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DysautonomiaXMRV
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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/...d_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSumNeurochem
Res. 2004 Mar;29(3):493-504.
Mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases associated with copper imbalance.
Rossi L, Lombardo MF, Ciriolo MR, Rotilio G.
Department of Biology, "Tor Vergata" University of Rome, Via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Abstract
Copper is an essential transition metal ion for the function of key metabolic enzymes, but its uncontrolled redox reactivity is source of reactive oxygen species. Therefore a network of transporters strictly controls the trafficking of copper in living systems. Deficit, excess, or aberrant coordination of copper are conditions that may be detrimental, especially for neuronal cells, which are particularly sensitive to oxidative stress. Indeed, the genetic disturbances of copper homeostasis, Menkes' and Wilson's diseases, are associated with neurodegeneration. Furthermore, copper interacts with the proteins that are the hallmarks of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, prion diseases, and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In all cases, copper-mediated oxidative stress is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, which is a common feature of neurodegeneration. In particular we recently demonstrated that in copper deficiency, mitochondrial function is impaired due to decreased activity of cytochrome c oxidase, leading to production of reactive oxygen species, which in turn triggers mitochondria-mediated apoptotic neurodegeneration.
This caught my eye as people with ME are known to have intermittent excess urine copper. (Urine is filtered blood).
Copper could be elevated if Red Blood Cells die off. Of note, Red Blood Cell 'mass' in ME CFS is not normal in some patients. If this were to happen VEGF-1 could rise to compensate (to make more oxygen).
We know mitochondria is affected in ME CFS. (Cellular ATP dysregulation).
VEGF-1 has also shown to be elevated in ME CFS, presumably as a compensatory measure.
Interestingly, XMRV is hemopoietic, (it can affect the production of Red Blood Cells).
Lastly, Red Blood Cell shape has been shown to be altered in ME CFS by New Zealand researcher Dr Les Simpson. (Now retired) and Copper can affect this.
(Altered shape of RBC could affect oxygen transport, circulation).