Posts Tagged ‘Aids Research’
Dr Frieda Behets speaks about AIDS Research
A short documentary produced as a Bio 101 Honors class project about the work of UNCs Dr Frieda Behets and her current research on the HIV-AIDS epidemic.
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Post a comment below...How much money does America spend on AIDS research?
What does America, Canada and England spend on AIDS research each year?
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Participate in the conversation by leaving your comment below.Possible Cause of Helper T Cell Depletion in Aids-the Lwf Hypothesis
POSSIBLE CAUSE OF HELPER T CELL DEPLETION
IN AIDS-THE LYMPHOCYTE WEAKENING FACTOR
HYPOTHESIS.
Enoh Nkongho Kingsly(MBBS)
Dept. of Neurosurgery,
Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel.
INTRODUCTION
Albert Lyons while concluding the introductory page of his book on the history of medicine wrote, ‘To which erroneous doctrines do we in the twentieth century still cling? If we knew with certainty that they were wrong, we would discard them. Instead, we search and wait and hope’. (2) Although this question was directed at scientists in the twentieth century, it still applies to us today. A capital example of an erroneous doctrine today may be the HIV/AIDS hypothesis.
Since its birth at press conference in Washington DC on April 23 1984, (2) the hypothesis has been published in books, taught in schools, supported by the media and praised in international forums (17, 18) . Tons of dollars have been and are still being spent on HIV/AIDS research (12,16). Yet, no cure or vaccine against the disease has been developed. One wonders why scientists are still tenaciously clinging to this hypothesis. Whether it is because of their own selfish interests and personal gains (1, 4) or because they are genuinely ignorant of the true pathogenesis of AIDS remains a mystery.
It is important that the mechanism of helper T cell depletion in AIDS be closely looked into by the rational scientific world and alternative hypotheses on the disease (rather than the HIV/AIDS hypothesis) be encouraged for the benefit of millions (7) habouring the causative agent, those having full blown AIDS and mankind as a whole.
A hypothesis on the mechanism of helper T cell depletion is presented here, by looking at the controversies surrounding the popular HIV/AIDS hypothesis.
THE HYPOTHESIS.
Since the HIV has never been isolated, following internationally accepted procedures for the isolation of retroviruses and only proteins/glycoproteins particles have been isolated(13,14,15) these could be fragments of secreted substances from the causative agent of AIDS itself, whatever it may be. These substances which the author will call Lymphocyte Weakening Factors (LWF’s) when secreted, attach themselves to the cell surfaces of helper T cells, rendering them “weakened “and “confused”. This activates a cascade of confusion involving the whole immune system.
It should be recalled that in the presence of an antigen, helper T cells initiate an immune response, mediate antigen-specific effector responses and regulate the activity of leucocytes (cytotoxic T cells, Natural Killer cells, suppressor T cells, macrophages, etc) by secreting soluble substances (cytokines and interleukins) (8).
When LWF’s bind to the cell membrane of a helper T cell, they alter the proteins, lipids and carbohydrates in it. The helper T cell then sends confused signals to B cells which in turn secrete “useless antibodies” against the LWF’s and not the attacking organism/causative agent. Thus, the causative agent of AIDS stays unharmed, producing more LWF”s and the cycle of events continues. Other cells of the immune system are confused as well, producing an ineffective immune response.
Due to their reduced life span, weakened helper T cells decline in number and are eventually depleted leading to immune deficiency and the symptoms of AIDS. RNA viruses also invade a very few number of susceptible weakened helper T cells for their replication, with little or no harmful effect to the cells (10).
Incidental findings of these viruses on some of the weakened helper T cells may have led to the possibly erroneous HIV/AIDS hypothesis. Also some antibodies have been identified in AIDS patients (for example, by Robert Gallo and his team, who designed and patented their HIV tests) during research and may be the “useless” antibodies against secreted LWF’s (11). ‘Viral particles’ ‘markers’, etc, have also been observed by reseachers (, 13, 14, 15) and could be LWF’s themselves.
