New research on UV rays and MS symptom reduction

Most of you know about my suggestion that people with MS seek UV ray therapy, by spending ten to fifteen minutes in sunshine daily, or using UVB phototherapy in less sunny locales.  Not just to maintain healthy Vitamin D levels, but to boost levels of Nitric Oxide (NO).

I first wrote about this in the Endothelial Health Program in 2008.  We make sure Jeff gets his daily rays (as well as daily exercise and phytonutrients.)  Here's the program again, for new readers.
http://ccsvi.org/index.php/helping-myself/endothelial-health

In the following note, I wrote about the ground-breaking, Noble prize winning research of Dr. Furchgott--he discovered the importance of Nitric Oxide and the process of "photorelaxation" or the vasodilation that occurs thanks to UVB rays.

Dr. Furchgott discovered the process of photorelaxation over 40 years ago.  What he noted in the lab was that exposure to UV rays changed the endothelium, encouraging nitric oxide production and vasodilation of arteries.  

http://ccsviinms.blogspot.com/2013/06/photorelaxation-uv-rays-and-ccsvi-june.html

It would be decades later Dr. Richard Weller discovered exactly how UVB rays released nitrates via our skin--and explained how this could explain the connection of latitude and heart disease.

Dr. Richard Weller of Edinburgh University reports on research finding that when skin is exposed to UV rays for 20 minutes, vasodilating nitric oxide is released.  This effect is independent of vitamin D levels--and may explain why even if D levels are raised by supplementation, the full benefit is not received.  

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/260247.php

So, I was understandably interested to see a group of neurologists looking at the effect of UVB rays on people with MS.  

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24771567

The neurologists first look at the murine model of MS, called EAE.  But, as Dr. Weller explains in his wonderful TED talk---mouse models do not work when we're discussing UVB rays and their affect on humans....because mice do not process UV the same way we do.  They do not have the same skin.  After learning this, Dr. Weller did all of his research on his student lab assistants, and as he quips, "They are cheap, and no one pickets you saying, save the lab assistants!"

Here's Dr. Weller on his discovery of what UVB rays do in humans.  If you haven't watched this TED talk yet--please do!  You'll thank me later.  (For a scientist, he's really entertaining!) 

http://www.ted.com/talks/richard_weller_could_the_sun_be_good_for_your_heart

Alright, back to the new paper from the Department of Neurology in Munster, Germany, which is titled:
UVB light attenuates the systemic immune response in CNS autoimmunity.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24771567

Here's what they saw in humans....an anti-inflammatory response in MS due to UV ray exposure.

Additionally, patients with relapsing-remitting MS were treated with narrowband UVB phototherapy. Immunomodulatory effects were examined in skin biopsies, serum samples and in immune cells of the peripheral blood. 

Results: Regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are induced locally in the skin-draining lymph nodes in response to UVB exposure, connect the cutaneous immune response to CNS immunity by migration to the sites of inflammation (blood, spleen, CNS). Here, they attenuate the inflammatory response and ameliorate disease symptoms. Treg-inducing tolerogenic Dendritic Cells (DCs) were further necessary for induction of this systemic immune regulation by UVB radiation since ablation of Langerhans cells abolished the UVB-induced phenotype. MS patients treated with UVB phototherapy showed an increase in induced Tregs and tolerogenic DCs accompanied by the downregulation of the T-cell effector cytokine interleukin (IL) -21. The treatment further induced elevated serum levels of vitamin D. Interpretation: Local UVB radiation of the skin influences systemic immune reactions and attenuates systemic autoimmunity via the induction of skin-derived tolerogenic DCs and Tregs.

Now, in English :)  When people with MS were exposed to UVB rays, their lymph nodes responded by sending out regulatory t cells to areas of inflammation.  These Treg cells are"good guys."  They calm inflammation.  And Tregs are enhanced by UVB rays via skin cells.  People who got UVB rays had a reduction of MS symptoms.  No prescription necessary.

That's right---neurologists are telling us that UVB rays helped pwMS! 

