Research can be complicated to translate into real life situations. The positive results achieved in the short term through in vitro and in vivo studies do not take into account long-term side effects, which could be positive or negative. There are herbs and nutrients that can be harmful if consumed in large dosages such as vitamin A. When consuming nutrients with medical drugs you should check with a pharmacist for possible drug interaction problems. Occasionally we have medical doctors visit our board and share their opinions and experiences. Although, we believe these medical professionals are sincere, keep in mind that even medical doctors may disagree on certain subjects. It is our desire to expose you to many different ideas for your consideration. Our focus is on supporting the immune system, which can assist your body in staying healthy. The testimonies and information on this website only represent the opinions of the individuals involved. We encourage you to use common sense in your expectations in consuming any nutritional product.

The immune system is one of our defenses against disease. The immune system is the body’s actual agent involved in healing or recovering from an illness. There are nutrients that we believe can support proper immune functions. It is not our intent to indicate that nutrition can always cause the immune system to prevent all illness or any particular illness. Nor, is it our intent to indicate that nutrition can always cause the immune system to heal us when we are ill. However, we do believe that research indicates nutrition is important for a healthy and responsive immune system. There is an abundance of research taking place throughout the world on nutrition and its effect on our health. There is a great deal of conflicting opinions and research. We live in an exciting time and many of us want to benefit from all of the breakthrough research going on. At the same time we want to be wise in our approach to healthcare. On this website we attempt to provide educational information through studies, opinions and testimonies that will provide you with a variety of perspectives for you consideration. We do not necessarily endorse any particular perspective.

Important Disclaimer: The stories and information on this site are not meant to diagnose or prescribe for you. If you or your pet has a medical problem, you should consult your medical doctor or veterinarian. The ideas and information on this site have not been endorsed or approved by the FDA. In no event shall the owners of this website be liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from any action arising in connection with the use of this information or its publication, including any action for infringement of copyright or defamation. The decision to use, or not to use, any information is the sole responsibility of the reader. Opinions expressed here are those of individual contributors. This web site does not verify or endorse the claims of contributing writers. If you have specific medical questions (e.g. dosage, which formula, etc...), please consult with your medical doctor or veterinarian. Your doctor should be aware that Transfer Factor Plus and Transfer Factor Cardio are now listed in their Physician's Desk Reference. Specific product questions can be directed to 4Life Research.

Target the highest health risks with Targeted Transfer Factors

The second development in Transfer Factor discoveries includes the extraction of Transfer Factors from egg yolks. The discovery of adding Transfer Factors from egg yolks to Transfer Factors from colostrum is proven to increase natural killer cell activities by 283 percent. This gave rise to a wide variety of products using Transfer Factor E-XF. One of those lines includes targeted Transfer Factors and other nutrients that provide support to address the specific needs of particular systems of the body.

Each system or organ of your body has specific nutrient requirements. If these nutrient requirements are not met, that system or organ becomes vulnerable to toxins and a wide variety of foreign invaders.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) keeps statistics about disease in the United States. These statistics tell us what the most common mortalities are. See Chart

The 10 leading causes of death were the same in 2006 and 2007. The rankings also remained the same, with one exception. In 2007, Alzheimer's disease was the sixth leading cause of death, and diabetes the seventh; the ranks were reversed in 2006. Age-adjusted death rates for six of the 10 leading causes of death declined from 2006 to 2007 (from a decline of 1.8% for malignant neoplasms to a decline of 8.4% for influenza and pneumonia). Only the rate for chronic lower respiratory diseases increased (up by 1.7%). No changes were observed in the rates for Alzheimer's disease; nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis; and septicemia (1).

4Life developed five products that target the most helpful nutrients based in part on mortality statistics. Now we are not saying that these products cure or prevent disease. They only claim to target nutrient support, such as Transfer Factor E-XF, to structures and functions that are known to improve or support better health or reduce your risks. Because 4life researched and developed these products, they give you the opportunity to take an effective proactive approach to your health that can make the difference in your life, just like it has for so many others.

SOURCE: Xu JQ, Kochanek KD, Tejada-Vera B. Deaths: preliminary data for 2007. Natl Vital Stat Rep 2009;58(01). Hyattsville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC; 2009. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr58/nvsr58_01.pdf.

Alternate Text: The figure above shows age-adjusted death rates for the 10 leading causes of death, based on data from the National Vital Statistics System for the United States during 2006 and 2007.

What Makes This Product Unique?

Transfer Factors are tiny messenger molecules that transfer immunity information from one entity to another, such as between a breastfeeding mother and her newborn infant.

NanoFactor™ extract is 4Life's patent-pending extract of immune system-enhancing nanofractions. It helps “fine-tune” immune system function so that immune cells know when to act, how to act, and when to rest.

The extraction process for transfer factors from egg sources is protected by US patent 6,468,534; and the combining process for colostrum and egg sources is protected by U.S. patent 6,866,868.

Independent laboratory studies show that 4Life Transfer Factor Tri-Factor Formula can boost immune system effectiveness by raising Natural Killer cell function 283 percent.

4Life Transfer Factor products are featured in the 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 Physicians' Desk Reference For Nonprescription Drugs and Dietary Supplements, the standard supplement guide for physicians that can be found in physician offices, hospitals, and pharmacies throughout the United States.

4Life Transfer Factor® products have been recommended by the Russian Federation for use in hospitals and clinics. This historic announcement was a result of ten separate scientific trials and two experimental studies extolling the benefits of 4Life Transfer Factor products.

Dr. H. Sherwood Lawrence:
Transfer Factors and Immunology Pioneer

The knowledge of Transfer Factors owes its existence to immunology pioneer Dr. H. Sherwood Lawrence. In 1949, Lawrence discovered that by injecting an extract from the leukocytes of someone previously infected with tuberculosis into someone as of yet uninfected with it, immunity was conferred to the recipient, sparing him/her from developing the infection. Dr. Lawrence named the extract transfer factor and the possibility of sharing natural immunity between people and even animals and people became real.

Dr. Lawrence graduated from the NYU School of Medicine in 1943. From 1943 to 1949, he served as a medical intern and then as a medical officer with the U.S. Navy, seeing activity in southern France and Japan and receiving two Bronze Stars.

He served on the faculty of the NYU School of Medicine from 1947 to 1959 and from 1959 until his retirement in 2000, was head of infectious diseases and immunology at NYU. He also served as co-director of medical services at Bellevue and New York University hospitals from 1964 to 2000, director of the NYU cancer center from 1974 to 1979 and director of the NYU AIDS research center from 1989 to 1994.

He was a member of the National Academy of Sciences and honorary chairman of the International Transfer Factor Society (ITFS), a scholarly organization committed to the worldwide exchange of information pertaining to the immunologic properties of leukocyte dialysates.

Regrettably, Dr. Lawrence passed away at the age of 87 in Manhattan on April 5, 2004.

TF in Colostrum vs. Pure Transfer Factor Extract

***First Dietary Supplement Approved for Use by Doctors and Hospitals in Russia***

Commenting on this remarkable achievement, David Lisonbee, CEO of 4Life stated, “To my knowledge, this is the first time in the history of this industry that a network marketing company or any other dietary supplement company has had one of its dietary supplements approved for use in hospitals in Russia. The Russian Ministry of Health is the equivalent of the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. Doctors and scientists from Russia have been working jointly with scientists from 4Life for several years to arrive at this accomplishment. This approval establishes a new roll of dietary supplements in the Russian health care system.

Increased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and natural killer cell (NK) function using an integrative approach in late stage cancers.

Immunol Invest 2002 May, 31(2):137-53
See D, Mason S, Roshan R.
Center for Advanced Medicine, Encinitias, California 92024, USA.

Natural products may increase cytotoxic activity of Natural Killer Cells (NK) Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-alpha) while decreasing DNA damage in patients with late-stage cancer. Pilot studies have suggested that a combination of Nutraceuticals can raise NK cell function and TNF-alpha alpha activity and result in improved clinical outcomes in patients with late stage cancer. The objective of the study is to determine if Nutraceuticals can significantly raise NK function and TNF levels in patients with late stage cancer. After informed consent was obtained, 20 patients with stage IV, end-stage cancer were evaluated (one bladder, five breast, two prostate, one neuroblastoma, two non-small cell lung, three colon, 1 mesothelioma, two lymphoma, one ovarian, one gastric, one osteosarcoma). Enhanced Transfer Factors (3 tablets 3 times per day), IMUPlus (non denatured milk whey protein, 40 gm/day); Intravenous (50 to 100 gm/day) and oral (1-2 gm/day) ascorbic acid; Agaricus Blazeii Murill teas (10 gm/day); Immune Modulator Mix (a combination of vitamin, minerals, antioxidants and immune-enhancing natural products); nitrogenated soy extract (high levels of genistein and dadzein) and Andrographis Paniculata (500 mg twice, daily) were used. Baseline NK function by standard 4 h 51 Cr release assay and TNF alpha and receptor levels were measured by ELISA from resting and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated adherent and non-adherent Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC). Total mercaptans and glutathione in plasma were taken and compared to levels measured 6 months later. Complete blood counts and chemistry panels were routinely monitored. As of a mean of 6 months, 16/20 patients were still alive. The 16 survivors had significantly higher NK function than baseline (p < .01 for each) and TNF-alpha levels in all four cell populations studied (p < .01 for each). Total mercaptans (p < .01) and TNF-alpha receptor levels were significantly reduced (p < .01). It was also observed that hemoglobin, hematocrit and glutathione levels were significantly elevated. The only toxicity noted was occasional diarrhea and nausea. The quality of life improved for all survivors by SF-36 form evaluation. An aggressive combination of immunoactive Nutraceuticals was effective in significantly increasing NK function, other immune parameters and hemoglobin from PBMC or plasma in patients with late stage cancers. Nutraceutical combinations may be effective in late stage cancers. Clinical outcomes evaluations are ongoing.

