Description

CIRS is a condition characterized by a prolonged and dysregulated immune response, leading to inflammation in multiple organ systems. 

CIRS can be triggered by various factors, including: 

  • Exposure to biotoxins (e.g., mold, pesticides)
  • Microbial infections (e.g., Lyme disease)
  • Environmental toxins (e.g., heavy metals)
  • Genetic predisposition 

 

CIRS can cause a wide range of symptoms, which may vary from person to person and include: 

Fatigue, Brain fog, Joint pain, Muscle aches, Headaches, Gastrointestinal issues (e.g., bloating, diarrhea), Sleep disturbances, and Autoimmune disorders. 

The following test are included:

Alpha-melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (α-MSH)

Complement C3 and C4

MMP-9

Leptin

Osmolality

Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 (TGF-beta 1)

Vasopressin (arginine)

VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor)

Fasting recommended.

Additional information about each test is listed below:

In the context of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is considered a potential anti-inflammatory molecule, meaning it may play a role in mitigating the excessive inflammatory response often seen in CIRS by directly impacting immune cell function and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines; research suggests that increased α-MSH levels could be a potential biomarker for CIRS, especially in the early stages of the disease. 

In a chronic inflammatory response syndrome, low levels of complement C3 and C4 in the blood are often observed, indicating that the complement system is actively being used to fight inflammation, essentially "consuming" these proteins as part of the immune response; this can be seen in conditions like autoimmune diseases like lupus where the body attacks its own tissues, leading to decreased C3 and C4 levels due to ongoing inflammation. 

In the context of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), MMP-9 refers to "Matrix Metalloproteinase-9", an enzyme that plays a significant role in the inflammatory process by breaking down the extracellular matrix, and is often considered a key marker for chronic inflammation, with elevated levels indicating potential CIRS involvement; essentially, high MMP-9 levels can be associated with ongoing tissue damage and immune system activation within the body, contributing to symptoms like fatigue, muscle pain, and cognitive difficulties often seen in CIRS patients. 

In the context of chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), leptin is a hormone primarily produced by fat cells that plays a significant role in promoting inflammation, often contributing to a "low-grade" chronic inflammatory state, particularly in individuals with obesity, where elevated leptin levels are commonly observed; essentially, high leptin levels can perpetuate a cycle of inflammation within the body, potentially contributing to various chronic diseases

In the context of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), measuring osmolality is important because it can indicate potential dysregulation in the body's fluid balance, which is often associated with CIRS symptoms, and may be linked to the inflammatory processes occurring within the body, particularly when there are abnormalities in levels of certain hormones like ADH that regulate osmolality; essentially, an abnormal osmolality reading could be a marker for a wider systemic imbalance related to inflammation in CIRS patients. 

Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta 1) is a protein that can increase or decrease inflammation, and is a key factor in Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). CIRS is a condition that can be caused by mold exposure or tick bites. 

"Chronic inflammatory response syndrome" in relation to vasopressin (arginine) refers to a condition where the body's inflammatory response is persistently elevated, potentially due to dysregulated levels of the hormone arginine vasopressin (AVP), which can contribute to inflammation in certain situations; this can manifest as symptoms like excessive thirst and urination, often associated with a condition called "nephrogenic diabetes insipidus" where the kidneys become resistant to the effects of AVP. 

In the context of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) is a key marker that can be elevated, indicating ongoing inflammation within the body, often associated with exposure to biotoxins like mold; essentially, high VEGF levels can suggest that the body is actively creating new blood vessels in response to the inflammatory process triggered by the toxins.