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Surprise: Th2 cells, inflammation high in both allergic, non-allergic eczema

When I talked to Jon Hanifin last year he mentioned an intriguing fact: eczema comes in two general types. About 80% of atopic eczema patients have allergies and high levels of IgE antibodies. But twenty per cent of patients have eczema without allergies.

The technical term for allergic eczema is “extrinsic” atopic dermatitis; the non-allergic kind is “intrinsic” AD.

Production of IgE—and most antibodies—is activated by type 2 helper T cells. So scientists have generally assumed that extrinsic AD patients had overactive type 2 helper T cells. But new research shows that type 2 helper T cells are overactive in both intrinsic and extrinsic AD patients.

The scientists, led by Emma Guttman-Yassky at Rockefeller University in New York City, analyzed skin and blood samples from 42 extrinsic and 9 intrinsic AD patients, looking at molecular and cellular differences in the immune system and the skin.

They found that type 2 helper T cell activation is actually higher in intrinsic AD patients than extrinsic AD patients. In fact, markers of inflammation in general are higher in intrinsic AD.

Figure 6 from the paper. Scientists now resort to “word clouds” to convey the complexity of molecular biology!

The results are surprising. Patients with intrinsic AD generally do not go on to develop asthma or allergic rhinitis; yet if you just looked at their helper T cells you’d think they were guaranteed to experience even more severe allergies than those suffered by extrinsic AD patients.

So what’s keeping down the IgE levels in intrinsic AD? In the paper, the authors speculate freely, but so far there is no answer.

It also appears that a special class of helper T cells known as type 17 (so-called because they produce the signaling molecule IL-17A) are also more active in intrinsic than extrinsic AD. It’s not clear yet how scientists might  use this knowledge to design therapies more specific than current T cell-suppressing options such as ciclosporin, which can have severe side effects.

The research suggests that future T-cell related therapies will likely be similar for intrinsic and extrinsic AD, despite the different nature of the disease in the two patient groups.

Hat tip to KMO.
End Eczema

Chronic Fatigue, histamine & mast cells

Dog Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, portrait dog on a studio color background, dog lying on a chair in the studioChalk up another one to a dysfunctional immune system – Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Researchers recently proved (for the first time), that the condition is not psychosomatic (yeah, thanks for calling us hypochondriacs all these years). This wasn’t news to some: according to NHS funded researcher Dr. Theoharides, CFS is one of many mast cell linked conditions that he has known to be linked for years. It wasn’t so long ago that narcolepsy was pegged to an imbalance of brain histamine levels.

Scientists in Australia have found that immune cell receptor abnormalities are behind CFS debilitating symptoms. So basically a receptor defect, which is really a problem because there are many cells and so many receptors to mess with, can’t transfer calcium from the cell to the outside. The discovery of abnormal calcium cells coincides with where CFS pain usually happens, in the brain, spine, pancreas and stomach.

To date there’s still no cure for CFS. Doctors and researchers have been telling folks it’s all in their head and that all they need is more exercise (yes, I’m referring to the PACE trial debacle). The researchers say they believe that it affects from 1%-2% of the population (presumably Australia they mean?).

According to Dr. Theoharides, director of Immuno pharmacology and Drug Discovery at Tufts, CFS is a complex disease involving the nervous, hormonal and immune systems with symptoms that include fatigue, sleep disturbances, malaise, muscle aches, migraines, gastrointestinal complaints, and cognitive problems. Viruses and inflammatory cytokines (like those in mast cells which contain histamine) play a role. He says that the stress hormone CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone) activates brain mast cells (which contain histamine and other inflammatory mediators), and that this causes blood-brain-barrier disruption. His research shows that there’s a relationship between the mitochondria, calcium and mast cell activation.

As someone who has literally fallen asleep on a plate of food, I can attest to the narcolepsy-histamine link. It all depended on how long it would take me to eat. If I had a short meal, I might make it to the sofa before falling into my food coma, but a long one meant face-in-food for dessert. The weird thing was I wasn’t actually asleep.

My eyes were forced closed, all movement would have to cease, and I’d be aware of the world around me, but incapable of interacting with it. The experience was more like something out of a nightmare where you’re paralysed but still able to be hurt. It’s apparently called syncope.

I’d lie there in a weak panic, feeling my heart beat slowly ebb away, as I begged my thoughts to magically reconnect with my voice to tell people, hey, I’m actually awake! Don’t be fooled, I’m not asleep. But no matter how hard I tried to convey this to people, they were all convinced I was dreaming it all up.

Whether it was a histamine-narcolepsy link, or a mast cell-CFS one, I ended up spending about a year mostly in or on bed, and desperately trying to make people understand that my inability to climb a flight of stairs at times isn’t a lack of cardio fitness (mine could always be better but it’s still good) but rather a result of my mast cells having a temporary bout of madness.