The following study was conducted at the Institute of Longevity. The purpose of the study was to examine the synergistic effects of the components of Enhanced Transfer Factors. Each component was tested separately and then tested as a whole unit. Together the proprietary blend increased NK Cell functions more than the sum total of all of the ingredients tested separately. This study indicates that the intelligence contained in products with Transfer Factors has an enhancing effect on other nutrients.
In vitro study
Ingredient 10 GM /ml NK Function
PBMC (Control) 25.6%
Zinc 26.8% NS
Proprietary Blend 59.9% 0.02
(Mushrooms etc)
Zinc +Prop. Blend 95.4 0.01
Transfer Factors alone 128.5% 0.01
Complete Prod. (Enhanced Transfer Factors) 273.6% 0.01
The sum of the individual product is less than the Complete Product (Enhanced Transfer Factors).
There is synergy in having a combination of Enhanced Transfer Factors.

The following studies were conducted by Darryl See, MD

Twenty patients, 12 men and 8 women, were selected for this in vivo study. The average age was 49.3. The twenty individuals were each level 3 or level 4 cancer patients. Each patient was basically sent home by his or her oncologist to die. The average life expectancy was 3.7 months. The protocol was to place each patient on 9 capsules per day of Enhanced Transfer Factors. The patients were given a number of other general nutrients*. After eight months, 16 of these individuals were still living and were either in remission, improving or stabilized.

The baseline for natural killer cell function was 6.4. Within 4 weeks the average NK Cell function was increased to 25.7 and in 6 months it increased to 27.6. This represented a 400% increase in NK Cell function. This is an ongoing study. This study has been submitted to a peer reviewed publication.

*Antioxidants, Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics and Multi-Vitamins.

An in vitro screening study of 196 natural products for toxicity and efficacy.

See D, Gurnee K, LeClair M

Americans consume billions of dollars worth of natural products each year. However, the toxicities and potential drug interactions of commonly used dietary supplements have not been closely evaluated. Additionally, claims of immune system enhancement, broad-spectrum anti-microbial activity and antioxidant action have not been sufficiently validated. To determine the potential for human cellular damage from the use of dietary supplements, toxicity in liver and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was evaluated in vitro. The effect of dietary supplements on cytochrome p450 system activity was tested because these liver enzymes are vital in the processing of many drugs, as well as normal substances. Therefore, any interference with this system by dietary supplements may lead to either elevated or diminished drug levels in the blood and may disrupt the metabolism of common substances. Natural killer (NK) cells are important in fighting cancers, viruses and certain bacteria. Therefore, the potential enhancement of NK cells by dietary supplements was tested to predict potential protection from these harmful elements. Free-radical (oxidative) damage is responsible for poor cellular function and premature aging. Thus, the capacity of dietary supplements to reduce these destructive processes was determined by increases in intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels. Viruses cause numerous illnesses in humans, ranging from the common cold to AIDS. Therefore, the potential antiviral activity of supplements was evaluated. Thus, the ideal supplements would be those that are non-toxic, cause no cytochrome p450 changes to any of the many enzymes in this system and are efficacious as defined by enhancement of NK function, antioxidant activity and protection against viruses. In this investigation, some dietary supplements had beneficial and some had detrimental effects. Only aloe, garlic and the three multiple-ingredient products containing glyconutrients were non-toxic, caused no cytochrome p450 activity and were effective in all three efficacy assays (NK cell enhancement, antioxidant activity and antiviral effect). Not all products that show potential in in vitro assays prove themselves clinically. However, the impressively positive results of these five products in this study have been and are being corroborated by clinical benefits in initial human studies.
The glyconutrients included in the study are a blend of plant polysaccharides that provide a nutritional source for the eight primary saccharides found in human glycoconjugate synthesis. These saccharides are utilized in the Golgi bodies of all cells to form important cell surface molecules and other signaling molecules called cytokines which support cell to cell communication functions essential to immune response and hormonal processes.

Immunol Invest 2002 May; 31(2):137-53

Increased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-Alpha) and natural killer cell (NK) function using an integrative approach in late stage cancers.

See D, Mason S, Roshan R.

Center for Advanced Medicine, Encinitias, California 92024, USA.

Natural products may increase cytotoxic activity of Natural Killer Cells (NK) Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-Alpha) while decreasing DNA damage in patients with late-stage cancer. Pilot studies have suggested that a combination of Nutraceuticals can raise NK cell function and TNF-alpha activity and result in improved clinical outcomes in patients with late stage cancer. The objective of the study is to determine if Nutraceuticals can significantly raise NK function and TNF levels in patients with late stage cancer. After informed consent was obtained, 20 patients with stage IV, end-stage cancer were evaluated (one bladder, five breast, two prostate, one neuroblastoma, two non-small cell lung, three colon, 1 mesothelioma, two lymphoma, one ovarian, one gastric, one osteosarcoma). Enhanced Transfer Factors (3 tablets 3 times per day), IMUPlus (non denatured milk whey protein, 40 gm/day); Intravenous (50 to 100 gm/day) and oral (1-2 gm/day) ascorbic acid; Agaricus Blazeii Murill teas (10 gm/day); Immune Modulator Mix (a combination of vitamin, minerals, antioxidants and immune-enhancing natural products); nitrogenated soy extract (high levels of genistein and dadzein) and Andrographis Paniculata (500 mg twice, daily) were used. Baseline NK function by standard 4 h 51Cr release assay and TNF alpha and receptor levels were measured by ELISA from resting and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated adherent and non-adherent Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC). Total mercaptans and glutathione in plasma were taken and compared to levels measured 6 months later. Complete blood counts and chemistry panels were routinely monitored. As of a mean of 6 months, 16/20 patients were still alive. The 16 survivors had significantly higher NK function than baseline (p < .01 for each) and TNF-alpha levels in all four cell populations studied (p < .01 for each). Total mercaptans (p < .01) and TNF-alpha receptor levels were significantly reduced (p < .01). It was also observed that hemoglobin, hematocrit and glutathione levels were significantly elevated. The only toxicity noted was occasional diarrhea and nausea. The quality of life improved for all survivors by SF-36 form evaluation. An aggressive combination of immunoactive Nutraceuticals was effective in significantly increasing NK function, other immune parameters and hemoglobin from PBMC or plasma in patients with late stage cancers. Nutraceutical combinations may be effective in late stage cancers. Clinical outcomes evaluations are ongoing.

INCREASED TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR ALPHA AND NK CELL FUNCTION USING AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH IN LATE STAGE CANCERS
PATIENT DEMOGRAPHICS			PATIENT REGIME INCLUDED		RESULTS AFTER SIX MONTHS
Twenty patients Average age: 49.3 All stage 4 cancers 12 males, 8 females Prognosis from physician: 3.7 months to live			Enhanced Transfer Factors, Beta Glucans, soy extract, digestive enzymes, vegetarian, low-sugar diet, hyperthermia and more.		Average Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF) increased from 12.4 to 1287.5 Average increase in NK cell function: 6.4 to 27.6

4Life Announces Athletic Product Endorsement

Salt Lake City, Utah (June 19, 2008) 4Life Research™ announced today that Mark Todd, famed New Zealand equestrian, will publicly endorse 4Life products.

Todd was voted Rider of the 20th century by the International Equestrian Federation. He is a four-time Olympic medalist, including two gold medals. He primarily competes in eventing, which includes dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. In 1984 and 1988, he was the first rider to win successive individual three-day-event Olympic gold medals in 60 years. He won the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials on three occasions and the Burghley three-day trials five times.

He retired from eventing following the 2000 Sydney Olympics, but decided to make a return for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In May 2008 he qualified for the 2008 Olympics at the three-day event in Samur, France.

“I am 52 years old and competing in my fifth Olympics,” remarked Todd. “I use 4Life Transfer Factor Plus® to help keep me at the top of my game. It provides the well-being and healthy energy support I need to continue at top-level competition.”

“I’m very excited to have Mark Todd endorse 4Life products,” commented Vice President, International Jason Norton. “As an accomplished equestrian in New Zealand, his endorsement speaks volumes to distributors and new recruits about the quality of our products. This is exciting news for 4Life markets around the world.”

“I’m thrilled about Todd’s endorsement agreement,” remarked Managing Director of 4Life Australia and New Zealand Ben Riley. “He understands the importance that nutrition and supplementation play in maintaining wellness, and uses 4Life Products to help him perform his best.”

4Life, the leader in the development, production, and distribution of Transfer Factor support products, continues to post growth in more than 40 countries around the world.

In 1966, Calvin McCausland received his Bachelor Degree in Chemistry from Brigham Young University. Less than a year into his Doctoral program, he was drafted into the US Air Force and served as a Meteorologist, attaining the rank of Captain. He began working in industry as a research and development chemist while completing his Doctorate in Organic Chemistry in 1974.

When his wife succumbed to cancer, Dr McCausland became convinced that prevention was better than any therapy. This led him to employment in 1982 as Director of R&D for a dietary supplement company. Responsible for new product development, he supervised the creation and reformulation of over 350 health supplements. Many of these still remain top sellers for the company.

In 1986, at the invitation of the Chinese government, he travelled to China and Tibet to investigate traditional medical practices using plant and animal products.

Dr McCausland established Enhanced Living International in 1989, where, as Chief Scientific Officer, he created an innovative line of science-based health supplements including the first multiple vitamin C product, the first gender specific supplements and products for cardiovascular health, athletic performance and others.

A need to support the newly opened Russian market saw a new chapter open for Dr McCausland in that country. He became the inaugural President of the non-profit Center of Micronutrientology in Moscow in 1997. There he developed an academy, establishing a new curriculum of complementary medicine and nutrition. Within two years, the Center’s diploma in Micronutrientology won federal approval.

Dr McCausland became, in 1997, the first American ever to be elected a Member and Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical and Technical Science, the nation’s most prestigious recognition in science. In 1998 and 1999, he organised nine clinical studies of nutritional supplements in hospitals, clinics and National Institutes.

In 1999, he received the Kosygin Award, in recognition of the most significant contribution in science and medicine to impact on the future economy of Russia. In 2000, the Academy bestowed upon Dr McCausland its Pokrovsky Award for scientific originality.

Having lectured in nutrition and micronutrientology in the USA, Canada, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Thailand, Philippines, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and participating in many international scientific conferences, Dr McCausland has visited more than 70 countries.

