Similarity effects of two types of adaptogens (transcutaneous electrical stimulation with the device “VEB” ® and using of bioactive Naftussya water) on the human body

Background. The studies of the Truskavetsian Scientific School of Balneology have shown that both the Naftussya bioactive water and the standard balneotherapy complex (Naftussya drink, ozokerite applications, mineral baths) exhibit the properties of adaptogens, similar to such ginseng and phytocompositions. At the same time, in the process of researching the influence of devices for transcutaneous electrical stimulation on the human body, we found that changes in the parameters of the neuro-endocrine-immune complex and metabolism also have an adaptogenic character. The purpose of this study is to find effects common to adaptogens of chemical and physical nature. Materials and Methods. The object of observation were 29 women 30-76 (50±13) y and 28 men 25-69 (48±13) y without a clinical diagnosis, but with the deviations from the norm in a number of parameters of the neuro-endocrine-immune complex as a manifestation of dysadaptation. Parameters of biophotonics, acupuncture points, EEG, HRV, immunity, metabolism, blood pressure and hormones levels before and after a four-day transcutaneous electrical stimulation session or one-week course of drinking of Naftussya water registered. Results. Screening revealed that 43 variables respond to the action of adaptogens according to the law of the initial level, at the same time, 4 initially elevated and 9 normal variables show further growth. Caused by adaptogens changes in 7 EEG and 7 HRV parameters determine favorable changes in 2 endocrine, 10 immune, 3 metabolic, 2 hemodynamic and 3 biophotonics parameters by 83,5%. Conclusion. The adaptogens both of chemical and physical nature, activating the receptors of the gut mucosa or the skin, respectively, have similar favorable effects on the parameters of the neuroendocrine-immune complex, metabolism, hemodynamics and biophotonics

Neurotransmitters as food supplements: the effects of GABA on brain and behavior

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the human cortex. The food supplement version of GABA is widely available online. Although many consumers claim that they experience benefits from the use of these products, it is unclear whether these supplements confer benefits beyond a placebo effect. Currently, the mechanism of action behind these products is unknown. It has long been thought that GABA is unable to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB), but the studies that have assessed this issue are often contradictory and range widely in their employed methods. Accordingly, future research needs to establish the effects of oral GABA administration on GABA levels in the human brain, for example using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. There is some evidence in favor of a calming effect of GABA food supplements, but most of this evidence was reported by researchers with a potential conflict of interest. We suggest that any veridical effects of GABA food supplements on brain and cognition might be exerted through BBB passage or, more indirectly, via an effect on the enteric nervous system. We conclude that the mechanism of action of GABA food supplements is far from clear, and that further work is needed to establish the behavioral effects of GABA

Relationships between geomagnetic Ар-indeх and HRV and endocrine parameters in patients with dysfunction of the neuroendocrine-immune complex

Background. Recently, on the example of two cohort of patients, we found that disturbances of the geomagnetic field cause a significant immediate modulating effect on the level of immune parameters in the blood. The data available in the literature give grounds for assumptions about the direct effect of disturbances of the geomagnetic field on immunocytes, and indirectly, through immunotropic neurotransmitters and hormones. Our hypothesis is as follows. Disturbances of the geomagnetic field are perceived by acupuncture points. The information obtained is transmitted to neurons and endocrinocytes, the mediators of which, in turn, affect immunocytes. The purpose of this study is to test this hypothesis. Material and methods. The object of observation were 21 men (24-63 y) and 20 women (30-72 y) with neuroendocrine-immune complex dysfunction. Each patient was tested twice with an interval of 4 days. Retrospectively we recorded the geomagnetic Ap-Index on the day of testing and during the previous 7 days, using resource https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/. Recorded the heart rate variability (HRV) parameters, determined the plasma level of cortisol, triiodothyronine and testosterone. Results. During the week, the average level of Ap-index ranged from 7 to 13 nT. Maximum coefficients of multiple correlation with HRV&Hormonal parameters were detected for Ap-index on 2 (R=0,506) and 7 (R=0,403) days before testing. The canonical correlation between Ap-indices for 7 days before and on the day of testing, and the HRV&Hormonal parameters is 0,766. In turn, the immune parameters are closely related to the HRV&Hormonal parameters (R=0,714). Conclusion. Disturbances of the geomagnetic field (Ap-index) causes a significant immediate modulating effect on the immune, HRV and endocrine parameters, apparently through acupuncture points as polymodal receptors of the ecoceptive sensitivity system

