Karen Reynolds Acupuncture

Treatments for Women with Positive Antiphospholipid Antibodies

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Antiphospholipid antibodies contribute to high levels of inflammation. Acupuncture reduces inflammation.

Acupuncture & specific medications reduce inflammation if you have antiphospholipid antibodies

Welcome back to my Autoimmune Fertility series. This blog discusses common treatments for women with positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). In the blog prior to this one, you will see information about how aPL associates with both blood clotting, pregnancy complications and Antiphospholipid syndrome.

My name is Karen Reynolds and I have specialized in acupuncture for women’s health and infertility for 18 years and have been a critical care RN for 29 years. I have fertility patients on various medications to address low levels of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) as well as women with a bona fide diagnosis of Antiphospholipid syndrome. Medications are thoughtfully selected by your medical doctor based upon your health history including laboratory testing, your reproductive history and your pregnancy history.

In this article, I want to share information on typically used aPL medications as well as acupuncture. Both are treatments for women with positive anti-phospholipid antibodies  (aPL). Both are also key with improved pregnancy outcomes.

What types of medications treat women with positive antiphospholipid antibodies or with Antiphospholipid syndrome?

Below you will find commonly prescribed medications for aPL or Antiphospholipid syndrome. Broadly speaking, most agents address prevention of blood clots or reduction in inflammation. Please note there are multiple medical approaches with respect to treating aPL. There is also agreement among experts that more research is needed in this area.

A word about anticoagulant medications

Because aPL are intimately connected to blood clot risks or “thrombotic events”, anticoagulant medications are most frequently prescribed by doctors. Historically it was believed that aPL contributed to blood clotting in the placenta which then resulted in pregnancy loss.1 However, over time and examination of placentas, doctors were not finding evidence of this. It is now believed that anticoagulant medications like Heparin or Lovenox help by indirectly reducing inflammation. Specific types of inflammation in your immune system can target and attack fetal cells.2

What specific medicines are used to treat aPL?

There are varieties of medications that are used and these are selected by your doctor. Please note that these may not be the same for each woman owing to different health, reproductive and pregnancy histories.

Pharmaceuticals used to treat aPL

Common Treatments for Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Common Treatments for Antiphospholipid Syndrome

  • Low Dose Aspirin (LDASA)
  • Anticoagulants such as Unfractionated Heparin (UFH) or Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) (see below for more information on Heparin)
  • Prednisone or Betamethasone
  • Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
  • Chloroquine
  • Indomethacin
  • Intravenous Immune Globulin (IVIG)
  • Pravastatin (can be used in instances of preterm pre-eclampsia)3

 

Why are there different types of Heparin used to treat aPL or Antiphospholipid syndrome?

Unfractionated Heparin (UFH)

This type of Heparin is the oldest in use but is considered limited with respect to aPL treatment. UFH binds more generally to body proteins beyond those in the blood clotting cascade. Dose-response is quite variable person to person too. This means frequent blood draws are needed to monitor bleeding times and a there is a higher risk for bleeding side effects. I have seen intravenous drips of this style heparin emergently used in intensive care units when patients have developed large clots.

Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH)

LMWH products have precise molecular weights which determine specifically where in the blood clotting cascade they work. LMWH are specific also in length of time in which they are active in the body. This means the dose-response is more reliable; so, there are fewer risks for bleeding. Lovenox is the type of LMWH which I most frequently see prescribed by doctors to my patients.

 

So why is an acupuncturist so interested in writing about autoimmune related fertility topics? How can I help and why listen to me?

Acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation in autoimmune conditions

Acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation in autoimmune conditions

Firstly: at heart, I am a science nerd. At any given time, my home office has at least 2 banker’s boxes stuffed full of research studies which span many topics. I have a passion for studying research, pulling the demonstrated medical facts as we know them at this time, and helping my patients apply that information to make them healthier and happier. My nursing background gives me a solid foundation for understanding what I am studying.

