Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients
Alternative Medicine Conference Calendar
Who are we?New articlesFeatured topicsArticles onlineSubscriptionsContact us!
Check out recent tables of contents
From the Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients
November 2002

The Detoxx™ System: Detoxification of Biotoxins in Chronic Neurotoxic Syndromes
by John Foster, MD, Patricia Kane, PhD, and Neal Speight, MD

Our November 2002 cover
Order back issues
Advertise with TLDP!
Order this issue!
Search our site

      Chronically ill individuals suffering from neurotoxin exposure impacts patient populations with CFIDS, Fibromyalgia, MS, Cardiovascular Disease, Depression, Rheumatoid Arthritis, IBS, Infertility, ALS, Parkinson's, Lyme, Toxic Building Syndrome, Estuary Associated Syndrome, Psychosis, Diabetes without family Hx, Optic Neuritis, Refractory Heavy Metal Toxicity, Autism, Pulmonary Hemorrhage, Stroke. Patients diagnosed with these chronic illnesses may be potentially classified as ‘Neurotoxic Membrane Syndrome' (NMS) with the endothelial cell membrane as the target of degeneration. While hypercoagulation involves a myriad of proteins, it is ultimately a membrane event, essentially disrupting the phospholipids that structure the membrane. Agglomeration (blocked cellular exposure to blood flow/nutrients and impaired cell-to-cell communication) indicates elevation of phospholipase A2 and the uncoupling of eicosanoids from the cell membrane causing inflammation. The agglomeration that eventually occurs is, in essence, a product of a weakened membrane, and ultimately a disturbed red cell fatty acid profile.

      We have established a biomedical protocol in our clinics, The WellSpring Clinic in Wayne, Pennsylvania and The Center for Wellness in Charlotte, North Carolina for patients with neurotoxic illness. Our biomedical approach is an attempt to reach the systemic nature of these tenacious neurotoxic syndromes and provide clinically proven methods that eradicate neurotoxins. Our course of action is that of freeing the patient of pervasive symptoms of neurotoxic illness in a noninvasive manner that heals the membrane, and ultimately, the body and brain.

      The recent pioneering work of Ritchie Shoemaker, MD, as communicated in his book Desperation Medicine and his peer-reviewed paper (Shoemaker 2001), lends strong support to a connection between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Lyme Disease, Pfiesteria infection and that of numerous Neurotoxic Syndromes.

      The presentation of biotoxin exposure often parallels neurological and psychological impairment due to the interrelationship between the ENS (Enteral Nervous System) and the CNS. The biliary tree, gall bladder, and bile formation within the liver serve in the vital processes of detoxication (disposal of waste products, bilirubin, heavy metals, biotoxins, xenobiotics), lipid metabolism, transport and digestion (bile acids). Abnormalities of the hepatobiliary system may involve biliary stasis whereby infectious material or biotoxins reside within the liver, biliary tree and gallbladder, as a viscous suspension in biliary sludge. Biotoxins as bacteria, viruses, parasites, spirochetes, dinoflagelletes, and fungus may be within biliary sludge often creating neurotoxins impacting the CNS via the ENS, or the Second Brain (gut). The occurrence of biliary sludge may be due to prolonged fasting, low fat intake, high carbohydrate diets or exposure to pathogens. Restriction of dietary fat may impair biliary flow which would be contraindicated in attempting to clear toxicity as bile is paramount to cleansing the body and getting biotoxins and heavy metals excreted into the fecal matter.

      Neurotoxins are minute compounds between 200-1000 KD (kilodaltons) that are comprised of oxygen, nitrogen and sulfate atoms arranged in such a way as to make the outside of the molecule fat loving and water hating. As such, once it enters the body, it tends to bind to structures that are rich in fat such as most of our cells, especially the liver, kidney, and brain. Neurotoxins are capable of dissolving in fatty tissue and moving through it, crossing cell membranes (transporting against a gradient, particularly with potassium) disrupting the electrical balance of the cell itself.
      As fat soluble neurotoxins move through the cells of the body from the GI tract to sinus to lung to eye to muscle, to joint to nerve, whereby they eventually enter the liver and the bile. Once neurotoxins bind with bile they have access to the liver, the body is poisoned over and over again as the bile is re-circulated (first released into the intestine to digest fats, and then reabsorbed).
      Neurotoxins cause damage by disrupting sodium and calcium channel receptors, attacking enzyme reactions involved in glucose production thereby disrupting energy metabolism in the cell, manufacturing renegade fatty acids as saturated very long chain, odd chain and branched chain fatty acids impairing membrane function, stimulating enzymes (PLA2) which uncouple essential fatty acids from the cell membrane, and impairing the function of the nuclear receptor PPAR gamma which partially controls transcription (the conversion of instructions held in our DNA to RNA which then leads to translation or protein production in the cell).

      Heavy metals are also lipid soluble and often compound the removal of biotoxins (Aschner et al. 1990, 1998; Dutzak 1991). As has been observed by many clinicians, often as the patients' heavy metal toxicity is addressed they are faced with the additional complication of the presence of biotoxins. Biotoxins and heavy metal exposure co-exist within the cell membrane and fatty tissue requiring consideration for both types of toxicity in regard to patient intervention. By stabilizing glutathione we in turn impact metallothionein markers (Nordberb and Nordberb 2000, Ebadi et al. 1995, Sato et al. 1995, Kerper et al. 1996, Susanto et al. 1998), glycoaminoglycans or GAGS (Klein 1992), methylation, sulfation, hepatic and renal function as we introduce treatment protocols for detoxication with gentle, natural modalities that unload cellular toxicity safely. GSH infusion by fast IV push has been a remarkable tool to unload the body burden of heavy metals and neurotoxins in both pediatric and adult populations, without side effects.

