Mast Cell Disorders Forum

Mast Cell Disorders Forum
http://mastcelldisorders.wallack.us/yabb/YaBB.pl Non Mast Cell Disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos, POTS, MCS-CF, etc. >> Non Mast Cell Disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos, POTS, MCS-CF, etc. >> MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine http://mastcelldisorders.wallack.us/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1346571085 Message started by Julie T on 09/01/12 at 20:31:24

Title: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Julie T on 09/01/12 at 20:31:24

I wondered if anyone has MTHFR which is a genetic test that determines if you are missing an enzyme to break down folic acid. I ask because I am compound heterozygous (have both defects) which probably means my daughter has it too. I was looking up too much histamine and found info about undermethylation. The methyl cycle is crazy complicated. I just wondered if anyone knew if it connected to mast cells and their release of histamine. I was diagnosed by a hematologist after a miscarriage and wondered if those that have seen Dr. Afrin may have been tested-thinking he is aware of this problem?

I just got to thinking that my daughter may be having trouble clearing the histamine too. She has many of the brain symptoms listed for one of the defects. She just recently started eating lots of Rice Chex. she can only eat a few foods. Well it is fortified with folic acid. if she has the defect she cannot break it down. then you will have symptoms of too much folic acid which fit a bit of my daughter. So we will stop the fortified cereal. Also interesting is she reacted to enriched white rice (also fortified with folic acid).

just thought I would share...

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Doozlygirl on 09/03/12 at 13:33:59

Julie, I highly suspect that some of my issues are related to methylation and/or sulfonation issues. I am hoping to learn more from 23andme, as others have learned if they have the gene defects through their saliva.

I'm starting with the two main pathways of liver detoxification, phase I and II. So far, I have picked up that any B-12 or folate supplements have to be in the bioactive formulation, such as methylcobalamin and methylfolate.

I just started really delving into this topic and would love to hear what you've learned and which resources you've found helpful.

Thanks, Lyn

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Julie T on 09/03/12 at 16:47:03

I found a lot of great info on www.mthfr.net. i listened to dr lynch's 90 mins youtube video on MTHFR. very complex and informative. Apparently if you treat with reduced form of b12 and folic acid and still not well it is good to test other genetic defects and one is called HNMT which is an enzyme that processes histamine (main enzyme is DAO). I am very curious to see if there is metabolic issues going on with my daughter. Unfortunately many dr's are not aware how MTHFR can effect mental function it is not just about cardiovascular system. I would check out that link...very interesting...

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Doozlygirl on 09/03/12 at 17:53:46

Julie,
Have you seen this forum on CFS/ME? THere are tons of detox threads of interest.

http://forums.phoenixrising.me/index.php?forums/detox-methylation-b12-glutathione-chelation.6/

Lyn

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Joan on 09/04/12 at 06:57:15

Will one of you please explain a few things to the forum, in lay terms, about how this is relevant to MC patients. Most of the articles on the subject are very scientific, and it's hard to tell how this relates to mast cell disease, except for enzymes that break down histamine. Here are a few questions. Maybe others have some, too.

What are methylation and sulfonation?

Who, besides the "23 and me" project, tests for these gene defects?

How does a MTHFR defect affect mast cell disorders?

Is it applicable to SM and MCAS? If so, how will this knowledge help MCD patients?

I'm not sure to exactly what you're referring when you speak of liver detoxing, but if you're going to do it, it should be done with caution. Any type of dramatic change in the body can trigger symptoms, in addition to the triggering potential from ingesting new supplements or meds.

I would recommend contacting your mast cell specialist before beginning any detoxification process. It's important for people to know that the experts in mast cell disorders have not indicated that detoxing is a cure or remedy for MC disease, and we don't know whether they would think there are reasons to do it or not.

I don't mean to sound negative, as I've done a lot of experimenting with various modes of healing and don't oppose them. I've found a variety of helpful supplements for myself. Just recommending caution and not wanting people to potentially cause any harm to themselves.

