Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Matrix Metalloproteinases and Dupuytren's
What are matrix metalloproteinases and how are they linked to Dupuytren's? Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are naturally occuring enzymes whose name describes them: they are found outside cells in the extracellular matrix, their molecular makeup includes a metal (Zinc) and they break down proteins. Human collagenase, which breaks down collagen, is in this group, and Dupuytren's may be due to an imbalance between the body's MMPs and tissue factors which block MMPs. Some cancers spread faster because they produce these enzymes, like flesh eating bacteria, which speeds up how fast they spread. Medicines which block these enzymes help fight these types of tumors. Unfortunately, a side effect of one of these medicines is activating both Dupuytren's and its sibling, frozen shoulder, as detailed in this report: http://www.dupuytrenfoundation.org/DupPDFs/1998_Hutchinson_1085.pdf. This brings up many questions: Other substances also block MMPs, like the antibiotic doxycycline - do they provoke Dupuytren's? If Dupuytren's is a natural resistance to MMPs, does having Dupuytren's give a resistance to some types of cancer? So many dots to connect on the way to a cure.
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I respectfully disagree with this theory. What seems more probable IMHO, is that Dupuytren's results from metal deposits forming near the tendon and becoming too big and unwieldy for the body to remove. These deposits breakdown collagen stimulating the tenocytes to overgrow collagen to try to protect themselves. That's why people say zinc tends to help their Dupuytren's, but it also caused it. (The metal deposits could actually be inside the tenocytes too.)
ReplyDeleteWhat is the solution to metal deposits? There are a number of things, but the biggest one, which Dupuytren's sufferers already show they lack is the all important Magnesium. The people most prone to Dupuytren's are all also commonly magnesium deficient: diabetics, alcoholics, and epileptics. (Just look up magnesium in reference to those conditions.)
So the simple way to treat and prevent Dupuytren's is a magnesium supplement. And do not take a zinc supplement for it! which might provide symptom relief (temporary collagen growth reduction) while exacerbating the underlying problem (zinc or other metal deposits in tendons).
Oh, but what about magnesium deposits, you wonder? Magnesium does not form deposits. Biologically, magnesium is the anti-metal. It is needed to keep all other metals in body from being toxic, and magnesium makes all other metals flow in our bodies rather than tend to clump up into deposits. It is absolutely the most vitally important mineral--and very likely the cure to Dupuytren's.
Interesting theory! I have however not seen a study proving your claim that magnesium would treat and prevent dupuytrens, have you? Perhaps this could be a good base for a future study?!
DeleteGiven 1antibiotic tab before dental implant, within next 3 month had spiderweb face/menopause/frozen shoulder 3yrs followed by hand/feet pain/dupuytren/arthiritic symptoms/nerve pain hands feet. Magnesium does help, most people divisions in mg
DeleteMy husband has Dupuytren's and has taken whole-food based magnesium supplements for years. We also apply magnesium oil topically from time to time. He is not diabetic, alcoholic or epileptic. If magnesium were the single solution, I think it would have helped by now.
ReplyDeleteWe are wondering if it is contraindicated for him to take collagen supplements. Do you think that would exacerbate his condition?
Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2 is a synthetic tripeptide, designed as a matrix metalloproteinase and elastase inhibitor. It can decrease progerin synthesis, increase proteoglycan production and contract collagens. Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2
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