Secondly: there is substantial research showing that acupuncture has the ability to drop levels of inflammation in the body4,5,6,7. This is key for patients with autoimmune diagnoses such as aPL, Lupus, ANA, MTHFR, thyroid and connective tissue issues to name just a few. Reducing inflammatory factors floating around your system is key to a healthy pregnancy. Acupuncture together with conventional medicine optimizes your fertility!

Additional information on Antiphospholipid syndrome can be found here:

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/the-antiphospholipid-syndrome-beyond-the-basics

Thank you for reading!

  • Please leave any questions you may have here and I am happy to answer them.
  • If you found this article helpful, I would appreciate liking my Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/KarenReynoldsLAc

All content here is written personally by me in with the goal that it is be helpful to you. As long as you include the link for this blog entry to credit me as the author, it is fine to repost or share if you wish.

 For scheduling information and appointment availability, do please visit my website at: https://kreynoldsacupuncture.com/

Be well!

~Karen Reynolds, RN, MS, LAc

1Pantham, P., Abrahams, V. M., Chamley, L. W. (2106). The role of anti-phospholipid antibodies in autoimmune reproductive failure. Reproduction, 151, R79-R90.
2De Jesus, G. R., Agmon-Levin, N., Andrade, C. A., Andreoli, L., Chighizola, C. B., Porter, T. F., Salmon, J., Silver, R. M., Tincani, A., & Branch, D. W. (2014). 14th International Congres on Antiphospholipid Antibodies Task Force Report on Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Autoimmunity Reviews, 13, 795-813. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.autrev.2014.02.0031568-9972/
3Pantham, P., Abrahams, V. M., Chamley, L. W. (2106). The role of anti-phospholipid antibodies in autoimmune reproductive failure. Reproduction, 151, R79-R90.
4 McDonald, J.L., Cripps, A.W., Smith, P.K. (2015). Mediators, Receptors, and Signaling Pathways in the Anti-Inflammatory and Antihyperalgesic Effects of Acupuncture. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2015, Article ID 975632, 10 pages.
5Xiao, Q.S., Ma, M.Y., Zhang, X.S., Deng, M.H., Yang Yan, Z. (2015). Effect of Acupuncture on Prognosis and Immune Function of Sepsis Patients. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi, Jul; 35(7): 783-786.
6Kim, S K, Bae, H. (2010). Acupuncture and immune modulation. Autonomic Neuroscience: Basic and Clinical, 2010-10-28, Volume 157, Issue 1, Pages 38-41.
7 Ding, S.S., Hong, S.H., Wang, C., Guo, Y., Wang, Z.K., Xu, Y. (2013). Acupuncture modulates the neuru-endocrine-immune network. Quarterly Journal of Medicine, 107, 341-345. doi: 10.1093/qjmed/hct196
Statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. All information on this site is provided as education and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. No information on this site is intended to replace or delay the use of any conventional medical treatment.

 

 

Antiphospholipid antibodies and miscarriage

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antiphospholipid antibodies and recurrent miscarriage

Antiphospholipid antibodies associate with blod clots & recurrent pregnancy loss.

Welcome back to my Autoimmune Fertility series. The topic of this blog is anti-phospholipid antibodies and miscarriage. Antiphospholipid antibodies are commonly abbreviated aPL in literature and on lab work. You will see this abbreviation as well as some others explained in this article. Could anti-phospholipid antibodies be affecting your ability to have a healthy pregnancy? Let’s discuss and you can consider for yourself.

Antibody quick review

Here is a quick review about antibodies in general. Antibodies are normal and needed parts of your immune system. They circulate in your blood stream and in body tissues to keep you healthy. Typically, antibodies seek out intruders or foreign substances. These intruders might be bacteria or viruses. In some cases, antibodies can attack your own tissues or in the case of pregnancy: the fetus. This is the nature of autoimmune problems: the body is attacking itself.

