Nerve Injury

Functional Neurology: Brain Health Biomarkers

Share

Biomarkers are molecules that can help diagnose a health issue. These have become important for verifying investigations, choosing the best remedies, and monitoring disease progression. One exception, however, includes biomarkers for neurological diseases. Neurological biomarkers are found in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) or, in undetectable amounts, in the blood vessels. The human brain is closely guarded by the blood-brain barrier which protects it from damaging compounds circulating throughout the blood vessels. The blood-brain barrier has made it inaccessible to use these biomarkers.  

 

Biomarkers may be analyzed using the CSF but this also needs an invasive lumbar puncture process. Biomarker signatures, or recent improvements in discovery, in addition to the ability of clusters of biomarkers, are currently helping to make neurological disorders more treatable and more reachable. Treating and preventing neurological disorders, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, autism, and major depressive disorder, is very likely to become less difficult to diagnose with the recent arrival of neurological biomarkers found in the blood.  

 

Biomarker for Brain Health Issues

 

Biomarker signatures, found with panels of high-quality antibodies, are yet another safe and effective tool for evaluating neurological disorders and diseases. Assistant professor of neurology and immunobiology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine at Tucson, Kristian Doyle, utilizes biomarkers to examine how the immune system deals with dead brain tissue. The system eliminates brain tissue with a procedure called liquefactive necrosis following a stroke but the pathophysiology of the procedure is unknown. This information is essential because liquefactive necrosis may be neurotoxic.  

 

“We utilize multiplex immunoassays to describe inflammation within chronic stroke infarcts in the point of liquefactive necrosis, and to describe changes by ordinary stroke comorbidities,” says Doyle. Because over 10 million individuals survive a stroke every year, Doyle expects that biomarkers may help them monitor the development of liquefactive necrosis and start to tailor remedies that mitigate the secondary harm due to this procedure,” he states. Another connection between inflammation and neurotoxicity is analyzed by Alysson Muotri, professor of molecular and cellular medicine and director of the Stem Cell Program at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. The Muotri laboratory uses induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from individuals with schizophrenia and autism to search for biomarkers of those ailments.  

 

Muotri’s laboratory started analyzing the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) as a biomarker because evidence indicates that chronic exposure to elevated cytokines might be neurotoxic together with elevated levels associated with depression, autism, and schizophrenia. “The gap of one of the many brain disorders could function as cytokines act on particular types or subtypes of nerves, or within a particular brain area,” states Muotri. His laboratory differentiates iPSCs to cells, which they suspect might be releasing cytokines from patients. Also, because IL-6 can also be involved in immune-inflammatory pathways, Muotri supposes a connection between autism and in utero exposure to infection, such as the Zika virus.  

 

“Our forecast is that the inflammation caused by Zika vulnerability is sufficient to make a neurotoxic environment which could rewire how the human brain is shaped,” he states. “We see that in mice, therefore, we believe some Zika-exposed children are going to develop autism or have intellectual disabilities” Larger biomarker signatures are available with technologies from CDI Laboratories, which provides microarrays of practical human proteins, including over 20,000 to a single variety, to check the antibodies within human liquid biopsy samples, including blood, serum, plasma, CSF, or tissue lysates. The consequent “autoantibody profile” is a helpful tool for study and for diagnoses or prognoses of individuals.  

 

“We have worked in the area of biomarker discovery for various neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis, neuropsychiatric lupus, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease,” states George Dorfman, director of business development in CDI Laboratories, a spin-off firm located in Baltimore, Maryland, and Mayaguez, Puerto Rico which was created from research in the High Throughput Biology Center at Johns Hopkins University. CDI’s stage is particularly beneficial in building panels for biomarker discovery because researchers can start by utilizing patient samples or banked trials to evaluate resistant profiles of cohorts that reveal specific symptoms or no indications in the event of control trials.  

 

“This provides us with an inherent candidate biomarker panel that offers advice on the following clinical outcome or curative efficacy, which is confirmed to yield the last panel, then interpreted into the state an ELISA-based kit or any other immunodiagnostic format at the clinical setting,” says Dorfman. “In the event of multiple sclerosis, as a patient grows through measures of this disease, their entire body creates novel antibodies or greater present antibody titers against specific proteins, such as myelination proteins. Our panels may discover these, to provide a notion about exactly what patients’ disease development might seem like, and supply a signature which may be interpreted into another evaluation or an FDA-approved diagnostic” CDI’s technologies have also been utilized to create an autoantibody profile for neuropsychiatric lupus, a beneficial diagnostic tool to ultimately help diagnose a neurological disorder that typically lacks obvious clinical signs.  

 

Understanding Biomarkers for Brain Health

The amount and types of biomarkers, as well as the quantity of information which researchers have to arrange, can help provide better remedies and prevention methods and techniques. “It ought to be no surprise that researchers spend around 80 percent of the time handling and not assessing statistics,” states Scott Marshall, managing director of translational informatics and diagnostic sciences in Precision for Medicine in Frederick, Maryland. The biomarker data management system, PATH, was made to incorporate any sort of biomarker information for further neurological disease diagnosis.  

 

“The true power of biomarkers comes if you connect this data to clinical information,” states Marshall. Their biomarker information management system supports translational research and biomarker-guided medicine development and puts no limitation on the number of biomarkers that may be tracked. “It can manage multiple biomarker technologies concurrently, such as complicated flow cytometry, next-generation sequencing, immuno-sequencing, epigenetic profiling, and other varieties of assays measuring biological variant too,” states Marshall. Their kind of “translational informatics” instrument is much more efficient than generating reams of information” with no strategy to acquire actionable insights out of these.”  

