Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) Evaluation and Treatment

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) Evaluation and Treatment

Introduction

When a patient presents to a doctor with many symptoms, has seen many doctors, and has not improved despite many attempts by the most well meaning practitioners, both traditional and alternative/integrative/functional, it is time to consider whether a diagnosis of CIRS may be playing a role in his presentation. However, this decision can be complex. Unless a specific roadmap is followed and a process of deductive reasoning applied to a differential diagnosis, one may find oneself in a quagmire of conflicting information.

What will follow in this essay is a step by step map for health care practitioners to follow in the process of deductive reasoning in the consideration of whether CIRS may be underlying the patient’s presentation. Unless a practitioner follows an evidence-based protocol of carefully developed steps as outlined by Dr Shoemaker and others, one may be tempted to omit or skip specific steps in the diagnostic process thereby reaching conclusions that are not in keeping with the published research. Thus, it is vital to follow the steps exactly so to support or refute the evidence.

Health care practitioners must precede a diagnostic workup for CIRS with the normal workup one employs for chronically ill patients: present history, presenting symptoms, past history, family history, medications, allergies, supplements, surgeries, dental history, toxin exposure, review of systems. A cognitive and mood history is also essential. As a certified functional medicine practitioner, I am most interested in the timeline of illness presentation, as well as any antecedents, mediators, and triggers that may fall outside of the CIRS presentation.

However, if the patient’s symptom clusters point towards a possible diagnosis of CIRS, the diagnosis of CIRS must be included in the differential diagnosis.  It is then incumbent upon the practitioner to enquire as to whether or not there have been any exposures to the possible agents and/or biotoxins that are responsible for initiating this potential diagnosis and if so, to then follow the rest of the diagnostic criteria to establish the diagnosis.  

Questions to ask patients who have been exposed to water damaged buildings include: Do you/did you live in a building with obvious mold visible? Has your home ever been flooded?  Is there any obvious water intrusion? Do you smell musty odors? Does your home have condensation on the windows? Are there any water stains around your light fixtures in the ceilings? Did you feel worse after you moved homes, school, and work place? Has conventional air quality testing revealed mold spores present?

Further questioning includes: Have you had a tick bite, EM rash, severe flu-like illness that persisted after visiting Lyme endemic areas? Have you been exposed or swam in a body of water with an algae bloom? Have you ever been in waters/estuaries where sudden fish kills were reported through direct contact or inhalation of aerosolized or volatized toxins? Have you eaten reef fish and felt ill soon afterwards? Have you ever had a spider bite (brown recluse spider)?

Background Information prior to engaging in the diagnostic criteria

Immune System

The immune system is composed of two major subdivisions: the innate or nonspecific and the adaptive or specific immune system (found only in vertebrates). We are born with innate immune responses intact; we develop adaptive immune systems after birth.

The innate immune system is the body’s primary defense mechanism against invading antigens: the adaptive immune system is summonsed by the innate immune system as a second line of defense provided there are no HLA genetic defects in the individual (74% of the population).

26 % (1 in 4) of the population has an aberrant HLA system that leads to upregulation of the innate immune system with an inability to adequately notify and summons the adaptive immune system.

This defective setup informs the basic underlying issue with CIRS; an aberrant upregulation of the innate immune system due to biotoxin inducing triggers, with a defective adaptive immune response to these inflammatory signals

Innate System

  • Acts almost immediately to infection, the adaptive takes longer to respond
  • Is not specific to a particular antigen and reacts the same way to a variety of infectious agents and inflammagens.
  • Recognizes toxins with pattern recognition receptors
  • Does not provide long-lasting immunity to the host
  • Communicates with the adaptive immune system via macrophages/monocytes and dendritic cells as antigen-presenting cells, the first responders of the innate immune system
  • Recruits immune cells to the site of infection via the use of cytokines and TGF beta-1
  • Activates the complement cascade system to assist in removing antigens
  • Presents toxins to the adaptive immune system naïve lymphocytes called T cells, the lead cells of the adaptive immune system. These inflammatory molecules do not have a specific target and they do not remove biotoxins. Trichothecenes, the biotoxins released from Stachybotrys and Fusarium mold species can slow the maturation rate of dendritic cells, [1] resulting in defective antigen presentation to the adaptive immune system

Both aspects of the immune system have cellular and humoral components.


[1] Hymery N, Sibiril Y, Parent-Massin D. In vitro effects of trichothecenes on human dendritic cells. Toxicol In Vitro. 2006 Sep; 20 (6): 899-909. PMID: 16517116

Adaptive System

  • Provides long term immunity by creating immunological memory after the initial exposure to a specific pathogen or biotoxin
  • Adaptive immunity involves the destruction of foreign pathogens and presentation of their peptide remains to T cells to begin process of antibody production by B cells, and NK cells and cytotoxic T cells. [1]  The T cells teach the B cells to recognize and respond to invading toxins so that, in the future, if re-exposed, antibodies produced by the B cells can mount an appropriate antibody response  
  • In biotoxin illness, due to specific genetic HLA susceptibilities, the adaptive system cannot see the biotoxins presented to them by the innate system and thus cannot produce antibodies to neutralize them. The toxin isn’t recognized as foreign. [2] These toxins have a unique structure called “ionophores” that prevent them being metabolized or excreted. The innate immune system continues to create inflammatory cytokines, leading to dysregulation of multiple systems and thus the CIRS diagnosis 
  • Patients with CIRS have dysfunction of T reg cells which are converted into pathogenic T lymphocytes via the inflammatory cytokine TGF beta-1
  • B cells, the cells of TH 2 immunity, tend to fight infections and inflammagens outside of the cell and produce antibodies
  • T cells, the cells of TH 1 immunity, tend to fight infections and inflammagens within the cell and produce transfer factors. Transfer factors are made in a similar fashion to B cells antibodies [3]

[1] Ryan J, Shoemaker R. Transcriptomic signatures in whole blood of patients who acquire a chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) following an exposure to the marine toxin ciguatoxin. BMC Medical Genomics 2015 8:15

[2] Shoemaker R. Mold Warriors . Otter Bay Books Baltimore pg. 63

[3] Rappaport S. The Evaluation and Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. Pg 16

Case Definition of CIRS

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is a syndrome which was originally described and expanded upon by Dr Ritchie Shoemaker in the late 90s. To date, there are over 1700 scientific articles on this condition. 

CIRS is defined as a multi-symptom, multisystem illness caused by exposure to biotoxins or neurotoxins derived from a biological source. [1]  It is associated with a well-defined set of abnormal biochemical disorders and test results in genetically susceptible individuals.

In a 2013 paper, CIRS was described as a chronic, progressive, multi-system, multi-symptom syndrome characterized by exposure to biotoxins, HLA genetic predisposition, altered innate and adaptive immunity, peripheral hypoperfusion at multiple sites and multiple hypothalamic-pituitary-end organ dysregulations. [2] This inflammatory dysregulation can affect every organ in the body and if left untreated, can become debilitating. Diagnosis begins with a history of symptoms suggestive of CIRS plus a history of exposure to a known trigger. Once these criteria are established, a set of specific diagnostic biomarkers is undertaken to establish the diagnosis. 

Biotoxins are extremely small, fat soluble molecules capable of going from cell to cell through membranes without being carried directly in the blood stream rendering them impossible to find in the blood stream. Biotoxins can enter through inhalation, direct contact with contaminated water, ingestion, tick bites and spider bites. These biotoxins, in genetically susceptible people whose immune system (antibodies) do not recognize and tag them, lead to chronic inflammation and long lasting chronic illness. Biotoxins bind to certain surface receptors, particularly those on white blood cells (macrophages, monocytes and dendritic cells) called antigen presenting cells.

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are a primitive part of the immune system. They are proteins expressed by cells of the innate immune system to identify two classes of molecules: pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), which are associated with microbial pathogens, and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which are associated with cell components that are released during cell damage or death. The microbe-specific molecules that are recognized by a given PRR are called pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and include bacterial carbohydrates (such as lipopolysaccharide or LPS, mannose), nucleic acids (such as bacterial or viral DNA or RNA), bacterial peptides (flagellin,


[1] Shoemaker RC, House D, Ryan J, Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) corrects chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) acquired following exposure to water-damaged buildings. Health, 2013;5 (3): 396-401

[2] Shoemaker R.C. Ryan JC Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) corrects chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) acquired following exposure to water-damaged buildings. Health 5 (3), 396-401

microtubule elongation factors), peptidoglycans and lipoteichoic acids (from Gram-positive bacteria), N-formylmethioninelipoproteins and fungal glucans, mannans, and chitin.

Endogenous stress signals are called damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and include uric acid and extracellular ATP, among many other compounds.[1]

This binding releases specific amounts of inflammatory molecules, cytokines, complement and TGF beta-1- the innate immune system activation sequence. This inflammation is not specific and cannot remove the biotoxins but result in persistent inflammation and a syndrome now known as CIRS.

Unlike bacterial or viral pathogens, which can be identified in blood work, biotoxins cannot be identified by routine blood tests and therefore one needs to rely on identifying them via the damage they inflict on the immune system, neuropeptide hormones and end-organ hormone systems.

Keith Berndtson MD, describes the structure of biotoxins in his Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome essay.[2] For example, cell membranes depend on ion channels to transport potassium, sodium and calcium ions in and out of cells. Biotoxins show the structural forms of amphipathic ionophores, creating ion channels that disrupt cell electrodynamics and hence the battery-like charge, rendering the cell incapable of performing its energy producing functions derived from the ion pumps. They also behave as “rogue” ion channels.

Biotoxins have both water and fat-soluble capacities. Biotoxins nestle on the inner fat-soluble membrane of cells, thus showing a predilection for fatty tissue like the brain, nervous tissue and the autonomic nervous system. Thus, they disrupt cell function without destroying the cell; as opposed to pore-forming toxins which create large holes in cell membranes, which are enough to kill the cell itself.

Cell-signaling is disrupted inside the cell by the disruption in the ion movement. The cell then triggers a defensive response by activating genes that code for inflammatory cytokines, on top of the already overworked innate immune system driven by CIRS. Elevated TGF beta-1 is a sign that the body is over revving from both an innate and an adaptive immune system T cell response.

CIRS biotoxins are first and foremost neurotoxins due to the fatty acid predilection with the brain being a common site, especially if there is porous blood-brain barrier.  Cardiovascular and GI sites are also common organ sites due to the rich nervous innervation and the fact that these biotoxins reside intracellularly in the fatty acid membrane, not accessible in the blood stream. They are difficult to dislodge particularly when the adaptive immune system is not adequately working.

Originally, the case definition criteria included Tier One and Tier Two criteria. All tier-one criteria had to be met and three of the six tier- two criteria had to be met to confirm the condition. As research progressed and deeper insights were gained, Dr Shoemaker updated his case definition in 2006 by including Tier-Three criteria which described the response to successful treatment.

 In 2008, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued their case definition, which was largely reliant on the published work of Dr. Shoemaker. It is the definition commonly used today. Dr. Scott McMahon at the 2016 Surviving Mold Conference at Irving, California, recommended that the GAO case definition be used in clinical practice.


[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pattern_recognition_receptor

[2] Berndtson K. Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, 2013

TIER ONE CRITERIA – all three must be met

1. Exposure

The patient must have a story of an exposure to a biotoxin causing illness.

Mold – water damaged buildings (due to faulty construction, defects in ventilation, condensation issues, high humidity, leaky pipes, poor basement designs, flat roofs without adequate ventilation, fake stucco, faulty appliances, poorly ventilated bathrooms, front end loading washing machines) host microbial growth (bacteria, fungi, mycobacteria and actinomycetes) and produce over 30 different toxins and inflammagens (including mannans, beta glucans, hemolysins and proteinases). Toxic metabolic fragments and cell wall fragments from these filamentous molds are the major source of these biotoxins.

Mold is a specific biotoxin producing component of many water damaged buildings. In 2011, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reported that 50 % of buildings have sustained water damage. Indoor fungi such as Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, Acremonium, Penicillium and Chaetomium have been implicated.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) agrees with these findings, stating in a paper published after Hurricane Katrina and Rita in New Orleans, “Mold, endotoxins and fungal glucans were detected in the environment after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in New Orleans at concentrations that have been previously associated with health effects.” [1]  Among the sources of biotoxins that can produce CIRS, biotoxins from molds known to grow in water damaged buildings (WDB) account for some 80% of the CIRS-related illness burden.[2]

Lyme disease- Borrelia burgdorferi infections produce a biotoxin (Bbtox1). [3]A history of a tick-bite, an EM rash, followed by a flu-like illness and the use of suitable testing (Elisa plus confirmatory Western Blot) is required to make the diagnosis. Lyme disease and post Lyme treatment syndrome remains a highly contentious area of investigation. Dr Shoemaker’s research showed that up to 21 % of the population is genetically Lyme susceptible, more likely to develop post-Lyme syndrome and less responsive to antibiotics for Lyme disease. They will be more likely to have an upregulated, persistent, inflammatory immune response due to the circulating neurotoxins, in spite of the bacteria being adequately killed by antibiotics.

A 2010 paper showed that Borrelia antigens may bind to pattern recognition receptors of the innate immune system and result in decreased CD 38 and thus decreased dendritic cell activation.[4]  Individuals thus have genetically determined defective protective antibody production and upregulated innate immune systems; they fail to respond to antibiotics, the definition of post-treatment Lyme syndrome (PTLS).


[1] Rao C, Brown C, et al. Applied and Environmental Micro 2007; 73 (5); 1630-1634

[2] Berndtson K. Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. 2013. Pg 3

[3] Cartwright MJ, Martin SE, Donta ST. A novel neurotoxin (Bbtox1) of Borrelia burgdorferi. Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology. 1999 May: Chicago.

[4] Hartiala P, Hytonen J, et al. TLR2 utilization of Borrelia does not induce p38 and IFN-beta autocrine loop-dependent expression of CD38, resulting in poor migration and weak IL-12 secretion of dendritic cells. Journal of Immunology 2010 May 2015;184 (10): 5732 -42.

Invertebrate species producing neurotoxins including dinoflagellates (ciguatera and red tide), Pfiesteria (PEAS), and cyanobacteria- (freshwater blue-green algae Cylindrospermopsis and Microcystis – a genus of freshwater cyanobacteria) exposure. Ciguatera fish poisoning is the most common marine toxin poisoning worldwide with an estimated 50,000-500,000 cases annually. [1] Ciguatoxins are dinoflagellates of the genus Gambierdiscus found in numerous (over 400) reef fish such as barracuda, grouper and snapper with larger and older fish higher up the fish chain being the most toxic.

Poisonous spiders like Brown Recluse and Mediterranean Recluse spiders.


[1] Ryan J, Shoemaker R. Transcriptomic signatures in whole blood of patients who acquire a chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) following an exposure to the marine toxin ciguatoxin. BMC Medical Genomics 2015 8:15

2. Other Diseases

are ruled out via a thorough differential diagnosis workup. Patients with CIRS are often misdiagnosed as having depression, anxiety, PTSD, somatization, Alzheimer’s, Parkinsonism, allergy, ADD/ADHD, fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. If treated for these underlying conditions, it will make no difference to their underlying CIRS diagnosis. [1]


[1] Ryan J, Shoemaker RC, RNA-Seq on patients with chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) treated with vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)shows a shift in metabolic state and innate immune fluctuations that coincide with healing. Medical Research Archives Vol 4 Issue 7 2016.

3. Symptoms

  1. must be allied with the clinical picture as outlined by Dr. Shoemaker in numerous publications.  

Symptoms associated with CIRS (37 in number) are grouped into 8 organ system categories. Symptoms in at least 4 out of the 8 organ system categories (below) are considered diagnostic.

 The symptoms categories are listed in the table below:

  1. General fatigue and weakness
  2. Muscles – aches, cramps (claw-like cramping of hands and feet), joint pains, morning stiffness, ice-pick pains
  3. General – headache, frequent urination and increased thirst, night sweats, static electricity or shocks, appetite swings.
  4. Eyes – light sensitivity, red eyes, blurred vision, tearing
  5. Respiratory – sinus congestion, cough, shortness of breath
  6. Gastrointestinal – abdominal pain, diarrhoea
  7. Neurological – numbness, tingling, metallic taste, vertigo, temperature regulation, dizziness, tics, atypical seizures, fine motor skill problems
  8. Cognitive – memory loss, concentration difficulties, confusion, learning difficulties, difficulty finding words, disorientation, mood swings, anxiety, panic

These 8 categories are further organized in a questionnaire (below) into 13 symptom clusters. Each cluster has between 1-5 symptoms. The clusters were selected by statisticians in order to maximize predictive capabilities.  A patient presenting with at least 1 symptom in at least 6 of the 13 clusters for more than two weeks, needs to be considered as having the CIRS diagnosis and should have a thorough diagnostic workup. In adults, if symptoms are present in at least 8 symptom clusters, this is considered consistent with biotoxin illness. In children, if symptoms are in 6 symptom clusters, these results are considered positive.

Clinical questionnaire chart

Signs

Signs were not included in the Three Tier categories.