      Renegade fats as very long chain fats (VLCFAs) that are over expressed, disrupt the membrane structure. There is a beautiful geometry to the membrane that is highly sensitive to the size of the lipid chains. The overall width of the fatty acid portion of the membrane is ~3-1/2 nm which must be maintained for stability. Saturated or monounsaturated fatty acids with a length of 16 or 18 carbons and polyunsaturated fatty acids of 18 to 22 carbons are preferred to permit the structure to maintain optimal horizontal fluidity. VLCSFAs that range from 20 to 26 carbons force the parallel dimensions vertically. There simply is not enough room. The distortion weakens the phosphate bonds that derive their strong attraction only as long as the phospholipids are parallel to each other on both sides of the membrane. The cell weakness is then expressed in leaky attraction to ion channels and receptors which marginalize cell cytosol fluids and electrolytes with the only option as early cell death.

      To view the brain beyond its architecture as a biological orchestration of the physical and chemical constituents necessary for performance, we cannot begin to conceptualize without considering the importance of fatty acids as the human brain is 60% lipid. Dendrites and synapses are up to 80% in lipid content. Although Arachidonic acid (AA) has been given a negative association, it is the most prominent essential fatty acid in the red cell and comprises 12% of the total brain and 15.5% of the body lipid content. If AA is depleted by overdosing with marine or flax oil establishing the balance of the EFAs is profoundly impaired. Often both prostaglandin one and two series relating to omega six metabolism are compromised when flax and marine oils are overdosed or lipid intake is insufficient. When AA, the lead eicosanoid of the body, is suppressed due to excess intake of omega 3, toxicity or disease, the control circuitry of the body is impaired as is clearly viewed in the patient's presentation. Arachidonic acid is preferentially wasted in states of heavy metal toxicity (Tiin and Lin, 1998) and has been observed to be sharply suppressed in RBC lipid analysis in states of heavy metal toxicity (Kane, clinical observation 1997-2002).

      In states of toxicity via biotoxins or heavy metals there is a dramatic elevation in Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity (Verity et al. 1994) Increases in PLA2 activity result in premature uncoupling of the essential fatty acids (EFAs) from phospholipids in the cell membrane. Accelerated loss of EFA places the patient in a severely compromised position as that of inflammation which results from the promiscuous release of AA in the presence of an overexpression of PLA2. Carbohydrate consumption, as one of the most profound stimulators of PLA2, must be restricted to control the insulin response and the subsequent loss of EFAs.

      Phospholipids, cholesterol, cerebrosides, gangliosides and sulfatides are the lipids most predominant in the brain residing within the architectural bilayers (Bazan et al. 1992). The phospholipids and their essential fatty acid components provide second messengers and signal mediators. In essence, phospholipids and their essential fatty acid components play a vital role in the cell signaling systems in the neuron. The functional behavior of neuronal membranes largely depends upon the ways in which individual phospholipids are aligned, interspersed with cholesterol, and associated with proteins. All neurotransmitters are wrapped up in phospholipid vesicles. The release and uptake of the neurotransmitters depends upon the realignment of the phospholipid molecules. The nature of the phospholipid is a factor in determining how much neurotransmitter or metal ion will pass out of a vesicle or be taken back in. Phospholipid re-modeling may be accomplished by supplying generous amounts of balanced lipids and catalysts via nutritional intervention and the use of intravenous Phospholipid Exchange (IV Phosphatidyl choline).

      An undesirable course of events in an exposure to biotoxins is agglomeration in a hypercoagulation state. The distorted membrane with its weakened structure and almost absolute reduced fluidity is powerless to resist coagulation. A highly fluid membrane would kick off an accumulation of oxidized cholesterol; it would not permit it to attach. This is not the case when the membrane is compromised, as in much of the patient population affected with neurotoxic illness.

      Hypercoagulation is predominantly a non-regulated mass of proteins disrupting function. When referencing the artery; hypercoagulation invariably involves the plasmic side of the cell and if endothelial cells of the vascular system are targeted by a toxin (virus, neurotoxin, metal, antibody, etc), restriction of blood flow ultimately results. If a neuron is targeted then signaling is disrupted. The presence of neurotoxins invariably involves PLA2, which is the "sergeant at arms” monitoring cell membrane health. A membrane disturbance (unwanted mass) would trigger PLA2, which hydrolyses the release of eicosanoids, which would then induce inflammation and call to attention the clean-up committee, i.e. macrophages.

      Hypercoagulation is a restrictive agglomeration, (mass) that occurs principally on the membrane of endothelial cells blocking the flow of vital fluids, blood, bile, etc., with a high causal relationship to oxidation, and equally to toxicity, quite often neurotoxins. Oxidized LDL (Sobel et al. 2000) is predominantly a membrane disturbing event agglomerating and attaching to endothelial cells, while neurotoxins can move through the lipid membrane and attack the cell itself.