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by PamH on 09/04/12 at 08:15:59

I have a question...is MTHFR a cuss word?!! ;)
Haha I'm laughing at myself because I have no idea what you all are talking about!
Pam

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Julie T on 09/04/12 at 10:30:40

Joan, I am with you and how does this relate to MCAS?...I was hoping other people may have connected...what got me wondering is when I read about patients having trouble clearing histamine they may be undermethylators...still learning this whole methyl cycle. I believe the bottom line is there is probably a genetic link to all of this stuff. I don't think all the dots have been connected yet in science. Dr. theo talks about the high incidence of mast cell issues with autism and many autistic kids have the genetic defect (missing the enzyme) to convert folic acid - it is called MTHFR -positive. it does sound like cuss work, lol! Having two markers occurs in 15-20% of the population. Dr. Lynch says it relates to many health conditions on his site -like allergies, chronic fatigue...

I will ask dr castells for sure and if I learn anything i will share. The bottom line is avoid enriched foods that contain the synthetic folic acid if you are missing the enzyme to break it down. Also you may need to supplement with reduced form of b12, folic acid and b6. Sonora lab does the genetic test and it is generally covered by insurance. it is often used to detect risk for blood clots etc..however it is also screened in autistic community etc...

I brought this up here because generally hematologist work this up and I know dr afrin sees many mast cell patients and maybe there is a connection - I don't know. I do know that MTHFR and MCAS relate to the immune system.

They may be very separate issues...i was seeing if any of the experience members ever heard of it before? I certainly would not want anyone to start experimenting...

what I will say is since my daughter stopped the rice chex cereal (fortified cereal) she is coming out of the rage we had this w/e. it may be the preservative but I am really thinking it is too much folic acid in her system...

sorry if this is off topic...

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Doozlygirl on 09/04/12 at 19:27:17

Hi Joan and all,

Great questions, some of which I have pondering myself. Julie, I do not believe this is off-topic at all, I suspect this topic provides a biochemical explanation of histamine or sulfa intolerance/overload, and clearly extends to our bucket theory.

While, I do not hold formal expertise in this area, I have long considered my issues are due to a metabolic/immune disorder and have spent nearly a decade trying to understand how my body chemistry is broken. I'll do my best to connect some dots on this topic, as I figured out with me and address your questions. Bear with me, as I can tell already this is going to be LONGGGGG.....

Using mast cell priniciples, I'm trying to figure out why I am reacting to certain things, starting with the long list of meds I can't tolerate. I've sorted out the meds that are known degranulators, then the meds with yellow dye (a huge trigger for me). But there are a bunch of meds that I can't explain why I reacted. I have pulled the monographs for every med I have reacted to, and am comparing the chemistry of these meds for trends.

I've had longtime issues with various sulfa antibiotics (even those I am not supposed to react to) and noticed the others that I can't tolerate all have sulfa in them, (topamax, imitrex, HCTZ, etc). These other meds are not supposed to crossreact with sulfa, which just means I likely didn't have IgE reactions, but very well could have been mast cell reactions. Since sulfa medications are listed as a known degranulator on Mastopedia, I no longer believe I have a sulfa allergy, but that sulfa is a major trigger/intolerance for me. Incidently, FD&C Yellow and red dyes contain sulfa, possbily another reason I react to them in addition to being known degranulators.

Which then got me thinking, thre are foods and beverages I don't tolerate (gave up or limited long ago). They contain sulfur, sulfites and sulfates, starting with wine, certain liquors, eggs, broccoli, cauliflauer, etc.

My research over the past two years has lead to <sulfonation issues> on several occasions, so I have been following up on a hunch: I have long suspected that my body can't properly process sulfa and its metabolites to get rid of them, which lead me to read up on the body's processes to break down larger components into smaller ones.

Phase I and Phase II Liver detoxification is the biochemical process by which the body breaks down various things, especially medications into it's metabolites, or smaller components. The liver can add components such as in the case of methylation where it adds a methyl group, CH3, to change the component into molecules the body can get rid of through the bile, urine, sweat or feces.