Relationships between changes in entropy of the EEG and parameters of the immunity

Background. Previously, we have shown that the entropy of the normalized parameters of the HRV and spectral power density (SPD) of loci of EEG significantly correlate with the entropy and parameters of immunity, which testifies to their modulating regulatory effects. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationships between changes in entropy and immunity under the influence of natural adaptogens. Material and methods. In basal conditions in 37 men and 14 women with chronic pyelonephritis and cholecystitis in remission as well as without clinical diagnose but with dysfunction of neuro-endocrine-immune complex and metabolism, we recorded twice, before and after balneotherapy at the spa Truskavets’, EEG (“NeuroCom Standard”) and HRV (“Cardiolab+VSR”). Than we evaluated immune status on a set of I and II levels recommended by the WHO. The Entropy of normalized SPD for each locus of EEG and HRV as well as Immunocytogram and Leukocytogram calculated using Shannon’s formula. Results. Preliminary analysis revealed different orientation of entropy changes in patients, so three clusters were created. Balneotherapy has a generalized negentropic effect on EEG of 2/3 patients. On the other hand, the members of the other two clusters have substantially increased EEG entropy overall, but there are significant differences with respect to individual loci. The immunotropic effects of balneotherapy are unrelated to changes in integral entropy of EEG. As a result of discriminant analysis were selected as characteristic entropy changes at only 9 loci out of 16, accompanied by changes in 10 partial parameters of immunity and integral immune index, as well as Popovych’s Leukocytogram Strain Index-2. Conclusion. Balneotherapy causes multivariate entropy changes of individual EEG loci, conditioned by a number of predictors. This is accompanied by characteristic changes in certain parameters of immunity in line with the concept of immune homunculus

Asthma as a Model for Placebo Effects in Modern Medicine

Many a clinical intervention thrives on placebos. Lack of consensus — both definitional and methodological — however, contributes to general confusion and specious conclusions regarding the legitimacy and relevance of placebos in modern medicine. The apparent divergence between objective and subjective treatment outcomes, moreover, renders placebos clinically meaningless. Asthma provides a clinical model for studying placebos because it highlights how psychology works in concert with pharmacology. Here we examine placebos as valuable adjuncts to, rather than replacements for, pharmacological treatments

Higher locus coeruleus MRI contrast is associated with lower parasympathetic influence over heart rate variability

The locus coeruleus (LC) is a key node of the sympathetic nervous system and suppresses parasympathetic activity that would otherwise increase heart rate variability. In the current study, we examined whether LC-MRI contrast reflecting neuromelanin accumulation in the LC was associated with high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV), a measure reflecting parasympathetic influences on the heart. Recent evidence indicates that neuromelanin, a byproduct of catecholamine metabolism, accumulates in the LC through young and mid adulthood, suggesting that LC-MRI contrast may be a useful biomarker of individual differences in habitual LC activation. We found that, across younger and older adults, greater LC-MRI contrast was negatively associated with HF-HRV during fear conditioning and spatial detection tasks. This correlation was not accounted for by individual differences in age or anxiety. These findings indicate that individual differences in LC structure relate to key cardiovascular parameters

Peculiarities of spectral parameters of EEG, HRV and routine parameters of immunity in patients with various levels of the entropy of EEG, HRV, immunocytogram and leukocytogram

Background. We have previously shown that the entropy levels of spectral parameters of EEG and HRV as well as of Immunocytogram and Leukocytogram are well dispersed. The method of cluster analysis was the distribution of the observed contingent into four groups that are homogeneous in terms of entropy. Have been identified the spectral parameters and indices of HRV, the amplitude-frequency and spectral parameters of the rhythms of EEG as well as the indices of asymmetry and lateralization of rhythms, which together are four clusters of entropy significantly different from each other. The purpose of this study is to identify the recognition parameters of immunity together with spectral parameters of EEG and HRV. Material and methods. In basal conditions in 37 men and 14 women with chronic pyelonephritis and cholecystitis in remission as well as without clinical diagnose but with dysfunction of neuro-endocrine-immune complex and metabolism, we recorded twice, before and after balneotherapy at the spa Truskavets’, EEG (“NeuroCom Standard”) and HRV (“Cardiolab+VSR”). In blood we determined parameters of Immune status on a set of I and II levels recommended by the WHO. Than we calculated for each locus of EEG and HRV as well as for Immunocytogram and Leukocytogram the Entropy (h) using Shannon’s formula. Results. The cluster analysis method created four groups, homogeneous in entropy parameters. Discriminant analysis revealed 25 SPD of EEG parameters, 5 HRV parameters, and 9 immunity parameters, by the totality of which four entropy clusters clearly different from each other. Conclusion. Quantitatively and qualitatively different levels of entropy of the spectral parameters of EEG and HRV as well as the Immunocytogram and Leukocytogram are accompanied by characteristic constellations of the parameters of EEG, HRV and Immunity

Gas Discharge Visualization (Electrophotonic Imaging, Kirlianography). Theoretical and Applied Aspects, 189 s.