      Unhealthy bacteria have been known to colonize the liver and its biliary system. These bacteria as well as viruses, spirochetes, dinoflagellates, and the like can synthesize very long chain saturated or renegade fats (Harrington et al. 1968, Carballerira et al. 1998) that lead to liver toxicity, biliary congestion, impairment of prostaglandin synthesis and the release of glutathione (Ballatori et al. 1990). Lipids vibrate in the cell at millions of times/second. The double bonds of the omega 6 and omega 3 lipids are the singing backbone of life expressed through their high energy level. These bonds are their vibratory song, and they absolutely carry a tune befitting every act and function in the exercise of life, providing all 70 trillion of our cells their flexible nature. When renegade fats are over represented in the cell membrane they result in off key expression, and if strong enough, may spell cellular death and apoptosis. Healing the outer leaflet of the membrane (Schachter et al. 1983), comprised primarily of phosphatidylcholine, with phospholipid therapy, is our highest priority in addressing chronic illness and hypercoagulation.

      Our clinical approach is to first confirm that neurotoxin-mediated illness could in fact be a problem for the patient via the Visual Contrast Sensitivity test that isolates deficits in velocity of flow in retinal capillaries. If the patient scores poorly on this test then the evaluation may include screening for cytokine elevations followed by coagulation and red blood cell lipid testing through Johns Hopkins/interpretation through BodyBio. (For pediatric patients the Heidelberg Retinal Tomogram Flow Meter Evaluation may be performed in place of the Visual Contrast Test by an ophthalmologist.)

      Once neurotoxins enter the cell they move toward the nucleus, turning on indirectly, the production of cytokines such as TNF alpha, IL6, and IL-1Beta (Shrief and Thompson 1993, Tsukamoto 1995, Abordo et al. 1997, Rajora et al. 1997, Brettelal 1989, Hassen et al. 1999, Davidson 2001). TNF alpha will stimulate macrophages in the body to become active. The white cells are also induced to gather in the area of the cytokine (TNF alpha) release. In addition, TNF alpha induces endothelial cell adhesion. Endothelial cells which line the blood vessels of the body become "sticky” in conjunction with the increase in white cells. Increased blood viscosity results in restricted blood flow in neurotoxic patients leading to fatigue and discomfort, and quite possibly disturbed toxic photoreceptor lipid structures that become compromised with subsequent reduction in visual performance.

      The cellular impact of biotoxin and heavy metal burdens results in disturbed prostaglandin synthesis, poor cellular integrity, decreased GSH levels (DeLeve and Kaplowitz 1990, Dentico et al. 1995, Hayter et al. 2001, Miles et al. 2000, Nagai et al. 2002, Zalups and Barfuss 1995, Watanabe et al. 1988, Fernandez-Checa et al. 1996), significant suppression of omega 6 arachidonic acid and marked elevation of Renegade fats and ultimately with demyelination (depressed DMAs). The presence of VLCFAs are evidence of peroxisomal dysfunction and suppression of the beta oxidation of lipids and cellular respiration. Renegade fats (VLCSFAs, Odd Chains, Branched Chains) are represented as an increase in fat content in the brain as discovered in stroke patients examined by Stanley Rapoport, Chief of the Laboratory of Neuroscience at the NIH. Biotoxins and heavy metals are lipid soluble thus the effect upon cellular processes and hepatobiliary function is often gravely deranged. Often, patients do not possess a gross burden of toxins but rather a burden that has a finite impact upon the cell by blocking receptor sites such as G proteins, which act as a relay system through the cell.

      Peroxisomes, most prevalent in the liver and kidney, are organelles within the cell that play a crucial role in clearing xenobiotics and the third phase of detoxification. Peroxisomes are intimately involved in cellular lipid metabolism (Bentley et al. 1993, Mannaerts and Van Veldhoven 1992, Luers et al. 1990, Leiper 1995) as in the biosynthesis of fatty acids via ß-oxidation involving physiologically important substrates for VLCFAs, thromboxanes, leukotrienes and prostaglandins. The creation of a prostaglandin is an oxidative event (Diczfalusy 1994). Inappropriate use of antioxidants (mega-dosing) will inhibit ß-oxidation, the production of prostaglandins and cellular metabolism, thus the liberal use of potent antioxidants would be contraindicated in the buildup of Renegade fats as VLCFAs, Odd Chain and Branched Chains (Akasaka et al. 2000) which are the hallmark of toxicity (Kane and Kane 1997, Kane 1999, Kane 2000, Roels et al. 1993, Rustan et al. 1992). Peroxisomal oxidation enzymes are suppressed by elevation of cytokines such as TNFalpha (Beier et al. 1992). Individuals with immune, CNS, cardiac, GI and endocrine disorders often present with complex xenobiotics involving disturbances in the cytochrome P450 superfamily (hepatic detoxification difficulties) which parallels disturbances in peroxisomal function. The cytochrome P450's are responsible for the biotransformation of endogenous compounds including fatty acids, steroids, prostaglandins, leukotrienes and vitamins as well as the detoxification of exogenous compounds resulting in substantial alterations of P450s (Guengerich 1991) as xenobiotics may turn off or greatly reduce the expression of constitutive isoenzymes (Sharma et al. 1988). Inadequate stores of arachidonic acid can compromise P450 function (McGiff 1991). Oral application of hormones such as pregnenolone, DHEA (Di Santo et al. 1996, Ram et al. 1994, Rao et al. 1993) or thyroid stimulate peroxisomal proliferation and the ß-oxidation of Renegade fats as would nutrients (riboflavin, pyruvate, manganese) and oxidative therapies. Anti-oxidants slow cellular metabolism and must remain in the proper balance with all the essential nutrients and substrates (lipids, protein) to maintain metabolic equilibrium. Removal of renegade fats in the diet is accomplished by the avoidance of mustard, canola oil (Naito et al. 2000), peanuts and peanut oil which contain VLCSFAs that can challenge patients with liver and CNS toxicity. The oral use of butyrate, a short 4-carbon chain fatty acid, is of striking benefit (Fusunyan et al. 1998, Segain et al. 1983, Yin et al. 2001) in mobilizing renegade fats, lowering TNFalpha, sequestering ammonia, and clearing biotoxins.

