Dr. Theoharides on the Science & Treatment of Neuroinflammation

Dr. Theoharis Theoharides presented two lectures to NAA NY Metro audiences - on September 8, 2011 at Beth Israel Hospital in Manhattan and on September 9, 2011 at the Westchester ARC - targeted to both parents and professionals. He discussed his research concerning neuroinflammation, mast cells and autism, and discussed a practical treatment option. The NYC and Westchester events were well attended and appreciated by all. The Westchester site also included a Webinar which was well received. There was a long Q&A period during which parents and professionals gained a deeper understanding of Dr. Theoharides’s work and contribution to autism.

Dr. Theoharides described how children with autism often present with auto-antibodies against brain proteins, gastrointestinal problems, “allergies” and fatigue, implying a neuro-immuno-endocrine problem. His recent research has shown that mast cells (immune cells typically known for causing allergic reactions and which serve as “sensors” of environmental cell damage) can be activated by environmental, infectious and stress triggers that lead to disruption of the gut-blood-brain barriers.

He also discussed how one mast cell trigger, neurotensin, was shown to be elevated in the serum of young children with autism. Mast cell activation during pregnancy or prenatally, in response to allergic or non-immune triggers, could disrupt the gut-blood-brain barriers and permit neuro toxic molecules to enter the brain, and result in brain inflammation. Through his research, Dr. Theoharides has shown that the natural flavonoids, Quercetin and Luteolin (found in the supplement NeuroProtek) can block these processes.

With so many children on the spectrum struggling with neuroinflammation, it is helpful to understand both the science behind the causes of neuroinflammation and the treatment options.

Dr. Theoharis C. Theoharides: Lectures for Parents & Professionals on Exciting Research Findings and Novel Treatment

NAA NY Metro Chapter Invites You to a Special Event with

Dr. Theoharis C. Theoharides
At TWO Locations NYC & Westchester

(Webinar available for Westchester Meeting)

Thursday, September 8^th from 6:30PM- 8:30PM, as part of NAA NY Metro’s Collaboration with the Beth Israel Division of Developmental Pediatrics:

Neurotensin and Extracellular Mitochondrial DNA as Potenial Biomarkers and Novel Treatment
Beth Israel Medical Center

10 Union Square East

2^nd Floor Conference Center

New York, NY 10003

Please RSVP to Stacey Purro, LCSW at spurro@chpnet.org

AND

Friday, September 9^th from 7PM - 9:30PM

Neuro-Inflammation and Disruption of the Gut Blood Brain Barriers:
The Benefits of Natural Flavonoids

In our new Westchester meeting location:

The Gleeson-Israel Gateway Center (Westchester ARC)

265 Saw Mill River Road (Route 9A)

1^st Floor Conference Room

Hawthorne, NY 10532

No RSVP Required

Webinar Available too! Can't make the meeting in person, please register for the Webinar here: click here - Webinar seats are limited.

Dr. Theoharides will present a lecture targeted to both parents and professionals. He will present, in a way accessible to scientists and non-scientists, his research concerning neuro-inflammation, mast cells and autism, and discuss a practical treatment option. Dr. Theoharides’ research sheds new light on symptoms common to many children with autism.

Dr. Theoharides’ recent research has focused on the area of neuro-inflammation and his research results open the way for promising treatment for those with autism. Children with autism often present with auto-antibodies against brain proteins, gastrointestinal problems, “allergies” and fatigue, implying a neuro-immuno-endocrine problem. Dr. Theoharides’ recent research has shown that mast cells (immune cells typically known for causing allergic reactions and which serve as “sensors” of environmental cell damage) can be activated by environmental, infectious and stress triggers that lead to disruption of the gut-blood-brain barriers.

In his research, one mast cell trigger, neurotensin, was shown to be elevated in the serum of young children with autism. Mast cell activation during pregnancy or prenatally, in response to allergic or non-immune triggers, could disrupt the gut-blood-brain barriers and permit neuro toxic molecules to enter the brain, and result in brain inflammation. Dr. Theoharides’ research also has shown that neurotensin induces release of extracellular mitochondrial DNA that could act as “autoimmune” triggers, divert energy from brain growth, and induce an inflammatory state. Through his research, Dr. Theoharides has shown that the natural flavonoids, Quercetin and Luteolin (found in the supplement NeuroProtek) can block these processes.

Theoharis C. Theoharides, MS, PhD, MD, FAAAAI is Director of Molecular Immuno-pharmacology & Drug Discovery Lab, Professor of Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Internal Medicine at Tufts University. He trained at Yale University and has over 290 publications. He has shown that mast cells secrete inflammatory mediators that disrupt the gut-blood-brain barriers, thus playing a critical role in brain inflammation and autism. Dr. Theoharides extends his expertise beyond theory into practical options for patients with diseases that have defied treatment to date.