Evidence that Increased Acetaminophen use in Genetically Vulnerable Children Appears to be a Major Cause of the Epidemics of Autism, Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity, and Asthma

Evidence that Increased Acetaminophen use in Genetically Vulnerable Children Appears to be a Major Cause of the Epidemics of Autism, Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity, and Asthma
http://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/home/eng/Acetaminophen.asp

Abstract
"It appears that the marked increase in the rate of autism, asthma, and attention deficit with hyperactivity throughout much of the world may be largely caused by the marked increase in the use of acetaminophen in genetically and/or metabolically susceptible children, and the use of acetaminophen by pregnant women. Toxicity of acetaminophen may cause autism by overloading the defective sulfation pathway catalyzed by phenolsulfotransferase, which is deficient in autism, leading to overproduction of the toxic metabolite N-acetylp- benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). Increased levels of NAPQI reduce the ability to detoxify a host of toxic chemicals in the environment, increasing oxidative stress, which leads to protein, lipid, and nucleic acid damage from free radicals. Epidemiological evidence also supports the association of increased acetaminophen usage with autism, asthma, and attention deficit with hyperactivity. The marked increases in the incidences of autism, asthma, and attention deficit disorder in the United States coincide with the replacement of aspirin by acetaminophen in the 1980s. The characteristic loss of Purkinje cells in the brains of people with autism is consistent with depletion of brain glutathione due to excess acetaminophen usage, which leads to premature brain Purkinje cell death. The anomalous hair mercury concentrations of children with autism are consistent with exposure of growing hair proteins to NAPQI derived from acetaminophen, which competitively inhibits the reaction of mercury with hair sulfhydryl groups. Finally, large-scale faulty production of acetaminophen products, such that the labeled values were exceeded by the true concentrations, in addition to contamination with bacteria and tribromoanisole, may have greatly increased the chances of children receiving overdosages of acetaminophen and potential toxins for perhaps as long as a decade."

Signs of Early Kidney Damage Found in Some 9/11 Responders

Signs of Early Kidney Damage Found in Some 9/11 Responders
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_142377.html
 
"Researchers say those who were exposed longest to polluted air at Ground Zero were most affected"

Profile of Cerebrospinal microRNAs in Fibromyalgia.

Profile of Cerebrospinal microRNAs in Fibromyalgia.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24205312

Bjersing JL, Lundborg C, Bokarewa MI, Mannerkorpi K.

PLoS One. 2013 Oct 25;8(10):e78762. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078762.

Source
Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:
Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic pain and reduced pain threshold. The pathophysiology involves disturbed neuroendocrine function, including impaired function of the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 axis. Recently, microRNAs have been shown to be important regulatory factors in a number of diseases. The aim of this study was to try to identify cerebrospinal microRNAs with expression specific for FM and to determine their correlation to pain and fatigue.

METHODS:
The genome-wide profile of microRNAs in cerebrospinal fluid was assessed in ten women with FM and eight healthy controls using real-time quantitative PCR. Pain thresholds were examined by algometry. Levels of pain (FIQ pain) were rated on a 0-100 mm scale (fibromyalgia impact questionnaire, FIQ). Levels of fatigue (FIQ fatigue) were rated on a 0-100 mm scale using FIQ and by multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI-20) general fatigue (MFIGF).

RESULTS:
Expression levels of nine microRNAs were significantly lower in patients with FM patients compared to healthy controls. The microRNAs identified were miR-21-5p, miR-145-5p, miR-29a-3p, miR-99b-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-23a-3p, 23b-3p, miR-195-5p, miR-223-3p. The identified microRNAs with significantly lower expression in FM were assessed with regard to pain and fatigue. miR-145-5p correlated positively with FIQ pain (r=0.709, p=0.022, n=10) and with FIQ fatigue (r=0.687, p=0.028, n=10).

CONCLUSION:
To our knowledge, this is the first study to show a disease-specific pattern of cerebrospinal microRNAs in FM. We have identified nine microRNAs in cerebrospinal fluid that differed between FM patients and healthy controls. One of the identified microRNAs, miR-145 was associated with the cardinal symptoms of FM, pain and fatigue.

PMID: 24205312
[PubMed - in process]

Comorbidity of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in an Australian cohort.

Comorbidity of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in an Australian cohort.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24206536

 

Reynolds GK, Lewis DP, Richardson AM, Lidbury BA.

J Intern Med. 2013 Nov 9. doi: 10.1111/joim.12161. [Epub ahead of print]

Source
Department of Genome Biology, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are frequently diagnosed with comorbid postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), suggesting a shared pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between demographic characteristics, autonomic functioning and fatigue levels amongst CFS patients with and without comorbid POTS.