Joining 4Life Research in September 2000, he said “science has started to confirm what those in nutritional circles have long known. It is exciting to see that this vital but long-overlooked area of study is finally getting the validation it so rightfully deserves. 4Life has proven itself to be a company that provides sound dietary supplements, in keeping with the latest research. This commitment to providing revolutionary natural products is one that I am excited to help develop. I am particularly struck with the potential that exists for Transfer Factors. Transfer Factors are today where vitamins and herbs were 15 years ago.

New Scientific Discoveries Continue to Support Transfer Factors

SANDY, UT (June 25, 2004) In two separate papers published in the February issue of The Journal of Immunology, Christian Munz, Ph.D. and Guido Ferlazzo, Ph.D. of Rockefeller University discovered that natural killer cells in the body need to acquire the ability to recognize and destroy infected cells and “…have to be nurtured. Their ability to destroy tumor and infected cells is not present at birth.?

Munz and Ferlazzo are also beginning to understand that natural killer cell function can be “tailored?or “targeted?toward specific healthy immune support activity.

Significance of this Announcement for 4Life commenting on this discovery, David Lisonbee, CEO of 4Life stated, “This is a significant discovery that validates what 4Life has been teaching for the past six years. 4Life?Transfer Factor? is effective because it gives the natural killer cells the information necessary to recognize harmful cells that are attacking the body. Since natural killer cells need to be nurtured or tutored and are not born with the knowledge of which cells are harmful, it is easy to see why 4Life Transfer Factor is enjoying the tremendous success and recognition that it has received.

Targeted Abilities of 4Life Transfer Factor, Mr. Lisonbee went on to say, “It was very interesting to me that Munz and Ferlazzo have identified a need to start targeting natural killer cell function to attack specific diseases or infection. This has been the vision behind the targeted line of 4Life Transfer Factor products. We are now targeting healthy heart function, brain function and healthy glucose levels because of their relationship to inflammation and infection. The reports we have received from doctors and customers have exceeded our expectations.

Head and Shoulders above Other Immune Support Products
“Our original line of 4Life Transfer Factor products was proven to be 10 to 20 times more effective than products such as echinacea or whole cow colostrum. Our new 4Life Transfer Factor Plus Advanced Formula is almost twice as effective as the former 4Life Transfer Factor Plus product. The remarkable new 4Life Transfer Factor products will put 4Life head and shoulders above other immune support products and give our distributors a tremendous advantage in the market, concluded Mr. Lisonbee.

Gynecologic Oncologist Objective:

Our medical practice has been collecting data for the past year for a variety of gynecologic conditions to determine what 4Life Research™ products could do for our patients. Each trial was observed for at least two months and most are ongoing.

• Conditions:Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, CFS 57 patients, primarily women ages: 40 – 50
• Dosage/Protocol: Fibro Free Protocol Phases 1-3
• Results: 55 have had major improvement (4 – 6 weeks time response)

• Condition: Menopausal symptoms 81 women – ages: 42 – 75
• Dosage: usually one BioGenistein Plus™ and apply FemRite™ twice daily. 21 had mild hot flashes requiring some estrogen 15 required daily estrogen doses (time response varied)
• Results: 45 exhibited no symptoms of disease.

• Other gynecologic problems: ages: women 25 – 50 years
• Dosage: usually one BioGenistein Plus™ and apply FemRite™ twice daily
• Results: 7 women with fibroid tumors: in six, the tumors are shrinking (3 – 4 months time response) 35 women with PMS
• Results: symptoms controlled in 33 women (4 week time response) 32 women with abnormal uterine bleeding
• Results: 26 returned to normal (some had results immediately, others saw results by 4 – 6 weeks)

• Transfer Factor used with over 300 individuals.
• Conditions: Cancer, herpes, yeast, condyloma, arthritis, colds, sore throats, and lupus. Ages: 2 – 80 years
• Dosage: maintenance – 3 TF daily Illness – triple daily dose
• Results: all have noticed dramatic improvement [time response varied according to seriousness of condition (most serious - 4 weeks or more)

http://www.healingdaily.com/conditions/colostrum.htm A basic overview of why colostrum carries molecules that transfers immunity.

Transfer Factor: The Immune Connection
“Transfer Factors are small proteins that “transfer” the ability to express cell-mediated immunity from immune donors to non-immune recipients.” Molecular Medicine, April 6, 2000. One of the members of fasting.ws send me her personal experience with using “Transfer Factor” that produces a product based on Colostrum. After looking at both the pros and cons I feel this is an excellent product that would work in synergy with juice fasting as a treatment for many immune system diseases. There is a substantial body of anecdotal evidence on the Internet with many long term users of colostrum products claiming many benefits to health. A Transfer Factor is a stellar polypeptide which was discovered around 59 years ago. There are scores of studies on Transfer Factor and its ability to boost immune function. Countless trials describe how it has been used for a whole host of problems which involve the immune system.

Transfer Factor molecules are comprised of a few amino acids that act as immune messenger molecules that work in white blood cells. They are abundantly found within the colostrum of breast milk. When a mother nurses her baby, transfer factors from her more experienced immune system pass to her baby via the colostrum. Colostrum is rich in immune components that pass to the newborn, affording its more vulnerable and new immune system the advantages of a much older, experienced one (its mother). Moreover, this transfer of immunity to the infant confers protection on the baby until its immune system can make its own Transfer Factors.

Transfer Factors can now be extracted from cow colostrum, concentrated and offered in supplement form. These molecules are not species-specific making them cross-species compatible. While different mammals may have a unique colostrum mix, the Transfer Factors contained within their colostrum are the same. Transfer Factors produced by a cow can work just as effectively in humans as they do in animals. The ability to receive immune data that is transferred from the cow to the human has the potential to revolutionize the way we look at disease prevention in medicine.

The Tri-fold Benefits of Taking Tranfer Factor

When you take taking Transfer Factor, you get three benefits.

First your immune system is strengthened so that when new viruses or bacteria invade your body, your heightened immune cells react very rapidly. By so doing, they prevent the foreign organism from getting a toe hold; consequently, even if you do get sick, the infection will be milder.

Secondly, when you take Transfer Factor, you store these borrowed messenger molecules in your own immune data banks. As a result, when you are invaded by an organism that had previously infected the cow, the acquired Transfer Factor molecules stimulate you immune system to specifically recognized and react to this particular microorganism.

Third, if your immune system is over-reactive (something seen in autoimmune diseases like arthritis, lupus, etc.) Transfer Factor will modulate or calm immune defenses which inadvertently attack healthy tissue thereby improving one’s health.

While the immune-enhancing pathway that TF provides is unique, the addition of certain compounds can create a potent, multifaceted approach to immune defense building. The following natural substances have proven immune-boosting actions and work in tandem with the actions of TF molecules through different pathways. These compounds are all included in the Transfer Factor Plus product.

Transfer Factors are a Modifier of Biological Age
A.G. Chizhov, V.A. Santalova
Russian People’s Friendship University, Moscow

There is a close link between the decrease of functional activity of the immune system and aging. Thus, we decided to study immunomodulators to determine to what extent they may affect biological age indices. A new immune theory of aging (V.I.Dontsov, V.N. Krut’ko, 2002) points to the role of specific T-lymphocytes subpopulations in sustaining a certain level of normal cellular growth in the body and dwells on the importance of their functional decrease having a strong impact on aging. Stimulation of the function of these cells by Transfer Factors, an immunomodulator, seemed a plausible method of “treating aging”. The evaluation of the role transfer factors contribute in the process of aging is at the basis of this study.
Twelve (12) men aged 55-73 were included in the study. A dose of 300 mg. of Transfer Factors was given daily with meals 5 times a week for 6 weeks.Biological age was determined using the “АPK” method (“Diagnostics of aging: biological age” (National gerontology center, Moscow). The following biomarkers were used for making the determinations: AP (arterial pressure), pulse wave velocity, VC (vital pulmonary capacity), static balance, Shtange’s test, adaptation testing, body mass, left hand strength, Shulte’s test, Veksler’s test, neuromuscular test, hearing frequency threshold and the SAN’s questionnaire. The functional activities of body systems were evaluated by means of Nakatani’s electropuncture diagnostics. Chronological age of the group was 63.5±0.7. Before the use of Transfer Factors the biological age of the group differed from chronological by -4.2 ±0.6 years. The majority of men demonstrated a decrease in the functional activity of endocrine and of immune systems’ as well as hyperfunction of the liver and of urinary bladder and hypofunction pancreatic.
Results: The study showed that initially disturbed body system functions were significantly normalized. After the course of Transfer Factors treatment, the difference between biological and chronological age was (-8.2) ± 0.5 years (p0.05), which is a rejuvenation effect of 4 years.

Benefits Of Transfer Factor

Authors: Giancarlo Pizza (1), Caterina De Vinci (1), Aldopaolo Palareti (2), Dimitri Viza (3).

Institution: (1) Immunotherapy Unit, 1st Division Of Urology, S.Orsola- Malpigi Hospital Bologna, Italy; (2) Department Of Computer Sciences, University Of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; (3) Laboratoire D´Immunobiologie, Faculté De Médicine Des Saints-Péres, Paris, France.

