The HEAL Toronto web site is primarily devoted to criticism of the HIV=AIDS HYPothesis. Here we present a short survey of some alternative hypotheses of what causes AIDS and how it might be treated. Christine Maggiore's essay is a good opening overview.

If It's Not HIV, What Can Cause AIDS?
by Christine Maggiore
from: What if everything you thought about AIDS was wrong?
Contrary to popular belief, HIV is not necessary to explain acquired immune deficiency and the illnesses associated with AIDS. To understand why this is so, it is first necessary to understand what AIDS is. AIDS is not a new disease or illness; it is a new name or designation for 29 previously known diseases and conditions. As the NIH states in its comprehensive report on AIDS, "the designation 'AIDS' is a surveillance tool." Since 1981, the surveillance tool AIDS has been used to track and record familiar diseases when they appear in people who have tested positive for antibodies associated with HIV. [...] Prior to the designation AIDS, these 29 diseases were not thought to have a single, common cause. In fact, all have recognized causes and treatments that are unrelated to HIV.

The Causes of AIDS
Roberto A. Giraldo
This article was written in June 2000 and posted during the Internet Discussion of the South African Presidential AIDS Advisory Panel

Five types of immunological stressor agents can alter the functioning of the immune system: chemical, physical, biological, mental, and nutritional. Numerous facts illustrate the incremental growth of these agents in recent decades, as well as their diversity throughout countries and continents. Our soil, water, air, and food are polluted with numerous chemical, physical, biological, and nutritional stressors. We are all exposed to stressor agents either involuntarily through the conditions under which we are obligated to live or voluntarily through life styles that we have chosen.

Roberto Giraldo¹, Pedro Ródenas², Juán José Flores³ and Alfredo Embid⁴
1 Physician, specialist in internal medicine, infectious and tropical diseases. New York. RobGiraldo@aol.com. 2 Naturopathic Physician. Barcelona, Spain. edrorodenas@integralcentremedic.com. 3 Physician, specialist in obstetrics and gynocology, human reproduction and fetal physiology. Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico. juan@vivoysanomexico.com. 4 Acupunturist, coordinator of the Association of Complementary Medicines. Madrid, Spain. amcmh@amcmh.org

Contents
Introduction
1. Understanding the real causes of AIDS.
2. Diagnosis using clinical and laboratory findings.
3. Avoiding exposure to immunological stressor agents.
4. Detoxifying the immune system and other systems.
5. Stimulating and regenerating the immune system and other systems.
6. Treating the clinical manifestations of AIDS.
7. Adopting natural treatment and therapies.
8. Initiating treatment at the appropriate time.
References
Bibliography

Looking back on the Oxidative Stress theory of Aids
Eleni Papadopulos-Eleopulos
Department of Medical Physics, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia
Continuum volume 5, number 5 - mid-winter 1999
The whole purpose of a scientific theory is to explain the mechanism behind observations and make predictions. If a theory cannot explain the observations for which it was put forward, or if its predictions are not fulfiled, then it should be abandoned. In this regard, despite the lapse of 18 years, there is still no proof as to the cause(s) of AIDS. Of course, there are theories but the biggest obstacle in overcoming the problem of AIDS, and proving its cause, is that one of these theories, the HIV theory, has been uncritically accepted since 1984. However, of all the theories, the HIV is the least likely.

Oxidative Stress, HIV and AIDS
E. Papadopulos-Eleopulos (1) V.F. Turner (2) and J.M. Papadimitriou (3)
(1) Department of Medical Physics, (2) Emergency Department and (3) Department of Pathology, (University of Western Australia), Royal Perth Hospital, Wellington St., Perth 6001 (Western Australia)
Res. Immunol. 1992, 143, 145-148
As long ago as 1983, one of us (E.P.-E.) proposed that oxidative mechanisms are of critical significance in the genesis of AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). A prediction of this hypothesis was that the mechanisms responsible for AIDS could be reversed by the administration of reducing agents, especially those containing sulphydryl groups (SH groups). The discovery of HIV resulted in a broadening of this hypothesis in that it considered oxidative stress as a principal mechanism in both the development of AIDS and expression of HIV (Papadopulos-Eleopulos, 1988; Papadopulos-Eleopulos et al., 1989). However, the general acceptance of the HIV hypothesis of AIDS completely overshadowed this alternative hypothesis, and although many other scientists have questioned the role of HIV in the causation of AIDS (Duesberg, 1987; Root-Bernstein, 1990) Robert Gallo and most AIDS researchers consider HIV to be the sole "sine qua non" cause of AIDS.