      In states of toxicity it is paramount to stabilize omega 6 fatty acids and the lead eicosanoid (Attwell et al. 1993) Arachidonic acid (AA) before introducing omega 3 lipids. There exists a crucial balance between omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids in human lipid metabolism which has only recently been brought into clearer focus through the work of Yehuda (1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2002). His development of the SR-3 (specific ratio of omega 6 to omega 3) has revealed that the optimum ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 FAs is 4:1. AA, the lead eicosanoid, must be stable first along with the other w6 EFAs before w3 fatty acids are introduced and balanced. Clinicians are often met with poor patient outcomes when merely administering omega 3 lipids without first introducing omega 6 fatty acids, stabilizing the structural lipids, increasing the fat content of the diet, stimulating the ß-oxidation of renegade fatty acids, flushing of the gall bladder/biliary tree and supporting digestion of fats with bile salts and lipase.

      The manipulation of lipid distortion involves two basic essential fats: omega 6 and omega 3. The body loses its ability to metabolize fats in states of toxicity and therefore becomes depleted in the eicosanoids and prostaglandins. Essential fatty acids are the precursors to the regulatory prostaglandins which are "local hormones" providing the communication controlling all cell to cell interactions. The human cell membrane cannot be supported nor its function controlled without respect to lipid substrate, yet fatty acid metabolism has been poorly delineated in the medical literature. An optimum balance of fatty acids make up the dynamic membrane. The membrane of every living cell and organelle is composed of two fatty acid tails facing each other. This bilipid layer is so minute (3.5 nanometers) that it would take 10,000 membranes layered on top of each other to make up the thickness of this paper. Yet the dynamics that occur within this tiny envelope with organelles prancing up and down the cytoskeleton microtubules is a microcosm that is a challenge for the human mind to envision. Mercury toxicity damages the microtubule structure of the cell. All cells must synthesize molecules and expel waste. All cells must create, through gene expression, the proteins needed for cellular gates embedded in the membrane as ion channels and receptors. The ultimate control of how those peptides behave rests with the character of the membrane while the integrity of the membrane rests with the structural (oleic, stearic, palmitic, cholesterol) and essential lipids (omega 6, omega 3). Without control of membrane function through lipid manipulation, detoxication is compromised. In essence, the life of the cell is intimately tied to health of the membrane and the health of the entire organism.

      Our clinical protocol at the WellSpring Clinic in Wayne, Pennsylvania is to initiate treatment with changing the patients' overall diet, addressing the lipid balance and especially the outer lipid leaflet of the cell membrane through fatty acid therapy and the addition of supplementation targeted towards dissolving fibrin, clearing the liver/biliary tree, and healing the cell membrane. Patient progress is evaluated through the Visual Contrast Test and repeat lab evaluation.

      Blood thinning agents such as Heparin and Warfarin increase blood flow around the blocked endothelium, however, reconstituting membrane fluidity can directly address coagulation in a natural restorative way. Vibrant healthy membranes will not permit agglomeration. The high polyunsaturated lipids with a preponderance of phosphatidylcholine on the plasmic surface precludes undesirable clumping to occur. Treatment modalities should address dissolving fibrin and healing the cell membrane.

      It has been suggested that the use of heparin will address hypercoagulation. Recent data from JAMA (Stephenson 2001) indicates that the use of low dose heparin may transform a ‘benign fungal infection into a toxic shock-like reaction.' This research was presented at the 39th annual meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America in 2001 by Margaret K. Hostetter, M.D. of Yale University School of Medicine (Hostetter 2001 and San-Blas et al. 2000). Hostetter and colleagues found that Candida albicans can attach to host cells and form invasive hyphae. Low dose heparin utilized in procedures for hospitalized patients through the practice of heparin in intravascular catheters may transform C. albicans into a life-threatening pathogen. Hostetter was able to identify a gene, INT1, encoding a C. albicans surface protein, Intlp, which was linked with adhesion, the ability to grow filaments and ultimately virulence of C. albicans of a systemic nature. The use of heparin raises the cytokines TNF alpha and IL-6 (Stephenson 2001) in addition to Phospholipase A2 (Mudher et al. 1999; Kern et al. 2000; Farooqui 1999; Verity et al. 1994). Biotoxins which form neurotoxins, may create a state of hypercoagulation from the rise in TNF alpha. Consequently, the use of heparin may exacerbate the hypercoagulation and the neurotoxic condition. The source of the problem – biotoxins, which have formed neurotoxins creating a state of hypercoagulation – must be addressed from the context of the underlying neurotoxic condition and healing the cell membrane.