The monograph highlights the results of priority clinical-physiological studies of the relationships between gas discharge visualization (electrophotonic imaging, kirlianography) parameters, on the one hand, and electroencephalograms, heart rate variability, immunograms, phagocytosis, the content of the main adaptation hormones (cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone, triiodothyronine, calcitonin) in the blood as well as acupuncture points - on the other hand. It is shown that the GDV/EPI method reliably reflects the state of the body's neuro-endocrine-immune complex as well as others parameters and has the right to take its place in the arsenal of physiological/biophysical methods. For biophysicists, physiologists, psychophysiologists, endocrinologists, immunologists, medical rehabilitation specialists. INTRODUCTION Advances in biophysics, biology, functional genomics, neuroscience, psychology, psychoneuroimmunology, and other fields suggest the existence of a subtle system of “biofield” interactions that organize biological processes from the subatomic, atomic, molecular, cellular, and organismic to the interpersonal and cosmic levels. Biofield interactions may bring about regulation of biochemical, cellular, and neurological processes through means related to electromagnetism, quantum fields, and perhaps other means of modulating biological activity and information flow. The biofield paradigm, in contrast to a reductionist, chemistry-centered viewpoint, emphasizes the informational content of biological processes; biofield interactions are thought to operate in part via low-energy or “subtle” processes such as weak, nonthermal electromagnetic fields (EMFs) or processes potentially related to consciousness and nonlocality. Biofield interactions may also operate through or be reflected in more well-understood informational processes found in EEG and ECG data. Recent advances have led to the development of a wide variety of therapeutic and diagnostic biofield devices, defined as physical instruments best understood from the viewpoint of a biofield paradigm [Muehsam D et al, 2015]. Biofield devices comprise physical instruments that may be most clearly understood from the viewpoint of a biofield paradigm, and a large and diverse number of devices have been developed to measure or manipulate biofield interactions. These include both diagnostic devices (to measure biofield properties) and therapeutic devices (to manipulate biofield interactions). The study of biofield devices is at a nascent stage of development, and much further research is needed to determine clinical efficacy and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action for many of the devices mentioned here. The biofield devices operate through a variety of modalities rather than a single mechanism. Some biofield devices function through well-understood mechanisms and are already widely used in clinical settings: for example, electroencephalography (EEG)- and electrocardiography (ECG)-based heart rate variability (HRV). Other devices appear to operate through mechanisms that are novel or incompletely understood. However, all of these devices share a common property: rather than functioning primarily in a reductionist, chemistry-centered manner, biofield devices function via the informational content of biological processes and can interact via low-energy or “subtle” processes, including those potentially related to consciousness and nonlocality [Muehsam D et al, 2015]. Here Muehsam D et al [2015] provide a brief overview of the broad categories of biofield devices, with the goal being to stimulate further discussion and research. Authors describe those devices for which thay deemed that sufficient evidence exists to warrant mention. They chose to focus upon devices for which peer-reviewed scientific reports suggesting efficacy are available rather than conference proceedings or manufacturers' white papers. However, in the few cases that specific devices with sufficient promise and relevance lacked a peer-reviewed basis, authors have presented whatever evidence was available. Here, devices are organized according to mode of operation and these modalities include electromagnetic field (EMF)-light, EMF-heat, EMF-nonthermal, electrical current, vibration and sound, physical and mechanical, intentionality and nonlocality, gas and plasma, and other (mode of operation not well understood). Muehsam D et al [2015] deemed that gas discharge visualization (GDV) is an important example of the use of plasma in biofield science. Back in 1880 Nikola Tesla demonstrated that when placing the man in the high-frequency field around the body there is a bright glow [cit. by Korotkov KG, 2001]. In 1892 Nardkevych-Yodko YO recorded glow human hands on photographic plate [cit. by Ciesielska I, 2009]. However, a well-known method of "high-frequency photography" was due to spouses Kirlian SD&VH who in 1939 independently discovered this phenomenon [Kirlian SD & Kirlian VKh, 1961], later called "Kirlian’s effect". This technique has been called corona discharge photography [Boyers DG & Tiller WA, 1973], electrophotography [Earle L, 1975], electrography [Konikiewicz LW, 1979], GDV [Bankovskii NG et al, 1986]. In 1996 Korotkov KG created a new scientific approach, based on the digital videotechnics, modern electronics and computer processing quantitative data, called as method gas discharge visualization (GDV bioelectrography). Parallel uses the terms Kirlianography and Electrophotonic imaging (EPI) [Korotkov KG, 2001; 2007; 2014; Korotkov KG et al, 2002; Wisneski LA & Anderson L, 2009; Jakovleva E & Korotkov K, 2013]. Method of GDV, essence of which consists in registration of photoelectronic emission of skin, induced by high-frequency electromagnetic impulses, allows to estimate integrated psycho-somatic state of organism. The first base parameter of GDV is Area of Gas Discharge Image (GDI) in Right, Frontal and Left projections registered both with and without polyethylene filter. The second base parameter is a coefficient of form/shape (ratio of square of length of external contour of GDI toward his area), which characterizes the measure of serration/fractality of external contour. The third base parameter of GDI is Entropy, id est measure of chaos. It is considered that GDI, taken off without filter, characterizes the functional changes of organism, and with a filter characterizes organic changes. Program estimates also Energy and Asymmetry of virtual Chakras [Korotkov KG, 2001; 2007; 2014]. Nearly 1000 papers have been published (mostly in Russian) on GDV research and a few hundred more in the West. These intriguing data suggest that informatics based upon biofield measurement devices such as the GDV may be useful for gaining deeper understanding of disease states and guiding practitioners and their patients towards states of greater wellness [Muehsam D et al, 2015]. Without regard to the wideuse enough of method in medicine, psychology, valeology and others like that, he yields to the just criticizing for an insufficient physiology ground. There fore we put before itself sweep to analyse relationships between the parameters of GDV - from one side, and by the row of neurodynamics, endocrine, immune. psychophysiological, and other parameters - on the other hand

