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The Lymphatic System Homotoxicological Approach IAH AC The Lymphatic System © IAH 2007 Modern research continues to confirm that the lymphatic system is of a major importance in body defense and immunity. The lymph nodes, along the lymphatic drainage system, are an important component of the immune system. In homotoxicology, the lymphatic system is also very important because of its role in transporting homotoxins from the extra-cellular environment (interstitial spaces) to the bloodstream, and from there to detoxifying organs like the liver and the kidneys. In the past several decades, research, especially in the field of cancer and immunology, has greatly increased our understanding about the role of the lymphatic system with its complex network of lymph organs within the immune competent system. For example, formerly tonsils and appendix were simply removed with the presentation of the slightest clinical signs and symptoms. More recently, their surgical removal is considered only as the last choice when all other therapeutic attempts to conserve them have been made. In biological medicine, and rightly so, the lymphatic system is of a major importance and a great number of specific medications have been developed to influence, modulate and improve its physiological functions. 1 © IAH 2007 2 The cardio-vascular system is the main “system of transport” of body fluids and with whatever other constituents may be present. The central pumping action of the heart provides the pressure necessary to force the blood through the peripheral vascular system. The arterio-venous junctions (capillaries), represent the site of exchange between the bloodstream and the extra-cellular compartment. Thus the extra-cellular space receives products from both the bloodstream, that are directed to the cell, and from the tissue cells, designated to enter either the bloodstream or the lymphatic drainage system. Although at first glance this bidirectional exchange and transport seems very complete, in reality it happens that numerous substances are not transported away from this extra-cellular site. Thus, we could state that the “introduction” of substances into the ECM is accomplished, but the “elimination” may not be complete accomplished. The lymphatic drainage comes in as an aid or as a parallel transport to the venous system. E.g. fats and fat soluble homotoxins cannot be transported across into the venous system, which is therefore done by lymphatics. The lymphatic system extends all over the body, much like the circulatory system, originating as a fine lymphatic capillary network within the interstitial spaces, and periodically presenting lymph nodes along its course as a filtration system. Lymph nodes are particularly concentrated in certain regions of the body, such as the flexion surfaces of major joints and neck. Important is that every drop of interstitial liquid taken up by a lymphatic capillary, at any site of the body, will pass through at least on lymph node station before it ends up in the bloodstream. Lymph originates from blood plasma that has leaked out of the blood capillaries into the interstitial spaces and becomes part of the interstitial fluid. Excess fluid (that was not reabsorbed back into the blood capillaries) will eventually diffuses into the lymphatic capillaries, and once inside this lymphatics it becomes known as “lymph” (similar in composition to the interstitial fluid). As the lymph is transported through the lymphatic system, it becomes processed by the lymph nodes and progressively enters larger lymphatic vessels to reach: -The right lymphatic duct (for lymph from the right upper body) -The thoracic duct (for the lymph of the rest of the body) These ducts then drain into the circulators system through the right and left suclavian veins 2 © IAH 2007 3 Lymph capillaries and blood capillaries have some substantial differences in structure and function. Lymph capillaries are thin-walled vessels located all over the body (except in the central nervous system) and their function is essentially to drain excess interstitial fluids (between cells) that is then directed along lymphatics of increasing calibre and filtered through the lymph nodes before being released into the venous circulation at the level of the subclavian veins. They originate in the extra-cellular space as “finger”-like dead end structures with single layered endothelium that is highly open to the passage of interstitial fluids and all of their content such as cellular by-products of metabolism, toxins, macromolecules (e.g. proteins) and even larger elements such as bacteria. The structure is such that the flow is mono-directional, towards the inside of the vessel and not vice versa. 