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STRESS, HEALTH, AND DISEASE Models of Stress and Disease

Borysenko Model Myron Borysenko- Tufts U. immunologist Pert Model Candace Pert - Chief of Brain Chemistry, National Institute for Mental Health Lipton.. Genes, beliefs, etc, Gerber Model Radiologist, M.D. Vibrational Medicine

Other Key Research on Stress and Health

Kenneth Pelletier Robert Sapolsky Bruce Lipton Shawn Talbot

Borysenko Model
Divides illness/disease.. Autonomic Malfunction Immune Malfunction Will be on midterm**********

Autonomic Malfunction
ANS releases excess stress hormones via sympathetic stimulation

epinephrine, norepinephrine
Symptoms: Migraines, tension headaches, ulcers, IBS, HBP, CHD, asthma
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Immune System Basics

Purpose of immune system To protect the body from internal and external pathogens External pathogens (virus, bacteria, toxins) Internal pathogens (mutant cells)

Immune System Basics Major organs of the immune system

Bone marrow, thymus

spleen lymph nodes

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Immune System Organization Bone Marrow

Lymphoid Stem Cell Non lymphoid stem cell

Thymus

B Lymphocytes

Natural Killer Cells

Granulocytes

Monocytes

T Lymphocytes 2 types
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Eosinophils

Neutrophils

Macrophages

Leukocyte Functions Lymphocytes

T-lymphocytes 1. T-Helpers specialized for external pathogens 2. Cytotoxic T-Cells Kill tumor cells or bodys own cells infected by virus in collaboration with Natural Killer cells B-lymphocytes Act together with T-Helpers to destroy external pathogens

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Immune Malfunction
Results of chronic stress: Overreaction Allergies, arthritis, lupus Under reaction Bacterial infections, colds, flu, herpes, cancer.

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Mechanisms of Under Reaction Stress levels of cortisol suppress:

Macrophage effectiveness T cell function B lymphocyte activity NK activity

Results.
Decreased ability of body to destroy cancer cells and other endogenous mutants Flare ups of herpes virus Herpes sensitive to GC levels in blood. When GC levels high.herpes increases reproduction

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Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)

Researchers have discovered neuron endings connecting CNS to organs of the immune system Brain is hardwired to immune system organs, as well as tonsils, adenoids, & Peyces cells in
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small intestine. Candace Pert

Former Chief of Brain Chemistry at National Institute for Mental Health

Molecules of Emotion (1997)

Discovered narcotics receptor in brain (1970) Discovered (1985, 86, 87) that CNS neuropeptides (NPs) fit into receptor sites on lymphocytes, altering lymphocyte function.
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Candace Pert
Researchers have discovered 90 NP molecules produced in brain. Old view - Neuropeptides produced only in brain Pert discovered - lymphocytes also produce many NTs themselves

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Candace Pert
NPs form direct communication between brain and immune cells 2-way communication

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William Malarky, M.D. Lymphocytes manufacture most hormones and NPs found in CNS In minute quantities Differences between immune and endocrine system are evaporating Jermott et al. (1983)
Influence of academic stress on secretory immunoglobin (S-IgA) S-IgA = first line of defense vs. upper respiratory diseases

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Subjects completed Power-Motivation syndrome questionnaire. Divided into 2 groups 5 samples taken throughout year High power motivation students had substantially lower S-IgA during periods of Academic stress Kiecott-Glaser et al. (1984)
Influence of academic stress on lymphocyte count Lymphocytes measured before, during, and after exam periods

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Lymphocyte count during exams = lower than either before or after Learned Helpless Studies
Numerous animal studies investigating effect of learned helplessness on lymphocyte proliferation Inability to control environmental factors Learned helpless attitude

Decreased lymphocyte count

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Bartropp et al. (1977)

Bereavement studies investigating effect of loss of spouse on lymphocyte count

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26 n with 26 age, race, and gender matched controls Lower T-lymphocyte function within 8 weeks of death of spouse Decreased function not due to hormonal changes Schleifer et al. (1983) JAMA
Studied men who lost wives to breast cancer Lower lymphocyte function for 2 months following loss of spouse (similar to previous study)

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Esterling et al. (1994) Studied nursing home patients

3 groups 1. Taught relaxation techniques 2. Provided abundant social contact 3. Controls After 30 days NK cell counts higher in both intervention groups than in controls

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Conclusions of Pert Model

Strong relationship between emotions and immune function.

