Immune System Dysfunction
Proper methylation is required in order for T cells to expand and respond properly to an immune assault. T cells are needed to help to control the B cells and to balance TH1 and TH2 responses. If there are methylation cycle problems or mutations, you may have trouble making the bases that are needed for new DNA synthesis. If you cannot make new DNA, then you cannot make new T cells, and as a result, you may lack immune system regulatory cells.
The immune system has the B cell “arm” that makes antibodies, known as humoral immunity, and the T cell “arm” known as cellular immunity. If you are having trouble making new T cells, in particular, T suppressor cells, then the immune response may become more heavily weighted in the direction of B cells. B cell skewed individual has the ability to respond by making antibodies (or autoantibodies) in high numbers to attempt to overcome the T cell deficiency that fights infection. B cell clones expand to be available for the future. This scenario creates a somewhat greater need for new DNA synthesis.
Methylation plays a role in the ability of the immune system to recognize foreign bodies or antigens that it needs to respond to. Research has shown that methylation is decreased in persons with autoimmune conditions. Impaired methylation of T cells may be involved in the production of autoantibodies. Studies from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have shown that their T cells are undermethylated. As methylation function increases, immune system regulation should slowly recover.
It is essential for the immune system to exert its full potential. To do this it must be active in the following ways: (1) modulate antigen presentation to lymphocytes, thereby influencing cytokine production and the type of response (cellular or humoral) that develops; (2) enhance proliferation of lymphocytes, thereby increasing magnitude of response; (3) enhance killing activity of cytotoxic T cells and NK cells; and (4) regulate apoptosis, thereby maintaining control of the immune response.
In her book, Dr. J. Dunn explores issues with immune system dysfunctions and how you can make changes. It’s a whole new paradigm in understanding what causes disease and mental health issues. The basis of the book talks about how to bypass your genetic makeup to help change destructive behaviors such as overeating, substance abuse, and anger.
Immune System Dysfunction
Dr. J. Dunn explains how her research was motivated because of her personal struggles to feel healthy. She had a case of mono when she was sixteen years old and suffered from lifelong depression. Since then she has battled chronic fatigue syndrome caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Looking into the history of the virus she found that 90 percent or more people have antibodies to the virus and yet don’t necessarily have an issue with it for the rest of their lives. She was also looking for true answers to her own depression. These were missing pieces in the puzzle of health, and she began her quest to search for why and how to fix them. She approached her research with a compassionate point of view, knowing that some types of behavior and health problems are caused by inherited biochemical imbalances and are not personal failings. Things such as:
Weight
Depression
Anxiety
Focusing Issues such as ADD and ADHD
Addictions
Chronic Fatigue
Genetic testing can identify potential health problems and give you another tool to make informed decisions about managing your health care. Dr. J. Dunn explores how to obtain correct results and what to do with the results. She also talks about compassion for yourself and others when it comes to problems beyond our control. Her book – Genetic Compassion – will help you to understand how genes play a very important role in how we feel.