kim

Patty!!!!! Have those fish quit ticcing yet??????? I think we know what you meant but thanks for the laugh! Myrose, Could you tell me if this is something new for your daughter? Could you say how long she has been a carb craver? Has she always been that way or did this start or incresase after her neuro problems (and vaccines). Is it candy/sweets too or only carbs that you notice excessive craving for? Also, I think you said that pyruvate was checked when this first started. Do you know what that test showed? Do you know of any abnormal levels from the testing that was done?

lots of discussion regarding this subject here http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Autis...et=windows-1252 http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Autism-Mercury/

lots of discussion regarding this subject here http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Autis...et=windows-1252 http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Autism-Mercury/

Wanted to share as TS gets a mention in the remark section. http://www.tribune.ie/article/2008/nov/23/...y-a-good-thing/ Carolyn, I'm wondering what this study is really saying since it mentions a booster at 12-24 months, a preschool booster etc. My boys were given the DTaP at 6 weeks, 4 and 6 mos and then two more. Are they saying that the 4th and 5th were not even beneficial? The 6th is the one that I decided not to get for the boys (I never questioned the previous ones). bolding mine http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=A...e3e525881113557 Pertussis continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children too young to be fully protected despite high vaccination coverage. This has been attributed to waning immunity in older people, leading to the development of strategies to increase levels of immunity. A systematic review was conducted to assess the clinical and cost effectiveness of four population-based strategies for pertussis booster vaccination: single booster at 12–24 months old, single pre-school booster, single adolescent booster and multiple boosters in adulthood every 10 years. Electronic databases and Internet resources were searched to June 2006. Nine observational studies, four mathematical models and eight economic evaluations were included, evaluating four different strategies. Strong evidence to recommend any of these strategies was not found. bolding mine...I'm wondering what they consider the primary series? 2 4 and 6 months or what? http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art...rticlekey=85107 Immunity Conferred From infections, Vaccinations May Last Decades Longer Than Thought . and Then this http://www.nbclosangeles.com/health/topics...ster-shots.html Too many booster shots? * ►November 24, 2008 - Too many booster shots? - NBC Los Angles - "So far, the findings suggest you may not need diptheria and tetanus every ten years. If you had the measles you don’t need a booster; but if you had the shot after 1959 you do need another shot "Maybe we need to reevaluate the vaccine schedule that we're using here in the us and maybe change it from once every ten years to once every 30 years," Sifka said. Researchers say being over-vaccinated isn't harmful. It just may be unnecessary. The study could lead to a simple blood test to check your immunity." yet at least for a subset.... http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-kirby/new-study--- mitochondrial_b_147030.html NEW STUDY - "Mitochondrial Autism" is Real; Vaccine Triggers Cannot Be Ruled Out This statement will surely be heartily endorsed by the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF), which supports research into mito dysfunction and autistic regression. Last April, at a vaccine safety meeting at HHS in Washington, a leading scientist affiliated with the UMDF, Dr, Douglas Wallace of the University of California at Irvine, said that over-vaccination of people with mitochondrial disorders was a deep concern, especially in light of Hannah Poling, who got nine vaccines at once.

That just doesn't sound like a detox reaction to me. Achy, flu like, even ticcy, but not wired in MHO. I had recommended a friend try magnesium once a few years back, after checking with his physician. The answer he was given was "anything over the counter should be safe or Ok" something like that. Well, it interfered with his Orap and it was awful. I may be a bit cynical in this area now, but I'm not certain Dr.s always know about supplement and drug interactions. In fact my son was prescribed doxycycline for a staph infection and I had taken his vitamins to the dermatologist who prescribed. It can't be taken with calcium. He didn't know and didn't bother to check. Other minerals like magnesium, zinc, iron etc. can cause reduced effectiveness too. With doxycycline you can avoid problems by taking well away from each other, but I didn't know that at the time. Same thing happened to a friends mom with calcium supplements and her blood pressure medication. Supplements can have very distinct interactions with different meds. If by chance the EPA or Burdock were interferring with the Topamax, it could be like quitting cold turkey. I know myrose has said that she is on a very small dose, but I would still be very cautious with this situation. Wanted myrose to know where I was coming from incase I'm way off base.

