Excitotoxicity

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Excitotoxicity in ASD
Autism ONE Conference May 2008
Anju Usman, M. D. True Health Medical Center Naperville, Illinois
Our kids carry the burdens of a physically and emotionally toxic world!
Genetic predispositions Mother’s Burdens Heavy Metals Environmental Pollutants Electromagnetic Fields Excess Sensory Input Stress/Internal Conflicts Dietary Factors Microbial/Biofilm Immune/Inflammatory Burden
Metabolic Imprint of the Body Burdens
• Oxidative Stress • Mitochondrial Dysfunction
– – – – – – – – Thimerosal (Mercury), Arsenic, Lead, Aluminum Overload – Depletion of Antioxidants, Glutathione, and Metallothionein Elevated Oxidative Stress Markers Abnormal Ammonia, Lactic Acid, Pyruvate Acid Low Carnitine Methylation Defects Sulfation Defects Cysteine Deficiency Glutathione Deficiency (GSH)
• Impaired Detoxification
• Gastrointestinal Dysfunction
• Immune System Dysregulation/Inflammation
– – – – – Proinflammatory Cytokines Microglial Activation Th1/ Th2 skewing Decreased Natural Killer Cell Activity Increased Autoimmune Markers
– Dysbiosis (Yeast, Bad Bacteria, Parasites, Virus…) – Malabsorption – Maldigestion (enzyme deficiency, IgG food sensitivities, urinary peptides) – Autistic Enterocolitis/ Lymphonodular Hyperplasia
What exactly is causing my child’s symptoms that are being diagnosed as autism?
Verbal stims/ Perseverative/ Repetitive/ Has language but not motivated to use it/ Rigid behaviors/ Scripted language/ Constipated/Anxiety/OCD/ Motor Tics
Differential Diagnosis
Chronic Infections Strep Viruses Glutamate Ammonia Mercury Aluminum Lead Pesticides Vaccine Adjuvants (viral fragments)
All of these lead to Excitotoxicity in the brain!!!!
• Excitotoxicity is the pathological process by which nerve cells are
damaged and killed by glutamate and similar substances. This occurs when receptors for the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate such as the NMDA receptor and AMPA receptor are overactivated. Excitotoxins like NMDA and kainic acid which bind to these receptors, as well as pathologically high levels of glutamate, can cause excitotoxicity by allowing high levels of calcium ions (Ca2+) to enter the cell. Ca2+ influx into cells activates a number of enzymes, including phospholipases, endonucleases, and proteases such as calpain. These enzymes go on to damage cell structures such as components of the cytoskeleton, membrane, and DNA. Newhouse in 1957 when the feeding of monosodium glutamate to newborn mice destroyed the neurons in the inner layers of the retina. Later, in 1969, John Olney discovered the phenomenon wasn't restricted to the retina but occurred throughout the brain and coined the term excitotoxicity. endogenous excitotoxins). Glutamate is a prime example of an excitotoxin in the brain, and it is paradoxically also the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian CNS. opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, a pore in the membranes of mitochondria that opens when the organelles absorb too much calcium. Opening of the pore may cause mitochondria to swell
• The toxicity of glutamate was then observed by D. R. Lucas and J. P.
• Excitotoxicity can occur from substances produced within the body (
• One of the damaging results of excess calcium in the cytosol is the
Excitotoxicity
– – – – –
(Excess excitatory neurotransmission)
Causes brain atrophy Neuronal loss Brain more susceptible to Toxins Neuroinflammation Proinflammatory Cytokines • Increased TNF alpha • Increased IL-1, High IL-6 – Upregulation of Brain Immune System • Microglial Activation – “Sickness Behavior”
Russell Blaylock, “Vaccines, Neurodevelopment, and ASD”
Sickness Behavior
What does if feel like to be chronically sick????
Restless Irritable Disturbed Sleep Fatigue Difficulty Thinking…
Russell Blaylock, “Vaccines, Depression and Neurodegeneration”
Microglial Activation
RESTING MICROGLIA
ACTIVATED MICROGLIA
• Support brain •
• Ready to fight foreign
growth Protect brain cells
invader Inflammatory cytokines Free radicals Lipid Peroxidation Glutamate production Quinolinic acid
 Autism and the Immune system • It remains unclear how and when microglia and astroglia
become activated in the brains of patients with autism. Glial responses in autism may be part of intrinsic, or primary, reactions that result from disturbances in glial function or neuronal-glial interactions during brain development. They may also be secondary, resulting from unknown disturbances (such as infections or toxins) in prenatal or postnatal CNS development. Nevertheless, the findings of this study highlight the existence of neuroimmunological processes in autism and provide a setting for new research approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of this debilitating neurological disorder. in neuron-supporting cells called glia. This increase is likely a sign of a neuroimmunological response to the disorder. © 2005
Pardo et al.
