, Baher KP, et al. Cutting Edge: A role for B lymphocyte stimulator in systemic lupus erythematosus. J. Immunol. 2001; 166:6-10. 7. Cheema GS, Roschke V, Hilbert DM, Stohl W. Elevated serum B lymphocyte stimulator levels in patients with systemic immune- based rheumatic diseases. Arthritis Rheum. 2001; 44:1313-1319. 8. Specks U, Fernenza FC, Mc TJ, Hogan MC. Response of Wegener's granulomatosis to anti-CD20 chimeric monoclonal antibody therapy. Arthritis Rheum. 2001; 44:2836-2840. To top Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 6, 2002 Report Share Posted October 6, 2002 I think it's a very interesting article, too, Kathi! I really like that site. Are you partial to this report because the author is from Oklahoma? http://www.rheuma21st.com/archives/cutting_reichlin_biologics.htm [ ] RE: Interesting article I thought this article was interesting although I hade to read it a couple of times to absorb anyway I still found it interesting...Kathi in OK http://www.rheuma21st.com/cutting_index.html THE CURRENT STATUS OF BIOLOGICS IN THE TREATMENT OF SYSTEMIC RHEUMATIC DISEASES Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 6, 2002 Report Share Posted October 6, 2002 Thanks for the link. It is confusing at first blush. I've downloaded it to print out in pdf. Maybe I can make more sense of it then. Suzanne [ ] RE: Interesting article I thought this article was interesting although I hade to read it a couple of times to absorb anyway I still found it interesting...Kathi in OK http://www.rheuma21st.com/cutting_index.html THE CURRENT STATUS OF BIOLOGICS IN THE TREATMENT OF SYSTEMIC RHEUMATIC DISEASES Reported by Reichlin, M.D. Vice President of Research & Scientific Director Member, Arthritis/Immunology Program Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Lynn Cross Research Professor Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center published 11. February 2002 Download As A PDF File: To read and print PDF files, you will need free Adobe Acrobat Reader The age of biologics is upon us. The tumor necrosis factor (TNFa) blockers etanercept and infliximab which are soluble TNF receptors and chimeric (mouse-human) monoclonal anti-TNFa antibodies respectively have taken their place in the armamentarium of agents used by rheumatologists to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Over 200 abstracts at the recent ACR Meeting were devoted to studies involving these two agents attesting to the widespread interest and clinical investigations associated with these agents. These two biologics reflect the two major methods now available for the production of materials active in treating disease. These are first monoclonal antibody production in mice followed by isolation of the murine variable region heavy and light chains which are then joined with human heavy and light chain constant region genes to produce a poorly immunogenic chimeric antibody molecule which can be produced by recombinant methods in bulk culture. As will be discussed, such chimeric antibodies directed to human complement components, cytokines and B cell markers, are being produced and studied for their favorable effects on disease activity in animal models and in human systemic rheumatic diseases. In the second method, recombinant methods are used to produce crucial receptors, costimulator molecules, and surface regulatory molecules which in soluble form can down regulate cellular activation by engaging the natural ligands which would otherwise stimulate immune cells. In what follows, several examples of ongoing work of this nature will be described. Most of the information derives from talks and published abstracts given at the recent ACR Meeting, but some studies are from the recent literature. There were several abstracts published about the treatment of RA with Anakinra which is a recombinant form of the IL1 receptor antagonist. Anakinra represents another biologic which has clinically significant activity in the therapy of RA. Anakinra increased productivity (Abstract 148) and had a favorable effect on functional status (Abstract 1915). By itself, it had a safety profile similar to other biologics in the treatment or RA (Abstract 190) as it did in combination therapy with etanercept (Abstra ct 157). In the latter study however, four serious infections (7%) requiring hospitalization were noted. All patients