Julie posted about Dr Ben Lynch, who shares ways to overcome a MTHFR gene defect, which causes missing enzymes, making it hard/impossible to break down folic acid. If Dr Lynch's firstline recommendations to overcome these missing enzymes don't work, he talks about how a secondary cause, such as defects in the sulfonation (breakdown of sulfa) pathway, or HNMT (the histamine breakdown pathway) or a dozen or so other points, which could be hosed, and impacting how the liver can break down various components.

23andMe is a personal genome service, which is offering its service for free (saving hundreds of dollars) to 1000 patients who have been diagnosed with a Myloproliferative Disorder (MPD), such as mastocytosis (They have included MCAS). This offering has been listed on the TMS website for months, and several of us have volunteered a saliva sample and answered multiple survey questions in exchange for genetic profiling. The first phase of this program lead to the discovery of the JAK2 gene in MPDs. There is limited time to apply, and I just saw a different thread posted here today with more information. Similar studies with sarcoma and I believe Parkinson's (don't quote me on that one) have already vetted new treatment options for each disease.

23andMe participants can find out scores of information, such as if they have either defect that causes the MTRFR driven enzyme defiencies, as well as a host of other SNPS or polymorphisms, where DNA genetic transcription errors have replaced correct molecules with a wrong molecule. This information can point to why these patients can't tolerate meds - Do they metabolize too fast, too slow, or can't break down at all etc?

These conditions all cause toxicity in the body. Just as overindulgence of histamine can cause issues in triggering mast cells, I suspect there are other toxic molecules that I can't break down - triggering my mast cells to degranulate, such as my personal theory with sulfa.

While I have had limited success in a herbal liver cleanse in the past, I am not at all considering on doing that now. Thank you for your concern and I hear you, as I have issues with simple supplements at this point.

I am however, reading up on methylation, sulfonation and other liver detoxifying pathways to see if I can determine which breakdown pathways are broken, and how to fix them. From what I have read, some mast cell patients have found great sucess with the correct supplements in the most bioactive formulations at the lowest dose possible in addition to eating certain foods to fix those broken pathways and restore those missing enzymes.

I supsect this information may connect many dots for me in explaining why I cant tolerate certain histamine and sulfa containing foods/meds.

Last night I just read that Genova offers a methylation panel, but it is quite pricey. I'n not there yet, just anticipating what information my saliva will provide through 23andMe.

Julie, Have you read yet that niacin is a scrubber for overmethylation? I've also read that there is some debate if Folinic acid and/or methylfolate are the best supplements for undermetheylation. Also, I haven't yet taken my thoughts to Dr Afrin, but I'm thinking I'll first run this by my Primary doc, who graduated from Dr Andrew Weil's integrative medicine program, as is very tuned into these concepts. I'm not yet set to see Dr Afrin for several months. I'd love to hear his take on this.

If the bucket theory states there is a limit for how much of certain items we can tolerate, why do some people never have issues with triggers? If these lucky folks can break down those chemicals through any of the detoxification pathways, and get rid of them in any of the normal elimination channels, then there would be no backup or bucket limits.

What if our elimination channels are clogged and our breakdown pathways are broken with missing or incomplete enzymes and cofactors? Many of us have very limited diets and can't tolerate chemicals of any kind, so in my eyes, this wouldn't even be a stretch.

Great catch on the folic acid enriched foods, Julie.

I'd love to hear what others have figured out on this topic. I hope we can keep discussion going.

Best wishes, Lyn

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Julie T on 09/05/12 at 16:20:39

Lyn, wow you have been a busy girl researching. I am no where near your efforts. I still am confused however I too think there is a metabolic/immune issue with my daughter.

My daughter does not have a formal dx of MCAS yet. Mediators negative. She has very hight total IgE was up to 2200. Can you participate in 23andme without formal dx - I would guess not.

I am interested in getting the genetic test for HNMT (to see if missing one of the enzymes to break down histamine).

I would love to hear what others have learned. I wonder what dr theo has to say about this too? he is so knowledgable and is working hard in the autistic community.

we saw our naturopath today and she said there is new research coming out about MTHFR and how it contributes/causes many illnesses...