• Slides A and C, from patients with autism, show an increase
Microglial Activation should only last a few days. If insults persist…. it can last years
Vaccine induced microglial activation, especially when numerous vaccines are given simultaneously, can last YEARS.
Russell Blaylock, “Vaccines, Depression and Neurodegeneration”
Activated Immune System
Immune Activation Infection/Toxin
Once the system is turned on or activated the cycle persists. This persistent immune upregulation creates autoimmunity in the body and microglial activation in the brain.
Inflammation
Acidosis
Glutamate Ammonia
Calcium
The principle excitatory receptor, the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor, and its associated calcium (Ca2+) permeable ion channel are activated by glutamate and coagonist glycine.
Calcium Homeostasis
• Calcium is one of the most important 2nd messengers • Tightly regulated by stores, pumps and buffers • VGCC- Voltage Gated Calcium Channels
– L type (LTCC)
• Symptoms of abnormal Calcium homeostasis
– – – – – – Excitation/Hyperactivity/Stimming Behaviors Muscle Tone /Coordination Issues GI Motility Visual Disturbances Auditory Sensitivity History of Kidney Stones, Fractures, Excess Oxalates
• • • •
CNS Immune system GI tract Inner Ear
“Central Role of Voltage Gated Calcium Channels and Intracellular Calcium Homeostasis in ASD” N.B.S. Lozac Feb. 2007
Effects of Abnormal Calcium Homeostasis • Neurotransmitters
• Endocrine/Hormone
– –
– Decreased Nicotinic Acetylcholine, Increased Glutamate, Decreased Dopamine – Impaired Insulin, Oxytocin, Vasopressin, Melatonin, Cortisol, IGF1 Microglial activation, Th2 skewing, Proinflammatory cytokines Viral induced immune suppression
• Immune/Inflammatory
• Vascular/Smooth Muscle • Gastrointestinal • Membranes
– Decreased Cholesterol
– Increased Gastric Acid, Abnormal Motility, Increased Insulin release, Phopholipase C
• Mitochondria
• Oxidative Stress • Motor – Sensory
– Stores excess Calcium which inhibits Oxidative Phosphorylation Poor Energy Production and Elevation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) – Cross Talk between Calcium and ROS(peroxide, nitrous oxide, superoxide) – Cause Damage to Endothelial Cells
Potential Biomarkers of Abnormal Calcium Homeostasis
• Decreased Antioxidant Status • Elevated Pro-oxidants • Elevated extracellular and intracellular Ca+2 • Elevated ionized Calcium, elevated hair Ca+2 • Elevated osteocalcin • Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase (isoenzymebone) • High CO2 • Low Vitamin D • Elevated urinary oxalates • Hypoglycemia
Treating Excitotoxicity
1. Avoid Excitotoxins/Dietary Modifications 2. Use Glutamate Modulators 3. Maximize Antioxidants 4. Eliminate Toxins 5. Treat and Identify Chronic Infections 6. Alkalinize the Gut 7. Limit excess Calcium, Ammonia, and
Glutamate 8. Support ATP production and the Mitochondria 9. Provide adequate Methylation support 10.Natural Anti-Inflammatories
Avoid Excitotoxins
Substances that cause an excess of excitatory neurotransmission in the brain. The excess excitation may lead to microglial activation and chronic inflammation in the brain.
• • • • • • • •
Chronic Infections Pesticides Heavy Metals Glutamate/MSG Sulfites/Hydrogen Sulfide Nitrites Propionates Benzoates
Excitotoxic Triggers
• Glutamate
– Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) – Hydrolyzed Protein – Modified Food Starch – Natural Flavors – Peas, Mushrooms, Tomatoes – Parmesan Cheese – Excess Protein
• Excess Calcium • Excess • • • • •
Ammonia Excess Sulfur/Sulfite/ Hydrogen Sulfide Lead Aluminum Mercury EMF
Glutamate Modulators
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Magnesium Antioxidants Leucine, Isoleucine, and Lysine Pycnogenol Rosemary, Lemon Balm Skull Cap, Chamomile Taurine GABA L- Theanine Vitamin K Gingko biloba Silymarin Flavinoids (curcumin, quercetin) Namenda (drug) Minocycline (antibiotic)
Anti-oxidants
• Excessive free radical formation/inadequate antioxidant status • • • • • •
  is a major pathway of excitotoxic damage.  Various free radicals (ROS), including superoxide, peroxide, hydroxyl and peroxynitrite, are generated through the inflammatory prostaglandin/leukotriene pathways triggered by excitotoxic intracellular calcium excess.  These free radicals can damage or destroy virtually every cellular biomolecule: proteins, fatty acids, phospholipids, glycoproteins, even DNA, leading to cell injury or death.  Although vitamins C and E are the two most important nutritional antioxidants. Brain cells may concentrate C to levels 100 times higher than blood levels.  Vitamin C, E, alpha-lipoic acid, Co Q10 and NADH act as a team. One of the many ways excitotoxins damage neurons is to prevent the intracellular formation of glutathione. The combination of E and Idebenone may provided complete antioxidant neuronal protection in spite of extremely low glutathione levels caused by glutamate excitotoxic action.
