1st Edition

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the Body's Immune Defense System What Does the Research Say?

By Roberto Patarca-Montero Copyright 2002
    122 Pages
    by CRC Press

    New evidence on the origins and treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome!

    Written by one of the leading experts in the field, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the Body?s Immune Defense System presents vital new information on a crippling disorder that has the biomedical community searching for answers. Current research suggests CFS is associated with immune abnormalities that can potentially account for its origin and development. With at least one-third of tested CFS patients showing evidence of activation of the body?s “immune army,” this book is crucial reading for all patients with CFS and for the healthcare professionals they trust.

    Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the Body?s Immune Defense System presents a thorough examination of the connection between immunology and this debilitating disorder. The book is essential as a primer on the human immune system (explaining fundamental terms and concepts), an overview of immunopathology, and a review of therapeutic interventions that are immune-based. It also explores the links between immune, endocrine, and nervous system abnormalities and the need for a combined research approach to understanding the different manifestations of CFS.

    Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the Body?s Immune Defense System explains:

    • how infectious viruses, bacteria, and fungi could be direct causes of CFS
    • how therapeutic tools like herbal medicine, vaccines, and cell therapy are being used in CFS research
    • how CFS research applies to related conditions, such as fibromyalgia, Gulf War syndrome, sick building syndrome, and multiple chemical sensitivity

      With a consensus diagnostic tool for CFS still lacking, continued, aggressive research is vital to solving the riddle of its origin. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the Body?s Immune Defense System represents a significant step forward in the search, giving new hope to patients and new insight to healthcare professionals.

    • Chapter 1. Overview of the Human Immune System and Its Relevance to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
    • Chapter 2. Cross-Talk Between the Immune, Endocrine, and Nervous Systems
    • Neuroendocrinology of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
    • Chapter 3. The Soldiers of the Immune Army: Immune Cell Phenotypic Distributions
    • T Lymphocytes
    • B Lymphocytes
    • Natural Killer Cells
    • Neutrophils
    • Chapter 4. Immune Cell Function
    • T and B Lymphocytes
    • Natural Killer Cells
    • Monocytes
    • Eosinophils
    • Chapter 5. Cytokines and Other Soluble Immune Mediators
    • Cytokines
    • Immunoglobulins
    • Autoantibodies
    • Circulating Immune Complexes
    • Chapter 6. Potential Infectious and Autoimmune Etiologies for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
    • Infectious Agents As Possible Direct Causes of CFS
    • Autoimmunity and CFS: Infectious Agents As Possible Indirect Causes of CFS
    • Chapter 7. The Th1/Th2 Imbalance Paradigm in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
    • Chapter 8. Immunotherapy of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Th1/Th2 Balance Modulation
    • Lymph Node Cell-Based Immunotherapy
    • Mycobacterium Vaccae
    • Staphylococcal Vaccine
    • Sizofiran
    • Panax Ginseng
    • Juzen-Taiho-To
    • Chapter 9. Concluding Remarks
    • References
    • Index

    Biography

    Roberto Patarca-Montero