Lyme Maybe yes, Maybe no!
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Symptoms: common and less common
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Lyme Disease Misdiagnosed as
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Photos:
 Lyme Rash
 Bartonella Rash
 Lyme Under the Scope
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How is Lyme Transmitted?
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How is Lyme Diagnosed?
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Treatments Options:
 Anti-biotics
 Botanicals
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Precious Metals
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Nutrition/Gastro Intestinal
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Hormonal
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Dental
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Heavy metals
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Co-Infections
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Parasites – Fungus/Yeast
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Herxheimer Reactions
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Hyper coagulation
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Explaining the Sodium / Potassium Pump
Treating Lyme Disease
By Steve Hines, N.D. N.E.
Co-Founder with Dr. Elio Rivera, M.D. of
IMHO - In My Humble Option
Disclaimer:
1. Steven serves on the Board of Directors for KS3
Diagnostic Laboratories, Lubbock Texas
2. Steven is a dealer for Bemer America
3. Steven is a dealer for BioMat Infrared Mat
4. Steven is a principal at Hope Wellness Center Inc.
Symptoms: Common and Not So Common
 fatigue
 joint pains
 muscle pains / tight muscles
 headaches/migraines
 hormone disturbances
 thyroid problems
 multiple chemical sensitivity
 fasiculations-muscle twitches
 tinnitus-ringing in the ear
 low grade fever
 night sweats
 sleep pattern disturbance
 most all mental/nervous disorders
Lyme Disease Often Misdiagnosed as:
 Auto Immune: Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Multiple
Sclerosis
 Arthritis/Bone/Joint: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis,
Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis
 Neurological: Parkinson's, Autism, Migraine Headaches, Dementia,
Alzheimer, ALS
 Digestive: Gastric Reflux, Irritable Bowel, Constipation, Crohn’s Disease,
Hiatal Hernia
 Dermal: Scleroderma, Eczema, Psoriasis
 Endocrine: Hashitmotos-hypothyroidism, Cushings or Addison’s disease
 Cancer: Lymphoma, Leukemia
 Emotional: Depression, Anxiety Attacks, Panic Disorders. OCD
 Blood Sugar: Hypoglycemia, Diabetes
And a couple hundred more!
 My Personal Favorite: Nothings wrong - It’s all in your head
Lyme Disease a Multi-Faceted Problem
Electrolyte
Disturbances:
K+ / MG++
Dental Toxicity:
Mental / Nervous:
Root Canals
Depression,
Anxiety, OCD
Mercury Fillings
Lyme
Hormonal
Disturbances:
Estrogen
Dominance
Adrenals,
Thyroid
Disease
Nutritional
Deficiencies:
B12, B1,
Folate, Vit D
Gastric
Disturbances:
Food Allergies,
IBS, IBD,
Constipation
How is Lyme Disease Transmitted?
 Mosquitoes, Ticks, Horse flies:
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22% of horse flies, deer flies and mosquitoes
are infected with Borrelia and co‐infections
in endemic areas!
The etiologic agent of Lyme disease in deer flies,
horse flies and mosquitoes, J Infect Dis 154
(1986), 355‐358, LA Magnarelli, JF Anderson, AG
Barbour,
In utero transmission: Borrellia has been shown to be passed
from mother to baby during gestation.
Blood Transfusion: This obviously possible because blood
banks do not test for Lyme and co-infections.
Sexual Transmission: Spirochetes have been cultured out of
saliva, semen, the oral mucosa as well as vaginal secretions.
Breast feeding moms: Spirochetes can be transmitted through
breast milk.
How is Lyme Disease Diagnosed?
Laboratory test of blood and urine
 Western Blot: deemed “Standard of Care” yet still results in 30-50%
false negatives. Only tests for a few organisms.
 ELISA: The least sensitive test. Usually used as a rapid screening test
for acute stage. Very poor test.
 Tissue biopsy: tissue culture rarely produce positive test.
 PCR (polymerase chain reaction): very accurate, if enough antigen is
available. Rarely is there enough antigen!
 IMHO Preferred Test: KS3 Diagnostic Labs
KS3 Diagnostic Laboratory
A New Era for Detecting Lyme and Common Co-Infection Organisms
 Rapid identification of a variety of spirochete bacteria and common
Lyme related co-infections with high sensitivity of detection.
 KS3 uses modern molecular assays:
Molecular diagnostics are well known to be highly sensitive and specific
 With molecular methods diagnostic results are not skewed when a patient is
receiving immune suppressing medication- looking for Bacterial DNA, not
antibodies!