were successfully treated and discharged from hospital. This observation may signal some caution in the use of combination therapy. One of the more exciting factors to be described recently is B lymphocyte stimulator or BlyS. This is a 285 amino acid member of the TNF ligand superfamily (1). This material in a short time interval has been discovered several times and bears several different names including TALL1 (TNF and Apol-related leukocyte expressed ligand (1), BAFF (B cell activator belonging to the TNF family), THANK (TNF homologues that activates apoptosis, NFKB, and JNK) and zTNF4. (2) There are at least three identified receptors for BLyS protein: BCMA (B cell maturation antigen); TAC1 (transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand - interactor); and BAFF·R (BAFF receptor). These receptors are largely restricted to B cells. When BLyS which is produced in macrophages, monocytes, and dendritic cells engages its receptor on B cells, the B cells proliferate and become activated. Thus, BLyS represents the molecule that mediates monocyte driven B cell activation. Administration of recombinant BLyS to mice induces B cell lymphocytosis and polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia. Each of these above receptors in soluble form represent potential therapeutics if excess BLyS plays a pathogenic role since they can effectively bind and neutralize BLyS. That excess BLyS contributes to autoimmunity is suggested by several lines of evidence. Firstly, mice made transgenic for BLyS develop an SLE-like disease with polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia, ANA, anti-dsDNA, rheumatoid factor (RF), circulating immune complexes and Ig deposits in the kidneys (3-5). Secondly, BLyS plasma levels are elevated in murine SLE (3), and in three independent studies in human SLE (Abstract 278) (6,7). Finally, treatment of SLE mice with TAC1-lg fusion protein suppresses disease progression and improves survival (3, Abstract 2060). There have been as yet no therapeutic trials of human SLE with soluble forms of BLyS receptors, but soluble forms as TAC1-lg and BCMA-lg are available and could be used. In addition, a fully human-antihuman BLyS monoclonal antibody that neutralizes BLyS protein activity has been developed (Abstract 1377) and could be ready for phase 1 clinical trials. In addition to SLE, BLyS levels are also elevated in RA and in 7 of 7 instances BLyS levels were much higher in RA synovial fluid than in the plasma (7). It may well be that therapeutic strategies directed at BLyS would be appropriate in RA as well as SLE. Interestingly, in the RA patients, BLyS levels correlated far more strongly with RF titers than with total IgG or total IgM levels (7). A final recognized role for BLyS may be in Sjögren's Syndrome (Abstract 1205). Serum levels of BLyS were greatly elevated in patients with Sjögren's Syndrome 8.58 ng/ml versus 2.56 ng/ml (p<0.0001). The level of BLyS was associated with presence of anti-Ro/SSA anti-La/SSB 10.45 ng/ml versus 5.6 ng/ml (p=.008); the presence of rheumatoid factor; 10.76 ng/ml vs. 6.3 ng/ml (p=.03); the level of IgM and the level of rheumatoid factor (p<0.0001). It may be that BLyS plays an important role in triggering activation of self Ag driven B cells in Sjögren's Syndrome. Another agent that is being considered as a therapy in autoimmune disease is rituximab which is a chimeric murine-human monoclonal antibody directed to the B cell marker CD20. A phase 1/11 trial has been conducted with 12 SLE patients showing that rituximab was well tolerated and significantly depleted B lymphocytes (Abstract 2009). This favorable result paves the way for a larger placebo controlled trial aimed at assessing efficacy in the therapy of SLE. Interestingly, rituximab was used in a patient with Wegener's granulomatosis who could not be treated with cyclophosphamide because of bone marrow toxicity experienced with cyclophosphamide during treatment of a relapse. Other therapies such as azathioprine and mycophenolate mofetil were ineffective and methrotrexate was contraindicated. The patient received four infusions of 375 mg/M2 of rituximab and high dose glucocorticoids. Complete remission was associated with the complete disappearance of cANCA and B lymphocytes. The glucocorticoids were discontinued and several months later the cANCA recurred and