3 The lymphatic system originates in the ECM © IAH 2007 4 Blood capillaries are also very thin-walled being lined by a single layer of endothelial cells, but act as “semi-permeable” membranes that allow a controlled diffusion of certain substances in and out of the capillary lumen. E.g. oxygen and water diffuse out into the interstitial spaces, and carbon dioxide into the capillaries. The endothelial lining also allows the passage of nutritients and other substances by active transport. Another mechanism of transport for macromolecules in and out of the capillaries is endocytosis and exocytosis respectively. The lymphatic and blood capillary systems should be seen as complementary for their location and physiological functions. This is very important to keep in mind because their role for both in maintaining an efficient drainage system for the matrix, potentially the most fundamental pathogenic cause of disease. As an example of an acute condition that precipitates a lymphatic problem in post surgical lymphedema. 4 © IAH 2007 5 Lymph vessels, contrary to the blood vessels that transport blood under cardiac pressure, carry lymph fluid passively assisted by a system of valve structures (similar to those in veins) that prevent reflux and favour a mono-directional flow of the fluids towards the heart. 5 Secondary circulatory system • no central pump like the circulatory system • the lymph moves slowly and under low pressure due to • peristalsis • respiration and valves in the lymph veins • and the pressing action of skeletal muscles • in rest very little amount (few litres a day) are transported to the bloodstream • heart moves more than 7000 litres a day, lymph system moves variable between 2 and 20 litres a day (rest >< activity). © IAH 2007 6 This secondary circulatory system has some peculiarities that differentiates it from the venous system and the circulatory system in general. The circulatory system in an adult will transport about 7000 litres of blood a day. This is due to a 80ml pump pulsing about 60 times a minute. The lymphatic system has no pump and therefore the volume of lymph liquid transport is very low compared to the volume of blood rushing through the heart. At rest the lymph volume at the level of the ductus thoracicus is not even 2 litres a day. During an infection or increased activity this could increase up till 16 or even 20 litres a day and this for a long periods of time. The mechanics behind the movement of lymph within the lymphatic vessels is principally due to 3 facts: 1. Lymph vessel compartments will contract and relax alternatively pushing the lymph to the next compartment and avoiding reflux from the uni-directional valves mentioned before. 2. The body could be seen as divided into 2 compartments by the diaphragm. During respiratory movements the pressure above and below the diaphragm changes. Inspiration gives an negative pressure above the diaphragm ‘pulling the lymph up’ and an positive pressure below the diaphragm thus forcing the lymph in the lower part forward, that is towards the heart. Again the valves avoid reflux at various levels. 3. The main movement of the lymph in the lymphatic vessels is caused by muscular tension/contraction (body movement). Contraction of a muscle will on the lymphatic vessels in the muscle area and push the lymph to the next compartment. Muscle relaxation will aspirate the lymph from an earlier position to a further position along the vessel. This is the main reasons why simply body movements (e.g. walking) is healthy as it improves lymph transport and with this obviously the drainage of fluids and its contents in the extra-cellular environment. 6 The lymph gland © IAH 2007 7 Moving from compartment to compartment within the lymphatic vessels the lymph liquid ends up in the first lymph gland during its way to the blood stream. Although lymph glands may vary in size most glands have the shape and size of a bean. Lymph glands have many afferent vessels and mostly only one efferent vessel that becomes an afferent vessel for the next lymph gland. In the lymph gland 2 main actions are undertaken: the lymph is controlled for impurities like bacteria or other antigens (and elimination activities are enhanced) and the cloning of lymphocytes. Although most of the lymph will pass through the gland on ist way to the next gland, in part “purified” of some substances, some lymph will be directed to the blood stream within the lymph node itself. The lymph gland has, as every other tissue in the body, an arterial and venous presence regulating the cell support and drainage for the gland itself. At this level exchanges between lymph and blood stream also occurs. 