Antiphospholipid antibodies and miscarriage

 

The presence of Lupus anticoagulant, Anti-cardiolipin antibodies, and Anti-beta-2-glycoprotein I antibodies significantly increases risk of blood clotting and loss of pregnancy

Various types and levels of aPL in your system can contribute to repeated miscarriages.

Anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL) are a specific type of antibody found often in women and men with autoimmune issues, such as Lupus erythematosus. Do keep in mind that persons without obvious disease processes can also have measureable amounts (known as titers in the blood stream) of aPL. Even experts do not know exactly aPL works in your body. However medical research recognizes that the presence of aPL, even in small amounts, is significantly associated with: blood clotting, pregnancy complications and pregnancy loss.1

Treatment success for antiphospholipid antibodies and miscarriage

Treatment enormously improves pregnancy outcomes in women with aPL. Eight research studies reviewed by the 14th International Congress on Antiphospholipid Antibodies found that treatment improved live birth rates by 71-83%.2 My next blog post this week will include most common conventional medicine as well as complimentary medicine treatment approaches. A healthy pregnancy and baby is the key point you. For my part: I strongly advocate testing especially if your history reflects patterns such as those below.3 Additional valuable information is available through local genetic counselors too. These are conversations well worth having with your health care team.

SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME

Blood clots

(aka Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT)

 Transitory ischemic attacks (TIA)
History of miscarriage Rashes with lacy or web-like patterns

(aka Livedo reticularis)
History of stillbirth Chronic headaches or migraines
High blood pressure in pregnancy

(aka Preeclampsia)

 Heart valve diseases
Stroke

Bleeding tendencies

(aka Thrombocytopenia)

 

What tests check for aPL?

Blood testing for aPL’s is available. Currently the 3 most clinically important aPL’s related to reproductive health are:

Lupus anticoagulant                                          (abbreviated as LA)

Anti-cardiolipin antibodies                             (abbreviated as aCL)

Anti-beta-2-glycoprotein I antibodies         (abbreviated as ß1GPI)

 

It is possible to have only one or two of the above types of aPL in your body or even all three present at the same time. It is recommended to have aPL blood work titers drawn and then redrawn again 12 weeks.4 This is because some brief infections are associated with false-positive results, especially with the aCL test. Please note: there are other types of aCL antibodies beyond those listed above. Tests are available for them as well. However, detailing them goes beyond the scope of this article. If you have further questions, do please leave me a message in the comments section.

 

This quote is taken from a 2016 extensive review of research in Reproduction journal:

“…there is growing acceptance that LA’s are strongly correlated with disease and that patients who are positive for all three aPL are the most risk of disease (Ruffatti et al. 2011, Galli 2012, Roggenbuck et al. 2012).” 5

 

Live birth outcomes increase by as much as 71-85% with treatment of aPL

Treatment of aPL significantly improves live birth outcomes

Pregnancy problems considered to be related to Anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL):

  • Recurrent spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) before week 10 of pregnancy.
  • Development of pre-eclampsia/eclampsia (high blood pressure) before the 34th week of pregnancy.
  • Development of placental insufficiency before the 34th week of pregnancy.4

The good news is that both conventional medicine and complimentary medicine treatment drastically improves pregnancy outcomes for women with aPL. Stay tuned for my next blog which addresses both aspects of treatment.

 

Thank you for reading!

 

All content here is written personally by me in with the goal that it is be helpful to you. As long as you include the link for this blog entry to credit me as the author, it is fine to repost or share if you wish.

 

For scheduling information and appointment availability, do please visit my website at: https://kreynoldsacupuncture.com/

Be well!