There are many possible clues on physical examination as to the possibility of a CIRS diagnosis:

  1. Red eyes
  2. Tremor – resting.
  3. Cool hands and feet
  4. Discolored hands and feet
  5. Pallor
  6. Weakness in the shoulder extensor muscles
  7. Decreased muscle strength in the arms and forearms
  8. Grip strength and shrugging of shoulders against resistance
  9. Hyper flexibility – Flexibility is tested
  10. A full examination of all systems is to be done, including thyroid, cardiac and respiratory systems[1]

[1] Shoemaker R. Biotoxin Illness Treatment Protocol Pg. 1

TIER TWO CRITERIA – at least three of the following six criteria must be met

1. Abnormal Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS)   

http://www.survivingmold.com/store1/online-screening-test

  • In 1997, Dr. Shoemaker and Ken Hudnell published a study demonstrating that patients with exposure to biotoxins showed abnormal VCS results consistent with biotoxin illness. The visual contrast test measures the neurologic function of the optic nerve from the retina to the cortex by measuring the least amount (threshold) of luminescence difference between adjacent areas (contrast) necessary for an observer to detect a visual pattern.
  • The test measures contrast sensitivity for five sizes (spatial frequencies) of light, gray and dark bar patterns (sinusoidal gratings). The VCS eliminates near, far, color, motion and peripheral vision variables.
  • There are spatial frequencies measured amongst healthy individuals which is the curve formed by the highest level of contrast the patient will see, versus the CIRS patients who will have lower contrast sensitivities and their curves will fall below the healthy control line. Higher contrast sensitivity is better.
  • In the presence of biotoxin illness, visual contrast sensitivity decreases. Only rows C and D count for scoring pass or fail. One must see 7 in each eye on C and 6 in each eye on D.  Rows D and C show improvement with clearing of biotoxins. With an intensification reaction to cholestyramine, there will be a fall in column E followed by a fall in column D. [1] A fail in 1 eye and not the other eye, still constitutes a fail.
  • VCS appears to be an early, persistent, highly sensitive, inexpensive and easily measured indicator for biotoxin illness.[2] Only 8 % of people with CIRS will have a normal VCS. Thus, 92 % of people with biotoxin illness will fail the VCS. However, 98 % of patients who fail the VCS test and who have 8 of the symptom clusters will have biotoxin illness.
  • A few people will pass the VCS but still show signs, symptoms, and inflammatory markers suggestive of biotoxin illness such as artists and professional baseball players with extra keen vision. [3] Occupational exposure to solvents, hydrocarbons and petrochemicals can cause a person to fail the VCS test but not have biotoxin illness. This phenomenon is rare.

For accuracy, the following conditions need to be met:

  1. Visual acuity must be better than 20:50.
  2. Patients must wear their corrective eyewear
  3. Lighting must be sufficient
  4. Patients must sit 14 inches away from the screen for visual acuity, 18 inches for contrast sensitivity.[4]

If a patient either passes or fails the VCS test and there is still a high index of suspicion for biotoxin illness based on a history of exposure, symptom cluster analysis and/or signs on physical examination, it is still advisable to proceed with HLA and inflammatory biomarker testing.


[1] Shoemaker R. State of the Art answers to 500 Mold Questions Question 212.

[2] Shoemaker R, Hudnell K. Possible Estuary-Associated Syndrome: Symptoms, Vision and Treatment Environmental Health Perspectives Vol 109. No5 May 2001.

[3] Shoemaker, 2011, June 27, DVD.

[4] Shoemaker R., Letter to St Barnard Parish, 2/22/2006. pg. 8

VCS test results

2. Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Genetic Testing

  • Approximately 24 % of the USA population have HLA gene types that make them susceptible to biotoxin illness i.e.- they do not have the genetic capability to clear biotoxins. The susceptible population makes up 95 % of the CIRS patients. The remaining 5% of CIRS patients do not have this genetic susceptibility. Approximately 76 % of the population is not susceptible to CIRS.
  • HLA refers to the Human Leukocyte Antigen genes on chromosome 6. HLA’s are found on the surface of nearly every cell in the human body. They provide instructions for making a group of related proteins known as the HLA complex which helps the immune system distinguish between the body’s own proteins and proteins made by foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This gene encodes for proteins that present foreign antigens to immune cells for removal. The HLA DR test determines ones susceptibility to CIRS plus many other diseases. [1]
  • These HLA DR/DQ encoded proteins are found on antigen presenting cells such as macrophages, B cells and dendritic cells and they present foreign cells from outside the cell to naive T lymphocytes. The T lymphocytes eliminate the antigen and transfer to B lymphocytes the ability to identify the antigen for removal. The structures of the HLA DR molecules are critical to the initial peptide/antigen recognition. The alleles most important for chronic illness expression include DRB1, DQ, DRB3, DRB4, and DRB5.
  • Just as we inherit one red blood cell type from our parent, we also inherit white cell types from our parents. However, the proteins inherited are not just one or two as in red cell proteins; they are many more combinations of proteins into groups resulting in over 50 different HLA types. The chart below will demonstrate which haplotypes are associated with which biotoxin illness susceptibility
  • The following haplotypes are associated with these different biotoxin illnesses.
  • Multi-susceptible:  4/3/53; 11/3/52B; 12/3/52B; 14/5/52B
  • Mold specific: 7/2/53; 7/3/53; 13/6/52A, B or C; 17/2/52A; 18/4/52A
  • Borrelia specific: 15/6/51; 16/5/51
  • Dinoflagellate specific: 4/7/53; 4/8/53
  • MARCoNS susceptible: 11/7/52B
  • MSH low: 1/5
  • Mold- low risk: 7/9/53; 12/7/52B; 9/9/53

[1] Shoemaker RC. Johanning E. Sick Building Syndrome in Water-damaged Buildings: Bioaerosols, Fungi, Bacteria, Mycotoxins and Human Health, pp 66-77, 2005

HLA-DR Patterns

SusceptibilityDRB1DQDRB3DRB4DRB5
Multi-susceptible43 53 
Unable to clear an/all toxins from system11 or 12352B  
 14552B  
Mold72 or 3 53 
Unable to recognize or clear mold toxins13652 A, B, C  
 17252A  
 18*452A  
Chronic Lyme-post Lyme syndrome156  51
Unable to clear Lyme toxins165  51
Dinoflagellates47 or 8 53 
MARCoNS immune system lacks ability to recognize and attack methicillin resistant staph infections11752B  
Low MSH15   

Clinical Observation

  • 4-3-53 – has 12 subtypes DRB1- 0401, -0402 and -0404 are the worst, 3% incidence, the worst RA, malaria, autoimmune hepatitis. Have the highest C4a and TGF beta-1. 0401 is the worst.
  • 11/12-3-52B – 1% incidence, tall, hypermobile, long arm span, good athletes. With free/unbound TGF β-1, they get “sicker quicker” upon exposure.
  • 17-2-52 A,B,C and 7-2-53 haplotypes associated with celiac disease
  • If a Lyme patient does not have the Lyme or multi-susceptible haplotypes there is a higher chance that he will respond to antibiotics alone. 
  • If the patient is not better with antibiotics and he has one of these haplotypes, he will need a biotoxin pathway approach. Taking antibiotics for prolonged periods alone will not fix these patients.
  • Low risk mold HLA types are: 7-9-53; 12-7-52B; 9-9-53;
  • No recognized significance types are: 8-3,4,6. 1-5,6,8

3. Matrix Metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) 

Lab Results

Normal range: 85-332 ng/ml; 28.14-109.89 nmol/l

A prechilled SST tube is essential to use. Following the lab draw, the specimen should be immediately centrifuged and frozen. This step will prevent the release of MMP9 from the white blood cells into the blood specimen which can double or triple at room temperature in as little as 30 minutes. Use LabCorp.

  • MMP-9 is an enzyme activated by macrophages inducing inflammatory cytokines of the innate immune system that destroys the basement membrane of endothelial cells. This provides a barrier between the blood and tissue
  • With high MMP-9, as when the immune system is chronically stimulated, the basement membrane is porous, allowing inflammatory compounds/chemokines to penetrate tissues such as muscles, joints, brain, lungs, peripheral and autonomic nervous system.[1]
  • High MMP-9 will increase blood-brain barrier permeability. [2]

[1] Shoemaker RC. Defining Sick Building Syndrome in adults and children in a case -control series as a biotoxin-associated illness: American Journal of Tropical Hygiene and Health; 2005;73 (6):228

[2] Candelario-Jalil E, Thompson J, Taheri S, Grossetete M, et al. Matrix metalloproteinases are associated with increased blood-brain barrier opening in vascular cognitive impairment. Stroke. 2011 Mar 31.

  • MMP-9 can contribute to the destruction of connective tissue as seen in arthritis, atherosclerosis and cardiomyopathy.
  • MMP-9 increases lipoprotein a and oxidized LDL
  • MMP-9 correlates with high toxic load, total cytokine load, reflect disease progression, exposure, Herxheimer reaction (with TNF). It is a great marker for hidden cytokine production.
  • Increased in head injury
  • Patient may feel worse with CSM if they have high MMP9.

4. ACTH/Cortisol

Lab Results

Normal Range:

 ACTH:  8-37 pg./ml; 1.76-8.14 pmol/l

 Cortisol: A.M. 4.3-22.4 ug/dl; 3.07-15.99 umol/l

                        P.M. 3.1-16.7 ug/dl; 2.21-11.92 umol/l

Absolute or relative ACTH dysregulations may be seen:

  1. Absolute high: ACTH > 45 or cortisol > 21
  2. Absolute low: ACTH <5 or cortisol <4
  3. Relative:  ACTH was < 10 when cortisol was < 7- two-tiered test
  4. Relative: ACTH was > 15 when cortisol was > 16 –  two-tiered test
  • ACTH and cortisol are hypothalamic-pituitary-end organ dysregulation markers.  ACTH and cortisol measure hypothalamic regulation of the adrenal glands. ACTH is released with the breakdown of POMC. It stimulates the adrenals to release cortisol, a stress hormone.
  • Cortisol release raises blood sugar. Levels are higher in the morning and lower at night. Cortisol levels begin to increase at approx. 6 am in an individual with normal circadian rhythms (i.e. not a shift worker).
  • Cortisol is said to “boot us up – mentally and physically” in the morning.  If higher during the night, this may result in insomnia.
  • When stressed either physiologically or mentally, both cortisol and DHEA rise in tandem. We may adjust to long term stress with higher than average levels of both DHEA and cortisol. However, over time, levels of DHEA may start to decline, followed by cortisol levels. We may also have dysregulated day and night levels of cortisol with low daytime and high night time levels. Daytime fatigue and nighttime insomnia with awakening issues can result. 
  • The normal response of ACTH to cortisol is that if cortisol levels fall, ACTH levels should rise.
  • Both of these may be elevated in the beginning stages of CIRS but later both may be decreased.
  • Having low ACTH in relationship to cortisol is often a common pattern seen in CIRS.
  • Cortisol regulation is lost in 50 % of people with low MSH
  • Early in the CIRS diagnosis, as MSH falls, high ACTH is not associated with many symptoms
  • As ACTH falls, there is a marked rise in symptoms
  • People who are quite ill can have low ACTH and low cortisol levels.  
  • Treating CIRS through the different stages may correct these abnormalities.
  • Adrenal support through lifestyle and/or supplementation may also be needed. This approach, however, is not part of the Shoemaker protocol.

5. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) and Osmolality

Lab Results

Normal range:  ADH: 1- 13.3 pg./ml; 0.9 – 12.28pmol/l;

                           Osmolality: 280-300 mOsm/kg.

High serum osmolality – High ADH = normal

Low serum osmolality – Low ADH = normal

High serum osmolality with low ADH = abnormal. Consider treatment with Desmopressin

Absolute or relative ADH dysregulations may be seen:

  1. Absolute high: ADH > 13 or osmolality > 300
  2. Absolute low: ADH <5 or osmolality <275
  3. Relative:  ADH was < 2.2 when osmolality was 292-300 –  two-tiered test
  4. Relative: ADH was > 4 when osmolality was 275-278 –  two-tiered test
  • ADH and osmolality are hypothalamic-pituitary-end organ dysregulation markers
  • Dr. Shoemaker published data showing that up to 80 % of patients with CIRS have dysregulated ADH/osmolality levels.
  • If mold is remediated, biotoxins are bound with CSM, the VCS improves and MARCoNS is eradicated, low ADH will normalize in many cases on its own. Some patients will still require treatment.
  • ADH is a marker of disrupted MSH function. Reduced hypothalamic output of ADH in response to increased osmolarity is associated with reduced VEGF production in response to low microcirculatory oxygen levels. Low ADH is also associated with autistic behaviour and social avoidance behaviour in CIRS patients. [1] [2] 
  • The hypothalamus contains cells called osmoreceptors that respond to serum osmolality.
  • When the serum osmolality is high (body fluids/blood concentrated due to dehydration), the osmoreceptors shrink and release antidiuretic hormone from the posterior pituitary where it is stored. ADH is a 9-amino acid peptide. ADH binds to receptors on cells in the collecting ducts in the kidneys and reabsorbs water. Thus, cells become rehydrated and ADH levels fall.
  • When serum osmolality falls (overhydrated, more water in the blood), the osmoreceptors swell and block ADH release from the posterior pituitary. ADH levels drop and free water is lost in the kidneys.
  • In CIRS patients there is a dysregulation of this mechanism. Most commonly ADH levels are low (they may however be high) and osmolality levels are high (dehydrated); however, they may be low). What is apparent is that the ADH levels and the osmolality levels do not appear to be synchronous with each other as they should be in a healthy non-CIRS patient.

[1] Berndston K. Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome pg.  15

[2] Tansey KE, Hill MJ, Cochrane LE, Gill M, et al. Functionality of promotor microsatellites of arginine vasopressor 1A (AVPR1A): implications for autism. Molecular Autism. 2011 Mar 31;2(1):3

  • Patients with CIRS often have increased thirst and increased urination. They are also susceptible to electric shocks from touching door handles. This happening is due to the fact that as salt levels rise in blood due to the dehydration, salt is released onto the skin, through the sweat glands and creates a battery-like effect that increases the electrostatic shock potential. Chloride levels may be higher than cystic fibrosis patients in some cases.
  • Dehydration may also produce migraine like headaches.[1]
  • ADH also affects VIP and MSH levels in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. Without these three hormones, the hypothalamic regulation is significantly affected. Patients with low MSH will most often have low levels of ADH.
  • Treatment is to use DDAVP.

[1] Shoemaker R. Biotoxin Illness Treatment Protocol pg. 6

6. Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH)

Lab Results

Normal Range:  35-81 pg/ml; 206-478.7 pmol/. Run through LabCorp:

  • MSH is one of the most critically supressed neuroregulatory peptide hormones in the dysregulation seen in CIRS patients.
  • MSH is decreased in more than 95 % of patients with CIRS.
  • One of most potent anti-inflammatory compounds in the body; it regulates the innate immune system.
  • Inflammatory cytokines bind to leptin receptors, usually activating MSH and beta endorphins.  MSH would then control leptin. In biotoxin illness, cytokines block leptin receptors, MSH is not made, disrupting nerves, hormones and immune function.
  • MSH is controlled by leptin in the pituitary gland; pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) is split into three components- alpha-MSH, or adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) and beta-endorphin. 
  • MSH functions include: melatonin production, immune surveillance of mucous membranes intestinal permeability, nasal pathogen protection), regulates ADH and VIP, reduces inflammation, controls cytokine release in skin and gut, prevents Candida infections, controls pain through endorphin release
  • When abnormal, the result is problems with sleep, pain, gut symptoms, fluid dysregulation due to ADH with increased thirst and increased urination, cortisol dysregulation, fatigue, nasal colonization with MARCoNS, stress management problems, reduced sex hormones.
  • Due to leptin issues, weight gain which does not respond to more exercise and less eating, can be a problem.
  • Low MSH causes dysregulation of T reg cells leading to inflammation and autoimmune disorders
  • MSH has been shown to regulate the inflammatory cytokines (TNF and nitric oxide) found in inflammatory bowel disease.[1]
  • Low MSH associated with anti-gliadin positivity.

Important: Markers of hypothalamic illness include high leptin and osmolality, low MSH, low ADH, ACTH and/or VIP.


[1] Rajora N, alpha MSH Modulates Inflammatory Bowel Disease Peptides Vol 18 Issue 3 pg. 381-385.

TIER THREE CRITERIA

These criteria were based on the 2010 Consensus Report as written by Dr Shoemaker and his research committee. [1]  These criteria are evaluated after treatment has begun and are the final validation of the diagnosis of CIRS.

Improvement in the following areas is required to validate the CIRS diagnosis.

  1. Symptoms and VCS improve with treatment; and
  2. Lab markers (leptin, MMP 9) return to normal levels.

[1] Shoemaker RC, Mark L and McMahon S, Research Committee Report on Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Caused by Exposure to the Interior Environment of Water-Damaged Buildings. Mold Research Committee, Pocomoke 2010

SUMMARY OF THE THREE TIERS CRITERIA FOR DIAGNOSIS OF CIRS:

  • Thus, in summary, with these Shoemaker criteria in mind, three of the Tier-Two criteria in addition to all of the Tier- One criteria must be met to make the preliminary diagnosis of CIRS.
  • Once the diagnosis is made, there are other proteomic, genomic and imaging studies which can be done in order to establish the diagnosis and assist in the treatment protocol.
  • One of the most striking features of the CIRS diagnosis is the absence of the anti-inflammatory neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), with the concurrent master immune regulator TGF beta-1 being abnormally increased.[1]
  • Patients should present with at least four out of the eight objective serum markers found in CIRS – TGFB1, VIP, MSH, MMP9, C4a, VEGF, ACTH/cortisol and ADH/osmolality.

[1] Shoemaker R.C. Ryan JC Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) corrects chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) acquired following exposure to water-damaged buildings. Health 5 (3), 396-401

Government Accountability Office (GAO) 2008 Case Definition

The GAO issued its case definition in 2008 which became the standard for case definition. The GAO definition focuses exclusively on CIRS from water-damaged buildings and not from other initiating triggers. 

  1. Patient exposed to WDB -verified by presence of musty smells, visible mold or mycological testing.
  2. Multiple symptoms from multiple systems similar to Dr Shoemakers published research.
  3. Lab abnormalities similar to Dr Shoemaker’s lab abnormalities.
  4. Improvement with therapy similar to those found in peer-reviewed published research.

Challenges with CIRS Case Definition

One of the challenges of the CIRS case definition is that it takes more than one visit to confirm the diagnosis, patients need to have labs, need to take their medications, and thus the diagnosis cannot be made on the first visit.

Further Diagnostic Tests

If a patient has a positive exposure history, more than 6 symptom clusters, a positive VCS test, and fulfills the diagnositc criteria of the first 2 tiers, then further confirmatory lab testing must be done to confirm or diprove the CIRS diagnosis.

The following chart gives a visual representation of the biotoxin pathway with some of the lab markers being represented.