 Results not dependent on organism viability
 Detection of non-culturable and slowly proliferating organisms
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 A single, inexpensive two stage testing panel:
 PCR Component- cutting edge/proprietary methodology and reagents
 Molecular Sequencing Component-most accurate validation/identification
available
KS3 Diagnostic laboratories
Diagnostic Panel www.ks3labs.com
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Anaplasma phagocytophila
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Francisella tularensis
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Bartonella henselae
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Leptospira biflexa
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Afipia 97.5% same as Bartonella 
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Borrelia afzelii
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Leptospira interrogans
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Borrelia burgdorferi
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Leptospira kirschneri
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Borrelia garinii
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Leptospira wolbachii
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Borrelia hermsii
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Mycoplasma fermentans
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Borrelia lonestari
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Mycoplasma hyopharyngis
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Borrelia parkeri
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Ricketsia species (9 species)
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Brachyspira aalborgi
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Treponema carateum
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Brachyspira hyodysenteriae
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Treponema denticola
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Coxiella burnetii
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Treponema pallidum
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Ehrlichia chaffeensis
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Treponema pertenue
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Additional test available for Babesia microti.
Leptospira borgpetersenii
Treatment Options
 Anti-biotics: “Standard of Care – 28 days of anti-biotics” –
Anti-biotics are quite effective in most cases however there are many
side effects and the incidence of reoccurrence is very high. Some side
effects are: Yeast overgrowth, Nausea, Reflux, Headaches, Liver
toxicity, Hematological changes such as IPT, low RBC’s, and Anemia.
 Botanicals: Herbs are gaining prominence for many reasons. No
prescription necessary, highly effective except in Neuro-Borelliosis, No
yeast infections, inexpensive. We are still learning which botanicals
are the most effective for each particular strain of organism.
IMHO Best Option:
Hope’s clinical experience has shown a combination of anti-biotics and
herbs has been far superior than either one alone.
Treatments: Anti-biotics
“Standard of Care – 28 days of Doxycycline”
 At Hope, we generally do not jump to anti-biotics as a first line
defense but after we have treated as well as we can with
botanicals, minerals and precious metals. The primary
exception at this time would be obvious Neuroborreliosis and
Lyme carditis. These are very dangerous cases with potential
clinical side effects such as seizures and Atrial Fibrillations and
heart attacks.
 Anti-biotics used effectively for Borrelia: Rocephin, usually 1
gram bid, I.V. is most effective. In Mexico, we use Rocephin with
DMSO. Flagyl or Tindamax to kill the cyst form of the
spriochette. We also use Flagyl I.V with DMSO. Zithromax and
Minocyclin are valuable tools. We always give Nystatin 500,000
units bid and 1 foil packet of HLC (probiotic) by Pharmax when
using anti-biotics. Fungal infections are rare while on this
regime.
Treatments: Botanicals
Samiento (Uncaria tomentosa) / Banderol combination:
 At Hope, treatment begins with 3 drops of each in 1 pint of water,
sip slowly over 2 hours.
 Over the next 12 days increase dose a drop or 2 daily. Some people
feel so poorly that they cannot bear increasing the dose anymore.
This is fine simply stay at the tolerable level until symptoms
diminish. Then begin increasing dose again.
 At Hope, the treatment periods are 12 days on and then 3 days off.
After the first 12 days on Samiento/Banderol combo and a 3 day
rest, then begin the Cumanda cycle.
IMHO Preferred Supplement: NutraMedix www.nutramedix.com
Vitamin Research Products www.vrp.com
Treatments: Botanicals
Cumanda:
 As with the Samiento/Banderol combo, start with 3 drops in a
pint of water, sip slowly over 2 hours. Then each day add a drop or
2 for the next 12 days or up to the level where the Herxheimer is
too uncomfortable. This happens often.
 After 12 days take 3 day break and the switch back to the
Samiento/Banderol combo and repeat the cycle. The ultimate
goal is 90 drops of each botanical with no pain.
 If you can take 90 drops of these botanicals with no more pain
this is a good sign you have substantially lowered the total body
burden of bacteria.
IMHO Preferred Supplement: NutraMedix www.nutramedix.com
Treatments: Botanicals
Takuna:
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If you suspect viral involvement Takuna is an excellent
anti-viral. At Hope, treatment is with 30-40 drops a day in a pint
of water for 2 months.
