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LIFE EXTENSION UPDATE JANUARY 26 2001
IN THIS ISSUE, JANUARY 26 2001: LIFE EXTENSION UPDATE EXCLUSIVE: Multiple
sclerosis halted in primate model; PROTOCOL: Multiple Sclerosis; FEATURED
PRODUCTS OF THE WEEK: Methylcobalamin 5 mg tablets, Mega GLA softgel
capsules; LIFE EXTENSION MAGAZINE January 2001; LIFE EXTENSION DAILY
NEWS; SUPER SALE ENDS NEXT WEEK!
LIFE EXTENSION UPDATE EXCLUSIVE
Multiple sclerosis halted in primate model
Multiple sclerosis occurs when a person's immune system becomes sensitized
to a protein on the surface of the myelin cells which form the sheath
covering the nerves. This sensitization causes the class of immune cells
known as killer T cells to attack myelin, disabling nerve conduction,
which creates the symptoms of the disease. With each instance of immune
attack, multiple sclerosis patients experience a relapse, which consists
of an exacerbation of symptoms that often results in further disability.
In research published in the February 2000 Journal of Immunology, a
disease resembling human MS was experimentally induced in marmosets by the
administration of small amounts of myelin basic protein, the antigen that
triggers immune attack in MS. The monkeys were then treated with moderate
or very high doses of the antigen, while a control group received no
treatment. The monkeys who received the highest dose experienced a
shutdown of their immune response to the antigen and a reduction in
central nervous system lesions characteristic of the disease. Those who
received moderate doses took longer to develop the disease. The control
monkeys exhibited human multiple sclerosis symptoms caused by significant
myelin damage as shown by brain scans.
The researchers, led by Michael Lenardo MD, of the National Institute of
Allergy and Infectious Diseases, acted on the knowledge that high and
repeated doses of antigen can supress T cell mediated diseases in rodents.
The mechanism is a safeguard to prevent too many T cells from being
activated. Dr Lenardo stated, "Current treatments for MS broadly suppress
the immune system and can cause toxic side effects. This treatment, called
antigen-specific immunotherapy, specifically targets the immune system's T
cells that cause the disease. Presumably, it would not lead to such side
effects. The therapy is counter-intuitive; one might think it would be
like pouring gasoline on a fire. But the self-destruct sequence actually
protects the body from having too many active T cells, which can
themselves be toxic. Like any potent weapon, you want to control how much
is deployed. The immune system doesn't let your T cells grow uncontrolled
and kill you. In this case, adding more antigen smothers the fire."
The authors concluded that specific antigen-directed therapy can be
effective in primates without toxicity. This research has important
implications for the development of treatments for all autoimmune diseases.
PROTOCOL
Multiple sclerosis
The many various symptoms of multiple sclerosis include difficulty in
walking, numbness, paralysis, vision loss, pain, headache. Less common
symptoms are coordination problems, slurred speech, tremors, a decline in
cognitive function, and a sudden onset of paralysis (a symptom similar to
stroke but without a cardiovascular connection).
Cognitive dysfunction occurs in about half (50%) of patients with MS.
Fortunately only about 10% of MS patients develop cognitive dysfunction
severe enough to significantly impact daily life. Family members of MS
patients are usually the first to notice changes in personality or changes
in their daily routine. Cognitive dysfunction can range from not being
able to find the right word in conversation, to impaired reasoning
ability. Measuring cognitive dysfunction requires specially trained
medical professionals known as neuropsychologists. Neuropsychologists
conduct a series of tests used to determine the level of cognitive
dysfunction present and the strengths still retained by the MS patient.
Research into the use of vitamin B12 has been conducted in Japan and
England. In Japan, researchers found that massive doses of vitamin B12 (60
mg a day for 6 months) improved visual and auditory potentials over the
pretreatment period. The study in England arrived at the conclusion that
for those patients below the age of 18, early symptoms were associated
with lower vitamin B12 levels, compared to those patients who were older
than 18 when MS was first detected.