7 Drain areas © IAH 2007 8 Lymphatic drainage is organized into two separate and very unequal drainage areas. These are the right and left drainage areas and normally lymph does not drain across the invisible lines that separate these areas. Structures within each area carry lymph to its destination, which is to return to the circulatory system. The right drainage area removes lymph from the: - Right side of the head and neck - Right arm - Upper right quadrant of the body. Lymph from this area flows into the right lymphatic duct. This duct returns the lymph to the circulatory system by draining into the right subclavian vein. The left drainage area removes lymph from the rest of the body: - Left side of the head and neck - Left arm and the left upper quadrant - Lower extremities - Both legs 8 The lymphatic system • lymphoid organs • lymph nodes • lymph ducts • lymph tissues • lymph capillaries • lymph vessels • producing and transporting lymph fluid from tissues to the circulatory system • major component of the immune system © IAH 2007 9 The whole lymphatic system is a complex network of many structures: lymphoid organs, tissues, vessels and ducts. Lymphatic capillaries, vessels and ducts only have the function of transportation. Lymphoid organs, nodes and tissues are responsible for processing the lymph and eventually setup reactive mechanisms on its content. Immunological functions can be successful or fail, based on the integrity of the lymphatic system. stands or falls with an accurate lymph system. Reason enough to study some of the organs of the lymphatic system a little bit closer. 9 The immune competent organs and tissues of the lymphatic system The defense part of the lymphatic circulation system is spread over various organs: • The thymus • The lymph nodes • The spleen • The MALT • Waldeyer’s tonsillar ring © IAH 2007 10 T-lymphocytes generate in the bone marrow but ripe in the thymus. They will spent most of their active time in the rest of the lymphatic system. Although not really lymphatic tissue the thymus plays a major role in the efficacy of the lymphatic system as the main actors of this system ripe and remain there until getting active for defense purposes. The lymph nodes are small defense centres located along lymph’s pathway from the cellular environment to the blood stream. Lymph glands are responsible for storage of lymphocytes, cloning of immune-competent lymphocytes and filtering the lymph liquid. The spleen is mainly known as a blood filtering organ, taking away old red blood cells out of the blood stream. But the spleen also has a secondary lymphoid function producing lymphocytes, monocytes and antibodies. The mucosal associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) is a non-encapsulated lymphoid tissue at the level of the gut (GALT) and the bronchial/tracheal (BALT) mucosa. It is the first barrier of defense in contact with antigens. The MALT will be further in this course explained in greater detail. Waldeyer’s tonsillar ring include: 1. Adenoids (pharyngeal tonsils) 2. Palatine tonsils (commonly termed “tonsils”) 3. Lingual tonsils (on the poster region of the tongue) 10 Functions • removal of excess fluids from body tissues • absorption of fatty acids and their subsequent transport to the circulatory system • Transport of homotoxins from the extra-cellular space or matrix (ECM) to the bloodstream • Filtering of the lymph liquid • production of immune-competent cells (such as lymphocytes, monocytes, and antibody producing cells) © IAH 2007 11 Not all liquid that diffuses from the arterial system into the interstitial spaces is reabsorbed by the venous system. The excess interstitial liquid is transported by the lymph system. If this is not the case, lymphedema soon develops. Fatty acids can not be taken up by the venous system and need another transport pathway accomplished by the lymphatic system that by virtue of its valve closing ‘nipple-like’ ends is able to take up larger complex structures than the venous system. The same holds true for fat soluble homotoxins as they are imbedded into lipid molecules and are not taken up and transported by the venous system. Antigens in the lymph liquid are immediately attacked by defense cells when they arrive within the lymph nodes. In these lymph glands there is a huge concentration of immune-competent cells ready to destroy antigens and /or initiate the process of antibody formation, especially against micro-organisms like bacteria. The lymph system takes care of the maturation of immune competent lymphocytes. Cloning of T-cells takes place at the level of the lymph glands. 