CO-CURE] RES: Probiotic restores immune response in athletes

[Guest guest]

[Thought this was potentially interesting esp. given that gamma-interferon

is something some clinicians have tried in ME/CFS e.g. John Chia M.D. has

used it (in combination with alpha-interferon) with some success in

enterovirus-associated CFS/chronic enteroviral infection - see

http://www.co-cure.org/Chia.htm Tom K.]

 

http://www.thanhniennews.com/sports/?catid=5 & newsid=15598

 

Probiotic restores immune response in athletes

 

Decreased production of the natural virus-fighter, interferon, in fatigued

athletes can be restored to normal levels with a " probiotic " pill containing

microbe Lactobacillus acidophilus, a new study indicates.

 

The drop in interferon levels may play a role in the defective immune

response against Epstein Barr virus (EBV), previously described in fatigued

athletes, lead author Dr R. L. Clancy, from the University of Newcastle in

Australia, and colleagues note.

 

Most people have been infected with EBV; it can cause a number of diseases,

including mononucleosis, and it has been implicated in chronic fatigue

syndrome. However, the virus is usually kept in check by interferon.

 

As reported in the British Journal of Sports Medicine for April, the

researchers tested for EBV in 24 saliva samples taken from eight fatigued

athletes before and after receiving a 1-month course of the probiotic

capsules. In addition, interferon levels were measured in blood samples.

 

Prior to treatment, five of the subjects had EBV in their saliva - that is,

they were shedding the virus because it was not being reigned in; after

probiotic treatment, just one showed signs of virus shedding.

 

As noted, interferon-gamma secretion was decreased initially, but returned

to normal levels after treatment.

 

" This study shows for the first time reduced interferon-gamma secretion in

fatigued athletes, a defect that was reversed after treatment with the

beneficial microbe L. acidophilus, " the researchers state.

 

" The relation of these findings to other groups with chronic fatigue

illnesses requires further study to clarify mechanisms and define

therapeutic guidelines, " they add.

 

Source: Reuters

 

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