Several other studies present similar data concerning the presence of
serum vitamin B12 and MS onset. Some studies were concerned with a causal
relationship concerning the use of steroids, low folate count, poor
vitamin B12 metabolism, and low serum vitamin B12. A study published in
the journal Internal Medicine (1994 Feb.; 33(2):82-86) investigated the
daily administration of 60 mg of methylcobalamin to patients with chronic
progressive MS. Although motor disability did not improve, there were
clinical improvements in visual and auditory MS-related disabilities. The
scientists stated that methylcobalamin might be an effective adjunct to
immunosuppressive treatment for chronic progressive MS. Those with less
serious forms of MS may consider adding methylcobalamin to their daily
treatment regimen.
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FEATURED PRODUCTS OF THE WEEK
Methylcobalamin 5 mg tablets
Methylcobalamin is the neurologically active form of vitamin B12. The
liver does not convert cyanocobalamin, the commonly available form of
vitamin B12, into adequate amounts of methylcobalamin, which the body uses
to treat or correct neurological defects. Animal studies have shown that
high doses of methylcobalalmin are effective in neuron regeneration and
that there is no known toxicity at these doses.
http://www.lef.org/cgi-local/welcome.cgi/id=151061596/sgroup_id=699/welcome.
html
Mega-GLA softgel capsules
Benefits of GLA include:
1. Vasodilation of blood vessels which can reduce high blood pressure.
2. Reduction of abnormal blood clotting which can reduce the risk of heart
attack and stroke.
3. Enhanced regulation of immune response, specifically a reduction in
autoimmune dysfunction, the underlying cause of rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Enhanced defense against abnormal cell proliferation which may prevent
and even reverse some cancers.
5. Elimination of common skin disorder such as eczema.
6. Slowing of some aspects of normal aging through a mechanism similar to
that of calorie restriction.
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LIFE EXTENSION MAGAZINE, January 2001
Life Extension Q and A
Q: I'd really appreciate any information you can provide about the use of
methylcobalamin for nerve damage and healing. Methylcobalamin was
recommended to me due to the problem I have with my ulnar nerve. Can you
shed some light?
A: Methylcobalamin is the neurological active form of vitamin B12. The
liver does not convert cyanocobalamin, the commonly available form of
vitamin B12, into adequate amounts of methylcobalamin, which the body uses
to treat or correct neurological defects. Animal studies have shown that
high doses of methylcobalamin are effective in neuron regeneration and
that there is no known toxicity at these doses. Research shows that this
active form of B12 has the unique ability to provoke the regeneration of
nerves without adverse side effects. This is because B12 facilitates
methylation, the process that creates and maintains nerves and brain
chemicals. Research shows that a lack of methylcobalamin causes
degeneration of the brain and spinal cord-a condition known as subacute
combined degeneration. In this disease, nerves lose their insulation and
begin to deteriorate. This process, known as demyelination, occurs in
other neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and chronic
inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.
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LIFE EXTENSION DAILY NEWS
Check out the front page of Life Extension's site www.lef.org on a daily
basis for the latest news clippings on vitamins, nutrition, disease and
aging. Go to the right-hand side of the page and look for the heading
"LEF Daily News". There you will find timely news items on subjects of
interest to life extenders. New items are posted Monday through Friday at
www.lef.org
SUPER SALE ENDS NEXT WEEK, JANUARY 31!
Don't wait until it's too late to receive an additional 10% off all Life
Extension Products during Life Extension's yearly Super Sale. Order now,
and both members and nonmembers receive an extra 10% off their product
purchases. Members of the Life Extension Foundation receive the 10% Super
Sale discount in addition to their 25% member discount. These discounts
combined with volume purchases add up to the best savings of the year.
Many items are available in lots of four, ten or twelve at substantial
volume discounts. Check out the list of products at
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If you have any questions or comments concerning this issue or past issues
of Life Extension Update, or concerning any other life extension topics,
send them to ddye@lifeextension.com
For longer life,
Dayna Dye
Editor, Life Extension Update
ddye@lifeextension.com
Life Extension Foundation
www.lef.org
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