ME/CFS South Australia Inc supports the needs of sufferers of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and related illnesses. We do this by providing services and information to members. Disclaimer ME/CFS South Australia Inc aims to keep members informed of various research projects, diets, medications, therapies, news items, etc. All communication, both verbal and written, is merely to disseminate information and not to make recommendations or directives. Unless otherwise stated, the views expressed on this Web site are not necessarily the official views of the Society or its Committee and are not simply an endorsement of products or services. |
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Is an enzyme called GAD responsible for Fibromyalgia?Friday 24 June 2011 About.com's Adrienne Dellwo reports:
Is an Enzyme Called GAD Responsible for Fibromyalgia? Research Brief A recently published hypothesis raises the possibility that an enzyme involved in type-1 diabetes may also be an underlying cause of fibromyalgia (FMS). The enzyme is glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) -- specifically, a form called GAD65. It's primary job is to help turn a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger in the brain) called glutamate into another neurotransmitter called GABA. Glutamtate is an excitotoxin, meaning it gets areas of the brain over stimulated to potentially dangerous levels, while GABA calms the brain. Some research shows that FMS involves an imbalance of these two chemicals. In the journal Medical Hypotheses, researchers lay out several reasons they believe problems with GAD levels or activity could play a critical role in this condition:
The researchers are calling for studies looking at GAD expression and activity in FMS to see what role, if any, it might play. Some interesting facts about GAD65 that weren't discussed in the paper also could lend support for the hypothesis. GAD65 plays a role in type-1 (juvenile-onset) diabetes. Blood-sugar issues, including diabetes, are common in people with FMS (although the adult-onset form is most common.) Additionally, the fibromyalgia drug Lyrica (pregabalin) is believed to increase GAD activity and therefore raise GABA levels. This is also true of the supplement valerian root, which is sometimes recommended for helping improve sleep in FMS. GAD levels can be hampered by poor diet, tobacco use and alcohol, all of which have been shown to exacerbate FMS symptoms. The researchers behind the hypothesis conclude that interventions -- both medicinal and behavioral -- aimed at altering or mimicking the effects of GAD could be effective for treating FMS. Learn more or join the conversation! NEWSLETTER | FORUM | BIO | TWITTER | FACEBOOK • Neurotransmitter Imbalance in Fibromyalgia
The above, with comments, originally appeared here.
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