      By stabilizing lipid status with intravenous Phospholipid exchange and oral EFA supplementation we have remarkable tools to unload the body burden of neurotoxins (Jenkins et al. 1982, Cariso et al. 1983, Jaeschke et al. 1987, Kolde et al. 1992) in both pediatric and adult populations, without side effects. Oral use of phospholipids in a Liver Flush is also an effective intervention in addressing neurotoxic syndromes.

      Through isolating individual fatty acids and dimethylacetyls in red cells we can now examine the cellular integrity/structure, fluidity, the formation of renegade fats that impair membrane function, myelination status, and the intricate circuitry of the prostaglandins. The systemic health of the individual patient may be reached and targeted nourishment utilized through evidence based intervention which may yield positive patient outcomes. Healing the membrane is virtually…healing the brain.


Correspondence

Neal Speight, MD may be reached at Center For Wellness in Charlotte, North Carolina. Contact John Foster, MD and Patricia Kane, PhD at the WellSpring Clinic in Wayne, Pennsylvania to obtain The Detoxx Book: Detoxification of Biotoxins in Chronic Neurotoxic Syndromes at 888-320-8338 or 856-825-8338.


Bibliography

Abordo EA, Thornalley PJ Synthesis and secretion of tumour necrosis factor-alpha by human monocytic THP-1 cells and chemotaxis induced by human serum albumin derivatives modified with methylglyoxal and glucose-derived advanced glycation end products Immunol Lett 58(3):139-4, Aug 1997

Akasaka K, Shichijyukari S, Matsuoka S, Murata M, Meguro H, Ohrui H Absolute configuration of a Ceramine with a novel Branched-Chain fatty acid isolated from the Epiphytic Dinoflagellate, Coolia monotis Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 64:9:842-1846, Sep 2000

Aschner M, Aschner JL Mercury Neurotoxicity: Mechanisms of Blood-Brain Barrier Transport Neurosci Biobehav Rev 14:169-176, 1990

Aschner M et al. Induction of Astrocyte Metallothioneins by Zn confers resistance against the acute cytotoxic effects of Methylmercury on cell swelling, Na+ uptake and K+ release Brain Research 813:254-261, 1998

Attwell D, Miller B, Saantis M Arachidonic Acid as a Messenger in the Central Nervous System Seminars in the Neurosciences 5: 159-169, 1993

Ballatori N, Truong AT Cholestasis, altered junctional permeability, and inverse changes in sinusoidal and biliary glutathione release by vasopressin and epinephrine Mol Pharmacol; 38(1):64-71, Jul 1990

Bazan NG, Murphy MG, Toffano G Neurobiology of Essential Fatty Acids Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology Vol 318 from the proceedings July 10-12,1991 Australia, Plenum Publishing, NYC,1992

Beier K, Volkl A Fahimi HD Suppression of Peroxisomal Lipid ß-oxidation enzymes by TNF-alpha FEBS Lett 310:273-278,1992

Bentley P, Calder I, Elcombe C, Grasso P, Stringer D, Wiegand HS Hepatic Peroxisome Proliferation in rodents and its significance for Humans Food Chem Toxic 31:857 907,1993
Brett J et al. TNF / cachectin increases permeability of endothelial cell monolayers by a mechanism involving regulatory G proteins J Exp Med 169:1977-1991, 1989

Carballerira NM, Emiliano A, Sostre A, Restituyo JA, Gonzalez IM, Colon GM, Tosteson CG, Tosteson TR Fatty acid composition of Bacteria associated with the toxic Dinoflagellate Ostreopsis Lenticularis and with Caribbean Palythoa species Lipids 33:6:627-632, Jun 1998

Caruso L, Trischitta C, Bertino G, Amore MG, Rapisarda F, Calcara G Polyunsaturated Pholsphatidylcholine in the treatment of Hepatic Steatosis Clin Ter 107:4:279-290, Nov 30, 1983

Davidson J, Abul HT, Milton AS, Rotondo D Cytokines and Cytokine induces stimulate Prostaglandin E2 entry into the Brain Pfugers Arch 442:4:526-33, Jul 2001

DeLeve LD, Kaplowitz N Importance and regulation of hepatic glutathione Semin Liver Dis 10(4):251-66, Nov 1990

Dentico P, Volpe A, Buongiorno R, Grattagliano I, Altomare E, Tantimonaco G, Scotto G, Sacco R, Schiraldi O Glutathione in the treatment of chronic fatty liver diseases Recenti Prog Med 86(7-8):290-3, Jul-Aug, 1995

Diczfalusy U ß-Oxidation of Eicosanoids Prog Lipid Res 33:4:403-428, 1994

Di Santo E, Foddi MC, Ricciardi-Castagnoli P, Mennini T, Ghezzi P DHEAS inhibits TNF production in monocytes, astrocytes and microglial cells Neuroimmunomodulation 3:5:285-8, Sep-Oct 1996

Dutczak WJ, Clarkson TW, Ballatori N Biliary-hepatic Recycling of a Xenobiotic Gallbladder Absorption of Methylmercury Am J Physiol 260: G873-G880, 1991

Ebadi M, Iversen PL, Hao R, Cerutis DR, Rojas P, Happe HK, Murrin LC, Pfeiffer RF. Expression and regulation of brain metallothionein Neurochem Int 27(1):1-22, Jul 1995

