PubMed Morg Articles in 2010

[posey]

Note the year of this Abstract and how it says the "CDC has recently launched..."

Am J Dermatopathol. 2010 May 20. [Epub ahead of print]

Intraoral Morgellons Disease or Delusional Parasitosis: A First Case Report.
Dovigi AJ.

From the Midwestern University School of Dental Medicine, Glendale, AZ.

Abstract
Morgellons disease is a new emerging disease that is still controversial and believed to be, by some practitioners, as nothing more than delusional parasitosis. The Center for Disease Control has recently launched an epidemiological investigation into this disease due to the increased number of reports. A first case is reported of an oral lesion and symptoms consistent with Morgellons disease. The nature of the characteristic fibers associated with the intraoral lesion is investigated. Research has started at a number of institutions to elucidate the nature of this emerging disease.

PMID: 20489569 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/portal/u...82855399457186

Review Morgellons in dermatology. [J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2010]
Review Morgellons in dermatology.
Harth W, Hermes B, Freudenmann RW. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2010 Apr; 8(4):234-42. Epub 2009 Oct 29
Morgellons in dermatology. [J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2010] - PubMed result


Morgellons: contested illness, diagnostic compromise and medicalisation. [Sociol Health Illn. 2010]
Morgellons: contested illness, diagnostic compromise and medicalisation.
Fair B. Sociol Health Illn. 2010 May; 32(4):597-612. Epub 2010 Feb 12.
Morgellons: contested illness, diagnostic compromi... [Sociol Health Illn. 2010] - PubMed result

These were there also:

morgellons (21)
PubMed
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/portal/u...82855369858726

Variants of thymic stromal lymphopoietin and its receptor associate with eosinop...
Variants of thymic stromal lymphopoietin and its receptor associate with eosinophilic esophagitis.
J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010 Jul ;126(1):160-5.e3.
PubMed
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/portal/u...82855350917914

I didn't have time to read them all. I emailed the page to me so I'd have it to post today. The fact of the year being 2010 surprised me.

posey

[Janice]

I found this one item on Pub med that I found interesting. The rest of them just infuriate me. Take note of the Immune Cytokine excess that these doctors mention that we may have. They gave the info in a left handed derogatory way, but I think we shouldn't throw the baby out with the bath water. Ignore the insults. The reason I find this so interesting, is my dear doctor is convinced that you have to build up the immune system and regulate it.I will post the item first then the definition.


Morgellons disease, illuminating an undefined illness: a case series.

Harvey WT, Bransfield RC, Mercer DE, Wright AJ, Ricchi RM, Leitao MM.
Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This review of 25 consecutive patients with Morgellons disease (MD) was undertaken for two primary and extremely fundamental reasons. For semantic accuracy, there is only one "proven" MD patient: the child first given that label. The remainder of inclusive individuals adopted the label based on related descriptions from 1544 through 1884, an internet description quoted from Sir Thomas Browne (1674), or was given the label by practitioners using similar sources. Until now, there has been no formal characterization of MD from detailed examination of all body systems. Our second purpose was to differentiate MD from Delusions of Parasitosis (DP), another "informal" label that fit most of our MD patients. How we defined and how we treated these patients depended literally on factual data that would determine outcome. How they were labeled in one sense was irrelevant, except for the confusing conflict rampant in the medical community, possibly significantly skewing treatment outcomes.

CASE PRESENTATION: Clinical information was collected from 25 of 30 consecutive self-defined patients with Morgellons disease consisting of laboratory data, medical history and physical examination findings. Abnormalities were quantified and grouped by system, then compared and summarized, but the numbers were too small for more complex mathematical analysis. The quantification of physical and laboratory abnormalities allowed at least the creation of a practical clinical boundary, separating probable Morgellons from non-Morgellons patients. All the 25 patients studied meet the most commonly used DP definitions.

CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest Morgellons disease can be characterized as a physical human illness with an often-related delusional component in adults. All medical histories support that behavioral aberrancies onset only after physical symptoms. The identified abnormalities include both immune deficiency and chronic inflammatory markers that correlate strongly with immune cytokine excess. The review of 251 current NLM DP references leads us to the possibility that Morgellons disease and DP are grossly truncated labels of the same illness but with the reversal of the cause-effect order. Further, the patients' data suggest that both illnesses have an infectious origin.