IMHO Preferred Supplement: NutraMedix www.nutramedix.com
Treatment: Botanicals
Olive Leaf Extract (OLE):
 Olive Leaf Extract has many properties, anti-amoeba, anti-viral,
anti-fungal, anti-mycoplasma. At Hope treatment is with 1000
mg bid.
IMHO Preferred Supplement: Sea Gate.
www.seagateproducts.com. Sea Gate grows their own olive trees
and harvest fresh leaves. This is a very potent product.
Treatments: Botanicals
Lomatium dissectum (LDM-100):
 Most professionals recommend 20 drops 2-3 times a day. Start
low and work up to target dose. Many patients do get a rash, The
rash will generally last from 7-14 days. This rash can be severe! Be
aware!
 Lomatium does have anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Lee
Cowden believes many patients who have skin reactions to this
herb is do to an undiagnosed chronic measles infection.
Be very respectful with this herb!
 Preferred supplement: Generation II Barlow Herbal Specialties
www.barlowherbal.com
Treatments: Precious Metals
 Meso Silver has become one of Hope’s most effective tools for
not only spirochetes but many co-infections seem to be
responding also. We have found the best treatment is by
combining Meso Silver with the Samiento, Cumanda Regime.
 We start with 1 oz. daily and work up to 2 oz. 3-4 times daily. The
Herxheimer can be severe, don’t go to fast!
IMHO Preferred supplement: Meso Silver
www.purestcolloids.com/mesosilver.htm
Nutrition / Gastro Intestinal
 Poor nutrition and gastric infections greatly contribute to
hormonal imbalance.
 Often there are other infections such as amoebas, tape worms,
ascaris, trichinella and fungal/yeast infections.
 The panel Hope runs is the GI-02 panel. We usually add salivary
SIg-A to the panel to test the gastric immune system. The test
includes major food allergies: gluten, soy, egg, milk.
IMHO Preferred Test: Diagnostechs / www.diagnostechs.com
Genova Diagnostics www.gdx.net
Nutrition / Gastro Intestinal
 Fighting disease takes a lot of energy. This is a commodity that
most patients fighting a disease need in abundance. Hope
recommends a strict diet that contains zero artificial anything,
and zero sugar or grains, a no disaccharide diet.
 The purpose of the this type of diet is to heal the GI tract and
minimize the inflammatory process, inhibit the growth of yeast,
normalize peristalsis and avoid the most common allergens
associated with the Standard American Diet (SAD).
 IMHO preferred Diet and DVD:
 “The Road to Health: Overcoming Chronic Illness through Nutrition”
by Laura L. Schroeder and Steven W. Hines /
www.hopewellness.com/products.html
 “Learn How to Treat Yourself: Digestion and Digestive Disorders" by Steven
W. Hines / www.hopewellness.com/products.html
Nutrition / Gastro Intestinal
 Another important test is the Vasoactive Intestinal
Polypeptide(VIP). This peptide is a master regulatory peptide in
the gut that can effect many aspects of health from motility,
immunity, vasodilatation and Neuronal function.
 VIP is one of the most abundant molecules found in the
respiratory tract. Department of Respiratory Medicine / Hanover Germany
IMHO Preferred Test: Aruplabs /
www.aruplab.com/guides/ug/tests/0099435.jsp
 If the test is abnormal, VIP is available in a nasal spray thru:
Hopkinton Pharmacy www.rxandhealth.com
Nutrition / Gastro Intestinal
 The FASEB Journal express article10.1096/fj.02-1029fje. Published
online August 15, 2003.
 Vasoactive intestinal peptide prevents activated microgliainduced neurodegeneration under inflammatory conditions:
potential therapeutic role in brain trauma
Mario Delgado*,† and Doina Ganea*
*Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102;
†Instituto de
Parasitologia y Biomedicina “Lopez-Neyra,” CSIC, Granada 18001, Spain
Corresponding author: Mario Delgado, Instituto de Parasitologia y
Biomedicina “Lopez-Neyra,”
CSIC, Granada 18001, Spain. E-mail: mdelgado@ipb.csic.es
 Ritchie Shoemaker has done a tremendous amount of research
on this peptide, this is his highly informative website.
www.biotoxin.info
Nutrition / Gastro Intestinal
Supplementation – “The Basics”
Supplemental stomach acid is essential. (Betaine HCL)
A broad spectrum digestive enzyme
Mastic Gum/DGL (Vitamin Research Products) vrp.com
Probiotics.