Farooqui AA et al. Inhibitors of intracellular phospholipase A2 activity: Their neurochemical effects and therapeutic importance of neurological disorders Brain Res Bull 49:3:139-153, Jun 1999

Fernandez-Checa JC, Yi JR, Ruiz CG, Ookhtens M, Kaplowitz N Plasma Membrane and Mitochondrial Transport of Hepatic Reduced Glutathione Seminars in Liver Disease 16:2:147-158, 1996

Foster J, Kane P, Speight N The Detoxx Book: Detoxification of Biotoxins in Chronic Neurotoxic Syndromes BodyBio Millville, NJ, 2002

Fusunyan RD, Quinn JJ, Ohno Y, MacDermott RP, Sanderson IR Butyrate enhances interleukin (IL)-8 secretion by intestinal epithelial cells in response to IL-1beta and lipopolysaccharide Pediatr Res ;43(1):84-90, Jan 1998

Guengerich FP Reactions and Significance of Cytochrome P450 Enzymes Journal of Biological Chemistry 266:10019-10023, 1991

Harrington GW, Holz GG Jr The Monoenoic and Docosahexaenoic Fatty Acids of a Heterotrophic Dinoflagellate Biochim Biophys Acta 164:1:137-139, Sep 2, 1968

Hassen AN et al. Neuroimmunotoxicology: Humoral Assessment of Neurotoxicity and Autoimmune Mechanisms Environnmental Health Perspectives 107:5, Oct 1999

Hostetter MK Fungal infections in the neonatal intensive care Semin Pediatri Infec Dis 12:4:296-300, Oct 2001

Hayter HL, Pettus BJ, Ito F, Obeid LM, Hannun YA TNFalpha-induced glutathione depletion lies downstream of cPLA2 in L929 cells FEBS Letts 507:2:151-6, Oct 2, 2001

Jaeschke H, Werner C, Wendel A Disposition and Hepatoprotection by Phosphatidylcholine liposomes in mouse liver Chem Biol Interact 64:1-2:127-137, 1987

 Jenkins PJ, Portmann BP, Eddleston AL, Williams R Use of Polyunsaturated Phosphatidyl Choline in HbsAg negative Chronic Active Hepatitis: Results of a Prospective Double-blind Controlled Trial Liver 2:2:77-81, Jun 1982

Kane PC, Kane E Peroxisomal Disturbances in Autistic Spectrum Disorder J. Ortho Med 12:4:207-218, 1997

Kane PC The Neurobiology of Lipids in Autistic Spectrum Disorder J Ortho Med 14:2:103-109, 1999

Kane PC Suppression of Peroxisomal Respiration in Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: Pattern Recognition and Neurobiological Role of Treatment Protocol In press: Int Conference Brain Uptake and Utilization of Fatty Acids, Johns Hopkins, Presented March 2-3, 2000

Kern H et al. Heparin induces release of phospholipase A2 into the splanchnic circulation Anesth Analg 91:3:528-532: Sept 2000

Kern H, Johnen W, Braun J, Frey B, Rustow B, Kox WJ, Schlame M Heparin induces the release of phospholipase A2 into the splanchnic circulation Anesth Analg 91:3:528-32, Sep 2000

Kerper LE, Mokrzan EM, Clarkson TW, Ballatori N Methylmercury Efflux from Brain Capillary Endothelial Cells is Modulated by Intracellular Glutathione but not ATP Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 141:526-531, 1996

Klein NJ et al. Alteration in GAG metabolism and surface charge on human umbilical vein endothelial cells induced by cytokines, endotoxin and neutrophils J Cell Sci 102:821-32,1992

Kolde G, Kessler E, Van Husen N, Themann H Ultrastructural-morphometric analysis of Polyenylphosphatidylcholine(PPC) treated cholestatic rat liver Z Gastroenterol 16:10:625-639, Oct 1978

Leiper JM, Birdsey GM, Oatey PB Peroxisomes Proliferate Trends in Cell Biol 5:435-437, Nov 1995

Luers G, Beier K, Hashimoto T, Fahimi HD, Volki A Biogenesis of Peroxisomes: Sequential Biosynthesis of the Membrane and Matrix Proteins in the course of Hepatic Regeneration European J of Cell Biology 52:175-184, 1990

Mannaerts GP, Van Veldhoven PP Role of Peroxisomes in Mammalian Metabolism Cell Biochem Funct 10:141-151, 1992

McGiff JC Cytochrome P-450 Metabolism of Arachidonic Acid Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 31:339-369, 1991

Miles AT et al. Induction, Regulation, Degradation, and Biological Significance of Mammalian Metallothioneins Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 35:1:2000

Mudher AK et al. Heparin injection into the adult rat hippocampus induces seizures in the absence of macroscopic abnormalities Neuroscience 89:2:329-333, Mar 1, 1999

Nagai H, Matsumaru K, Feng G, Kaplowitz N Reduced glutathione depletion causes necrosis and sensitization to tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced apoptosis in cultured mouse hepatocytes Hepatology 36(1):55-64, Jul 2002

Naito Y, Konishi C, Ohora N Blood Coagulation and Osmolar Tolerance of Erythrocytes in Stroke-Prone spontaneously Hypertensive rats given rapeseed oil or soybean oil as the only dietary fat Toxicology Letters 116:3:209-215, 2000

Nelson GJ, Schmidt PC, Bartonlini G, Kelley DS, Kyle D The effect of dietary Arachidonic acid on Platelet function, Platelet Fatty Acid composition, and Blood Coagulation in Humans Lipids 32:4:421-425, Apr 1997