PMID: 19830222 [PubMed - in process]PMCID: PMC2737752Free PMC Article

[Janice]

Cytokine Inflammation and Management in Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
by John W. Addington
July 24, 2002

Inflammation in an otherwise healthy person is a natural response to injury or infection and is part of the normal healing process. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, can reflect an improperly functioning immune system. Many researchers feel that chronic inflammation along with an altered immune system may either be the cause or contribute to fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) symptoms. Fortunately, some treatment options are emerging to manage such inflammation and thus limit the discomfort and pain brought on by these ailments.

Cytokine Inflammation

Chemical messengers called cytokines form an integral part element of the immune system. As messengers, cytokines tell other immune cells to activate, grow or even die. Dr. Lionel Ivashkiv, a rheumatologist, explains that “cytokines regulate the immune system responses and can drive the inflammatory process.” In this and other ways, cytokines aid white blood cells in fighting infection.

Not all cytokine involvement is positive, however. It is thought that highly elevated cytokine levels found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients contribute to their symptoms. Abnormal cytokine activity in rheumatoid arthritis leads to damaged joints. Cytokine disturbances have been implicated, but not always well understood, in other autoimmune disorders as well.

According to Dr. Ivashkiv, there are hundreds of cytokines and their network of activity is very complicated. He states, "It has become clear that the cytokine networks can be perturbed at different levels and have very significant and strong effects on the overall autoimmune process."

Elevated Cytokines in FM and CFS

Besides inflammation, excess cytokines can bring on flu-like symptoms including fever, achiness, and fatigue. In studies, doctors found that fibromyalgia symptoms temporarily resulted when particular cytokines were administered to persons who did not normally have the syndrome. Additionally, some cytokines are known to increase substance P, which transmits pain messages. Thus, it is no wonder that researchers wanted to know whether cytokine levels were elevated in persons with fibromyalgia.

While the latest research published found some fibromyalgia patients had excessive cytokines, the results are considered preliminary only because of the small number of patients studied. Dr. Daniel Wallace headed up an investigation in Los Angeles discovering that patients sick for over two years were more likely to have high cytokines levels. Although the researchers found altered cytokine production in early-stage fibromyalgia, the cytokines were seen to increase with the duration of the sickness. The authors of this work, published in the July 2001 issue of the journal Rheumatology, conclude that their results underscore "the argument for earlier, aggressive intervention to prevent a chronic pattern from developing."

It has not yet been determined, however, whether elevated cytokines are the direct cause of fibromyalgia or merely secondary to another factor. Factors that could contribute to cytokines increase and be a more direct cause of the ailment are other immune problems, abnormal hormone activity, or sleep disturbances. For example, elevated cytokines levels can be induced through sleep deprivation, so perhaps disordered sleep could be the real root of fibromyalgia.

Immune dysfunction as a contributing cause to the related condition of CFS has also been researched. Dr. Nancy Klimas is an immunologist in Miami who has spent considerable time studying CFS. She explains, "with regard to the immune system, we have a system that is hyperactive but not working properly." As part of this hyperactive state, Dr. Klimas has seen unusually high amounts of cytokines in CFS patients, and she feels that this in turn may cause the hormonal imbalances of such persons.

Other researchers feel the same about this possible cause of CFS, despite the mixed result seen in studies performed. Dr. Stephen Straus writes, "An immune disturbance of some type, though, is in line with one favored theory that many of the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome derive from excessive cytokine release."

Management of Cytokine Inflammation

--Drug Therapy

While cytokine related drug therapies are starting to have some benefit for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, that is not the case yet for FM and CFS. Dr. Roberto Patarca has extensively studied the topic and he says medications are not available "mainly because nobody knows which cytokine system in particular to target and because of the [complexity] of the cytokine network components." But research on this topic continues. And, a number of cytokine altering medications are currently being developed. So, it may be that in the not too distant future, medications to regulate cytokine difficulties for FM and CFS may exist.

--Hydrotherapy

Drs. Charles Lapp and Paul Cheney both recommend hydrotherapy as a means of reducing cytokine levels. They recommend 15-30 minutes of being vertically immersed (standing) in water that is around 85 degrees [Fahrenheit], 2-3 times a week. Dr. Lapp explains, "when the temperature of the water is 85-95 degrees, it is cooler than your body temperature, so you are cooling down the core. When you cool down the core, it cuts down on the cytokines as well, and those cause the flu-like symptoms."