As aplicações de TLBL podem melhorar os aspectos do TEA relacionados a distúrbios no microbioma intestinal, atividade mitocondrial e função da rede neural

Autism Spectrum Disorder constitutes a complex, elaborate, and diverse condition at a developmental, biological, and neurophysiological level. It is recognized primarily by the behavioral manifestations of the individual in communication, social interaction, and by extension in his cognitive development and adaptation to society as a whole. A wide range of studies have linked the pathophysiology of autism to dysfunctional elements in the development and function of mitochondria, cells, neurons, and the gastrointestinal microbiome. Low Light Laser Therapy (LLLT) is an innovative, emerging, non-invasive treatment method. It utilizes low levels of red light/near-infrared light positively affecting biological and pathological processes of the body by enhancing cellular, mitochondrial stimulation, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and immune system development, regulating the gut microbiome's function. The retrospective literature review focuses on the possibility of effective use of the method in autism. According to the literature, LLLT does not have many applications in patients with ASD and is still in the early stages of its use in the disorder. However, the results of the studies highlight its therapeutic effect in several areas related to the disease, pointing out that it is a promising therapeutic approach for the evolution of autism in the future.El Trastorno del Espectro Autista constituye una condición compleja, elaborada y diversa a nivel del desarrollo, biológico y neurofisiológico. Se reconoce principalmente por las manifestaciones conductuales del individuo en la comunicación, la interacción social y por extensión en su desarrollo cognitivo y adaptación a la sociedad en su conjunto. Una amplia gama de estudios ha relacionado la fisiopatología del autismo con elementos disfuncionales en el desarrollo y función de las mitocondrias, las células, las neuronas y el microbioma gastrointestinal. La terapia con láser con poca luz (LLLT) es un método de tratamiento innovador, emergente y no invasivo. Utiliza niveles bajos de luz roja/luz infrarroja cercana que afectan positivamente los procesos biológicos y patológicos del cuerpo al mejorar la estimulación celular, mitocondrial, la neurogénesis, la sinaptogénesis y el desarrollo del sistema inmunológico, regulando la función del microbioma intestinal. La revisión retrospectiva de la literatura se centra en la posibilidad de un uso eficaz del método en el autismo. Según la literatura, la LLLT no tiene muchas aplicaciones en pacientes con TEA y aún se encuentra en las primeras etapas de su uso en el trastorno. Sin embargo, los resultados de los estudios destacan su efecto terapéutico en varias áreas relacionadas con la enfermedad, señalando que es un enfoque terapéutico prometedor para la evolución del autismo en el futuro.O Transtorno do Espectro Autista constitui uma condição complexa, elaborada e diversificada em nível de desenvolvimento, biológico e neurofisiológico. É reconhecida principalmente pelas manifestações comportamentais do indivíduo na comunicação, interação social e, por extensão, em seu desenvolvimento cognitivo e adaptação à sociedade como um todo. Uma ampla gama de estudos ligou a fisiopatologia do autismo a elementos disfuncionais no desenvolvimento e função das mitocôndrias, células, neurônios e do microbioma gastrointestinal. Terapia a laser de baixa luminosidade (TLBL) é um método de tratamento inovador, emergente e não invasivo. Ele utiliza baixos níveis de luz vermelha/luz quase infravermelha (NIR) afetando positivamente os processos biológicos e patológicos do corpo, melhorando a estimulação celular, mitocondrial, neurogênese, sinaptogênese e desenvolvimento do sistema imunológico, regulando a função do microbioma intestinal. A revisão retrospectiva da literatura enfoca a possibilidade de uso efetivo do método no autismo. De acordo com a literatura, a TLBL não tem muitas aplicações em pacientes com TEA e ainda está em estágios iniciais de seu uso no transtorno. No entanto, os resultados dos estudos destacam seu efeito terapêutico em diversas áreas relacionadas à doença, apontando que é uma abordagem terapêutica promissora para a evolução do autismo no futuro