Therefore, consideration must be taken of other microorganisms as the probable cause of AIDS during research , apart from the “HIV”. Following this line of thinking, it is hoped that more fruitful results will be achieved.
EVALUATION OF THE HYPOTHESIS.
The fact the some researchers believe AIDS is not caused by a virus(5,9,13,14,15) and HIV has never been isolated following internationally accepted procedures for the isolation of retroviral particles seem to buttress the LWF Hypothesis. Retroviral particles are supposed to be located in the sediment bands at 1.16g/ml sucrose. An attempt by some researchers to isolate the virus had failed .Proteins/glycoproteins isolated from stimulated cultures form the basis of serological tests for ‘HIV’. Such proteins as gp160/150, gp120, gp41/45, p34/32, p24; said to be unique to ‘HIV’ could be fragments of LWF’s! (14, 15, 16, 17)
Other researchers believe that AIDS may be caused by a TB-type bacterium (6) and some, by a toxin. (13,14,15).This also supports the fact that helper T cell depletion may be caused by other mechanisms such as the LWF hypothesis, other than the HIV/AIDS hypothesis.
Therefore, during research, a closer look should be taken at antibody-antigen interactions for more insight into the mystery surrounding AIDS.
Also, all patients tested positive for LWF’s (the so called positive ‘HIV’ test) should have a thorough biopsy examination of a palpable groin node or any other accessible lymph nodes for possible presence of other causative agents of the disease apart from ‘HIV’.
CONSEQUENCES OF THE HYPOTHESIS AND DISCUSSION
From the foregoing discussion, it can be concluded that:
- AIDS may be caused by other micro-organisms other than the ‘HIV’ and helper T cell depletion may be caused by substances (LWF’s) secreted by the unknown causative agent.
-The presence of the asymptomatic or symptomatic stages (AIDS) can be detected by serological methods such as the Determine strips developed by Abbott Laboratories .The so called ‘viral antigens’ incorporated into the test strips could be fragments of LWF’s and the strips could be actually detecting the presence in blood of useless antibodies against LWF’s and not antibodies against a virus.
-Other hypotheses such as the LWF hypothesis should be considered during AIDS research in order for positive results to be yielded.
If one wishes to follow the example of ‘the seven wonders of the ancient world’ to name ‘the seven mysterious diseases of the world’ one is sure to put the AIDS topmost on the
REFERENCES.
1. Albert B, Shine K. Scientists and integrity of research. Science 1994; 226:1660-1661
2. Albert SL, Joseph RP. Medicine- An Illustrated History. New York: Harry N. Abrams Inc; 1987: 8-9
3. Altman LK. “Researchers believe AIDS virus is found”. The New York Times 1984 April 24:C1 and C3
4. Bell R. Impure science: Fraud, compromise and political influence in scientific research. New York: John Wiley & Sons; 1992: 301
5. Broxmeyer L. Is AIDS really caused by a virus? Med Hypotheses.2003 May;60 (50):671-688
6. Cantwell AR: Do TB-type bacteria cause AIDS?JOIMR 2007; 5:1-7
7. CDC. HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report. Center for Disease Control and Prevention.1999
8. Daniel PS, Abba IT. Basic Human Immunology. London: Appleton & Lange; 1991: 61-65
9. De Harvin E. Pioneer deplores “HIV” “maintaining errors is evil”. Continuum. London.1997-1998; 5(2): 24
10. Fauci AS. Immunopatogenesis of HIV infection. J Acq Immunodeficiency Syndromes 1993; 6; 655-662
11. Gallo, et al. United States Patent No. 4520113, 1985
12. Mitchell D. Clinton Foundation targets health systems combating AIDS pandemic. Reuters Health Information, February 19, 2003
13. Papadopulos-Eleopulos E, Turner VF, Papadimitrion JM & Causer D. The Isolation of HIV: has it really been achieved; The case against. Continuum (London) 1996:4(6):S1-S24
14. Papadopulos-Eleopulos E, Turner VF, Papadimitrion JM & Causer D. HIV antibodies: further questions and plea for clarification. Curr Med Res Opin 1997; 13:627-634
15. Papadopulos-Eleopulos E, Turner VF, Papadimitrion JM, el al. Why no whole virus? Continuum(London) 1997; 4(5):27-30
16. Strom S. Grant will support development of topical HIV medications. The New York Times 2003; April 1
17. “The Durban Declaration”. Nature July 6, 2000; 406:15-16
18. “The New York Times Declaration”. HIV causes AIDS. To argue otherwise costs lives. The New York Times, July 9, 2000: L-11
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What are your thoughts on the subject?Karu?? Project Second Life® ~ World AIDS Day 2008 ~ Closing Ceremony & Cylindrian Live!