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Certain emotions tend to suppress immune function, while others tend to enhance it. Lipton Theory Bruce Lipton
Cell biologist

The Biology of Belief (2005) University of Wisconsin School of Medicine Stanford School of Medicine
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Lipton Theory Liptons Research

Cell wall exerts more control over cell functions than the DNA in the nucleus Has electromagnetic properties that allow cells to translate external environment to cell activity Each cell has its own consciousness

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Lipton Theory
Liptons Research Cells consciousness/function is affected by unconscious thoughts (by learned perceptions) moreso than the cells DNA. Hundreds upon hundreds of scientific studies over the last 50 years have consistently revealed that invisible forces of the electromagnetic spectrum profoundly impact every facet of biology regulation. (2005)

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Lipton Theory
Liptons Research

Your beliefs act like filters on a camera lens, changing how you see the world. And your biology adapts to those beliefs. (2005)
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Only when we change unconscious beliefs will our cell biology change Gerber Model Dr. Richard Gerber Vibrational Medicine
Mind is an energy field that surrounds and permeates the body, causing biochemical

reactions
Human consciousness is independent yet integrated with physical body Based on Einsteins theory of relativity & quantum physics
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Gerber Model
Several layers of consciousness (p. 61)

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Each layer associated with specific frequency of vibrations All frequencies in harmony in optimal health Disruption of frequencies leads to illness and disease Gerber Model Other names for subtle energy field: chi, prana, breath, spirit Kirlian Photography first documented subtle energy field (p. 63) Kirlian photos of hands of cancer patients vs. healthy individuals showed marked differences in color and pattern Gerber Model Chakras (7) Energy vortices (or doors) which act as conduits or transducers between subtle energy layers Aligned down front of body Refer to text for details Gerber Model Meridian System
Used in shiatsu massage and acupuncture Network of hundreds of interconnected points throughout the body that facilitates passage of energy between physical body and subtle energy fields If blocked or congested, can result in malfunction of organs and tissues supplied by blocked

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meridian Gerber Model

Dr. Kim Han (1967) Injected radioactive isotopes through acupuncture needles at traditional points of insertion Isotope followed thread-like pathways not related to circulatory, lymphatic, or nervous system, but paralleling meridian system

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Gerber Model
Dr. Pierre deVernjoul (1985) Replicated Hans findings If samples injected randomly into skin, no particular pathways produced Hunt (1996)

Discovered electromagnetic frequency differences corresponding to locations of 7 chakras. Couldnt be attributed to fields produced by different internal organs.

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Gerber Model
Disease occurs when

the harmony of the energy fields is disrupted. Two types of disruption:

1. Repeated exposure to external energy sources that oscillate >7.8Hz
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2. Emotional disturbances Gerber Model

1. Repeated exposure to external energy sources = sonic entrainment Object with lower frequency of oscillations will alter its vibrations to match nearby objects with higher oscillation frequencies If human organs forced to entrain at higher than normal frequency.can lead to metabolic dysfunction and cell mutation.

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Gerber Model Dr. William Becker (1990)

Concluded that repeated exposure to power lines, electric blankets, microwave ovens, & VDTs (60 Hz) correlates to increased risk for diseases

Other research evidence

60Hz magnetic fields cause human cancer cells to permanently increase rate of growth by up to 1600 % (cell phones) Notion of electrical pollution
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Gerber Model
2. Emotional disturbances to subtle energy field

Unresolved negative/destructive thoughts congest the energy field

Summary:

Rather than the mind within the body, Gerber claims that reality is the body within the mind. Robert Sapolsky on Cortisol Normal functions of cortisol:
Exercise C. levels increase during exercise C. increases with intensity and duration of exercise C. levels extremely high following marathon C. elevated up to 2 hrs. after exercise
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Robert Sapolsky on Cortisol Normal functions of cortisol:

> breakdown of protein in all tissues except liver Gluconeogenisis >blood glucose Mobilizes FFAs from adipose tissue >use of FFAs for energy

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Robert Sapolsky on Cortisol Stress-Related Cortisol:

Stress

Hypothalamus stimulated Activates sympathetic NS Also releases hormones to ant. Pituitary (CRF) 15 sec. CRF triggers release of ACTH by pituitary Robert Sapolsky on Cortisol Stress-Related Cortisol:
Stress

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ACTH released into circulation Within few minutes adrenal cortex secretes cortisol Adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine, norepinephrine Cortisol peaks in 15-30 min.
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Robert Sapolsky on Cortisol Stress-Related Cortisol

Question How can cortisol help with emergency stress response if it takes >15 minutes to peak?

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Robert Sapolsky on Cortisol

Theories

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Cortisol helps mediate recovery from stress more so than acute stress response C. may prepare us for the next stressor C. may help us deal with longer term stressors like a longer battle Hormonal response varies.. William Lovallo on Cortisol
Theories

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Normal levels of cortisol help regulate the autonomic N.S. function, and prevent stress response from immediately threatening homeostasis. Animals without cortisol frequently die during periods of stress. William Lovallo on Cortisol
Normal vs. stress functions of cortisol: Theories Differences in actions of normal vs. stress levels of cortisol may be due to two types of cortisol receptors. Type 1 = sensitive to low levels of cortisol Type 2 = not sensitive. Only reactive to high levels of cortisol in blood.

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William Lovallo on Cortisol

Normal vs. stress functions of cortisol: Theories Type 2 receptors can alter the expression of specific genes in cells that they occupy. (Lovallo, 2005 p. 120)

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Robert Sapolsky on Cortisol

Cortisol and Ulcers: Cortisol decreases mucous production in stomach lining. Stress and H. Pylori together cause most ulcers. Inverse relationship Robert Sapolsky Cortisol Cortisol and bone loss: Cortisol inhibits new bone formation, and uptake of Ca++ in intestines. These lead to bone resorption.