Biotoxin pathway

FURTHER BIOMARKERS/IMAGING/TESTS ASSESSED IN CIRS:

  • ERMI            
  • MARCoNS
  • Antigliadin antibodies
  • Androgens
  • Leptin
  • C3a
  • C4a- run through Quest
  • VEGF
  • TGFbeta-1
  • VIP
  • Von Willebrands
  • CD4+CD25+
  • Anti-cardiolipin antibodies
  • PAI-1
  • Pulmonary Function Tests
  • VO2 Max
  • Stress Echocardiogram
  • Neuroquant
  • Genomics

PHYSICIAN ORDER SHEET

Physician order sheet
Physician order sheet

ENVIRONMENTAL RELATIVE MOLDINESS INDEX (ERMI)

  • If water damaged buildings/mold is suspected, an ERMI is essential.
  • Mold illness and CIRS arise from any indoor environment that is damaged by water intrusion. Until recently, there had been no standardized objective methods available to quantify the indoor air mold burden.[1]  Air sampling has come under much criticism due to the fact that it samples air for just a few minutes in time, does not separate all the toxigenic molds into the correct genera, and does not take into account Wallemia. Stachybotrys can often be missed as it is not an airborne mold, being heavy in nature and existing mostly on the ground. Not all molds are toxic to humans and not all “mold is mold.”
  • Dr. Stephen Vesper and his team at the Microbial Exposure Laboratories of the EPA in Cincinnati pioneered the use of Mold Specific Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (MSQPCR), and its application called the Environmental Relative Mold Index (ERMI).[2]  ERMI is an objective, standardized DNA-based method that will identify and quantify molds. ERMI does not measure the DNA of all fungi, but those that carry the highest implications for the relative mold burden in water damaged buildings.
  • There are currently three labs that offer the ERMI test: EMSL Analytical www.emsl.com, Mycometrics www.mycometrics.com and EMLab P&K www.emlab.com. Mycometrics is the most accurate according to Dr Shoemaker and provides both a Swiffer cloth method of detection and offers the HERTSMI-2 score. 
  • The ERMI classifies 36 species of mold into 26 species or clusters associated with WDB (Group 1) and 10 common species/clusters not associated with WDB (Group 2) and commonly found outside.[3]  The number calculated as the ERMI is the sum of the logs of the concentrations of the DNA of the different species. The mold index (ERMI) is the difference between Group 1 and Group 2. The ERMI was calibrated to the specific measurements (3 feet by 6 feet) in the living room and bedroom for 5 minutes and all the national standards reflect measurements from these areas only. Measuring mold in the basement only is not recommended as a first line measurement for these reasons. 

Computerized ERMI values are graphed from the lowest to the highest (see figure below). The ERMI value is typically between -10 (lowest mold levels) and 20 (highest relative mold levels). An


[1] Lin K-T, Shoemaker R.C. Inside Air Quality Filtration News Vol 26, No 3, pg. 32, 2007.

[2] Ibid

[3] Ibid

ERMI above 5 is in the top 75 % of homes for relative mold burden. An ERMI of -4 and below is on the lowest 25 % of homes in the US. 

Mycometrics LLC Report

As Dr. Shoemaker and Dr. Lin point out, the ERMI is a mold index, not a health index.

  • If the ERMI is low and there are people living in the home with positive symptoms for CIRS, that is, exceeding the cut-off criteria, and/or failing the VCS test, the ERMI should be repeated in different areas of the house. An ERMI does not exclude the value of a thorough top to toe visual inspection by a mold indoor specialist.
  • If you are not ill, an ERMI will help determine if your home is safe for visitors who have the mold susceptible gene and who are known to have health effects from moldy buildings
  • If the ERMI is low and no one is ill, one’s sense of security increases. Doing an ERMI is very helpful before one considers buying a new home. 
  • Elevated ERMI test result have been shown to have a positive correlation with lab abnormalities associated with CIRS, symptoms of CIRS, neurotoxicological studies, measurements of abnormal brain metabolites and symptoms of cognitive decline including brain fog, memory deficits and poor executive cognitive functioning. [1] Dr. Shoemaker writes that the high levels of mold translate in genetically susceptible patients into inflammation that reduces blood flow in particular parts of the brain so that it does not work efficiently. Furthermore, if a person is adequately treated but returns to a home with an ERMI above 2, he relapses.
  • In general, an ERMI value greater than 2 is considered unsafe for CIRS patients if the MSH is less than 35 and the C4a is less than 20,000. If the MSH is less than 35 and C4a is greater than 20,000, the ERMI score needs to less than -1.

[1] Ibid

HEALTH EFFECTS ROSTER OF TYPE SPECIFIC FORMERS OF MYCOTOXINS AND INFLAMMAGENS – HERTSMI-2

  • A secondary result can be calculated called a HERTSMI-2. This scoring system is application of the DNA testing shown on ERMI test results.  The new roster is designed to help patients previously sickened by water-damaged buildings and genetically predisposed understand if a given building is safe for occupancy. The roster is based on the results of 738 ERMI consecutive test results with 592 that were over 2 and 146 under 2.
  • This uses values of five specific molds-  Aspergillus penicilloides, Aspergillus versicolor, Chaetomium globosum, Stachybotrys chartarum and Wallemia sebi – from group 1 on ERMI based on 2 criteria:
  • Representative of varied water saturations (60-80%; 80-90%; 90-100%); and
  • Relative risk for enrichment is WDB compared to non-WDB is at least 10.

               A specific scale is used to grade the counts of each of the five species as and added up. 

             10 points are awarded for:

  • Aspergillus penicilloides                >500 spore E/mg
  • Aspergillus versicolor                      >500 spore E/mg
  • Chaetomium globosum                 >125 spore E/mg
  • Stachybotrys chartarum                >125 spore E/mg
  • Wallemia sebi                                    >2500 spore E/mg

             6 points are awarded for    

  • A. penicilloides or A. versicolor   >100
  • Chaetomium or Stachybotrys     >25
  • Wallemia                                             >500

              4 points awarded for   

  • A. penicilloides or A versicolor    >10
  • Chaetomium or Stachybotrys     >5
  • Wallemia   sebi                                  >100

*Any score over 15 is too dangerous for previously sickened patients to occupy.
*Any score under 11 has been safe to date.

* Some individuals may need a HERTSMI-2 score of <8 to not relapse

*Any score 11-15 is borderline. The building must be treated before safety can be assessed. 

Fungal ID/Sample IDSpore E./mg
Aspergillus flavus/oryzaeND
Aspergillus fumigatusND
Aspergillus nigerND
Aspergillus ochraceus<1
Aspergillus penicillioides13
Aspergillus restrictus*<1
Aspergillus sclerotiorumND
Aspergillus sydowiiND
Aspergillus unguis<1
Aspergillus versicolor190
Aureobasidium pullulans140
Chaetomium globosumND
Cladosporium sphaerospermum<1
Eurotium (Asp.) amstelodami9
Paecilomyces variotii<1
Penicillium brevicompactum45
Penicillium corylophilum1
Penicillium crustosum*10
Penicillium purpurogenum<1
Penicillium spinulosum*ND
Penicillium variabile<1
Scopulariopsis brevicaulis/fuscaND
Scopulariopsis chartarum13
Stachybotrys chartarum<1
Trichoderma viride*<1
Wallemia sebi230
Sum of the Logs (Group I):12.61
Acremonium strictum1
Alternaria alternata19
Aspergillus ustusND
Cladosporium cladosporioides 1130
Cladosporium cladosporioides 26
Cladosporium herbarum 63510
Epicoccum nigrum93
Mucor amphibiorum*1
Penicillium chrysogenum26
Rhizopus stolonifer<1
Sum of the Logs (Group II):10.26
ERMI (Group I – Group II):2.35

MULTIPLE ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE COAGULASE-NEGATIVE STAPH (MARCoNS)

Lab Test: API-Staph culture

Resistance to two or more distinct classes of antibiotics plus the presence of a biofilm.

  • MARCoNS plus biofilms is identified by a nasopharyngeal culture. Thrives in deep aerobic spaces of nasal cavity.
  • Must use API Staph Isolate to get biofilm forming coagulase negative Staph. This is not a routine nasal culture technique that is only cultured for two days at Quest or LabCorp.
  • Biofilms are slimy polysaccharide matrixes that surround the bacteria, acting as a protective barrier protecting bacteria from the immune system.
  • Dr Shoemaker observed in 1998 that in MSH deficient patients, over 80 % had MARCoNS in the nasopharynx and in MSH normal patients, less than 1 % were positive for MARCoNS. 
  • MARCoNS will result in MSH deficiency.
  • MARCoNS release endotoxin A and B which cleave MSH, rendering it ineffective and thus leading to immune dysregulation.
  • MARCoNS release hemolysins, which disrupt red blood cells and endothelial cell membranes increasing inflammation, coagulation risk, and anti-phospholipid abnormalities.
  •  Low MSH impairs its ability to coordinate dendritic cell responses within gut and respiratory mucous membrane compartments. [1]
  • With low MSH, multiple neuro-immune pathways are impacted leading to dysregulation in ACTH, cortisol, androgens, ADH and osmolality, melatonin (sleep disturbances), endorphins (pain issues.)   In addition, cytokines are stimulated.
  • MSH acts as a guard immune modulator on the skin and mucous membranes and kills fungi and coagulase negative staphylococci. With normal MSH, MARCoNS will not survive. [2]
  • Inadequate treatment of MARCoNS will reduce the efficiency of CSM therapy possibly because of MARCoNS continued effect on MSH.
  • Low MSH patients rarely get better until MARCoNS is treated. Hard to raise MSH with MARCoNS present.
  • With MARCoNS, thick biofilms are made which prevent antibiotics and natural immune function from dealing with the offending organisms.
  • MARCoNS colonization produces no symptoms but dysregulates MSH.
  • MARCoNS can also be isolated from dental cavitations.
  • MARCoNS with low MSH patients have a differential genomic profile than negative MARCoNS patients and low MSH. [3]
  • MARCoNS not to be confused with other coagulase -negative staphylococci that are not antibiotic resistant.

[1] Catania A, Caterina L, Sordi A, et al., The melanocortin system in control of inflammation. The Scientific World Journal 2010; 10:1840-1853.

[2] Shoemaker R. Katz BEG DVD 2013

[3] Shoemaker R. Katz 2013 BEG DVD

Microbiology Dx report
Microbiology Dx report

ANTIGLIADIN- ANTIBODIES (AGA)

Lab results

AGA normal range:  0-19 U

  • Low MSH results in T reg dysregulation, leading to inflammation and possibly autoimmunity
  • Serum IgA and IgG antigliadin antibodies (AGA) are antibodies against gliadin, the protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Some oats is cross-contaminated with gliadin but does not, in and of itself, contain gliadin.
  • AGA is not specific for celiac disease, but it does indicate an inflammatory response to gluten
  • I tend to do the HLA DQ2/DQ8 genes and serum tissue transglutaminase (TTG-IGA) levels to exclude celiac disease.
  • Over 58 % of children with CIRS have elevated AGA levels according to Dr. Shoemaker.

ANDROGEN DEFICIENCY

Lab Results

Normal Range:  DHEA and testosterone: Various ranges for age and gender

  • Abnormal androgens are due to an upregulated aromatase enzyme.
  • Testosterone is often dysregulated and DHEA may be low.
  • Using testosterone is contraindicated in these patients.
  • Due to low VIP and inflammation, testosterone is more rapidly converted into estrogen resulting in high estrogen and low testosterone.
  • One may use DHEA.
  • VIP nasal spray corrects aromatase activity.

LEPTIN

Lab results: LabCorp

Normal ranges: 0.5-13.8 ng/ml; in men

                            1.1-27.7 ng/ml; in women

  • Leptin is a hormone that controls how fat stores fatty acids. If the leptin receptors are disrupted, high levels of leptin will be seen.
  • Leptin regulates the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) pathway, thus MSH pathways that also control ADH.
  • Low leptin levels contribute to low MSH, ADH, VIP and ACTH.
  • Leptin outside the brain binds to immune cells and increases inflammatory cytokines. [1]
  • If leptin is high, fatty acids are stored in fat, resulting in weight gain.
  • Leptin is not considered a major marker in the CIRS workup.  
  • Markers of hypothalamic illness include high leptin and osmolality, low MSH, low ADH, ACTH and/or VIP.

[1] Bjorbaek C, Kahn BB. Leptin signaling in the central nervous system and periphery. Recent Progress in Hormone Research. 2004; 59: 305-31. PMID: 14749508

C3a

Lab results: Quest

Normal ranges: 55-486 ng/ml;  

  • C3a generated when C4a and C2a are made by activating MASP-2; splitting C4 and C2 creates C4b and C2a thereby activating C3
  • C3a is only activated when the innate immune system is presented with a bacterial cell membrane.
  • If elevated, tick -borne illness must be excluded or diagnosed.
  • Increased C3a can cause anaphylaxis through an upregulated immune response resulting in vasoconstriction, capillary hypoperfusion, increased vascular permeability and WBC release of oxidants, leukotrienes and enzymes.[1]
  • C3a will usually be low unless there is Lyme- usually more acute in nature.
  • C3a elevates within 12 hours of a tick-bite
  • If HLA is Lyme susceptible pattern – 15-6-51; 16-5-51, most likely will need longer than 3 weeks of antibiotics and CIRS can be a distinct possibility.
  • Will need Cholestyramine to remove the biotoxins if inflammatory CIRS markers and positive VCS present.
  • May need statin therapy if C3a persists after antibiotic therapy.

[1] Shoemaker R Biotoxin Illness Treatment Protocol pg. 8

C4a

Lab Results: Quest

Normal Range:  0-2830 ng/ml;

  • If levels are very high, this could be due to delays in shipping, sample not frozen quickly enough or the specimen thawed in transit.
  • C4a is an innate immune system biomarker. If high, it usually means that the innate immune system is in overdrive to PAMPS (pathogen -associated molecular patterns) and that a biotoxin burden is present.
  • Usually results in capillary hypoperfusion of the CNS.
  • C4a is a split product of the mannose binding lectin pathways of the complement system of the innate immune system and predicts the severity of CIRS.
  • C4a has been associated with elevated levels of mannin-binding lectin serine protease 2 (MASP2) in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.[1]
  • C4a helps the antibodies and phagocytic cells remove infections and toxins from the body.

[1] Sorensen B, Jones JF, Vernon SD, Rajeevan MS. Transcriptional control of complement activation in an exercise model of chronic fatigue syndrome. Molecular Medicine 2009 Jan-Feb; 15 (1-2): 34-42

  • Complement proteins circulate as inactive precursors but when split into active components they amplify the immune response of the membrane attack complex (MAC).[1] MAC kills the outer layer of cells causing cell death.
  • Both C3a and C4a are anaphylatoxins which cause smooth muscle release, can activate mast cells, increase histamine, increase basophils, increase vascular permeability, cause capillary hypoperfusion with resultant cellular hypoxia resulting in reduced mitochondrial function, increase lactate production from glycolysis,  and can increase cognitive dysfunction (memory loss, concentration, word finding difficulties, disorientation, confusion, difficulty integrating new information.) as well as fatigue. [2]
  • Brain fog caused by increased lactate and suppression of the glutamate/glutamine ratio. -increased inhibition versus excitation.
    • When C4a with anaphylatoxin activity stimulates the degranulation of mast cells, vascular permeability ensues, dermatographia can exist on the skin and smooth muscle contractions occur.
    • C4a can causes high lactate levels >1.29 and low glutamate/glutamine ratio <2.19 on MR spectroscopy.
    • If C4a levels are above 20,000 with low MSH levels the individual cannot be in a home with an ERMI above -1.
    • Cognitive functions improve when C4a drops.
    • C4a can be elevated in Lyme disease and SLE.

[1] Rapaport S. Evaluation and Treatment of CIRS pg. 7

[2] Ogata RT, Rosa PA, Zepf NE. Sequence of the gene for murine complement component C4a. The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 1989; 264( 28): 16565-72.

VEGF

Lab results: LabCorp and Quest

Normal Ranges: 31-86 pg./ml

  • VEGF is a marker of capillary hypoperfusion. A low level of skeletal muscle VEGF is associated with decreased muscle endurance.[1]
  • Treat VEGF if less than 31. If high, say 105, it means the innate immune is activated, but does not give the cause.
  • VEGF is high in renal failure and Bartonella infections. [2]
  • Inflammatory cytokines bind to endothelial receptors, which release “glues”- adhesion and integrins.  These hold the white cells together and narrow the capillaries creating hypoxia. This is sensed by regulatory cells which produce a gene controller hypoxia inducible factor (HIF), which produces VEGF.  
  • VEGF is a growth factor which stimulates blood vessel growth in response to HIF and dilates blood vessels in healthy people.

[1] Olfert IM, Howlett RA, Tang K, Dalton ND et al. Muscle specific VEGF deficiency greatly reduces exercise endurance in mice. Journal of Physiology 2009 Apr 15; 587:1755-1767

[2] Kempf VAVolkmann BSchaller MSander CAAlitalo KRiess TAutenrieth IB. Evidence of a leading role for VEGF in Bartonella henselae-induced endothelial cell proliferations. Cell Microbiol. 2001 Sep;3(9):623-32.

  • In biotoxin patients, inflammation and cytokines suppress VEGF, creating persistent capillary hypoperfusion.
  • This result in fatigue, cognitive fallout, muscle aching, and poor recovery from exercise due to anaerobic mitochondrial metabolism.
  • Usually glycolysis and protein are used for energy, taking several days to replenish glycogen.
  • In lactic acid metabolism, due to low VEGF, one obtains only 2 ATP for every glucose molecule, instead of 36 ATP as is normally the case.
  • Early in CIRS, VEGF can be increased, signifying that the body is trying to compensate for low oxygen delivery to tissues.

TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR BETA-1 (TGF beta-1)

Lab results: LabCorp and Quest

Must be double spun plasma with Cambridge to make sure all plasma platelet contamination is gone. Not serum. If result is greater than 40,000, the specimen is likely mishandled.