~Karen Reynolds, RN, MS, LAc

1De Jesus, G. R., Agmon-Levin, N., Andrade, C. A., Andreoli, L., Chighizola, C. B., Porter, T. F., Salmon, J., Silver, R. M., Tincani, A., & Branch, D. W. (2014). 14th International Congres on Antiphospholipid Antibodies Task Force Report on Obstetric Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Autoimmunity Reviews, 13, 795-813. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.autrev.2014.02.0031568-9972/
2 IBID.
3 Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/antiphospholipid-syndrome/symptoms-causes/dxc-20307662
4 Pantham, P., Abrahams, V. M., Chamley, L. W. (2106). The role of anti-phospholipid antibodies in autoimmune reproductive failure. Reproduction, 151, R79-R90.
5 IBID.

Statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. All information on this site is provided as education and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. No information on this site is intended to replace or delay the use of any conventional medical treatment.

MTHFR Infertility & What You Can Do

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MTHFR genetic testing is recommended for histories of miscarriage, failed IVF cycles, and specific familial risk facotors

Learn here about when to consider MTHFR genetic testing.

MTHFR infertility: here are two challenges I frequently see in my acupuncture practice. Did you know your fertility can affected by an MTHFR gene mutation? How would you know? This blog helps you understand exactly that.

MTHFR infertility?

The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene is in charge of instructions for the body to convert folate to folic acid. This chemical process (called methylation) is crucial for the health of your brain, processing of toxic heavy metals, your hormone balance, your immune system and your cardiovascular system. MTHFR gene variances are more frequently found in women with infertility and are associated with fetal development issues.1  Some of those developmental and pregnancy problems include: miscarriage, blood clotting irregularities, autism, spina bifida, and Down’s syndrome.

 

Keep in mind: there are varying degrees of symptoms with genetic mutations. Some genetic abnormalities cause few problems and others create enormous health challenges. It is also now recognized that significant numbers of the human population carry MTHFR mutations.2

 

Take for example this quote from the immensely respected, Dr. Francis S. Collins. He is the former director of the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Collins also directed the National Human Genome Research Institute and led the Human Genome Project to its successful completion.

MTHFR infertility: gene mutations impact fertility

MTHFR infertility: gene mutations impact fertility & are connected to miscarriage, blood clotting disorders and neural tube birth defects.

“…genes are generally not destiny, especially for common conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer.” 3

If you know you do have gene mutation such as an MTHFR gene mutation, rather than worry, you can be proactive about your health and self-care choices. In my Corte Madera, CA private practice, I share this information daily with my acupuncture and fertility patients. It is absolutely possible to reduce risk factors and thereby help your body function at its best.

 

Should you get MTHFR gene testing? How do you decide?

As I discussed in the blog post previous to this one, if you have experienced multiple miscarriages, infertility, blood clotting or failed IVF cycles, you may want to consider MTHFR testing. It is also valuable to consider the health history of your family members. If there are members of your family who have had: heart attacks at an early age, a history of addictions, or a history of mental illness, these are indications to consider MTHFR testing. All of the above noted health issues are associated with what are called “methylation defects”. Methylation defects occur if the MTHFR gene is not functioning well.

What do the MTHFR letters & numbers on your lab results mean?

MTHFR infertility gene mutations vary in severity and impact on fertility.

Should you consider MTHFR gene mutation testing?

If you seek MTHFR genetic testing, you will find lots of terms with letter and number combinations on your lab result reports. The names of genes or locations on specific genes contain both letters and numbers. The names may reflect normal genes as well as what are called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP’s or “Snips”). SNP’s are a type of genetic mutation. Below you’ll see the more common MTHFR gene names and MTHFR gene mutation names.

