Practical Laboratory Testing for the Presence of Neurotoxins with Evidence-Based Treatment Protocols - Mark Schauss, MBA, DB Copyright 2008 Crayhon Research. All rights reserved

My Research My journey into the world of the effect of toxicity and neurological disorders was driven by my daughter Tasya who suffers from a rare and devastating form of epilepsy. Today I share a few of my findings.

The Link Between Toxicity and Neurological Diseases Due to skepticism, industry assurances, politicians unwilling to address the issues, the link between environmental toxicity and neurological disease is unfortunately becoming a battleground. It is complete with confusing and poorly constructed studies funded by the industries producing the toxins and highly paid lobbyists and “spin doctors” who would deny any damage.

Vaccines, Thimerasol, and Autism A prime example is the thimerasol versus autism controversy. In the Archives of General Psychiatry, a paper was published that claimed that they were finally able to put to rest the link between thimerasol in vaccines and autism. They claimed that since thimerasol was removed, autism rates have continued to go up which proves thimerasol does not cause autism. This is akin to making the following statement: "Prescription Drugs That Killed Patients Found Innocent Since Patients Did Not Come Back to Life After the Drugs Were Removed"

Vaccines, Thimerasol, and Autism Here are some problems with this study the media failed to report which is true tobacco science: There was a 70% dropout rate in the study! All 18 authors had some financial ties to the vaccine manufacturers. Thimerasol was still in the stock pile of vaccines and has only recently been used up. The age of many children used in the study were under the age that autism would be diagnosed. It wasn’t until 2006 that thimerasol was mandated to be removed in California. No one was checking whether the vaccine manufacturers were actually complying with the 1999 recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics to remove thimerasol.

Vaccines, Thimerasol, and Autism The authors of the study stated that the levels of mercury were so low, no damage could have been done. If there is no safe level of lead, which is the standard of scientific knowledge, how can there be a “safe” level for mercury which is far more toxic? Lead exposure under 10 µg/dL has been shown to cause dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in children. Gump, B., P. Stewart, et al. (2008). "Low-level prenatal and postnatal blood lead exposure and adrenocortical responses to acute stress in children." Environmental Health Perspectives 116(2): 249-55.

Vaccines, Thimerasol, and Autism Mercury, being more toxic is therefore safer for children than lead? Mercury is in vaccines, which make an industry a fortune and if it were found to be toxic at low levels think of the lawsuits that would follow. Lead removal hurts relatively few industries therefore is not financially as exposed as mercury.

Vaccines, Thimerasol, and Autism What the headlines should have read was: “Removal of Mercury From Vaccines Fails to Halt Rise in Autism." There are far more toxins in the mix today that cause neurological problems in both children and adults than mercury. In my book, Achieving Victory Over A Toxic World, I devote a chapter to what I call, “The Loaded Revolver Theory of Toxicity” Sometimes, one toxic exposure is enough to trigger an event, what we are finding in modern toxicology is the synergistic effects of toxins.

Lead and Cortisol In the aforementioned paper by Gump, et al in the latest issue of Environmental Health Perspectives, “blood lead levels were independently and significantly associated with increasing cortisol responses to stress.” These series of tests done using saliva from exposed children showed that after stress, cortisol levels remained elevated throughout the test period instead of tapering off as expected. This suggests that when you see elevated cortisol throughout a day, you may be seeing the effects of lead poisoning, even at low levels.

Combinational Toxicity In the article entitled “Low-level exposure to multiple chemicals: Reason for human health concerns”* the authors led by Kortenkamp say that there should be a grave concern about the effects of multiple toxin exposures and human health. The term – NOAEL is used by toxicologists to define the level of a toxin where No Observed Adverse Effect Level is seen. When mixing multiple chemicals at NOAEL levels, they found that there were effects greater than the sum of the chemicals. * (Environmental Health Perspectives, Dec 2007 Supplement pages 106-14)

Pesticides and Autism In the October 2007 issue of the journal – Environmental Health Perspectives, researchers led by Eric M. Roberts of the Public Health Institute in Oakland, California, reported that maternal residence near agricultural pesticide applications during gestation were associated with an increase of autism proportional to the proximity to the exposure. This is yet another example of the loaded gun theory. Problem is, we are giving each infant being born, a loaded or near-loaded gun.

