***Looks like if the right nutrients are available Bb ``hatches'' and then can more easily be destroyed.

APMIS. 2004 Jan;112(1):57-62.

Induction of cystic forms by different stress conditions in Borrelia burgdorferi.

Murgia R, Cinco M.

Spirochete Laboratory, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Universita' degli Studi di Trieste, Via Fleming 22, 34127 Trieste, Italy. [email protected]

Cystic forms of Borrelia burgdorferi might represent a low metabolic activity state or phase of B. burgdorferi cells that allows the spirochete to survive in a hostile environment until conditions are favourable to multiply again. In this study we evaluated the rate of cyst formation induced by oxidative stress, pH variations, and heating, reconversion of cysts to vegetative forms, and some aspects of their metabolic activity. We observed cyst formation in the presence of extreme pH values, and at high temperature,

***but the best production of cystic forms was observed in the presence of H2O2.***

When transferred to BSK II medium, the cystic forms reconverted to spirochetes in relation to their age and type of induction treatment. Furthermore, we demonstrated a low metabolic activity of cystic forms by measuring amino acid incorporation.

Overall, these data suggest that the phenomenon of conversion to cysts by B. burgdorferi provides a limited survival potential. This short-term survival, however, gives borreliae an additional chance to overcome unfavourable environmental conditions.

MeSH Terms:
� Amino Acids/metabolism
� Borrelia burgdorferi/growth & development
� Borrelia burgdorferi/metabolism
� Borrelia burgdorferi/physiology*
� Heat
� Hydrogen Peroxide/pharmacology
� Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
� Microscopy, Electron
� Oxidative Stress/physiology

Substances:
� Amino Acids
� Hydrogen Peroxide

PMID: 14961976

We make H2O2 all the time in our cells. Normally this keeps us healthy, but if infected with Bb...this H2O2 might encourage the formation of cyst forms and prolong the disease.

Catalase, an ENZYME, is supposed to kick in and break down H2O2 into H2O and O.

Go here:
http://www.biologyofhumanaging.com/Topics/mela_nt3.htm

Now...about those antioxidants...they are:

Antioxidants to Fight Free Radicals
Free radical damage is a well-accepted theory and the primary cause of many forms of cancer. Antioxidants from diet and supplementation form a foundation of any comprehensive alternative cancer therapy.
Key antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E, lipoic acid, glutathione, bioflavonoids, certain minerals, carotenoids, green tea (active ingredient polyphenol), and tomatoes (active ingredient lycopene).

Antioxidants can be broken down in various categories:

Antioxidant Enzymes to Neutralize Free Radicals

1. Superoxide dismutase: this enzyme contains a highly reactive form of oxygen which converts the very reactive free radical superoxide into hydrogen peroxide with zinc and manganese acting as cofactors.

2. Catalase: Hydrogen peroxide is less reactive than superoxide but is still a generator of free radicals. Catalase converts the hydrogen peroxide formed by superoxide dismutase as well as other superoxides to oxygen and water. Tumor cells lack this enzyme.

3. Glutathione peroxidase: Glutathione removes peroxides that contribute to the formation of free radicals. Glutathione peroxidase converts highly reactive molecules like lipid peroxides into less reactive molecules.

Molecular Antioxidants

1. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a very powerful water-soluble antioxidant that circulates freely within the plasma. Vitamin C plays a critical role in the recycling of vitamin E and other antioxidants.

2. Vitamin E: This is a fat-soluble antioxidant that works to prevent the oxidation of the cell wall, which is primarily made of phospholipids. It is also needed to help to recycle vitamin C.

3. Carotenoids: The carotenoids are a group of more than 500 different pigments found in plants. These include beta-carotene (found in carrots), leutin, lycopene (found in tomato), and zeaxanthin. While functioning as antioxidants, the way they perform is slightly different from other antioxidants. Certain forms of carotenoids are able to destroy a particularly damaging form of oxygen called singlet oxygen. Research supports the hypothesis that a diet rich in carotenoids reduce cancer.

4. Bioflavonoids: also known as flavonoids, these are compounds that occur naturally in many plants. They can be divided into six groups:
o Isoflavones (found predominately in soy),
o Flavonols (found in onions and broccoli),
o Flavones (found in greens, including thyme and parsley),
o Flavonones (found in citrus fruits),
o Catechins (found in tea and apples) and
o Proanthocyanidins (found in grapes and cherries.

Many of these have potent antioxidant activity. Flavones and isoflavones have weak estrogen like properties and have been shown to protect the body from various types of hormone-related cancers such as breast and cervical cancer.

5. Minerals: Certain minerals play an important role as antioxidants. The most notable examples are selenium, zinc, and manganese. They function as cofactors for various antioxidant enzymes.

For example, the enzyme superoxide dismutase catalyses the conversion of superoxide to hydrogen peroxides. The cytosolic (within the cell, but outside the mitochondria) form of this enzyme requires copper and zinc as cofactors while the mitochondrial form of superoxide dismutase requires manganese. Research has shown that consumption of certain minerals such as selenium is inversely correlated with the risk for developing cancer.

The optimum intake of various antioxidants for cancer prevention is shown below. Those with diagnosed cancer may require significantly more.

� Beta-carotene: 25,000 - 50,000 IU
� Vitamin C: 2,000 - 5,000 mg
� Vitamin E: 400 - 1,200 IU
� Grape Seed Extract: 100 - 300 mg
� Green Tea Extract: 100 - 300 mg
� Quercetin: 100 - 300 mg
� Selenium: 100 - 300 mcg
� Magnesium: 600 - 1000 mg

Additional Antioxidants and Minerals to be considered include:
� Coenzyme Q 10: 30 - 120 mg - a mitochondrial enhancer that is also an antioxidant
� Lipoic Acid: 100 -250 mg - the universal antioxidant
� Calcium: 300-600 mg - to maintain musculo-skeletal health
� Vitamin B complex: to fortify the nervous system
http://www.drlam.com/A3R_brief_in_doc_format/2001-No6-CancerStrategies.cfm#3MelatonintoInduceApoptosis

Go here because accurate testing is absolutely critical:
http://www.unitedmedicalnetwork.com/md_conditions_sleep.asp

And here:
http://www.aehf.com/articles/1994symp.html

And here:
http://www.drlam.com/A3R_brief_in_doc_format/2001-No6-CancerStrategies.cfm#3MelatonintoInduceApoptosis

CAREFUL with this supplement!!! The RIGHT one (not all are created equal) at the right dose for the right length of time is very, very important. Playing around on your own, supplementing without being tested first to determine IF you are low, is stupid.

This neurohormone impacts other hormones...esp. testosterone and estrogen levels. It RAISES some immune factors....same one!

While this antioxidant, neurohormone, looks very good...whoa, careful! We just don't have all the facts yet.

This compilation of studies is remarkable, and I wish that I had had them when I went to the ID dept at Barnes/St. Louis.

thank you for providing these to us.