Abstracts:

Patients. From April 1974 to January 1999, using products contianing transfer factors in our laboratories, we treated a total of 1647 patients (pts) suffering from persistent viral infections viz. hepatitis, herpes, herpes zoster, giant condyloma acuminatum, conjunctivitis, herpes keratitis and keratouveitis, (439 pts), cancer, viz. Prostate, lung, renal metastatic, transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (TCCB), EBV-related naso-pharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), gastro-intestinal (GIT), ovary, uterus, Burkitt´s lymphoma, breast, glioblastoma (643 pts), recurrent cystitis and candidiasis (287 pts), chronic fatigue syndrome (74pts.), AIDS (51 pts) and/or various congenital and(/or autoimmune disorders, e.g. retinitis pígmentosa, chorioretinitis, uveitis, Bechcet´s syndrome and Lapeyronie´s disease (153 pts).
Methods. Transfer factors were extracted from buffy-coats of blood donors or produced in vitro using lymphoblastoid cell lines and, in this case, it was specific for one of the following: HSV, hepatitis B virus, candida albicans, HPV, HHV-6, varicella-zoster, HIV. In most cases, Products utilizing transfer factors were the only treatment. However in several cancer and SIDS patients it was included, in a strategy of immune-modulation, as an adjuvant of chemotherapy (Burkitt´s lymphoma), surgery and radiotherapy (NPC, lung carcicoma, GIT, ovary, uterus, breast, breast, glioblastoma), hormone therapy (metastatic carcinima, GIT, ovary, uterus, breast, glioblastoma), hormone therapy (metastatic prostate cancer), trans-urethral resection and complement-fixing anti-tumour antibodies, interlukin-2 (IL-2)a nd interferon-alpha-2ª (a-IFN) instillation in the urinary bladder for the immunoprophalaxis of TCCB, IL-2 and a_IFN for metastatic renal cancer, and antiretroviral therapy for AIDS. The duration of the treatment ranged from 6 to 127 months. products containing transfer factors were administered i.m. or orally. In 279 patients with recurrent ocular disease (139 herpes keratitis, 47 kerato-uveitis, and 93 uveitis) HSV-specific products with transfer factors were orally administered for at least 3 months with a mean duration of 687 days, whereas the entire follow-up period was 365913 before and 191772 days after the transfer factors treatment.

Conclusion. In 1/3 of the patients the observation period exceeds 20 years. Thus the results confirm not only that specific Transfer Factors treatment is effective in several pathologies, and it lacks acute but also chronic toxicity. Indeed, side effects were never observed in any of our patients thus corroborating the already established consensus of the complete safety of Transfer Factors administration.

The Immune Inducer is the a combination of natural Transfer Factors. It elevates the body’s own immune system to specific antigens. Transfers distinct cell-mediated immunity to a deficient recipient it is effective within 24 hours. Remarkable treatment results have been seen for viral fungal and parasitic infections including:

· Cancer
· AIDS
· HIV
· Lupus
· Common Cold
· Flu
· Parkinson's
· Arthritis
· Multiple Sclerosis
· Alzheimer's
· Lou Gerhig's Disease.

Products utilizing Transfer Factors is the result of 5 decades of research and testing. It works by successfully transferring antigen-specific agents from a donor to a host. In simple terms one person's immune response to a certain disease could be precisely duplicated so that another person who had little or no immune response to the same agent could likewise fight off an infectious agent like Streptococcus or Diphtheria.

Key Benefits

· Elevates the body's own immune system to specific antigens
· Transfers distinct cell-mediated immunity to a deficient recipient
· Remarkable treatment results have been seen for viral fungal and parasitic infections including HIV and AIDS Epstein-Barr virus Herpes Multiple Sclerosis Alzheimer's Disease Autism ALS (Lou Gerhig's Disease) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
· No known side effects; Non-toxic
Essentially transfer factors are an immunotherapy which transfers distinct cell-mediated immunity from an immuno-sufficient donor to a deficient recipient. The results of this treatment are consistent and remarkable for viral fungal and parasitic infections alike...all without side effects and toxicity. Through transfer factors targeted immunotherapy treatment is now possible for patients suffering from serious infections that were once thought to be untreatable.
Beta Source is the only company in the world that:
· The only company that owns the only U.S. patent to derive transfer factors from colostrum.
· Has the proven capabilities to commercially produce and manufacture Antigen Specific Transfer Factors derived from colostrum.
· Is properly licensed as a business for the manufacture and sale of transfer factors.
· Is solely dedicated to the manufacture of transfer factors and other immune modulating products
· Provides quality controls for all transfer factors.
· Guarantees presence of transfer factors activity and potency product safety and absence of antibiotics.
· Guarantees absence of microbes such as E. Coli Salmonella and other bacterial coliforms.

Tailored Treatment for Specific Health Conditions

That discovery over 25 years ago is viewed today as one of the remarkable elements in transfer factors effectiveness. Transfer factors acts as a "tailored" treatment by communicating the exact immunological information from the donor to the recipient regarding a single or as many as thousands of specific antigens.
In 1970 Dr Hugh Fudenberg et al began using transfer factors as treatment on patients suffering from Wiscott-Aldrich Syndrome. His scope later widened to include candidiasis (yeast infection) several viral type cancers as well as fungal and parasitic diseases (reviewed in reference 6).
Research efforts subsided somewhat during the 1970's largely due to the high price tag coupled with a focus on mostly rare viruses. Even so immunologists remained very interested in transfer factors potential and research slowly but surely moved forward.
Over the next decade there were continuing revelations about the nature and targeted effectiveness of transfer factors. For example tests were conducted in 1981 by Dr Kahn et al (7) in seventeen patients with herpes who were given injections containing transfer factors at intervals of one week to 3 months with noteworthy results. Sixteen of the seventeen patients involved in the study showed definite decreases in recurrence with eight of those treated being completely free of the disease. T-cell function improved significantly and it was likewise noted that transfer factors induced interferon (production) increase.
A 29 year old woman with a long history of low immune resistance contracted both generalized herpes zoster and varicella pneumonia in 1985. Her condition was described as "desperate" due to respiratory failure and an overall degrading chest condition. She responded quickly after treatment with transfer factors from a healing herpes donor (8). Once again this case points to ability of transfer factors to effectively target specific antigens.
The Epstein-Barr virus in combination with a cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was treated in a four year old child who had suffered for two years with recurring fevers rashes abdominal pain and other nagging symptoms (9). He was then given products containing transfer factors by mouth. Incredibly his symptoms disappeared and the child even developed a specific CMV immunity.
Additional case studies revealed transfer factors effectiveness in treating candidiasis cryptosporosis and Burkitt's lymphoma (10-13). Even as the general public was only beginning to hear terms like HIV and AIDS in the 1980's transfer factors treatment attempts had begun for HIV patients suffering from severe viral diarrhea (14). Of the seven patients treated with transfer factors six patients gained weight and showed a decrease in bowel movement frequency. Other AIDS cases resulted in partial immune system enhancement when treated with transfer factor.

Current Research with Transfer Factors

Today in the final decade of this century studies involving transfer factors are consistently showing up worldwide. Several including those from the National Academy of Science of the United States of America (15) have focused on the transmission relationship between an HIV type I infected mother and her unborn child. Generally when the mother's viral load is decreased so is the likelihood of HIV-I being transmitted to the baby. This was observed in 1995 from a group of thirty HIV I pregnant women.
Eight of the ten women with the highest levels of HIV-I RNA (above 50 000 copies per milliliter) transmitted the disease at delivery while none of the twenty women with lower levels (below 20 000 HIV-I RNA copies per milliliter) passed HIV-I on to their children.
Dr. H. Hugh Fudenberg M.D. has greatly broadened research and treatment efforts using transfer factors. To date he is the only one to have successfully treated subsets of Alzheimer's Disease Autism Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and subsets of ALS (Louhig’s Disease). Similar work by others points to Myasthenia Gravis and Multiple Sclerosis as having an immunological base which can be altered or reversed through large amounts of transfer factors(6 16 17).
Infected patients who are tracked up to ten years show positive residual effects from transfer factors.(6). A large number of peer-reviewed scientific papers testified to these facts as well as transfer factors consistent track record of partially or completely reversing specific viral infections. Immunological researchers continue to explore new treatment applications for transfer factors(6).

The Medical Community Is Discovering The Benefits

Well recognized organizations such as The Associations of American Physicians American Society for Clinical Investigation and the American Federation for Clinical Research recently published the following in a paper presented at the Biomedicine Conference in early May 1996:
"Antigen specific transfer factor is often shown to be highly effective in viral infections unresponsive to prescription medications; and preliminary studies with AIDS patients and HIV-infected macaques have produced encouraging results (18)."
It is clear that transfer factors have many advantages – most notably is its ability to precisely mirror the immune sufficiency of the donor. Yet there remains the proverbial question of economics. Thus far transfer factors have been extremely expensive to research and produce even in very small quantities. It would take a fully staffed laboratory of MD's PhD's and technicians dedicated exclusively to production of transfer factors to make even a small quantity of usable material. The cost per dose would exclude all but the wealthiest people from receiving transfer factors treatment.
Currently due to the generosity of the French government Dr Dimitri Viza in Paris has produced products that contain transfer factors and distributed it to people in various parts of the world. Yet to secure even a small amount thousands of dollars must be paid in advance. This scenario has greatly limited efforts toward mass production of these products until very recently. Fortunately the problems of mass production and administering proper dosages have been addressed and successfully overcome by Dr's Greg Wilson and Gary Paddock (19-23). Their technology now allows transfer factors to be successfully developed using a non-human source. Through strictly controlled replication techniques the "tailored" transfer factors are mass produced which in turn greatly reduces the cost of raw materials by as much as twenty times. Thanks to this new process dosages that contain transfer factors are in the same price range as high-priced antibiotics.
Immuno-deficient patients no longer need to carry the heavy financial burden of other treatment options (i.e. antiviral cocktails and combo therapies) nor must they endure the toxic side effects and their associated additional costs. Transfer factors in treatment is non toxic and non-addictive regardless of dosage amounts.
In the past there has been concern about properly regulating dosages. Those concerns have likewise been put to rest with recent developments in therapy involving transfer factors. Based on the doctor's assessment a therapeutic or prophylactic regimen is established for the patient which is then easily and routinely monitored via appropriate interval testing (20).

The Future Is Bright

Many physicians and other medical experts are voicing the same conclusions about combating infectious diseases - conventional pharmacology is not winning the war. In fact it is estimated that by the year 2030 currently known drugs will be helpless in fighting bacterial infection (24).
Therein lies the critical importance of transfer factors. By elevating the body's own miraculous immune response to specific antigens patients and doctors alike can potentially reach their mutual goal which is effective treatment of the patient's viral illness and the hope of success.
Today people suffering from common bacterial infections are often administered antibiotics to augment the body's own reservoir of antibodies. The story changes however with serious virus infections such as Epstein-Barr virus cytomegalovirus cryptosporosis Hrpes simplex types 1 and 2 HIV and others. In such cases patients have literally been overwhelmed by invading antigens and have lost much of their body's miraculous ability to fight infection. What is required is an "outside source" that both possesses and can transmit the precise antigen-fighting ability necessary for the recipient to once again fight the viral infection on their own. Transfer factors have been intensely researched and documented since its discovery in 1949 by Dr HS Lawrence. Essentially transfer factors are an immunotherapy which transfers distinct cell-mediated immunity from an immuno-sufficient donor to a deficient recipient. Results of this treatment are consistent and remarkable for viral fungal and parasitic infections alike all without side effects and toxicity (6).