11 Mucosa Associated Lymphoid Tissue MALT • NON encapsulated lymphoid tissue • Minor components of MALT • nose-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) • and vulvovaginal-associated lymphoid tissue (VALT) • skin associated lymphoid tissue (SALT) is not mucosal but has the same characteristics of the MALT • Two major components of MALT: • BALT (Bronchial Associated Lymphoid Tissue) • GALT (Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue) © IAH 2007 12 In addition to the encapsulated lymphatic glands (and organs) there are also noncapsulated lymphoid tissues mainly located at the level of the mucosa in the body. This is logical as they are the places where antigens mainly will make the first contact with the organism and thus the direct reaction of the immune system is mandatory. This Mucosal Associated Lymphoid Tissue, abbreviated MALT, is very diverse and occurs where any mucosal layer is present in the body. Without minimizing the minor components of the MALT, it is essentially made up by the gut and bronchi associated parts. That is why we talk about BALT and GALT. As stated before, their main task is to alert the body defense for antigens trying to get through the mucosal barrier to enter the organism. Thus, mucosa is much more than just a physical barrier. It also takes part in the triggering of defense when antigens try to enter the body. 12 GALT • Peyer’s patches • Appendix © IAH 2007 13 Pathogenic micro-organisms and other antigens entering the intestinal tract encounter macrophages, dendritic cells, B-lymphocytes, and T-lymphocytes found in Peyer's patches and other gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Peyer's patches are specialized cells which sample antigen directly from the lumen and deliver it to antigen-presenting-cells (APCs) located in a unique pocket-like structure on their baso-lateral side. B-cells and memory cells are stimulated upon encountering antigen in Peyer's patches. These cells then pass to the mesenteric lymph nodes where the immune response is amplified. Activated lymphocytes pass into the blood stream via the thoracic duct and travel to the gut where they carry out their final effector functions. Also the appendix shows to be mainly lymphoid tissue and we can even state that the only known function of the appendix is a lymphatic one. We could call the appendix the ‘belly tonsil’ or even ‘intestinal tonsil’. 13 The ECM • Also called: • Basic • Bio • Regulation • System • BBRS (Lamers, Van Wijk & Linnemans) © IAH 2007 14 Just like the venous system, the functional origin of the lymphatic system is the extra-cellular space. In the extra-cellular matrix, bathing in the interstitial liquid, all kinds of substances need to be transported away to avoid cellular intoxication. Many systems interact at the level of the ECM with all kinds of mediators that often have to be eliminated aftertheir use as well (e.g. hormones). The arterial system provides to the ECM not only valuable substances but also homotoxins as well. The Netherlands' researchers and authors; Lamers, Van Wijk and Linnemans had already described in the 1970-ies already the extra-cellular matrix as a basic bio-regulation system (BBRS) referring to the interactions of the different systems present, as reciprocal interactions regulating the organism to homeostasis. This of course can only be if no disturbing factors like homotoxins are present. Homotoxins can block mediator-transmissions, enzymatic processes not generating highly needed substances, cellular hypoxia, etc… We may state that the main drainage of the ECM or BBRS is accomplished by the lymphatic system and that this system in any form of biological medicine is of a vital importance. That also is the reason why the 3 pillars of antihomotoxic treatments start with drainage, more specific by draining and thus enhancing the lymphatic functions. A crucial factor for a successful therapy. 14 The Immunological Bystander Reaction (Heine) Antihomotoxic preparation The D refers to different potentizations of substances. D4 - D8 is a selection from a range of D1 - D14 oral s. c. nasal i. v. aerosol i. m. Absorption Macrophage Processing Mediators which activate ground regulation Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Differentiation of the T-cells into regulating Th3 with motif Motif formation (5-15 amino acids) Homing Similarity recognition (Simile principle) regulatory lymphocytes (Th3) e.g. inflamed joint T-cell (prolymphocyte) Immunoglobulinproducing B lymphocytes Lymph node Organotropism Histotropism TGF-β IL-4 IL-10 Suppresion of the matching Th1, Th2 Inflammation-promoting lymphocytes (Th1, Th2) Clone formation in lymph nodes © IAH 2007 15 One of the immunomodulating effects of inflammation regulating drugs in antihomotoxic medicine is due to an immunological bystander reaction following the intake of low concentrations of organic components. The whole cascade of the immunological bystander reaction has already been explained in the reference lecture IAH AC Immunomodulation. 