 

MTHFR INFERTILITY:

GENES & MUTATION NAMES & WHAT THEY MEAN

 
MTHFR 677CC Normal MTHFR gene
MTHFR 677CT One base on the MTHFR gene is mutated

(aka heterozygous mutation)
MTHFR 677TT Both base pairs of the MTHFR gene are mutated

(aka homozygous mutation)
MTHFR 1298AA Normal MTHFR gene
MTHFR 1298AC One base on the MTHFR gene is mutated

(aka heterozygous mutation)
MTHFR 1298CC Both base pairs on the MTHFR gene are mutated

(aka homozygous mutation)
MTHFR 577CT & MTHFR 1298AC Both base pairs at 2 different positions on the MTHFR gene are mutated

(aka compound heterozygous mutation)

 

Science nerd information for inquiring minds

SNPs, or “snips,” refer to single nucleotide polymorphisms. They are modifications in the DNA building blocks of adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C).

An SNP is a difference in one of the building blocks above or a difference in the order of those building blocks. Most have no significant effect on health. However, some can actually predict things like response or tolerance to drugs, risks of developing illness, or sensitivity to toxins, etc. There is great scientific interest in logging and studying SNPs in order to improve medical care and fertility challenges.

 

Regarding MTHFR infertility:

MTHFR 677CT & MTHFR 1298AC are the most common MTHFR gene mutations

MTHFR 677CT mutations are associated with:

  • Cardiovascular problems,
  • High homocysteine levels,

    MTHFR infertility is associated with neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly

    MTHFR leads to methylation defects, which can impair the cardiovascular, immune & reproductive systems as well as contribute to mood disorders and addictions.

  • Stroke,
  • Migraines,
  • Neural tube defects (birth defects of the brain & spine such as spina bifida & anencephaly).

MTHFR 1298AC mutations are associated with:

  • Fibromyalgia,
  • IBS,
  • Fatigue,
  • Chronic pain,
  • Schizophrenia,
  • Mood related problems.

 

What about high homocysteine levels & MTHFR? What is the connection?

Some MTHFR gene mutations cause high levels of homocysteine in the body. This happens as a result of folate not being processed correctly. When homocysteine levels rise in your body, you have higher risks for stroke, high blood pressure, blood clotting and pulmonary embolus. If you are seeking to become pregnant, those are significant concerns. Recommended supplements to address the build-up of homocysteine include types of Vitamin B.

 There are so many kinds of Vitamin B. What kind of Vitamin B is best if you have a MTHFR gene mutation?

As for Vitamin B: methylfolate is considered a better choice as opposed to folic acid or folate. If you are reading labels, you will probably see folic acid and folate listed in products a lot. In part, this is because it is a cheaper form of Vitamin B for manufacturers to use. Secondly, folic acid and folate have also been the topic of more research studies as compared with methylfolate.

MTHFR infertility Specific MTHFR gene mutations require specific types of Vitamin B

What is the correct type of Vitamin B supplement for you if you have a MTHFR gene mutation?

Please note: individuals with MTHFR 677CT mutations do not process folate or folic acid well. It is best for them instead to take supplements with methylfolate. Methylfolate is an easily digestible form of Vitamin B. When methylfolate is listed on labels, it is called:

“L-methylfolate”, “5-MTHF” or “L-5-MTHF”.

Being that methylfolate is safe, is immediately and easily absorbed, and not radically more expensive, I do recommend it to my patients. It is good to carefully read product labels, especially if you have the MTHFR 677CT or MTHFR 677TT mutations. Even though some debate continues: methylfolate is safe for almost all people; so why risk it?

Below is a list of supplements recommended for most people who have MTHFR gene mutations. I am deliberately not listing dosages because it is always best to consider these supplements while under the care of a health care professional.

*Please always consult with your physician and licensed health care team before embarking on any new course of action.*

  • Methyfolate

Labels will read: L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolatemethylfolate, L-5-MTHF or L-5-MTHF.

**Please note some literature exists cautioning use of high dose L-methylfolate for individuals with a bipolar diagnosis. These persons tend to tolerate Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B6, and Magnesium as alternate methylfolate.**

Please see this article written by Dr. Ben Lynch, ND on supplements to support best absorption of methylfolate http://mthfr.net/preventing-methylfolate-side-effects/2014/11/26/

  • L-Methylfolate Calcium

    also known as Levomefolic acid and Metafolin

  • Active B12 Also known as holotranscobalamin

  • CoQ10

  • Vitamin D3 oral drops

  • Fish oils with EPA/DHA in triglyceride form.

  • Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) Riboflavin has been found to lower blood pressure, specifically

     in patients with MTHFR 677TT gene mutation.5

Thank you for reading!

All content here is written personally by me in with the goal that it is be helpful to you. As long as you include the link for this blog entry to credit me as the author, it is fine to repost or share if you wish.

For scheduling information and appointment availability, do please visit my website at: https://kreynoldsacupuncture.com/

Be well!

~Karen Reynolds, RN, MS, LAc

 

1Reyes-Engel, A., Munoz, E., Gaitan, M.J., Fabre, E., Gallo, M., Dieguez, M., Ruiz, M., Morell, M. (2002). Implications on human fertility of the 677CàT and 1298AàC polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene: consequences of a possible genetic selection. MHR: Basic science of reproductive medicine, 8(10) October 2002, 952-957. https://doi.org/10.1093/molehr/8.10.952
2Wilson, C.P., McNulty, H., Ward, M., Strain, J.J., Trouton, T.G., Hoeft, B.A., Weber, P., Roos, F.F., Horigan, G., McAnena, L., Scott, J.M.  (2013).  Blood Pressure in Treated Hypertensive Individuals with the MTHFR 677TT Genotype is Responsive to Intervention with Riboflavin. Hypertension, 61, 1302-1308. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONHA.111.01047/-/DC1
3Collins, F.S.  (2010).  The Language of Life: DNA and the Revolution in Personalized Medicine. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
4Wald, D.S., Law, M., Morris, J.K.  (2002). Homocysteine and cardiovascular disease: evidence on causality from a meta-analysis. British Medical Journal, 2002: 325:1202. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.325.7374.1202
5McNulty, H., Strain, J.J., Ward, M  (2014). Riboflavin lowers blood pressure in hypertensive people with MTHFR 677TT genotype. Hypertension, 72 Supplement 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/2049-3258-72-S1-K2

 Statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. All information on this site is provided as education and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. No information on this site is intended to replace or delay the use of any conventional medical treatment.

 

 

 

MTHFR Gene Testing & Recurrent Miscarriage

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Welcome back to my Autoimmune Fertility series!

This week’s topic is MTHFR gene testing and recurrent miscarriage. Although MTHFR is more about genetics than an autoimmune process, it is important to remember that genes in our bodies can be switched on or switched off under specific conditions. For example, it is possible for some individuals to carry a genetic variation that with optimal self-care never causes any symptoms or problems. This might be a result of having a particular diet, practice of hot yoga or consistent use of supplements to support nutrition. Let’s talk more about MTHFR and if testing for it is right for you.

 

Should you consider MTHFR gene testing?

MTHFR mutations are associated with Miscarriages, Pre-eclampsia, Placental abruption, & Blood clots

MTHFR gene mutations are associated with Miscarriages, Pre-eclampsia, Placental abruption, & Blood clots

Are you a woman experiencing recurrent miscarriages, infertility or blood clotting problems? Have you had more than 2 pregnancy losses or 2 failed IVF cycles after the age of 35? If so, I do recommend MTHFR genetic testing. This is a worthwhile topic to discuss with your medical doctor, genetic counselor, and integrative medicine professionals such as acupuncturists and naturopaths. *It is always best to have professional guidance with respect to choosing, obtaining and interpreting genetic testing. *

 

What does MTHFR mean?

MTHFR is the abbreviation for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. In medical journals, MTHFR can refer to the MTHFR enzyme in your body or the MTHFR gene in your body. We are finding increasing numbers of these types of genes. Newer research is pointing toward higher percentages of the general population with genetic defects of the MTHFR gene also.