The Human Body - A Marvelous Creation

Experts say that our bodies house one trillion immune cells rendering the capability to recognize and deactivate ten million different antigens (invading viruses bacteria fungi parasites etc.). However each of us can be missing as many as 50 000 specific antigen responses which makes us susceptible to those invaders.
Our immune system features a blend of five components working in harmony to fight infection. These "defenders" include stem cells B-lymphocytes natural killer cells macrophages and in command of the whole process T-lymphocytes. It is through this combination that invading antigens are identified targeted surrounded attacked and destroyed.
Transfer factors are a substance within our immune cells specifically T-lymphocytes that imparts the "blueprints" of individual antigens. These "blueprints" or memories enable T-lymphocytes to immediately recognize an enemy antigen.

1.Stem cells are best regarded as maturing cells that will later develop into one of the other four cell types.

2.Secondly B-lymphocytes are responsible for producing antibodies that will later recognize and attach themselves to a specific invader.

3. Once the invading antigen is marked for destruction by the B-cell antibody the natural killer (NK) cells carry out the antigen's demise.

4. The process is guided by the T-lymphocyte's chemical instructions to the other immune system cells through lymphokines. There are numerous sub-types of T-cells including helper T-cells T-cytotoxic cells and T-suppressor cells. Most notable T-lymphocytes initiate direct and shut down the immune response to a specific antigen.

5. Macrophages can be thought of as "garbage collectors" that rid the body of worn-out cells and other debris. These cells likewise contain subtypes such as monocytes which circulate in the bloodstream looking for foreign material to ingest for disposal. The macrophage cell group also includes granulocytes that carry potent chemicals capable of destroying some microorganisms by spraying them or by ingesting and chemically destroying them.

The body's immune system is so incredibly diverse that this thorough process can be programmed for more that ten million antigens. Equally fascinating every person has a unique highly personalized pool of genetic and acquired immune memories. Once those memories are in place the body immediately "remembers" the specific antigen from previous invasions and takes decisive action. That's why varicella (chicken pox) is a one time illness.
In the event that T-lymphocytes are either out-numbered or do not possess the chemical coding that recognizes an invader cell infection may spreads unabated. The results can be and often are life-threatening.

Five Decades Of Research Bear Results

Nearly five decades of on-going research and testing have led to the discovery of the immune system's workings. While there's more to be learned immunologists have now developed highly potent and chemically "tailored" transfer factors to combat specific antigens (6 19-22). Immune-responsive donors are carefully studied to assure their status as such. Then through a human donor-to-animal-to-human recipient transfer process the antigen-specific immunity is delivered to the deficient patient. Remarkably those recipients are able to precisely emulate the immunity of the donor with significant results.
Until just a few years ago production of transfer factors was limited to very minute quantities. Now through intensive efforts researchers have developed and refined a process which mass produces products with transfer factors successfully (19 21 22). Targeted immunotherapy treatment is now possible for patients suffering from serious infections that were once thought to be untreatable.
In one study lifelong New York residents with presumably no prior antigen contact were given transfer factors of blood leukocytes from Californians who had delayed immune responses to coccidioidin. Rapaport's research showed that successful transfers had occurred in 28 of 35 recipients of transfer factors and results were seen within as little as 24 hours specifically for coccidioidin (4).
This led to an important question: Were transfer factors characteristics of a more random nature or as the Rapaport study showed were they consistently specific to a particular infection? The answer was confirmed through research conducted by Burger et al (5) in the mid 1970’s. Burger's unique study again using blood leukocytes strongly supported the ability of transfer factors to pass along immunities to specific antigens in those receiving treatment. The successful immunity transfer rate was 78% among 169 recipients tested. So instead of a "shot gun" approach where the only hope is to conquer the enemy with one big blast, transfer factors could be used as a sharply focused rifle with the ability to accurately target and "gun down" a particular enemy antigen.
Transfer factors immunotherapy has had its share of skeptics mainly because its exact structure and mechanism have yet to be completely understood. Yet significant results speak for themselves in cases of herpes simplex Epstein-Barr tuberculosis cytomegalovirus HIV and many others. This same phenomenon is reminiscent of the days when penicillin was initially viewed with skepticism. Ten years after its use began no one knew exactly how penicillin worked even though results were unmistakably positive.

Autism is a developmental disease characterized by a spectrum of symptoms ranging from decreased verbal skills and social withdrawal, to repetitive behavior and violent outbursts. Genetic analysis has yielded a few potentially interesting genes; however no clear linkage has been established, note experts. For this reason, it has been suggested that the etiology of autism may involve multiple causes. This, in large part, explains why so many different theories abound.

One such theory is that autism is caused or exacerbated by heavy metal poisoning. Environmentally acquired heavy metals including mercury, either through some causal contact or through vaccination, have been postulated as a major culprit.(Mercury is used as a preservative in some types of vaccinations.) Mercury is thought to be exerting its neurological effect on the brain. There are of course other areas of causation that are also critically important. But autism as a form of mercury poisoning is one area that we need to take seriously.

The standard treatment parents of autistic children commonly use has been to apply medically prescribed chelating agents in an attempt to extricate the mercury.

But the human body has an amazing ability to detoxify itself when given the proper nutrients.“One missing component in the treatment is the utilization of the body’s own detoxification mechanisms,”notes autism/probiotic expert Mark Brudnak, Ph.D., N.D., author of the The Probiotic Solution (Dragondoor Publications, 2003) and developer of probiotics formulas. In several articles in the journal Medical Hypotheses,Dr. Brudnak combines several potential mechanisms associated with autism to construct a theory that explains how the condition could develop and progress, and how probiotics can help.

“Arguably,” he says,“the largest detoxification component of the body—the endogenous enteric bacteria—are an enormous reservoir, which can be constantly and safely replenished.”

Piecing Together the Puzzle of Autism: Linking the Digestive Tract to the Brain

Next, we went to Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory, which has been pioneering many different diagnostic tests that allow us to determine whether the gut flora of autistic children are in balance, and whether the intestinal tract suffers from excess permeability. Could there be a link between an imbalance of gut flora, intestinal permeability, and autism? (By permeability, we mean that the gut is leaky and is allowing undigested chemicals to pass directly through into the bloodstream. Some of these compounds are thought to be toxic and manifest their toxicity as autism symptoms.)

Childhood vaccinations have been implicated in the onset of autism, while diet has been implicated in its subsequent prognosis, Dr. Brudnak points out. A strong gut-brain connection is also apparent, with poor digestive function often appearing as a hallmark of the disorder.

According to the Great Smokies Connection newsletter:

“Dr. Brudnak speculates on the following chain of events. In early childhood, sensitivity to a vaccine, or a reaction to a mycobacterial infection, could disrupt pivotal molecular mechanisms that regulate how specific genes in the body switch ‘on’or ‘off’—what’s known as genetic expression. This may trigger malfunctioning of the immune and gastrointestinal systems, particularly in gut-associated lymphoid tissue,which Dr.Brudnak cites as ‘a major contributor to the pathological manifestations of autism.’

“When this happens, proteins are no longer properly broken down in the digestive tract. Cells in gut tissue die off prematurely, as the gut lining becomes ‘leaky’ and unable to repair itself. Compounds in the diet, like casein and gluten, normally kept at bay, may then permeate into the bloodstream. Their activated by-products, called exorphins, could act directly on the brain to trigger opioid-like effects associated with autistic symptoms.

“‘Such a scenario could explain why restoring healthy gut barrier function in autistic children is a treatment approach that ‘has met with a degree of success,’ Dr. Brudnak observes. Enzyme therapy (which improves the gut’s ability to break down proteins) and probiotics (supplementation with beneficial gut microbes that help repair the intestinal lining) have both produced positive clinical results in autistic children, he points out.

“In most cases symptoms of autism begin in early infancy. However, a subset of children appears to develop normally until a clear deterioration is observed. Many parents of children with ‘regressive’-onset autism have noted their children were given antibiotics immediately prior to the regression and that such use was followed by chronic diarrhea. This leads researchers to speculate that, in a subgroup of children, ‘disruption of indigenous gut flora might promote colonization by one or more neurotoxin-producing bacteria, contributing, at least in part, to their autistic symptomatology.’”

This line of thought stimulated recent research at the Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Rush Children’s Hospital, Rush Medical College, Chicago. To test this hypothesis, researchers took 11 children with regressive-onset autism for an intervention trial using a minimally absorbed oral antibiotic. Short-term improvement was noted using multiple pre- and post-therapy evaluations. “These results indicate that a possible gut flora-brain connection warrants further investigation” as a “meaningful prevention or treatment in a subset of children with autism.”

Now let’s take this even further and look at what happens to the gastrointestinal health of children with chronic gastroneurological-related disorders.

Chronic Immune Reactivity May Damage Intestine

“The challenge that many chronic disorders pose to modern medicine is that they often emerge as an interrelated tapestry of imbalances within the human body, rather than in response to a single, isolated cause,” notes the newsletter, “And autism may be a prime example of this.”

Many children with autism have chronic digestive problems. In fact, gastrointestinal symptoms in autistic children often first appear in conjunction with initial changes in emotion and behavior during the onset of autism, leading researchers to suspect a gut-brain connection.

A recent study reported in the American Journal of Gastroenterology lends strong support to this possible gut-brain link. Researchers performed a colonoscopy on 60 children with autistic spectrum disorders who also had symptoms such as stomach pain, constipation, bloating, and diarrhea. The autistic children had much greater evidence of intestinal lesions than healthy children or non-autistic children with similar digestive problems.