15 The Immunological Bystander Reaction (Heine) Antihomotoxic preparation The D refers to different potentizations of substances. D4 - D8 is a selection from a range of D1 - D14 oral s. c. nasal i. v. aerosol i. m. Absorption Macrophage Processing Mediators which activate ground regulation Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) Differentiation of the T-cells into regulating Th3 with motif Motif formation (5-15 amino acids) Homing Similarity recognition (Simile principle) regulatory lymphocytes (Th3) e.g. inflamed joint T-cell (prolymphocyte) Immunoglobulinproducing B lymphocytes Lymph node Organotropism Histotropism TGF-β IL-4 IL-10 Suppresion of the matching Th1, Th2 Inflammation-promoting lymphocytes (Th1, Th2) Clone formation in lymph nodes © IAH 2007 16 The reason why the immunological bystander reaction appears again in this lecture is due to the involvement of the lymphatic system for the success of the reaction. Initiated Treg cells (TH-3 CD4+ lymphocytes) are cloned as an identical army of immune-competent Treg cells. This main task is done in the lymph glands and the transport of the initial Treg cells (after contact with the antigenpresenting-cell) goes over the lymphatic system. In antihomotoxic therapy, enhancing the lymphatic system in inflammatory processes is common strategy. A medication triggering an immunological bystander reaction will be boosted through a lymph-system enhancing medication as we dear to postulate that initiated Treg cells will be more quickly cloned. 16 Lymphatic diseases • Acute lymphangitis • Lymphadenitis • Tonsillitis • Lymphedema © IAH 2007 17 Acute lymphangitis is an inflammatory process of one or more regions of lymphatic vessels. Bacteria frequently reach the lymphatic vessels from a scratch or wound. Often, a superficial streptococcal infection from the skin and/or the tissues just beneath the skin may easily spreads to the lymphatic vessels. Occasionally, staphylococci or other bacteria may also be the cause. Lymphadenitis is an inflammatatory process of one or more lymph nodes or lymph node stations. Lymphadenitis is almost always caused by an infection, which may be due to bacteria, viruses, protozoa or fungi. Typically, the infection spreads to a lymph node from a variety of sources: skin, ear, nose, tooth/gingiva or eye infection, or spreads from such conditions as infectious mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus infection, streptococcal infection, tuberculosis, or syphyllis. The infection may spread and involve many lymph nodes or remain limited to only those in one area of the body. Tonsillitis is the inflammatory process of the tonsils. It is mostly due to an infection by bacteria or viruses. Tonsillitis is the most common form of lymphadenitis. Lymphedema is the accumulation of lymph liquid causing a swelling. lymphedema results when any condition or abnormality prevents lymph from being reabsorbed into the venous capillaries and/or from being adequately drained by the lymphatic capillaries and vessels as it normally is. As a result, the excess lymphatic fluid cannot be adequately drained from the tissues and Lymphedema results. 17 Lymph pathology: lymphedema The lymphedema stages (1) • Stage 1: latent and reversible • Stage 2: hard and stiff, in the long term irreversible • Stage 3: irreversible (1) Compendium of Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage by R. Kasseroller. Karl F. Haug Verlag 1998 © IAH 2007 18 In stage 1 lymphedema The swelling consists essentially of protein-rich fluid and that can be greatly improved with early treatment. The tissues are soft to the touch, and pressure leaves an indentation that is known as “pitting oedema”. The swelling may be temporarily reduced by simply elevation of the limb; however unless this is treated, the swelling quickly returns. In stage 2 lymphedema: Also known as moderate lymphedema, swelling and fibrosis are both present and the tissue is no longer soft to the touch. At this stage the tissues feel firm, even hard, and pressure leaves only a light indentation. These changes increase the risk of more swelling, tissue infections, and skin problems. In stage 3 lymphedema: Also known severe lymphedema, the swelling and tissue fibrosis cause the skin to harden and lose its normal elasticity. These changes create folds of tissue that limit mobility and are disfiguring. The creases within the folds predispose the formation of fungal infections and open wounds that are difficult to heal. 18 Healthy situation VTT <1 LMV Formation of oedema VTT >1 LMV © IAH 2007 19 We can also describe the status of lymphedema mathematically. If we define the volume that needs to be transported as Volume To Transport (VTT) and the amount of lymph transported to the bloodstream at the moment as Lymph Minute Volume (LMV) we can state that if the quotient of both is smaller than 1, the situation remains healthy. If the outcome is above 1, oedema will appear. Important in this is that the lymph system is variable in amount of lymph transported to the bloodstream. 