The rationale behind this therapy is that the increased pressure at your feet, which decreases upward, causes a squeezing action in your lymph system. This forces lymph fluids to enter your blood stream and signals your body that enough cytokines are already circulating in your blood stream. This, in turn, results in downregulation of your immune system. Regarding this process, the book, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Treatment Guide, relates, "In patients experiencing the effects of excess cytokine production, downregulation of immune system chemicals can provide tremendous relief."

--Supplements

The Life Extension magazine notes that the DHA fish oil is the best documented supplement to suppress certain inflammatory cytokines. Actually, supplements containing any essential fatty acids are very important. These would include evening primrose oil, borage oil, flax seed oil, and Omega 3 and 6 [essential fatty acids]. Other anti-inflammatory supplements include Vitamins B, C, E, and K, and DHEA. Herbs that act as natural inflammation fighters are nettle leaf, boswellia, cat's claw and tumeric.

Dr. Zoltan Rona recommends bovine colostrum as a "powerful immune system modulator—stimulating a sluggish immune system or dampening an overactive immune response." He also encourages the use of digestive enzymes whether pancreatic or plant derived, particularly bromelain, because of how well these supplements counter inflammation.

To stabilize an overactive immune system, Dr. Paul Cheney advocates the use of undenatured whey protein (as in Pro Health's ImmunPlex). Whey protein is useful because of its ability to replenish proper glutathione levels that are low in some with CFS. Dr. Cheney believes that deficient glutathione coupled with excessive cytokines is what promotes activation of harmful microbes like EBV [Epstein-Barr Virus], HHV-6 [Human Herpes Virus-6] as well as chlamydia pneumonia, candida and other mycoplasmas.

In a small study on CFS patients, Cheney found whey protein to be very effective in wiping out these harmful microorganisms. Thus, by raising glutathione levels, undenatured whey protein apparently counteracts some of the damaging effects of excessive cytokines.

[Janice]

--Diet

Diet can play a significant roll in managing cytokine related symptoms. This is true both in what foods are best to consume and those that should be avoided. As to which foods to avoid, many researchers are finding that patients with FM and CFS may have food sensitivities that can aggravate their symptoms. Food sensitivities, also called food intolerance, are not the same as food allergies but can nonetheless contribute to illness.

Research published recently in the Lancet medical journal involved a small group of patients with CFS in Norway, who for over four years had benefited from substantial improvement by dietary exclusion of wheat and milk. After reintroducing these foods into their diets, doctors found a "striking rise" in the patients' cytokine levels along with an increase in abdominal discomfort and joint and muscular pain. These doctors state that "the pronounced increase in release of [particular cytokines], suggests that food intolerance is accompanied by a general immune activation…possibly related to the more general symptoms in these patients."

The foods most likely to be the culprits when it comes to intolerance are wheat, yeast, milk, sugar, peanuts, corn, eggs, citrus, alcohol, caffeine and soy. Various tests can detect food sensitivities but the elimination and challenge method is one of the best means to determine this kind of problem. This involves completely avoiding the suspect food (including traces of it in other foods) for 7-10 days, and then noting if symptoms reoccur when the food is reintroduced into the diet.

Prime foods that can counter cytokine inflammation are coldwater fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines, swordfish, shark, cod and halibut. These fish are beneficial because of the omega-3 fatty acids they contain. It is good to include flax seed, evening primrose oil, and borage oil in one's diet also because of their anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, fresh pineapple, fresh papaya, spinach, blueberries, strawberries and onions are useful.

Conclusion

Strong preliminary evidence leads many researchers to believe that excess cytokines may be responsible for CFS and FM symptoms. A degree of relief may be possible through present therapies, supplements and diet regimes. As more research reveals in greater detail the exact nature of immune dysfunction in these ailments, medications will likely be developed to more effectively alleviate cytokine inflammation in CFS and FM.

[Janice]

Here is how it goes:
Your immune system in your skin is designed to protect you from cuts and bruises. If a bacteria happens to enter your skin, your immune system (the T cells) will send a signal to other T cells to start a ferocious attack on the foreign invaders. If the bacteria happens to cause some damage to your skin, the T cells will also send a chemical signal (called Cytokines) to your skin cells letting them know that some damage has happened and they need to regenerate and heal.

