produce more receptors leading to a more vigorous and long-lasting stress response with subsequent for mast cell stimulation. These patients may experience strong and long-lasting allergenic symptoms. Inflammation genes: Inflammatory cytokines are pro-duced during infections, trauma, allergies, fevers and stress. Regardless of why these cytokines are being produced, they have the potential to induce and prolong the allergic reaction. Patients that produce an overabundance of inflammatory cytokines, particularly IL6 (Interleukin-6) and TNF-α (Tu-mour Necrosis Factor alpha), may continue to experience symptoms such as sinus congestion, dry cough and breathing difficulties for months on end even though the original stim-ulus is long gone. Let’s examine the two genes that produce the pro-inflammatory cytokines: IL6 and TNF-α . IL6 is known increase mast cell numbers, TNF-α is crucial for mast cell development. Patients that produce more of these cy-tokines have a heightened inflammatory load and a more reactive immune system with larger numbers of overly sensi-tive mast cells. Anything that triggers their immune system, whether a true allergy or colds and flu, injury or environmen-tal stress, can result in severe allergic-type symptoms. Know-ing how much IL6 or TNF-α your patients produce in re-sponse to immune stimulation is invaluable information as a clinician. It can help identify which patients need more cy-tokine reduction (versus histamine reduction) support during allergy season. IL6 and TNF-α are intimately related and each influences the production and effect of the other. That is why it is so important to look at bothgenes when assessing your patient. Individuals variant for one or both genes should have therapy directed at controlling the excess cytokine load in addition to promoting mast cell stability. Genes affecting the immune response to viruses and bacteria and environmental pollutants: Viruses and bacteria are invaders our immune system is supposed to protect us from. But in a hypersensitive system, that reaction can be far too strong resulting in excess inflammation, aller-gic reactivity and autoimmunity. IRF5 and HLADQB1 are two important genes that influ-ence our reaction to viruses, bacteria, and pollutants. IRF5 is a member of the interferon regulatory family and plays a role in virus-mediated activation, cellular growth and differentia-tion and immune system activity. Patients with genetic vari-ants produce more interferon, which stimulates higher levels of interleukin production, increased allergy and inflammation and greater risk of autoimmune disease. HLADQB1 is one of the major histocompatibility complex genes. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system genes are responsible for making the cell-surface proteins that regulate the immune response. Individuals with variant coding have an amplified allergic and asthmatic response. These patients need higher doses of mast cell stabilization to calm and shut off symptoms. PRACTICE ACCELERATION Renowned consultant Dr. Drew Stevens, explains how chiropractors can be successful from day-one by managing their practice and their brand effectively. Throughout Practice Acceleration: Helping Chiropractors Maximize Patient Volume and Revenue , Dr. Stevens shares tried-and-true techniques that you can use to build a rock-solid business, including methods for developing a patient-centered culture and strategies for developing a high-profile, efficient practice. $119.95 Item #0983958581 Scan Code to Buy Book 877-267-3473 www.Cndoctor.ca annexbookstore.com CND_BOOKSTORE_March22_GWJ .indd 1 March/April 2022 Chiropractic and Naturopathic Doctor 19 2022-02-04 11:31 AM
Chiropractic + Naturopathic Doctor March/April 2022: Page 19
