New Study* Lyme, Manganese And Soda, Oh My!

[GypsySoulNicole]

I've been on some chronic lyme forums researching and have been wrapping my brain around this study published on March 22nd.

"Scientists have confirmed that the pathogen that causes Lyme Disease -- unlike any other known organism -- can exist without iron, a metal that all other life needs to make proteins and enzymes. Instead of iron, the bacteria substitute manganese to make an essential enzyme, thus eluding immune system defenses that protect the body by starving pathogens of iron." ( from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130321205712.htm)

The actual study can be found at http://m.jbc.org/content/288/12/8468.abstract

Now, my first question was, Would this make lyme patients manganese deficient because the spirochetes are using it, or would we have manganese toxicity because they are hanging on to so much manganese and spreading around? Then I read this from Dr. Amy Yasko, " Chronic lyme infection may lead to imbalances in manganese levels in the body, potential causing manganese deficiencies in the body. Supporting manganese which is a mineral that is needed for nerve function represents a bit of a catch 22. It is important to keep manganese in normal range for optimal nerve function, yet at the same time you do not want to supply high levels of a necessary mineral for Borrelia burgdorferi growth. Conversely the possibility exists that Borrelia burgdorferi could cause localized increases in the concentration of manganese in the body; high doses of manganese are toxic, creating Parkinsonian like symptoms."

Could this be a missing piece for us? I would have never thought I could have Lymes, evidentally neither did any of the specialists that have gone over everything else. It wasn't until I saw my own spirochetes twirling around my cells under darkfield microscopy that I believed Lyme could be my pots cause. What I'm saying is, Don't rule it out. Even with a negative test, you can still have Lymes. As of July 1, physicians in Virginia will be required to give patients information on the limitations of Lyme testing. Hopefully, this will be nationwide soon.

Read through some of the functions Manganese is responsible for and think about how a Manganese imbalance whether high or low would effect the processes.

Mitochondria

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is the principal antioxidant enzyme in the mitochondria. Because mitochondria consume over 90% of the oxygen used by cells, they are especially vulnerable to oxidative stress. The superoxide radical is one of the reactive oxygen species produced in mitochondria during ATP synthesis. MnSOD catalyzes the conversion of superoxide radicals to hydrogen peroxide, which can be reduced to water by other antioxidant enzymes.

Metabolism, Gluta mate mine and Yo GABA GABA (cartoon reference)

A number of manganese-activated enzymes play important roles in the metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and cholesterol. Pyruvate carboxylase, a manganese-containing enzyme, and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), a manganese-activated enzyme, are critical in gluconeogenesis the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors. Arginase, another manganese-containing enzyme, is required by the liver for the urea cycle, a process that detoxifies ammonia generated during amino acid metabolism. In the brain, the manganese-activated enzyme, glutamine synthetase, converts the amino acid glutamate to glutamine. Glutamate is an excitotoxic neurotransmitter and a precursor to an inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Bone development - Wound healing possible EDS, connective tissue, ankylosing spondylitis connection?

Manganese deficiency results in abnormal skeletal development in a number of animal species. Manganese is the preferred cofactor of enzymes called glycosyltransferases; these enzymes are required for the synthesis of proteoglycans that are needed for the formation of healthy cartilage and bone.

Wound healing is a complex process that requires increased production of collagen. Manganese is required for the activation of prolidase, an enzyme that functions to provide the amino acid, proline, for collagen formation in human skin cells. A genetic disorder known as prolidase deficiency results in abnormal wound healing among other problems, and is characterized by abnormal manganese metabolism. Glycosaminoglycan synthesis, which requires manganese-activated glycosyltransferases, may also play an important role in wound healing.

And for the possibility of why females would be affected more... females use more manganese.