 

“The frequency of the homozygous mutant MTHFR 677TT genotype is reported to be

10% worldwide, ranging from 4% to 18% in the United States,

20% in northern China

to as high as 32% in Mexico.” 1

 

Genetic Testing Recommendation for multiple miscarriages after age 35

Genetic testing is advisable for instances of more than 2 miscarriages or 2 failed IVF cycles after the age of 35.

Important jobs your MTHFR gene does

Processes folate

Processes Vitamin B12

Produces key brain chemistry components,

such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine

Regulates gene expression

Processes heavy metals

Is active in hormone regulation

Participates in immune function

Regulates homocysteine production

 

Technical terms you will see with MTHFR gene testing, information & results

We inherit genes from both of our parents: one from our mother and one from our father. It is possible to inherit only one defective gene which is called a heterozygous mutation. For some individuals, the function with a single normal MTHFR gene can be enough to avoid physical issues. In contrast, there are usually bigger health challenges in the case of inheriting two defective genes which is a homozygous mutation. Two defective genes cause far more problems than one.

 

With respect to genetic issues, patterns within your family can be clues to investigate when considering genetic and fertility testing.

Do consider the histories of your parents and siblings as well as your own when contemplating MTHFR gene testing.

Below you will see a partial list of issues known to associate with MTHFR gene

Autism

 Miscarriages Schizophrenia Spina bifida Migraines with aura Epilepsy
Addictions Pulmonary embolisms Fibromyalgia Bipolar disorders Blood clots Drug Toxicities: methotrexate, anti-epileptics
Down syndrome Depression Pre-eclampsia Idiopathic male fertility High homocysteine

Placental abruption

 

My next blog will also have additional MTHFR information. In it I will share with you the most common gene mutations seen and currently tested as well as supplements and dietary factors which can help.

Thank you for reading!

  • Please leave any questions you may have here and I am happy to answer them.
  • If you found this article helpful, I would appreciate liking my Facebook page at:

Karen Reynolds, LAc, RN Acupuncture for Optimal Health 

All content here is written personally by me in with the goal that it is be helpful to you. As long as you include the link for this blog entry to credit me as the author, it is fine to repost or share if you wish.

For scheduling information and appointment availability, do please visit my website at: KReynoldsAcupuncture.com.

Be well!

~Karen Reynolds, RN, MS, LAc

1 Wilson, C.P., McNulty, H., Ward, M., Strain, J.J., Trouton, T.G., Hoeft, B.A., Weber, P., Roos, F.F., Horigan, G., McAnena, L., Scott, J.M. (2013). Blood Pressure in Treated Hypertensive Individuals With the MTHFR 677TT Genotype Is Responsive to Intervention With Riboflavin. Hypertension, 61, 1302-1308. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONHA.111.01047/-/DCI

 

Statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. All information on this site is provided as education and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. No information on this site is intended to replace or delay the use of any conventional medical treatment.

 

Learn About How Antinuclear Antibodies Affect Your Fertility

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Welcome to my 8-part Autoimmune Fertility series

Learn About How Antinuclear Antibodies Affect Your Fertility

This is Part I, Blog I, focusing on how Antinuclear antibodies (ANA’s) affect your fertility. Here you will learn about what Antinuclear antibodies are and tests to check them. Blog II will discuss things you can do if you have high ANA’s.

If you are a woman who has had multiple miscarriages

or failed In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) cycles,

Antinuclear antibodies can be especially important.

First: what is an “antibody”? Antibodies are normal parts of your immune system. They float around in your blood stream and tissues to keep your system healthy. Antibodies do this by scanning your body to locate intruders or foreign substances. Intruders are things like bacteria or viruses. In some cases, antibodies may attack your own tissues. Hence autoimmune problems: this is when the body attacks itself.

So antibodies can be helpful and some can cause problems. With respect to fertility, the presence of very specific and high levels of antibodies, like Antinuclear antibodies (ANA’s) can impact getting pregnant and carrying to term.