Over 90 percent of autistic children showed clinical evidence of chronic enterocolitis, such as lymphoid nodular hyperplasia, a sixfold greater rate than found in the non-autistic children with inflammatory bowel disease.

“The pathology seems to reflect a subtle new variant of inflammatory bowel disease…” the researchers concluded, a type of “autistic enterocolitis.” Enterocolitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the intestine. Researchers are not sure what could be causing the condition in children with autism, although it usually arises from chronic immune reactivity. In autism, such immune responses might be triggered by substances in the diet (eg., opioid eptides), viral agents (such as measles virus), mercury, or other causes, the researchers speculated.

The opioid peptide theory was first presented to the medical world in 1979. Excess peptides (breakdown products of dietary proteins) act as opioids affecting neurotransmitters within the central nervous system.

In the normal course of events, proteins are digested in stages by enzymes; first to peptides (the intermediate compounds), then to smaller amino acid components, which are absorbed into blood capillaries in the gut mucosa. The larger peptides are generally unable to cross this membrane barrier, but when they do, they can act as opioids affecting neurotransmitters in the brain causing abnormal behaviors and/or activity. This theory suggests a higher percentage of these opioid peptides reach the brain in autistic children.

These incompletely digested peptides—known as exorphins, casomorphins, and gluteomorphins—usually come from milk proteins such as casein or from wheat (gluten) and are structurally similar to morphine. In experimental studies, they have been shown to exert a morphine-like neurological influence. The formation of excess peptides in the gut is possibly associated with sub-optimal enzyme activity or an insufficient supply of enzymes required to breakdown these peptides. This may be genetic in origin, or caused by other factors, such as enzyme inactivity secondary to nutritional deficiency, or by altered gut microflora

So if we repair the imbalance of beneficial bacterial organisms in the gut and the gut lining, we have a chance to help some of our children with autism.

Indeed, a report from a dietician at the Royal Free Hospital, London, and published in the Journal of Family Health Care recently discussed the link between autism and abnormal gut flora “and the use of probiotics and prebiotics in improving the integrity of the gut mucosa.”

“The gut-brain connection is now recognized as a basic tenet of physiology and medicine,” writes Eammonn M. M. Quigley, MD, in a related editorial,“ and examples of gastrointestinal involvement in a variety of neurological diseases are extensive.”

Andrew Wakefield and colleagues have raised the possibility that a subset of children with pervasive developmental disorder (which includes autism), particularly those with a history of developmental regression and chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, have a disregulated immune response to the measles antigen from the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. This has been suggested as a possible precipitating factor associated with intestinal abnormalities.

Did You Know—What is PDD?

Pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) is an umbrella term used to describe a group of disorders, including autistic disorder, which involve delayed development of communication and social-interaction skills and particular behavioral abnormalities. Although both genetic factors and environmental insults have been implicated in the pathogenesis of PDD, the underlying causes remain poorly understood.

Probiotics’ Role

Besides aiding repair of the gut lining and improving digestion,there is both anecdotal and clinical evidence that probiotics can help with detoxification, notes recent report from Clinical Pearls, one of the nation’s premiere nutrition newsletters. “Aerobic organisms have been shown to readily detoxify mercury. . . According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 90% of methylmercury is excreted through bile in the feces. . . .With large numbers of probiotic bacteria, mercury can effectively be driven toward expulsion. The administration of probiotics would prevent any recycling of toxic mercury. Mercury can cause an autoimmune response.”

Obviously,we don’t know all the answers yet, but use of probiotics appears to be a promising lead in helping children with this very difficult-to-treat condition. If your child’s autism is accompanied by gastrointestinal distress, the potential for probiotics to help might be further amplified.

This pivotal role of gut function in physical and emotional health is a central tenet of functional medicine and integrative treatment. Great Smokies Laboratories and others provide a variety of gastrointestinal assessments to help practitioners to detect and treat gut dysfunctions that may underlie or contribute to symptomatology in a diverse range of illnesses, including PDD and autism.

H. Hugh Fudenberg, M.D., NeuroImmunoTherapeutics Research Foundation, Spartanburg, SC Biotherapy 9:143-7 (1996)

40 infantile Autistic patients were studied. They ranged from 6 years to 15 years of age at entry. 22 were classical infantile Autism; 18 lacked one or more clinical defects associated with infantile Autism. Of the 22 with classic Autism, 21 responded by gaining at least 2 points in symptoms severity score average (SSSA); 10 became normal in that they were mainstreamed in school and clinical characteristics were fully normalized. Of the 18 remaining, 4 responded to transfer factors; some to other therapies. After cessation of transfer factors therapy, 5 in the Autistic group and 3 of the pseudo-Autistic group reverted but dropped as low as baseline levels.

Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Integrated Approach

Dr. Bock gave an insightful lecture on autism and the different areas that play a part in its diagnosis and treatment. Autism can occur as a result of various factors: genetics, neuro/immunotoxicologic factors, metals, xenobiotics (like pesticides), abnormal liver function, nutritional deficiency, gastrointestinal abnormalities and a viral infection or auto-immunity. Each of these factors is equally important in the treatment of autism.
The immune system is an important aspect of bringing balance to the body, and specifically, to someone who has autism. Transfer Factors can be very effective because they have been shown to both boost and suppress the immune system. Dr. Bock recently conducted an important study on the use of Transfer Factors with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Autism, Autoimmunity and Immunotherapy: a Commentary by Vijendra K. Singh, Ph.D.

Department of Biology & Biotechnology Center, Utah State University, Logan

Scientific Board Member, Autism Autoimmunity Project


Autoimmune Etiology in Autism

A disease is commonly referred to as "autoimmune" when the etiology and pathogenesis is not well known or established. Autoimmunity is an abnormal immune reaction in which the immune system becomes primed to react against body organs, and the end result is autoimmune disease. Several factors contribute to the pathogenic mechanism of autoimmune diseases. These illnesses are commonly believed to be triggered by infectious agents; further, they are generally linked to genes that control immune responses. They cause immune abnormalities of T lymphocytes (one type of white blood cell); they induce the production of autoantibodies; they involve hormonal factors; and they generally show a gender preference. This is also the case with autism: several autoimmune factors have been identified in patients with autism, suggesting the pathogenetic role of autoimmunity in autism. While some of the key features are listed below, I will focus more on the current research relating to three topics: viral studies; autoimmune testing; and autoimmune therapy. Some generalities regarding the genetics and immunology of autism are below:

_ Autism displays increased frequency of genetic factors for immune responses, e.g., HLA, C4B null allele, extended haplotypes, etc.

_ Autism involves a gender factor, i.e., it affects males about four times more than females.

_ Autism often occurs in conjunction with a family history of autoimmune diseases, e.g., multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.

_ Autism also involves hormonal factors, e.g., secretin, beta-endorphin, etc.

_ Autism shows an association with infectious agents, in particular viruses.

_ Autistic patients have immune abnormalities, especially those that characterize an autoimmune reaction in a disease.

_ Autistic patients respond well to immune therapies.


Viruses have been linked to autism, but this relationship is far from fully explored. Certain viral infections can easily be acquired during fetal life, infancy or early childhood. They can enter the brain through the nasopharyngeal membranes or induce an autoimmune response against the brain, thereby altering the development of brain function. Since autism is an early-onset disorder, usually diagnosed before the age of 30 months, it was suggested that viruses might serve as teratogens (agents that cause developmental malfunctions) contributing to autism.

Recent advances have clearly shown that autoimmunity plays a key role in the pathogenesis of autism. Since the brain is the affected organ in autism, the autoimmune response will be directed against this organ. This response is commonly identified by certain autoimmune factors which I have identified in autistic children. The list includes brain-specific autoantibodies, viral antibodies, cytokine profile or immune activation markers, as well as antinuclear antibodies. Collectively, they are essential for identifying a brain-specific autoimmune response, which can afterward be treated with immune therapy. By performing blood tests we can determine if a patient shows autoimmunity to brain tissues, if he or she is a candidate for experimental immune therapy, and if the response to therapy is effective. Therefore, this type of immune evaluation is very important in helping children with autism

Recent Congressional Testimony on Autism
by Vijendra K. Singh, Ph.D. April 6, 2000