removed double post

myrose, I'm wondering if the dose of EPA is high enough to affect the way your daughter is metabolizing topamax. EPA can affect some of the cytochrome p's. I'm sure not any kind of authority here, but I suspect some people who have really touchy systems in regards to certain drugs and steroids have a problem in this area to begin with, which is why I'm a bit familiar with it. I copied a few things from wiki here for you. Take a look and see what you think. As you can see these enzymes are active in the liver. Btwn the super EPA and the Burdock, you might be either increasing or decreasing the way that the topamax is working. Personally, I would not continue with them until I knew exactly what was going on, especially in regards to the topamax or until your Dr. can reassure you that there is not an interaction taking place. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eicosapentaenoic_acid EPA has inhibitory effect on CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 hepatic enzymes. At high dose, it may also inhibit the activity of CYP2D6 and CYP3A4, important enzymes involved in drug metabolism.[9] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CYP2C9 Cytochrome P450 2C9 (abbreviated CYP2C9), is an important cytochrome P450 enzyme with a major role in the oxidation of both xenobiotic and endogenous compounds http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytochrome_P450 P450s in humans Human CYPs are primarily membrane-associated proteins, located either in the inner membrane of mitochondria or in the endoplasmic reticulum of cells. CYPs metabolize thousands of endogenous and exogenous compounds. Most CYPs can metabolize multiple substrates, and many can catalyze multiple reactions, which accounts for their central importance in metabolizing the extremely large number of endogenous and exogenous molecules. In the liver, these substrates include drugs and toxic compounds as well as metabolic products such as bilirubin (a breakdown product of hemoglobin). Cytochrome P450 enzymes are present in most other tissues of the body, and play important roles in hormone synthesis and breakdown (including estrogen and testosterone synthesis and metabolism), cholesterol synthesis, and vitamin D metabolism. Hepatic cytochromes P450 are the most widely studied. The Human Genome Project has identified 57 human genes coding for the various cytochrome P450 enzymes.[9] [edit] Drug metabolism CYPs are the major enzymes involved in drug metabolism, accounting for ∼75% of the total metabolism.[10]. Cytochrome P450 is the most important element of oxidative metabolism (also known as phase I metabolism). (Metabolism in this context is the chemical modification or degradation of drugs.) [edit] Drug interaction Many drugs may increase or decrease the activity of various CYP isozymes in a phenomenon known as enzyme induction and inhibition. This is a major source of adverse drug interactions, since changes in CYP enzyme activity may affect the metabolism and clearance of various drugs. For example, if one drug inhibits the CYP-mediated metabolism of another drug, the second drug may accumulate within the body to toxic levels, possibly causing an overdose. Hence, these drug interactions may necessitate dosage adjustments or choosing drugs which do not interact with the CYP system. Such drug interactions are especially important to take into account when using drugs of vital importance to the patient, drugs with important side effects and drugs with small therapeutic windows, but any drug may be subject to an altered plasma concentration due to altered drug metabolism. A classical example includes anti-epileptic drugs. Phenytoin, for example, induces CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4. Substrates for the latter may be drugs with critical dosage, like amiodarone or carbamazepine, whose blood plasma concentration may decrease because of enzyme induction.

This is such an interesting read. This woman was probably the single most valuable souce for sorting out facts surrounding vaccines in my experience. She does research for vaccine injury trials. For anyone struggling with vax decisions, I would highly recommend reading her site throughly, for one good source of info. Hilary's measles blog http://beyondconformity.co.nz/_bpost_1598/...and_Peter_Flegg Pinnochio's nose and Peter Flegg

wanted to add this link to the thread. This takes you right to the site with the form. Click on VAERS form in the left hand column https://secure.vaers.org/VaersDataEntryintro.htm

The ped practice that my boys grew up in had two allopathic pediatricians. This was pointed out to me by one of the Peds. As he was denying me a referral for my oldest son who was in pain due to head shaking (which my insurance DID cover with a primary physician referral) he told me that he was an allopathic Dr. and didn't believe in referring to a chiropractor. He didn't have a problem with another allopathic physician which he referred, who prescribed Orap for an 8 year old child though. Go figure. from wiki Allopathic medicine or allopathy may also refer to: The opposite of homeopathy, see homeopathy and allopathy. The opposite of complementary and alternative medicine. The opposite of traditional medicine, especially of Ayurveda.[7][8][9] Myrose, your situation makes me furious. I'm so sorry for what you're going through. Please let us know how this progresses altho if you decide to persue, I'm sure you will be unable to share much.

