Transcript Biofilms, Methylation & Heavy Metal Detoxification in

Biofilms, Methylation &
Heavy Metal Detoxification
in Lyme Disease
Raj Patel, M.D.
Overview
A. Biofilms
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Gastrointestinal physiology
Definition of Biofilms
Examples
Prevalence
Treatment
B. Heavy Metals
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Prevalence
Signs & symptoms
Testing
Treatment options
Methylation in non-responders
C. Conclusion
Raj Patel, M.D.
B. Biofilms in Lyme Disease
1. GI Physiology: Structure of normal intestinal lining
Raj Patel, M.D.
Raj Patel, M.D.
B. Biofilms in Lyme Disease
1. GI Physiology: Structure of intestinal lining in Gluten intolerance
Raj Patel, M.D.
Raj Patel, M.D.
B. Biofilms in Lyme Disease
1. GI Physiology
Microbial Flora
I. One hundred trillion bacteria in gut comprises 500 different species
II. Disruption early leads to immune problems, allergies, and
autoimmunity later
III. Functions: modulates immune system
destroys toxins introduced with food
suppress growth of pathogenic bacteria
production of key vitamins
digestion and absorption of carbohydrates
prevention of allergies
prevention of inflammatory bowel disease
Raj Patel, M.D.
B. Biofilms in Lyme Disease
2. Definition
a. Community of bacteria and other organisms surrounded by a
extracellular polymeric substance (EPS)
b. EPS is composed of DNA, protein, and polysaccharides. Its negative
charge attracts Ca/Mg/Fe to strengthen it
c. Organisms within a biofilm can communicate and exchange genetic
material.
d. EPS provides resistance to antibiotics requiring 100-1000X higher
levels for eradication.
“Testing the susceptibility of bacteria in biofilms to antimicrobial agents .” Antimicrobial Agents and
Chemo. Nov 1990
e. EPS provides this organisms protection from UV exposure, pH
changes, heavy metal toxicity, and phagocytosis.
Raj Patel, M.D.
B. Biofilms in Lyme Disease
3. Examples of Biofilms
a. Teeth
b. Catheters and IV Lines
c. Stagnant pools of water, rivers and streams
d. Contact lens
e. Polluted areas
f. Blood (Fry et al)
Raj Patel, M.D.
B. Biofilms in Lyme Disease
4. Prevalence of Biofilms
a. Autism Spectrum Disorders
b. Chronic Lyme Disease
c. Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome
d. Fibromyalgia
e. Autoimmune Illness
Raj Patel, M.D.
Raj Patel, MD
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B. Biofilms in Lyme Disease
3. Examples of Biofilms
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Raj Patel, MD
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B. Biofilms in Lyme Disease
5. Role of EDTA in Dissolving Biofilm
a. EDTA serves to bind and remove the Ca/Mg/Fe holding biofilms
together
b. Staph biofilms could not be eradicated by Vancomycin or EDTA
alone. Together the two agents successfully removed the biofilm (Kim 2005)
c. EDTA and Gentamycin are 1000X more effective at killing
Pseudomonas than either agent alone. This effect is completely blocked
when Ca or Fe are added (Banin 2005)
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B. Biofilms in Lyme Disease
6. Treatment of Biofilms
a. Enzymes
b. EDTA
c. Antimicrobials
Antifungals
d. Fiber
Brown Algae
Modified Citrus Pectin
Activated Charcoal
Zeolite
e. Probiotics
Prebiotics (fresh fruit, legumes, chicory, FOS, inulin)
Supportive nutrients (slippery elm, okra, NAG, ecklona cava,
colostrum)
f. Drainage
g. GO SLOW
Raj Patel, M.D.