IMHO Preferred supplement: HLC by Pharmax, /
www.pharmaxllc.com 1 foil packet at bedtime
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Saccharomyces Boulardii, (friendly yeast)
Potassium 400mg bid
Zinc 25mg
Magnesium 250-1000 mg daily
IMHO Preferred supplement: Natural Calm, 1 tsp in hot water at
bedtime
Hormonal Issues
 Adrenal maladaption, upregulation of aromatase, 5 alpha
reductase and alterations in the conversion of T4 to T3,
alterations in binding affinity to carrier proteins and estrogen
dominance are some of the major issues. Normalizing hormones
can be very challenging.
 Hope uses Sabre’s Circadian panel to assess Cortisol, DHEA,
Testosterone, Estradiol, Progesterone, salivary electrolytes as
well as urine amino acids. Sabre will create a custom hormone
support formula for each patient based on the lab results. Sabre
uses liposomal delivery system to efficiently deliver hormone
and hormone precursors as well as adaptagenic herbs and
synergistic nutrients to the intracellular compartments.
IMHO Preferred Test: Sabre Sciences in Carlsbad California.
www.sabresciences.com
 If bioidentical Estradiol, is needed, Denton Prescription Shop
makes liposomal encapsulated hormone support formulas.
IMHO Preferred Pharmacy: www.dentonprescriptionshop.com
Dental Issues
Root canals, Cavatations, Mercury Fillings, Nickel Crowns over Mercury.
 Root canals are almost always infected, they pose a much greater
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potential health danger than Lyme disease and should always be placed
in priority above Lyme!
Root canals should be removed along with the dental ligament (the
lining of the tooth socket). Always use a biologically trained dental
specialist. Google “Root Canal Cover-up”.
Cavatations are an infected socket that should be reopened, ligament
removed and reclosed. Charlie’s story.
Mercury fillings can cause depletion of Glutathione which in turn
lowers anti-viral immunity. Google “Smoking Tooth”.
Nickel over mercury creates a battery effect overdriving electrical
signals. Have seen negative 56 milli volts and greater when readings
should be zero in the mouth. Can produce seizures, head aches,
depression, anxiety etc.
To find a biological dentist visit www.iaomt.org.
Heavy Metals
 At Hope we often utilize testing to determine toxicities in immune
compromised patients.
 Heavy metals: Mercury, Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic, Antimony
 How to assess Heavy Metal?
 Heavy metals challenge test
 Challenge agents; DMSA, MDF
 Pre and Post Provocative Challenge
IMHO Preferred Test:
Metametrix Clinical Laboratory / www.metametrix.com
Doctors’ Data, Inc. / www.doctorsdata.com
Quick Silver Scientific/www.quicksilverscientific.com (mercury)
Treatments for Heavy Metals
Heavy Metals
Pharmaceutical
Natural
Mercury
DMSA, DMPS
IMD, DE, Chlorella, Cilantro,
Garlic, OSR, Z naturals
Lead
DMSA, EDTA, DMPS
IMD, DE, Chlorella, Cilantro,
Garlic, OSR, Z naturals
Cadmium
DMSA, EDTA, DMPS
IMD, DE, Chlorella, Cilantro,
Garlic, OSR, Z naturals
Arsenic
DMSA, EDTA, DMPS
IMD, DE, Chlorella, Cilantro,
Garlic, OSR Z naturals
Antimony
DMSA, EDTA, DMPS
IMD, DE, Chlorella, Cilantro,
Garlic, OSR, Z naturals
Oxidative Stress Reduction (OSR), Intestinal Metals Detox (IMD), Diatomacious Earth (DE),
Co-Infections
Lyme disease is rarely just a lone spirochete. Most patients are infected
with more than one organism. This makes Lyme disease complicated
for the clinician trying to treat the patient.
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Of ticks that carry Borrelia Burgdorferi in the Northeast, they also
carry:
Bartonella: (Cat scratch fever) 12% Go Ted Nugent!
Babesia: over 66%
HGE: Human Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis: 8% carry this one
Afipia: 97.5% the same as Bartonella, we see 5 times more than Bart
Francisella tularensis
Coxiella Burnetti: also known as Q-fever, common with ranchers
Leptospira: we see 2 to 3 times more than Borrelia species! 95% over
lapping symptoms with Borrelia!