Antioxidant Phytonutrients
Infections produce triggers that cause excitotoxicity!
• • • • • •
Viruses Bacteria- especially Strep and Clostridia……….. Yeast Parasites Lyme Mycoplasma
Chronic infections need to be effectively treated to stop persistent activation of the immune system. Infections are common in ASD patients. These infections are often resistant to treatment. Persistent organisms often produce biofilm. Toxic Foci include tonsils, adenoids, ears, lymph nodes, GI tract… Some infections produce excess ammonia.
Keys to treating chronic infections
• Identify type and location • Aggressively clean up the gut • Breakdown biofilm (diet, nutrition, and
alkalinize) • Treat infections with homeopathics and natural agents if possible • Be patient • Keep ammonia levels low • Have a plan to manage die off
Ammonia
• If severely elevated rule out urea cycle
– – – – – Dysbiosis Recent infection Liver stress High protein diet or supplements BH4 (tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency)
disorder • If mildly elevated consider possible causes
• Symptoms
– – – – – –
• Treatment Strategies
– Irritability, aggression, headache, head-banging, hyperactivity Avoid excess protein in diet Activated Charcoal, Fiber, Pectin, Zeolites Yucca / Aloe BH4 Butyrate Ammonia RNA (Yasko)
Vitamin K Protocol (Catherine
Tamaro)
• • • • • • •
Vit K Vit D Vit A DHA Bicarbonate Melatonin Avoid Calcium supplementation This Protocol is good for addressing excess extracellular calcium.
The Mitochondria is the powerhouse of each cell. Inside the Mitochondria, the Citric Acid Cycle produces ATP. ATP is the fuel for the cell. ATP provides energy.
ATP (adenosine triphosphate) of all cells, including neurons.  • ATP is the energy "currency"
• •
• •
Each neuron must produce all the ATP it needs - there is no welfare state to take care of needy but helpless neurons.  ATP is needed to pump glutamate out of the synaptic gap into either the glutamate-secreting neuron or into astrocytes.  ATP is needed by atrocytes to convert glutamate into glutamine.  ATP is needed by sodium and calcium pumps to get excess sodium and calcium back out of the neuron after neuron firing. ATP is needed to maintain neuron resting electric potential, which in turn maintains the magnesium-block of the glutamate-NMDA receptor.  With enough ATP bioenergy, neurons can keep glutamate and aspartate in their proper role as neurotransmitters. Neurons produce ATP by "burning" glucose (blood sugar) through 3 interlocking cellular cycles: the glycolytic and Krebs' cycles, and the electron transport chain, with most of the ATP coming from the electron transport chain. Various enzyme assemblies produce ATP from glucose through these 3 cycles, with the Krebs' cycle and electron transport chain occurring inside mitochondria, the power plants of the cell.
Mitochondrial Support and ATP Production
• • • • •
• The various enzyme assemblies require vitamins B1, B2, B3
(NADH), B5, biotin, and alpha-lipoic acid as coenzymes.  Magnesium is also required by most of the glycolytic and Krebs' cycle enzymes as a mineral co-factor. The electron transport chain especially relies on NADH and Co Q10 to generate the bulk of the cell's ATP.  Idebenone is a synthetic variant of Co Q10 that may work better than CoQ10, especially in low oxygen conditions, to keep ATP production going in the electron transport chain.  Acetyl l-carnitine may regenerate aging mitochondria that are suffering from a lifetime of accumulated free radical damage. Potential Krebs Cycle Support 
– – – – Malic Acid Fumaric Acid Succinic Acid Alpha Keto Glutarate (careful)
AmyYaskoDiagram (2005)
Methylation & Beyond...
