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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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Posted: Sun Nov 19th, 2006 00:45 |
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Photosensitivity During Recovery from Th1 Inflammatory Disease
Background
It is well known that photosensitivity is associated with ‘autoimmune’ disease. Dr. Marshall’s research on the pathogenesis of Th1 inflammation explains the role the steroid hormones, Vitamins D (the ‘sunshine’ vitamin), play in the disease process, photosensitivity and recovery [1,2,3]. The Research Team is getting many inquiries from people who have heard the ‘Marshall Protocol’ (MP) is successfully inducing recovery from ‘autoimmune’ and other Th1 diseases but have reservations about whether they could adapt their lifestyle to deal with any photosensitivity which may emerge during the healing process.
Up until now, most of our clinical experience has been with folks who were so ill they were unable to work or to tolerate even moderate outdoor activities. Others were sufficiently sick to be motivated to make accommodations in their workplace and home in order to avoid light. When they began the protocol, these very symptomatic, early-adopters almost always noticed a high level of photosensitivity (which resulted in an emergence of or an increase in neurological symptoms during and/or after exposure to sunlight).
However, a recent re-evaluation of reports from our enlarged patient cohort has led us to the conclusion that people who are less ill may not experience significant photosensitivity. We now encourage those who are suffering from a Th1 inflammatory condition to commence a therapeutic probe with the Marshall Protocol medications, even if they cannot, or do not want to, avoid sunlight. This document seeks to guide the essential consultative process between patient and physician on the issue of photosensitivity in Th1 disease.
Basics
Hypersensitivities to sunlight usually occur only during the first 1-2 years of recovery and primarily in folks with extensive Th1 inflammation. We do not currently believe that exposure to sunlight, even though it raises the level of 1,25-D (and may raise the level of 25-D), causes a significant retardation of the bacterial killing or inhibits overall long-term healing, as long as the patient’s level of 25-D is maintained below 12ng/ml.
Photosensitivity symptoms can occur within minutes and up to 3 days after exposure. Those pursuing the MP who expose themselves to the outdoors or to natural and fluorescent light indoors will soon know if they can tolerate light, and to what degree, based on their symptoms. Therefore, it is important that folks learn to differentiate between immunopathology symptoms and their photosensitivity symptoms because reducing light exposure may be necessary for some to control photosensitivity symptoms. See Immunopathology(Herx)....What is it?
Our main concern has been, and will always be, the safety of folks during their recovery on the MP. For most people, photosensitivity symptoms are merely unpleasant, resulting in neurological phenomena such as eye photosensitivity, headache and fatigue. But sun exposure does have the potential to increase cardiac and respiratory symptoms.
Many people, with apparently minor inflammatory symptoms, do not realize they are actually quite ill. Until the Benicar blockade is in place, thus allowing the innate immune system to function properly again, it is impossible to know if someone has significant sub-clinical inflammation1,3. The decision to commence the MP, especially if diligent sunlight avoidance is not practical or desirable, should be made between a patient and their physician, after a careful physical assessment and a thorough discussion of the options.
For more information, see What are the new recommendations regarding sun exposure?
Intolerable symptoms
While rare, it is important to note some folks may be at high risk for an acute adverse event2 caused by sunlight exposure. All patients should be instructed regarding adverse symptoms to report to their physician, and how to manage a significant adverse event should it occur. For detailed information, see When should I be concerned about cardiac symptoms?
There is a small risk that some folks will develop intolerable symptoms because of sunlight exposure or because the innate immune system, once activated by the MP, continues to kill the bacteria. Members are encouraged to report regularly on the website in order to get early help managing symptoms. A wide range of techniques is available to dampen intolerable symptoms. For detailed information, see My immune system reaction is too strong. What should I do?
For those very infrequent situations when alteration of MP medications fails to reduce intolerable symptoms, due to a recent breakthrough in our scientific understanding of the Th1 immune disease process, we have been able to validate a temporary immunosuppressive intervention physicians may use. For detailed information, physicians should see Anticipating, Identifying and Treating Cardiac Immunopathology Symptoms in Patients using the Marshall Protocol in the private section for health care professionals at the study website.
Conclusion
Some folks, even those with significant Th1 inflammation, may be able to recover on the Marshall Protocol while exposed to various degrees of light. Members who are trialing a 'sun-tolerant' Marshall Protocol should be under the close supervision of their physician. It is very important that all other aspects of the MP are followed carefully. For detailed information, see the PHASE ONE GUIDELINE
Experimentation with different adaptations to light will help folks discover their personal level of photosensitivity, which will gradually diminish during the healing process.
Patients and physicians should be alert for unexpected photosensitivity symptoms and know how to react to them. Those persons who cannot discern the difference between symptoms from photosensitivity and immunopathology will need to avoid light in order to be successful.
Folks who trial the MP while not avoiding sunlight and who subsequently find they cannot tolerate recovery under these conditions, will then need to decide if they are able to make the needed lifestyle changes or must postpone implementation of the MP. Physicians can now intervene to stop any runaway immune system symptoms with judicious application of immunosuppression (see Anticipating, Identifying and Treating Cardiac Immunopathology Symptoms).
We encourage questions at http://www.MarshallProtocol.info. We request that members start their own progress report on the study-site so their experience can be included in our Phase II study cohort data.
References:
1. Marshall TG: VDR Nuclear Receptor Competence is the Key to Recovery from Chronic Inflammatory and Autoimmune Disease. Abstract presentation, Days of Molecular Medicine, 2006. Copy available from URL http://autoimmunityresearch.org/karolinska-handout.pdf
2. Waterhouse JC, Marshall TG, Fenter B, Mangin M, Blaney G: High levels of active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D despite low levels of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D precursor - Implications of dysregulated vitamin D for diagnosis and treatment of Chronic Disease. In Vitamin D: New Research. Volume 1. Edited by: Stoltz VD. New York: Nova Science Publishers; 2006. ISBN: 1-60021-000-7
3. Marshall TG: Molecular genomics offers new insight into the exact mechanism of action of common drugs - ARBs, Statins, and Corticosteroids. FDA CDER Visiting Professor presentation, FDA Biosciences Library, Accession QH447.M27 2006 Copy available from URL http://autoimmunityresearch.org/fda-visiting-professor-7mar06.ram
Related FAQs:
The effect of light on the brain (amygdalla)
What are the new recommendations regarding sun exposure?
AVOIDING SUNLIGHT and BRIGHT LIGHTS
INCIDENT RADIATION TUTORIAL
Does sunscreen prevent the production of Vitamin D?
How does ketoconazole cream work?
Testimonials to the need to avoid light
Why are my symptoms more intense after exposure to Light &/or Vitamin D?
Why do I feel better in the summer? And worse in the winter?
PROTECTING YOUR EYES
Lux Meters
Should I avoid sun exposure and vitamin D while I'm waiting to start the MP?
Living life on the MP
Ideas for summer holidays
Last edited on Sun Sep 2nd, 2007 13:11 by Meg Mangin R.N.
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