Co-Infections
Other Common Co-Infections seen in Lyme Patients:
 Mycoplasma: in one study 50% of Lyme patients with primary joint
symptoms also had this organism in their synovial membranes.
 HHV-6, HHV-8:
 Herpes Virus:
Treatments for Co-Infections
Organism
Pharmaceutical
Natural
Bartonella
Rifampin and/or Plaquenil
SSKI? MMS? Meso Silver?
OLE? Berberine +( VRP)
Babesia
Mepron
SSKI? MMS? Meso Silver?
OLE?, Artimisinin, Berberine
+,Gallium nitrate
HGE:
Doxycycline
SSKI? MMS? Meso Silver?
OLE?, Berberine +
Mycoplasma:
Cipro, Levaquin
SSKI? MMS? Meso Silver?
OLE?, Berberine +
HHV-6, HHV-8:
Valtrex
SSKI? MMS? Meso Silver?
OLE? CO, GHW, OSR. LDM
Herpes Virus:
Valtrex
SSKI? MMS? Meso Silver?
OLE? CO, GHW, OSR, LDM
Q fever:
Doxycycline, Quinolones,
hydroxychloroquine
SSKI? MMS? Meso Silver?
OLE?, Berberine +
Super Saturated Potassium Iodine (SSKI) Miracle Mineral Supplement (MMS), Green Hull of Walnut – (GHW), Olive Leaf Extract (OLE),
Oxidative Stress Reduction (OSR), Glutathione (G), Lomatium (LDM), Coconut Oil (CO), King Solomon Herb (KSH), Ground Papaya Seeds
(GPS)
Parasites and Fungus/Yeast
Parasites:
 Amoebas
 Tape worms
 Ascaris
 Trichinella
 Flukes
 Hook worms
 Strongyloids
Fungus / Yeast:
 Candida
 Aspergillis
Treatments for Parasites
Organism
Pharmaceutical
Natural
Amoebas
Alinia, Flagyl, Medenzole,
Tindamax
SSKI? MMS? Meso Silver?
OLE? Artimisinin, Galium
nitrate
Tape worms
Biltricide, Ivermectin
OLE? Artimisinin
Ascaris
Ivermectin, Medenzole,
Tindamax
OLE? GHW? Cloves, KSH,
Artimisinin, GPS
Trichinella
Ivermectin, Medenzole,
Tindamax
OLE? GHW? Cloves, KSH,
Artimisinin, GPS
Flukes
Biltricide, Ivermectin,
Niclosamide
Hook worms
Ivermectin, Medenzole,
Tindamax
OLE? GHW? Cloves, KSH,
Artimisinin, GPS
Strongyloids
Ivermectin, Medenzole,
Tindamax
OLE? GHW? Cloves, KSH,
Artimisinin, GPS
Super Saturated Potassium Iodine (SSKI) Miracle Mineral Supplement (MMS), Green Hull of Walnut – (GHW), Olive Leaf Extract (OLE),
Oxidative Stress Reduction (OSR), Glutathione (G), Lomatium (LDM), Coconut Oil (CO), King Solomon Herb (KSH), Ground Papaya Seeds (GPS)
Treatments for Fungus/Yeast
Organism
Pharmaceutical
Natural
Candida
Nystatin, Diflucan,
Sporanox
MMS? CO? OLE? GSE? F? OO?
Aspergillis
Sporanox
MMS? CO? OLE? GSE? F? OO?
Super Saturated Potassium Iodine (SSKI) Miracle Mineral Supplement (MMS), Green Hull of Walnut – (GHW), Olive Leaf
Extract (OLE), Oxidative Stress Reduction (OSR), Glutathione (G), Lomatium (LDM), Coconut Oil (CO), King Solomon Herb
(KSH), Ground Papaya Seeds (GPS), Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE), Florastor (F), Oregano Oil (OO)
Herxheimer Reaction
 This is one of the most difficult problems in managing Lyme
patients. During the Syphilis era, Dr. Jarish and Dr. Herxheimer
described the pain that occurred when killing the syphilis
bacteria which has become known as the “Herxheimer Reaction”.
 IMHO the cause of this reaction is the secondary immune
response to the dying organisms cell membrane components
being attacked by the immune cells. This creates a host of
inflammatory chemicals that cause painful joints and muscles.