Normal range:   < 2380 pg/ml; =normal

> 5000 = symptoms appear

                                > 10,000 = restrictive lung disease, tremor, cognitive issues, joint problems may occur

  • TGF beta-1 is a protein that causes cells to change and usually results in innate-adaptive immune system dysregulation. It can either produce or suppress inflammation.
  • It must be addressed vigorously as it represents widespread tissue involvement, most common in people with highly susceptible 11-3-52B and 4-3-53 HLA haplotypes. Limiting mold exposure is crucial to down regulate this biomarker.
  • Elevated levels usually indicate that the body is trying hard to down regulate an overactive T cell adaptive immune system as in allergy (asthma) and autoimmunity (multiple sclerosis) as well as an overactive innate system (CIRS)- both caused by biotoxins in the HLA susceptible host.
  • TGF-beta-1 has a dual function in the innate immune system. If elevated it indicates an overactive immune system and it a key marker of the CIRS severity.
  • If stays high, it can indicate the person is having a difficult time recovering.
  • It helps control the growth and differentiation of cells, cell motility and cell death. In utero, it helps form new blood vessels, regulates muscle and body fat development and wound healing. 
  • It is an inflammatory regulatory cytokine which affects autoimmunity through differential gene activation. It can damage T reg cells CD4+CD2++, which regulate TH1 (autoimmunity), TH2 (allergy), TH17 cells. It converts CD4+CD25++ T reg cells into pathologic T cells, thus activating TH17 (autoimmune system) driven inflammation. Together, TH-17 and T-regulatory cells are responsible for preventing autoimmunity. TGF beta-1 can thus activate or reduce autoimmunity.
  • In the treatment, one must increase the low T reg cells (cellular immunity) and lower TGFB, thus improving humoral immunity.
  • If T reg cells are low <4.66 %, TGF beta will be high > 2,380.
  • VIP will raise T Reg cells (CD4, CD25).
  • TGF beta-1 can cause tissue remodeling in the liver, heart, central nervous system and the kidney.
  • If TGF beta-1 levels are >10,000, this may result in pulmonary remodeling and interstitial, restrictive lung disease (shortness of breath and asthma like symptoms), pulmonary
  • hypertension (where endothelial cells become thick fibroblasts and result in acquired pulmonary hypertension). Pulmonary stress testing can determine VO2 max and pulmonary function testing can look for signs of restrictive lung disease. Stress echocardiogram to estimate pulmonary arterial pressure (the measurement of the tricuspid jet and right atrial pressure) can also be done and which will measure further pulmonary cell transformation
  • High TGF beta-1 associated with joint inflammation
  • High TGF-B-1 may result in neurological diseases (MS), seizures, tremor, Parkinson’s, Autoimmune diseases (lupus, RA, dermatomyositis, ulcerative colitis, positive ANCA, ACLA, scleroderma), learning disabilities, vocal polyps and nasal polyps  and cognitive symptoms.
  • High TGF beta-1 can be seen in HIV, cancer and connective tissue disorders
  • High TGF beta-1, along with low MSH can contribute to GI dysfunction which improves when immune markers are normalized.
  • CD4+CD25++ blood levels = T reg cells. If low, the TGFbeta-1 would expect to be high.
  • VIP will cause T reg cells to increase, but re-exposure to biotoxins will cause them to drop.
  • TGF beta-2 will cause hair loss with increased catagen hair. Growing hair follicles are anagen, rest-phase hair is telogen but dying hair follicles are catagen due to TGF β-1.[1]

[1]Hibino T1Nishiyama T. Role of TGF-beta2 in the human hair cycle  J Dermatol Sci. 2004 Jun;35(1):9-18.

VASOACTIVE INTESTINAL POLYPEPTIDE (VIP)

Lab Results: Quest

Normal range:   23-63 pg/ml

  • No accurate test for VIP at the moment.
  • VIP is a 28-amino acid regulatory neuropeptide, neuro-immune modulator which downregulates cytokine levels with interactions with other peptides: MSH and Vasopressin.
  • It has hypothalamic receptors; it regulates blood flow and distribution.
  • Low levels are associated with capillary hypoperfusion and abnormal pulmonary artery pressure at rest or in response to exercise. [1]
  • It is also made in the nerve endings, gut and pancreas.
  • It can have a positive effect on the entire Biotoxin Pathway.
  • Like MSH, it regulates peripheral cytokine responses and inflammation throughout the body.
  • Low levels found in 98 % of CIRS patients and in less than 10 % of controls.
  • VIP helps reduce pulmonary artery hypertension. If pulmonary artery pressure raised with tricuspid valve regurgitation, one can have shortness of breath, especially with exercise. VIP will help reduce post exertional fatigue and shortness of breath
  • Helps with MCS, releases endorphins, reduces sicker-quicker phenomenon, downregulates MASP2- the enzyme that stimulates cleavage of C4-C4a; the key to reducing “quicker/sicker” phenomenon.
  • VIP induces smooth muscle relaxation in the intestinal tract stimulating water secretion into bile and pancreatic fluid; it can reduce stomach acid and absorption of nutrients from the GI tract. Diarrhea can result.  

[1] Berndtson K. Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. Overview, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Pg.7

  • Restores hormone levels, Vit D 3 levels, decreases aromatase upregulation caused by cytokines thereby restoring estrogen and testosterone levels, corrects ADH/osmolality.
  • Helps restore energy in chronically fatigued patients.
  • Enhances IL-10 production
  • Increases CD4+/CD25+ T reg cells, restoring their numbers and thereby regulated TH 17 autoimmune response. If used appropriately, it will suppress overly active inflammation and will regulate dendritic cells, the cells that mediate between the innate and adaptive immune systems.  Inhibits TGF beta-1. Down regulates cytokines and thus is a down-regulator of inflammation
  • Restores circadian rhythm.
  • It helps treat genomic dysregulation caused by CIRS.
  • VIP assists in treating the brain abnormalities found in NeuroQuant esp. caudate nuclei atrophy.
  • Upregulates VEGF esp. if not responded to Actos or Fish oil 1 spray – alternating nostrils 4 times per day.
  • Dr. Shoemaker published a study in 2013 on VIP used on CIRS-WDB patients which demonstrated the following: [1]
    • refractory symptoms reduced to control levels
    • corrected inflammatory biomarkers -C4a, TGF beta-1, VEGF and MMP 9 and reduced levels to controls
    • raised VIP and MSH, corrected estradiol, testosterone and Vit D levels,
    • corrected T-reg levels,
    • retuned PASP during exercise to normal
    • enhanced quality of life in 100% of patients in the study
  • Dr. Shoemaker found that 100 % of over 500 patients with multiple chemical sensitivities were found to have low VIP.
  • In order to use VIP, need to be out of a moldy building (ERMI less than 2), have a normal VCS and be MARCoNS free.

[1] Shoemaker RC, House D, Ryan J. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) corrects chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) acquired following exposure to water-damaged buildings. Health, 2013; 5 (3) 396-401

CD4+ CD25+

  • No commercial test is currently availablealthough select centres may do the test under special circumstances. 

VON WILLEBRANDS PROFILE

Lab results: Quest

  • Factor VIII activity, von Willebrand Factor antigen, Ristocetin Cofactor, von Willebrand Factor Collagen Binding Assay, von Willebrand Antigen) –as well as coagulase study- PT, PTT, PT/INR –  esp. if history of bleeding with exposure to WDB.
  • Patients with levels of Factor VIII, von Willebrand’ s antigen or Ristocetin associated cofactor either <50 or >150 IU are classified as abnormal for von Willebrand’ s antigen.
  • Blood will be thinner and bleeding will result.
  • Acquired von Willebrand syndrome can be the result of increased C4a resulting in increased bleeding tendencies. Water damaged building avoidance is the first step in treatment as well as using DDAVP.

ANTI-CARDIOLIPIN ANTIBODIES

  • Marker of autoimmunity.

PAI-1

  • A marker of increased blood coagulation.

PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTS

Unusual shortness of breath with post exertional fatigue warrants a workup for pulmonary function and possibly acquired pulmonary hypertension.

  • In CIRS, pulmonary function tests may show a restrictive pattern rather than an obstructive pattern of respiratory difficulties. If restrictive test is shown, proceed to VO2 max.  

VO2 MAX

  • VO2 max testing done on a treadmill may show abnormally low VO2 max, often lower than 20. This reflects capillary hypoperfusion and post exertional fatigue and malaise. High cytokine levels can first raise and then lower VEGF leading to chronic tissue hypoxia. CIRS patients have a lower threshold for hypoxia as a result.
  • Exercise is very helpful for these patients but they must stay below their anaerobic threshold.  If they stay below their anaerobic threshold, glycogen store depletion is prevented. This is determined by performing a cardiopulmonary stress treadmill test.
  • VO2 max > 35 = normal
  • VO2 max < 20 = CIRS patients 
  • VO2 max 12-15 = Stage IV Cardiac failure

STRESS ECHOCARDIOGRAM

This is to be pursued in the patient with unusual shortness of breath, asthma like symptoms and excessive post-exertional fatigue/poor exercise tolerance.

  • A stress echocardiogram will non-invasively measure the tricuspid jet and the right atrial pressure, thus estimating pulmonary arterial pressure (PA) response to exercise.
  • Normally the pulmonary pressure drops with exercise, allowing for increased oxygenation.
  • In CIRS patients, the PA pressure may increase, resulting in reduced oxygen absorbed into blood during exercise and thus poor exercise tolerance
  • A high pressure at rest may be seen, esp. if TGF beta-1 is high and T-reg cells are low. Th-17, induced by high TGF beta-1 will convert T reg cells to pathogenic T cells.
  • Avoid mold, use losartan and use VIP to correct this abnormality.

NEUROQUANT

A Neuroquant MRI is a software addition to an MRI and assists in determining if there are any changes in brain volume and structure according to specific quantifiable determinants in 11 different brain regions.

 Patients with CIRS due to mold exposure have a specific pattern of abnormalities as compared to controls:[1]

  • Forebrain parenchyma increased
  • Cortical gray increased

[1] Shoemaker R, D House R, Ryan J, Structural brain abnormalities in patients with inflammatory illness acquired following exposure to water-damaged buildings,” Center for Research on Biotoxin Associated Illness, Pocomoke

  • Hippocampus increased – although not included in the criteria
  • Caudate decreased – reversible through use of VIP according to Dr. Shoemaker’s clinical experience
  • Pallidum increased

Patients with CIRS due to Lyme neuroborreliosis have the following pattern:[1]

  • Small forebrain parenchyma
  • Small putamen
  • Large thalamus – (isolated post gray matter change)
  • Large cerebellum

Neuroquant also assists in the detection of other nuclei that can be atrophied and is helpful when looking at brain atrophy in dementia Alzheimer’s disease.

In Dr. Shoemaker’s research, no confirmed case of CIRS had less than 5 points and no controls had 3 or more points. One needs to take the average of the two sides to determine the points awarded.


[1] Ibid

 Black = Mold  Red = Lyme1 point2 points
Forebrain>31.9>32.5
Cortical Gray>16.3>17.0
Caudate<0.255<0.235
Pallidum>0.07>0.08
Putamen<0.345<0.335
Right thalamus>0.58>0.60
 AtrophyHypertrophy
Forebrain<29.00>31.9
Cortical Gray<13.50>16.3
Hippocampus<0.255>0.31
Amygdala<0.10>0.14
Caudate<0.255>0.30
Putamen<0.345>0.375
Pallidum<0.055>0.07
Thalamus<0.495>0.58
Cerebellum<3.50>4.55

GENOMICS

www.survivingmold.com/store1/progene-dx

  • PAX genomics allows for measurement of mRNA and miRNA in serum samples so as to assess metabolic patterns of cellular function based on RNA transcription patterns. [1]

A 2016 paper by Dr Shoemaker and James Ryan set out the underlying genomic abnormalities found in white blood cells that can result in someone suffering from a CIRS diagnosis leading to


[1] Berndston K.

  • chronic inflammation. [1] 14 patients who had failed the normal CIRS protocol were investigated genomically while using VIP.
  • This new RNA sequencing focuses on the abnormal gene expression found in the white blood cells of CIRS patients. Several key immune regulators were found to be differentially expressed over the course of the investigation including CD244, CD3D, CD48, CD 52, granzymes, defensins, and the Ikaros family of lymphoid transcription factors.
  • Two families of genes upregulated in CIRS are alpha defensins (these are antimicrobial peptides which keep bacteria in bodies from spreading by using mucosal layer coating inside the gut, airways or nasal passages) and granzymes (these are cytotoxic proteases found elevated in patients with autoimmune disease and infections). [2] These were downregulated with VIP.
  • The Ikaros family of five different zinc finger transcription factors may indicate a decline in lymphocyte proliferation after treatment with VIP.
  • In addition to these down regulated innate immune functions, there was a significant metabolic shift with a downregulation of ribosomal and mitochondrial gene expression possibly indicating a quietening of the overall upregulated immune response. [3] 
  • Patient reporting of CIRS symptoms decreased from a mean of 12.9 to a 3.3 over the duration of the therapy. TGF beta-1 and C4a were significantly lower after VIP therapy. MMP9 was lower post VIP but not significantly and VEGF was unchanged.
  • In addition, ribosomal genes as well as nuclear encoded mitochondria genes were shown to be down regulated after treatment with VIP and this coincided with the abatement of symptoms.  This argues the return to normal function of ribosomal and mitochondrial gene expression.
  • It is a great advance in the treatment of CIRS that both pre- and post-genomic expression patterns can be measured. Added to the measurement of proteomic expression and Neuroquant evaluation pre- and post treatment, the genomic insights add much additional value to quantifying the patients return to normal functioning.
  • Diagrams per Jimmy Ryan presentation at 2016 Surviving Mold conference Irvine, California.

[1] Ryan J, Shoemaker RC, RNA-Seq on patients with chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) treated with vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)shows a shift in metabolic state and innate immune fluctuations that coincide with healing. Medical Research Archives Vol 4 Issue 7 2016.

[2] www.survivingmold.com

[3] Ibid.

Before VIP
After VIP
Mitochondrial proteins pre-vip
Mitochondrial proteins post-vip

OTHER LAB TESTS DONE IN CIRS

  • These lab tests are done to rule out other possible illnesses.
  • CBC, Metabolic panel, Lipid panel, C-reactive protein, ESR, ANA, ENA, Thyroid studies with thyroid antibodies, sex hormones (estradiol, progesterone), pregnenolone, cardiolipin antibodies, PTT, Prothrombin time, Thrombin time, d-Dimer, IgE, Immunoglobin panel, protein electrophoresis.
  • If autoimmunity is suspected, check anti-gliadin antibodies, (due to low MSH and dysregulation of T reg cells) anticardiolipin antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, phospholipid.
  • If mast cell activation syndrome is suspected, consider doing serum histamine, serum tryptase, urinary prostaglandin D2, enolase.

Treatment Steps

Stepwise treatment protocol for CIRS

Dr. Shoemaker’s Surviving Mold Protocol involves a number of specific steps:

It must be kept in mind that CIRS is an inflammatory upregulation of the innate immune system and is thus an immune disorder occurring in genetically susceptible individuals. It will not therefore just respond to removal of the initial triggers. The particular triggers do need to be taken into account, but so does the immune dysregulation, the inflammatory markers, the neurohormonal abnormalities, potential autoimmune dysregulation as well as possible coagulation disorders.  

  1. Removal from exposure – monitor home or WDB with ERMI or HERTS-MI-2 testing
  2. Removal of biotoxins with either cholestyramine or Welchol – monitor with VCS
  3. Treat MARCoNS with BEG spray or EDTA- Check API-Staph nasal culture
  4. Begin a gluten free diet if anti-gliadin antibodies present
  5. Correct abnormal androgens – use DHEA-S if indicated
  6. Correction of elevated MMP-9
  7. Correction of low VEGF
  8. Correction of elevated C3a
  9. Correction of elevated C4a
  10. Reduce elevated TGF-beta-1
  11. Treat low VIP
  12. Recheck labs and VCS

STEP 1: REMOVAL FROM EXPOSURE

  • This is the most important step in the treatment process if a diagnosis of CIRS has been established. Attempt to determine the source of the biotoxin exposure; was it from Borrelia spirochete, dinoflagellate food poisoning or ciguatera. A person may be exposed to one or more of these toxins. If the source is identified, every effort must be made to remove the individual from the source of exposure.
  • If water damaged building is the issue and as up to 50 % of all USA homes have some form of water damage, mold exposure and all the corresponding inflammagens are the most frequent source of biotoxin illness. An ERMI test must be done and a visual inspection must be undertaken by a qualified mold/indoor air specialist. The article Inside Indoor Air Quality by Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker and Dr.  King-Teh Lin is a helpful resource.
  • If an ERMI test is positive with a reading >2, the building or home is considered unsafe for occupation with the CIRS diagnosis.  
  • Once a building has been declared unfit for occupation due to the visual inspection and the patient fulfilling the CIRS diagnosis, a sick patient should most often have to be removed from the building and a mold remediation team is called in.
  • One of the challenges for CIRS patients is what to do with belongings as they often have to be removed (clothing, furniture that cannot be adequately wiped down, contents esp. paper and cloth products and personal effects). All porous material should be removed and taken out of the house and discarded. Non-porous items need to be thoroughly and professionally cleaned.
Diagram: Written permission granted by Dr Lynese Lawson
Diagram: Written permission granted by Dr Lynese Lawson
  • Finding someone who can adequately undertake the remediation is often a major problem. An organized approach to the problem is vital but often is not able to be initiated due to the cognitive difficulties many people face with the CIRS diagnosis.
  • Small brief exposures must be avoided due to “sicker, quicker” phenomenon.
  • Patients that I see are given a list of companies that can assist them in their assessment and remediation process. HEPA filters (IQ air and Blue Sense Air filters) are used which can remove particles smaller than 0.3 microns in size. Air purifiers such as the Air Oasis are also used.
  • It is important that remediation efforts are continued until ERMI levels are down to safe levels – ERMI less than 2 or = 2 in patients with MSH <35; ERMI to < or = to – 1 if MSH <35 and C4a >20,000 with HERTSMI-2 < 11.
  • Post remediation testing should occur 3-5 weeks after remediation. One can place black or green garbage bags and collect new dust.