Elevated levels of Antinuclear antibodies contributed to infertility

Fertility, implantation and carrying to term are impacted by the presence of positive Antinuclear antibodies

Fertility issues associated with high levels of Antinuclear antibodies (ANA’s) 1, 2

 

Reduced egg quality

Failed IVF cycles

Impaired embryo development

Infertility

Recurrent miscarriage/Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Ovarian dysfunction

Endometriosis

Blood tests for ANA’s are measured as titers

ANA Titer of 1:20=“Negative”

ANA Titer of 1:40 or greater=“Significant”

ANA Titer of 1:40 to 1:80=“Low positive”

ANA Titer of 1:160 to 1:320=“Moderate positive”

ANA Titer of equal to or greater than 1:640=“High”

{Please note that these ANA’s can be further broken down into specific types of ANA’s, but for the purposes of this blog, I will not elaborate on those. Doctors specializing in reproductive immunology often run further ANA testing panels if general ANA testing results are high.}

A word about lab tests 

Antinuclear antibodies affect fertility

Antinuclear antibodies affect fertility

Results of lab tests are best reviewed and monitored by your physician and team of licensed providers such as acupuncturists, RNs, nurse practitioners etc.

It is wise to consider results within the context of your present health, your current goals, and also comparing newest results to former results. Looking at lab test results over periods of time can give you and your team valuable information about your fertility.

To illustrate this, here are several examples looking at ANA levels for very different women:

  • One of my patients is a woman not seeking to become pregnant. She has ANA titers which fluctuate between 1:20 to 1:60. Her mother and siblings have Rheumatoid arthritis. She knows that acupuncture is ideal for helping regulate the immune system and reduce general levels of inflammation. Considering her genetics, her goal is to proactively monitor her lab work and get acupuncture. For her, these mild ANA ups and downs are not currently associated with changes in her health or developing autoimmune connective tissue problems.

 

  • In contrast, I have had fertility patients who show seemingly small rises in their ANA titers (ie: from 1:40 to 1:60) and these are accompanied by a failed IVF cycle. The bump up in ANA titers is significant for these women, because the climbing numbers reflect a flare in their immune systems.

 

In your quest to become pregnant,

do educate yourself.

If immune testing is applicable,

please seek the expertise of both medical doctors and trained complimentary care providers.

 High Antinuclear antibodies are generally found with these medical diagnoses 

 
Dermatomyositis

 

 General collagen vascular diseases

 
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

 

 Scleroderma polymyositis

 
Sjogren’s syndrome

 

 Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

 
Systemic sclerosis

 

Medications known to elevate ANA2

Apresoline                                 (Hydralazine)                 ~ Used for high blood pressure

Procanbid/Pronestyl               (Procainamide)              ~Used for irregular heart rhythm

Isonicotinylhydtrazine (INH)(Isoniazid)                      ~Antibiotic

 

Part I, Blog II of Learn About How Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA’s) Affect Your Fertility is next. It will have specific information about what you can do if you have positive ANA titers and fertility challenges. Stayed tuned for that post to be released next Tuesday, 7/25/17!

1Li, Y., Wang, Y., Ma, Y., Lan, Y., Jia, C., Liang, Y., Wang, S. (2015). Investigation of the impact of antinuclear antibody on the outcome of in vitro fertilizations/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment. The Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 54, 742-748. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tog.2015.09.001
2Li, Y Molazadeh, M., Karimazadeh, H., Azizi, M.R. (2014). Prevalence and clinical significance of antinuclear antibodies in Iranian women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage. Iran Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 12 (3) 221-226.

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Karen Reynolds, LAc, RN Acupuncture for Optimal Health 

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Be well!

~Karen Reynolds, RN, MS, LAc

 

Statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. All information on this site is provided as education and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. No information on this site is intended to replace or delay the use of any conventional medical treatment.

 

 

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