Carolyn, This is a really tough thing to say but truthfully, I know in my heart that if I had it to do over again I would not vaccinate. Would there be a fear that my infant could become ill or even die from something that is supposedly vaccine preventable, yes. Would that be a very very difficult thing, yes. However knowing the risks and the unanswered questions surrounding vaccines, I know I would rather rely on their God given immune system, than vaccines. I would weigh the risk/reward of an individual vaccine tho, if there were any special health circumstances regarding the baby. I would also literally pay for breastmilk if I were unable to nurse for whatever reason. Staph is currently a big problem, but you just don't see parents freaking out about it. It only becomes this gut wretching decision if a vaccine exists no matter how inadequate the safety or efficacy is for a particular child. I just recieved a notice that my 12 year old is due or late for Hep A, meningitis vax, flu, 2nd varicella, and 6th combo of TdaP. I'm not doing any of them. Don't forget Gardasil (HPV) would be on that list too if he were a girl, and will probably be there next year for boys as well. As a side note, I might consider a measles vaccine at some point in an older child. It's not that I have a great dread of measles in a healthy child, but for purposes of well being of the entire population, maybe. The same for polio......maybe for an older child. I would also want rubella titers tested for a female that was nearing child bearing age I think. I haven't really researched that well enough to know if it's truly necessary. If it was, as a young woman I may consider that vaccine, to protect an unborn child. It would almost be easier if I could give the reasons why I feel this way about each vaccine. It may be easier for some to understand why I feel the way that I do, but again, that is a better discussion for a vax forum. It's such a personal decision to be made after a lot of research, but those are my thoughts on the matter at this time.

follow up to the autism Somalia story. appears to me that it's going in the same direction of every other story that could yield information to help affected children http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/11/on-autism-somal.html

Myrose, I'm wondering the same thing lynsey asked about. Also, wondering if your Dr. filed a report with VAERS for you? You can do it yourself, but it would be nice if she did at least that much? Maybe this isn't the same Dr. who administered the vaccines? If not, I would certainly think about contacting the office that did and telling them that you would appreciate it if they filed a report. You might tell them that if they refuse, you will just make a note of it for your attorney. If you can't find the info that you need on this site, let me know. http://www.909shot.com/issues/Comp_Summary.htm THE VACCINE INJURY COMPENSATION PROGRAM You might be interested in reading this article too http://vaccineawakening.blogspot.com/2008/...ion-failed.html

http://www.cispimmunize.org/pro/pro_main.h...Adolescent.html Myrose, As I have said before, I'm kind of rusty on this subject but I think what probably happened was that your Dr. gave your daughter the 2nd dose of varicella before it was required. It was probably recommended, but not required for school entry. They found that one immunization was not providing the protection that they anticipated (understand these things are basically an experiment). As kids were getting chicken pox and shingles, they decided they had better get another one on the schedule. As of last year in our state, it still was not required for school, but it is on the recommended schedule for all children as you can see from the chart in the link above. I dont know if that helps or confuses you further!

Maryann, Some of those infections or styes can be caused by staph. Your daughters immune system may be stressed right now leaving her susceptable (hence the dark circles) or the infections itself maybe causing a little stress to her system. Personally, I feel staph can be a tic trigger, at least for my oldest son. You might want to replace her eye makeup. Mascara, eye liner etc. can become contaminated and spread infection to the other eye, or from upper to lower lid. I'm not sure how much useful info is on this site. You can do a search for natural remedies. The eye is probably going to be trickier than other body area's tho. http://www.essortment.com/all/eyestyes_retd.htm

In addition to above, this is a story that I have been following. Tragic/interesting http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-kirby/...l_b_143967.html Minneapolis and the Somali Autism Riddle Another wealth of info http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/health/autism/

