Archive for the ‘Lyme’ Category

Fibromyalgia Associated With Borrelia-Specific T Lymphocytes

https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/129522

Antinuclear antibody seropositivity in fibromyalgia associated with Borrelia-specific T lymphocytes

Author(s): Basant K. Puri*, Gary S. Lee and Armin Schwarzbach

DOI: 10.2174/1573397119666230215124048

Current Rheumatology Reviews 2023; 19()

Abstract

Background: Our group have recently reported that there is no evidence of an association between fibromyalgia and Borrelia-specific T lymphocytes. However, a small number of case reports has suggested that infection by the bacterial genus Borrelia may be associated with the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs).

Objective: To test the hypothesis that those fibromyalgia patients who are ANA seropositive are more likely to show evidence of Borrelia-specific T lymphocyte reactivity than those who are seronegative.

Methods: T lymphocyte reactivity to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (full antigen) was assessed using the enzyme-linked immunospot and serum ANA status was assessed using immunofluorescence in 27 fibromyalgia patients fulfilling the revised diagnostic criteria of the American College of Rheumatology.

Results: The ANA seropositive and seronegative groups were matched for age, sex and ethnicity; the T lymphocyte reactivity to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (full antigen) in the former group (mean 5.60) was significantly higher than that in the seronegative group (mean 1.81; p < 0.05).

Conclusion: This novel study points to an association of ANA seropositivity in fibromyalgia with Borrelia-specific T lymphocytes.

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Category:

Lyme, research, Testing

National Academies Take on Thorny Issue of ‘Long-Haul’ Diseases

https://www.lymedisease.org/nasem-long-haul-diseases/

National Academies take on thorny issue of “long-haul” diseases

Feb. 17, 2023

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (known collectively as NASEM) are private, nonprofit institutions that study complex challenges facing our country and give expert guidance on how to solve them.

NASEM has a reputation for providing independent, objective and nonpartisan advice with high standards of scientific and technical quality.

Now, the Academies are taking on the thorny issue of “long-haul” diseases, focusing specifically on long COVID, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, persistent Lyme disease, and multiple sclerosis.

In June, NASEM will hold a workshop called “Toward a Common Research Agenda in Infection-Associated Chronic Illnesses: A Workshop to Examine Common, Overlapping Clinical and Biological Factors.”

As LymeDisease.org CEO Lorraine Johnson points out, “these conditions are frequently neglected in research and medicine. As a result, patients who become profoundly ill are unable to receive treatment. This workshop brings together patients, clinicians, and researchers to build a collaborative effort among these communities to improve care.”

Johnson, Principal Investigator of the MyLymeData research project, is one of eight subject matter experts serving on the planning committee for the June event. Also on the panel is Dr. Brian Fallon, director of Columbia University’s Lyme & Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center. Click here to learn about other members of the group.

Research and knowledge gaps

According to the NASEM website, workshop discussions will consider the latest research and knowledge gaps in the following:

  1. Overlapping clinical and biological factors underlying infection-associated chronic illnesses.
  2. Current practice and novel technologies to develop urgently needed diagnostic tests for different stages of illness and/or the potential underlying infectious agent.
  3. Identification of therapeutic targets and strategies to prevent or impede chronic illness progression.
  4. Coordination and collaboration among various stakeholders and practitioners that will increase research and enhance care across different patient populations.

The two-day event will be held June 29 and 30 in Washington DC. You can also attend virtually. Click here for registration information.

TOUCHED BY LYME is written by Dorothy Kupcha Leland, President of LymeDisease.org. She is co-author of When Your Child Has Lyme Disease: A Parent’s Survival Guide. Contact her at dleland@lymedisease.org.

Category:

Activism, Lyme, research

LivLyme Summit

https://livlymefoundation.org/conference/

Virtual LivLyme Summit

To be held on March 4, 2023

Go to link to register

Sponsorship opportunities available

Category:

Activism, Lyme

4 Steps Every Lyme Patient Should Take to Protect Their Heart

4 Steps Every Lyme Patient Should Take to Protect Their Heart

By Dr. Bill Rawls

Feb. 2023

Heart symptoms are a serious concern for people with chronic Lyme disease — and rightfully so. While research suggests up to 10% of Lyme cases result in cardiac involvement, the consequences of which can be life-threatening, that number is likely deceptively low. That’s because the actual number of cases of Lyme are underreported in most areas of the country, and many Lyme specialists believe heart issues such as Lyme carditis or an irregular heartbeat may be more prevalent than statistics currently demonstrate.

