Presentation Title: The Interplay Between COVID and Lyme
Research Focus: Key similarities and discrepancies in the diagnosis and management of SARS-CoV-2 and Borrelia
Abstract:
The COVID pandemic has greatly impacted the way medical professionals have encountered and can assess Lyme disease and tick-borne illness (TBI) over the past three years. Because of the hyperfocus on SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, many severe illnesses have gone undiagnosed and mismanaged. This has led to a greater incidence of complications from these TBI1, creating a silent pandemic of chronic infectious illness. Not only are those recently infected with Borrelia bugdorferi at a higher risk of being undiagnosed in a timely manner, the infection itself presents a greater risk for complications of SARS-CoV-2, should they also become infected with COVID. Newer research is finding that increased levels of Borrelia-specific IgG correlate with greater severity of COVID symptoms and increased risk of hospitalization.2 The link between Borrelia and SARS-CoV-2 is becoming increasingly apparent, and this lecture aims to shed light on the precise mechanisms of action these two infectious agents affect.
Cytokine pathways altered by Lyme disease are well documented34, and are nearly identical to those affected by COVID infection. A significant increase in the expression of the following biomarkers is noted in both Lyme and COVID patients: ACE-2, AKT-1, CD44v6, IL-4, MMP-9, α-SMA, Sphingosine-1, and TGF-β15. Practitioners familiar with anti-inflammatory and immune modulating protocols may have success addressing these pathways for patients experiencing exacerbations of symptoms of Lyme, COVID, or both.
Title of Talk: Utilizing methylene blue within chronic infections
Abstract:
Methylene blue, the first fully human-made medicine, was used as far back as 1891 as an anti-malarial drug. After falling out of favor due to side effects, such as blue urine and sclera, its use as an anti-malarial waned, religating its use to the treatment of methemoglobinemia and as a medical dye.
Interest in methylene blue has been revived in the past 20 years. It is a potent antioxidant, which has led to great interest in its potential uses in increasing longevity, making it a commonly discussed medication in the biohacking community. Known to have antiparasitic, antiviral and antibacterial properties, researchers have begun looking into its use in many infections, including viruses, Lyme disease and Bartonellosis.
In this lecture, Dr. Moorcroft will review the pharmacology of methylene blue and known applications as an antioxidant and antimicrobial. Specific focus will be placed upon the research and clinical use of this medication in addressing persister forms of infections, including Bartonella henselae. Having extensively used this medication in combination with both pharmaceutical and herbal antimicrobials in both adult and pediatric patients, Dr. Moorcroft will share clinical pearls for determining which patients are likely to respond best and how to most effectively combine this drug with other treatments for optimal patient outcomes.
Title of Talk: Mycotoxins and Autism – The Missing Link
Abstract:
Children with autism have been found to have:
According to the US EPA, 10-40% of US homes have mold (region dependent). A large body of scientific research can demonstrate that in-utero and early (first 2-3 years of life) exposure to molds and mold toxins may explain ALL of these abnormal physiological findings.
Very few parents have any awareness that there is mold in the home, and this exposure is often missed by practitioners. This presentation will demonstrate the above links and help practitioners understand why all children with autism should be screened for current or past mold exposure.
Title of Talk: Addressing Lyme in Your Practice
Abstract:
This presentation is designed to be a stand-alone tool for practitioners to confidently initiate effective treatment for PANS/PANDAS and Lyme borreliosis. Case studies will be utilized to present the data in an easy-to-digest manner, and participants will leave the presentation with the knowledge of a simple, safe, and effective treatment option that they can implement immediately in their practice.
Upon completion of Teresa Holler's presentation, participants will achieve the following:
Title of Talk: Immune and Extracellular Matrix Molecules Disrupt Neuronal Communication in Hippocampus of Children with Autism
Abstract:
Many large epidemiological studies have reported a strong association between Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and atopic or neuroinflammatory conditions that involve the unique immune cells, mast cells and microglia. Using brains of deceased male children with ASD (n=7) and normal male children (3-14 yrs old) from the NIH NeuroBioBank, we had reported increased expression of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β and decreased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-38 in the amygdala, which are essential for our ability to feel emotions, sense fear and regulate behavior. We had also shown elevated levels of neurotensin, which stimulated cultured human microglia to secrete IL-1β We recently showed that the hippocampus, which is critical in social memory, had increased number of activated mast cells and microglia that contained and secreted large amounts of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which degrades chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans (CSPGs), a family of extracellular matrix molecules that serve as a key link between neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity. We also conducted RNAseq profiling on postmortem human hippocampus and identified molecular pathways involved in extracellular matrix organization, neurodevelopment, synaptic regulation, and immune system signaling. We used qRT-PCR and Western blotting and confirmed increased expression of MMP9, but decreased expression of synaptic proteins PSD95, SYN1 and MEF2C. Our results point to alterations in immune system signaling, extracellular matrix molecule expression, microglia activation and expression of genes implicated in synaptic signaling and in ASD including SYN1 and MEF2C. Future studies will attempt to correlate such findings with ASD subtype and/or severity of symptoms to identify subgroups that may be amenable to targeted treatment approaches. Preliminary results indicate the ability of the natural flavonoid luteolin, which we had reported inhibits release of IL-1β from both mast cells and microglia, to also inhibit secretion of MMP9. Luteolin has been formulated in in softgel capsules with olive pomace oil for improved oral absorption (e.g. NeuroProtek®, NeuroProtek-Low Phenol) and in NeuroProtek-Low Phenol Liquid® that can be administered with a dropper under the tongue.
Title of Talk: Natural Treatment of Common Childhood Infections
Abstract:
Acute and chronic infections are common reasons children are brought to see their pediatrician as well as visits to the emergency department. In this lecture, Dr. Ingels will explore the underlying etiology of what factors precipitate these infections, including otitis media, sinusitis, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, diarrhea, impetigo and MRSA. Several nutritional and herbal therapies can be utilized to help support the child’s immune system and fight infection without the same risks of conventional antibiotic therapy. Dr. Ingels will review how to manage underlying foundational terrain disruptors and specific treatments for each type of infection.
Objectives:
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