Monday, April 7, 2008

Pathways of Immunity—T1 and T2


In talking to your doctor or during the course of your research, you might have encountered the terms "T1" and "T2" in relation to MS. T cells are lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell made in your thymus gland that is very important to optimal functioning of your immune system. Simply put, T1 cells are pro-inflammatory and T2 are anti-inflammatory. MS is basically a T1 pro-inflammatory condition, as are all autoimmune diseases. Interestingly enough, aging and hormone deficiency also cause us to travel down this T1 path. Studies have shown that replacing deficient hormones can shift you back to T2 dominance and increase anti-inflammatory activity. Testosterone is key in causing this shift, but other important hormones involved are progesterone, estrogen, and Vitamin D (which is actually a hormone, not a vitamin). <www.themssolution.com>

5 comments:

R. Lynn Baker said...

I am not sure if you will get this or who is in charge of reading the comments on this blog, but I had to write. I am 35 years old and have been through about a thousand tests in the last 6 years. I have been told that I have an immune deficiency (by an immunologist-- a t-cell deficiency); Raynaud's; I have neuroma in my feet and awful twitching all over my body; I have a sub-clinical diagnosis of hypothyroidism (T3 is low and my symptoms suggest low thyroid, but other counts are normal); I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia by a rheumatologist; I have been diagnosed with tarsal tunnel in both feet and what appears to be carpal tunnel in my hands; I have a vitamin D deficiency; I have eye migraines (Opthalmic migraines); and I am fatigues, fatigued, fatigued... I have muscle weakness / soreness, stiffness and joint pain. I fight re-current vaginal yeast infections-- this is what started this downfall of health. After my 2nd (and last) child was born, I had a series of throat infections that were treated with round after round of antibiotics. While I was pregnant with my child, I was found to be group b strep positive, so had already had lots of antibiotics while pregnant and then in a drip during labor. My immune system was being hit at the same time that my hormones were going nuts from being pregnant. I am guessing this set me up for what has been happening with me since.

I want to re-state here that I am only 35. I have been to rheumatologists, immunologists, infectious diseases doctors, neurologists... frustrated is not the word for what I have been. I want my life back. I have had to quit working full-time because I cannot deal with long days-- it wipes me out.

I have searched and searched through my medical history and how it all connects. I have been seeing an integrative medicine doctor who mentioned Kathy and suggested I read your book. I've gone through so mnay tests with so many doctors and have spent so much money on test after test after test. Do you have any words of advice for me? Does this sound hormone related to you? I am so worn out... I realize you guys may never even see this, and I may be totally grasping at straws here, but I just need some relief and finality in the form of real and true answers.

Thanks so much if you see this and have any advice to offer.

R. Lynn Baker said...

Also-- forgot to mention... (brainfog strikes again)

I was told at one point that my symptoms seemed to suggest the possibility of MS. I was then sent to see a neurologist, who conducted an EMG nerve and muscle study and then sent me on my way to a rheumatologst after the EMG didn't show any abnormalities. I continue to have muscle / nerve twitches daily, however... everywhere-- all over my body, with no explanation found by any doctor I have seen. I have even been told to ignore it-- like that is a possibility. The twitches are so bad that other people can see them at times. They are in my legs, my head, my hands, my back, my feet, my eyes, EVERYWHERE.

Also... currently, I am taking neurontin (prescribed by neurologist and rheumatologist for the nerve pain and twitches-- along with the fibrolmyalgia); armour thyroid; vitamin D; thyroid support (for the iodine) and a probiotic.

Thanks again for your help.

A Week In The Life of A Redhead said...

I am listening in fascination your radio interview with Danielle Lin on KSRO Santa Rosa. When I first went on Armour I felt like I had finally found my answer. I am 49 and was diagnosed with Hashimotos 7 years ago.
In the past 6 months I've started to become tired again. I have been wondering what's up and if the Armour product was changed. I have tried Westroid in the past and really liked it too, so I am thinking maybe I should switch back over. I do use Progesterone cream, melatonin to help sleep, meditation to keep my adrenals calm, a multivitamin with selenium and gray sea salt. I'll be looking for your book and am thrilled to see even more people talk about this - I just wish we could get Oprah to talk more about it like Montel Williams does with his MS and have us on shows to bring us together to talk about our similar issues.
It's great to hear someone talking about this! So many of your symptoms I had too - including sciatica...
Thank you!
-Catherine

Violeta Corona said...

Bovine thyroid supplement is bound to deliver results in three months and relive you completely of thyroid problems.

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