The number of missed cases may be due, in part, to the fact that heart symptoms don’t look the same in every Lyme patient. They vary from person to person and exist on a spectrum, so they can be difficult to detect. Some people may experience no symptoms at all, while others might notice mild ones — an occasional skipped beat here or a small flutter there. Still, others may experience more severe cardiac manifestations like shortness of breath, chest tightness, or heart palpitations.

“The threshold for tolerating heart symptoms should be pretty low,” says Dr. Bill Rawls, medical director of RawlsMD and Vital Plan. “Anytime you have something irregular with the heart, you should see a doctor right away.”

Whether or not you have cardiac symptoms, you can still incorporate a few strategies into your protocol to augment heart health while dealing with Lyme disease and coinfections.

Here are four natural ways you can keep your heart functioning optimally:

1. Lower Your Microbial Load

“Herbs are heart-friendly because they help protect the various cells of our body, including heart cells,” says Dr. Rawls. Herbs defend against free radical damage, physical stress, toxic substances, and most importantly, pathogens like borrelia, bartonella, babesia, and mycoplasma, all of which can cause harm to the heart.

Therefore, taking antimicrobial herbs to suppress the microbes that could contribute to cardiac problems is a top priority. Dr. Rawls’ preferred antimicrobial herbs for heart health include:

cats claw bark on wooden background

Cat’s Claw

Cat’s claw is a native herb to the Amazon region. Its antimicrobial properties make it a foundational herb in most Lyme disease protocols. Additionally, it has immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory qualities.

Suggested dosage: 375-750 mg 1 to 2 times daily (inner bark standardized to 3% alkaloids or 7:1 concentrate inner bark is preferred). It is especially important to take this herb with food, as it is activated by stomach acid. If you take acid-blocking drugs, cat’s claw won’t have a significant impact on you.

Side effects: The herb is generally well tolerated, but occasional stomach upset has been reported.

white Andrographis flower on green stem

Andrographis

Andrographis has a long history of medicinal use in India. It contains several properties, including antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic, providing defense against a range of microbes. The herb also has immune-enhancing, cardioprotective, and liver-protective qualities. Andrographis is also a staple among natural Lyme protocols.

Suggested dosage: 250 mg (extract standardized to 33% andrographolides) 1 to 2 times daily

Side effects: Approximately 1% of people who take andrographis develop an allergic reaction with whole-body hives and itching skin. This is a higher percentage than most other herbs, but still extremely low. The reaction will resolve gradually over several weeks once the herb has been discontinued.

garlic bulbs on black background

Garlic

Used for medical purposes since as far back as we can trace, garlic contains an active ingredient called allicin, a volatile chemical with antiprotozoal, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It supports the immune system and balances the flora of the microbiome as well.

Suggested dosage: 200 mg of a standardized 1% allicin product 1 to 2 times daily (dosage is dependent on the garlic preparation used)

Side effects: Raw garlic may cause stomach upset, but stabilized allicin products are associated with fewer side effects and are generally well tolerated.

red berberine berries hanging on branch

Berberine

Berberine is a bioactive compound that assists in balancing the microbiome. It’s found in the stems, bark, roots, and rhizomes of a variety of herbs, including goldenseal, barberry bark, yellowroot, goldthread, Oregon grape, tree turmeric, coptis, and phellodendron.

Suggested dosage: The dose will vary depending on the preparation used; follow the instructions on the label.

Side effects: In most cases, berberine is generally well tolerated. Side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort and low blood pressure.

2. Flow Through a Mind-Body Practice

“Exercising within the confines of what your doctor recommends is one of the best ways to keep your heart healthy,” says Dr. Rawls. But when your heart health is compromised, it’s extremely important to not overdo it. To avoid setting yourself back, consider a mind-body practice like yoga to keep your heart healthy.