Myrose, That is a link to Dr. Amy Yasko's forum. She has a genetics panel that I'm dying to have done for the boys. I have been waiting for this economy to improve and to make sure that my hubby isn't going to be out of a job, but that just isn't happening. When you copy a link to a topic page, it will kick you to the sign in screen, so you have to join to read the link that I posted. Once you join, you can copy and paste that link and it will take you to the genetics 101 page. I wanted to point out that while the suggested daily recommendation of vit D, particularly D3 may very well be too low, there may also be a problem with the vit D receptors. I was looking for some Pubmed articles regarding Taq and Fok earlier. I didn't have a lot of time, but I did make note of these three articles so far. Since I have a particular interest in bone and sulfur metabolism, the third one looked interesting, but I haven't had a chance to try to figure out what it's saying yet. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1531027...ogdbfrom=pubmed Mechanisms of neuroprotective action of vitamin D(3).Kalueff AV, Eremin KO, Tuohimaa P. Center of Physiology and Biochemical Research, Kiev 01042, Ukraine. cpbr@mail.ru This review considers modern data on the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effect of the neurosteroid vitamin D(3) and its receptors in the nervous system. Special attention is paid to Ca2+ regulation, stimulation of neurotrophin release, interaction with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and neuroimmunomodulatory effects of calcitriol, the main biologically active form of vitamin D(3), in the nervous system. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1681647...ogdbfrom=pubmed [Effect of vitamin D on the nervous system and the skeletal muscle] Nakagawa K. Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Department of Hygienic Sciences. The presence of vitamin D receptors (VDRs) in the brain suggest that vitamin D had functions in this organ and accumulating data have provide evidence that this is indeed the case. Recently, it has been recognized that vitamin D behaves as a neuroactive compound (neurosteroid) largely implicated in the control of brain homeostasis. Likewise, the neuroprotective effects of vitamin D, achieved by its action levels of nerve growth factors in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Recent studies on VDR gene knockout mice revealed that VDR also regulates behavioural characterization and differentiation of skeletal muscle. Thus, vitamin D appears to regulate development and homeostasis of the nervous system and skeletal muscle. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1516599...ogdbfrom=pubmed As the fourth most abundant anion in the body, sulfate plays an essential role in numerous physiological processes. One key protein involved in transcellular transport of sulfate is the sodium-sulfate cotransporter NaSi-1, and previous studies suggest that vitamin D modulates sulfate homeostasis by regulating NaSi-1 expression. In the present study, we found that, in mice lacking the vitamin D receptor (VDR), NaSi-1 expression in the kidney was reduced by 72% but intestinal NaSi-1 levels remained unchanged. In connection with these findings, urinary sulfate excretion was increased by 42% whereas serum sulfate concentration was reduced by 50% in VDR knockout mice. Moreover, levels of hepatic glutathione and skeletal sulfated proteoglycans were also reduced by 18 and 45%, respectively, in the mutant mice. Similar results were observed in VDR knockout mice after their blood ionized calcium levels and rachitic bone phenotype were normalized by dietary means, indicating that vitamin D regulation of NaSi-1 expression and sulfate metabolism is independent of its role in calcium metabolism. Treatment of wild-type mice with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 or vitamin D analog markedly stimulated renal NaSi-1 mRNA expression. These data provide strong in vivo evidence that vitamin D plays a critical role in sulfate homeostasis. However, the observation that serum sulfate and skeletal proteoglycan levels in normocalcemic VDR knockout mice remained low in the absence of rickets and osteomalacia suggests that the contribution of sulfate deficiency to development of rickets and osteomalacia is minimal.

another thing to consider regarding vit D..... http://www.ch3nutrigenomics.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2800 VDR/Taq and VDR/Fok (vitamin D receptor): The panel looks at more than one portion of the vitamin D receptor, the Taq as well as the Fok sites. While the Fok change has been related to blood sugar regulation, changes at Taq can affect dopamine levels. For this reason it is important to look at the composite of the COMT and VDR/Taq status and make supplement suggestions based on the combined results at these two sites. The focus on changes in the Fok portion of the VDR is in regard to supplements that support the pancreas and aid in keeping blood sugar in the normal healthy range.

http://www.naturalnews.com/024774.html Gardasil Linked to Seventy-Eight Outbreaks of Genital Warts excerpt Deaths, Miscarriages and Other Adverse Events While genital warts are certainly disgusting, parents who think that genital warts are the worst possible adverse reaction to the vaccine should think again. According to Ragogo, as of August 14th, including the 78 outbreaks of genital warts, there have been 9,748 adverse events reported as per Judicial Watch, a non-profit watchdog group. Judicial Watch also reports that there have been 21 deaths, not including the deaths (by miscarriage) of 10 unborn babies. Vaccine No Guarantee Against Cell Abnormalities "Hundreds of thousands of women who are vaccinated with Gardasil and get yearly pap testing will still get high-grade dysplasia (cell abnormalities)," Ragogo reports. It's not a cancer vaccine, as media hype may lead some people to believe. Ragogo also points out, "Gardasil has been shown to prevent precancerous lesions, but it has been impossible to ascertain whether it will actually prevent cancer because the testing period has been so short."

