Lyme research article

[kitty9309]

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/090318/20090318005979.html?.v=1

"The research proposal involves testing a newly discovered mechanism in which bacterial infection with the pathogen, Borrelia Borgdorferi, first activates an inflammatory response followed by a focused and more specific immune response. In previous studies the Viral Genetics model, discovered and unravelled by Dr Newell, suggests that the acute inflammation that is typical of initial infection with the bacteria should be helpful in resolving the disease. However, in some people (determined by their specific genetic makeup), the inability to dampen the inflammation and convert the immune response to a more focused, specific immune response may result in chronic ongoing symptoms characterized by the chronic "hyper-immune" activation.

Failure to control the initial inflammation in what should have been a temporary "innate" response turns into a chronic and spreading syndrome. The Newell model reconciles both the initial acute disease as Borrelia Burgdorferi mediated, and accounts for the immunologically-driven consequent processes that appear pathologically similar to outright autoimmune disease."

My doctor told me that my "innate" immune system is constantly activated. Lab tests- C4a and TGF B1- backed this up, They were both very high.

He also described my disease as an "inflammatory vascular disease with autoimmune symptoms". It seems to be right on.

If only research (and acceptance) could move quicker!

[kitty9309]

My doctor ran some non-typical tests for inflammation.

My C4a is high and a test called TGF B1 (transforming growth factor beta 1) is double the upper limit of normal.

He uses these over time to track the inflammation. Calls them biomarkers.

My CRP and ESR are normal.

C4a and TGF B1 (among others) are indicators of the innate immune system.

[patsy10]

I think much of it is permanent.  It is for me anyway.  The funny thing is even though inflammation is mentioned is has never shown on my lab work.  So is it really there????  I'm more on the theory of the autoimmune changes.

[kitty9309]

It is as clear as a bell to me as well.

What needs to be elucidated in each patient is whether the symptoms are due to ongoing infection causing inflammation or is the infection cleared (very hard to determine) and the symptoms are due to permanent autoimmune changes. Or are these changes permanent? Maybe not. If we can get a handle on the inflammation, the autoimmune process may be stopped.

[patsy10]

The article certainly makes sense to me.

[kitty9309]

My main symptom is dizziness. My doctor believes it is the inflammation causing it.

I want to know where the inflammation is. Is it my brain, inner ear???

I had previously been diagnosed with Meneire's Disease- an inner ear disorder, so my bet is inner ear, 7th/8th cranial nerve.

The answers are out there. We need funding for research and open minded people.

[Stephen898]

It is an encouraging article. The last two times I went to my LLMD  I told her if we can get rid of the inflammation I just might be close to normal. I know my first  7 to 8 months were heavy kill off. It feels like the last 2 months have been more inflammation issues. Stiff neck, numb face, ear ringing, dizziness and achy stuff in my case seems to be caused from the inflammation response. It is like the immune system is in hyper-drive. This research may help others who have fibro and similar diseases.

I think the grant went to the right place.

[kitty9309]

Yes, I felt encouraged as well. Glad it was of help!

[Amyloo]

Thank you for sharing this!  I got great encouragment from reading it.  Onward.