I need to reread your message some more to understand. I feel like biochemistry all over again...I am glad researchers are working on figuring out genetic links which may find cures/good treatments.

Lyn, dyes are a big problem for my daughter too. she has chemical sensitivities - I read this ties into MTHFR issues as well.

I did read about niacin and in fact used it while daughter was raging and it calmed her down for a bit.

1 out of 5 people in North America are missing the enzyme. I also read that enriched foods may be linked to the rise in cancer due unmetabolized folic acid which decreases natural killer cells.

Thank you for all your knowledge.

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Doozlygirl on 09/05/12 at 19:57:25

Julie,
My pleasure. I believe that 23andMe has accepted several patients with suspected MCAS. I believe it is important to mention the name of the doc that is working with your daughter. Mentioning Dr Afrin and his work on the TMS advisory board seemed to help me.

Have you found a genetic test/lab for HNMT? Nice to hear that your naturopath is aware of MTHFR.

I firmly believe that our environment in the US is way more toxic than reported and contributing or responsible for chronic illness. Doesn't surprise me that 20 percent of North American population is missing the enzyme. Pretty sad, huh?

Lyn

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by mommy2seanp on 09/06/12 at 03:54:27

Thanks for all the information! Wanted to keep an eye on this thread:)

Julie, if you write to 23andme and let them know your daughter is seeing Dr. Castells in October and has a probable diagnosis from your local doc that might do the trick.

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Julie T on 09/06/12 at 18:58:11

Thanks I just applied for study and they wrote me today and asked some more questions...so lets hope they say yes...I mentioned dr castells in October and local dr working with her. Fingers crossed:))

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Joan on 09/07/12 at 15:24:14

Anyone can join the study and be analyzed, but without an MPD there's a hefty fee.

In their literature online, they have a section regarding the MTHFR defect, but it only discusses neural tube defects, which they say can be avoided in most cases by supplementing with folic acid during pregnancy.

I will be interested to know what any of the MC expert doctors have to say about this.

Thanks for the info.

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Julie T on 09/07/12 at 17:47:24

Joan I will bring my daughter's lab results to castells( i am sure she will positive for MTHFR) and see what she has to say...I will share:)))

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Julie T on 09/10/12 at 13:51:02

Just got an email my daughter was approved for the 23andme study. Kit being mailed out tomorrow. will this test help us unravel the key? Well it is free so i figure more info the better. I wonder how long to get results. Will Dr. castells find any of it useful? I am curious if my daughter has any genetic mutations causing her symptoms. Pretty sure MTFHR will be the same as mine. I am thinking she is not breaking down sulfites after reading the list of foods on it. Some of her highest allergic foods on RAST test. Plus she feels bad if she has them. I hear there is a test on the 23andme that will tell us that (CBS). It is all foreign and complicated.

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Doozlygirl on 09/10/12 at 16:25:56

Just sent in my 23andMe sample today. I'm interested in the same things. Maybe we can help each other figure this out?

Lyn

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Julie T on 09/10/12 at 19:16:24

Lyn, that sounds great. How long does it take to get results?

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Doozlygirl on 09/10/12 at 19:31:49

I've read anywhere between 4-6 weeks to get results. Meanwhile there are surveys to complete online. When you get the kit in the mail, you'll need to register the kit online on their website and you'll see the surveys to complete. It did mine over several nights.

Lyn

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Julie T on 09/11/12 at 05:12:29

Thanks Lyn. I am anxious to see if she has CBS mutation which effects sulfite breakdown. Also COMT which would may explain anxiety, fear, ocd perhaps...all so complicated but may help us figure out some management of her symptoms. I am trying to learn all I can.

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by PJP123 on 09/12/12 at 14:46:19

23andme accepted me in the study! Maybe I will get some answers.

I'll post when I find anything out.

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Julie T on 09/13/12 at 04:49:45

Great! maybe more people will be interested in participating and we can help figure this out together!

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by deblevstern on 09/21/12 at 10:39:07

Can one of you help me. I don't understand what this means. I was tested for MTHFR and this is the result."heterozygous for the A1298C mutation and normal for the C677T mutation in the MTHFR gene. This result is not associated with coronary artery disease and venous thrombosis"

Would one of you who knows please tell me if this fits with MCAS? I also have a small aortic aneurysm...I am following...