Pmoreno, As Ad ccl said, your Dr. can speak with them. If you want, you could do a conference call so you can both be involved. I think you would feel a lot better if you looked at a few things regarding Great Plains. I had all of the same thoughts you are when first starting down this road. Check out this site with Dr. Shaws (Director of Great Plains) credentials This just does not strike me as a man who has to make his fortunes pushing vitamins, or even deal with the hassles of going outside of the box. He worked for the CDC at one point. I'm thinking this was when it was still somewhat of a creadible agency, which I personally no longer believe. If I remember right, he has an older autistic step daughter. I got on their mailing list somehow, and the news letter is pretty impressive. The last one that I read talked about his daughter having an egg allergy and how they removed it from her diet and she got worse. I think the problem was low cholesterol, and the loss of egg from her diet created more problems than the allergy or sensitivity (can't remember which) caused. Anyway, I think their testing can be very beneficial. As I said earlier, my problem lies more in finding a good Dr. to help interpret without paying $300.00 consultation fees. Notice on the website, it says that ordering needs to be thru a licensed healthcare provider. In some states that can be a chiropractor, nutritionist etc. If you don't want to pay a Dr. and can gain enough knowledge on your own, you can do it a lot cheaper. Ideally, that's not the way to go, but I got sick of paying people who seemed to have very basic knowledge. Our area is not loaded with this type of Dr. tho either. Real slim pickens around here, so travel was required along with all of the other expense. The one guy that I really liked (alternative type Dr), retired midstream without ever having told me of his intentions. Here are some links. I haven't been to that site for a while. It looks like quite a bit has changed. A lot of the old background info. on testing isn't there anymore, must be in a different format on "documentation link" which I didn't read. Director of Great Plains Resume of sorts http://www.icimed.com/DrCV2008/SHAWCV.pdf WILLIAM SHAW, Ph.D. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL 1971 - 1978 Atlanta, Georgia Supervisory Research Chemist Nutritional Biochemistry and Endocrinology Served as chief of the radioimmunoassay laboratory and directed development of reference methods for radioimmunoassays, such as thyroxine and digoxin. Techniques used include radiolabeling, preparation of antigenic conjugates, and tittering of antisera. Important theoretical work was the development of the mathematical basis for the treatment of RIA data. The digoxin method developed was used as the national reference method for digoxin. http://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/testkits.html Documentation on the validity of organic acid tests http://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/newevidence/index.html

Pmoreno, Great Plains has an excellant reputation as far as I know. The problem with yeast testing, has been a disagreement amongst labs (metametrix/direct lab & Great Plains) as to what metabolite is really the correct one to test for candida overgrowth. I don't know if that issue has ever really been resolved. You can visit Great Plains web site and read how they came about believing that their test was valid. Many, many within the DAN community use their testing and seem to have positives when following the recommendations. Physician assisted is always best if you can afford, and you have someone who really understands the results! You might want to try the TS forum and use the search feature. Claire (and others) who used to post frequently had some really great threads regarding labs/testing. If you decide to do the test, get as educated as you can prior to your consultation. I'm still learning what some of the things my son was tested for, thru metametrix, years ago could indicate. One thing that has occured to me, like CP's son's results, his test seemed to indicate that he had very little good OR bad gut stuff.

