Tests for TH1/TH2?

[Bloopy Buddy]

Are there any good tests out there for the TH1 TH2 balance?

 

[ukxmrv]

Where do you live?

 

[invisiblejungle]

If you live in the US, LabCorp offers cytokine testing.

For example:
http://www.truehealthlabs.com/th1-th2-balance-panel-basic/

 

[SOC]

Don't forget Th17. It's no longer just a Th1/Th2 balance issue. In fact, Th17 may be a culprit in ME since it may be more important in autoimmunity than Th1. This is a relatively recent discovery, so many medical/pseudomedical information sources don't know about it.

From Wikipedia:

T helper 17 cells (Th17) are a subset of T helper cells producing interleukin 17 (IL-17) discovered in 2007. They are considered developmentally distinct from Th1 and Th2 cells and excessive amounts of the cell are thought to play a key role in autoimmune disease[1][2] such as multiple sclerosis (which was previously thought to be caused by Th1 cells), but also psoriasis, autoimmune uveitis, juvenile diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn's disease.
More specifically, they are thought to play a role in inflammation and tissue injury in these conditions.[3] Th17 cells can cause severe autoimmune diseases, however they serve a very important function in anti-microbial immunity at epithelial / mucosal barriers. They produce cytokines (such as interleukin 22) which stimulates epithelial cells to produce anti-microbial proteins to clear out certain types of microbe (such as Candida and Staphylococcus). Thus, a severe lack of Th17 cells may leave the host susceptible to opportunistic infections.

 

[Bloopy Buddy]

Any other tests recommended for immune function? I would like to know if my issues are auto-immune or lowered immunity to pathogens.

 

[Xandoff]

Are there any good tests out there for the TH1 TH2 balance?

I had a lot of test back in 2010 that I can hardly remember. It showed that I was TH2 dominant and that my TH1 was dormant. So I haven't had a cold in eight years, my Th2 fights bacteria, TH1 fights viruses. I am loaded with HHV, Cytomegolavirus and chlaymdia pneumonia (not the std) , Epstein Barr Virus etc etc etc ) and a host of viruses humans have been carrying since time began. Most healthy immune systems with Th1 knock these down in healthy people. As a child I was a severe asthmatic and had over 65 allergies. This weighted my immune system to TH-2 to begin with.
I have a Sister with Crohns and a Sister who passed from Lymphoma that she contracted when she was twenty (she lived to be 56) so I know it is in my family genes. Hope this helps you understand. Most Doctors (99.9%) don't know about these tests and could not "read" them any ways. You need to find a real M.E. CFS specialist on the co-cure list who might run these tests.

 

[Bloopy Buddy]

Thanks for the reply. Do you know how WBC is connected to these things?

I have had high neutrophils and low lymphocytes for many years. I am told lymphocytes fight viruses and I do have some elevation of EBV and hhv6 titers. Also had childhood asthma. From what you were saying, this would seem to fit the th2 dominant profile?

Part of my issues is that I have lyme (chronic) as well, which is said to make the system th1 dominant. I guess I will have to get a test and see. Just want to know if some of my neuro issues are autoimmune, lyme, or virus activation.