19 The conventional approach to lymphatic pathology • Diuretics • Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT) • Additional • NSAIDs • Antibiotics © IAH 2007 20 Lymphedema (e.g. in upper limb lymphoedema post mastectomy) may be very difficult to treat and in practice often bandages and physiotherapy, prescribed to inhibit or prevent the oedema formation. Diuretics: Although they seem to be effective at first ”water pills” should be avoided in homotoxicological treatments of lymphedema. The reason is that proteins and/or toxins are best transported in water and eliminating water out of the extra-cellular environment means that the concentration of homotoxins will increase. This is not a causal therapy as the main reason for oedema formation or lymphatic stagnation is due to an inefficient or compromised lymphatic system. To induce a decrease of water in the interstitial spaces means that there will be an increased concentration of the rest of the products that need to be transported away. It could be compared with the pumping of the water out of a river. The consequence will be that the boats on it will strand and the transport stops! Exactly the opposite of what a good homotoxicological treatment requires. Thus with the use of diuretics, the states of intoxication increases. Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT): is an original hands-on method of lymphatic drainage developed by Bruno Chikly, MD, of France. Created out of his award-winning research on the lymphatic system, LDT takes traditional lymph drainage techniques and adds a level of precision consistent with recent scientific discoveries. Using exacting anatomical science and distinctive manual processes, LDT enables practitioners to detect the specific rhythm, direction, depth and quality of the lymph flow anywhere in the body. From there they can use their hands to perform Manual Lymphatic Mapping (MLM) of the vessels to assess overall circulation and determine the best alternate pathways for draining body-fluid stagnations. Therapists work with flat hands, using all the fingers to simulate gentle, specific wave-like movements. These subtle manual maneuvers activate lymph and interstitial fluid circulation as well as stimulate the functioning of the immune and parasympathetic nervous systems. In severe irreversible lymphedema, due to the intoxication status, inflammations and even infections in bad wound healing appear (e.g. in diabetes type II). That is why additional NSAIDs and antibiotics might appear in the conventional treatment protocols. 20 Scientific research on antihomotoxic lymphpathology treatment © IAH 2007 The importance of the lymphatic system in homotoxicology is enormous. The lymphatic system is seen as the main transport system of homotoxins from the cellular environment to the detoxifying organs of the body. Beyond that, the lymphatic system reacts with competent defense mechanisms against any antigen that might occur in the lymph liquid passing through the lymphatic stations. Modern research has been able to demonstrate the cellular protective effects of a lymph draining preparation like Lymphomyosot. 21 Therapeutic Use of Lymphomyosot – Results of a Multicentre Use Observation Study on 3512 patients Zenner, S. et al: Biological Therapy, Volume VIII, No 3, 1990 © IAH 2007 22 Drug Monitoring Lymphomyosot Multicentric study of Dr. Zenner and Dr. Metelmann • in total 3512 patients • 264 co-operating evaluating practitioners • all age groups • various lenghts of complaints • various lymphpathologies with the emphasis on lymphedema • various forms of administration • diverse therapy duration • with or without accompanying therapeutic measures • high quote in successful treatment © IAH 2007 23 In this observational study patients with lymph pathology were treated with Lymphomyosot. The pathologies were very diverse: lymphatism, lymphedema, lymphadenitis, tonsillitis, tonsil hypertrophy and even lowered resistance. Drops, ampules or a combination of both was used. Overall this study showed in practice that lymph pathologies can be treated with good therapeutic results with Lymphomyosot. Even in inflammatory conditions* in 2135 patients, remarkable results were seen. * Lymhomyosot is mainly used for lymphedema and tonsillitis. Its use of it in antihomotoxic treatment of inflammations is due to ist matrix cleansing effect. Lower concentrations of homotoxins at the level of the matrix triggers less inflammatory reactions. 