rituximab therapy was again given, this time without glucocorticoids. After eight months following the second course of retuximab the patients disease has remained in remission and the cANCA titer has remained negative. This promising result warrants closer study in a controlled clinical trial of antibody mediated vasculitis (8). CTLA4 is found on activated T cells and binds B7 on antigen presenting cells, thereby enhancing cellular interactions and proliferation. CTLA4 Ig is a soluble form of CTLA4 which has had Ig Fc added as part of its structure. By binding B7 and preventing this co-stimulatory interaction, T cell activation and proliferation are blunted. CTLA4 IgG has been used in active RA and was found to be well tolerated and to have favorable clinical effects and activity (Abstract 1327). This then is the fourth biologic with anti-inflammatory effects toward RA. Finally, two humanized monoclonal antibodies against human complement component 5 and IL6 were tested for their safety and efficacy in RA. At the two highest dosing schemes h561.1 (anti-C5) was safe and efficacious over a three-month period while the anti IL6 was effective and well tolerated at a minimum dose of 5mg/kg in a single dose with a measurable clinical effect at two weeks. Clearly, both regimens need to be tested for long- term efficacy and safety (Abstracts 1328, 1329). The aim and aspiration of all this work is to find in biologics more specific, effective, and safer therapies for the systemic rheumatic diseases than presently exist. From the pace of work evident in this field it would appear there is much to anticipate and a solid basis for optimism. . References 1. PA, Belvedere O, Orr A, et al. BLyS: Member of the tumor necrosis factor family and B lymphocyte stimulator. Science 1999: 285:260-263. 2. Reviewed by Stohl. There is No Bliss in Too Much BLyS (B lymphocyte stimulator). In ACR Basic Science Symposium. Pp. 1-8, Nov. 12, 2001. 3. Gross JA, ston J, Mudri, et al. TAC1 and BCMA are receptors for a TNF homologue implicated in B-cell autoimmune disease. Nature 2000; 404:995-999. 4. Mackay F, Woodcock SA, Lawton P, et al. Mice transgenic for BAFF develop lymphocytic disorders along with autoimmune manifestations. J. Exp. Med. 1999; 190:1697-1710. 5. Khare SD, Sarosi I., Xia X-Z, et al. Severe B cell hyperplasia and autoimmune disease in TALL-1 transgenic mice. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 2000; 97:3370-3375. 6. Zhang J, Roschke V, Baher KP, et al. Cutting Edge: A role for B lymphocyte stimulator in systemic lupus erythematosus. J. Immunol. 2001; 166:6-10. 7. Cheema GS, Roschke V, Hilbert DM, Stohl W. Elevated serum B lymphocyte stimulator levels in patients with systemic immune- based rheumatic diseases. Arthritis Rheum. 2001; 44:1313-1319. 8. Specks U, Fernenza FC, Mc TJ, Hogan MC. Response of Wegener's granulomatosis to anti-CD20 chimeric monoclonal antibody therapy. Arthritis Rheum. 2001; 44:2836-2840. To top Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 9, 2002 Report Share Posted November 9, 2002 Hi , You'll find a list of studies done at rheumatic.org/studies.htm, which may help you. Chris. On Saturday, November 9, 2002, at 12:05 PM, Nicometo wrote: > Hi everyone...I was looking on medline for articles to bring to my > doc in hopes that they will be more likely to cooperate with my > wanting to start antibiotics. Certain parts of this article are > intersting...but a little outdated. > > > DM > Rochester > > > Infection 1979;7 Suppl 6:584-8 Related Articles, Links > > > [Positive side-effects of antibiotic and antimicrobial drugs in > therapy (author's transl)] > > [Article in German] > > Illig L. > > Since about 1950 especially, dermatologists world-wide have been > utilizing the positive side-effects, discovered by chance, of all > groups of antibiotic and antimicrobial drugs. These drugs are used > to treat certain non-microbially induced dermatoses, without any > knowledge of the mechanisms involved. A short history is given and > the most important drugs and the indications for their use are > described. The following drugs are undoubtedly effective and > sometimes even the therapy of choice: tetracyclines in acne vulgaris > and rosacea (including rosacea keratitis); penicillin G in > acrodermatitis atrophicans and cold urticaria; dapsone in dermatitis > herpetiformis and - as a powerful adjuvant - in acne vulgaris and > rosacea. Before the discovery of the socalled immunodepressive > drugs, tetracycline was the only alternative to - or at least a > highly effective adjuvant of - cortisone in dermatomyositis and > chloroquine in localised and systemic lupus erythematosus. Finally, > clioquinole was life-saving in acrodermatitis continua in children > until this condition was recently identified as a zinc-deficiency > syndrome. Therapeutical mechanisms have been found only in the case > of acne, rosacea and dermatitis herpetiformis. In most other > diseases the nature of the therapeutical effectiveness of antibiotic > and antimicrobial drugs still remains a mystery. > > Publication Types: > Review > > PMID: 162143 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] > > > > > > To unsubscribe, email: rheumatic-unsubscribeegroups > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2003 Report Share Posted January 24, 2003 Thanks SO very much for sending us that article Lou....very informative, I think I'm going to add that to our "links" section of our group. Of course I couldn't disagree more with the section I copied & pasted below. GRRRRRRRR!!! "burden to the families" to travel...hmmm, since when is getting our children help a burden????? Otherwise, quite educational....thanks again! Debbie Abby's mom DOCGrad MI >>>Externally applied forces cause positional flattening, and externally applied forces can be utilized to correct the deformity. The "orthotic helmet" is a padded polypropylene band that is custom fabricated to fit snugly over the prominent aspects of the infant skull and to leave daylight over the flattened aspects. The infant wears the helmet continuously with interruptions only for bathing, and over the course of several months, as the brain grows, the head expands into the daylight and becomes more rounded. Minor adjustments in the fit of the helmet are required on a roughly bi-weekly basis to prevent pressure injuries to the scalp. Data suggest that orthotic helmet therapy is no more effective than positioning and exercises in the management of mild to moderate deformities, and the frequent visits to the orthotist are a burden to families from remote communities, so the author reserves this intervention for the most severely affected patients<<< Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2003 Report Share Posted January 24, 2003 Lou, Thanks so much for sharing that great piece- very informative. I thought a few things sounded more like opinion, but its got a great description of everything- thanks so much for sharing and adding great information to the database! ' Mom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2003 Report Share Posted January 24, 2003 Lou, That was a really great article! Thanks for sharing it. --- In Plagiocephaly , " Lou Callaway " <loucal@m...> wrote: > Hi, > You guys may have already read this article but I thought it was interesting. Check it out if you have not already read it. It helped me understand a few things I was not sure about. Lou > www.drexel.edu/med/neurosurgery/ped/heads.article.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2003 Report Share Posted January 24, 2003 wow...that's the first time i've seen proof of my theory that my carrying jordan around pretty much nonstop for the first three months of her life (i would carry her in the crook of my left arm...forcing her to look to the right) caused her torticollis & resulting plagio. sigh, it's so frustrating... as a new parent, i relied on classes, books, my pediatrician & relatives to help w/ advice and of course NO WHERE did it say to vary the way you put a baby to sleep, let alone vary the way you carry your baby...well at least i can prevent it from happening to other people i know & to any future children i may have. thanks for posting the article, i'd always theorized on my own that my carrying her that specific way may have caused the problem, but had never had it confirmed!!! --- In Plagiocephaly , " Lou Callaway " <loucal@m...> wrote: > Hi, > You guys may have already read this article but I thought it was interesting. Check it out if you have not already read it. It helped me understand a few things I was not sure about. Lou > www.drexel.edu/med/neurosurgery/ped/heads.article.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.