Today, I will be speaking about the autoimmunity aspect of vaccines in autism, a medical condition that has been largely ignored by the medical community and federal government for a very long time and yet the incidence of autism is increasing at an alarming rate.
An estimated one-half of a million Americans, mainly children, and millions more worldwide are known to suffer from autism, a heart-rending disorder that severely impairs higher brain functions: social interaction, communication, language, imagination and cognition. The disorder is a life-long mental disability with devastating consequences for both the patient and his/her family. Thus the financial burden is huge for the families who care for children with autism.
Autism is an idiopathic brain disorder, which simply means that the etiology of the disorder is not known. And there is no single, clear-cut cause for autism. Causally speaking, I tend to think that autism is a complex disorder, in which autoimmunity to brain plays a key role.
Today, in spite of virtually no funding available, autoimmunity is the most extensively investigated topic of research in autism. This is by and large due to the fact that autoimmunity is the prime target of therapy that has proven to be quite effective in ameliorating autistic characteristics. Thus the autoimmunity research, unlike the genetic research, has already significantly improved the health and welfare of individuals with autistic disorder.
I have recently coined a term "Autoimmune Autism (AA)" to refer to a subset of autism that has autoimmune etiology. Moreover, there are scientific reasons to think that this subset may indeed be a result of vaccine injuries to children who display autistic regression.
Autoimmunity is an abnormal reaction immune reaction, in which the immune system becomes primed to react against body organs. It's a mosaic of highly complicated interactions and networking between cells and molecules of the immune system.
The body makes autoantibodies against itself, resulting in damage to tissues and organs. The "autoimmune" response is what happens in autoimmune diseases such as lupus, and my research showed that a similar response my account for the brain abnormalities found in people with autism.
Autoimmune diseases are identified and characterized by many factors. The hallmark is the "organ-specific autoantibodies" that have also been identified in people with autistic disorder. To that end, I have recently summarized laboratory data of approximately 400 cases (autistic and controls) and found that up to 80% of autistic children have autoantibodies to specific brain structures, in particular a brain protein known as myelin basic protein (MBP) of the myelin sheath, a fatty coating that insulates nerve fibers and absolutely essential for higher brain functions.
These autoantibodies are present quite frequently (65-85%) in autistic children, but only rarely (0-5%) in normal children and other disease controls. Accordingly, I postulated that autism involves a specific autoimmune response to MBP -- an immune assault that impairs myelin development in the developing brain, thereby modifying the nerve cell functions of the brain. Ultimately, by way of impaired wiring diagram in the brain, this results into autism.
Autoimmunity is commonly triggered by environmental exposures such as viral infections. Virus serology (or virus antibodies) is an excellent tool for studying virus infections in disease states. However, until recently, such studies had not been performed for autism. Because of my ongoing research, I became interested in examining a virus link with autoimmunity in autism. I recently raised two specific questions:
(1) Do autistic children have a hyperimmune response (or increase of antibodies) for a specific virus?
(2) Is there a relationship between virus antibodies and brain autoantibodies in autism? I conducted a carefully designed study to address these two questions. Succinctly, I made two very important observations: first, there was indeed a hyperimmune response to a virus and it was specifically for the measles virus (MV), but not for the other viruses tested [human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6), rubella virus (RV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV)]; and secondly, there was an association between measles virus antibodies and MBP autoantibodies (i.e., the higher the measles virus antibody level the greater the chance of brain autoantibody).
Few months earlier in the same year (February, 1998), I had already found that many autistic children had antibodies to a specific protein of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine (MMR vaccine preparation). These viral antibodies were also related to positive titers of brain MBP autoantibodies.
This was most probably the first laboratory-based evidence to link measles virus and/or MMR vaccine to autoimmunity in children with autism. Collectively, these observations led me to speculate that autism may be caused by a measles- or MMR vaccine-induced autoimmune response. Unfortunately, due to lack of funding, I have not been able to extend this research and the progress has been hampered.
As I made scientific presentation of my initial findings, a vaccine-autism connection became even more apparent. I compiled a nonscientific, anecdotal survey of vaccine-injured children with "autistic regression" or autistic disorder, as reported by families. Surprisingly, up to 93% of the reported cases had autistic symptoms shortly after vaccinations (52% post-MMR, 33% post-DPT, and 8% post-MMR and/or post-DPT).
The remaining 7% of the reported cases were not linked to any vaccination at all. Indeed, if these numbers are reproducible, the data will lead to inescapable conclusion that these vaccines can potentially cause autoimmunity in autism. Quite candidly, this will not be first time that a vaccine has been linked to a disease or disorder. There is quite a bit of literature linking vaccines to autoimmune diseases.
Furthermore, an epidemiological study just published in JAMA (March 8, 2000) described "extraimmunization" amongst American children and considered it to be a contributing factor for the adverse effects of the vaccines. And I think the vaccines and autism connection is no exception to these adverse effects.
In summary, the rapidly accumulating evidence strongly implicates autoimmunity in autism, which in many may result from a vaccine injury. There is a possibility of an atypical measles infection in autism, but the evidence also suggests a MMR vaccine infection.
Without any reservation, I would strongly recommend that this Congressional Committee reviews all the information in bipartisanship, and explore the possibility that drug companies never properly evaluated the safety of vaccines in the first place. If this indeed were true then it becomes imperative that we as a society must pay an immediate attention to this problem; otherwise, an epidemic of autism is a real good possibility.
There should be no mistaking about it because autism is on a sharp rise and vaccinations, especially the extraimmunization, could potentially explain this rise. The onset of autism (or autistic regression) post-immunization should no longer be regarded as merely a coincidence with the timing of the vaccinations, as our federal health officials continue to do.
We must find new ways to curve adverse effects of vaccines, including autism. Considering a population of 500,000 cases of autism in the United States, the autoimmunity research, but not the genetic research, has already had a great impact on the health and welfare of autistic people. Since brain autoimmunity is found in up to 85% of cases, it can potentially help an estimated 425,000 Americans.
Indeed, many of them are already reaping the benefits of the experimental autoimmune therapy. Thus there is an urgent need to promote autoimmunity research in autism. This recommendation is in contrast to the opinions held by the directors of the federal agencies and major private foundations (Cure Autism Now and National Alliance for Autism Research) who are erroneously committed themselves to fund genetic research only.
Finally, I urge the Government Reform Committee to provide leadership for new solutions to the existing problems surrounding autism research, and request the Committee Members to be visionary and offer new hope to the people with autism -- The essence of life is to care.

FINDINGS IN IMMUNOLOGY

Vijendra K. Singh, Ph.D. : Selected Research on Autism
Research Associate Professor, Utah State University
Dept. of Biology/Biotechnology Center
Scientific Board Member, Autism Autoimmunity Project

Dr. V. K. Singh received his doctorate from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. His post-doctoral fellowship was completed in neurochemistry and neuroimmunology. Spanning over twenty years' experience in neurobiology and immunology research, Dr. Singh studied brain diseases, particularly infantile autism and Alzheimer's disease. Having authored over a hundred scientific publications, he is both a pioneer and an international authority on autoimmunity in autism. Dr. Singh is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences, the American Association of Immunologists, and the New York Academy of Sciences. He is listed in American Men and Women in Science (United States, R. R. Bowker, publisher) and The International Who's Who of Intellectuals (Cambridge, England, International Biographical Centre).

Introductions to the Work of V. K. Singh, Ph.D.

"Neuro-immunopathogenesis in Autism," Vijendra K. Singh, Ph.D., Ch. 6, Clinical Neuroimmune Biology (New Foundation of Biology series, Elsevier Science, 2001).

"Autism, Autoimmunity and Immunotherapy: a Commentary," by Vijendra K. Singh, Ph.D., reprinted from the Autism Autoimmunity Project Newsletter, December 1999, http://lib.tcu.edu/www/staff/lruede/singhfeature.html.

"Autoimmunity and Neurologic Disorders," an interview with V. K. Singh, Ph.D. in Latitudes (newsletter of the Association for Comprehensive NeuroTherapy, http://www.latitudes.org/index.html, vol. 4, no. 2, Spring 1999), by Sheila Rogers, is viewable at http://lib.tcu.edu/www/staff/lrued /latitudes.html.

"Vijendra K. Singh, Ph.D.: Selected Work on Alzheimer's Disease" lists immunological discoveries relating to Alzheimer's disease (http://lib.tcu.edu/www/staff/lruede /alzheimers.html).

V. K. Singh's "Immunotherapy for Brain Diseases and Mental Illnesses" (Progress in Drug Research), vol. 48, 1997, pp. 129-146) is a lengthy scientific article addressing the rationale for immunotherapy in brain diseases and possible applications of specific immunological therapies in Multiple sclerosis; Guillain-Barre syndrome; Rasmussen's encephalitis; Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD); Alzheimer's disease; and Autistic syndrome. The introduction to this article notes the growing comprehension among scientists of the reciprocal relationship between the nervous and immune systems, categorizes the various diseases of the nervous system, and observes that nearly all central nervous system diseases respond to immunotherapy.

Selected Research on Autism

"Serological Detection of Measles Virus in Relation to Autoimmunity in Autism," 102nd General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, May 19-23, 2002, Salt Lake City, Utah, Presentation V-5. Autoimmunity to brain myelin protein (MBP) secondary to a measles infection may cause autistic regression in some children with this neurodevelopmental disorder. ...there is a strong correlation between MMR antibodies and MBP autoantibodies in autism. By using monoclonal antibodies, we characterized that the MMR antibodies are due to the measles subunit, but not due to mumps or rubella subunits, of the polyvalent vaccine. In light of the new evidence presented here, we suggest that the MMR vaccine in some cases of autism might cause autoimmunity and it might do so by bringing on an atypical measles infection that does not produce a typical measles rash but manifests neurological symptoms upon immunization. It is confirmed here (in an additional population) that this antibody is not typically produced during normal immune response to the vaccine.

"Abnormal Measles Serology and Autoimmunity in Autistic Children," Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, vol. 109, no. 1, S232, January 2002 (abstract #702). Immunoblotting analysis in recent work showed the presence of an unusual MMR antibody in 60% (75 of 125) of autistic children, but in none of 92 normal children. By using MMR blots and monoclonal antibodies, we found that the specific increase of MV antibodies or MMR antibodies was related to measles hemagglutinin antigen (MV-HA), but not to the mumps or rubella viral proteins within the MMR vaccine. In addition, over 90% of MMR antibody-positive autistic sera were also positive for MBP autoantibodies, suggesting a causal association between MMR and brain autoimmunity in autism. Stemming from this evidence, we suggest that an "atypical" measles infection in the absence of a rash but with neurological symptoms might be etiologically linked to autoimmunity in
autism.

"Serological Association of Measles Virus and Human Herpesvirus-6 With Brain Autoantibodies in Autism." Clinical Immunology and Immunopathology, vol. 89, number 1, October 1998, pp. 105-8. This study is the first to report an association between virus serology and brain autoantibody in autism; it supports the hypothesis that a virus-induced autoimmune response may play a causal role in autism.

"Positive Titers of Measles and Measles-Mumps-Rubella Antibody Are Related to Myelin Basic Protein Autoantibody in Autism." Abstract of study prepared for the annual meeting of the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) / Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), San Francisco, April 1998. A significant number of autistic children exhibit positive titers of measles and MMR [measles-mumps-rubella] antibody, which in a vast majority of cases is associated with the presence of MBP [myelin basic protein, or brain] autoantibody. A measles- and/or MMR-triggered autoimmune response to myelin may play a pathogenesis role in autism.