DESIGN AND SETTING:
All patients presenting to Melbourne CFS Discovery Clinic between 2009 and 2012 completed a 20-min standing task as part of their initial assessment. Heart rate and pulse pressure were recorded at baseline, at 2 min intervals post-standing, at the end of the task and following a recovery period. Average heart rate and pulse pressure variability were calculated from this data. Age, gender, length of illness and self-reported fatigue scores were also recorded. POTS patients were diagnosed by an orthostatic increase in heart rate greater than 30 beats/min, concomitant symptoms of orthostatic intolerance and no orthostatic hypotension. Differences in autonomic functioning between POTS and CFS patients were compared using independent-samples t-tests, while logistic and linear regressions were performed to examine the contribution of autonomic functioning to task completion and perceived fatigue, respectively.

RESULTS:
Comorbidity of CFS and POTS (CFS-POTS) was observed in 11% (33/306) of patients. CFS-POTS patients were significantly younger (P < 0.001), had a shorter length of illness (P = 0.034), experienced greater task difficulty (P = 0.002) and were able to stand for significantly shorter periods compared to the CFS-only patients (P < 0.001). CFS-POTS patients experienced significantly lower baseline diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.002), and significantly higher heart rate and lower pulse pressures at each standing measurement. Early heart rate changes (P = 0.002) and overall heart rate change (P < 0.001) were significant predictors of completion status, whereas heart rate variability (P < 0.001) and female gender (P <0.001) were significant predictors of increased perceived task difficulty.

CONCLUSIONS:
Haemodynamic and demographic differences between CFS-POTS and CFS-only patients suggest that the former group reflects a distinct subgroup of the CFS population. The findings highlight the utility of screening younger patients with fatigue for POTS, and identified heart rate variability as an important marker of fatigue for CFS patients in general.

 

PMID: 24206536
[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Lack of evidence for retroviral infections formerly related to chronic fatigue in Spanish Fibromyalgia patients.

Lack of evidence for retroviral infections formerly related to chronic fatigue in Spanish Fibromyalgia patients.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24216038

 

Oltra E, García-Escudero M, Mena-Durán AV, Monsalve V, Cerdá-Olmedo G.
Virol J. 2013 Nov 11;10(1):332. [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
The etiology of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (FM/CFS) is currently unknown. A recurrent viral infection is an attractive hypothesis repeatedly found in the literature since it would explain the persistent pain and tiredness these patients suffer from. The initial striking link of two distinct orphan retroviruses: the gamma retroviruses murine leukemia virus (MLV)-related virus and the delta retrovirus T-lymphotropic virus type 2 (HTLV-2) to chronic fatigue have not been confirmed to date.

RESULTS:
Genomic DNA (gDNA) from 75 fibromyalgia patients suffering from chronic fatigue and 79 age-matched local healthy controls were screened for the presence of MLV-related and HTLV-2 related proviral sequences. The XMRV env gene was amplified in 20% of samples tested (24% patients/15% healthy controls). Unexpectedly, no PCR amplifications from independent gDNA preparations of the same individuals were obtained. None of the positive samples showed presence of contaminating murine sequences previously reported by other investigators, neither contained additional regions of the virus making us conclude that the initial env amplification came from spurious air-driven amplicon contaminants. No specific HTLV-2 sequences were obtained at any time from any of the 154 quality-controlled gDNA preparations screened.

CONCLUSIONS:
Previous associations between MLV-related or HTLV-2 retrovirus infection with chronic fatigue must be discarded. Thus, studies showing positive amplification of HTLV-2 sequences from chronic fatigue participants should be revised for possible undetected technical problems.To avoid false positives of viral infection, not only extreme precautions should be taken when nested-PCR reactions are prepared and exhaustive foreign DNA contamination controls performed, but also consistent amplification of diverse regions of the virus in independent preparations from the same individual must be demanded.The fact that our cohort of patients did not present evidence of any of the two types of retroviral infection formerly associated to chronic fatigue does not rule out the possibility that other viruses are involved in inciting or maintaining fibromyalgia and/or chronic fatigue conditions.

PMID: 24216038 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Researchers tie Gulf War illness to brain damage

Researchers tie Gulf War illness to brain damage
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/03/20/research-ties-gulf-war-illness-to-brain-damage/1982817/

"WASHINGTON — Researchers say they have found physical proof that Gulf War illness is caused by damage to the brain — and that proof may ultimately help civilians who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia."

State rethinks using herbicide at Piermont Marsh for Tappan Zee Bridge

State rethinks using herbicide at Piermont Marsh for Tappan Zee Bridge
http://www.lohud.com/article/20131106/NEWS/311060058/

"The state is reconsidering plans to spray 200 acres of Piermont Marsh with herbicide as part of the construction of the new Tappan Zee Bridge.  In a letter this month to Piermont Mayor Chris Sanders and others, the state Department of Environmental Conservation said it has "changed course after hearing from many of you who expressed concerns" about the initial plans for the marsh."