Relationships between geomagnetic Ар-indeх and parameters of the acupuncture points as well as neuroendocrine-immune complex in patients with its dysfunction

Background. Back in 1990, YuP Limansky hypothesized acupuncture points (AP) as polymodal receptors of the ecoceptive sensitivity system. In the process of hypothesis development in 2003 an existence of separate functional system of regulation of electromagnetic balance of organism has been substantiated and a working conception of light therapy has been formulated. In line with this hypothesis, we set out to analyze the relationships between the disturbances of the geomagnetic field (Ap-index) and the electrical conductivity of a number of AP, on the one hand, and the parameters of the neuroendocrine-immune complex in patients with its dysfunction, on the other. Material and methods. The object of observation were 21 men (24-63 y) and 20 women (30-72 y) with neuroendocrine-immune complex dysfunction. Each patient was tested twice with an interval of 4 days. Retrospectively we recorded the geomagnetic Ap-Index on the day of testing and during the previous 7 days, using resource https://www.spaceweatherlive.com/. Recorded the electrical conductivity of 9 pairs of AP, electroencephalogram (EEG) and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters, determined the plasma level of cortisol, triiodothyronine and testosterone, the content of lymphocytes expressing CD3, CD4, CD25, CD8, CD22 and CD56 receptors, the serum level of circulating immune complexes, immunoglobulins classes M, G, A as well as C-reactive protein, IL-1β and IL-6. The state of phagocytic function of neutrophils estimated by microbial count and phagocytic and killing indices against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Results. During the week, the average level of Ap-index ranged from 7 to 13 nT. Maximum coefficients of multiple correlation with APs parameters were detected for Ap-index on 6 day before (R=0,552) and on the day of testing (R=0,470), with EEG parameters on the eve of registration (R=0,708) and on 6 day before its (R=0,685), with immunity parameters on the eve of blood sampling (R=0,768) and on 5 day before its (R=0,758), with HRV&Hormonal parameters on 2 (R=0,506) and 7 (R=0,403) days before testing. The canonical correlation between Ap-indices for 7 days before and on the day of testing, and the parameters APs is 0,661; EEG parameters is 0,886; HRV&Hormonal parameters is 0,766 and immunity parameters is 0,921. APs parameter are closely related to the EEG (R=0,997) and HRV&Hormonal parameters (R=0,740). In turn, the immune parameters are closely related to the EEG (R=0,944) and HRV&Hormonal parameters (R=0,714). Conclusion. Disturbances of the geomagnetic field (Ap-index) causes a significant immediate modulating effect on the parameters of neuroendocrine-immune complex, apparently through acupuncture points as polymodal receptors of the ecoceptive sensitivity system