Phthalates Phthalates, a common chemical found in plastics, cosmetics, shampoos, scented candles and some time-released medications have been implicated in a number of endocrine disruptive pathways, many leading to potential neurological disturbances. Phthalates are also found in many children’s toys. According to an article in the February 2008 issue of Environmental Health Perspectives, phthalates are toxicologically additive. Removing phthalates in anything that children would be exposed to is essential as part of the concept of the Precautionary Principle developed in Germany in the 70’s in response to the Waldsterben or “forest death”

Phthalates Phthalates have been implicated in lower sperm quality in men, fetal changes in males, and shorter pregnancies. Hauser, R., P. Williams, et al. (2005). "Evidence of Interaction between Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Phthalates in Relation to Human Sperm Motility." Environmental Health Perspectives 113(4): 425-430. Frederiksen, H., N. Skakkebaek, et al. (2007). "Metabolism of phthalates in humans." Mol Nutr Food Res 51: 899-911. Assay, SM. et al (2003) The Relationship between Environmental Exposures to Phthalates and DNA Damage in Human Sperm Using the Neutral Comet Environmental Health Perspectives McIntyre BS, Barlow NJ and Foster PMD, (2002) Male Rats Exposed to Linuron in Utero Exhibit Permanent Changes in Anogenital Distance, Nipple Retention, and Epididymal Malformations That Result in Subsequent Testicular Atrophy., Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology.

Phthalates It has been implicated in lowering testosterone in men, increasing insulin resistance and causing an increase in male waist circumference. Stahlhut, R., E. Wijngaarden, et al. (2007). "Concentrations of Urinary Phthalate Metabolites Are Associated with Increased Waist Circumference and Insulin Resistance in Adult U.S. Males." Environmental Health Perspectives 115(6): 876-82.

Phthalates In another recent study on humans, it has been shown that phthalates can affect thyroid function as well. Meeker, J., A. Calafat, et al. (2007). "Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites may alter thyroid hormone levels in men." Environmental Health Perspectives 115(7): 1029-34. High levels of estrogen mimickers and other hormone disruptors like monoethyphthalates were found in almost all prepubescent girls. Wolff, M., S. Teitelbaum, et al. (2007). "Pilot Study of Urinary Biomarkers of Phytoestrogens, Phthalates, and Phenols in Girls." Environmental Health Perspectives 115(1): 116-121.

Petrochemicals At this point, we have to rethink the way we test for environmental toxins. Testing blood levels for petrochemicals or doing fat biopsies should only be done when industrial exposure is suspected. With petrochemical solvents, a urine test, developed by US Biotek in Seattle, Washington is the best way to test. These chemicals are so abundant that everyone in this room has them in their blood. These include: styrene, xylene, benzene, toluene, trimethylbenzene, parabens and phthalates.

Petrochemicals While reviewing the thousands of test results from US Biotek, I have made a few observations. A moderate excretion rate of the styrene metabolites – mandelate and phenylglyoxylate are important as every US citizen tested since 1970 has measurable styrene in their blood. Extremely high levels (greater than 500% above normal) of phthalates are seen in many cancer patients. High levels of toxins are often times seen in people suffering from neurological disorders. Individuals with overall low levels of the metabolites of petrochemicals are more symptomatic than moderate excretors.

Petrochemicals The interpretive report that comes with the US Biotek urine metabolic profile and environmental pollutants biomarkers is called LabAssist™ and comes from Crayhon Research. In each report you receive a comprehensive review of the data, potential sources of exposure and detailed detoxification protocols for each of the pollutants and for any metabolic blockades that are found.

