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Monday, February 25, 2002 PCA-Rx and Autism A WORLD OF SMARTER CHILDREN Heavy Metal Toxicity, Children’s Behavioral Disorders & Oral Clathration Therapy THE MOST PROFOUND SCIENCE OF OUR TIME We all have heard about chelation therapy. But few health professionals know about clathration therapy. Because clathration therapy has many documented benefits over chelation therapy, it is important that cutting edge health professionals as well as consumers involved in self-managed care learn about this unique therapy. In this report, we present an overview of clathration therapy and discuss its use for children experiencing behavioral disorders, including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bouts of violence, and impaired IQ. CLATHRATION THERAPY VS. CHELATION Editor's Note: A chelate is a chemical that will perform chelation, defined as the reaction between a metal ion and the complexing agent, resulting in formation of ring structures incorporating the ion. A clathrate is a cage structure capable of including another compound within its own structure. Chelation therapy may be described as a one-dimensional process. In contrast, oral clathration is a three-dimensional process. Specifically sequenced glycoproteins and peptides form a lattice or inclusion complex and multiple receptor sites attach to a toxic molecule with irreversible bonds, literally wrapping around the toxic substance to prevent additional reactions with tissues or organs as it is eliminated from the body. Unlike the ionic bond utilized to transport metals from the body with chelation therapy, oral clathration therapy utilizes ionic, covalent and hydrogen bonds. Not one but three major types of bonds at multiple points are created. Clinical reports indicate clathration therapy might be a more effective heavy metal detoxification therapy than conventional methods of chelation therapy.Thus, clathration therapy holds significant benefits when used as part of a comprehensive complementary medicine program, as noted in the case of children experiencing behavioral disorders, including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bouts of violence, and impaired IQ. David Steinman Use of PCA-Rx from ASN/MAXAM Nutraceutics produced better detoxification results than DMSA or DMPS for Aaron Corbett. Diagnosed with heavy metal poisoning by his physician, Aaron's parents Brian and Joan suspect their son developed autism as a result of vaccination-related heavy metal contamination. In a recent report, published in The Doctors' Prescription for Healthy Living, it was noted that many children, experiencing behavioral problems including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, violent and antisocial behavior and decreased IQ, have received benefits from PCA-Rx when used as part of a comprehensive complementary medicine program. Heavy Metal Toxicity: Hidden Culprit? Heavy metal toxicity doesn’t receive the attention it should in the case of children’s behavioral disorders. Additionally, use of oral clathration agents as a healing pathway is something both primary care doctors and parents of children with behavioral disorders need to know about. Use of oral clathration obviously isn’t a panacea. But, as you read this report, if you are the parent of a child with behavioral problems or the child’s treating doctor, you will want to know more about oral clathration if you suspect toxic metals may be a contributor. What is the role of heavy metal toxicity in children with developmental delays and other neurological and metabolic disorders? The answer may be surprising to many parents. In fact, the extent of impact on children with some of our commonest neurological disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism and aggressive and violent behavior, may be far greater than parents and doctors have hitherto suspected. Let’s look at some of the evidence. In 1983, a study published in Medical Hypotheses noted that the concentration of a number of metals determined in the hair of 68 hyperactive children, when compared with a control group, indicated excessive levels of manganese and reduced levels of zinc. In 1989, researchers involved with the Edinburgh Lead Study studied the effect of blood lead on children’s behavior in a sample of 501 boys and girls aged six to nine years from 18 primary schools. Teachers and parents using behavior scales made behavior ratings of the children. Analyses showed a significant relationship between blood lead levels and teachers’ ratings on the total behavioral scores, as well as aggressive/ antisocial and hyperactive scores. A dose-response relationship between blood lead levels and behavior ratings was evident. No evidence of a threshold effect could be found. In other words, even low levels adversely influenced behavior. In a 1996 study from the Archives of Environmental Health, the relationship between hair lead levels of children and their attention-deficit behaviors in the classroom was investigated. Scalp hair specimens were obtained from 277 first-grade pupils, while teachers completed the abbreviated Boston Teacher’s Rating Scale for rating classroom attention-deficit behavior, and parents completed a short questionnaire. “The striking dose response relationship between levels of lead and negative teacher ratings remained significant after controlling for age, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status,” the report noted. “An even stronger relationship existed between physician-diagnosed attention- deficit hyperactivity disorder and hair lead in the same children.” Once again, “no apparent ‘safe’ threshold for lead” could be found with even the lowest exposures. Chelation/Clathration Aid Children with Behavioral Disorders: Holly Ruff, M.D., is a developmental psychologist and professor of pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York. In the April 7,1993 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, Dr. Ruff