Text
• Combination of Pfeiffer Treatment Center,
Methylation Support and Glutathione Production
Defeat Autism Now, and Yasko Approach • Understanding the underlying genetics is helpful in difficult cases • CBS status, MTHFR, MTR, MTRR and COMT are helpful for understanding methylation issues • Amino Acid testing and Cysteine, Glutathione, and Sulfate levels define picture. • Undermethylation, COMT (- -), High Histamine • Overmethylation, COMT (++), Low Histamine
COMT - - Treatment approach
DAN
Methyl B12 TMG DMG P5P Folinic Acid Creatine L Carnitine Glutathione(GSH)
Yasko
Intrinsic B12 Nucleotides Methylfolate BH4 GSH(limited) Emphasis on Methyl Donors:
Methyl B12 SAMe Quercetin Gingko Curcumin Green Tea Phosphatidyl Serine
Pfeiffer
Methionine/SAMe Methyl B12 Calcium Magnesium P5P/B6 Zinc Vitamin C Phosphatidyl Serine
Avoid Methyl Consumers:
Folates DMAE Cyano B12 Niacinamide
COMT + + Treatment approach
DAN
Methyl B12 TMG DMG P5P Folinic Acid Creatine L Carnitine Glutathione
Yasko
Intrinsic B12 Nucleotides Methylfolate Hydroxy B12 Cyano B12 BH4
Limit Methyl Donors:
Methyl B12 Quercetin Gingko Curcumin Green Tea Phosphatidyl Serine
Pfeiffer
Folic Acid Cyano B12 Niacinamide P5P, Vit B6 Zinc, Mb, Mn Vitamin C DMAE/Phosphatidyl Choline Avoid Methyl Donors:
Methyl B12 Methyl Folate Methionine SAMe
Natural Anti-inflammatory Agents
• The excitotoxic process does much of its damage through • • • • • • • • •
initiating excessive production of prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. Inflammatory prostaglandins and thromboxanes are produced by the action of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) on arachidonic acid liberated from cell membranes   Leukotrienes are produced by lipoxygenases (LOX).  Trans-resveratrol is a powerful natural inhibitor of both COX2 and LOX Quercetin is a powerful LOX-inhibitor. Boswellia is a COX-2 and LOX-inhibitor. Curcumin (turmeric extract), rosemary extract, green tea extract, ginger and oregano are also effective natural COX-2 inhibitors.  Glutathione is also a LOX- inhibitor and potent Antioxidant. Antioxidants have anti-inflammatory effects. Fat Soluble Vitamins A,D,E, and K. Essential Fatty Acids, Omega 3 especially DHA.
• Avoid dietary Excitotoxins will help to minimize synaptic
glutamate/aspartate.
Keys to Excess Glutamate Removal
– Avoidance of hypoglycemia – ATP Production will assist glutamate pumps to remove excess extracellular glutamate   – ATP promotes astrocyte conversion of glutamate to glutamine, the chief glutamate removal mechanism.  – ATP will also keep calcium and sodium pumps active, preventing excessive intracellular calcium build-up. Intracellular calcium excess itself promotes renewed secretion of glutamate into synapses, in a positive feedback vicious cycle.   – Helps neurons dispose of excess glutamate by converting glutamate to alpha-ketoglutarate, a Krebs' cycle fuel. – Glutamate dehydrogenase is activated by NADH, it promotes breakdown of glutamate. – Treat toxins that inhibit GAD, like aluminum, lead, mercury, and pesticides…
• Keep neuronal ATP energy maximal by support of the Mitochondria
• Maintain function of the enzyme "glutamatic acid dehydrogenase
(GAD)"
• Consume plenty of antioxidants which aid in removal of synaptic
GABA/Glutamate Cycle
ADP
Mg
Glutamine NH3/ Ammonia Glutamic Acid
Decarboxylase
(brain, kidney) NAD NADP
Amino acids
ATP
p5p
Proline
Glutamic acid dehydrogenase
NADH NADPH
p5p
AKG
GABA p5p Succinic Acid Krebs/Mitochond ria
Krebs/Mitochond ria
Additional Sources of Information • Healing the New Childhood Epidemics (Autism, ADHD,
• • • • •
Asthma and Allergies, Ken Bock MD Autism: Effective Biomedical Treatments, Pangborn and Baker Changing the Course of Autism, Jepson and Johnson Excitotoxins, the Taste that Kills, Russell Blaylock MD Envisioning a Brighter Future, Patty Lemur Websites – www.autism.com – www.safeminds.org – www.autismone.org – www.generationrescue.org – www.vaccineawareness.org – www.ddr.org
Thank You and Never Give Up Hope.

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