Nordberb M, Nordberb GF Toxicological Aspects of Metallothionein Cellular & Molecular Biology 46:2:March 2000

Rajora N, Boccoli G, Burns D, Sharma S, Catania AP, Lipton JM alpha-MSH modulates local and circulating Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha in experimental Brain Inflammation J Neurosci 17:6:2181-, Mar 15, 1997

Ram PA, Waxman DJ DHEA 3 ß-sulfate is an Endogenous activator of the Peroxisome-Proliferation Pathway: Induction of Cytochrome P450 4A and Acyl-Co oxidase mRNAs in Primary rat Hepatocyte culture and Inhibitory effects of Ca++ Channel Blockers Biochem J 301:753-758, 1994

Rao MS, Ide H, Alveres K et al. Comparative effects of DHEA and related Steroids on Peroxisome Proliferation in rat liver Life Sci 52:1709-1716,1993

Roels F, Espeel M, Poggi F, Mandel H, Van Maldergem L, Saudubray JM Human Liver Pathology in Peroxisomal Diseases: A Review including Novel Data Biochimie 75:281-292,1993

Rustan AC, Christiansen EN, Drevon AC Serum lipids, Hepatic Glycerolipid Metabolism and Peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation in rats fed omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids Biochem J 283:333-339,1992

San-Blas G et al. Fungal morphogenesis and virulence Med Mycol 38 Suppl 1:79-86, 2000

Sato M et al. Induction of Metallothionein Synthesis by Glutathione depletion after trans- and cis-stilbene oxide administration in rats Chemico-Biological Interactions 98:15-25, 1995

Schachter D, Abbott RE, Cogan U, Flamm M Lipid Fluidity of the individual hemileaflets in human erythrocyte membranes Ann N Y Acad Sci 414:19-28, 1983

Sharma R, Lake BG, Foster J, Gibson GG Microsomal Cytochrome P452 Induction & Peroxisomal Proliferation by Hypolipidaemic Agents in Rat Liver: A Mechanistic Inter-Relationship Biochem Pharm 37:1193-1201, 1988

Segain JP, Bletiere DR, Bourreille A, Leray V, Gervois N, Rosales C, Ferrier L, Bonnet C, Blottiere HM, Galmiche JP Butyrate inhibits Inflammatory responses through NFkB inhibition: Implications for Crohn's Disease Gut 47:397-403, 2000

Shoemaker, RC Residential and recreational acquisition of possible estuary associated syndrome – a new approach to successful diagnosis and treatment, Environmental Health Perspectives 109-Suppl 5:791-6, Oct 2001

Shoemaker, RC Desperation Medicine Gateway Press: Baltimore, MD, 2001

Shrief MK, Thompson EJ In vivo relationship of TNF-alpha to BBB damage in patients with active MS J Neuroimmunol 38:27-34, 1993

Sobal G, Menzel J, Sinzinger H Why is glycated LDL more sensitive to Oxidation than Native LDL? A comparative study Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids 63:4:177-186, 2000

Stephenson J Can a Common Medical Practice Transform Candida Infections from Benign to Deadly? JAMA 286:20: Nov 28, 2001

Susanto I, Wright SE, Lawson RS, Williams CE, Deneke SM Metallothionein, glutathione, and cystine transport in pulmonary artery endothelial cells and NIH/3T3 cells Am J Physiol 274(2 Pt 1):L296-300, Feb 1998

Tiin SJ, Lin TH Effects of Metallic Antioxidants on Cadmium-catalyzed Peroxidation of Arachidonic Acid Annals of Clin and Lab Sci 28:1:43-50, 1998

Tsukamoto T, Ishikawa M, Yamamoto T Suppressive effects of TNF-alpha on Myelin formation in vitro Acta Neurol Scan 91:1:71-5, Jan 1995

Verity MA, Sarafian T, Pacifici EHK, Seranian A Phospholipase A2 Stimulation by Methyl Mercury in Neuron culture J of Neurochem 62:705-714, 1994

Watanabe H, Shimojo N, Sano K, Yamaguchi S The Distribution of Total Mercury in the Brain after the lateral ventricular singe injection of Methylmercury and Glutathione Res Comm Chem Path Pharm 60:1, April 1988

Yehuda S, Carasso RL Modulation of learning pain thresholds, and thermoregulation in the rat by preparations of free-purified alpha linolenic and linoleic acids: determination of the optimal w3-to-w6 ratio Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 90:10345-10349, 1993

Yehuda S, Carasso RL, Motofsky DI Essential fatty acid preparation (SR-3) raises the seizure threshold in rats Eur J Pharmacol 254:193-198, 1994

Yehuda S, Carasso RL, Motofsky DI Essential fatty acid preparation (SR-3) rehabilitates learning deficits induced by AF64A and 5,7-DHT NeuroReport 6:511-515, 1995

Yehuda S, Rabinovitz S, Mostofsky DI Effects of essential fatty acid preparation (SR-3) on brain lipids, biochemistry and behavioral and cognitive functions. In: Yehuda A, Mostofsky DI Eds. Handbook of essential fatty acid biology, biochemistry physiology, and behavioral neurobiology New York: Humana Press 427-452, 1997