published a study that reported on the reversal of intelligence decline among children with high lead levels when steps are taken to reduce their body burden. Among one subgroup of the 154 children she studied, a drop of up to 30 micrograms in blood lead levels led to a 10-point increase in intelligence scores. Heavy Metal Toxicity, Children’s Behavioral Disorders & Oral Clathration Therapy: FYI How Metals are Clathrated: Metals are clathrated by PCA-Rx in the following order due to their descending valences: lead, thallium, cadmium, arsenic, aluminum, mercury. This is important to note because if patients’ systems are saturated with lead or another heavy metal, their urine mercury readings will not drop until they have clathrated the metals with higher valences. The Doctors’ Prescription PCA-Rx is a formula that we have researched and found to be a way of dealing with heavy metal toxicity in the least intrusive manner possible. Parents may want to start with PCA-Rx or combine PCA-Rx with other forms of chelation therapy as their doctor recommends. Two versions of the formula are available (PCA-Rx and PCA). The higher-strength PCA-Rx formula is to be preferred for therapeutic detoxification; it is the formula used clinically. Use PCA for everyday protection. Both formulas are available at natural health centers and pharmacies and from health professionals. To find a store, natural pharmacy or health professional in your area dispensing PCA-Rx, contact: ASN™/MAXAM™ Nutraceutics™ (800) 800-9119 Clathrate - Quick Definition: Relating to or being a compound formed by the inclusion of molecules of one kind in cavities of the crystal lattice of another. The Doctors’ Prescription for Healthy Living A WORLD OF SMARTER CHILDREN: In another study, children with clear-cut hyperactivity disorder and moderately elevated lead levels were treated with a lead-chelating agent in a random allocation double-blind treatment regimen. “Statistically significant and obvious behavioral improvement was reported by three separate evaluators (i.e., parent, teacher, and treating physician) of the child, suggesting a toxic relationship between moderately elevated lead levels and hyperactivity,” note the researchers. Agents frequently used for heavy metal chelation include ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), d-penicillamine, and dimercaptoproponol. These are often given in oral doses, alone or in combination. But a superior long-term strategy may be to combine chelation with oral clathration therapy. The best such examples of oral clathration agents are PCA and PCA-Rx from ASN™/M AXAM™ Nutraceutics™. PCA-Rx is said to have a high bonding affinity for heavy metals (see clinical case report). Most toxins or heavy metals that attach to cell receptors do so in a manner that is competitively reversible, so if molecules like those in PCA-Rx come along with greater affinity, the toxins can be dislodged from the receptors, which then once again can be receptive to neurotransmitters. Because of the formula’s tremendous affinity for heavy metals, this is an improvement over chelation therapy, which has a much more difficult time removing heavy metals from cell receptors. In February, we detailed the experience of a Troy, Michigan, couple whose child was diagnosed with autism that may have resulted from or been exacerbated by such toxicity. The couple notes that the oral clathration agent, combined with ionic minerals, proved to be equally or more effective as their son’s DMSA/DMPS treatments, yet without side effects. A combination of the oral clathration agent and ionic mineral supplements increased their child’s heavy metal output by two to three times (as measured by urinalysis) over chelation therapy. The couple is quoted as telling the publication, “In two months, we had the same benefits with PCA-Rx and ionic minerals as using DMSA for an entire year. Also, unlike DMSA, PCA-Rx will not chelate beneficial minerals, one reason it is less stressful to the child’s body.” How PCA-Rx Works PCA-Rx is different from other chelating agents, and we believe it represents a major breakthrough in personal detoxification. Utilizes clathration. PCA-Rx works on the principle of clathration. Its contingent of specifically sequenced peptides form a lattice or inclusion complex. This represents a true breakthrough in the field of oral chelating agents. FYI: Monitor Detoxification You may test your urine by getting a kit from Doctor’s Data at 1-800-323-2784. You may test your stool by calling Great Smokies Laboratory at 1-800-522-4762. These companies provide instructions on how to obtain the samples and mail them. Many health insurance companies will pay for urine and fecal heavy metal testing when your physician orders this. Detoxification with Peptide Clathrating Agent Most of us have heard of chelation therapy. Physicians and doctors have utilized chelation therapy for years to cleanse their patients’ bodies of lead and other heavy metal contaminants. PCA-Rx from ASN™/MAXAM™ Nutraceutics™ is the first peptide clathration formula ever created for natural detoxification. Not only is it among the most effective chelating agents now in practice; it is available to consumers over-the-counter at natural health centers and from health professionals. Nutrient particles measured in nanometers. We usually think of the amounts included of particular nutritional supplements in terms of milligrams and micrograms. But PCA-Rx nutrient particles are formulated in the range of nanometers—reduced to their bare peptide essential configuration— and placed in a natural colloid. The body recognizes these peptides as nutrients. Affinity for Cell Membranes. Each nutrient particle carries a negative surface charge, and cells contain a positive surface charge, so absorption occurs electrokinetically, which is a much more efficient method of absorption than osmosis where 50 percent maximum levels may be achieved at best. Because of the particle size and