Lyme disease advocates to hold educational forum

Lyme disease advocates to hold educational forum'
http://www.fox19.com/story/23935524/lyme-disease-advocates-hold-educational-forum-in-w-price-hill

"The number of Lyme disease cases is on the rise in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  Health officials report blacklegged ticks, which transmit Lyme disease, have been found in more than 50 Ohio counties. Other forms of ticks such as the American dog tick, which carries Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and the Lone star tick, which carries Ehrlichiosis, have also been found in Ohio. "

NH receives $150,000 to research Lyme disease

NH receives $150,000 to research Lyme disease
http://www.nhregister.com/health/20131107/unh-receives-150000-to-research-lyme-disease

"The University of New Haven has received a $150,000 grant from Lymedisease.org for research into the tick-borne illness, according to a press release."

TRPA1 detects environmental chemicals and induces avoidance behavior and arousal from sleep

TRPA1 detects environmental chemicals and induces avoidance behavior and arousal from sleep
http://www.nature.com/srep/2013/131031/srep03100/full/srep03100.html

"Detecting threats and escaping before serious confrontations are important for animals to avoid danger and death. Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), a member of the TRP superfamily, is expressed in a subset of sensory neurons and mediates nociception evoked by pungent chemicals. Using behavioral testing, we found that TRPA1 knockout mice failed to avoid entering a chamber filled with vapor of formalin, allyl isothiocyanate, and acrolein. The avoidance behavior was blocked by nasal but not subcutaneous administration of a blocker to TRPA1. We also found that TRPA1 knockout mice did not wake when exposed to formalin during sleep. Additionally, the spinal trigeminal nucleus, the first relay neurons of the trigeminal system, showed massive expression of c-Fos after a brief (3 min) exposure to formalin vapor. TRPA1 seems to be a sentinel for environmental chemicals and induces avoidance behaviors and waking by way of the trigeminal system."

Parents Want Schools to Go Green to Avoid Chemical Sensitivity - Erika Lathon - WZTV FOX 17

Parents Want Schools to Go Green to Avoid Chemical Sensitivity - Erika Lathon - WZTV FOX 17
http://fox17.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/parents-want-schools-go-green-avoid-chemical-sensitivity-erika-lathon-17576.shtml

"Some parents say exposure to common cleaning products like bleach is making their children sick at school. Stores like Whole Foods Market say chemical sensitivity and environmental concerns are driving the market for products without harsh chemicals. Members of a grass roots group, Parents for Students Safety want to see more school districts use green cleaning products to protect children and educators. Whole Foods had developed its own Eco rating system and will only carry cleaning products that list ingredients and meet certain guidelines. To raise awareness about chemical sensitivity, Parents for Students Safety is sponsoring a screening of the film "Unacceptable Levels" Thursday at Carmike thoroughbred 20 in Franklin. Click the links below to learn more."

Common feminine health products riddled with dangerous chemicals - report

Common feminine health products riddled with dangerous chemicals - report
http://rt.com/usa/feminine-products-dangerous-chemicals-345/

"Common feminine care products contain hazardous chemicals including carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and reproductive toxins that can cause cancer among other dangers, a new report shows.

Women's Voices for the Earth (WVE) released Wednesday the report Chem Fatale revealing feminine care products, a $3 billion industry, are marred by toxins and void of crucial regulations, putting the health of millions of women at risk.

The report finds that the products used on or in absorbent parts of the female body are sold with little or no data provided about the ingredients they contain.

"The chemicals used in these products are a real concern given the inevitable exposure to sensitive and absorptive vulvar and vaginal tissue," said Dr. Ami Zota, a professor of occupational and environmental health at George Washington University, in a press release. "

This Is Your Brain on Toxins

This Is Your Brain on Toxins
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/17/opinion/kristof-this-is-your-brain-on-toxins.html?src=recg&_r=1&

 

"What are the lessons from the human catastrophe of lead poisoning over so many decades?"

Canary in a Coal Mine

Canary in a Coal Mine
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/959776320/canary-in-a-coal-mine

 

"A film about life with M.E., the most prevalent and devastating disease your doctor has never heard of."

Officials in Olympia, D.C. ducked opportunities to protect students from traffic pollution

Officials in Olympia, D.C. ducked opportunities to protect students from traffic pollution
http://www.invw.org/article/officials-in-olympia-dc-d-1392

"In spite of the substantial evidence of air-pollution risks to children who attend schools near large roadways — including lung problems, asthma attacks and heightened absenteeism — policymakers at both the state and federal levels ducked the issue in recent years, records and interviews show.

The risks were squarely presented. At about the same time in 2008 and 2009, independent groups of officials meeting in Olympia and Washington, D.C., considered and then rejected the notion of banning or severely restricting construction of schools inside the pollution plume emanating up to 500 feet from major roadways.

That lack of action means schools in Washington and across the country continue to be built near the nation's biggest and busiest roads, despite compelling evidence that roadway pollution can set kids' health back for life.

"It's common sense, you'd think that common sense would prevail," said Steve Fischbach, a Rhode Island lawyer who advised the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency during the federal process. "But the number of bad examples shows us that poor siting decisions still go on.""