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Attempting to identify members of my subgroup - Subcutaneous Fat Loss

iwillwin1day

Senior Member
Messages
191
I'm trying to identify members of this community with the following symptoms following a flu-like "viral" onset:

Loss of subcutaneous fat in face, hands, feet, arms and legs.
Wrinkling skin, and increased prominence of veins/muscles.

If we can clearly identify 20-30 of us, I am going to raise money to do a thorough study to search for a pathogen.

If you have these symptoms, please respond here. If you know of someone with these symptoms, please refer them to this thread.

Please also indicate whether your illness is contagious.

Thank you.
Yes. I have this. Only 4% body fat. Very skinny, weight loss, muscle loss, loose skin, veins can be seen in hand.
 
Messages
41
To iwillwin1 day and from holland: how you have got this virus please? Sexual encounter or airborne?
Which virus are you referring to? Do you mean Coxsackie B Virus? If this is the case, I don't think infection via sexual encounter is possible, but not an expert in this area. @Hip Do you maybe have more insights on possible CBV transmission routes?
 

Hip

Senior Member
Messages
17,824
@Hip Do you maybe have more insights on possible CBV transmission routes?

CVB is a respiratory virus, so spreads via saliva and nasal secretions. It's the mucous membranes which get infected first. So kissing is a good way to spread this virus.
 
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62
Which virus are you referring to? Do you mean Coxsackie B Virus? If this is the case, I don't think infection via sexual encounter is possible, but not an expert in this area. @Hip Do you maybe have more insights on possible CBV transmission routes?
I Don t know which virus I have but I have lot of your symptoms that's why I m asking you if you know what we have
 
Messages
41
The symptoms you're referring are so atypical/vague that it's hard to pinpoint the exact cause unfortunately. There are numerous conditions that could explain your symptoms and viral infection is just one of them. I believe a lot of my symptoms are caused by a persistent CBV, but I'm not a specialist and to find out what you have you need to consult a doctor. Have you already considered this?
 
Messages
62
I think that the symptoms are more likely linked to hiv Like Chinese virus. Coxsackie viruses doesn't cause fat atrophy and muscle loss. I m so scared cause I strat to have inflammation in the gut. After a colonoscopy 3 months ago I have patchy erythema in colon and small intestines and 2 small ulcers with a small tiny polyp in the transverse colon which is already remaved during the colonoscopy. In the report it s written indeterminate inflammatory bowel disease. In an internet article it s written that after 5 to 7 years with this hiv like Pathogen inflammation occurs in intestines and the is a tendency of colon cancer and lung cancer. I have this virus from April 2016. I m so scared. What de you think guys? I m a woman of 38 years
 
Messages
56
I am researching the idea that I have a parasite infection in or surrounding my fat cells. This would explain a lot of things, including the fact that no pathogens have been found in any samples (blood, urine, stool, saliva) that I have had tested.

It seems highly possible. Trypanosomes (which are treated with Suramin) have been found surrounding fat cells:

"The new study, which is published in the May 26, 2016, issue of Cell Host & Microbe, shows that the parasites living in fat tissue express different genes than those that live in the blood... Those genes include enzymes in a biochemical pathway that allows the parasites to burn fat for their energy use. This could explain the long-standing observation that sleeping sickness is typically accompanied by dramatic weight loss."
(source: https://www.hhmi.org/news/trypanosome-parasites-different-lifestyle-hide-out-fat-tissue)

In short, there is a known parasitic infection that is found in the fat that has the ability to burn that fat for energy.

Another study, suggests I'm on the right track:
"...we propose that the ‘silent majority’ of helminth infections have significant and prolonged metabolic consequences in the host, notably on white adipose tissue."

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4567404/

White Adipose Tissue (aka subcutaneous fat) is basically stored energy in the form of triglycerides. When your body needs energy it is burned. If it is consumed by a parasite when it's burned, it would explain why we have very little energy. If that is true, we are totally or partially deprived of an important energy source.

Could this explain Post Exertional Malaise?
"“After about 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise, your body starts burning mainly fat,” says Dr. Burguera. (If you’re exercising moderately, this takes about an hour.)"
If your body shifts into a state where it is mainly burning fat for energy, and you don't have access to that energy, you are going to feel terrible and completely exhausted. The metabolized fat due to exercise could be a huge energy source for the parasite as well, causing the infection to grow, and creating a worsening of symptoms for an extended period of time.
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/where-does-body-fat-go-when-you-lose-weight/

They question I have now is, why is the fat loss restricted to the legs, feet, arms, hands and face (i.e., everywhere but the body)?

Any thoughts?

Has there ever been a CFS study that searched for pathogens in adipose tissue?
 
Messages
56
Adipose tissue is a nutrient-rich environment that is relatively sheltered from drug treatment.

“The exceptional longevity of adipocytes along with a nutrient-dense microenvironment offers an ideal long-term environment for parasites during the chronic stage of the infection.Given that most drugs are designed to be hydrophilic, the persistence of parasites in [adipose tissue] may compromise the efficacy of drug treatment.”
https://einstein.pure.elsevier.com/en/publications/adipose-tissue-a-safe-haven-for-parasites
 
Messages
56
I have an issue with skin elasticity. When an indent is made in my skin (think "sleep lines") it takes a very long time for it to go back to normal. My skin is also wrinkly, dry and thin. I have clearly suffered from a dramatic loss of collagen and elastin.

Some research has uncovered the role that parasites may have in this issue:

Extracellular Matrix definition: The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the noncellular component present within all tissues and organs, and is composed of extracellular macromolecules, such as collagen, elastin, enzymes, and glycoproteins, that provide structural and biochemical support to surrounding cells.

