Written By: Josh Schueller, PT
As
a Physical Therapist and a patient analyst, I find myself constantly
referencing course work from my college days to explain to patients how
modern therapy actually works. Today's patient has a hungry mind
equipped to handle deeper explanations about how their therapies
actually affect them. Because of this, it behooves me to share content
from my own medical texts to explain how the latest "invisible"
therapeutic innovations work on them. Such modern breakthroughs
include: Stem Cell & PRP therapies, PEMF & Biofeedback
technologies, Transcranial Stimulation, Laser Acupuncture, Neurostim
therapeutics etc-- just to name a few. Meanwhile, I am equally impressed
at our Google surfing community that can retain much of the same
medical information my career was founded on.
Just
the other day, a 21 year old patient with spinal cord injury actually
started asking me how my neurostim device affects cellular regeneration
and THE KREBS CYCLE.
So my presentation begins.
HOW THE BODY ACTUALLY HEALS
From
burns to infections, inflammation to tears and breaks, the body's
regenerative qualities can be best illustrated through its metabolic
design - mitigating its ability to heal itself on a cellular level.
Upon physical damage or disease, self recovery involves the regeneration
and repair of living tissue(s), organs and its functions. THERAPY
covers external influences on the body's cellular performance to restore
damaged areas either by replacing worn/dead tissue with new ones. [1]For something like the KREBS CYCLE, I usually start such complex scientific explanations with my patients using metaphors and analogies.
"Krebs
cycle (otherwise known as citric acid cycle) is like the process of
converting your paycheck into cash and going shopping with it. When you
receive a paycheck (glucose) through direct deposit that paycheck is
deposited into the bank (mitochondria). Throughout this process there
are fees (byproducts) that must be paid in order to receive the money.
These fees (NADH, GTP, CO2 etc.) are an essential part of the process.
The result is currency. In order to receive the money (ATP) it must go
through to the ATM (electron transport System). When you withdraw the
money (ATP) you can spend on goods or services (energy production). As
money is essential to the survival of the economy the Krebs Cycle is
essential to the survival of the organism."
Academic Breakdown: Krebs Cycle By: IPHA/Pain Healers Alliance newsletterThe Krebs’s Cycle is a multi-step chemical reaction that is
the main source of energy for cells during Aerobic respiration. Also called the TCA (TriCarboxylic Acid) Cycle or Citric Acid
Cycle, the Krebs cycle occurs in eukaryotes (cells with a nucleus) in the
matrix of the mitochondria and the cytosol of prokaryotes (no distinct
nucleus). In a living organism, the TCA cycle is a series
of reactions in which oxidation of Acetic Acid/glucose provides energy for
storage in phosphate bonds (ATP). Fuel
for this comes from lipids and carbohydrates, which produce Acetyl-CoA. These reactions are the major source of
energy in all living organisms. Critical in the building blocks for synthesis
of fatty acids, steroids, cholesterol, amino acids for building proteins and
purines and pyrimidines used in the synthesis of DNA. The byproducts of the
Krebs’s Cycle are 3 NADH, 1 FADHL, 1 GTP, and 2 CO2. (3) The cycle runs twice for glucose and then the
electron transport chain produces ATP. The electron transport chain is a series
of reactions inside the cell whose purpose is the formation of ATP. By studying the rates, by-products, enzymatic
activity and qualities in the processes of metabolism the potential to draw
conclusion about and investigate the efficiency of therapies.
Glucose into mitochondria to go through Krebs Cycle (NADH,
FADHL, GTP, CO2 byproducts) electron transport chain into ATP (energy) Disorders of the Krebs Cycle such as
2-Oxoglutaric aciduria and fumarase deficiency affects mitochondrial function
and maintenance. This can cause
developmental delays, severe neurologic problems in infants like mental
retardation. Clinical presentation of
mitochondrial depletion syndrome is hypotonia, progressive dystonia, muscle
atrophy and hearing impairments. (5) |
TCA & CANCER
Traditional
cancer treatments have been relatively effective, but with significant
side effects and a high reoccurrence rate. Alternative treatment
approaches are gaining in medical significant and are becoming
increasingly more difficult to ignore. Identifying changes in the Krebs
cycle could hold the key to early detection of chronic diseases,
including cancers. Early detection is significant in establishing more
efficient treatment programs with less side effects. Establishing safe
and effective treatments for chronic disease can improve survival, but
can also improve the quality of life for many. In the future, dying
with cancer not from cancer is becoming more likely.
Emerging
evidence that certain cancer cells rely heavily on TCA cycle for energy
production and macromolecule synthesis has been discovered. Alterations
of the TCA cycle play a pivotal role in oncogenesis and inflammation.
The hypothesis is mitochondrial dysfunction is a pre-curser for chronic
disease such as cancer. Oncogenic mutation in TCA cycle can produce
altered mitochondrial metabolism as a mechanism for cancer initiation.
Targeting cancer metabolism with potential therapy drugs that interfere
with glycolysis, TCA cycle, lipid biosynthesis and other pathways that
tumor cells overuse vs normal cells could be instrumental in solving the
cancer puzzle. Majority of cancers generate ATP through the
mitochondria. Increase in mitochondrial dysfunction can be an early
indication of disease or cancer. The TCA cycle is being recognized as a
key player in certain cancers involving enzyme dysfunction.
Currently,
regenerative medicine is becoming more and more mainstream.