Typical Symptoms:
 wide spread pain
 muscle aches
 Headaches
 Fatigue
 Dizziness
 nausea
Managing the “Herx”
 Z-Naturals
 Micro Chitosan, a micronized Chitosan from Japan
 Gallbladder Liver Flush www.hopewellness.com
 Colonics
 I.V. vitamin C / 50 grams
 Magnesium Pushes 1500-2000mg
 Massage therapy
 Far Infrared Saunas Saunex.com
 Biomats FIR hopewellness.com
 Dietary considerations (no Grain Diet) The Road To Health
 Hormone replacement therapy (rhythmic dosing) Wiley Protocol and
Sabre Sciences 24 hour circadian panel
 Dental Issues (root canals, cavitations, mercury)
Managing Hypercoagulation
 Nattokinase
IMHO Preferred Supplement: info@hopewellness.com
 Serrapeptase
IMHO Preferred Supplement: Vitamin Research products (vrp.com) and
Nutramedix.com
 Lumbrokinase
 Fibroboost
IMHO Preferred Supplement: Allergy Research Group
www.allergyresearchgroup.com
 Edta
 Subcutaneous Heparin
 Fish Oils
Interview with David Berg
David Berg is the Director and Cofounder, with Lois Hill Berg, of
HEMEX Laboratories. Along with Dr. Harold Harrison and several
clinical collaborators, they have developed the idea of the
hypercoagulation/ immune system activation of coagulation theory in
chronic diseases, a proposed cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and
Fibromyalgia, and have proposed an appropriate treatment that reduces
many related symptoms. Mr. Berg has a M.S. degree in clinical
pathology and laboratory medicine, and has been in practice for 35
years. HEMEX Laboratories offers testing and consultative services
relating to the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of hematological,
clotting and/or bleeding disorders.
Interview with David Berg (continued)
We first became involved with research in chronic illnesses while we were
performing re search regarding hypercoagulability - related infertility in
women with one of the local infertility specialists here in Phoenix, AZ. We
found that a hypercoagulable state, presumably due to a coagulation protein
defect, existed in many women who were infertile and/or who had recurrent
spontaneous abortions. Our colleague Dr. Couvaras observed that when he put
women on low dose heparin in order to maintain pregnancy, some with
CFS/FM-like symptoms, pelvic pain, and migraine-like headaches had
amelioration of their symptoms. He asked us “Why?” As a result, we
performed a retrospective study on 30 of these obstetric patients with chronic
illness symptoms, and determined that all had coagulation system activation.
As the hypercoagulability was decreased by heparin injections, the chronic
illness symptoms diminished. This was the first clue to the connection between
coagulation and chronic illnesses. These findings were published as a poster at
the 1998 AACFS meeting in Cambridge, MA.
Interview with David Berg (continued)
We subsequently refined our test panel for low level activation of coagulation to
include Prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2), thrombin/antithrombin complexes
(T/AT) and Platelet Activation by Flow Cytometry assays. Thus, the ISAC or
Immune System Activation of Coagulation panel consisting of fibrinogen (FIB),
soluble fibrin monomer (SFM), F1+2, T/AT, and PA by Flow was born. With our
partner and Medical Director, Dr. Harold Harrison and several clinical
collaborators, we then designed and conducted a prospective, multi-center,
blinded, case control, associative study of non-obstetric CFS/FM patients and
controls, with centers in New York, Houston, and Phoenix. When the code was
broken, identifying patients and controls, we were able to identify most of the
CFS/FM patients based on having two or more positive test results out of the five
assays in the ISAC panel. It was the first definitive evidence that, indeed, chronic
illnesses have a demonstrable basis in the blood coagulation system. This study
was published in the international journal Blood Coagulation & Fibrinolysis, 1999,
10:435-438. In another associative cohort study published in Blood Coagulation &
Fibrinolysis, 2000, 11:673-678, we determined that Gulf War illness has similar
findings of low level activation of coagulation.
Interview with David Berg (continued)
In November, 1999, Dr. Joe Brewer (an Infectious Disease specialist in
Kansas City) and I developed a model of pathogen activation of the
immune and coagulation systems. The model proposes that the end
result of such pathogenmediated activation is increased blood viscosity
due to 1) an underlying coagulation regulatory protein defect, and 2)
activation of the coagulation system by the pathogen. As the blood
viscosity increases, the diminished blood flow creates hypoxia (lack of
oxygen) and nutrient deprivation within various areas of the body. This
is like trying to start your car in Wisconsin in the winter with 60weight engine oil. This model explains the multi-organ
symptomatology and also explains why the low dose heparin therapy is
effective by increasing blood flow as the blood viscosity decreases.