Urine Organic Acid Testing Important aspects of organic acids as they pertain to brain function include catecholamine pathway markers vanilmandelate and homovanillate These two markers help us more than just telling us about phenylalanine and tyrosine adequacy or the production of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. In the Journal of Environmental Science and Health, researchers found links between elevated homovanillate and petrochemical solvents. Tomei, F., M. Rosati, et al. (2003). "Work exposure to urban pollutants and urinary homovanillic acid." J Environmental Science and Health 38(12): 2909-2918.

Urine Organic Acid Testing In Environmental Health Perspectives, this marker was also found to be altered with heavy metal exposure, particularly arsenic, lead, cadmium and mercury. de Burbure, C., J. Buchet, et al. (2006). "Renal and Neurologic Effects of Cadmium, Lead, Mercury, and Arsenic in Children: Evidence of Early Effects and Multiple Interactions at Environmental Exposure Levels." Environmental Health Persepectives 114(4): 584-590.

Urine Organic Acids Both phenylacetate and benzoate, while oft times touted as bacterial markers are better markers the presence of common food additives and/or ubiquitous petrochemical solvents. Another possible explanation is that the body is attempting to remove excess ammonia through the urea cycle. Hayes, A., Ed. (2008). Principles and Methods of Toxicology. Boca Raton, CRC Press, p 714. Claims have been made that p-hydroxybenzoate is a marker for dysbiosis but the majority of research shows it to be a marker for paraben exposure. Ye, X., A. Bishop, et al. (2006). "Parabens as Urinary Biomarkers of Exposure in Humans." Environmental Health Perspectives 114(12): 1843-1846

Organic Acids and Environmental Pollutants Biomarkers With autistic children, we commonly find an upregulated Phase I detoxification pathway. This upregulation causes the creation of more toxic chemicals than the original compound. These newly created compounds irritate the nervous system and the brain. When these children are given Nystatin or other anti-fungals, this helps to down regulate Phase I, relieving some of the neurological stressors. This may be why these children show a benefit by using anti-fungals and not that yeast is having anything to do with their autistic behaviors.

Organic Acids and Environmental Pollutants Biomarkers I propose that it would be more beneficial to upregulate Phase II, using glutathione precursors or the amino acid Glycine instead (but always test first). Using the Organic Acid and Environmental Pollutants test, with the LabAssist Interpretive Report, you can determine up or down regulation of detoxification pathways.

LEAP MRT Testing Another issue to deal with is inflammation. We know that toxicity is a leading cause of inflammation but then again so is food. Determining the inflammatory causing foods has taken a giant leap forward with the Mediated Response Test (MRT) known as LEAP. The test looks for the release of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, leukotrienes and cytokeines in response to the ingestion of 150 foods and food additives.

LEAP MRT Testing With both migraine and epilepsy, a food sensitivity test such as LEAP can be highly beneficial. With migraine Signet Diagnostics research indicates 67% of the people with migraine will receive a significant reduction in symptoms. In my experience with my daughter, seizure activity is held at bay by following the dietary protocols.

LEAP MRT Testing LEAP allows you to determine the inflammatory triggers for a number of neurological disorders like migraine, ADHD, epilepsy, and autism. What we have found at Crayhon Research is that the more toxic the person is, the more foods and additives they are sensitive to. Often times, you do not see high IgG or IgE responses to foods even though the patient is showing reactions.

LEAP versus ALCAT ALCAT

LEAP versus ALCAT LEAP

Parasitic Effects on Neurotoxicity With schizophrenia, plasma amino acids are minimally helpful but nonetheless beneficial. I would suggest testing for the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (also with bi-polar disorder). Unless the patient is on Depakote which masks the test results. Dr. Paul Ewald, in his highly recommended book “Plague Time”, reports how this common parasite is found in a high percentage of schizophrenics over the general population.