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Robert Sapolsky on Cortisol

Cortisol and immune response:

First 30 minutes of acute stressor, C. enhances immune response After one hour of sustained excessive C. release and sympathetic activation immune function begins to decrease and return to baseline With major stressors of long duration, or sustained synthetic cortisol treatments, immune function greatly suppressed Robert Sapolsky on Cortisol
Cortisol and immune response:

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Stops formation of new lymphocytes in thymus Render circulating lymphocytes less responsive to pathogens Cause some lymphocytes to synthesize a suicide protein that disintegrates lymphocytes DNA

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Robert Sapolsky on Cortisol

Cortisol and memory:

Acute stress > increased cortisol, epi. and norepi. Sympathetic stimulation then increases glucose delivery to brain neurons, which aids in general brain function Cortisol enhances hippocampus function. Hippo. has more cortisol receptors than any other brain tissue. Robert Sapolsky on Cortisol
Cortisol and memory: Chronic high stress > greatly increased C. production After 1 hr. hippocampal neurons absorbing 25% less glucose Neurons atrophyaxons and dendrites wither and withdraw connections < connections means suppressed hippo. function
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Robert Sapolsky on Cortisol

Cortisol and memory: Many hippocampal neurons destroyed Weakened neural networks > memories harder to access

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Robert Sapolsky on Cortisol

Cortisol and insulin resistant diabetes: Cortisol causes fats and glucose to be dumped into the bloodstream Fat, muscle, and nerve cells become resistant to insulin Muscle and nerve cells get less glucose and fats for energy. Neuropathy can result.

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Robert Sapolsky on Cortisol

Cortisol and insulin resistant diabetes: Increased blood fats create arterial plaques and begin to clog blood vessels Clogged vessels in kidneys lead to diminished kidney function Excess blood fats and sugar cause proteins in eyes to link together forming cataracts.

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Robert Sapolsky on Cortisol The disease more than doubles mortality and nearly triples the rate of heart disease in men. Furthermore, it is a leading cause of blindness, and the seventh leading cause of death.
Robert Sapolsky, Ph.D.

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William Lovallo on Cortisol

If cortisol levels high, repeatedly elevated, or chronic, amygdala is highly sensitized Result.high cortisol levels increase stress reactivity in general Also, high cortisol diminishes hippocampus function. Hippocampus helps regulate cortisol levels Thus self-perpetuating vicious cycle.

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Talbot & Kraemer

We know that cortisol has a direct effect on shrinking the thymus and inhibiting white-bloodcell production and activity. Cortisol suppresses the ability of white blood cells to secrete chemical messengers (interleukins and interferons), so the different varieties of immune system cells are unable to communicate with each other to effectively fight off infections. Finally, and most remarkably, is the fact that cortisol can actually act as s signal to many immune system cells to simply shut off and stop working

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Talbot & Kraemer

Chronic stress and obesity: Increased C. > increased appetite > overeating C. > increased fat storage, via insulin resistanceparticularly abdominal fat Reduced DHEA and growth hormone > decreased BMR and protein breakdown

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Pelletier Research
Kenneth Pelletier, Ph.D. U.of A. Mind as Healer, Mind as Slayer Toward a Science of Consciousness Healthy People in Unhealthy Places Research to be considered seriously in the stress-disease connection

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Pelletier Research
Research on Multiple Personality Disorders (Braun, 1983)

MPD patients exhibit signs and symptoms of clearly different medical problems with different personalities Immediate switching of symptoms of asthma, diabetes, vision problems, with switching from

one personality to another

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Pelletier Research
Spontaneous remission cases:

Particularly with cancer patients, but with other diseases as well Over 3000 documented cases of remission in medical literature.patients diagnosed as terminally ill (15% with no clinical intervention) 2 cases of remission with AIDS
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Pelletier Research
Placebo and Nocebo case studies:

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Dr. O Carl Simonton reports many cases Dr. Bernie Siegel, Love, Medicine, and Miracles FDA recognizes that placebos have a mean cure rate of 35%, sometimes up to 70% Pelletier Research
Cases of cell memory: Cells of various organs and tissues seem to hold memories of the human they are originally part of somehow When surgically transplanted into another, recipient occasionally has images of original donor, or memories of things original donor did.

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Pelletier Research
Immunoenhancement case studies:

Study of nursing home residents by Kiecolt-Glaser et al. (1985) McClelland & Kirshnit (1989)
Subjects watching an inspirational film of Mother Teresa increased levels of S-IgA after the video, indicating immune system enhancement
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Expert Opinion
The simple truth is, happy people generally dont get sick. Those who are at peace with themselves and their surroundings have far fewer serious illnesses than those who are not. Bernie S. Siegel, M.D.

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Expert Opinion
"You can set yourself up to be sick, or you can choose to stay well."

Wayne Dyer

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