Interestingly, Harvard neuroscientist Dr. Michael Van ElZakker has a hypothesis he’s working to prove, that an infection of the vagus nerve, which connects the brain to the stomach, can cause a prolonged “sickness response”. This human response to illness involves extreme fatigue, probably to force us to rest up and isolate us from other humans to not spread the virus. He believes that in some cases the vagus nerve, which is responsible for signaling the need for this response, remains on high alert, which keeps the body stuck in this more.

You can read my interview with Dr. Van ElZakker here. 

 A review of fourteen separate dietary and supplement interventions were published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, but found that most studies showed no particular measurable benefit of them. Improvements in fatigue were found in response to NADH and Coenzyme Q10, probiotics and high polyphenol rich cacao.

For me personally, because my fatigue was a result of my mast cell issues, stabilizing them with Dr. Theoharides’ quercetin Neuroprotek supplement and a great diet really helped. But we all have different root causes and severity of symptoms.
Click here if you’d like to learn how I did it.

It’s finally here! Man Food – a high nutrient antihistamine and anti-inflammatory ingredient filled book geared towards guys, women who love to work out, yoga like they mean it, or just load up on healing nutrients. Features my personal shopping list of antihistamine and anti-inflammatory foods.

The Anti-cookbook and all liquid Anti-Detox Book, don’t treat any conditions, but feature a plethora of the high nutrient antihistamine and anti-inflammatory ingredients that have been instrumental in helping me feed myself on a limited diet. The Anti-cookbook features a four page list of antihistamine and anti-inflammatory foods and comes in regular and Paleo.

The Low Oxalate Cookbook features antihistamine and anti-inflammatory rich recipes.

Don’t miss the Low Histamine Beauty Survival Guide for non-toxic beauty tips, the skinny on histamine releasing (mast cell degranulating) beauty ingredients, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory beauty alternatives and the top brands natural brands I’ve found.

Take a peek at my other low histamine and antihistamine cookbooks for more high nutrient recipes

—–REFERENCES—-

Theoharides, Theoharis C. “Brain mast cells and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.” Grantome. NIH, 01 July 2012. Web. 24 Mar. 2017.

Appold, Karen. “UCLA Researchers Find Clue to Narcolepsy’s Cause.” Sleep Review. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2017.

Campagnolo, N., S. Johnston, A. Collatz, D. Staines, and S. Marshall-Gradisnik. “Dietary and nutrition interventions for the therapeutic treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a systematic review.” Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics (2017): n. pag. Web.

Cooper, Luke. “Queensland Scientists Make Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research Breakthrough.” Huffington Post Australia. The Huffington Post, 21 Feb. 2017. Web. 24 Mar. 2017.

Rehmeyer, Julie. “How bad science misled chronic fatigue syndrome patients.” STAT. STAT, 29 Dec. 2016. Web. 24 Mar. 2017.

 

 

talkhealth Blog

Recently identified immune cells Possible therapeutic target for eczema

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Also Included In: Immune System / Vaccines;??Dermatology
Article Date: 01 Feb 2013 – 1:00 PST Current ratings for:http://www.eczemablog.net/
Recently Identified Immune Cells Possible Therapeutic Target For Eczema
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The increasing incidence of allergic skin diseases, and the accompanying economic burden and heightened risk of developing other allergic conditions, have spurred researchers to look for better ways to control these immune system-based disorders.

Atopic dermatitis, more commonly called eczema, now affects 10 to 20 percent of children in the United States and direct health-care costs exceed $ 3 billion, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. What’s more, up to 50 percent of children with atopic dermatitis will develop other allergic diseases, including asthma, a phenomenon termed the “allergic march,” the gradual acquisition of co-existing allergic diseases.


David Artis, Ph.D., associate professor of Microbiology, and Brian Kim, M.D., clinical instructor of Dermatology, from the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, have identified a previously unknown critical role for a recently identified immune cell population in the progression of atopic dermatitis. They describe their findings in the latest issue of Science Translational Medicine.


The team found an accumulation of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in the active lesions of patients with atopic dermatitis. Using a mouse model of atopic dermatitis they also showed that mouse ILCs contribute to disease progression. These studies suggest innate lymphoid cells may be a new therapeutic target in treating the development and severity of atopic dermatitis.


Under the Skin


“Like foot soldiers protecting the skin barrier from onslaught, innate lymphoid cells are present in healthy skin and we would predict that these cells play a role in maintaining normal tissue function and perhaps in protecting against microbes on this barrier,” says Artis. “However, in chronic inflammatory diseases like atopic dermatitis, unchecked innate lymphoid cell responses can promote inflammation.”