Parasitic Effects on Neurotoxicity The effect of Toxo on mice and rats, their natural carriers is very similar to schizophrenia in humans. Cats then eat the mice making them infected. This is why women should not be near the litter box of cats during pregnancy. People who develop schizophrenia have a higher cat pet ownership ratio than non-schizophrenics. Ewald, P. (2002). Plague Time: The New Germ Theory of Disease. New York, NY, Anchor Books. The test for Toxoplasma can be run through LabCorp or Quest.

Heavy Metal Testing Urinary DMSA/DMPS challenges are not the ideal method for determining body burden of heavy metals. While it is helpful in seeing an excretion pattern of heavy metals such as mercury, lead, arsenic and cadmium, it is unable to accurately determine true body burden. Hair testing, using proper interpretive methodology (LabAssist™) is a relatively inexpensive and powerful test to assess heavy metal burden and exposure.

Heavy Metal Testing The Whole Blood Elements test, done by Doctor’s Data and available through Crayhon Research is a relatively new test that reviews not only the blood levels of heavy metals but also a number of essential trace minerals as well. Instead of testing a specific compartment of the blood – intracellular, plasma, or serum, DDI developed a methodology to test all three compartments simultaneously to give you the most accurate and complete picture available of trace mineral and heavy metal levels.

Hormone and Cardiovascular Risk Testing Crayhon Research, in conjunction with ZRT Laboratories in Portland, OR have developed a salivary hormone test with a blood spot cardiovascular risk profile which includes vitamin D. As I mentioned earlier, cortisol levels can be affected by lead toxicity. Inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein are also affected by toxicity.

Hormone and Cardiovascular Risk Testing Other variables included in the test affected by toxins include: Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA-S, and four readings of Cortisol (all from saliva) Blood spot readings include – IGF-1, Free T4, Free T3, TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), TPO, (thyroid peroxidase antibodies), SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin), PSA (for men), LH (lutenizing hormone), FSH (follicle stimulating hormone), Insulin, Hemaglobin A1C, Triglycerides and hsCRP.

Plasma Amino Acids Many toxic exposed people have highly abnormal amino acid profiles. Crayhon Research has developed a comprehensive interpretive report that can uncover imbalances, deficiencies and excesses not always apparent from lab results. It also allows for a customization of an amino acid supplement that can bring a rapid balance along with improved detoxification capabilities.

DNA Testing In my opinion, DNA testing is minimally helpful when working with patients. A DNA marker which suggests that a person has a higher risk for developing a disease is helpful in only aiding a person in lifestyle choices not treatment protocols. Women with the breast cancer gene while at a higher risk for developing the disease need to deal with the issue of what truly causes the disease and that is not the gene. It is toxicity. Deal with the toxins and detoxification, not the genetic material.

Treatment Protocols Each toxin must be dealt with differently when it comes to detoxification. Using the LabAssist™ Report makes that easy. The use of amino acids, especially glycine are helpful in improving detoxification, especially of solvents. Assessment of the toxins, knowing your enemy is the only way to help patients achieve real health and not just the lack of disease.

In Review The bottom line is that we all have solvents in our blood stream and many of us have significant quantities of heavy metals as well. We can no longer hide behind good eating and behavioral avoidance of toxins. It is everywhere. We need to make sure we are adequately excreting these poisons. Environmental toxicity is at the root of most disease. This is especially true of neurological disorders.

Finally "We are the humans in a dangerous and unnatural experiment in the United States, and I think it's unconscionable," said Dr. Leo Trasande, assistant director of the Center for Children's Health and the Environment at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. "We are in an epidemic of environmentally mediated disease among American children today," he said. "Rates of asthma, childhood cancers, birth defects and developmental disorders have exponentially increased, and it can't be explained by changes in the human genome. So what has changed? All the chemicals we're being exposed to."

Contact Information Dr. Mark Schauss Crayhon Research 5355 Capital Court #101 Reno, NV 89502 marks@crayhon.com www.MarkSchauss.com www.ToxicWorldBook.com