Live Protein Therapy in the Management of Liver Disease
by Thomas Bayne, DC
Liver disease is the third leading disease-related cause
of death for Americans aged 25-59. Hepatitis and cirrhosis are particularly
common liver disorders that are part of the degenerative cascade of
liver disease that starts with inflammation and swelling and develops
into fatty degeneration, cirrhosis, and cancer.1 Two live
protein extracts are regularly employed in treating liver disease: thymus
proteins are used to increase the hosts’ resistance and are responsible
for cell-mediated immunity, and liver proteins to improve the regenerative
capabilities of the liver. Researchers have recently indicated Hepatocyte
Growth Factor (HGF), as one of the many proteins and growth factors
found in the liquid liver extract. Clinical applications of HGF represent
an exciting new direction in the treatment of liver disease. This article
will define the disorders and discuss treatments using biologically
active proteins such as HGF found in liver extract, combined with thymus
gland proteins, to modulate immune response, stimulate liver regeneration,
accelerate hepatic function, reverse fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Hepatitis is defined as an inflammation of the liver
that is associated with cellular damage or death of the liver cell.
There are two forms of hepatitis: acute hepatitis, which is typically
self-limiting, and chronic hepatitis, which may be benign but sometimes
develops into progressive liver damage often leading to cirrhosis, hepatic
failure and death.2 Symptoms of hepatitis include extreme
fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Dark urine typically appears within 3-10 days and is followed by a yellowing
of the skin, called jaundice. Jaundice takes 7-10 days to develop and
2-4 weeks to fade away. The liver is usually enlarged and tender to
palpation. The most common cause of hepatitis is contamination by virus.
The American liver foundation identifies five different viruses that
cause hepatitis: the A, B, C, D and E viruses.
Hepatitis A is usually a benign self-limiting disease
that accounts for 20-25% of the cases of acute hepatitis.2
It does not cause chronic hepatitis or a carrier state and so the fatality
rate is about 0.1%.3 Hepatitis B (HBV) can produce an asymptomatic
carrier state, acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, progression of chronic
disease to cirrhosis, and/or fulminant hepatitis with massive liver
necrosis.2 HBV also plays a prominent role in the progression
of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis C (HCV) is mostly transfusion-associated
with as many as 60% of acute HCV infections progressing to chronic hepatitis.
HCV is responsible for at least 30% of the cases of fulminant viral
hepatitis.4 Hepatitis D only develops when there is concomitant
hepatitis B infection and is relatively uncommon in the United States.2
Hepatitis E (HEV) is responsible for large epidemics of acute hepatitis
in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Mexico. Chronic hepatitis E infection
has not been observed, accounting for the low death rate due to HEV.
However, HEV has a 25% death rate in pregnant females.5
Allopathic Treatment of Hepatitis
Modern medical treatment consists of interferon alfa-2b,
recombinant alone or in combination with Rebavirin. Side effects from
these medications include muscle aches, yeast infections, anemia, seizures,
brain fog, autoimmune reactions, hypersensitivity reactions (allergic
reactions, asthma) osteoporosis, deterioration of cardiac function,
coronary disease, diabetes mellitus, and severe psychiatric symptoms
such as depression and suicidal behavior. Rebavirin is so dangerous
to a developing fetus that women of childbearing age must show proof
of 2 forms of acceptable birth control before they are given a prescription.
Holistic Treatment of Hepatitis
Diet
A whole foods diet that is low in protein will minimize
stress on the liver. An elimination of refined flours and sugars, caffeine,
and alcohol is crucial. Vegetable broths and juices should be emphasized
with particular attention to spirulina, chlorella, wheat grass juice,
and barley juice. A minimum of 4 glasses of water for every 50lbs of
body weight should be consumed daily.
Live protein therapy
The liver injury in HBV infection is due to an immune
mediated host reaction to the infection and not the infection per se.6
In one HBV study, thymus extract was used to modulate immune mediated
reactions. Eighteen patients with biopsy-confirmed hepatitis B and lowered
T4/T8 ratio were split into two groups and received thymic extract for
6 and 12 months respectively. There was a normalization of both biochemical
and immunological markers within 6 months of beginning treatment. Laboratory
markers revealed a complete cessation of viral replication, which implies
remission.7 Two-year follow-up showed continued remission
with normal immunological and biochemical panels. A similar study on
a larger patient group produced similar findings and conclusions.8
The use of Liver extract and more specifically Hepatocyte Growth Factor
(HGF) has demonstrated the ability to accelerate hepatic function.9
One hepatitis study showed that HGF stimulated the regeneration of hepatocytes
under inflammatory conditions such as hepatitis B and C.10
Liver extract has also demonstrated remarkable results
in the treatment of chronic hepatitis. A double-blind study was conducted
that involved 556 patients with chronic hepatitis. One group was given
70mg of liver hydrosylate three times per day and the other group placebo
three times per day. At the end of three months of treatment the group
receiving the liver extract had far lower liver enzyme levels. Since
the levels of the enzymes in the blood reflect damage to the liver,
it was concluded that the liver extract is effective in the treatment
of hepatitis through its ability to improve the function of damaged
liver cells and to prevent further damage to the liver.11
Cirrhosis is a category of chronic liver disease associated
with interconnecting fibrous scars that eventually lead to parenchymal
nodules that create further damage and scarring eventually developing
arteriovenous interconnections. Symptoms appear such as mild fatigue,
indigestion, constipation or diarrhea and skin rashes. These are followed
by abdominal swelling, pain, vomiting of blood and jaundice. Advanced
cases lead to coma and eventually death. Researchers recently discovered
that the scar tissue associated with cirrhosis is not permanent and
in fact is actually reversible.12 The following protocol
has demonstrated the ability to reverse cirrhosis.