STEP 2: REMOVE TOXINS AND INFLAMMAGENS

Biotoxins must be removed from the body, particularly in a patient with the genetic predisposition to biotoxin illness. These patients cannot recognize the biotoxins and need help in doing so.

Cholestyramine (CSM), a bile acid sequestrant, has a quaternary cation structure that binds negatively charged ionophore biotoxins which possess an anion dipole. The biotoxins are excreted in bile and removed from the body while bound to the CSM, through the GI tract. This excretion prevents enterohepatic recirculation of the biotoxins. A handout should be given and consent obtained.

CSM can also bind industrial chemicals

  • CSM must be taken on an empty stomach away from meals and medications and/or supplements. 
  • Many people start with ¼ teaspoon a day. Take ½ hour before meals and 1 hour after meals, drugs or supplements.
  • Drink 6 –  8 oz. of water with the dose.
  • Juice is often a better mix for this very chalky tasting medication.
  • Side effects include heartburn, GERD, belching, bloating, nausea, bad tastes and/or constipation.
  • Welchol is a second option, although not as effective. There is said to be a 4:1 differential in terms of efficiency for biotoxin removal. CSM has 4 times as many electrically active sites. However, Welchol may be better tolerated but longer to change lab tests in the right direction.
  • These two binding agents are to be taken until the patient either passes the VCS test and/or eradicate MARCoNS.
  • Some patients combine the two meds: CSM twice per day – morning and bedtime and Welchol – lunch and dinner. Avoid the CSM with aspartame additives.
  • Chemically sensitive patients and patients with GI issues and/or food allergies, do better on Welchol.
  • If problems with toxin release or treatment reactions, start with Actos 15-45mg a day, or EPA 2.4 gms DHA 1.8gms for 5 days, then add cholestyramine again.
  • If Leptin <7 use omega 3s.
  • Watch fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K as CSM can bind these.
  • Welchol 625- work up to 2 caps three times per day.
  • CSM dosing: 4 -9 grams four times a day. Mix with 6 oz. water or juice. 30 mins before food. Followed by 4-6 oz. water.  
  • Paed. <120 lbs. or less than 18 years old.  Use 60 mg/kg/dose TID with 6 oz. water 30 mins before food.
  • Use Welchol 625 bid (1 tab) if out and about and exposed to mold.
  •  If re-exposed- use Welchol or CSM for 3 days.
  •  Works within a week.
  • Treat constipation with magnesium oxide or citrate powders. Can use 70 % sorbitol (Miralax).
  • Recheck VCS one month after starting treatment and then with each step.
  • When VCS normalized, switch to Welchol 625 mg twice daily if person is out a lot.
  • If at home mostly, no meds used.
  • If treatment fails, consider continued exposure, non-compliance or MARCoNS not adequately treated.   

STEP 3: ERADICATE MARCoNS

If positive for MARCoNS on API-Staph culture and if associated with a biofilm, eradication is important.

BEG spray:

  • Start one month after using CSM
  • Comprised of Bactroban, EDTA, and Gentamycin.
  • Blow nose first.
  • Use for 30 days 2 sprays each nostril 3 times per day in adults, 1 spray alternative nostril in children- seldom need to use
  • The patient may feel worse after starting treatment due to “die-off”.
  • Use low amylose diet, high dose fish oil and Actos if this occurs.
  • Repeat nasal culture to see if eradicated.
  • If symptoms worse after starting, it may imply re-exposure; VCS row D and E will fall and MMP9 will go up
  • If still positive after treatment, consider pet dog as source of reservoir, re-exposure to mold, or a partner with low MSH and MARCoNS
  • Rifampin has been used in the past at 600 mg per day with adults or 10-20 mg/kg/day in children. Start the rifampin the same day as the BEG spray to discourage resistance
  • Rifampin is known to induce multiple enzymes responsible for drug metabolism including cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A2, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and some glucuronidation pathways. In addition, it has been reported to induce the activity of several drug transporters, such as the organic anion transporter and P-glycoprotein.[1] Need to quite careful with anticoagulants and pain medications (may reduce their efficiency).
  • Recent MARCoNS resistance to multiple antibiotics has emerged due to what Dr Shoemaker believes to be the overuse of -azole antifungals.
  • This step is essential if VIP is going to be successful.
  • If symptoms worsen after 1 month, check for re-exposure, recheck VCS and MMP9 levels.
  • If patient better, stop BEG spray, recheck API- Staph nasal culture and VCS.

[1] http://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2011/april2011/druginteractions-0411

STEP 4: ELIMINATE GLUTEN IN AGA POSITIVE PATIENTS

  • If positive for AGA, it is imperative they are completely gluten free for at least 3 months.
  • This will reduce GI sources of inflammation
  • The no-amylose diet prescribed during CSM treatment is already gluten free, thus no gluten continues for an additional 3 months assuming that that the VCS corrected.
  • No amylose diet involves eliminating:
  • Grains- wheat, rice, barley, oats, rye – corn appears to be okay as has a natural inhibitor of amylase- no sugar added.  
  • Fruits-all fruit allowed except bananas. Can use fresh fruit juice.
  • Vegetables – all okay except root vegetables grown below the ground (potatoes, yams, radishes, carrots, beets). Garlic and onions are okay.
  • Other foods –  glucose, dextrose, sucrose, maltodextrin, low-fat corn syrup, cereal, chocolate, fast food, soft drinks, commercial fruit juices. Lactose (milk), artificial sweeteners, spices and condiments, diet soft drinks and caffeine drinks are allowed
  • Many patients will have many other possible food issues including but not limited to IgE allergies, IgG sensitivities, oxalate issues, salicylate issues, FODMAPS issues, SIBO issues, high histamine issues etc. These issues are not part of the Shoemaker protocol but need to be taken into account when addressing and treating chronic GI issues. 
  • If AGA is negative after 3 months, reintroduce gluten and keep monitoring for GI symptoms.
  • If patient feels better off gluten, and/or AGA returns as positive, stay off gluten for life.
  • If a patient is known to have celiac disease, it is imperative he follows a strict gluten free diet for life. [1]

[1] Shoemaker RC. Surviving Mold: Life in the Era of Dangerous Buildings. Otter Bay Books. Baltimore 2010.

STEP 5: CORRECT ANDROGENS: DHEA/Testosterone/Androgens and Cortisol

Treatment:

  • DHEA – 25 -75 mg a day- men. 5-25 mg a day -women
  • HCG injections 125 250 mg twice weekly. This raises LH. Not part of Shoemaker protocol
  • VIP nasal spray 4 times per day for 30 days- can stabilize aromatase and rebalance androgens
  • Measure DHEA before treatment and monitor estradiol levels- at least every 3 months
  • Resist using testosterone replacement
  • Do not use aromatase inhibitors with a low-MSH patient<35, this will cause significant deterioration.

STEP 6: CORRECT ADH/OSMOLALITY

Treatment: Desmopressin Acetate (DDAVP)

  • Use DDAVP when osmolality is high>295
  • Use 0.2 mg every other night to verify tolerance and absence of side effects especially if weight gain. Initial correction of ADH can lead to edema and rapid weight gain due to fluid retention.
  • After 5 doses – check serum osmolality, ADH and electrolytes verifying normal sodium and not too low.
  • If symptoms persist, especially on “off days”, use 0.2 mg daily.
  • Check electrolytes and osmolality after 10 days.
  • Some people (especially those with POTS) may need to be on drug daily for indeterminate basis.
  • Some may need it twice daily.
  • ADH abnormalities usually normalizes over time.
  • This treatment may also correct von Willebrand syndrome and help reduce MMP9 (and C4a) levels. Von Willebrands patients need to carry DDAVP to stop nasal hemorrhage.
  • One needs to taper DDAVP when endpoint of normal ADH for a given osmolality is reached. 
  • Children need to use 1-4 sprays based on weight and age.
  • If odd symptoms occur while on treatment, stop treatment and check electrolytes and serum osmolality.
  • Taurine can cause polyuria and Lithium can cause ADH resistance.
  • Symptoms addressed include polyuria, polydipsia, orthostatic hypotension, recurrent headaches and static shocking.

STEP 7: CORRECT ELEVATED MMP-9

Treatment: Actos and/or EPA/DHA Fish oil

  • The goal of therapy is to upregulate PPAR-gamma production and reduce MMP-9 expression.
  • Lowers TNF, leptin, MMP9, PAI-1, and raises low VEGF.
  • If low leptin-less than 7 or less than 18 years, can’t use Actos.
  • If leptin less than 7, use high dose fish oil: EPA 2.4 mg, DHA 1.8 mg daily.
  • If high or normal leptin, use Actos- low carb/amylose, high protein diet.
  • Actos 45 mg once daily for 30 days.
  • If get swollen and hypoglycemic have to stop.
  • Watch kidney function and blood sugar.
  • Actos is also implicated in bladder cancer with long term use.
  • Takes longer to work but is effective.
  • Recheck labs after 30 days.
  • High MMP-9 patients may get worse when starting CSM with Herxheimer reactions.  
  • Herxheimer reaction defined as- symptoms gotten worse, new symptoms arise, reactivation of old symptoms.
  • With an increase in MMP-9 there is worsening in row E of the VCS test.
  • Trental, progesterone, curcumin, glutamine, glutathione and phosphatidyl choline have been anecdotally shown to lower MMP-9- not part of Shoemaker protocol.

Step 8: CORRECT VEGF – Correction of Hypoperfusion

  • The previous steps may have improved VEGF.
  • If not improved, exercise is added to the protocol to increase low VEGF.
  • Graded exercise below anaerobic threshold 7 days per week is recommended.
  • Patients are asked to start very slowly but may end up exercising to a maximum of 45 minutes
  • Suitable routine eventually may include 15 minutes of cardio, 15 minutes of weights, 15 minutes of abdominal exercises.
  • Corrects low VEGF.
  • Procrit and VIP can increase VO2 max.

Step 9: CORRECT ELEVATED C3a

  • Statins show reduction in T cell activation, macrophage infiltration and vascular wall infiltration.
  • Statins inhibit an enzyme HMG-COA reductase that controls the rate of cholesterol production.
  • Must be used with Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) – needed by mitochondria to make ATP.
  • Coenzyme Q10 levels can be measured in the serum.
  • Start Coenzyme Q10 150-300 mg for 10 days.
  • Then start statins – Zocor 80 mg day, Pravastatin, Atorvastin, Fluvastin, Rosuvastatin and Lovastatin may all be used.
  • Statins metabolized by Cytochrome P450 3A4.
  • Drugs that inhibit CYT 3A4= Sporonox, Ketoconazole, Erythromycin, Clarithromycin, HIV protease inhibitors, Nefazodone, gemfibrozil, Biaxin, Ketek and Posaconazole.  
  • No large quantities of grapefruit juice.
  • With Lovastatin, do not exceed 20 mg dose if on danazol, diltiazem or verapamil.
  • Monitor liver function, renal function and creatine.
  • May increase cognitive symptoms and raise blood sugars.

Step 10: CORRECT ELEVATED C4a

  • Reduce C4a with erythropoietin (Procrit) 8,000 units twice weekly (Mon and Thurs) for 5-8 doses with baby aspirin. 40,000 units per vial.
  • Higher doses once per week not effective due to short half-life of 1.5 days.
  • Erythropoietin causes tissue remodeling and repair.
  • Informed consent must be signed as there is a black box warning.
  • Most practitioners now use VIP instead of Procrit.  
  • Monitor CBC, iron studies, blood pressure, D-dimer.
  • Use baby aspirin when using Procrit.
  • Check levels of C4a, TGF beta-1, T reg cells and VEGF before each dose to ensure efficiency of treatment.
  • Ensure no polycythemia occurs thus increase risk for thrombus formation.
  • Keep track of symptoms to see if improvement- breathing easier, increased mental clarity.  
  • High C4a can cause decreased cognitive function due to hypoperfusion.
  • Treating C4a can improve cognitive deficits- memory, concentration, word finding, assimilation of new knowledge, confusion, disorientation.
  • Can use VIP 4 sprays a day if cannot use Procrit.
  • High C4a can cause hypoperfusion and increased brain swelling as seen on Neuroquant. Will see high lactate (>1.29) in frontal lobes and hippocampus and low glutamate/glutamine ratio (<2.19). These findings result in cognitive dysfunction and brain fog.
  • Assess cognitive function: if abnormal, do MRI spectroscopy.
  • If MRI abnormal showing low glutamate/glutamine ratio (capillary hypoperfusion) – then use Procrit. [1]
  • Recheck MRI spectroscopy after Procrit = normal G:G, normal lactate and improvement in 6 areas of cognitive functions.

[1] Shoemaker R. Biotoxin Illness Treatment Protocol pg. 10.

Step 11: REDUCE ELEVATED TGF beta -1

  • Every effort must be made to reduce this biomarker as it represents widespread tissue involvement.[1]
  • Losartan can prevent TH17 conversion of T reg cells and thus correct TGF beta-1 levels.
  • Losartan/Cozaar 12.5 mg bid, up to 25-50mg a day.
  • Child dosage is 0.6-0.7 mg/kg/day bid.  
  • VIP also lowers TGF-b1.
  • Use 4 sprays VIP a day if can’t use Cozaar due to low b.p. Patient must meet VIP criteria.  
  • If CD4+CD25++ T reg cells <4.66% and TGF beta -1 >2,380 and blood pressure normal.
  • Treat with Cozaar 25 mg daily- start with 12.5 mg.
  • Increase to 25 mg bid if necessary.
  • Monitor TGFB monthly and blood pressure daily.
  • Transfer Factor may also reduce TGF beta-1. This is not part of the Shoemaker protocol.

[1] Berndston K. pg. 14 

STEP 12: REPLACE LOW VIP

  • If patients have cleared a number of the Dr. Shoemaker biomarkers (see below) but still have signs of capillary hypoperfusion with fatigue, unusual shortness of breath with exertion and post-exertion malaise, a trial of VIP may be the most effective treatment so far in the treatment protocol.
  • Neuroquant findings will also determine suitability of use
  • Patients must be given a VIP handout before treatment.
  • VIP is dispensed in a brown bottle, must be refrigerated in upright position. It can last for 90 days if stored properly.
  • If deficient in VIP, the final step can provide significant relief.
  • Most people will have at least 75% of their symptoms relieved before starting VIP providing all the preceding steps have been done successfully.
  • All prior steps need to be fulfilled prior to use of VIP:
  • MARCoNS must be eradicated
  • VCS must be normal
  • Lipase must be normal
  • No significant exposure can be tolerated- home must have an ERMI of less or equal to 2 or Health Effects Roster Type Species Mycotoxin and Inflammagen test (HERTSMI-2) must be less than or equal to 10
  • Once decision made to use VIP the following steps need to be taken:
  • Patients must be in the office
  • Pre -VIP administration labs: VIP, MSH (this may be one of the last hormones to correct and may need VIP), TGF-beta-1, C4A, VEGF, MMP-9, CD4+/CD25++, Vit D-25-OH, estradiol, total testosterone and lipase should also be measured
  • Baseline stress echo to measure tricuspid regurgitation/ pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) – verify it does not rise over 8 mm during exercise.
  • CIRS patients will often have over 8 mm Hg elevation of PASP- this can result in palpitations and dyspnea not responsive to asthma medication.[1]
  • After bloods are drawn, test spray one dose 50 mcg in one nostril.
  • Patient observed for any symptom improvement.
  • Vital signs (b. p. pulse) followed every 5 minutes for 3 separate occasions. Look for rash.
  • Watch for improvements in shortness of breath, reduced joint pain and improved cognition.
  • Post-VIP 15 minutes, redraw TF beta-1 and C4a levels. If there is a twofold increase, hidden mold may be present.
  • Patient leaves office if they tolerate the second dose.
  • Dosing thereafter is 1 spray 50 mcg 4 times per day for 30 days.
  • Redo stress echo and blood pressure after 30 days. Redo lipase, C4a,TGF beta-1, VCS.
  • Dosage can be increased to 8 sprays or reduced to less than 4 sprays per day. 
  • One needs to watch for pancreatitis and increased lipase levels. Lipase needs to be checked monthly and any signs of abdominal pain need to be noted.
  • If lipase rises, VIP needs to be stopped.
  • One must check for gallbladder issues if lipase remains elevated.
  • If TGF-beta-1 and VCS are stable, lipase is normal and symptoms are improving, VIP can continue for 30 days tapering to twice daily and then discontinued.
  • Check at 6 months when off VIP: lipase, VCS and stress echo for any changes to PASP.
  • Can use VIP for up to 4 years without adverse effects.
  • Patients with MCS and chronic fatigue syndrome may improve over time. CFS patients will have low VIP.
  • Can use Cialis 20 mg 3 times per week if VIP low and poor response to exercise.
  • VIP will increase CD4 + CD25 + FoxP3 and reduce shortness of breath and cognitive problems.
  • However, reduced joint stiffness may be seen in as little as 10 minutes as it causes immediate endorphin release.
  • Improved exercise tolerance will occur as well as overall all symptoms will improve.
  • Tight clenched hands can open and patients able to take a deeper breath on VIP.
  • Immediate pain relief is a huge relief for most patients.
  • Cognitive issues respond more slowly.

[1] Shoemaker R. Biotoxin Illness Treatment Protocol pg. 12.

Re-exposure Protocol

The phrase used by Dr Shoemaker is that patients previously exposed who are re-exposed will become “sicker-quicker” due to the immediate upregulation of immunological markers.