Watch in HD 720p: www.youtube.com Karu?? Project: dedicated to HIV/AIDS education, outreach, and support opened in Second Life® on December 1 – World AIDS Day, 2008. National Library of Medicine Alliance Library System Lori Bell Carol Perryman Tom Peters Karu?? Colleagues: University of North Carolina Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) AIDS.gov The World Community Grid Project – FIGHT AIDS @ Home World AIDS Day Speakers: Jenaia Morane Ricken Flow Pathfinder Linden Carolina Keats Ellehchim Fizzle Jena Ball (aka Jenaia Morane) oversees the Garden of Experience on Karuna where the experiences of those dealing with HIV/AIDS will be collected, stored, and shared in a variety of formats including stories, poems, videos, and music. Ricken Flow, Chair, World AIDS Day events, AIDS/HIV Support group leader, DJ Live Performance by Grace Buford/Cylindrian Rutabaga Music: “Into the Water” (River) www.cdbaby.com/cd/gracebuford2 Filmed on location on the beautiful island of Karu?? in Second Life® HVX Silverstar ~ Machinima Institute 218, 114 Karu?? Project Second Life® www.karunasl.info
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Any ideas?Breastfeeding And HIV/Aids: The Research, the Politics, the Women’s Responses
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The spread of the AIDS virus has introduced a new element into the formula-versus-breastfeeding controversy. Mothers, particularly those in developing nations, have been urged to breastfeed in order to better nourish their infants and protect them from disease or contaminants in the water used to prepare formula. Now, however, mothers and healthcare workers must consider the danger of transmitting AIDS via breastfeeding. When HIV-infected women nurse their children,… More >>
Breastfeeding And HIV/Aids: The Research, the Politics, the Women’s Responses
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Participate in the conversation by leaving your comment below.World Aids day being celebrated by Yahoo?
Who decides this crap? Why is there no “world Cancer day” or “world disease day.” What is so special and Politically Correct about AIDS and those who die from it. People die by the millions from all kinds of things and there is no special moment for them.
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Any ideas?How much government funding goes into HIV/AIDS research?
I am writing a research paper about AIDS/HIV research and just needed to know the dollar amount of government funding
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Participate in the conversation by leaving your comment below.Why did Ronald Reagan essentially ignore the AIDS epidemic until Rock Hudson died?
Reagan essentially didn’t do anything and appropriated little or no government funding for AIDS research while thousands of Americans were dying from AIDS.
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Post a comment below...The Sanford Guide to HIV/AIDS Therapy 2010
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As complexities of care increases, this book provides a wealth of emerging information, appropriate references and rational guidelines for care. The scope has been expanded to include more information relevant to AIDS care in the developing world…. More >>
The Sanford Guide to HIV/AIDS Therapy 2010
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What do you think? Please comment below to tell me.HIV/AIDS Research 2005: Innovation to Intervention, Pt 1
This symposium from the Penn Center for AIDS Research addresses basic, clinical and behavioral sciences themes in HIV/AIDS research, as well as issues that pertain to the urban and international AIDS epidemics. The Penn Center for AIDS Research is one of 20 NIH-funded CFARs and includes HIV and AIDS investigators at the University of Pennsylvania, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Wistar Institute.