I have found this to be an interesting site with lots of idea's that seem useful relating to PANDAS. These are excerpts from a few. The first article has something specific to a PM message, but thought I would share it here anyway. bolding mine The multiple sclerosis resource center http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction...FTOKEN=89832361 The U-M research team conducted the studies in mice that have a disease similar to MS: experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis or EAE. The team found that different inflammatory chemicals, whose activity is linked to two different types of immune system T cells, could bring on the same paralysis and other MS-like signs. They also showed that drugs that block one of the inflammation pathways were not effective at blocking the other. The results, published online ahead of print, will appear in the July 7 issue of the Journal of Experimental Medicine. http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction...FTOKEN=89832361 Clonal expansion of B cells and the production of oligoclonal IgG in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have long been interpreted as circumstantial evidence of the immune-mediated pathogenesis of the disease and suggest a possible infectious cause. Extensive work on intrathecally produced antibodies has not yet clarified whether they are pathogenetically relevant. Irrespective of antibody specificity, however, the processes of antibody synthesis in the CNS of patients with MS are becoming increasingly clear. Likewise, targeting B cells might be therapeutically relevant in MS and other autoimmune diseases that are deemed to be driven predominantly by T cells. Accumulating evidence indicates that in MS, similar to rheumatoid arthritis, B cells aggregate into lymphoid-like structures in the target organ. The process of aggregation is mediated through the expression of lymphoid-homing chemokines. In the brain of a patient with MS, ectopic B-cell follicles preferentially adjoin the pial membrane within the subarachnoid space. Recent findings indicate that substantial numbers of B cells that are infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) accumulate in these intrameningeal follicles and in white matter lesions and are probably the target of a cytotoxic immune response. These findings, which await confirmation, could be an explanation for the continuous B-cell and T-cell activation in MS, but leave open concerns about the possible pathogenicity of autoantibodies. Going beyond the antimyelin-antibody dogma, the above data warrant further work on various B-cell-related mechanisms, including investigation of B-cell effector and regulatory functions, definition of the consistency of CNS colonisation by Epstein-Barr virus-infected B cells, and understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the formation and persistence of tertiary lymphoid tissues in patients with MS and other chronic autoimmune diseases (ectopic follicle syndromes). This work will stimulate new and unconventional ways of reasoning about MS pathogenesis. Source: Lancet Neurology 2008; 7:852-858 © 2008 Elsevier Limited (12/08/08) http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction...FTOKEN=89832361 Researchers prove the role of certain leukocyte cell adhesion molecules in the pathogenesis of the disease. The results clearly demonstrate that CD166/ALCAM is involved in the inflammatory process by priming the migration of leukocytes across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The research project combines results using an in vitro human BBB model and an in vivo experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model. Normally, a limited number of immune cells are able to cross the BBB and penetrate the central nervous system. In MS and other neuroinflammatory diseases, the increased permeability of the BBB is associated with an increase in the transmigration of some of these immune cells, which penetrate the central nervous system and cause the demyelinating lesions of MS. A previous study by Dr. Prat's team published in October in Nature Medicine (1), proved that a certain type of leukocyte, the TH17 lymphocyte, produces two critical products, interleukins 17 and 22 (IL-17 and IL-22), which contribute to infiltrating the blood-brain barrier and causing inflammation of the central nervous system. "Blocking the migration of immune cells across the BBB has long been considered a promising therapeutic approach to autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system," states Dr. Prat. "This study has given us new insight into the factors involved in the pathogenesis of immune reactions affecting the central nervous system and allowed us to identify potential targets to suppress neuroinflammatory processes.

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/st...8a-6f2d367b1c5f Published: Thursday, November 06, 2008 Are males becoming an endangered species? That's the question scientists and researchers have been pondering since alarming trends in male fertility rates, birth defects and disorders began emerging around the world. More and more boys are being born with genital defects and are suffering from learning disabilities, autism and Tourette's syndrome, among other disorders.