Nutrient interactions

Although the specific mechanisms for manganese absorption and transport have not been determined, some evidence suggests that iron and manganese can share common absorption and transport pathways. Absorption of manganese from a meal decreases as the meal's iron content increases. Iron supplementation (60 mg/day for four months) was associated with decreased blood manganese levels and decreased MnSOD activity in white blood cells, indicating a reduction in manganese nutritional status. Additionally, an individual's iron status can affect manganese bioavailability. Intestinal absorption of manganese is increased during iron deficiency, and increased iron stores (ferritin levels) are associated with decreased manganese absorption. Men generally absorb less manganese than women; this may be related to the fact that men usually have higher iron stores than women. Further, iron deficiency has been shown to increase the risk of manganese accumulation in the brain.

manganese functions http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/manganese/

Reminder, I am just a beauty school drop out trying to heal myself. I can't wait to hear thoughts on this (hint, hint, Issie, Rama, Dana, Ang)

[GypsySoulNicole]

I know my above post was super long, but I wanted to add, I'm not convinced that Lymes is my total answer. I know I have it, I believe it could be the evil behind most of my symptoms. But, I also think that there were other factors building up to my "perfect storm " pots crash. Like a mthfr mutation, methylation issues, etc. The 6 months before my crash I had 6 steroid injections in my joints. Steroids injections lowered my immunity, allowing what I believe to be a full on "party house " in my body for lymes and every other parasite nasty thing to take over.

[issie]

I want to think about this a little before I really comment. But, find it very interesting. Thanks for posting it and the research you put into it. I know there are some neurological illness that manifest themselves that are caused/from low manganese. I also know there is a connection with manganese and glutamate. Since, I feel there is some sort of connection to glutamate and GABA and the way it's converted/metabolized and used. It may very well be playing a part.

I'll do some digging into it tomorrow. Thanks for the post Nicole.

What do you think the next step for you will be with what you think about this?

How are you doing with your diet and protocol for Lyme? Improvements yet?

Issie

[GypsySoulNicole]

Issie- I'm not sure what to do about the Manganese findings, it really is a catch 22. I am still taking Samento (TOA free cats claw) for lymes, and we added Banderol to target coinfections. The banderol is supposed to be easier on herxing than Samento, but it's been kicking my butt. I think that I have had heavy bartonella and that could be the reason for herxing. It's a treat everyday to see what I wake up with. I've had crazy rashes, not like any I've had before, flu like symptoms, twitching and so on. But, I am seeing POTS relief. My brain fog is clearing, and it feels good to occasionally "find the answers" I know are in my brain somewhere! I'm still taking Adderall, without it my BP gets so low and I'm non functioning.

I am currently struggling with the diet. It's so hard to plan healthy meals when you feel like death. I need to suck it up and get back to it, but seriously, I was gonna cut someone for a chocolate chip cookie! I've still not had soda in 4 months, which is a miracle! I drink tea and water constantly. Coconut Oil (cold pressed virgin) has been AMAZING for energy, both eaten and smothered on my skin. I'm detoxing all the bugs I'm killing with kidney and liver support teas, diatomaceous earth alternated with calcium bentonite clay, cilantro, garlic, turmeric, grapefruit seed extract, Epsom salt baths and the beloved occasional coffee enema (which could be a hilarious post in itself)! Getting rid of toxins has made a Huge improvement on migraines. I used to get them daily, the kind where I thought my brain was coming out of my ears and eyes. When I pitched deodorant, hair products, soaps and cleaning products and started making my own, the headaches went away within 2 days!

I am high functioning in my home now. So much, that I think I'm better, and then I leave the house and get so ticked off that a trip to a grocery store wiped me out for 2 days! I have learned I have to keep people and their drama away from my happy bubble or I am easily worked up and feel anxious and stressed and get set back in my progress. Yoga has been helpful as well, although my joints have been killing me the past 2 weeks. I'm still not sleeping well, which makes me ramble at 2:30 am! Let me know what you think about the Manganese!

[Angela]

i tested mag deficient even tho i was taking extra mag supplements. this I was told by neuro, not dr. F. Since going to F I have stopped all mag supps. and am not more fatigued, been 2 months so far. and hair and nails growing fine, don't feel the worse for it. Just saying.

[Angela]

oops, just realized i was referring to magnesium deficient, slightly different but seems to be satisfied by the same food group, for the most part.

[issie]

I'm researching. Found some interesting articles. Will post more, when I get my head around it better. Seems that too much can cause neurological issues like Parkinsons. But the right amount can have all sorts of benefits. One of my herbals (that is the antimalarial herb) has SOD modifying herbs in it. It appears to up the SOD levels. There appears to be 3 types of SOD and manganese is one of the minerals of one type. Curcumin moderates SOD levels. Here's a few interesting papers I've read --so far:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2637808/ on curcumin and it's benefits (will not be good for all POTS types)

http://www.hindawi.com/journals/er/2011/387176/ role of ManganeseSOD in Inflammation Defense

What do you think about these?

Issie