I was diagnosed by Dr. AFrin based on high Heparin and symptoms. I may get a second opinion from Dr. Castells.
Thanks for your help. Debbie

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Doozlygirl on 09/21/12 at 11:02:26

Debbie,
I am out of town now, but have my notes at home which lay this out and translates your question for us. Off the top of my head, this means you have a defect in one of the detoxification pathways in your liver. I believe proper supplementation will create a work around for you to overcome this defect.

Maybe someone will chime in, if I don't respond before Tuesday, send me a PM (forget stuff often due to brain fog) and I'll respond next week.

Meanwhile check out the links on this thread which should help some.

Lyn

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Doozlygirl on 09/25/12 at 07:53:32

Debbie,
Check out this link, which has a pretty comprehensive description of the two gene defects.

http://nwhealthcare.net/index.php?id=64

Looks like you have one gene defect at the 1298 location. This defect is associated with chronic illness, not the typical cardiovascular or stroke symtoms related to defect in the other gene.

Lyn

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by deblevstern on 09/25/12 at 14:41:11

Thanks so much Lynn. From what I read 40% of people have the heterozygous A1298C mutation in the MTHFR gene,as I do and that it doesn't seem as dangerous as the homozygous or combination. Still, I realize I need to do more research into this. Am grateful to you for all your wisdom.

Anyways, would you please clarify if this is related to MCAS??????

Also, do you know any doctors who treat this. I'm not sure what to do about it...if anything...Debbie

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Doozlygirl on 09/25/12 at 17:02:44

Debbie,
I literally just got my 23andMe results this evening. I still have to find my SNPs in the program. Once I figure out what I am regarding this topic, I'll be able to share more.

Meanwhile, to answer your question, Is this related to MCAS? I believe that if one can't properly breakdown certain products, like histamine, sulfites to sulfates or folic acid, then the body can react to these toxins in the body.

I have been focusing my reading on detoxification (how body breaks down molecules, neutralizes the molecules, and eliminates the molecules) as a way of diminishing my existing symptoms. This evening I attended a local symposium on metabolic detoxification using medical grade nutriceuticals. I just figured out I will need to find a functional medicine physician to help me with all this, meaning a naturopath who graduated from one of the handful of naturopathic medical schools in the country.

I'll share more as I learn it, but I'm struggling tonight to figure out how to find my SNPs. I did download the raw data, but it won't open, and I am still looking for prometheus to sort the data for me.

Lyn

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Futurehope on 09/27/12 at 05:49:23

I haven't read the entire thread, but wanted to comment about having your genetics read and stored by 23andme.

You have to realize that this company has said that they are not responsible if someone manages to break into their data and retrieve the genetic records of those therein.

IOW, in one location there resides a potential gold mine of info. People with genetic defects will be identified. This info can be used against you.

Carry on. I understand why people are so interested in getting well. I understand that people can currently look into whatever health records I have and do what they want.

I guess it is the idea of knowing how I fare genetically that keeps me from having my personal genetic info kept on someone's database.

I do not make a judgment as to anyone else who participates in this.

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Doozlygirl on 09/27/12 at 06:13:23

Futurehope,
I hear you loud and clear and am skeptical myself. My 23andME online profile is similar to my online profile on this forum, DINET, or other online health related resources, I use an anonymous name to front my health history.

I feel the same way about financial health, and choose to take extra precaution with my financial information. I am really skeptical of the online security of banking information, credit card information and medical records.

Prior to signing up, I did check into the credibilty of the physicians involved with the MPN program of 23andME, and was excited to have this awesome opportunity to participate. At the same point, anyone could use my the online results I share here against me as well, but I have been ill far too long to not take advantage of connecting some major dots in understanding the biochemistry of my unwellness. I have weighed the risks verse benefits of the situation and have chosen to participate in this project and online forums. At this point I have gained so much in terms of knowledge and ability to personalize my own treatment by opening up myself this way.