23 Possibilities for a Lymph Therapy with Diabetic Polyneuropathy Matrix Therapy with Type II Diabetes – A Practice-based Study, Dietz, A.: English translation from Biologische Medizin, Vol 29, No 1, 2000, pp 4-9 Reckeweg Award 1999 © IAH 2007 24 Diabetic polyneuropathy • Impaired sensitivity and motility due to damaged peripheral nerves because of the metabolic disorder usually starting at the lower extremities • Germany: 5% of the population are NIDDM patients For 7 out of 1000 NIDDM patients an amputation becomes inevitable • Current therapy: Usually infusions with alpha lipoic acid • Preventional measures: • Strict control of blood sugar • Vitamin B • Special shoes • High hygienic standard © IAH 2007 25 The prevalence of diabetes type II in Europe and North America is increasing every year. One of the main complications of diabetes is polyneuropathy. Nerve dysfunction and even nerve death is induced over different pathways. To high sugar levels in the blood stream, formation of AGE, oxidative stress, polyol pathway, all ending up damaging vessel walls, capillaries destruction and cell nutrition compromising. Chronically a situation of cell hypoxia appears, the patient has pain and there is impaired sensitivity and motility due to damaged nerves. Polyneuropathy starts as far away from the heart as possible (pump function draining effect the lowest) which means in the lower extremities, more specifically the toes and feet. In Germany about 5% of the population are non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). In 7 out of thousand of these patients an amputation becomes inevitable during their lifetime. A standard therapy does not really exist, but the use of alpha lipoic acid (antioxidant) in infusions is a common additional therapy in Germany, beside all kinds of measures taken to increase the hygiene (special shoes with soft inside, feet protection,…). 25 Study design Patient population: population: 90 patients with NIDDM history of ≥ 5 years, which showed symptoms of polyneuropathy Treatment: Over 8 months the patients received in addition to their regular diabetes medication: Group 1 (50 patients) Group 2 (10 patients) Group 3 (30 patients) 15 drops of Lymphomyosot 2x daily 15 drops of Lymphomyosot 2x daily 10 infusions of 600 mg each alpha-lipoic acid 10 infusions of 600 mg each alpha-lipoic acid Evaluation: z Sonography to measure lymphatic oedema z Angiography to measure blood vessel defects z Sensitivity test (0/8 = minimum; 8/8 = maximum sensitivity) z Pain z HbA1c measurement © IAH 2007 26 In this study 90 patients with a diabetes history of 5 or more years were followed over 8 months, divided in 3 groups. The first group only got Lymphomyosot in addition to the already existing conventional therapy. The second group was administered Lymphomyosot and alpha lipoic acid in addition to their conventional medication and the 3rd group only received alpha lipoic acid in addition. Objective parameters were used to evaluate the evolution of the patients. Sonography gives a precise evaluation of the volume of the edema. Angiography gives an objective evaluation of the amount of capillaries destroyed by the disease. The sensitivity test is a semi-objective method to measure the sensitivity at the level of the skin. A subjective measurement of the pain was done over a pain scale. The AGE/ HbA1 was measured. The doses of Lymphomyosot was 2 times a day 15 drops, 8 months duration (as a continuess therapy without therapy breaks). 26 Results • Lymphomyosot reduces oedema • Lymphomyosot is superior to α-lipoic acid in improving sensitivity • Lymphomyosot plus α-lipoic acid results in max. improvement of sensitivity • Lymphomyosot reduces pain (pain-free: 75% of groups I and II) • Oedema are detectable prior to vascular lesions during the early stage of polyneuropathy © IAH 2007 27 After a 8-months treatment with Lymphomyosot remarkable results were seen in the groups that got Lymphomyosot in addition to conventional treatment versus the group that only received conventional treatment (control group 3). With sonography was clear that Lymphomyosot reduces oedema. There was less oedema in the Lymphomyosot groups than in the non Lymphomyosot group. Lymphomyosot showed to be better than alpha-lipoic acid in improving sensitivity and even in combination therapy (Lymphomyosot + alpha lipoic acid) the improvement showed maximal results in the sensitivity test. 3 out of 4 patients that received Lymphomyosot were absolutely free of pain after 8 months. Thanks to Lymphomyosot the detection of vascular lesions-related oedema seemed to be detectable earlier. 