Kim adds, “A potential consequence of our more hygienic environment is that immune cells may be left somewhat redundant and so contribute to the increasing incidence of allergic diseases like eczema.”


Many studies before the current one in STM have identified immune pathways that activate ILCs in such other tissues as the intestine and lung. “An unexpected finding of the current study is that innate lymphoid cells in the skin appear to be activated and regulated by different pathways,” says Kim. “These findings suggest that tissue-specific local signals may regulate their function. This finding may also offer therapeutic potential to selectively target innate lymphoid cells in certain tissues, especially for limiting disease severity.”


At present, the first-line therapy for atopic dermatitis remains topical steroids. Unlike other inflammatory diseases like psoriasis and arthritis that can be treated with modern biologic-based therapies, there are no targeted biologic therapies that are approved for use to treat atopic dermatitis.


“Our findings give us hope that new biologic therapies may be designed to treat atopic dermatitis in the future,” says Artis.


These studies are part of a new collaboration between basic scientists in Penn’s Department of Microbiology and Institute for Immunology, along with clinicians at Penn’s Department of Dermatology. These studies are supported by the National Institutes of Health’s Clinical and Translational Science Award program, which is administered through Penn’s Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics.

Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release. Click ‘references’ tab above for source.
Visit our eczema / psoriasis section for the latest news on this subject. Research in the Artis lab is supported by the National Institutes of Health (AI061570, AI087990, AI074878, AI083480, AI095466, AI095608, AI097333, AI102942) and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund Investigator in Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease Award. Kim is funded by NIH grant KL2-RR024132. The study was also funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation Prospective Research Fellowship, the NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center Support Grant (2-P30 CA016520); the NIH/NIDDK P30 Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases (P30-DK050306), the National Center for Research Resources and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (KL2TR000139), and the Skin Disease Research Center (SDRC 5-P30-AR-057217).
http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/news/ Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

MLA

University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. “Recently Identified Immune Cells Possible Therapeutic Target For Eczema.” Medical News Today. MediLexicon, Intl., 1 Feb. 2013. Web.
7 Apr. 2013. APA

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posted by Aston on 4 Apr 2013 at 6:59 am

I had facial eczema and my main treatment used to be only steroids, which made me reliant on it for several years and anytime i stopped it my eczema would come back. Later on i read that coconut helps to treat eczema, and right now i’m having my eczema controlled just with the use of ezerra mositurizer cream followed by coconut oil. I’ve only moderate eczema though, but try it out and hopefully it helps eczema of all forms. Hope this helps.


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posted by Bruce Bennett on 14 Feb 2013 at 7:05 am

My eczema of 44 years was cured by taking vitamin D of 2,000 iu a day. From age 20 to 64 I itched and cracked my skin of the fingers and legs. I am now 73 and without symptoms for nine years! I run a vitamin D level of 90ng. I know others who have “cured” eczema” similarly.


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posted by William on 2 Feb 2013 at 9:24 am

I find this article very interesting. I have had eczema since I was a boy. I was told it would most likely fade away into my adulthood but unfortunately it has only spread, and got worse. I currently have new rashes forming on my back, that also come to my face and behind my ears, and well theres not many places I do not have eczema. I am starting my own research this month on the affects of going on a gluten free diet. I have been to an allergist and have come to an understanding of what my irritants are. During this research I will not be using any steroids. I want to take a more natural approach to a possible solvent. I have been taking various types of antibiotics, and steroids for 20 years and still have my problem so I suppose its not going to help or worsen if I do this for a month. I wish to closely track my intake and also very essential allergy related encounters on a daily basis such as detergants etc. Hopefully by the end of the month I can draw some conclusions by process of illimination. The research is most likely going to take a projected year. Im hoping in the end to write a book on helping others. Id love to give the benefit of the doubt to doctors, but it is becasue of the many doctors I have faced that I am considering med school instead of law after college next year. I wish I could explain all of my thoughts more detailed, but im just putting this out there for the people who are suffering as well. This can really control your life, and I just want to say, dont give up.


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Melatonin, mast cells and histamine

alarm clock with a glass bottle on top of it on a white backgroundA round up of the latest research reveals that the sleep hormone melatonin can prevent mast cells from activating, thereby preventing the release of histamine and other inflammatory agents into the bloodstream, when they’re not needed. As a bonus, melatonin is possibly beneficial in treating tinnitus, which is something many with histamine intolerance and mast cell activation appear to experience in spades. 

Histamine is found in foods like pineapple, strawberries, most cheeses, fermented foods, leftovers, wine, and cacao (among others). You’ll find a couple of commonly used histamine in food and high histamine food lists here as well as an explanation why they all contradict each other.