The following steps to be used if re-exposed:

  1. Treat with CSM or Welchol immediately. A VCS is an excellent idea to monitor biotoxin exposure. Measure key labs:  C4a, leptin, MMP-9, TGF beta-1, VEGF, von Willebrands (if bleeding).
  2. Patient to move to safe environment immediately the issue is discovered.
  3. Stay off binders and other meds if patient’s labs and VCS stable

Re-exposure Trial

If it is needed to prove that a certain building is unsafe for occupation, the following protocol can be followed: SEQUENTIAL activation of innate immune elements (SAIIE)

  • After CSM use has ended, draw the following labs: C4a, TGF beta-1, MMP9, leptin, VEGF and CD4+CD25+
  • Stop all treatment meds- CSM and Welchol.
  • Stay away from building for 3 days
  • Document symptoms having been away from the building for 3 days. Do VCS and do same labs as above.
  • Return to the suspicious building for 8 hours on no meds. Record symptoms and redo above labs
  • Return to building for a second 8 hours on the second day. Record symptoms and redraw same labs
  • Return for the 3rd day, document symptoms and obtain labs.
  • Restart medications. Record symptom scores, and VCS. Labs get scored by office.

   VIII Sequential Activation of Innate Immune Elements (SAIIE)[1]


[1] http://www.tequestafamilypractice.com/articles/CIRS_Overview.htm#SAIIE

BASELINEDAY 1DAY 2DAY 3
VCSDeceasingDecreasingDecreasing
C4aIncreasingIncreasingIncreasing
VEGFIncreasingDecreasing (2 to TGF β-1)Decreasing
LeptinStableIncreasingIncreasing
MMP9StableSpikesIncreasing
vWF Factor VIIIDecreasingIncreasingNormalizes
vWF RistocetinNormalDecreasingDecreasing/may bleed on day 3
CD4+CD25+DecreasingDecreasingDecreasing
Compare to baselineC4a, VEGFLeptin, MMP9MMP9, CD’s, VEGF, & symptoms

Scoring the SAIIE;

  • Compare the C4a on day 1 to baseline
    • Compare Leptin on day 2 to baseline
    • Compare MMP9 as average of day 2 and 3 to baseline
    • Compare VEGF to baseline; rise on day 1, fall by day 3
    • Compare symptoms day 3 to baseline.
    • Add the values

 SAIIE Scores;

  • 5 for 100%; 4 for 80%, 3 for 70%, 2 for 60%, and 1 for 50%
    • Controls mean is 6.3
    • Cases mean is 17.9
    • TGF β-1 rapidly changes
    • CD4+CD25+; it drops rapidly.

 What is SAIIE really showing?

  1. Looking at the progression of innate immune responses- extremely sensitive C4a and TGF β-1
    1. Gene activation following receptor resistance (leptin)
    2. Bottom line; this is absolute proof of causation.
    3. A/B/B’/A/B research design.
      1. A Person at baseline
      2. B Intervention fixes them
      3. B’ Stop medicine
      4. A Re-expose
      5. B Intervention fixes them again

   This is demonstrative of:

  1. Pattern recognition; antigen presentation gone awry
    1. Inflammatory responses not controlled, neuropeptides are depleted
    2. Innate immune abnormalities become chronic as a host-response syndrome

Summary

Patients who present with a CIRS diagnosis, at present, have an enormous amount of information to ingest and, on occasion, significant skepticism to overcome. Skepticism usually rises when the patient returns to the primary care provider or specialist, to discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic path that may have been outlined. There is a common saying in life, “what you are not up on, you are usually down on.” Nowhere is this more evident than in the world of medicine. It is not uncommon for medical doctors to dismiss outright any information that is not part of their consensual reality. Even if one is not trained in this area of emerging medicine, it still requires a deep commitment to study the literature, learn the diagnostic and therapeutic criteria for CIRS and apply them to complex multi-symptom, multi system patients who fit the CIRS diagnosis.

At present, the CIRS diagnosis may be dismissed, diminished, misdiagnosed or misunderstood. It may take some time before the full scope and implications of this diagnosis make its way into clinical practice and hence consensual reality. In the meantime, it is incumbent upon practitioners of the CIRS protocol to continue learning the emerging science, particularly the role of genomics in the diagnosis and treatment protocol.

Adequate standards of remediation are another problem many patients frequently encounter. Too often I have heard of patients phoning a mold specialist who does not perform an adequate attic to basement visual inspection of the house but instead does an air sample and proclaims that the home is “mold free.”

Thanks to the recent Consensus Statement on the investigation and remediation of water-damaged buildings in case of CIRS-WD, [1] specific guidelines now exist for patients, practitioners, and indoor air practitioners to follow in cases of those patients with a known CIRS diagnosis.

It will take some time before critical mass is reached and this diagnosis and treatment protocol makes its way into everyday clinical practice. Having worked with the Dr. Shoemaker protocol for over five years, it has been my experience that if a patient is correctly diagnosed and follows the protocol exactly as it has been set out, the possibilities in their returning to good, if not excellent health, are directly proportional to the effort he applies to strictly following the diagnostic and treatment criteria. It is certainly a rewarding moment to witness patient’s symptom scores fall away as he makes progress with the protocol. The protocol does not produce overnight miracles, but at each step of the way, gains are made as the patient’s lives slowly return to normal. It is a wonderful experience to be a part of this transformation.


[1] Schwartz L, Weatherman G, Schrantz M, Spates W, Charlton J, Berndtson K, Shoemaker R. Indoor Environmental Professional Panel of Surviving Mold – Consensus Statement

Diagnosis of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome – A Global Consensus 2

Diagnosis of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome - A Global Consensus

Please take a look at this newly published peer-reviewed article by Dr. Lawrence Afrin of which I was a co-author, on the revised criteria for the diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS):

Diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome: a global “consensus-2”

One of the most common difficulties patients seem to face after they have been to our clinic and given a diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome is when they return to their GP’s or specialists with a description of this syndrome. Traditional medicine is well-schooled in the diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis, a condition characterized by an increased number of mast cells as opposed to MCAS which is a diagnosis arrived at due to the increased activity of mast cells (and not an increase in the actual numbers).

Systemic mastocytosis is most often diagnosed by using a biomarker called tryptase, whereas the diagnosis of MCAS has much broader diagnostic criteria as this article will outline.

For a much more in-depth description of MCAS, please see my treatment page and the following articles:

  1. Treating Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
  2. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: When You Immune System Runs Rampant
  3. Natural Treatments For Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
  4. Your Ultimate Guide to the Low-Histamine Diet

Natural Treatments for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

I have recently returned from a most stimulating conference/think tank with Dr. Afrin and 30 other leading clinicians on Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) at Commonweal—a cancer retreat centre in northern California.

MCAS is a type of mast cell activation disorder (MCAD) characterised by an abnormal activation of mast cells resulting in chronic multisystem polymorbidity of a general inflammatory nature, with or without an allergic nature. Mast cells are white blood cells that are concentrated at the entrances to body tissues (ears, ears, nose throat, skin, genitalia, rectum), and when activated, they release over 200 signalling chemicals (e.g. histamine, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, cytokines and chemokines). These chemical mediators trigger inflammation in response to the invasion of foreign toxins, infections or chemicals, resulting in a range of chronic symptoms. With MCAS, this function becomes upregulated and chronic, occurring at inappropriate times in response to substances that are not necessary a threat. This can lead to widespread symptoms in many different body organs and systems.

Mast cells are located throughout your body in many different tissues, primarily including dermatological, gastrointestinal, neurological and respiratory tissues.  While we need mast cells to protect us from threats, they become a problem when they are overactive and hyper-responsive and will not ‘turn off’. Dr. Afrin, a leading mast cell researcher, believes that between 15 and 20% of the North American population may be affected  by MCAS. The symptoms of MCAS vary greatly. As a result, many people spend years, even decades, in search of a correct diagnosis, visiting many different subspecialists. What is more frustrating for patients is that many doctors are not familiar with the multiple ways in which MCAS may manifest.

MCAS is often found in individuals with hypermobility syndromes (Ehlers–Danlos syndrome), postural orthostatic hypotension (POTS) as well as chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) and tick-borne illnesses (Lyme disease and co-infections).

The most common symptoms of MCAS include:

  1. Feeling as though you have been sick forever
  2. Trouble with allergies and asthma
  3. Overreaction to insect bites, bee stings and chemical intolerances
  4. Facial and chest flushing
  5. Skin rashes that come and go, including hives and angioedema
  6. Itchiness and a burning feeling
  7. Brain fog and headaches
  8. Poor wound healing and easy bruising
  9. Waxing and waning of symptoms

The condition may be mild in some people and only exacerbate in response to a significant life stressor, which may be either physical or psychological in nature (divorce, bankruptcy, loss of job, travel, infection, death of a loved one, exposure to novel infections, occupying a water damaged building, exposure to cold or heat). In others, symptoms may develop from a young age and slowly become worse over time. People with MCAS are likely to experience a few of the most common symptoms. Because mast cells are located throughout the body, symptoms can affect the eyes, nose, ears, throat, skin, heart, blood, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and the nervous, endocrine and musculoskeletal systems.

The symptoms of MCAS are often confusing. For a long time, many people with MCAS have been told that their condition was psychosomatic or ‘in their head’. Fortunately, awareness of this frustrating and debilitating condition is spreading. Testing for MCAS is somewhat complex and confusing, as positive biomarkers may only be observed when a patient has a flare up. Incorrect collection of specimens may also lead to false negative testing. Many specimens need to be chilled with a refrigerated centrifuge, which is not available in every lab or doctors’ office.

If you need a comprehensive overview MCAS, I encourage you to read my article: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Histamine: When Your Immune System Runs Rampant.

The most common drugs that are prescribed for treating MCAS include:

  • Histamine 1 blockers – Hydroxyzine (Atarax), Doxepin (Silenor), Cyproheptadine (Periactin), Loratadine (Claritin), Fexofenadine (Allegra), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Ketotifen (Zaditen) and Cetirizine (Zyrtec, Reactine).
  • Histamine 2 blockers – Famotidine (Pepcid, Pepcid AC), Cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB) and Ranitidine (Zantac). Famotidine is chosen most often because it has fewer drug interactions than Tagamet.
  • Mast Cell Stabilisers – Cromolyn (Cromolyn Sodium, Gastrocom—oral form, Nasalcrom—nasal spray, Opticrom—eye drops, and there is a nebulised form and a cream can be made from a bottle of Nasalcrom and Eucerin or DMSO cream), Ketotifen (both a mast cell stabiliser and an H1 blocker) and Hydroxyurea (Hydrea).
  • Mast Cell Inhibitors – Montelukast (Singulair), Zafirlukast (Accolate) and Zileuton (Zyflo). Pentosan (Elmiron) is used in the genitourinary tract for perineal pain and interstitial cystitis.
  • Antibody neutralisers – Omalizumab (Xolair).
  • Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor – Imatinib (Gleevac).
  • Stimulants – Mixed salts amphetamine (Adderall XR), Methylphenidate (Ritalin) and Ephedrine (Epipen provides an acute rescue injection when experiencing an anaphylactic episode).
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) – Helpful in some, a trigger in others.  Aspirin is the most commonly used NSAID. COX 2 selective NSAIDs—Celecoxib (Celebrex)—are also used.
  • Low-dose Naltrexone (LDN) – Used in a step-up dosing at night.
  • Cannabinoids – Drobaninol downregulates neurons and mast cells via inhibitory cell-surface cannabinoid receptors (not available in Canada). CBD is more helpful than THC.
  • Benzodiazepenes – Addresses the inhibitory mast cell benzodiazepine receptors. Use short-acting varieties. Lorazepam (Ativan) and Clonazepam (Klonopin, Rivotril) are best when used three times daily. Valium and Midazolam are also sometimes used.
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors – may occasionally be of benefit.
  • IV Immune Globulin (IVIG) – this treatment is sometimes used in MCAS.

While your doctor may prescribe you some of these mast cell stabilizer drugs to help your symptoms, there are also several natural treatment options. A benefit of using natural treatments for MCAS is that you can take these on your own and they do not require a prescription. However, because most patients with MCAS present differently, it is a good idea to implement these with the guidance of a functional medical doctor who is experienced in MCAS.

Although there is a good possibility that you will eventually find the right therapeutic combination of treatments that will help alleviate many of your symptoms, the fact is that there are no specific biomarkers that will predict which therapy will be the most effective for your specific manifestation of this condition. Trial and error with both drug- and non-drug-based options is often the name of the game.

Also, if you opt for natural treatments for MCAS and mast cell activation disorder, always be sure to disclose everything you are taking to your doctor so he or she has a clear idea of what is going on. It is also important that you make only one change at a time when attempting different combinations of treatment options.

Advantages of Using Natural Treatments for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

There are many advantages of using natural treatments for MCAS, including:

  1. Lower cost
  2. No need for a prescription
  3. MCAS patients are often sensitive to pharmaceuticals, particularly the excipients (bulking agents, binders, fillers, dyes) within the products. Patients will have to work closely with their compounding pharmacists to help identify a list of offending ingredients in drug formulations. If a patient has a strange reaction to medications (e.g. insomnia while using a typically sedating antihistamine), it is likely a flare up of mast cells in the CNS causing the problem and not the drug itself.
  4. Some drugs block DAO—an enzyme in the gut that breaks down histamine
  5. Many patients prefer natural treatments
  6. May have benefits beyond mast cell stabilisation

Disadvantages of Using Natural Treatments for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome

  1. Supplements are bioactive compounds that may have unacceptable effects
  2. They may interfere with known medications
  3. They still have to be processed through the same liver detoxification enzymes as pharmaceuticals and thus may have unacceptable side effects
  4. Supplements may also contain excipients that produce unacceptable side effects

Many of my patients find that these natural treatments are sufficient when it comes to treating their MCAS. For others, these natural treatments allow them to reduce the number or amount of drugs they need. When it comes to natural treatments for MCAS and mast cell activation disorder, the most effective work in the following ways:

  1. Stabilising mast cells
  2. Increasing histamine breakdown
  3. Reducing histamine levels
  4. Stabilising the immune system and reducing inflammation

With that in mind, here are some of the best natural treatments for MCAS according to the mechanisms they influence. These recommendations were presented at the think tank by Dr. Brian Bouch, a leading integrative medical doctor from California.

1. Stabilising Mast Cells

One of the best things you can do for MCAS is add natural treatments that stabilise your mast cells. Such therapies work by inhibiting the inflammatory mediators mast cells release and can be broken down into three groups (A, B, and C) based on how helpful and potent they are.

The “A” Team:

  1. Quercetin  – 2000 mg daily, dose divided
  2. Green tea (EGCG, L-Theanine) – 2 to 3 cups daily. Supplement with 500 mg (175 mg of ECGC) twice daily
  3. Curcumin (Meriva is a common brand name) – 1 to 4 g daily, dose divided
  4. Chamomile tea (Apigenin, luteolin) – 1 to 2 cups before bed
  5. Resveratrol – 20 mg twice daily
  6. Diamine oxidase enzymes (DAO) – 2 capsules with each meal
  7. Vitamin C – may need a non-citrus source such as rose hips – 1 to 3 g daily

The “B” Team:

  1. Luteolin – 100 mg twice daily
  2. Ginkgo biloba – 500 mg daily
  3. Silymarin – 500-1000 mg daily, doses divided
  4. Shea oil – 3 capsules daily
  5. Ellagic acid – 500 mg daily
  6. Pycnogenol – 500 to 1000 mg daily
  7. Magnolia/Honokiol – 200 to 250 mg twice daily
  8. Parthenolide (Feverfew) – 200 to 400 mg twice daily

The “C” Team:

  1. Fiestin – 100 mg twice daily
  2. Rutin – 200 mg daily
  3. Genistein (isoflavone)
  4. Mangostin (often taken as a juice) – 500 to 1000 mg daily
  5. Xanthium (dihydroleucodeine, also known as cocklebur) – 6 to 9 capsules daily
  6. Isatis (indoline) – 6 to 9 capsules daily

Here is some further information about select products that are used most often

Quercetin

  • Found naturally in stinging nettle, grapefruits, onions, apples, black tea, leafy green vegetables and beans
  • Downregulates the enzyme that converts the protein histidine to histamine—histidine decarboxylase
  • Inhibits the release of histamine, prostaglandins and leukotrienes— three of the most common inflammatory mediators found in MCAS
  • Decreases the production and release of inflammatory cytokines—the inflammatory mediators responsible for many of the symptoms of inflammation related to MCAS
  • Often used as a primary therapy—has been shown to be more effective than the pharmaceutical Cromolyn
  • Treats allergies, contact dermatitis, photosensitivity and inflammation
  • The dihydrate form has the best bioavailability
  • Dr. Theoharides, a top mast cell researcher, has produced a product called NeuroProtek, which contains quercetin, luteolin and rutin. At least 8 capsules must be taken daily for maximum effect.

Green Tea – EGCG

  • EGCG is the most common polyphenol found in green tea
  • Inhibits calcium influx into mast cells, thus preventing their degranulation
  • Inhibits mast cell production of inflammatory mediator leukotriene C4.
  • Has other benefits: improves brain function, improves dental health, lowers risk for cardiovascular disease, combats skin aging
  • Lowers risk for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and diabetes mellitus

Curcumin 

  • Widely used in popular supplements for lowering inflammation
  • Best found in phospholipid forms such as Meriva
  • Has antiallergic activity—inhibits the degranulation of mast cells in a dose-dependent manner
  • Inhibits inflammatory molecules—interleukin-4 and tumour necrosis factor -?
  • Widely used in cancer and joint inflammation

Resveratrol

  • Found in grapes, berries and peanuts
  • Reduces the expression of inflammatory markers IL-6 and IL-8
  • Inhibits IgE allergy reactions

Vitamin C

  • Research has shown that when Vitamin C levels fall in the blood, histamine levels increase exponentially. When Vitamin C is reintroduced, histamine levels fall exponentially
  • There is very little evidence in the literature, however, to support its use as a natural antihistamine
  • It is frequently combined with quercetin in supplements—a popular supplement is Natural D-Hist by Ortho Molecular Products. Take 2 three times per day for maximum effect
  • Be careful of citrus-based Vitamin C and be aware that high does can cause diarrhoea. It is best to take smaller amounts more frequently
  • Slow-release formulations may be better

Silymarin

  • Silymarin, an extract of milk thistle, which has been shown to attenuate mast cell-mediated anaphylaxis-like reactions
  • It also prevents the release of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor, interleukin 6 and nuclear factor–kappa B.
  • Also known to have hepatoprotective, anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory effects. Widely used to protect against drug- and chemo-induced liver toxicity

Other supplements that have been used in MCAS:

  • Lipoic acid
  • N-acetylcysteine
  • Ashwagandha – an Ayurvedic remedy known as an adaptogenic herb that modulates the body’s response to stress. Withaferin A is a compound found in ashwagandha that has been shown to prevent mast cells from releasing histamine and other inflammatory mediators
  • Vitamin D – usually best at higher doses. Need to test blood levels

Important Caveat:

Both quercetin and green tea extracts may inhibit the COMT enzyme. If you have a COMT ++ enzyme (slow function) on your 23andme, be careful when using these two supplements. The COMT gene determines your ability to process catechols, oestrogen and the major neurotransmitters adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine. Your anxiety, insomnia and pain may increase due to further slowing down of the excretion of these excitatory chemicals plus the excitatory catechols, substances found in green and black tea, coffee, chocolate, green coffee-bean extracts and quercetin.