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by PJP123 on 09/27/12 at 10:10:20

I chickened out of sending my dna back because of the disclosure that you have to sign.

I'm afraid that I may be uninsurable down the line if they find some defect. Too scary. My family already is dealing with identity theft and phishing, so I don't want anymore info out there.

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Joan on 09/27/12 at 15:37:19

I have concerns about the effect for people's children down the road. If you have a genetic defect, that might cause a problem for a child later. Also, it's the wife of the originator of Google who started this company. I don't know anything about her, but it made me wonder. In the right hands, this could be helpful to millions. In the wrong ones....

I don't think a pseudonym protects anything, as it is associated with your address and probably other identifying information in their database. And, just like the "cloud," sometime someone will get into it. Whether that will hurt anyone in particular, maybe or maybe not.

I think this is one of those things that is up to the individual. Risk vs. benefits. I think I need more information on how this might help me before I sign up, but I can clearly understand why people would want to do it.

Lyn, what are the reputable naturopathic schools in the U.S., in your opinion?

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Doozlygirl on 09/27/12 at 17:34:19

Hi Joan,
The raw data in 23andMe means very little as it is just a bunch of numbers and letters on a page, at least until the data is plugged into various software programs and massaged into information that can extracted into meaningful data.

I've only had my 23andMe results for 48 hours, but have already found a bunch of critical defects that explain a bunch of my reactions and symptoms triggered by various medications, chemicals, preservatives, and additives.

I am looking for someone in my state with the expertise to help me overcome various SNPs severely impacting in my body's ability to process these medications, chemicals and hormones. As I have reached out to various natural health/alternative medicine practitioners, I was advised to find a ND graduate of one of these universities: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_accredited_schools_of_naturopathic_medicine_in_North_America

I was told that while there are other programs out there, these programs require the same level/exceed the level of basic science training as traditional medical schools. Since I live in a state that does not license NDs, ie doesn't recognize them at all, so we have folks who tout themselves as holistic minded practitioners/physicians, but they may not have the advanced biochemistry expertise I am seeking.

Lyn

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Joan on 09/27/12 at 20:03:16

Thanks for the link!

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Futurehope on 09/28/12 at 00:39:26

What is an SNP?

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Doozlygirl on 10/01/12 at 12:18:02

If you have your data back from 23andME and are tring to figure out if you have any of the methylation or other detoxification gene defects, this link should help you sort it all out.

Dana from DINET put this all together. It is a great resource! http://danachronicallyliving.blogspot.com/2012/05/determining-your-yasko-methylation.html

Futurehope, a SNP stands for a single nucleotide polymorphism, used to describe errors/defects in a gene. The SNPs tell you where your gene defects are located and can give an idea why one reacts to various substances. I don't do well with sulfites and now I know I can't process sulfites likely due to defects in the genes that make the enzymes and molecules to break down sulfites into the harmless sulfate molecule that can be excreted out of the body.

Undermethylation is tied to the body being unable to break down histamine. This is why several of us are looking into this as a potential cause of some our symptoms.

Lyn

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by Julie T on 10/03/12 at 17:43:09

I found this on dr amy yasko's site: "Lack of BH4 may result in mast cell degranulation and lead to higher histamine levels, which can produce symptoms such as red ears and other hypersensitivity reactions. Serotonin synthesis as well as ammonia detoxification also require BH4. Elevated ammonia levels can cause flapping and other over-stimulatory behaviors."

She deals with methylation cycle generally in autistic community but also in neuroimmune patients. Here is the link: http://www.dramyyasko.com/resources/autism-pathways-to-recovery/chapter-6/

warning very complicated stuff. what is interesting is that my daughter fits into cbs mutation perfectly: fight or flight, brain fog, excitability, trouble with sulfites.

just thought i would share if any one is interested.

still waiting on 23andme results

Title: Re: MTHFR defect? undermethylation associated with not clearing histamine
Post by DeborahW, Founder on 12/30/12 at 06:47:50

This Topic was moved here from General Mast Cell Disorder Discussion by DeborahW, Founder.