More Evidence TNF-alpha Allows Viral Persistence
March 24, 2011 4 Comments
This comment came on one of my think tank blogs from researcher and professor Dick Deth:
“Viruses such as XMRV are suppressed by methylation, and the enzyme methionine synthase is a master controller of methylation. We observed very powerful and rapid inhibition of methionine synthase (MS) transcription by TNF-alpha (>90% decrease of MS mRNA). An examination of the promoter region of methionine synthase revealed a consensus site for NF-kappa-B binding which overlaps the normally promotional AP-1 site. Thus we can hypothesize that TNF-alpha decreases methylation activity via NF-kappa-B. This decrease will augment viral persistence and replication. Notably, MS is very sensitive to oxidative stress, implying that oxidative stress, initiated by any number of provocations, would increase susceptibility to viral infection. Persistent viral infection could in turn prolong/delay recovery from oxidative stress, leading to a persistent oxidative stress and persistent v (a self-reinforcing relationship). In other words we normally recover from an oxidative stress-producing event, but the presence of a viral infection can turn this into a chronic condition…”
This is exactly what we are observing in numerous conditions including XMRV, Autism and ME/CFS. The good news is these conditions can be treated.
About Dr Bradstreet
If, indeed, persistence viral infection is the culprit the self-reinforcing cycle described, then the key question in prevention becomes, “From whence cometh the infection?” Hmm, the phrase “attenuated virus” comes to mind, the key component of vaccines.
This is just one data point, but after more than three years of ‘traditional’ DAN! protocol (and by the way, excellent response), my son was started on two new interventions last summer, which ‘I think’ have made a huge difference: Ketotifen and Quercetin. In addition to being mast cell blockers, these also notably decrease TNF-alpha.
What I have seen are improvements across the board in all his autistic symptoms, with almost no negative side effects: better focus, less anxiety, less hyperactivity, much more extensive imaginative play, reduction of OCD, increase in variety of interests, increase in sociability, less abdominal pain, growth spurt, increase in appetite, and so on.
I had been wondering how much of this improvement had to do with decrease in TNF-alpha…
I have MS and am very interested in your comment. How can this information be converted to treatment? I preasently own an Oxyhealth hyperbaric chamber and have had over 40 treatments now. Thanks.
Barbara I am not sure what you are asking, but I think we can get good results with MS using HBOT and Stem Cells.