Treatment of Cirrhosis
Diet
A whole foods diet such as the one recommended for hepatitis
should be closely followed. Colon cleansing is also important to decrease
the load of endotoxins in the circulation.
Live Protein Therapy
Radchenko et al. successfully treated 102 patients with
chronic hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis with thymus extracts.
The results showed a significant increase in immune competence, which
helped control the immunoinflammatory process in the liver and normalized
the clinical manifestation of the disease leading to a favorable outcome.13
HGF has also shown great clinical potential in the treatment
of cirrhosis in animal models. The antiapoptotic activity of HGF in
hepatocytes14 is of particular interest pertaining to the
process of cirrhosis. In addition, HGF was a potent stimulator of DNA
synthesis in primary hepatocytes.9,15 These important results
demonstrate successful treatment of a very difficult disease that typically
has a very unfavorable outcome.
Hepatitis Case Study
A.L. presented with a history of hepatitis C infection
that was contracted after a blood transfusion in 1980. A liver biopsy
in 1996 confirmed chronic hepatitis C. The patient’s medical doctor
told him that he had three to five years to live. A.L. was searching
for “palliative care” to “make the last few years of my life as comfortable
as possible” when we began therapy. A comprehensive program was implemented
that included dietary modifications combined with live thymus proteins,
live liver proteins, and detoxification therapies. Concurrently, a solution-focused
psychotherapeutic approach aimed at increasing coping and managing emotional
fear and distress was implemented.
For the first month of care A.L. took three Natcell
Thymus, and one Natcell Liver per week. After four weeks of care A.L.
reported a marked increase in energy levels, and general improvement
in overall well-being. Months two through four A.L. took two Natcell
Thymus per week and one Natcell Liver every two weeks. Over the next
six months the dosage was slowly decreased to one Natcell Thymus every
two weeks and one Natcell Liver per month. Reports from his psychotherapist
indicated that his mindset was changing from a hopeless helpless posture
to a hopeful and optimistic mindset. At the end of the 10-month period
A.L. was given a complete clean bill of health. There was no sign of
viral infection in his body.
For the next two months a heavy program of Natcell liver
combined with coffee enemas was introduced to further rebuild and rejuvenate
the liver. In the first month A.L. took two Natcell Liver per week and
performed three coffee enemas per week. The second month consisted of
one Natcell Liver per week and two coffee enemas per week. Twelve months
after therapy had begun, A.L had gained 20lbs of lean muscle. He has
integrated a mind-body appreciation for his new health; he has adopted
a new philosophy on life and remains healthy to this day. He remains
on a maintenance dose of one Natcell Liver every six weeks and one Natcell
Thymus every eight weeks.
Cirrhosis Case Study
R.R presented with a recent diagnosis of liver cirrhosis.
Patient’s medical history included a bout of hepatitis B while in Vietnam,
a 25-year history of alcoholism, and I.V. drug use for two years in
the 1970’s. The patient was referred by his psychiatrist. His psychiatric
profile included severe depression related to post traumatic stress
disorder. Again, appreciating the mind-body connection and the importance
of an integrative holistic approach, R.R. was seen concurrently for
psychotherapy. Psychotherapy consisted of treatment that utilized Eye
Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to decrease intrusive
flashbacks, negative fear based cognitions and physiological reactivity.
The patient was started on a whole foods diet with a focus on cereal
grasses and other liver strengthening foods. Live protein therapy was
initiated with Natcell Liver taken twice a week and Natcell Thymus taken
once per week for two months. Over the next six months R.R. continued
with a dose of one Natcell Liver per week and one Natcell Thymus per
week. Laboratory follow-up after eight months of therapy showed an increase
in T-lymphocytes, and decreased immunoglobulin counts. Although R.R
remains in a constant struggle both physically and mentally, his overall
level of improvement is an amazing tribute to the body’s ability to
heal itself when the mind and body are treated in an integrated manner.
With the continued mind-body therapy and support of his family, R.R.
will continue to improve and someday lead a normal life.
Conclusion
Live protein therapy represents a viable treatment option
in the management of liver disease. Although Organotherapy is by no
means a new concept, our understanding of the science behind the mechanism
of action is beginning to become clearer. Clinically, I have witnessed
results that warrant further research. My approach is patient-specific
and my treatment philosophy requires balance between the physical, biochemical,
emotional and electromagnetic systems. I have used Natcell Thymus and
Natcell Liver in the management of liver disease as part of a comprehensive
treatment protocol for more than 5 years. My results have been consistent
and reproducible. The Natcell line of products are available from Atrium
Biotechnologies, Inc. of Quebec City, Canada.
Correspondence:
Dr. Thomas Bayne, D.C.
1535 Lake Cook Rd. Suite 404
Northbrook, Illinois 60062 USA
847-714-1531
Email: tom_bayne@mindspring.com
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