Nicole, I would guess that the Dr. wanted to see how your daughter's immune system is functioning in relation to something that she has been repeatedly vaccinated for? Anyway, your post made me think of something that I found really interesting some time back. We have two forum members who have taken their PANDAS kids to a Dr. who follows Dr. Amy Yasko's protocol (this excerpt is from a book that she has written). If anyone replies to this, please use the add reply feature below the "reply, so I will be able to remove this post (copyright?). The posted link below will take you to the sign in page for her online discussion group. You have to register to read messages though. Yasko threads acetlycholine thread Topic heading Methlyation http://www.ch3nutrigenomics.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=15730 Puzzle of Autism p 32-36 Here is a cut and paste from the book: "Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that acts on two types of receptors, nicotinic and muscarinic receptors. Nicotinic receptors are involved with sympathetic nervous system stimulation, while muscarinic receptors are involved with parasympathetic stimulation. The balance between these receptor activities is involved in the sympathetic and parasympathetic imbalances that have been noted in autism. There have been mixed reports when it comes to supplementation of choline to enhance acetylcholine levels in autistic children. Some children appear to respond quite well to choline, while others have negative reactions. Choline supplementation can be particularly dangerous in children with seizures as choline and acetylcholine have been reported to increase seizure activity. Some children have subclinical seizure activity that has yet to be diagnosed or treated; it can be especially difficult to make the correct judgment with respect to choline supplementation in this specific group of children. (To add to the complexity, vagus stimulation decreases seizure activity in drug resistant epilepsy; vagus nerve stimulation should cause the release of acetylcholine.) It is important to consider all of the components of any supplement that you give to your children, as they may contain hidden sources of choline or other ingredients that may be a problem. Many transdermal delivery systems (topical delivery gels) contain lecithin as part of the delivery matrix. Lecithin is a source for choline. In addition soy lecithin in topical gel preparations may be a problem for individuals who are allergic to soy. ?Supplementary lecithin requires a special note of caution. Many people take lecithin either under a physician's guidance or from the vitamin counter to eliminate fats and cholesterol from the body. Lecithin is a natural substance that occurs in some plants and animal tissues and in egg yolks. One of its components, choline, is suspect for people with seizures. In a 1983 study, a choline-supplemented diet significantly increased seizures. The researchers concluded, "Our results suggest that supplementation of dietary choline above NORMAL levels might result in increased susceptibility to epileptic seizures. This could result from either a reduced threshold for seizure or from an increase in the rate of seizure development." This conclusion definitely suggests supplementary lecithin with its choline component is not the treatment of choice for people with seizures. (Taken from Epilepsy: A New Approach by Adrienne Richard and Joel Reiter, M.D., Walker and Company, New York, 1995)? Excess levels of acetylcholine are regulated by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase which causes the breakdown of acetylcholine. Although it is counter intuitive, a lack of acetylcholinesterase will result in a down-regulation of muscarinic receptors. Potentially this would have the unexpected outcome of high levels of acetylcholine, however with low levels of muscarinic (parasympathetic) receptors. It has been assumed that there is a lack of choline in autism. However, it may instead be a lack of acetylcholine muscarinic receptors. Muscarinic receptors are implicated in processing of cognitive functions, memory, problem solving, regulating pancreatic secretions as well as depressing glutamate release in both the prefrontal cortex and the temporal lobe. A number of parents believe that their children began the ?downward? slide following one or more of the DPT (diphtheria tetanus pertussis) vaccinations. As already mentioned, tetanus toxin (by its action on synaptobrevin) blocks the release of GABA and glycine. In addition tetanus toxin can also inhibit the release of norepinephrine, enkephalins, acetylcholinesterase, and acetylcholine. Tetanus toxin affects the hypothalamus, decreases hormone levels (such as testosterone), causes excessive sympathetic discharge with urinary excretion of catecholamines (i.e.dopamine) and can cause chronic seizure activity. Antibodies against the GAD enzyme (the enzymes that converts glutamate to GABA) have been reported in some cases of tetanus toxicity. Tetanus toxin binds irreversibly. Nerve function can only be returned by the growth of new terminals and synapses. Toxoid vaccines are made by treating the toxins with heat or chemicals, such as formalin or formaldehyde. The rationale behind this inactivation process is that it should destroy the majority of the toxins ability to inhibit and affect neurotransmitters. However, the toxoid should still be able to stimulate the immune system to produce protective antibodies. Once these protective antibodies are made and bind to the toxin, it should eliminate the toxins ability to bind to the receptors on the host cell membrane. If the body is having difficulties with the immune system, it may be unable to mount a proper antibody response to the injected toxoid. In the absence of antibodies this may allow the toxoid to be free to bind to its target and to interrupt the release of neurotransmittors such as gaba, and glycine and to affect the level of acetylcholinesterase. This would have the consequence of creating imbalances in acetylcholine regulation, with the ultimate result of a decreased number of muscarinic receptors. The quality control of toxoid vaccines is based on immunogencity and safety testing in animals, who are capable of mounting an appropriate immune response. This leaves open the possibility that the toxoid may behave differently in individuals who do not mount an appropriate immune response. Tetanus toxin behaves like a normal antigen in terms of the immune system, and as such it is recognized in a MHC dependent fashion. The carboxy terminal portion of the toxin is both necessary and sufficient for the ability of the toxin to bind. What this means is that if the carboxy terminus of the toxoid has not been sufficiently denatured it will still be able to bind synaptobrevin and have toxic effects. In vitro (test tube) analysis of binding activity found that: ?When toxoid or crude toxin is used, non-specific cleavage of synaptobrevin substrate occurs? (Kegal et al Federal Agency for Sera and Vaccines Germany). This indicates that the vaccine toxoid can have similar effects to the toxin itself, especially in the absence of an adequate immune response. Therefore, tetanus toxoid may also be able to inhibit neurotransmitter release. Currently in vitro (test tube) tests are not used to monitor the efficiency of toxin inactivation by formaldehyde before use in vaccine preparations. Nystatin has been shown to prevent cleavage of synaptobrevin by tetanus toxin. Nystatin has also been reported to induce liposome fusion which may in part compensate for a lack of synaptobrevin. The role of yeast infections in autistic children has been described by Dr. Sidney Baker and others. Nystatin is often used to treat these infections. Many parents comment on the finding that their children do better on nystatin even in the absence of a yeast infection. It is possible that in addition to its action as an antifungal, the nystatin may be acting to aid in the release of neurotransmittors that have been compromised by tetanus toxoid. Just as there are over methylators and undermethylators with respect to the methylation pathway, there may be children with different levels of acetylcholine or acetylcholine receptors that in part are determined by their reaction to the DPT vaccines. There may also be a genetic component to this complex piece of the puzzle. We have observed that there is an association between autism and the presence of family members with asthma. The condition of asthma itself is associated with elevations in acetylcholine as well as viral infection (the viruses most commonly associated the asthma attacks are RNA viruses). As can be seen from the narrative above, the microcosm of acetylcholine regulation itself is beginning to emerge as its own complex puzzle within the larger puzzle of autism. We have had preliminary success in utilizing supplements to enhance muscarinic receptor activity; use of acetyl-L-carnitine, MSM, ashwagandha and ginkgo may be helpful for this purpose. The use of nystatin may also be helpful. In addition, the amino acid alanine has been reported to reverse the inhibitory effects of phenylalanine on acetylcholinesterase activity. It is not known if the use of alanine would help to reverse effects of toxoid inactivation of acetylcholinesterase activity, if that is indeed occurring. This area is still evolving and is not fully resolved at this time. However it is important to consider imbalances and irregularities in this system in any treatment plan."