If you’d like to create your own list, histamine balanced diet and healing plan, click here. 

Histamine is also found in mast cells, where it’s segregated from the blood stream, until triggered by stress, chemicals, allergens or viruses, and bacteria. In these cases the mast cells release other inflammatory agents, some of which, like prostaglandins, can intensify the effect of histamine on the body. This is why it’s important to get a diagnosis to work out what is actually behind your symptoms.

Melatonin produced by the pineal gland is involved in synchronising the circadian rhythm, blood pressure regulation, reproduction, and many others. It’s an antioxidant that plays a particular role in the protection of mitochondrial DNA. It has been shown to protect cancer patients from the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy as well as making them more effective.

One of the studies I found on melatonin notes that it’s found in mast cells already, which may account for why they have “daily rhythmic variations”. Having tracked my mast cell/histamine cycles for years, and helped others with their issues, here’s what I’ve found: 2-4am wake up time with really awful symptoms, then again at 6-8am and then tapering off by 10 or 11am. Many of us have struggled to maintain normal sleeping hours possibly thanks to this and also histamine’s effect on the brain in triggering wakefulness (though too much of it has been linked to narcolepsy).

The general opinion of a handful of the studies I read (referenced below as always) indicate that melatonin can inhibit mast cell activation, thereby exerting an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, as well as preventing histamine release.

Other research tells us that melatonin can also help in IgE allergic reactions, specifically relating to dermatitis, eczema and asthma.

Another interesting study found melatonin to be particularly effective at preventing mast cells from triggering in the skin (as is the case when mast cells cause or contribute to dermatitis or psoriasis) as a result of extreme stress, something I’ve really struggled with over the years.

Food sources of melatonin include cherries, bananas, grapes, rice, cereals, fresh herbs, olive oil and wine.

I eat these foods in spades.

Please remember not to add any supplements without consulting a doctor. What works for me might not for you and there’s no guarantee we won’t react to something even if it has mast cell stabilising or antihistamine properties.

It’s finally here! Man Food – a high nutrient antihistamine and anti-inflammatory ingredient filled book geared towards guys, women who love to work out, yoga like they mean it, or just load up on healing nutrients. Features my personal shopping list of antihistamine and anti-inflammatory foods.

The Anti-cookbook and all liquid Anti-Detox Book, don’t treat any conditions, but feature a plethora of the high nutrient antihistamine and anti-inflammatory ingredients that have been instrumental in helping me feed myself on a limited diet. The Anti-cookbook features a four page list of antihistamine and anti-inflammatory foods and comes in regular and Paleo.

The Low Oxalate Cookbook features antihistamine and anti-inflammatory rich recipes.

Don’t miss the Low Histamine Beauty Survival Guide for non-toxic beauty tips, the skinny on histamine releasing (mast cell degranulating) beauty ingredients, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory beauty alternatives and the top brands natural brands I’ve found.

Take a peek at my other low histamine and antihistamine cookbooks for more high nutrient recipes

 

——-REFERENCES——–

Merrick L, Youssef D, Tanner M, Peiris AN (June 2014). “Does melatonin have therapeutic use in tinnitus?”. Southern Medical Journal107 (6): 362–6. doi:10.14423/01.smj.0000450714.38550.d4. PMID 24945170

“Melatonin.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 Feb. 2017. Web. 25 Feb. 2017.

Maldonado, M.d., H. Garcia-Moreno, and J.r. Calvo. “Melatonin protects mast cells against cytotoxicity mediated by chemical stimuli PMACI: Possible clinical use.” Journal of Neuroimmunology 262.1-2 (2013): 62-65. Web.

Theoharis C. Theoharides, Julia M. Stewart. “Genitourinary mast cells and survival.” Translational Andrology and Urology, Vol 4, No 5 (October 2015).

Çikler, Esra, Feriha Ercan, Şule Çetinel, Gazi Contuk, and Göksel Şener. “The protective effects of melatonin against water avoidance stress-induced mast cell degranulation in dermis.” Acta Histochemica106.6 (2005): 467-75. Web.

Tamura, Eduardo K., Claudia L. M. Silva, and Regina P. Markus. “Melatonin inhibits endothelial nitric oxide production in vitro.” Journal of Pineal Research 41.3 (2006): 267-74. Web.

Marseglia, Lucia, Gabriella D’angelo, Sara Manti, Carmelo Salpietro, Teresa Arrigo, Ignazio Barberi, Russel Reiter, and Eloisa Gitto. “Melatonin and Atopy: Role in Atopic Dermatitis and Asthma.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences 15.8 (2014): 13482-3493. Web.

 

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