In fact, we already know this happens.  It's why UV ray phototherapy is used for patients with psoriasis.  UV light increases Treg cells, which in turn reduce inflammatory cells.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/814678_5

How, exactly, does this happen?  Although it's not mentioned here, other researchers have explained it ...Wait for it.....it's Nitric Oxide!

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1089860312000870

http://www.jimmunol.org/content/early/2013/05/28/jimmunol.1202580.abstract
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23720815

Nitric Oxide (NO), the marker of endothelial health, is also responsible for helping those treg cells leave the lymph nodes and head to sites of inflammation, calming MS inflammation and symptoms.  The same Nitric Oxide that Dr. Weller has shown to be released from human skin cells by UVB rays.  It's all connected.

The endothelium is the interface between our vascular and immune systems.  The lining of our blood vessels connects every inch of our body.  Nitric Oxide is essential for our health.  And we can boost NO with nutrition, lifestyle, exercise, meditation, and sunshine.

http://www.ccsvi.org/index.php/helping-myself/endothelial-health

I continue to hope that neurologists will reach out across the aisle, and work with endothelial specialists, to understand the intricate interplay between our vascular and immune systems. To move beyond the credo of EAE and autoimmunity, which may exist in mice, but not in men.  To understand the connection of the heart and the brain, via the vasculature.  The ISNVD is looking at this connection, and they want neurologists to join them.

It's all there.

Sunny days ahead,

Joan

Endothelin 1-- More vascular evidence

In the news--- Newly discovered peptide, blocks remyelination!!   Stopping this process repairs MS damage.  
http://www.natureworldnews.com/articles/5951/20140208/study-identifies-protein-inhibits-brain-tissue-repair-ms-patients.htm

What's this "new" peptide we want to block?   
It's called endothelin-1 or ET-1, and it's released by the astrocytes maintaining the endothelial layer of your blood brain barrier.
http://www.cell.com/neuron/abstract/S0896-6273(13)01083-0

We've known about ET-1 for years.  It's not only found in MS.
Endothelin-1 is raised in situations where there is endothelial distress.  When endothelial cells are hurt by ischemia and oxidative stress, and nitric oxide levels are low.  ET-1 creates vasoconstriction,  is pro-inflammatory, pro-fibrotic and slows blood flow.  Which would explain why it inhibits remyelination. Yet not one single press release on this exciting new MS discovery mentioned this important fact, or what causes ET-1 levels to be high in the first place.

As you might expect, plasma ET-1 levels are very high in ischemic stroke.
http://stroke.ahajournals.org/content/23/7/1014.full.pdf

ET-1 released by astrocytes is seen after subarachnoid hemorrhage
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2202/14/131

Serum levels of ET-1 are used as a marker of cerebral ischemia
http://www.intmed.ro/attach/rjim/2010/rjim410/art06.pdf

And Endothelin 1 serum levels are through the roof in people with MS----

The plasma ET-1 levels were, on average, 224% higher in the patients with MS than in the controls (p < 0.005). The mean ET-1 levels (mean +/- standard deviation [SD]) were 3.5 +/- 0.83 pg/mL (min 2.13, max 5.37 pg/mL) in patients with MS and 1.56 +/- 0.3 pg/mL (min 0.9, max 2.13 pg/mL) in healthy volunteers. Neither the different forms nor stages of MS had an influence on the results. The ET-1 level was also not correlated with the duration of the disease.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11315981

In fact, researchers have been looking at ET-1 for many years.
Here are some MS researchers that found that hypoperfusion in MS was related to ET-1 levels.  They used an ET-1 inhibitor called Bosentan, which increased cerebral blood flow.  (Bosentan is a high blood pressure medicine, which can be toxic to the liver.)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3619305/

Why are MS researchers reticent to fully explore  the connection of extracranial venous obstruction to hypoxic/ischemic conditions in the brain?   I'm sure I don't need to reiterate this, but this ET-1 "breakthrough" may well be caused by Dr. Zamboni's discovery of restricted venous return.

The truth is, the best way to lower ET-1 levels might be to increase nitric oxide levels yourself.
High ET-1 levels are a sign that your nitric oxide supply is too low.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21368267

While we are waiting for that Breakthrough Drug! ™ 
here are some things you can do for free, on your own, to potentially increase your cerebral perfusion, remyelinate your brain, raise your NO levels and lower your ET-1 levels.