“Association of Anti-MBP and Anti-NAFP Antibodies With HHV-6 Antibodies in a Child With Autistic Regression.” Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, vol. 101, no. 1, part 2, S122, January 1998 (in section entitled, “Program and Abstracts of Papers to Be Presented During Scientific Sessions [at the] 54th Annual Meeting, March 13-18, 1998”). Children with autism have been shown to have a high incidence of circulating autoantibodies to myelin basic protein (MBP) and to neuron-axon filament protein (NAFP) compared with healthy controls or controls with other disabilities. Subacute viral infections of the central nervous system have been postulated to play a role in children who develop normally before undergoing autistic regression. In this instance, a healthy boy having a typical case of roseola (HHV-6) at 15 months experienced severe regressions of language and social behavior soon afterward. “The presence of antibodies against MBP and NAFP along with the clinical course and elevated levels of HHV-6 antibodies suggest an autoimmune response to this neurotropic virus[,] resulting in the autistic regression.”

"Circulating Autoantibodies to Neuronal and Glial Filament Proteins in Autism." Pediatric Neurology, vol. 17, number 1, July 1997, pp. 88-90. A significant increase in incidence of anti-NAFP [neuron-axon- filamentprotein] and anti- GFAP was seen in autistic subjects, but not in mentally retarded subjects. Clinically, these autoantibodies may be related to autoimmune pathology in autism.

"Hyperserotoninemia and Serotonin Receptor Antibodies in Children With Autism but Not Mental Retardation." Biological Psychiatry, vol. 41, number 6, March 15, 1997, pp. 753-5.

"Elevated Serotonin Levels in Autism: Association With the Major Histocompatibility Complex." Neuropsychobiology, vol. 34, number 2, 1996, pp. 72-5. Two of the most consistently observed biological findings in autism are increased serotonin levels in the blood and immunological abnormalities (including autoreactivity with tissues of the central nervous system). The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) regulates the immune system, and is associated with autoimmune disorders. In this study, a positive relationship was observed between elevated serotonin levels and the MHC types previously associated with autism.

"Plasma Increase of Interleukin-12 and Interferon-gamma. Pathological Significance in Autism." Journal of Neuroimmunology, vol. 66, numbers 1-2, May 1996, pp. 143-5. Immune factors such as autoimmunity have been implicated in the genesis of autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder. Since autoimmune response involves immune activation, the plasma levels of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), IFN-gamma, interleukin-12 (IL-12), and IL-6 were measured, along with tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1). The levels of IL-12 and IFN-gamma were significantly higher in autistic patients than in controls (the remaining measures were not significantly different). It is suggested that IL-12 and IFN-gamma increases may indicate antigenic stimulation of Th-1 cells pathogenetically linked to autoimmunity in autism.

"Immunogenetic Studies in Autism and Related Disorders." Molecular Chemistry and Neuropathology, vol. 28, numbers 1-3, May-August 1996, pp. 77-81. The major histocompatibiligy complex comprises a number of genes that control the function and regulation of the immune system. One of these, the C4B gene, encodes a product that is involved in eliminating pathogens such as viruses and bacteria from the body. A deficient form of the C4B gene, termed the C4B null allele (no C4B protein produced) was previously seen to have an increased frequency in autism. In this study, this finding was confirmed, and this same condition was detected in related [neurodevelopmental] disorders as well. In addition, two alleles of the DR beta 1 gene also had significantly increased representation in autistic subjects.

"Antibodies to Myelin Basic Protein in Children With Autistic Behavior." Brain, Behavior and Immunity, vol. 7, number 1, March 1993, pp. 97-103. Approximately 58% of the sera of autistic children were found to be positive for anti-MBP [anti-brain antibodies]. This result was significantly different from that of the controls, among whom were children with normal health, idiopathic mental retardation, and Down syndrome. It is possible that anti-MBP antibodies are associated with the development of autistic behavior.

"Possible Association of the Extended MHC Haplotype B44-SC30-DR4 With Autism." Immunogenetics, vol. 36, number 4, 1992, pp. 203-7. The complement C4B null allele appears to be associated with infantile autism. In this study, the incidence of B44-SC30-DR4 was increased by almost six- fold in the autistic subjects as compared with healthy controls. Moreover, the total number of extended haplotypes expressed on chromosomes of autistic subjects was significantly increased as compared with those expressed on chromosomes of healthy subjects. Conclusion: a gene related to, or included in, the extended major histocompatibility complex may be associated with autism.

"Increased Frequency of the Null Allele at the Complement C4b Locus in Autism." Clinical Experiments in Immunology, vol. 83, number 3, March 1991, pp. 438-40. Associations between C4 deficiency and autoimmune disorders have been found over the past several years. In this study, autistic subjects and their mothers had significantly increased phenotypic frequencies of the C4B null allele, compared with controls. The siblings of the autistic subjects also had an increased frequency of the C4B null allele, but this was not significant. The fathers did not display this allele. All family members had normal frequencies of the C4A null allele, all normal C4A and C4B alleles and all BF and C2 alleles.

"Changes of Soluble Interleukin-2, Interleukin-2 Receptor, T8 Antigen, and Interleukin-1 in the Serum of Autistic Children." Clinical Immunology and Immunopathology, vol. 61, number 3, December 1991, pp. 448-455. Findings indirectly indicated that the activation of a subpopulation of T cells occurs in some children with autism, as opposed to healthy children or children with mental retardation (non-Down's syndrome).

"Deficiency of Suppressor-inducer (CD4+CD45RA+) T Cells in Autism." Immunological Investigations, vol. 19, number 3, June 1990, pp. 245-51. Autistic subjects as compared to a group of 35 healthy age-matched subjects had a significantly reduced number of lymphocytes, a decreased number of CD2+ T cells and reduced numbers of CD4+ and CD4+CD45RA+ lymphocytes. Results suggest that an alteration in the suppressor-inducer T-cell subset is associated with autism.

"CD4+ Helper T Cell Depression in Autism." Immunology Letters, vol. 25, number 4, September 1990, pp. 341-5. Autistic subjects had a significantly lower percentage and number of CD4+ cells, a lower number of T cells (CD2+ cells) and B cells (CD20+ cells), and a lower percentage and number of total lymphocytes than siblings and normal subjects. The level of blood values for female subjects appeared lower than those for males as compared to normal subjects of the same sex. Results suggest that a decrease in CD4+ cells is associated with autism.

Biotherapy. 1996;9(1-3):41-7.
Preliminary observations using HIV-specific Transfer Factors in AIDS.

Twenty five HIV-1-infected patients, at various stages (CDC II, III and IV) were treated orally with HIV-1-specific transfer factors for periods varying from 60 to 1870 days. All patients were receiving antiviral treatments in association with transfer factors. The number of lymphocytes, CD4 and CD8 subsets were followed and showed no statistically significant variations. In 11/25 patients the number of lymphocytes increased, whilst in 11/25 decreased; similarly an increase of the CD4 lymphocytes was observed in 11/25 patients and of the CD8 lymphocytes in 15/25. Clinical improvement or a stabilized clinical condition was noticed in 20/25 patients, whilst a deterioration was seen in 5/25. In 12/14 anergic patients, daily transfer factors administration restored delayed type hypersensitivity to recall antigens within 60 days. These preliminary observations suggest that oral HIV-specific transfer factors administration, in association with antiviral drugs, is well tolerated and seems beneficial to AIDS patients, thus warranting further investigation.

PMID: 8993756 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Rare Hybrid Cell Key to Regulating the Immune System

(Oct. 11, 2010) — A cell small in number but powerful in its ability to switch the immune system on or off is a unique hybrid of two well-known immune cell types, Medical College of Georgia researchers report.

"This is actually the first cell we know of that has this type of appearance in nature," Dr. Andrew Mellor, molecular geneticist and immunologist who co-directs MCG's Immunotherapy Discovery Institute, said of the cell that looks like a dendritic cell and a B cell but isn't really either.

The discovery of this rare hybrid could have implications for the efficacy of new therapies that manipulate these two cell types to treat diseases such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.

When MCG scientists first reported the human equivalent of this cell in Science in 2002, they called it a subset of the dendritic cell that clusters in high exposure areas such as the gut but also roams the body, looking for invaders like a virus or cancer. Dendritic cells show their find to T cells, telling them to ignore or attack by bringing trash-eating macrophages, natural killer cells and the like into the fight.

What seemed most unique about the subset is its ability to express indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase, or IDO, to turn off T cells. IDO is an enzyme used by fetuses and tumors alike to escape the immune response.

The new studies show that is only part of the cells' distinctiveness. The cells also have the identifying markings of B cells, known for their ability to make antibodies against invaders. In fact, they found the IDO-presenting cells came from the same precursor cell as B cells. But, when the scientists looked at mice missing B cells, they still found the IDO-producing cells. Hence, the cell didn't need to produce antibodies to turn off T cells.

In reality, IDO-expressing cells have properties of both cells, said Burles A. Johnson III, an MCG M.D.-Ph.D. student and first author of the paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. "It looks like a B cell and it's not. It looks like a dendritic cell and it is and it isn't," Johnson said.

While their studies are in mice, the cells also are in humans, showing up in some unfortunate places such as the drainage system for tumors, melanoma or even HIV where they likely help the diseases survive.

They also may be showing up in new dendritic cell therapies designed to strengthen the immune response to cancer. If the therapies happen to include some IDO-expressing cells, those could end up helping the cancer, said Mellor, the paper's corresponding author. "All you need is a few of these cells in your dendritic cell vaccine and you don't get stimulation any more, you get suppression," Mellor said.

Their confusing face could also cause hybrids to be lost in B cell-depleting therapies designed to lessen the immune system's attack on joints in rheumatoid arthritis. "These therapies may also deplete IDO-expressing cells and decrease therapy effectiveness because you are eliminating cells that are there to help you," Johnson said.

"This gives us new insight into why these therapies might not be working as well as we think they might," Mellor added. Long-term goals include figuring out how to manipulate the hybrid's activity to benefit patients.

The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Germany-based pharmaceutical company Boehringer-Ingelheim. Mellor is a Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar in Molecular Immunogenetics.

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Size: 90 capsules (100 mg per capsule)
Item #: BS1025
Ingredients: Active cytokines from bovine colostral derived fraction and microcrystalline cellulose.
Use: To be taken between meals with the beverage of your choice:
For preventative health maintenance take 2 capsules per day.
For chronic conditions take 2 capsules every 12 hours.
For acute conditions take 2 capsules every 8 hours.
No known side effects; non-toxic.