 

Research teams utilize Precision to Medicine’s platform for neuro-related programs that vary from illness pathogenesis to creating complicated signatures that are predictive of treatment response. By way of instance, the system was utilized in a research study including the evaluation of transcriptomic and genomic data in the treatment of major depressive disorder. The outcome is a genomically defined subset of individuals utilizing a probability of improvement. “This type of signature can now be evaluated by means of an assay, which may subsequently be developed to accompany diagnostic or free diagnostic to successfully target the correct individual group,” states Marshall. Biomarker data management systems become more fundamental as distinct kinds of biomarkers are examined collectively, ultimately including proteins and miRNAs.  

 

Combining kinds of biomarkers will very likely boost their usefulness. “Diagnostics is becoming increasingly more important as we know that the interplay between microRNAs, proteins, DNA, and messenger RNA is necessary,” states Pregibon. Clinical decision-making may profit particularly in which the human brain has been blocked by the blood-brain barrier until lately. “The chance to leverage biomarker-driven targeted treatments means that the sufferers that are more inclined to react to treatments are getting them quicker,” states Marshall. “For researchers, that’s the energy of biomarkers.”  

 

 

The recent ability to be able to detect neurological biomarkers in the blood, despite the blood-brain barries, is largely due in part to new technological advances in diagnosis and detection. Several of these technologies can ultimately increase sensitivity, however, increased sensitivity can help improve earlier detection or diagnosis of biomarkers for neurological diseases and disorders. Researchers and healthcare professionals currently believe that the presence of these biomarkers may be present earlier than we currently understand, which can help improve health issue diagnosis and treatment. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight

 


 

Neurotransmitter Assessment Form

 

The following Neurotransmitter Assessment Form can be filled out and presented to Dr. Alex Jimenez. Symptoms listed on this form are not intended to be utilized as a diagnosis of any type of disease, condition, or any other type of health issue.

 


 

Biomarkers are molecules that can help diagnose a health issue. These have become important for verifying investigations, choosing the best remedies, and monitoring disease progression. One exception, however, includes biomarkers for neurological diseases. Neurological biomarkers are found in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) or, in undetectable amounts, in the blood vessels. The human brain is closely guarded by the blood-brain barrier which protects it from damaging compounds circulating throughout the blood vessels. The blood-brain barrier has made it inaccessible to use these biomarkers.  

 

Biomarkers may be analyzed using the CSF but this also needs an invasive lumbar puncture process. Biomarker signatures, or recent improvements in discovery, in addition to the ability of clusters of biomarkers, are currently helping to make neurological disorders more treatable and more reachable. Treating and preventing neurological disorders, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, autism, and major depressive disorder, is very likely to become less difficult to diagnose with the recent arrival of neurological biomarkers found in the blood.  

 

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900

 

Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez  

 

References:

  • Smith, Caitlin. “Biomarkers on the Brain: Putting Biomarkers Together for a Better Understanding of the Nervous System.” Science, 15 Mar. 2018, www.sciencemag.org/features/2017/12/biomarkers-brain-putting-biomarkers-together-better-understanding-nervous-system.

 


 

Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain

Sudden pain is a natural response of the nervous system which helps to demonstrate possible injury. By way of instance, pain signals travel from an injured region through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. Pain is generally less severe as the injury heals, however, chronic pain is different than the average type of pain. With chronic pain, the human body will continue sending pain signals to the brain, regardless if the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last for several weeks to even several years. Chronic pain can tremendously affect a patient’s mobility and it can reduce flexibility, strength, and endurance.

 

 


 

Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate neurological diseases. The Neural ZoomerTM Plus is an array of neurological autoantibodies which offers specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus is designed to assess an individual’s reactivity to 48 neurological antigens with connections to a variety of neurologically related diseases. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus aims to reduce neurological conditions by empowering patients and physicians with a vital resource for early risk detection and an enhanced focus on personalized primary prevention.  

 

Food Sensitivity for the IgG & IgA Immune Response

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate health issues associated with food sensitivities. The Food Sensitivity ZoomerTM is an array of 180 commonly consumed food antigens that offers very specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. This panel measures an individual’s IgG and IgA sensitivity to food antigens. Being able to test IgA antibodies provides additional information to foods that may be causing mucosal damage. Additionally, this test is ideal for patients who might be suffering from delayed reactions to certain foods. Utilizing an antibody-based food sensitivity test can help prioritize the necessary foods to eliminate and create a customized diet plan around the patient’s specific needs.  

 

Formulas for Methylation Support

 

XYMOGEN’s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.

 

Proudly, Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.

 

Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.

 

If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.

 

For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link. *XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download  

 

* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.

 


 

 

Post Disclaimer

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Functional Neurology: Brain Health Biomarkers" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
License Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card

Published by

Recent Posts

Sleep with a Pillow Between the Legs for Back Pain Relief

For individuals with back pain, can sleeping with a pillow between or under their knees… Read More

March 27, 2024

Harness the Power of Peppermint: Medicinal Benefits Explored

For individuals dealing with digestive issues or bowel disorders, can adding peppermint to a nutrition… Read More

March 26, 2024

Relieving Eczema Symptoms: The Role of Acupuncture

For individuals dealing with eczema, can incorporating acupuncture into a treatment plan help manage and… Read More

March 25, 2024

Understanding Whiplash: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Those experiencing neck pain, stiffness, headache, shoulder and back pain may suffer from a whiplash… Read More

March 22, 2024

Nopal: A Superfood for Enhanced Nutrition and Wellness

Can incorporating nopal or prickly pear cactus into one's diet help individuals trying to lower… Read More

March 21, 2024

Improve Breathing Techniques for Optimal Exercise Performance

Can improving breathing patterns help further fitness and optimize overall health for individuals who walk… Read More

March 21, 2024