"The extracellular matrix represents a major barrier to parasites. Therefore, the evolution of mechanisms for connective-tissue degradation may be of great importance for parasite survival."

Entamoeba Histolytica, Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Trichomonas, Trypanosoma Cruzi and a variety of other parasites produce proteins that destroy collagen and elastin.
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jpr/2012/748206/

This should be pretty easy to test for via a subcutaneous fat biopsy. The fat would be stained and viewed under a microscope to look for parasites. I might even do it myself.

As a side note, why aren't these kinds of studies being done by anyone? There is clearly an infectious cause but all of the researchers are more focused on treating the downstream effects. I guess there is far more money in developing a lifelong treatment that discovering an easy to treat root-cause.
 
Messages
62
@Uknmy,
I have same skin issue+gum recession. This morning I have dry palms.
 

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Good thread @@Uknmy

I developed all the skin/muscle/fat/neuro symptoms about three years, 2 months after I developed gastro-intestinal issues, e.g., intense postprandial pain, feeling full after a few bites, nausea, etc. Very likely caused by a stomach bug or viral infection targeting my GI tract I believe.

Some of the symptoms dissolved and were only active during early onset, other dissolved completely or are intermittent, and some other are progressing (slowly) or have remained the same.

Here's some of the symptoms I have/had:

Muscle wasting, pheriphal neuropathy, loss of subcutaneous fat, stretchy skin, fissured and white tongue, flaky skin, thinning hair, wrinkling hands/feet, increased prominence of veins in hands and feet, fragile skin, slow wound healing, gum recession, ridged nails, mouth blisters, etc.

I did manage to gain back some weight but mostly around my abdomen. Work-out is counterproductive for muscle wasting.

Curious to find out if someone has been able to treat/control symptoms, using supplements and/or diet/lifestyle changes?
HI FromHolland,
You are if you are talking about me when you describe your symptoms. I have exactly same issues. What virus you think we have? Did you got it sexually?
 
Messages
62
@FromHolland,
Did you find something to help for the muscle loss, fat loss and gun recession? Do you have the hiv like Chinese virus or a coxsakie virus and how you got this disease?
 

pogoman

Senior Member
Messages
292

pogoman

Senior Member
Messages
292
I have and everything was in range. And yes, this is of course lipodystrophy.

Acquired lypodystrophy, I see now it was mentioned upthread.
I would suggest antibody tests for virus and autoimmune issues altho I couldn't tell you which ones they should be.
I have super high triglycerides, the geneticist I saw said its from a lipodystophy.
I don't have selective fat wasting, just muscle loss in my leg from a myopathy.
 
Messages
80
I'm trying to identify members of this community with the following symptoms following a flu-like "viral" onset:

Loss of subcutaneous fat in face, hands, feet, arms and legs.
Wrinkling skin, and increased prominence of veins/muscles.

If we can clearly identify 20-30 of us, I am going to raise money to do a thorough study to search for a pathogen.

If you have these symptoms, please respond here. If you know of someone with these symptoms, please refer them to this thread.

Please also indicate whether your illness is contagious.

Thank you.

Checking in.

I went from healthy + muscular -> lose 10 lbs of water weight over the course of a few weeks -> joints start feeling weaker than usual -> losing fat around certain body parts sequentially -> "soft"/floppy muscles -> cognitive problems -> translucent skin showing veins -> stretchy skin around biceps (wasn't stretchy before) -> "loose" joints -> back pain , knee pain -> neck starts cracking -> neck pain.

The crazy part: I took a course of doxy + a cephalosporin for a month and reversed almost all of my symptoms - then they all came back slowly.

My hypothesis: subclinical infection causing catabolic and proinflammatory state, resulting in excess fat/muscle metabolism. The problem is, WHICH infection is it? Or maybe doxy is just that powerful of an anti-inflammatory agent. Doubt it though.

Tested for many infectious diseases to no avail.
 

lint7

Senior Member
Messages
116
Checking in.

I went from healthy + muscular -> lose 10 lbs of water weight over the course of a few weeks -> joints start feeling weaker than usual -> losing fat around certain body parts sequentially -> "soft"/floppy muscles -> cognitive problems -> translucent skin showing veins -> stretchy skin around biceps (wasn't stretchy before) -> "loose" joints -> back pain , knee pain -> neck starts cracking -> neck pain.

The crazy part: I took a course of doxy + a cephalosporin for a month and reversed almost all of my symptoms - then they all came back slowly.

My hypothesis: subclinical infection causing catabolic and proinflammatory state, resulting in excess fat/muscle metabolism. The problem is, WHICH infection is it? Or maybe doxy is just that powerful of an anti-inflammatory agent. Doubt it though.

Tested for many infectious diseases to no avail.

Did you lose fat in your face specifically? And did it reverse when you took the antibiotics?

Which cephalosporin, and what dosage? How long did it take for the symptoms to come back?

I think you are right about the subclinical infection causing catabolism. Maybe a longer course of whatever antibiotics you took could cure it.
 
Messages
80
Did you lose fat in your face specifically? And did it reverse when you took the antibiotics?

Which cephalosporin, and what dosage? How long did it take for the symptoms to come back?

I think you are right about the subclinical infection causing catabolism. Maybe a longer course of whatever antibiotics you took could cure it.

I did. I looked like a skeleton.

This was reversed with antibiotics.

It was cefdinir and doxy, both standard doses.

The problem now is that doxy gives me head pressure when I take it, so it has to be managed carefully if I were to take it again.