EXERCISE 
The present study suggests that exercise causes an increase in production of NO and a decrease in production of ET-1 in humans, which may produce beneficial effects (i.e., vasodilative and antiatherosclerotic) on the cardiovascular system.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0024320501011924


EAT MORE FLAVONOIDS (fruits and veggies)
Epidemiological evidence demonstrates that diets rich in fruits and vegetables benefit heart and vascular health.(2–11) Molecularly, these beneficial effects of fruits and vegetables have been largely ascribed to their content in flavonoids. These compounds are synthesized in many edible plants and remain present when plants are processed to foods. Grapes and wine, cocoa and chocolate, black and green tea, and soy and soy-derived products, are among the most important sources of flavonoids in the human diet.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3022066/

Dietary flavonoids, such as quercetin and (-)-epicatechin, can augment nitric oxide status and reduce endothelin-1 concentrations and may thereby improve endothelial function.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18842789


EAT MORE POLYUNSATURATED FATS (from nuts, seeds and fish)
Serum levels of ET-1 were positively correlated with saturated fatty acids (SFAs, r = 0.257; P = 0.025) and negatively correlated with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs, r = -0.319; P = 0.005). http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18702940

WATCH YOUR WEIGHT

These results demonstrate that overweight and obesity are associated with enhanced ET-1-mediated vasoconstriction that contributes to endothelial vasodilator dysfunction and may play a role in the increased prevalence of hypertension with increased adiposity.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3191085/


Here are some more ideas on how to address endothelial dysfunction.  Always discuss any new health regimen with your own physician.
http://ccsvi.org/index.php/helping-myself/endothelial-health


There are things we can control, and things we can't.
There are ways to boost your nitric oxide levels, lower you ET-1 levels and potentially improve your health.  While researchers continue to look for ways to mediate the vascular connection to MS without mentioning or exploring the vascular connection to MS....
take control.

Joan

Photorelaxation, UV rays and CCSVI

June 20, 2013

Dr. Richard Weller of Edinburgh University reports on research finding that when skin is exposed to UV rays for 20 minutes, vasodilating nitric oxide is released.  This effect is independent of vitamin D levels--and may explain why even if D levels are raised by supplementation, the full benefit is not received.  

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/260247.php

Why does this matter to those with CCSVI and MS?

If MS is a disease of hypoperfusion (or slowed blood and CSF flow thru the brain)-- looking at all of the environmental issues which may compound this problem is essential.  An improvement in endothelial health and nitric oxide utilization can help in symptom relief.

http://www.ccsvi.org/index.php/helping-myself/endothelial-health

Here's more on how the research connects MS and UV rays--

MS and latitude--

There is a significant link between MS and the amount of sunshine we receive.  The connection of higher MS prevalence for those living in northern latitudes has been long-established---based on 30 years of research.   

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/750047

This explains why Canada, Ireland and Scotland have higher rates of MS than countries nearer the equator.

(NOTE-This does not mean living at a northern latitude causes MS.   It means there is an environmental link which has been scientifically noted regarding northern latitudes and the prevalence of MS diagnoses.)

There has been a recent surge in published research on the connection of Multiple Sclerosis and UV rays, in relation to vitamin D.  The connection is being further elucidated every day.   Dr. Embry's Direct-MS has the most complete library of full research papers available online.  Here is a link for those who wish to explore Vitamin D more thoroughly:

http://www.direct-ms.org/journalarticles.html

But UV rays may have an effect on MS, outside of the production of vitamin D.