Indigo, My son was on zyrtec for quite a few years. It really seemed to help him and I'm thinking that I'm going to buy it over the counter if he shows signs of needing a daily med again, since insurance will no longer pay for it. I guess it's not the profitable drug for them now that it once was. The patient isn't what matters only profits, i guess. I ran across this article just recently. Ironically they are talking here again about Gardasil (hpv vaccine) and profits, not patients well being. Bottom line, if this is a newer medication for your daughter and you think you see an increase in symptoms, I would get her off of it. There was supposed to be a study that basically exonerated singulair. bolding mine http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=new...id=am85Fd2sVycU and Hope you are able to get to the bottom of it soon. Hope you post what you see after the diflucan is restarted too. Edit This is some info on the study that I was referring to as exonerating Singulair. The results based on 569 people don't really reassure me a lot. http://www.barrons.com/article/PR-CO-20080...l?mod=bolcrnews American Lung Association Study Finds No Evidence of Depression or Suicide Linked to Asthma and Allergy Drug Montelukast Of the 1,352 patients who participated in the double-blind, controlled studies, 569 of these patients had been randomly assigned to take montelukast. The researchers analyzed these patients' data and found no evidence of any deterioration of emotional well being in either the adults or the children who received montelukast. On the contrary, the research team found a positive effect on emotional outlook when comparing patients taking montelukast to those receiving placebo. While the findings of this study are reassuring and produced no evidence to support the recent publicity regarding a link between montelukast and depression or suicide, the authors do not dismiss the possibility that there could be other unrecognized adverse reactions to montelukast.