"Junk" DNA, methylation, and NAC study

[Nymph]

Just wanted to share this little gem featuring one of my favorite supplements, N-acetyl cysteine, amidst a lot of difficult genetic lingo. Enjoy!

http://www.medpagetoday.com/Rheumatology/Lupus/58933?xid=nl_mpt_DHE_2016-07-08&eun=g475607d0r

[Jasper]

Thanks so much for posting the link to that article. It is very informative and interesting.

I can attest to the Interferon signature of Sjogren's Disease. I was on high does Interferon for 48 weeks during 2011-2012 and had horrific side effects including profound fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, joint aches, myalgias, peripheral neuropathy symptoms, etc. 

Sound familiar?  Those are the very same symptoms we get with Sjogren's, and they increase considerably during a flare. I always tell my Rheumatologist that I feel like I am back on Interferon when I am in a flare. Of course, it is because my immune system is revved up and overproducing Interferon (along with a cascade of other cytokines, B cells, etc.).

The knowledgeable Rheumatologists and researchers know this.

I sure hope the researchers continue to study us and find effective treatments for us.

I am finding Rituxan to be very effective for me. I have been on it almost 20 weeks now and it has been very effective in getting rid of the profound fatigue, increasing energy levels, improving cognitive function, reducing joint pain and stiffness, reducing peripheral neuropathy burning and other PN symptoms, decreasing urinary symptoms, improving balance issues, etc. I have a life again. I will get my next set of infusions on Aug. 11th and 25th and thereafter every 24 weeks.

I wish everyone with Sjogren's Disease could try Rituxan.

[Deb 27]

Nymph, I had itching all over from NAC.... I wish there was something else I could take instead. Great article!

Jasper, do you have the SSA or SSB or any other antibodies?

[Carolina]

Wow Nymph, I tried to read that article...but got overpowered by the lingo and the science.  Which always happens to me.

I'm sure this is important progress....progress occurs way out in the far reaches and over time may prove to be the keys to new treatments.

But for me, I was left very mystified.  However, I've taken NAC every day since 2007, on the advice of my Otolaryngologist. 

My take away, something is amiss in our DNA and then it wakes up and bites us in the A.S when the right (wrong) things happen.

Boy do I know about that!

Hugs,  Elaine

[Jasper]

Deb ..... I have positive ANA, positive SS-A, and a positive lip biopsy.

PS to my other post: I do take 600 mg of NAC per day and it helps keep my sinus mucous thin. My sinus cavities used to get blocked with thick mucous. After starting the NAC the mucous thinned so it now drains instead of accumulating.

[Sharon]

According to the study, you need to be taking at least 2.4 grams of NAC
to reap the benefits. This would explain why it had no effect on me when I tried it
in the past at 600mg.
Interesting Nymph, thanks.