Caucasian females legs on yoga mat. Yoga props for Iyengar lesson.

Why yoga? Research from the Journal of Evidenced-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine investigated yoga as a therapeutic intervention for individuals at-risk for or suffering from cardiovascular disease. Although the study had some limitations, yoga emerged as a lifestyle activity that fostered improved heart health. The researchers believe it could be due to yoga’s ability to reduce stress and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system — the part of your nervous system responsible for “resting and digesting.”

Additionally, mind-body activities centered around breathwork and meditation achieved similar results in the reviewed medical studies. Other mind-body exercises that can get you moving and be tailored to your fitness level or symptoms include Pilates, qigong, and tai chi.

3. Curb Inflammation

Lyme disease and other stealth microbes can act as hidden sources of inflammation. Many Lyme symptoms, including heart symptoms, are made worse by the continuous effects of proinflammatory cytokines.

“Cytokines are chemicals that promote inflammation and persistently activate the body’s immune system,” says Dr. Rawls. Over time, chronic low-grade inflammation begins to damage blood vessels that supply your heart muscle and brain, leading to a host of trouble.

To keep your heart as strong as possible, Dr. Rawls recommends the following natural remedies:

red krill gel capsules on blue background

Krill Oil

Omega-3 fatty acids like those found in krill oil are vital for many processes of the body and may lessen inflammation. Omega-3s facilitate heart health, cognitive function, and cell membrane function. Krill oil is unique in that it contains a natural antioxidant called astaxanthin. Astaxanthin benefits the cardiovascular system and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.

Suggested dosage: 2,000-3,000 mg of krill oil daily (can be broken down into 4-6 500 mg capsules) daily. The omega-3s in krill oil occur as phospholipids(instead of triglycerides (like the omega-3s in fish oil), which are more easily absorbed through the intestines and more readily utilized by the body, so you may be able to use a lower dose.

Side effects: Omega-3 fatty acids thin blood, so if you’re taking blood thinners or have a bleeding or clotting disorder, discuss taking krill oil supplements with your doctor. Avoid krill oil supplements if you have shellfish or fish allergies.

Hawthorn

Hawthorn supports heart function by increasing blood flow to the organ, strengthening contractions of the heart muscle, and improving circulation by dilating blood vessels. This allows increased oxygen delivery to tissues and assists in normalizing blood pressure.

Suggested dosage: 600-1,000 mg extract (combined leaf, stem, and flower standardized to 10% Vitexin) twice daily

Side effects: Side effects aren’t usually associated with Hawthorn, and it’s very safe for long-term use.

pile of french maritime pine bark pieces

Pine Bark Extract

Antioxidants and other compounds in pine bark extract inhibit platelet aggregation (blood thinner), reduce vascular inflammation, improve the integrity of blood vessels, and enhance blood flow to the tissue.

Suggested dosage: 75 mg daily standardized to 35% OPCs 1 to 2 times daily.

Side effects: Rare — pine bark has a low potential for toxicity.

4. Get Your Stress Levels Under Control

When dealing with Lyme disease, stress is an almost daily occurrence. With pressures like paying for medical treatment, finding a doctor, and managing symptoms, it’s hard to catch a break.

“The problem with chronic stress is that it has the potential to disrupt all normal cellular functions of the body and mind, including the heart,” says Dr. Rawls. For example, when you’re chronically stressed, your sleep patterns change, digestion becomes less efficient, and tissues begin to break down, which may contribute to heart-related conditions like high blood pressure or hardening of the arteries.

There isn’t a large body of research on the effects of stress on the heart, specifically, and there’s even less when Lyme disease is added to the mix. But what we do know is that the body releases adrenaline in response to a distressing event or situation. Adrenaline speeds up your breathing, gets your heart pounding, and raises your blood pressure, facilitating the “fight-or-flight” response. Chronic stress pushes your body to function in overdrive for weeks or months at a time.

A stressful woman sitting on a bed, hands to head

“When the body is constantly on alert, it cannot devote resources toward day-to-day repair and maintenance, and systems of the body can begin to go haywire,” explains Dr. Rawls. So while stress isn’t good for your health in general, for those with Lyme disease trying to make heart-conscious choices, stress interrupts the healing mode and may lay the groundwork to weaken crucial cellular functions.