Yehuda S, Rabinovitz S, Mostofsky DI Modulation of learning and neuronal membrane composition in the rat by essential fatty acid preparation: time-course analysis Neurochem Res 23:5:627-34, May 1998

Yehuda S, Rabinovitz S, Mostofsky DI Essential fatty acids and sleep: mini review and hypothesis Med Hypothesis 50:2:139-45, Feb 1998

Yehuda S, Rabinovitz S, Carasso RL, Mostofsky DI Fatty acids and Brain Peptides Peptide 19:2:407-419, 1998

Yehuda S, Rabinovitz S, Carasso RL, Mostofsky DI Fatty acid mixture counters stress changes in cortisol, cholesterol, and impair learning Int J Neurosci 101:1-4:73-87, 2000

Yehuda S Possible anti-Parkinson properties of N-(alpha-linolenoyl) tyrosine. A new molecule. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 72:1-2:7-11, May 2002

Zachowski A Phospholipids in Animal Eukaryotic Membranes: Transverse Asymmetry and Movement Biochem J 294:1-14, 1993

Zeisel SH Choline: an essential nutrient for humans Nutrition 16(7-8):669-71, Jul-Aug, 2000

Zhang JY, Prakash C, Yamashita K, Blair IA Regiospecific and Enantioselective Metabolism of 8,9-Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid by Cycooxygenase Biochem and Biophys Research Com 183:1:138-143,1992

Zierenberg O, Betzing H Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of IM injected polyenyl phosphatidylcholine liposomes Arzneimittelforschung 29:3:494-8, 1979

Yin L, Laevsky G, Giardina C Butyrate suppression of colonocyte NF-kappa B activation and cellular proteasome activity J Biol Chem 276(48):44641-6, Nov 2001

Zalups RK, Barfuss DW Accumulation and Handling of Inorganic Mercury in the Kidney after Coadministration with Glutathione J Toxicol Environ Health 44:385-399, 1995

 


John S. Foster, MD, FACEP

      Dr. Foster, a graduate of Yale University with a medical degree from Harvard has been actively working and training in Integrative Medicine since the late 70's. He is board certified in Emergency Medicine and was the director of the Department of Emergency Medicine at The Chester County Hospital in Pennsylvania where he worked for 17 years. He was, until recently, the associate clinical director for the Center for Integrative Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University. He also holds a teaching appointment at Thomas Jefferson University.

      Dr. Foster has traveled the Far East to study Oriental Medicine and spent a year practicing medicine at the bottom of the Grand Canyon with the Havasupai Indian tribe. His medical practice balances a strong passion for biochemical, scientific, and molecular approaches with herbal, anthroposophical and spiritual principles. He is also a biodynamic and organic farmer and manages a 350-acre farm in Chester County.

      Dr. Foster specializes in wellness medicine, neurodegenerative diseases (ALS, Parkinson's, MS), longevity medicine, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, neurotoxic illness, autism, ADD, PDD, seizure disorders, women's health, general medicine and pediatrics.

      Dr. Foster and Dr. Kane presently work together in the WellSpring Clinic in Wayne, Pennsylvania where Dr. Foster is the Medical Director.

Patricia C. Kane, PhD

      Dr. Kane's experience in clinical settings led her to approach complex medical situations by blending the sciences of chemistry and physics to resolve deep biochemical aberrations that are often labeled hopeless by standard medical care. By specializing in disorders that are poorly understood, 'untreatable', she has found appropriate metabolic interventions for traumatic brain injury, intractable seizure disorders, stroke, autistic spectrum disorder, MS, ALS, Bipolar Disorder, Parkinson's, pervasive developmental delay, CFS, neurotoxic illness and preterm neonatal care. Dr. Kane has a unique background of 21 years in clinical research, practicums with individual leaders in biological medicine, and private practice in the field of nutritional biochemistry.

      Dr. Kane is the author of numerous medical papers and books centering on her innovative research on fatty acid metabolism. She is a frequent lecturer to the medical community and has presented to prominent medical schools in the US (Columbia University) and abroad (ETH University in Zurich) as well as to the National Institutes of Health.

      Presently, Dr. Kane works at the WellSpring Clinic in Wayne, PA with Dr. John Foster in their integrative medical clinic as well as serving as the director of medical research at BodyBio in Millville, NJ.

Neal Speight, MD

      Dr. Speight is the medical director of The Center for Wellness in Charlotte, North Carolina His focus is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, but includes an environmental and nutritional approach to many chronic degenerative diseases: including schizophrenia, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, depression, chemical sensitivity, and seizure disorders.

      He is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Department of Oxidology and Pathology at Capital University of Integrative Medicine in Washington, D.C. Additionally, he serves on the board for the American College for Advancement of Medicine. He is a member of both ACAM and The American Academy of Environmental Medicine. He is board certified in Family Medicine.

      Through a series of personal experiences, Dr. Speight has been led to pursue an integrative approach in treating illness and believes strongly that this is the path to ultimate wellness.

 

 

 

Visit our pre-2001 archives

 

Search our pre-2001 archives for further information. Older issues of the printed magazine are also indexed for your convenience.
1983-2001 indices
; 1999-Jan. 2003 indices
Once you find the magazines you'd like to order, please use our convenient form, e-mail subscriptions@townsendletter.com, or call 360.385.6021 (PST).

 

 

© 1983-2002 Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients
All rights reserved.
Web site by Sandy Hershelman Designs
June 2, 2003