Traditional surgery and chemotherapy and radiation show a high
reoccurrence of cancer. Stem cells are showing good promise in
treatment of many cancers. Stem Cells function serves as novel delivery
platform by targeting primary metastatic tumors. Stem cells have shown
to decrease tumor volume and extend survival in preliminary studies.
Unique properties are found in regenerative medicine such as
immunosuppression and mitigation towards cancer can assist in gene
therapy applications. Many regenerative medicines have anti-tumor
properties. Natural killer (NK) cells may have the ability to attack
tumor/cancer cells/infected cells at the early stage.
VIEWPOINTS
ROBERT KORNFELD, D.P.M. - Founder at Chronic Foot Pain Center, NY When considering energy production and utilization, we must first look to the immune system and its ability to detoxify, repair, replace and replenish. This means a thorough understanding of our patient’s epigenetics and how their unique diet, lifestyle and environment influence their genes. The elimination of refined foods, preservatives and chemicals can assist in minimizing toxicity. Movement and exercise can assist in speeding up the basal metabolic rate, thereby shortening the time the body needs to work daily on working toward homeostasis. Minimizing toxicity and speeding up the basal metabolic rate is energy-preserving. In addition, stress management can help to dampen the adrenal response which has been shown to be a direct inhibitor of immune function. Also, sleep hygiene is critical for our patients as it is in deep states of sleep that the body does its best work to achieve homeostasis.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by submissions in this VIEWPOINTS section are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of NYCRA, Prevention101.org or our affiliate organizations supporting this publication. |
ON RESEARCH
By: Dr. Robert L Bard (An excerpt from "The Modern Patient" - (c) 2021 IPHA/Pain Healers Alliance newsletter
Since the advent of the information age, today's highly self-educated patient holds the keys to accessing the widest collection of available health solutions - and the power to decide what is truly right for them. Everything from the latest in diagnostic and treatment modalities to the vast encyclopedia of alternative solutions (ie. holistic, naturopathic and integrative), WEB RESEARCH forever changed the world of health, wellness and medicine, availing review of top educators and experts sharing their insight about the latest innovations, protocols and strategies. This comprises the personal course of our 'research-happy' culture and the patient's FREEDOM OF CHOICE.
To "captain one's own ship" is to make smarter decisions on who to listen to and to commit to a plan that works best for you. In a 2019 Cancer RMA Firefighters Conference, clinical immunologist Dr. Jesse Stoff stated a powerful message that “...there is no one answer to cancer! There are many different strategies for approaching and dealing with cancer [aside from] chemo, radiation & surgery. Other proven options like Immunotherapy have been around for decades too‐ performing in many cases with lightning‐fast response, much less toxicity, and much better overall survival.” (source link) This resounding statement holds true for the importance of personal leadership with educated patients and putting us all in the drivers' seat of our destiny.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
JOSH SCHUELLER has dedicated his life's work to the support and treatment
chronic pain and disorders with non-invasive, safe, effective treatment
solutions. He is the current VP of Clinical Operations and Business
Development at AxioBionics LLC. and the Clinical Director for Orthopedic
Physical Therapy Clinics (Rockford, MI). As an active member of APTA,
he holds advanced certification in Physical Therapy treatment techniques
including the McKenzie method of patient empowerment. He has over 20+
years experience in the treatment of neurological conditions such as
Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, CVA, Cerebral Palsy etc. In
2021, Josh is elected a clinical advisory role and educational advocacy
for IPHA (Integrated Pain Healers Alliance) and has published research
articles in pain management while pioneering the establishment of
Today, Josh continues to support patient suffering from disabilities
and has expanded his focus to contribute his expertise in treatment
programs for Veterans and first responders.
ROBERT L. BARD, MD, PC, DABR, FASLMS - Advanced Imaging & Diagnostic Specialist Having paved the way for the study of various cancers both clinically and academically, Dr. Robert Bard co-founded the 9/11 CancerScan program to bring additional diagnostic support to all first responders from Ground Zero. His main practice in midtown, NYC (Bard Diagnostic Imaging- www.CancerScan.com) uses the latest in digital Imaging technology has been also used to help guide biopsies and in many cases, even replicate much of the same reports of a clinical invasive biopsy. His most recent program is dedicated to the reporting of mental health diagnostic and innovative solutions including the use of modern neuromagnetic technologies and protocols in his MEDTECH REVIEWS program.
REFERENCES
1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Healing
2).Scaglioa et. Al. March 2020 “The Tricarboxylic
Acid Cycle at the Crossroad Between Cancer and Immunity”. Mitochondria and
Mitophagy . Antioxidants and Redox Signaling Vol 32, No 12
3) Zhang et. Al. Sept 2017 “ Stem Cells in Cancer
Therapies: opportunities and challenges” Oncotarget 8 (43) 75756-75766
4) Millipore Sigma “ The Krebs Cycle- Harnessing
Chemical Energy for Cellular Respiration”
www.sigmaaldrich.com
4.
Bachanova and Miller 2014. “NK Cells in Therapy
of Cancer” Crit Rev Oncog; 2014 19(0) 133-141
5.
Morava and
Carrozzo. January 2014. “Disorders of the Krebs Cycle”. Physicians Guide to
Diagnosis, Tretment, and Follow-Up of Inherited Metabilic Diseases- pp313-322
6.
Vadala et. Al. “Mechanisms and therapeutic
effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in oncology” Cancer
Medicine 2016; 5 (11) 3128-3130
Mansouri et. Al. “Recent advances in
regenerative medicine strategies for cancer treatment” Biomedicien and Pha
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