My results from Redlabs showed increased Perforin. Their website describes the test as relating to NK cell function:
It also says that most PWME/CFS have LOW NK cell function, whereas mine seems to be HIGH. I also now have a positive ANA - although of course others here have pointed out that the titres are not high - 80, with a speckled pattern (non specific). I disagree that this is not important as its only unimportant to have low positive ANA if you don't have symptoms - I clearly do have symptoms.
So im just wondering really what High NK cell activity really means. It looks to me like one section of my immune system is overactive, although KDM said the other part was underactive (TH1?) I have to admit that I don't really understand this, and the only information I can find easily on the net related to high NK cell activity is all to do with fertility and miscarriage. Does this mean that my body is desperately trying to kill something (I also have high cytokines - specifically IL8, and high prostaglandins (E2))
What do those of us with HIGH NK cells have in common, if anything?
What does it mean if my NK cells are high?
PERFORIN EXPRESSION ASSAY
Natural Killer cells (NK) cells are cytotoxic cells that mediate the immune response against certain cancer and virus-infected cells. NK cells are normally found in the peripheral blood, and are classified by their cell surface markers as CD3-/CD56+cells. NK cells activity is altered in several disorders such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and CFS, and is very sensitive to various environmental pollutants. Since NK cells play a central role in the defense against viruses, decreased NK activity can lead to the development of opportunistic viral infections. NK cells exert their cytotoxic effect by releasing perforin, a protein that will destroy the cytoplasmic membrane of target cells and finally kill them. Expression of perforin mRNA can be measured as a mean to evaluate NK cell activation.
It also says that most PWME/CFS have LOW NK cell function, whereas mine seems to be HIGH. I also now have a positive ANA - although of course others here have pointed out that the titres are not high - 80, with a speckled pattern (non specific). I disagree that this is not important as its only unimportant to have low positive ANA if you don't have symptoms - I clearly do have symptoms.
So im just wondering really what High NK cell activity really means. It looks to me like one section of my immune system is overactive, although KDM said the other part was underactive (TH1?) I have to admit that I don't really understand this, and the only information I can find easily on the net related to high NK cell activity is all to do with fertility and miscarriage. Does this mean that my body is desperately trying to kill something (I also have high cytokines - specifically IL8, and high prostaglandins (E2))
What do those of us with HIGH NK cells have in common, if anything?
What does it mean if my NK cells are high?