+++++++++++++++++++++

Dr. Furchgott and the Discovery of Photorelaxation

In reading up on the effect of UV rays on the body, and I came back to the research of Nobel prize winning researcher, Dr. Robert F. Furchgott.  He passed away in 2009, and his university keeps his web page online.  Dr. Furchgott was a professor at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, NY---the same place where Dr. Sal Sclafani recently retired and where the first CCSVI conference was held in the US!   Here's Dr. Furchgott's page--

http://www.downstate.edu/pharmacology/faculty/furchgott.html

Dr. Furchgott discovered the process of photorelaxation over 40 years ago.  What he noted in the lab was that exposure to UV rays changed the endothelium, encouraging nitric oxide production and vasodilation of arteries.   In 2009, before he passed, he stated the current working hypothesis-- 

The present working hypothesis is that light photoactivates some material in the vascular smooth muscle, causing the release of some product which stimulates the guanylyl cyclase to produce cGMP. We are planning experiments to test this hypothesis. One possibility is that the vascular smooth muscle in vivo accumulates some "end pro" formed from the endothelium-derived nitric oxide, and that this product releases NO intracellularly when exposed to the proper wavelengths of light.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and MS

It's that time of year again!  

The days are shorter.  Sunlight is hard to find.  We bundle up against the cold.  We also put on the extra winter pounds, sleep more and move less.  For those who live in the northern latitudes, the shorter days of winter are a reality.  And this can affect our mood and general health.  As we exercise less, our blood flow slows down. We feel more fatigued, more hopeless. The risk of cardiovascular disease increases.

There is a syndrome doctors know about---called "seasonal affective disorder"  or SAD.  It is very prevelant in northern latitudes.  Most of the association is with mood, or levels of depression.  But it is also linked to cardiovascular disease.

link

What connection does this have with MS?  

MS is a disease linked to northern latitudes, lack of vitamin D and lack of ultraviolet rays.  And we are learning more about the vascular risk.

For 68 years latitude has been identified as an important risk factor in the occurrence of multiple sclerosis (MS), but not satisfactory explanation has been offered for this relationship. Epidemiological studies of MS, however, have failed to take into account the degree of change in the amount of ambient light over the course of the year, a variable which is closely related to photoperiod and latitude. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), another illness for which latitude is a risk factor, appears to be related to the decrease in ambient light during the winter months, and offers some relevant insights into the geographical distribution of risk for developing MS. 

link

 There is a very strong correlation between UV rays, photorelaxation and cardiovascular disease.

Here's a small sampling on this research.

Dr. Furchgott and the Discovery of Photorelaxation

I've been reading up on the effect of UV rays on the body, and I came back to  the research of Nobel prize winning researcher, Dr. Robert F. Furchgott.  He passed away in 2009, and his university keeps his web page online.  Dr. Furchgott was a professor at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, NY---the same place where Dr. Sal Sclafani recently retired and where the first CCSVI conference was held in the US!   Here's Dr. Furchgott's page--

http://www.downstate.edu/pharmacology/faculty/furchgott.html

Dr. Furchgott discovered the process of photorelaxation over 40 years ago.  What he noted in the lab was that exposure to UV rays changed the endothelium, encouraging nitric oxide production and vasodilation of arteries.   

In 2009, before he passed, he stated the current working hypothesis-- 

The present working hypothesis is that light photoactivates some material in the vascular smooth muscle, causing the release of some product which stimulates the guanylyl cyclase to produce cGMP. We are planning experiments to test this hypothesis. One possibility is that the vascular smooth muscle in vivo accumulates some "end pro" formed from the endothelium-derived nitric oxide, and that this product releases NO intracellularly when exposed to the proper wavelengths of light.

Photorelaxation and the Cardiovascular system 

Research into the connection of blood pressure and cardiovascular disease in northern latitudes continues....and the connection appears to be that of nitric oxide and UV rays.

http://circres.ahajournals.org/content/105/10/1031.full

Interestingly, mean systolic and diastolic pressures and the prevalence of hypertension vary throughout the world. Many data suggest a linear rise in blood pressure at increasing distances from the equator. Similarly, blood pressure is higher in winter than summer.3  

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

What can we do about this?  

How can we alleviate SAD, and maybe lessen MS symptoms during the winter months?

I'm going to suggest that for those in the northern latitudes, you might want to look into treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Talk to you doctor about this, especially before beginning a new exercise program or diet.

Do all you can to keep your vitamin D level optimized, but also look into UV treatment with an approved light box.

Move as much as you are able. Keep exercising, keep the body in motion.