Thus, patients gain relief from their symptoms with this therapy.
Interview with David Berg (continued)
The model states that coagulation activation generates thrombin, which
converts fibrinogen to soluble fibrin monomer (SFM). Soluble fibrin becomes
deposited in the micro-circulation (capillaries) as fibrin or fibrinoid-like
deposition, blocking oxygen and nutrients transfer to parenchymal tissues.
Many pathogens activate the immune system. These include viruses (such as
EBV, CMV, HHV6 & others), bacteria (mycoplasma, chlamydia, borrelia, etc),
fungi (such as candida), etc. These pathogens are anaerobes, i.e., they live and
reproduce in an oxygen deprived cellular matrix or environment. That’s why
fibrin deposition becomes important to the survival of the pathogens because
it produces decreased oxygen in cells and tissues. One of the biggest challenges
to a clinician is to figure out what pathogens are present in the patient, and
therefore the most appropriate therapies against these pathogens. The average
CFS/FM patient may have anywhere from one to seven pathogens that need
eradication.
Interview with David Berg (continued)
Positivity of two or more tests in the ISAC panel occurs in more than
80% of all patients tested. However, the longer a patient has been ill
(many years), the less activation is needed by the pathogens for
survival, and therefore fewer tests may be positive. Someone who has
been ill for 10 years or more may only have one test positive in the
panel. The ISAC panel also works very well for monitoring
anticoagulant therapy between 4-6 weeks after therapy has started. It
indicates whether or not there is enough heparin being given to the
patient, the overall patient improvement and the reaction of the body
to the pathogens, such as a Herxheimer-like reaction (relapse from
infections or reactivation of pathogens).
Interview with David Berg (continued)
In addition to the pathogens that can activate the immune system, metals (e.g.
mercury, lead, aluminum), exogenous toxins, chemicals, allergens, physical
trauma, vaccinations, and/or biological warfare agents can also activate the
immune system. This may lead to secondary infections, which may also trigger
coagulation activation. If the coagulation mechanism does not shut down
properly, then there is continued thrombin generation and soluble fibrin
formation, resulting in increased blood viscosity and decreased blood flow.
Interview with David Berg (continued)
When you look for a genetic basis in this model, one can test for seven different
regulatory proteins of the coagulation mechanism plus homocysteine in a
panel we call the HTRP (Hereditary Thrombosis Risk Panel). In July 2001, at the
International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis meeting in Paris, we
presented data from a retrospective study of over 400 chronically ill patients,
83% had one or more demonstrable coagulation protein defects. Forty percent
of the patients had a thrombophilia defect (decreased protein C, decreased
protein S, decreased anti-thrombin, APC resistance/factor V Leiden positivity,
or increased prothrombin/prothrombin gene mutation positivity). 39% of the
patients have defects in the fibrinolytic system (hypofibrinolysis due to
elevated lipoprotein (a) - Lp(a) and/or PAI1-plasminogen activator inhibitor-1.
21% of these patients had a defect in both the thrombophilia and
hypofibrinolysis marker groups. This means that not only do they form fibrin
easily, but also they are compromised in the ability to clean up the fibrin
deposition.
Interview with David Berg (continued)
Let’s put this in plain English. When a pathogen(s) gains a foothold, especially
in the endothelial cells in the blood vessels (as well as other cells), the bug(s) can be
protected by the coagulation mechanism of fibrin deposition on top of the infected
cells. Half of the patients form fibrin very fast, becoming fibrin(oid) deposition.
Half of the patients have an inability to clean up the fibrin, and therefore continue
to have oxygen and nutrient starvation of tissues for a long time. For example, if the
fibrin deposition occurs in a muscle, it says “ouch,―and you have a tender point
as in Fibromyalgia. If it is in the placenta, the placenta is compromised by fibrin
deposition and the baby aborts. As blood viscosity increases and blood flow is
reduced throughout the body, the patient becomes hypo-this and hypo-that, such
as hypothyroid, hypo-HPAaxis, hypo-estrogen, etc. The use of low dose heparin
restores blood flow throughout the body and hormones from the endocrine system
tend to normalize. Thus, the blood flow issue becomes one of the most important
issues of chronic illnesses. Unfortunately there is no easy test to measure blood
flow, only the effects of blood flow.