Other things to consider in MCAS patients:

  1. Ensure you have sufficient magnesium levels, as a deficiency has been shown to induce the emergence of mast cells, particularly in the liver. Magnesium also has hundreds of other important functions in a healthy body.
  2. Zinc is another mineral you should ensure you’re getting enough of because it is important in appropriate mast cell signalling.
  3. Stress reduction is also important in stabilising mast cells. When you’re stressed, your body releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which is associated with the activation of skin mast cells. Incorporate meditation, yoga, breathing exercises and other stress-reducing techniques into your daily life.
  4. Maintaining a schedule is a great way to help stabilise your mast cells because they exhibit circadian rhythm patterns. Try to wake up and go to sleep at the same time each day. Also, avoid electronic screens before bed or wear a pair of blue-blocking glasses for better hormone regulation.

2. Increasing Histamine Breakdown

Diamine oxidase (DAO) stabilises mast cells, but more importantly, it is the predominant enzyme that breaks down histamine. To increase your DAO levels, you can take DAO enzymes. I recommend taking two capsules with each meal. You can also increase your DAO levels with high doses of vitamin C.

You should also avoid anything that blocks the release of DAO. First and foremost, this includes any form of alcohol. Histamine and alcohol metabolic pathways share common enzymes—aldehyde oxidase and aldehyde dehydrogenase. When you drink alcohol, histamine is released from your mast cells and DAO is simultaneously inhibited. This can cause a runaway chain reaction, which results in greater sensitivity to alcohol and worsening histamine intolerance. Aged cheese and wine together may induce a major mast cell activation.

3. Reducing Histamine Levels

To reduce histamine levels in your body, you should adopt a low histamine diet. Avoid the following:

  • Alcohol
  • Smoked and cured meat
  • Seafood
  • Pickled foods
  • Fermented foods
  • Leftovers
  • Canned fish or meat
  • Berries, especially strawberries
  • Nightshades, including tomatoes and potatoes
  • Preservatives
  • Vinegar

Try to eat foods as fresh as possible, and stick to anti-inflammatory foods. Adding rosemary oil to fish reduces histamine formation as the fish ages.

For a comprehensive resource on low-histamine foods, diets and recipes, I recommend my guide on the Low Histamine Diet as well as Healing Histamine.

4. Stabilising the Immune System and Reducing Inflammation

Calming the immune system and reducing inflammation is a critical part of any MCAS protocol. The recommendations above mainly help to stabilise the immune system and reduce inflammation, though there are a few other effective methods:

  1. Check and treat any underlying infections – These can contribute to a widespread inflammatory response in the body if left untreated. These may include H. pylori, Epstein Barr and herpes simplex.
  2. Correct gut dysbiosis – Correcting the balance of your gut microbiome has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve immune system health. Specifically, there are certain strains of probiotics that have been shown to help breakdown histamine, including:

Many patients will need to experiment with various therapeutic options at different doses until they find the right combination of medications that helps with their particular symptoms. If unusual side effects are experienced with known medications, remember that the excipients contained within the medications may be the problem, not the medications themselves.

While there is no cure for MCAS, there is a lot you can do to minimise the condition’s impact on your life. The good news is that most of the natural treatments for MCAS are recommendations for a healthier life that anyone would benefit from. To read more about living with MCAS, check out 12 Tips for Living With Mast Cell Activation Syndrome.

With a chronic illness such as MCAS, it is possible to live a full life—the treatment just requires a careful, comprehensive approach. If you believe you have MCAS or have already received a diagnosis and need a functional medical doctor who specialises in MCAS in Calgary, Alberta, you can request an appointment here or call 403-206-2333.

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Resources:

https://hoffmancentre.com/2017/11/mast-cell-activation-syndrome-histamine-immune-system-runs-rampant/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22470478
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24477254
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28458279
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9421440
https://www.nature.com/articles/srep39934
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17490952
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25095772
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10344773
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4315779/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12793960
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21390145
https://hoffmancentre.com/2017/11/12-tips-living-mast-cell-activation-syndrome/

Reversing Alzheimer’s and Preventing Cognitive Decline: Seven Steps You Can Take Today

Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating condition for both patients and their families. Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is also on the rise globally. Effective treatment of AD has been of growing concern within the medical community because its prevalence continues to spread. The fact of the matter is that Alzheimer’s treatment demands a different approach.

While our treatments of many other chronic diseases ( heart disease, diabetes, cancer) have improved over the years, effective Alzheimer’s treatments continue to remain incomplete and disappointing.

Alzheimer’s disease not only impacts patients’ health, but it is physically, emotionally, and financially taxing on their families as well. It is estimated that AD will directly impact over 15% of the US population, meaning its indirect effect on families and caretakers is widespread and includes hundreds of millions of people.

Unfortunately, as a society, we have come to view cognitive decline, a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease, as an accepted sign of aging.

However, this is a myth that needs to be immediately dispelled. The types of cognitive decline associated with AD are NOT normal signs of aging.

Still, there is good news when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease. New methods have shown promise in completely stopping and even reversing cognitive decline in patients.

Let’s look more deeply into these methods and uncover ways you can help yourself or your loved ones who are suffering from this devastating disease.

Today, there is more hope than ever before for those touched by Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s Reaches Epidemic Proportions

According to the World Alzheimer Report 2016, approximately 47 million people globally live with dementia, and estimates for 2050 are projected to be more than 131 million. In fact, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is now considered the third leading cause of death in the United States, just behind cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Women are at the heart of this epidemic. About 65% of all those who develop AD are women, and 60% of all caretakers of those affected by AD are women. Women are now more likely to develop AD than breast cancer. Many believe this is because women live longer than men, but this reasoning still does not explain or justify why this condition is on the rise. Of significance is that only 5% of Alzheimer’s cases are familial, i.e., having a genetic basis that causes early onset Alzheimer’s. The rest are caused by lifestyle factors that are influenced by many variables over which patients have a significant degree of choice and control.

Nonetheless, the question remains: Why is Alzheimer’s worsening, and what can be changed in how we approach the treatment of such a deadly and heartbreaking disease?

Other treatments of chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, HIV, and cancer have improved because of the combination therapies that have been applied, and yet a majority of AD treatment has been focused primarily on monotherapeutic drug treatments. It is a startling fact that neurodegenerative diseases have not benefitted as other diseases have from advances in modern medicine. Only through tackling a disease like Alzheimer’s with multiple therapies can we find a successful approach to reducing the growing global impact it is having on our society.

Research has found that AD involves extensive networks of molecular interactions, which means the disease demands a network-based, multi-system treatment approach. The key issue in understanding Alzheimer’s is that it is not a single disease; the different biochemical imbalances involved require different treatments. There is no single drug that will cure Alzheimer’s, and nor will there ever be one. Present Alzheimer’s drug treatments make only slight differences to symptoms but do little to address disease progression.

At the forefront of this functional medicine approach to AD is Dr. Dale Bredesen and his team from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. Through careful examination of the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s, Dr. Bredesen and his team have found promising results. They have developed a multiple modality approach to achieving what they call metabolic enhancement for neurodegeneration (MEND), now referred to as Reversal of Cognitive Decline or ReCODE.

Through the approach Dr. Bredesen has developed, patients have been able to dramatically improve cognitive function, achieve reversal of symptoms, and in some cases, return to work. The ReCODE program includes lifestyle interventions, therapeutic diets, and targeted nutrients.

Before we dive into Dr. Bredesen’s program, it is important that we understand the pathogenesis of AD and its six subtypes. Let’s take a closer look at this disease, how it presents itself, how it develops, and what can be done to prevent it.

The Development of Alzheimer’s

The reason a multifaceted approach is needed for the treatment of Alzheimer’s is because its cause is not due to any single factor. Many metabolic processes are at play. In fact, there are six different subtypes of AD, distinguished by the different metabolic abnormalities that underlie the root causes of each form of this condition.

An individual usually develops Alzheimer’s disease after the age of 65. Symptoms begin showing as general memory loss and eventually progress to further impact daily life. The 10 warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease versus normal signs of aging are listed below.

Alzheimer’s disease Symptoms Signs of Normal Aging
Memory loss that disrupts daily life, especially forgetting newly learned information Forgetting newly learned information such as appointments or names but being able to recall them later
Having difficulty solving everyday problems such as paying billsMaking occasional errors but none that are significant or out of the ordinary
Struggling to complete familiar tasks such as driving home or to workNeeding help setting up new equipment or electronics
Losing track of dates, seasons, or timeTemporarily forgetting the day but having the ability to recall it later
Difficulty judging distance, spatial relationships, and contrastWorsening vision caused by cataracts
Trouble recalling words for things, following conversations, and speakingOccasionally having difficulty finding the preferred word while not forgetting names of items
Misplacing items and not being able to retrace stepsBeing able to remember steps to find misplaced items
Poor judgement or decision-making; inability to multitask Occasionally making poor decisions, but  rarely with major negative consequences
Social withdrawalPreferring to socialize a bit less
Changes in personality and moodBecoming irritated when things are not done a particular and preferred way.

Click here for an Alzheimer’s Questionnaire.

Signs and symptoms of AD are not normal signs of aging. If you or someone you love is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to make an appointment with your functional medicine doctor as soon as possible because AD worsens over time.

AD is a progressive disease and although there is no cure, Dr. Bredesen’s protocol has been able to slow and reverse cognitive decline. Remember, the earlier AD is caught, the easier it is to successfully treat the condition.

Once a person has noticeable symptoms, they are in the later stages of cognitive decline. AD has an initial “silent phase,” where brain degeneration is occurring but these changes are not detectable using objective tests. Patients may, however, notice slight memory and cognitive changes. See the image below.

Alzheimer’s disease (and dementia) does not begin suddenly.

Before AD develops, there is a noticeable slow decline in mental health. It has been estimated that the pathophysiology of the disease exists for approximately 20 years before any diagnosis is made. This means that many individuals have the beginnings of the disease without actually realizing it.

Preclinical begins with a subtle loss of neurons and a subjective sense of the brain’s mental processes not being as sharp as they once were.

Mild Cognitive Impairment is said to be present when a noticeable decline in mental functioning is noticed by others, and objective cognitive testing (performed simply by doing a mini-mental exam, computerized cognitive testing such as the CNS Vital Signs test, or a more sophisticated workup by a neuro-psychologist) is decreased. Activities of daily living have not yet been affected.

Dementia is said to occur when cognitive decline is sufficient to interfere with daily life. Objective testing such as PET scans and Neuroquant MRIs will show distinct patterns of brain changes such as cortical and hippocampal atrophy, reduced glucose uptake, and amyloid-beta-production.

Temporal Progression of Cognitive Impairment

What exactly is Alzheimer’s disease?

Simply put, Alzheimer’s has been observed to occur when the genes associated with the disease cause brain cells to become suicidal. The question that Dr. Bredesen asked was, “What are the fundamental processes and mechanisms that drive these genes to turn on and cause brain cells to die?”

Based on numerous studies, we now know that AD results from an imbalance in the destruction of neurons and synapses and the building up and maintenance of synapses and neurons. It has been observed that a molecule known as amyloid-beta accumulates in higher than normal concentrations in the brain, which causes the synapses, along with the neurons essential for memory, to die.

Where does amyloid-beta come from? It is derived from the amyloid precursor protein (APP), of which amyloid-beta is but a small portion. The APP, once produced by neurons, is cut by molecular scissors called proteases, which can cut at any of the three spots along the APP or at one distinct site. If the APP is cut at three particular sites, the four peptides produced from this action underlie the process of the synaptic loss and neuronal death that characterize AD. If, however, the APP is cut at just a single site, the two peptides that result cause just the opposite to occur; synaptic connections are maintained and neuron growth is nourished. These two peptides are referred to as the anti-Alzheimer’s peptides. See image below.

Alternative processing of, and signaling by, APP

Thus, the APP appears to act as a molecular switch that mediates plasticity-related processes. In summary, in order to reduce your risk of AD, you have to maintain all the necessary lifestyle practices and therapies that induce the two brain-affirming, anti-AD peptides and reduce all the factors that induce the production of the four pro-AD-inducing peptides. How exactly to achieve this, forms the basis of Dr. Bredesen’s ReCODE program.

AD is similar to other chronic illnesses in that there is an age-associated imbalance between the building up of cells that mediate neural plasticity and the destruction of cells. In AD, this occurs at the level of neuronal synapses, called synaptoblastic (building up of synapses), as opposed to synaptoclastic (destruction of synapses) activity. These intricate processes happen over time, in reinforcing cycles.

Six Subtypes of Alzheimer’s disease

Understanding the different Alzheimer’s subtypes is also critical for creating the best treatment plan for each patient.

There are numerous metabolic processes involved in contributing to AD, with six different subtypes that have been identified by Dr. Bredesen. These six subtypes are based on three papers by Dr. Bredesen: The first paper, in 2014, describes the initial contributions to his protocol (first called MEND), the second paper in 2016 outlines 10 case studies, and the third paper, also in 2016, describes neurodegeneration due to biotoxin exposure.

These subtypes are not widely used in diagnostic workups and clinical protocols at this time, but understanding the differences is essential to creating a comprehensive treatment plan. The six subtypes of Alzheimer’s disease are as follows:

Subtype 1 (inflammatory or “hot”) Alzheimer’s: Patients with this form of AD have predominantly inflammatory symptoms. These proinflammatory factors include cytokines, chemokines, acute-phase reactants, and other inflammation-causing mediators.

Patients with subtype 1 AD also have increased levels of c-reactive protein, high interleukin-6, and a low albumin-to-globulin ratio. The microglia and activated astroglia (brain structures) are also inflamed.

There is also an antagonism between the sirtuinT1 enzyme (anti-inflammatory) and NFkB (the nuclear factor k-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells [proinflammatory]); when NFkB inflammation is activated and SirT1 is suppressed, it can alter gene transcription and turn on gamma-secretase and beta-secretase. Gamma-secretase cleaves to the APP and contributes to synaptoclastic destructive processes within the brain.

The inflammation in subtype 1 primarily involves the innate immune system, and usually (but not always), there is systemic inflammation. Onset of this subtype typically occurs in an individual’s 70s or later.

Subtype 1.5 (glycotoxic or “sweet”) Alzheimer’s: This subtype is the in-between of subtypes 1 and 2 because it involves both inflammatory perpetrators and atrophic processes. Glucose regulation is impaired, resulting in insulin resistance and inflammation due to hyperglycemia (increased blood glucose). This glucose dysfunction also disrupts hormone-signaling and trophic factors (molecules that allow neurons to maintain and create neighboring connections).

Subtype 2 (atrophic, non-inflammatory, or “cold”) Alzheimer’s: Patients with subtype 2 AD have atrophic symptoms, meaning there is degeneration and dysfunction of neurological functions due to the insufficiency of certain nutritional and metabolic factors. Even though this underlying cause is different from inflammation, it still results in the same disease.

Similar to subtype 1, subtype 2 causes the APP to create amyloid plaques. Subtype 2 AD is associated with declining trophic factors, such as nerve growth, brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF), testosterone, estradiol, vitamin D, thyroid hormone function, and insulin levels.

All of these declining trophic factors cause your brain to stop synaptogenesis (creation of new synapses), which is why learning new things becomes more difficult and worsens over time.

Subtype 3 (toxic or “vile”) Alzheimer’s: Subtype 3 is caused by toxin exposures, most commonly inhaled toxins (such as mold mycotoxins), and is sometimes called inhalational Alzheimer’s disease (IAD). One 2014 study showed fungal proteins in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, and another study in 2015 showed fungal infections in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Fungal DNA and proteins were detected in the brain tissue from AD patients, but not in controls. Fungal particles could also be detected in the neurons of the same AD patients. Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and chlamydia pneumoniae have also been associated with amyloid protein production in AD.

Many patients with subtype 3 AD have markers of chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) but do not fit the official criteria for a CIRS diagnosis. Dr. Bredesen says that those with IAD will have lab results similar to those of CIRS patients, but their symptoms are mostly Alzheimer’s-like dementia.

Typically, patients with this form of AD have high levels of the complement component C4a and the transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-b1), both of which are specific inflammatory cytokines, as well as high levels of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), an enzyme involved in the cell membrane penetration of inflammation. Patients also have decreased levels of the melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and the antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Usually, there are other abnormalities present such as high levels of cortisol and low levels of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and the antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

Symptoms of subtype 3 AD are similar to those of the other subtypes in that they include memory loss and difficulty with word recall; however, patients may also report having a metallic taste in their mouth and an increased sensitivity to smell. These patients rarely have the respiratory complaints, chronic fatigue, muscle pain, or other symptoms usually associated with CIRS.

Subtype 4 (vascular) Alzheimer’s: Alzheimer’s development in subtype 4 patients is a protective response to vascular insufficiency and results in a triggered amyloid response.

