Interesting! Do you remember where you read that? Was it with Ampligen?I read of one case where an antiviral successfully supressed ME symptoms without reducing cytokine levels. May be related to what you say.
It seems to suggest cytokines are not a prerequisite to a 'sickness behaviour' like fever.
Hip, Dr Chia has done extensive research on enteroviruses infecting the nerves surrounding the stomach and intestines, traveling up the vagus nerve and infecting the brainstem. He is a highly regarded researcher in the field of ME/CFS.But none of that is not the hypothesis of VanElzakker. Rather, his hypothesis is that infection of the vagus causes the vagus dysfunction, when then leads to ME/CFS.
I have to admit, that I had also considered the idea of vagus nerve infection myself some time ago, as a possible explanation for the autonomic symptom of ME/CFS, and I am sure other people must have pondered upon this idea of an infected vagus nerve.Hip, Dr Chia has done extensive research on enteroviruses infecting the nerves surrounding the stomach and intestines, traveling up the vagus nerve and infecting the brainstem. He is a highly regarded researcher in the field of ME/CFS.
Once more, I am not saying that this area of research is worthless, I am just saying it is not new. Dr Chia did not simply make hypotheses, he also conducted research to show HOW biologically this process was taking place. He participated to many international conferences and I am sure you will find research papers and video recordings of these findings.
Philosophy aside for a moment one of my Docs said "myelin sheath damage" - and one of the many possible viruses/infection probable.
If 20% of the population test positive for enteroviruses present in 80% of those with 'CFS' assayed, according to Dr. De Meirleir, then it seems there is a missing linkenterovirus infection can actually get into the vagus nerve, where this nerve links to the stomach, and then the virus can travel along the entire length of the vagus nerve until it reaches the point where this nerve enters the brain
Back on topic, I recall reading years ago that severing the vagus nerve can sometimes induce remission in type ONE diabetes, though I think that was only in animal models. Nerves do effect peripheral systems, and the vagus nerve is critical for autonomic function.
Nerves in general Hip - vagus or otherwise. This was one of my specialist Doc's conclusion but no more investigation or treatment offered (MS/Polio ruled out). But this is usual in the UK NHS. The point he was making was CNS damage.
I am right in thinking that even if/when not directly infected, vn could be made dysfunctional (and lead to dysautonomia etc) through its interaction with other body systems that could be harbouring chronic infection/s. Such as the gut.
... evidence has mounted from studies in rodents that the gut microbiome can influence neural development, brain chemistry and a wide range of behavioral phenomena, including emotional behavior, pain perception and how the stress system responds.
... How could gut bacteria influence the brain and behavior so profoundly? One way, some studies indicate, is by co-opting the immune system itself, using immune cells and the chemicals they synthesize to send messages to the brain. But as Lyte's 1998 study showed, some bacteria can induce behavioral changes even without triggering an immune response, suggesting that other channels of gut-brain communication must be at work. In other studies, Bienenstock and others have found that at least in some cases, bacteria communicate with the brain via the vagus nerve: When the vagus nerve is severed, effects of gut bacteria on brain biochemistry, stress response and behavior evaporate. Those findings not only shed light on how bacteria may influence the brain, but also fit with other work in humans that suggests that vagal stimulation can be used as a last resort for treating depression. "This opens up the idea that once we learn how the bacteria talk to the vagus, we may be able to simulate that with novel molecules – drugs without the bacteria," Bienenstock says....
I've got to nitpick a little here. "psyche" doesn't refer to the brain, but to the soul or mind. The brain is a physical entity, whereas the mind and soul are metaphysical.
So the point that there is no reason to add the "psycho" prefix remains.
I still see the "psycho" prefix as attempt to portrait psychological theories as relevant when they are not.
I've got to nitpick a little here. "psyche" doesn't refer to the brain, but to the soul or mind. The brain is a physical entity, whereas the mind and soul are metaphysical.
So the point that there is no reason to add the "psycho" prefix remains.
I still see the "psycho" prefix as attempt to portrait psychological theories as relevant when they are not.