[Janice]

If you havn't seen the glutathione video yet, I have it under "the treatment I am recieving from doc" thread. The third or fourth post down. I feal this is critical for all of us getting better. Janice

[posey]

In regards to the DOP issue; I find this aggravating and if I ever go to a Dr. again for this condition and s/he tells me I am DOP or psychotic, I am not going to be intimidated by it. I am going to look them squarely in the face and say, "and you have the audacity to call yourself a doctor?"

When it does become a realized, credible, and valid disease ( which it will someday), I want whomever to remember my words. I say this not in sarcasm. However, these Drs. all approach us as we are just "silly", then dismiss us with such a disregard for healthcare it is near criminal!!.

You know, if they ever do a study to see how it ranges in male vs female and female turns out to be higher, they will most certainly call it hormonal and use some off the charts tech words to explain away why some men have it.

Just like when PMS was recognized. I read at a nurses forum where they were discussing M how years ago Drs. called PMS "penis envy syndrome". These were nursed who for the most part believe in M. I wish I kept the link for it. Should check my 1000s of favs.

New diseases have evolved for centuries and "educated Drs. should know this. Why this one is taking so long to be recognized as valid is beyond me. At first I felt like it was science fiction type thing too when I found out. But when you think about biology, plants, viruses, bacteria, fungus, genes, GMO, etc., it is not so ridiculous when a look at the big picture is taken.

posey

I disagree that M physically causes mental health problems such as seeing things, hallucinations or dellusions. I believe it can and does cause mild to severe anxiety and depression. I would like to find just 1 Derm. or Infec. Disease Dr. who would love to live with this and NOT get upset. I would challenge any Dr to go through all the aspects of this disease which it causes.

AND, if there are anY Drs. who peek here- WE ARE NOT NUTS. YES I'M SHOUTING BECAUSE I'M TRYING TO GET IT TO YOUR BRAIN. IS YOUR BRAIN/NEW INFORMATION BARRIER BLOCKED? Believe me, you would get upset too, yet we don't have a right to get or be upset. Why not. Just because we have no CAPS after our last name and don't belong to the "gods in white coat group" does not mean we have to stand by and be belittled when we choose to show some normal human emotions PERIOD

[JimDoe]

Originally Posted by posey

In regards to the DOP issue; I find this aggravating and if I ever go to a Dr. again for this condition and s/he tells me I am DOP or psychotic, I am not going to be intimidated by it. I am going to look them squarely in the face and say, "and you have the audacity to call yourself a doctor?"

When it does become a realized, credible, and valid disease ( which it will someday), I want whomever to remember my words. I say this not in sarcasm. However, these Drs. all approach us as we are just "silly", and dismiss us with such a disregard for healthcare it is near criminal!!.

You know, if they ever do a study to see how it ranges in male vs female and female turns out to be higher, they will most certainly call it hormonal and use some of the charts tech words to explain away why some men have it.

Just like when PMS was recognized. I read at a nurses forum where they were discussing M how years ago Drs. called PMS "penis envy syndrome". These were nursed who for the most part believe in M. I wish I kept the link for it. Should check my 1000s of favs.

New diseases have evolved for centuries and why this one is taking so long to be credible is beyond me. At first I felt like it was science fiction type too when I found out. But when you think about biology, plants, viruses, bacteria, fungus, genes, GMO, etc., it is not so ridiculous when a look at the big picture is taken,.

What you have said is so right.Plants,biology,viruses,fungus, GMO.I can not correct you on one thing you stated. I will add this and here is the real horror story.The Docs know what this is.And its pathic.They know.They turn you away as phyco but they did not forget to take your wallet. Just leave it on the counter and leave.
Can anyone beleive I,m actually having a good day today.
Oh Yeah!
JimD

[JimDoe]

Posey you are a very smart person. Thanks for this post.

[posey]

Thank you JimDoe. That was a happy feeling for today

It all just makes sense.

I have talked before about the issue of why this is not on TV like any other new disease gets coverage. Why, out of the many many letters I sent out to universities have I gotten 2 replies; both negative, but others simply threw me in the trash.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this one out. I think we all know that. What is the big Hush-Hush - and the overly drastic negative response of so many Drs.; even to their own peers who suffer from it. Someone knows but no one is telling.

I'm about ready to call my local news statiions and see how they react when I ask them to come over and film me for the proof they would need for the local news. I a not ashamed of having this, nor am I worried people will stay away. I don't let anyone come over and I don't go anywhere. That's my life now while someone is filling their pockets with what they worship.