Interview with David Berg (continued)
If you consider the movie Braveheart (1000 AD) and you went to battle
and were wounded, you probably would have bled to death unless you
clotted fast. By clotting fast, you saved your own life and passed on this
new trait to your children. This hypothesis may explain how these
coagulation defects were genetically selected during the last 2000 years
in Europe. Life expectancy back then was only 30-40 years. With our
life expectancy now of 80+ years, these traits are no longer beneficial,
but rather deleterious to our health. It was the Spanish, French, British,
Germans, Italians, Scandinavians, etc. (Europeans) that colonized the
Americas. This explains why most of the chronically ill patients are
white people of European decent. Therefore we have a genetic basis in
the coagulation system for chronic illnesses that is very
straightforward.
Interview with David Berg (continued)
The model of reduced blood flow from increased blood viscosity
due to activation of coagulation accompanied by a coagulation protein
defect gives a scientific basis for a contribution to the pathophysiology
of chronic illness. It also gives a measurable or quantifiable, objective
aspect to testing the blood of patients with these diseases. It is no
longer all in your head but rather in your blood.It is not rocket science,
but a simple, logical explanation for what going on in many chronically
ill patients.
Interview with David Berg
HEMEX Laboratories provides testing services and consultative interpretations to
clinicians and physicians throughout the United States. For more information,
technical reprints, and/or patient information, please see their website at www.
hemex.com
Read these related articles:
Hyper coagulation Linked to Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, MS, Infertility, Chronic
Illness - PART 2
Hypercoagulation & Heparin - A Second Look.
Explaining the Sodium–Potassium Pump
This is where potassium plays its most important role – at the cell
membrane. The sodium pump powers a wide variety of cell
membrane processes and may consume as much as one-third of
your total food-energy supply to do this.
Sodium – Potassium Pumps
This is a typical cell, with the cell membrane forming the boundary
between the inside and outside. For our purposes, we’ll imagine an
unrealistic initial condition in which the sodium and potassium ions
are distributed evenly inside and outside the cell. Na+ is a positivelycharged sodium ion, and K+ is a positively-charged potassium ion.
Sodium – Potassium Pumps
The protein has receptacles to accept three sodium ions and two
potassium ions.
Sodium – Potassium Pumps
Then the protein inverts itself, pulling
the sodium ions out and pushing the
potassium ions in. After this process
has gone on for a while, the protein
will have to work against electrical
potential because there will be less
positive charge on the inside and
more on the outside. Chemical
energy is used by the protein to move
the ions through the membrane
against this force.
Sodium – Potassium Pumps
The protein releases the sodium outside the cell and the potassium
inside the cell.
Sodium – Potassium Pumps
Now the protein flips back, and is ready to repeat the sodium-potassium
pumping process. But because there is less potassium outside, and
less sodium inside, it takes longer for the protein to pick up the ions for
pumping.
Sodium – Potassium Pumps
This is what the cell looks like after the sodium-potassium pumps has done its
work. Sodium, outside, and potassium, inside. But because the exchange is twofor-three, there is a net reduction in positive charge inside the cell.
Similar electrical charges, like similar poles of magnets, tend to repel each other.
Every positively-charged ion is repelled by every other positively-charged ion, so
they are pushed to where the concentration of positive charges is the least. The
result is that all positively-charged ions are now strongly attracted to the interior of
the cell.
Sodium – Potassium Pumps
Calcium-flow in and out of muscle cells is one example of a membrane process
that is powered by the energy stored by the sodium-potassium pump.
Calcium ions (depicted here as Ca++ because they have an electrical charge of
+2) enter the cell when the muscle contracts. They are strongly attracted to the
inside of the cell, so no energy is required to let the calcium ions in.
Sodium – Potassium Pumps
For the muscle to relax, the calcium must be removed. This is
accomplished by other proteins in the cell membrane, which let three
sodium ions for every calcium ion that they push out.
Sodium – Potassium Pumps
Because three sodium ions with a total charge of +3 are attracted to the
inside of the cell even more than is one calcium ion with only a charge
of +2, no additional energy is required for this exchange to take place,
and the calcium can be quickly removed.
Sodium – Potassium Pumps
This is a close-up of part of the cell membrane, showing the sodiumpotassium pump protein. This large protein molecule attracts sodium
on the inside of the cell membrane and potassium on the outside of the
cell membrane.
Sodium – Potassium Pumps
However, this process has depleted some of the energy stored by the
sodium-potassium pump when the sodium was allowed back into the
cell.
More potassium must be available for the pump to remove the sodium
and restore the cell’s supply of electrical and chemical energy.