bare, stripped-down nature of the peptides, the PCA-Rx nutrients gain access into the mitochondria of the cell. There, a peptide ligand complex binds with greater affinity to cell receptor sizes than heavy metals, releasing the heavy metals. The companion molecules then clathrate (wrap around and enclose) the toxic substance, keeping it enclosed as it enters the body’s elimination pathways. The bond is a strong one, too. PCA-Rx’s nutrients bond to toxic chemicals with ionic, covalent and hydrogen bonds as compared to sodium dimercaptopropanesulfonate (DMPS, the most commonly used chelation agent), which utilizes only an ionic bond. Does not Remove Beneficial Minerals. PCA-Rx will not bind to beneficial minerals because those that belong in the body are tightly bound and protected by their natural enzymes. Heavy metals and toxins do not have enzyme systems to protect them. PCA-Rx targets noncomplexed, loosely bound metals. If there is an excess of natural mineral in the body, as with calcium-based plaques, PCA-Rx will also bind these and remove them. Metals are clathrated in the following prioritized order due to their descending valences: lead, thallium, cadmium, arsenic, aluminum, and mercury. This is important to note because if your system is saturated with lead or another heavy metal, your urine mercury readings will not drop until you have clathrated the metals with higher valences. CLINICAL REPORTS Clinical reports tell us that PCA-Rx s a powerful agent of detoxification. Anyone working in industries with exposures to cadmium, lead, mercury and other toxic metals will find PCA-Rx a powerful health ally. Persons with mercury amalgam dental fillings will also find PCA-Rx beneficial. In future reports, we will report on its uses in many other potential areas of toxic bioaccumulation. But, for now, let’s examine several clinical case reports involving mercury contamination from both occupational and dental exposures. Mercury Poisoning Case #1 A September 30, 2000 case study bulletin reported on a 53-year-old male who had had his dental amalgams removed but was suspected of having toxic levels of heavy metals due to a DMPS urine challenge. This patient also was employed in a profession wherein he was potentially exposed to mercury and copper on a regular basis. According to his doctor he showed “very elevated” levels of mercury at 29 micrograms (mcg) per 24-hour period with a normal reference range of up to only five mcg. On this test, no other toxic elements were beyond the reference range (urinary testing by Doctor’s Data and stool analysis by Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory). The patient was begun on PCA-Rx for approximately nine days. Post-provocation results showed PCA-Rx pulled toxic metals from the body through both the renal (kidney) and bowel systems without patient complaints. In fact, according to testing, PCA eliminated some 400 percent more arsenic over the pre-test. Stool analysis showed that mercury excretion increased more than 2,650 percent from .009 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) to .243 mg/kg. Since urinary mercury excretion was lower on the post-challenge test and stool mercury excretion increased so dramatically, it is clear that the bulk of bound metal was removed through the bowels. Other toxic metals that increased in the stool were arsenic, cadmium, lead, platinum, and thallium. Mercury Poisoning Case #3 A 38-year-old female was known to be mercury toxic from a DMPS challenge in May 2000. Her amalgam fillings had been removed only two months earlier. Her levels were in the “very elevated’ range. In July, pre-challenge urine and stool samples were collected. The patient then took three doses of PCA-Rx the first day and another urine sample was collected the following morning. The patient was then placed on one dose per day for the following four days. On the fifth day, another urine and stool sample was taken. PCA-Rx increased lead excretion in the stool by almost fivefold and mercury excretion, also in the stool, by twofold. Urinary excretion increased for lead, arsenic, tin, and thallium. Mercury Poisoning Case #2 A 49-year-old female with mercury dental amalgams that were removed in 1997 had previously been on a detoxification protocol utilizing DMPS, and other chelators. However, by June 1999, her mercury levels were still very high and measured about 75 parts per billion in her urine with a normal reference range being only up to about three parts per billion. She eventually stopped her detoxification program because, according to the patient, she felt “bad all the time.” Symptomatology included low oral basal temperature between 97.2-97.6° F., an increase in weight over the last three to four years, mildly inflamed thyroid gland, swelling in the feet and ankle areas, and abdominal pain. In addition, her menstrual cycles were recently shortened to anywhere from 21 to 24 days. She was put on a detoxification protocol of three doses (consisting of 15 sprays per dose) for the first day and 15 sprays per day for the following four days. On the final day, stool and urine samples were taken and analyzed by Doctor’s Data and Great Smokies Diagnostics Laboratory. Her mercury levels increased by 800 percent in the urine and arsenic levels by 230 percent. Mercury levels in her stool increased by 330 percent; arsenic levels increased by 170 percent; beryllium excretion levels increased by 250 percent; and, uranium excretion levels increased by 450 percent. It is noteworthy that throughout the detoxification period, the patient reported no complaints or discomfort, whereas she had stopped her previous protocol due to “feeling bad all the time.” This indicates that not only can PCA-Rx effectively remove heavy metals from the system, it is able to do so gently without undue comfort to the patient. MERCURY POISONING CASE #1 Fecal Metal Results Metal Post-PCA Pre-PCA-Rx Mercury .243 mg/kg .009 mg/kg Arsenic .45 mg/kg Thallium .021 mg/kg .003 mg/kg |