Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
Putting this under "Medical" because this is where this topic (anti-histamines) has been and is being discussed.
New Abstract
Med Hypotheses. 2016 Apr 9. pii: S0306-9877(16)30007-X. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2016.03.015.
Cimetidine as a novel adjunctive treatment for early stage Lyme disease.
Shemenski J1. Author information
1D'Youville College, 320 Porter ave, Buffalo, NY 14201, United States. Electronic address: [email protected]. Abstract
Lyme disease, caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb), is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States. It is a complex disease which may affect the skin, joints, heart, eyes, and central nervous system. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is curative in most instances.
However, a significant percentage of patients experience ongoing symptoms after treatment.
Currently, there is much controversy regarding the diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment of Lyme disease. Pathogen persistence despite treatment lies at the heart of this debate.
Many believe that the ongoing symptoms are due to factors such as autoimmunity or permanent damage that is incurred during the active infection.
However, there is an emerging school of thought that states that ongoing symptoms are due to a persistent infection that is able to survive both the immune response and antibiotic therapy.
Numerous studies have shown that Bb can indeed persist within the host despite treatment and several mechanisms have been proposed to explain Bb's persistence capabilities.
These include: polymorphism, antigenic variance, biofilm formation, persister cells, and immunomodulation.
There is evidence that Bb is able to alter cytokine profiles within the host which may allow the organism to survive the immune response. This immunomodulation follows a pattern of T-helper 1 (TH1) suppression in favor of T-helper 2 (TH2) processes.
In contrast, it has been shown that the optimal immune response to Bb infection involves an early, robust TH1 response and a later conversion to TH2 dominance once the infection is controlled or cleared.
It has been proposed that a reconstitution of proper immune-competency in the infected host may improve clinical outcomes in Lyme disease.
Cimetidine (CIM) is an over-the-counter histamine-2 (H2) antagonist that is primarily used to lower acid secretions in the stomach.
T-regulatory (Treg) cells also possess the H2 receptor, which has spurred interest in CIM as a potential immunomodulator.
CIM therapy has been shown to increase levels of the TH1 associated cytokines IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ while decreasing levels of the TH2 associated cytokine IL-10.
The author proposes a novel theory that CIM therapy during early Bb infection may promote a more appropriate immune response and increase the utility of antibiotic therapy during early stage Lyme disease, thus improving clinical outcomes of the disease.
susank
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 22150
posted
Interesting - but early stage Lyme was mentioned. What about late stage?
-------------------- Pos.Bb culture 2012 Labcorp - no bands ever Igenex - Neg. 4 times With overall bands: IGM 18,28,41,66 IND: 23-25,34,39 IGG 41,58 IND: 39 Bart H IGG 40 Posts: 1613 | From Texas | Registered: Aug 2009
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me
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 45475
posted
My LLMD has me on Pepcid (along with a cocktail of antibiotics, antimalarials, etc.) bc it is thought to be active against Lyme. My gastroenterologist wants me on Nexium bc of reflux, but I said thanks but no thanks, I'll stick with the Pepcid.
Interesting info. Thanks for posting.
Posts: 1431 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2015
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posted
With cimetidine, specifically, one should proceed with caution because of drug interactions. Plaquenil was listed specifically, as well as opioids and qt-prolonging drugs (fluconazole, most antibiotics, etc).
Apparently new H2-blockers are better in that regard.
Posts: 200 | From Ohio | Registered: Apr 2016
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ukcarry
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Member # 18147
posted
I would worry about malabsorption in many people, since some of us are low in stomach acid already.
Posts: 1647 | From UK | Registered: Nov 2008
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(for a basic start, see the side effects section and how this interferes with the liver's Cytochrome P-450 liver detox pathway, etc. I just don't think anyone with lyme can afford to take a drug that so affects liver function.)
Also note that it interferes with many antibiotics and some malaria drugs.
Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury
Their page on CIMETIDINE
The author proposing this says the purpose is to "promote a more appropriate immune response"
IMO, there are far safer ways to do that.
And, had this done that, in the 20 years I was on it daily, I would never have gotten so ill. I got infected DURING that time - and I always took fairly good care of myself. I sense they are trying to sell a lot of a drug that has been sitting around for a long time. -
[ 05-07-2016, 04:58 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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droid1226
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 34930
posted
quote:Originally posted by susank: Interesting - but early stage Lyme was mentioned. What about late stage?
Isn't it odd that the conversation always ends after early stage is addressed?
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Yeah, droid. It's always got a bit of sting to see that sort of dismissal and lack of awareness on their part. But, that drug never helped me with early stage lyme. Not one bit. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- There are so many safe ways to support, encourage, nourish the immune system. A good look at both Culinary and Medicinal MUSHROOMS is the best place to begin.
A LL ND would also know far more about all the ways we can best support our immune systems.
. . . Some of the most potent immunosupportive agents come from mushrooms, and science is just beginning to tap into this vast natural medicine warehouse. . . .
search out:
Paul Stamets' work - he's a brilliant and well-respected mushroom researcher. Top notch.
& his TED Talks presentation -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
Site search: IMMUNE - many chapters, sections, & mentions here about understanding and supporting our immune system.
CORDYCEPS, one mushroom, is in the first few sections. That is on Dr. B's protocol as a support.
the co-authors: He is a doctor of Ayurvedic Medicine; She a doctor of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncturist. The third co-author is a doctor of optometry. This book is a remarkable teaching / learning tool.
While not about lyme / TBD, it is the most valuable and well worn book on my bookshelf and there is much of value here for anyone, whatever their circumstances. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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