Ron Davis Update

[junkcrap50]

From AI

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is a crucial cofactor in the synthesis of dopamine, as it is required for the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase, the enzyme that converts tyrosine to L-DOPA, a precursor of dopamine[1][2][4]. BH4 deficiency can lead to reduced dopamine levels, contributing to disorders like Parkinson's disease and dopamine-responsive dystonia[2][3]. BH4 also plays a role in protecting dopaminergic neurons by scavenging reactive oxygen species and supporting mitochondrial function, making it a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases[2].

Sources
[1] Tetrahydrobioterin (BH4) Pathway: From Metabolism to ... - NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8573752/
[2] Crucial neuroprotective roles of the metabolite BH4 in dopaminergic ... https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10197517/
[3] Tetrahydrobiopterin - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetrahydrobiopterin
[4] What is Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) and How Can I Make More of it? https://www.mygenefood.com/blog/tetrahydrobiopterin-bh4-can-make/
[5] Administration of tetrahydrobiopterin restored the decline of ... https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197018618305540

Yes, BH4 is very important to dopamine creation - actually all neurotransmitters in fact. To me, CFS just feels cognitively/mentally like a big lack of dopamine. The times I've made myself hypomanic accidentally (from adding new or taking too much of meds or stimulatants), God it feels soooo good. So good to have energy and motivation/drive.

But anyway, BH4 is upstream of dopamine and other neurotransmitters. So it's hard to think that it's affecting BH4 levels. My guess would be that Abilify normalizes dopamine, which then is able to affect dysfunctional parts of the brain/brain stem's autonomic & immune functions & signalling, leading to remission events.

If BH4 pools are restored and the BH4 destruction cycle is blocked as Ron's theory, then maybe it'll all sort it self out. I recall a case of a patient with extreme suicidal depression, treatment resistant who's parents were researchers and were able to do a lab test where they found low BH4 levels in the CSF. After therapy with Kuvan (BH4), the patient's depression was cured. I can't remember if the patient needed continual BH4 replacement or just a long course of it. But if the latter, then it shows restoration of BH4 pools can be sufficient for treatment.

 

[DonPepe]

Yes, BH4 is very important to dopamine creation - actually all neurotransmitters in fact. To me, CFS just feels cognitively/mentally like a big lack of dopamine. The times I've made myself hypomanic accidentally (from adding new or taking too much of meds or stimulatants), God it feels soooo good. So good to have energy and motivation/drive.

But anyway, BH4 is upstream of dopamine and other neurotransmitters. So it's hard to think that it's affecting BH4 levels. My guess would be that Abilify normalizes dopamine, which then is able to affect dysfunctional parts of the brain/brain stem's autonomic & immune functions & signalling, leading to remission events.

If BH4 pools are restored and the BH4 destruction cycle is blocked as Ron's theory, then maybe it'll all sort it self out. I recall a case of a patient with extreme suicidal depression, treatment resistant who's parents were researchers and were able to do a lab test where they found low BH4 levels in the CSF. After therapy with Kuvan (BH4), the patient's depression was cured. I can't remember if the patient needed continual BH4 replacement or just a long course of it. But if the latter, then it shows restoration of BH4 pools can be sufficient for treatment.

I agree entirely. IMO lack of dopamine has destroyed my life for as long as I can remember. Abilify, and Mestinon have provided me with chinks of light shining on a world I used to know. It’s been like meeting an old friend again after long time no see.

 

[Oliver3]

I agree entirely. IMO lack of dopamine has destroyed my life for as long as I can remember. Abilify, and Mestinon ( effects dopamine via stimulation of the vagus nerve ) have provided me with chinks of light shining on a world I used to know. It’s been like meeting an old friend again after long time no see.

Is this why nicotine helps me..a similar feeling of seeing the old life in glimpses

 

[DonPepe]

memories of a life once full of possibilities

 

[DonPepe]

Mestinon, which contains pyridostigmine, is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that can influence vagus nerve activity by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, thereby enhancing parasympathetic nervous system function. This can potentially improve autonomic balance by increasing vagal tone, which is beneficial in conditions with autonomic dysfunction, such as ME/CFS and POTS[1][3]. Although Mestinon is primarily used for myasthenia gravis, it has shown promise in improving symptoms like fatigue and exercise intolerance in ME/CFS by modulating vagal nerve activity[1][3].

Sources
[1] A Mestinon Miracle: Vagus Nerve Stimulating Drug Helps Long Time ... https://www.healthrising.org/blog/2...nic-fatigue-vagus-nerve-stimulation-exercise/
[2] [PDF] Mestinon® 60 mg tablets https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/b1b09a51-ec5a-40cb-9caf-89d5db3890df.pdf
[3] Mestinon - MEpedia https://me-pedia.org/wiki/Mestinon
[4] [PDF] Mestinon 60 mg Tablets https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.962.pdf
[5] Pharmacological Modulation of Vagal Nerve Activity in ... - NCBI https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6357265/