Subtype 5 (traumatic) Alzheimer’s: This subtype is characterized by head trauma, and these patients typically have significant personality changes. Not all head trauma patients will develop AD. One major study showed an 2.3 times increased risk of developing AD in older adults with a history of moderate traumatic brain injury than seniors with no history of head injury. Those with a history of severe traumatic brain injury had a 4.5 times greater risk of developing AD. Traumatic brain injury changes brain chemistry by inducing beta-amyloid and tau proteins, the hallmark proteins linked to AD. Traumatic brain injury may be more likely to cause dementia in individuals who have either one or two of the APOE-e4 genes. There are no studies linking mild brain injury or concussion to the development of AD.

Genetics and Alzheimer’s Disease

It is important to note subtypes 1, 1.5, and 2 are all associated with the ApoE4 gene mutation. Although 95% of all Alzheimer’s cases are not caused by genetics, genetic testing is essential to determine if there is a propensity for these forms of Alzheimer’s. In fact, what is called familial Alzheimer’s is very rare, appears to be clustered in families, and presents earlier in life. That said, two-thirds of AD patients carry one or two copies of the ApoE4 gene.

Individuals who are ApoE4-positive with one copy of the gene (approximately 75 million Americans) have a 30% lifetime risk of developing AD. Those with two copies of the gene (approximately 7 million Americans) face a 50% lifetime risk of developing AD.

Interestingly, scientists have found that while the ApoE4 gene increases the risk of subtypes 1 and 2, it decreases a person’s risk for developing subtype 3. This is believed to be due to the protective nature of ApoE4, which can fight off the microbes that cause subtype 3 AD. Ultimately, ApoE4 is thought to be an advantage in your youth but can contribute to chronic illnesses as you age.

You can be tested for ApoE4 with your functional medicine doctor. This is a good idea because if you have the ApoE4 gene mutation, there are certain measures you can take to decrease the chances of developing Alzheimer’s. The website www.apoE4.info is an excellent resource for individuals with one or two copies of this gene.

One fascinating behavior a person with the ApoE4 gene can implement in order to favorably influence the outcome is 12-hour fasting. The ApoE4 gene helps you survive famine, and so it makes sense that intermittent fasting can help those with the gene avoid Alzheimer’s. The ApoE4 allows your body to use fat more efficiently and go longer without eating. This means if you find out through testing you have this gene, fasting can be used as a tool to have your body switch to burning ketones for energy over glucose, which is believed to aid in preventing AD.

Even if you do have the APoE4 gene, you can still prevent Alzheimer’s disease from developing, but you have to be proactive, educate yourself, and implement as many of the lifestyle factors as you possibly can. Let’s look at how to do that.

What Do All Forms of Alzheimer’s Disease Have in Common?

There are 36 mechanisms that Dr. Bredesen has identified as contributing to Alzheimer’s, but mitochondrial dysfunction is at the core of all of these.

Your mitochondria are the powerhouses of your cells, creating the energy molecules (ATP) every cell of your body needs to function. Additionally, free radicals (damaging molecules produced as byproducts of normal metabolism but enhanced by toxic exposures, genetic detoxification, and nutritional deficiencies) tend to be created in your mitochondria. When you have a higher incidence of free radicals in your cells, your mitochondria suffer damage and cannot produce adequate amounts of ATP, resulting particularly in neuronal cell death.

Through his research, Dr. Bredesen found that the APP makes amyloid in response to your cells being under attack by free radicals and toxic substances. Your body’s trophic support may also be decreased. Together, both low trophic factors and increased amyloid levels contribute to cognitive decline.

The complexity behind the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease is why a comprehensive, multivariable approach is necessary. With that in mind, Dr. Bredesen’s recommendations include addressing these 36 mechanisms:

  • Increasing mitochondrial function; mitochondria produce ATP, the necessary chemical responsible for the energy needed for nerve growth, health, and maintenance.
  • Increasing mitochondrial protection
  • Decreasing beta-amyloid production, the main component of amyloid plaques found in Alzheimer’s
  • Increasing beta-amyloid degradation
  • Decreasing beta-amyloid oligomerization, i.e., the creation of longer molecules of beta-amyloid
  • Increasing the brain-derived nerve factor (BDNF), a neuropeptide with growth effects on neurons
  • Increasing the nerve-growth factor (NGF), a neuropeptide involved in the growth and maintenance of neurons
  • Increasing the granulocyte-stimulating factor (G-CSF), a growth factor that has neuroprotective effects and that increases neuronal growth
  • Increasing the activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP), a protein essential to brain health and cognitive function
  • Decreasing p-tau; neurofibrillary tangles are aggregates of hyperphosphorylated tau proteins, which are primary markers of Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Decreasing homocysteine, a proinflammatory protein
  • Building synapses
  • Increasing beta-amyloid breakdown
  • Increasing the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, indicative of inflammatory AD
  • Decreasing inflammation
  • Inhibiting NF-kB, a protein complex that controls inflammatory cytokines
  • Increasing glutathione (GSH), a major antioxidant
  • Increasing antioxidants, which decrease neuroinflammation
  • Decreasing iron, a pro-inflammatory mineral
  • Increasing cerebral blood flow
  • Increasing acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory
  • Increasing alpha-seven nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7), a critical link between neurodegeneration and AD
  • Increasing amyloid-beta transport
  • Increasing amyloid beta clearance
  • Decreasing the ApoE4 effect; this gene determines increased risk for AD, with the 4/4 gene having the highest risk
  • Increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a calming and neuroprotective neurotransmitter that downregulates glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter
  • Decreasing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activity (NMDA), a receptor that regulates the activity of glutamate, an important neurotransmitter in the brain involved in learning and memory
  • Optimizing hormones, especially estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and thyroid
  • Increasing vitamin D
  • Decreasing the pro-form of the neuron growth factor (pro-NGF), a protein expressed at higher levels in brains of AD patients
  • Decreasing caspase-6, the activity of which is associated with increased risk of AD
  • Decreasing the N-terminal fragment of the beta-amyloid precursor protein (N-APP)
  • Enhance detoxification
  • Increasing vascularization
  • Increase telomere length
  • Reduce toxic metals

Dr. Bredesen explains that these are like holes in a roof, which need to be individually addressed in order for a full recovery to be made.

It is important to realize that AD is a protective response to three major metabolic and toxic disturbances:

  1. Inflammation- be it infectious (viruses) or sterile (modified inflammatory proteins)
  2. The withdrawal of trophic support (e.g. nerve growth factor, estradiol, testosterone, vitamin D etc.)
  3. Exposure to toxins such as mercury, aluminum, mold mycotoxins.

Dr. Bredesen has identified a number of factors that induce the APP receptor to go in the right direction of trophic or building synapses and neuronal health. The APP responds to dozens of molecules that assist brain health and anti-Alzheimer’s protection. Our brains have 100 billion neurons, and each neuron has approximately 10,000 connections, called synapses. Synapses are critical for cognitive functioning, memory storage, decision-making, and neurotransmitter communication. One’s brain has nearly one quadrillion energy-demanding synapses to power and run efficiently with energy-producing raw materials. In short, the APP has to constantly assess if the incoming data is shifting the lever in the direction of neuronal building or in the direction of neuronal destruction.

The sum total of the way one lives one’s life minute-to-minute affects this highly complex algorithm shift in either one of two directions—towards brain protection and maintenance, or towards brain inflammation, destruction, and reduced neuronal death. It really does come down to choice. AD begins with the loss of function of the synapses, the loss of the synapses themselves, and eventually, the loss of brain cells themselves, leading to brain shrinkage that is visible on MRI scans.

When one is young, the ratio between neuronal growth and destruction is equally balanced between the two. As we age, the destructive (clastic) part of the process tends to dominate over the building (blastic) part of brain preservation. We must decide to do all we can do to downregulate any of the factors that induce inflammation and further clastic activity and upregulate anything we can that induces growth, blastic activity, and hence, neuronal plasticity.

The realization that multiple factors induce brain growth as well as brain destruction will explain why the single drug model of AD treatment has not borne any fruit. There is no single drug that can ever address the complexity of all the metabolic factors that contribute to brain health maintenance and optimization. Dr. Bredesen’s analogy is that of a roof with 36 holes in it. A roofer called in to fix only one hole where the rain is pouring in will never be able to stem the flood of water pouring in through the other 35 holes no matter how well he patches the one hole.

Robert M Cardiff, MD, Commissioner of the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) concurs with this observation:

“Multimodal therapy approaches that combine interventions aimed at different aspects of disease are emerging as potential-and perhaps essential-ways to enhance clinical outcomes for patients with psychiatric and neurological disorders. Indeed, for most chronic diseases, multiple pathways are involved simultaneously, making it unlikely that a single treatment will prove sufficiently effective.”

From these insights it is important to realize that we do not get Alzheimer’s for no reason. There are many possible reasons and the doctors of the future will be trained to investigate and look for many if not most of these factors identified to date.

Dr. Bredesen’s ReCODE program aims to achieve the following:

  1. Optimize metabolic parameters to the maximum, not just simply normalize them.
  2. Address as many of the causative network components as necessary with the understanding that combination effects will be additive and cumulative and will create an effect that is more than the sum of the many single therapies.
  3. The more that patients are able to achieve in terms of their therapeutic input, the more likely it is that a certain threshold will be reached that will tip them over from a pathogenic process to a therapeutic benefit. This implies that a combination of therapies will be more than the sum of individual parts.
  4. A personalized approach is needed with a prioritization of therapeutic inputs, which needs to be computerized and analyzed according to the laboratory values affecting the plasticity networks.
  5. Repetitive application of therapeutics is necessary to optimize outcomes over time.
  6. The goal of therapy is to use a physiological approach with as much of an upstream causative approach that can possibly be implemented.

A Therapeutic System was developed by Dr. Bredesen

Therapeutic System (adapted from Bredesen, 2014 and cited by Ash, 2015)

The critical role of several factors in Alzheimer’s disease necessitates several therapeutic interventions. The required interventions seek to:

  • reduce inflammation
  • address autoimmunity
  • minimize insulin resistance
  • decrease amyloid-beta (Aβ)
  • reduce excess cortisol and the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF).

In so doing:

  • the hypothalamic adrenal axis is supported
  • antioxidant function is optimized
  • blood glucose is balanced
  • acetylcholine synthesis is supported.

Interventions identified by Bredesen (2014) to achieve these aims include:

  • Diet optimization to minimize simple CHO, inflammation, and insulin resistance: Simple CHO, inflammation, and insulin resistance are minimized by providing patients with a choice of several low-glycemic, low-inflammatory, and low-grain diets.
  • Autophagy and ketogenesis enhancement: Autophagy and ketogenesis are enhanced by having the patient fast for 12 hours each night (including at least three hours before bedtime), thereby reducing insulin and Aβ levels.
  • Stress reduction: Stress is reduced by having the patient engage in personalized stress reduction activities (e.g., yoga, meditation, music, etc.) that target the stress axis, reduce cortisol, and equilibrate the CRF.
  • Sleep optimization: Sleep is optimized by having the patient follow a sleep regimen, including eight hours of sleep per night, the use of 0.5 mg melatonin and/or 500 mg of tryptophan if awakening, in addition to ruling out possible sleep apnea.
  • Exercise regimen: Patients are provided with an exercise regimen, including 30–60 minutes of physical exercise 4–6 days per week.
  • Brain training and stimulation: Patients are provided with BrainHQ or related brain-training software programs.
  • Homocysteine optimization: Homocysteine is optimized to <7 using methylcobalamin (Me-B12), methylfolate (MTHF), pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P), and, if necessary, trimethylglycine (TMG). Optimization of serum B12: Serum B12 is optimized to >500 using methylcobalamin (Me-B12).
  • Lowering c-reactive protein: Due to the critical role of inflammation in Alzheimer’s disease, c-reactive protein is lowered to <1 through the use of optimized hygiene and an anti-inflammatory diet that includes curcumin and fish oil (DHA/EPA).
  • Insulin optimization: Due to the role of inflammation in Alzheimer’s disease and the relationship it shares with type II diabetes, insulin levels are optimized to <7 (fasting) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) to <5.5 through the use of an anti-inflammatory diet.
  • Hormone optimization: Hormones are optimized, including free T3, free T4, the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), pregnenolone, progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrostenedione (DHEA).
  • Restoration and optimization of gastrointestinal health: Gastrointestinal health is restored, repaired, and optimized, including the use of prebiotics, probiotics, and avoidance of inflammation and autoimmunity.
  • Reduction of a-beta Levels: A-beta (Aβ) levels are reduced using curcumin and ashwagandha (an Ayurvedic adaptogenic herb).
  • Cognitive enhancement: Cognitive enhancement is achieved through the use of bacopa monniera (an Ayurvedic herb known for its cognitive enhancing properties) and magnesium threonate (MgT).
  • Optimization of vitamin D3: Vitamin D3 (25-OH-D3) levels are optimized to 50–100 ng/ml (US levels), using vitamins D3 and K2.
  • Nerve-growth factor optimization: The nerve-growth factor is increased using h. erinaceus or acetyl-l-carnitine.
  • Provision of synaptic structural components: Provide synaptic structural components using citicoline and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
  • Optimization of antioxidants: Optimize antioxidants using mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols, selenium (Se), blueberries, n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), ascorbate, and a-lipoic acid.
  • Optimization of the zinc:copper (zn:cu) ratio: Optimize the zn:cu ratio based on values obtained.
  • Ensure nocturnal oxygenation: Ensure nocturnal oxygenation through treating or ruling out sleep apnea.
  • Optimize mitochondrial function: Optimize mitochondrial function through optimizing CoQ or ubiquinol, a-lipoic acid, pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), n-acetylcysteine (NAC), N-acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), resveratrol, ascorbate, and thiamine.
  • Increase focus: Increase focus using pantothenic acid as required for acetylcholine synthesis.
  • Increase SirT1 function: Increase SirT1 function using resveratrol.
  • Exclude heavy metal toxicity: Evaluate mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) to confirm or exclude heavy metal toxicity; chelate if indicated to address the effects of heavy metals on the central nervous system.
  • Increase medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil effects: Use coconut oil or Axona.

According to Dr. Bredesen’s research and discussions, the effects of various targeted therapies may be additive, multiplicative, accumulative, and synergistic.

A functional medicine approach is the most effective way to implement these approaches.

7 Things You Can Do to Prevent Cognitive Decline Right Now

Here are some things you can do right now to work on your own personal cognitive health, using similar principles to those found in the Bredesen ReCODE Protocol.

1. You Must Get Quality Sleep

Getting seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night is critical to promoting cognitive function because during sleep is when your body removes metabolic waste from your body.

If you have sleep apnea, you must address it. Your brain is starved of oxygen when you have sleep apnea, and it directly impacts your cognitive abilities. Ask your doctor to refer you for a sleep study.

2. Implement Overnight Fasts

By putting your body in an overnight fast (12 hours at least), you induce ketogenesis (you also need a low-sugar and low-carb intake to promote this). When your body is in ketogenesis, your insulin levels are lowered. Additionally, amyloid-beta levels are reduced, which are a main contributor to the amyloid plaques found in Alzheimer’s patients. A low-sugar and low-carb diet makes overnight fasting surprisingly easy.

3. Reduce Carb and Sugar Intake

Diets with few carbs and little to no sugars are the best for reducing inflammation in the body, and they reduce your chances of developing insulin resistance. Additionally, low-sugar and low-carb diets have been linked to a decreased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

4. Reduce Your Toxic Load

Reducing toxin exposure gives every bodily system a better chance at functioning properly, and your mitochondria and metabolic systems are no exception.

You can reduce your toxic load through having good air and water filters in your home. Additionally, avoid toxin-containing items such as:

  • Non-stick and aluminum pans
  • Harmful personal care products (you can check your items against the EWG Database)
  • Harsh cleaning products (opt for natural solutions)
  • Paints with volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
  • Metal dental fillings
  • Fish high in heavy metals
  • Plastics with BPA
  • Charred and fried meat (high-lipid peroxidation)

Remember, if your lab results are coming back similar to those of a CIRS patient, yet you are not having typical symptoms of CIRS, check for signs of Alzheimer’s and other indicators of toxin exposure due to building damage from mold and water (inflammagen exposures).

5. Add These Supplements

Dietary changes are at the heart of the Bredesen Protocol, and by adding certain supplements, you can protect your brain. Consider the following supplements because each has shown to promote healthy brain function.

  • Vitamin B12—methylcobalamin
  • Vitamin C – must be taken twice daily as it is water soluble and is excreted quickly
  • Vitamin E—mixed tocopherols
  • Turmeric—a lipophilic form is best
  • Vitamin D—measure your 25 OH Vitamin D levels to achieve the optimal dosage for you
  • DHA (found in fish and fish oil supplements)
  • Citicoline
  • Probiotics

6. Exercise Every Day

Having an exercise routine has been unequivocally linked to a reduction in cognitive decline. Studies have found that even a walk each day significantly slows the decline of Alzheimer patients.

I encourage you to get up and move at least once a day. Even a quick 15-minute high-intensity interval workout has been shown to be as effective as an hour-long workout.

7. Reduce Stress

Stress causes high levels of cortisol and CRF, which are both linked to Alzheimer’s. Add stress-reducing habits to your day. These can include quick meditations, yoga, listening to calming music, or taking walks.

Reversing Cognitive Decline Is Within Reach

We are living in an exciting time when it comes to Alzheimer’s treatments. Through a comprehensive approach to this illness, we may be able to slow down and even reverse most cases of Alzheimer’s.

While the Bredesen Protocol works to reverse cognitive decline, we can take the same science and apply it to our lives today to prevent Alzheimer’s from developing in the first place. We can even take these concepts one step further and optimize brain health to improve function overall.

Share this article with someone you know who would benefit from hearing about this monumental approach to a devastating disease. The future of Alzheimer’s treatment is bright.

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Resources:

The End of Alzheimer’s. Dale Bredesen  Avery – An Imprint of Penguin Random House 375 Hudson Street New York, New York 10014, 2017

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