Although you’ll never banish stress from your life entirely, reducing it as best as you can does help to bolster the health of all organs and tissues in your body. There are a variety of cost-effective and easily accessible options to minimize stress, such as:

  • Taking a leisurely stroll outside
  • Journaling
  • Finding support through online groups or mental health professionals
  • Relaxing in a warm bath
  • Practicing vagus nerve stimulation or neuroplasticity exercises
  • Doing deep breathing

To help bring on the heart-healthy calm, find a stress-relieving activity and stick with it as best you can — the more you genuinely enjoy it, the higher the likelihood you’ll do it consistently. With some trial and error, you’ll discover what works for you.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, heart-supportive strategies can help keep your ticker working more efficiently, but if you have any symptoms or concerns, you should consult with a health care professional. “If someone is having symptoms like chest pains or a frequent, irregular heartbeat, don’t hesitate to see a doctor,” advises Dr. Rawls. “Anytime you’re concerned about your heart, it’s always better to play it safe.”

Category:

Heart Issues, Herbs, Inflammation, Lyme

Increasing Spread of Lyme Disease in Europe

https://danielcameronmd.com/increasing-spread-of-lyme-disease-in-europe/

INCREASING SPREAD OF LYME DISEASE IN EUROPE

lyme-disease-europe

The number of Lyme disease cases continues to climb in the U.S. and Europe despite preventative measures. A new study examines the prevalence of Lyme disease in Greece, a country that has questioned its existence.

By 

The existence of Lyme disease in Greece remains controversial. In a recent study  “Serological evidence of possible Borrelia afzelii lyme disease in Greece,”  Karageorgou and colleagues examined patients throughout Greece suspected for Lyme disease by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and by western blotting for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato species.

“We found one patient positive for Borrelia burgdorferi and two patients positive for Borrelia afzelii specific antibodies. Both B. afzelii patients were suffering with neurological manifestations and had never traveled abroad,” the authors wrote.¹

Their findings indicate evidence of two autochthonous Lyme disease cases in Greece, possibly caused by B. afzelii.

“Suggestions that Lyme disease exists in Greece remain controversial and no study to date has definitively identified the presence of a Borrelia spp. that infects humans.”

In another study, Olafsdotti and Askling reviewed the possible reasons behind the growing number of cases in the U.S. and abroad.² “Reasons for poor progress in limiting the disease are manyfold” and include:

  1. The surveillance system for Lyme disease remains highly variable, despite European Union surveillance to standardize definition.
  2. “There are still substantial diagnostic gaps for the disease given its varied and unusual presentation.”
  3. “Absence of reliable assays for acute infection.”
  4. “Difficulty in differentiating past disease from current disease.”
  5. “An inability to monitor treatment response.”

Furthermore, the poor prognosis in limiting the disease is expected to be worse with climate change, wrote the authors.

The authors stressed the need to overcome diagnostic challenges, develop better surveillance strategies and policies for Lyme disease, as well as identify a safe and effective vaccine against Borrelia burgdorferi.

Karageorgou et al. concludes, “We demonstrate the possibility of the presence of B. afzelii in Greece. Therefore, we need to raise awareness of Lyme disease among healthcare providers and ensure that B. afzelii, and possibly also other Lyme borrelia species must be taken into account. The true underlying rate of Lyme disease in Greece remains unknown.”

References:
  1. Karageorgou I, Koutantou M, Papadogiannaki I, Voulgari-Kokota A, Makka S, Angelakis E. Serological evidence of possible Borrelia afzelii lyme disease in Greece. New Microbes New Infect. Mar 2022;46:100978. doi:10.1016/j.nmni.2022.100978
  2. Olafsdottir B, Askling HH. Increasing spread of borreliosis in Europe. New Microbes New Infect. 2022 Aug 29;48:101022. doi: 10.1016/j.nmni.2022.101022. PMID: 36176541; PMCID: PMC9513809.

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**Comment**

The fact people are still quibbling over where and if Lyme exists should tell you everything you need to know about this very real plague, which the climate doesn’t affect one iota.

Category:

Lyme, research