27 Basic Research Improvement of Toxin Induced Liver Impairment by Lymphomyosot N Lead neutralising effect in a hepatic in vitro model Prof. Rolf Gebhardt, Department of Biochemistry; University of Leipzig, Germany; preliminary results, unpublished © IAH 2007 In order to evaluate the detoxifying capacity of Lymphomyosot N, ist effect on lead exposed hepatocytes was determined by means of a specifically developed in vitro model. The experiments were performed by Prof. Gebhardt at the Department of Biochemistry of the University of Leipzig and are still unpublished. Hepatocytes were cultured on the surface of an enriched extracellular matrix (ECM). Via diffusion through the ECM, cells were exposed to lead ions and tested for viability after several periods of time. Lymphomyosot N was added to the hepatocytes during or after lead acetate exposure. What about the results? 28 Results Basic Research Improvement of Toxin Induced Liver Impairment • Lymphomyosot® N shows a pronounced protective effect on hepatocytes exposed to lead ions • Lymphomyosot® N is most active when presented throughout the exposure of lead ions • Lymphomyosot® N has a particularly strong effect in the late phase and after exposure to lead ions Detoxifying action of Lymphomysot® N especially in the phase after exposure to the heavy metal lead. © IAH 2007 29 The results show that Lymphomyosot N is capable of protecting hepatocytes against the harmful effects of lead ions. Depending on experimental conditions, the preparation is able to provide in vitro almost complete protection against poisoning. Lymphomyosot N is most active when present throughout, but its presence in the late phases of lead ion exposure seems to have a particularly strong influence. Two reasons for this type of action are most likely: Lymphomyosot N may improve hepatocellular resistance and support the mobilization/drainage of lead ions. Further studies are needed to gain deeper insight into the mechanistic aspects of this protection, but the results already make a strong case for a decisive liver protecting action of Lymphomyosot N. 29 Lymphomyosot indications • Lymphedema • Chronic tonsillitis • General defense weakness Often also used in: • Post-mononucleosis (+ Engystol®) • Drainage of the extra-cellular matrix • Boosting effect on inflammation regulating drugs © IAH 2007 30 Lymphomyosot is mainly used in lymphedema. In Children it is often used in tonsillitis and general defense weaknesses. Experienced homotoxicologists worldwide use Lymphomyosot regularly in mononucleosis and its post viral syndrome, as a drainage medication to cleanse the extra-cellular matrix from stored homotoxins and as a general booster of the inflammation regulating effect of antihomotoxic immunomodulators. Lymphomyosot contains subtle dosages of ferrum iodatum and is therefore to be used with care in thyroid disorders. 30 Lymphomyosot peculiarities • recanalize without diuretic effect • no known side effects • caution in case of disorders of the thyroid glands is the only limitation • can be used on a long-term basis, eventually with intervals • no age limitation • compatible with other drugs • no interactions known with other substances or medications (see warning in thyroid disorders) • various pharmaceutical forms • fully in accordance with the modern vision on own regulation mechanisms of the human organism © IAH 2007 31 Lymphomyosot has a recanalising effect on the lymph liquid. It drains the extracellular matrix. It has no side effects and only in thyroid disorders it is to be used with precaution. Lymphomyosot has proven to be safe, even after long term continuous use. However, depending on the particular situation of the patient, therapeutic intervals van be applied in the therapeutic scheme. Lymphomyosot can be used in children and adults in respect of adjusting the dose. No interactions have been seen between Lymphomyosot and any other substance or medication. It can easily be incorporated in existing therapy schemes. Various pharmaceutical forms are available in function of the acceptance by the authorities in the different countries. Lymphomyosot is a safe and effective antihomotoxic medication, fully in accordance with the holistic approach in antihomototoxic medicine. It will not block regulation mechanisms in the organism and is therefore accepted as an effective lymph medication in most regulation therapies. Also in conventional medicine it has shown to be compatible with conventional medication. 31