Stick to your healthy diet.  Lots of fresh greens and fruits.  Yes, produce is harder to find.  Move to frozen veggies and fruits- if you're unable to find fresh produce.

If you're feeling depressed, please talk to family members, friends and your doctor.  The "winter blues" are not normal, and could be sign of other issues, like SAD.  There is no need for you to suffer in silence.  

MS is difficult enough.  If the winter months are bringing a worsening of your symptoms, and a change in your mood---please look for help. 

You are not alone.

be well,

Joan

What's the difference between nitrous oxide and nitric oxide?

January 30, 2012 at 2:53pm

I get this question a lot.  Thought I'd take the time to break it down in English (as opposed to chemistry talk, which still makes my head spin.) 

Nitric Oxide (NO) is NOT the same as Nitrous Oxide (N2O).

Nitric Oxide is one molecule of nitrogen, one of oxygen.

Nitrous Oxide has 2 molecules of nitrogen, and one of oxygen.

And that extra molecule of nitrogen changes the gas completely.

Nitrous Oxide (N2O) has been getting some press recently, since Demi Moore was hospitalized for inhaling canned Nitrous Oxide (in a form called "whippets") and having a seizure.  Nitrous oxide is used in aerosol cans, to propel whipped cream or cooking spray out of the bottle.

Nitrous Oxide (N20) is what they give you at the dentist's office, also called "laughing gas."  I had my wisdom teeth out on Nitrous Oxide, and it made me so loopy, I was laughing while the oral surgeon was sawing into my jawbone to remove my impacted wisdom teeth.  It's powerful stuff.  And should not be used recreationally.

What I started writing about and investigating for Jeff's health was nitric oxide.

Nitric Oxide (NO) is a tiny, 2 atom gas that is the hallmark of healthy vascular function.  It is the signaling factor that controls the body's vascular tone, and levels of inflammation, coagulation and oxidation.  It controls the endothelium, or the lining of all of our blood vessels.  It's good for you.

NO has been show to protect the heart, stimulate the brain, and kill bacteria, thus playing a pivotal role in a wide variety of diseases and conditions.

If the lining of our blood vessels become damaged and the NO levels become imbalanced, cells which should remain in the blood can leak through blood vessels and into adjacent body tissue. Some of the leaked cells can include proteins, such as the C-reactive protein, which is produced by the liver and causes inflammation. When NO in inhibited, endothelial signaling can become impaired, and disease may result. 

The Endothelial Health program discusses ways to enhance nitric oxide bioavailability in our bodies, and to maintain healthy immune systems and vascular systems.  This does not mean taking nitric oxide supplements....it means healthy living for healthy blood vessels.

Here's the program I created for Jeff, for those who may not have checked it out yet---

http://www.ccsvi.org/index.php/helping-myself/endothelial-health

Chemistry is important...one extra molecule can make a big difference!

Joan

Viagra in the MS news (again)

May 19, 2011 at 9:59am

Reading MS news is like having deja vu everyday (all over again...)

The same old stories, regurgitated.  Most "innovations" in MS research involve the EAE mouse model and some NEW!  EXCITING!  PHARMACEUTICAL!

About two years ago, there were stories about how viagra could help relieve MS symptoms.

And, today, there are more stories. 

I'm not even going to bother linking them.  Just google it, if you're interested.

The point is, viagra affects the nitric oxide in our bodies.  It creates vasodilation via the endothelium.  It's yet another connection of the vasculature to MS. 

If you want to learn more about how you can enhance nitric oxide and achieve symptom relief for free, without a prescription, without side effects from drugs that mess with your body's natural chemical balance--

check out The Endothelial Health Program and increase your own nitric oxide.

http://www.ccsvi.org/index.php/helping-myself/endothelial-health

I wrote it up for Jeff and have been sharing it online for free since 2008.  It's recommended for all, and can help with cardiovascular disease and many other modern, western lifestyle diseases.

It is not a cure.  It is not the full-story.  But it will help relieve symptoms, and will maintain vibrant natural health.  Without another prescription.  Remember, always speak with your own doctor before beginning a nutritional or supplemental program.  I based this research on Dr. John Cooke's book, The Cardiovascular Cure.  I hope it may be of help.

Joan