more articles by Eleni Papadopulos et al. a.k.a. The Perth Group

AIDS defining illnesses, their causes and treatment
Study Group for AIDS Therapy
Treatment recommendations based on the works of Dr. Heinrich Kremer, Hamburg, Prof. Alfred Hässig, Berne and Eleni Papadopulos-Eleopulos, Royal Hospital, Perth and works of Leonore A. Herzenberg (Stanford University) and Jeffrey D. Peterson (Northwestern University)

The Pantox Profile
Pantox Laboratories currently determines the concentration of about 25 different chemical substances in human blood serum. These concentrations, when properly interpreted, are very early indicators of situations that may develop into medical problems as time goes by. When recognized early, small corrections can be easily made that promise to avoid problems that are more difficult to deal with later. It is not surprising that - as summarized in a recent review (Nutr Res 1999;19:1259-76) - a number of prospective studies in HIV+ individuals correlate relatively high antioxidant status (assessed by serum levels or dietary intakes) with decreased risk for progression to AIDS or for mortality. In particular, vitamins C, E and A, and the mineral selenium, are prognostically significant in this regard. Whether increased intakes or levels of these nutrients are indeed protective - or are merely acting as markers for other lifestyle or physiological factors that are responsible for the true protection - can only be determined in long-term blinded supplementation trials that have yet to be completed. Nonetheless, until more definitive scientific evidence is available, it would seem prudent to insure ample dietary intakes and serum levels of these immunosupportive nutrients. The Pantox Profile provides serum levels of vitamins A, C, and E; selenium can also be measured as an optional analyte. And of course this Profile provides information on a variety of other antioxidant nutrients and phytochemicals - such as the range of carotenoids - that conceivably could be protective for HIV+ subjects.

Nutrients and HIV: part one -- beta carotene and selenium.
Patrick L.
Altern Med Rev. 1999 Dec;4(6):403-13. Review.
Beta carotene and selenium deficiencies, two of the most common nutrient deficiencies, are important due to their dual function as nutrients necessary for immune modulation and as antioxidants. ... Supplementation trials with individual antioxidants have shown improvement in immunological parameters...

Nutrients and HIV: part two -- vitamins A and E, zinc, B-vitamins, and magnesium.
Patrick L.
Altern Med Rev. 2000 Feb;5(1):39-51. Review.
This literature review elucidates how deficiencies of the micronutrients zinc, magnesium, vitamins A, E, and specific B vitamins relate to HIV symptomology and progression, and clearly illustrates the need for nutritional supplementation in HIV disease.

Nutrients and HIV: part three -- N-acetylcysteine, alpha-lipoic acid, L-glutamine, and L-carnitine.
Patrick L.
Altern Med Rev. 2000 Aug;5(4):290-305. Review.
The role of antioxidants in preventing apoptosis and viral activation in HIV is well documented. N-acetylcysteine, glutathione, and alpha-lipoic acid have been shown to interrupt the process of viral activation and CD4 cell death. L-glutamine has been shown to improve glutathione levels and significantly increase lean body mass in HIV infection. The literature on the use of L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine in treating mitochondrial toxicity, both in muscle and nerve pathologies is relevant in nutritional treatment of HIV, given the mitochondrial toxicity of nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor therapy. The current use of highly-active antiviral therapies, their toxicity, and significant failure rates have created the need for a more conservative reassessment of HIV treatment. The adjunctive use of nutrient therapy in the treatment of HIV is reviewed here.

Glutathione deficiency is associated with impaired survival in HIV disease
Leonore A. Herzenberg, et al.
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA Vol. 94, pp. 1967-1972, March 1997
Abstract: Glutathione (GSH), a cysteine-containing tripeptide, is essential for the viability and function of virtually all cells. In vitro studies showing that low GSH levels both promote HIV expression and impair T cell function suggested a link between GSH depletion and HIV disease progression. Clinical studies presented here directly demonstrate that low GSH levels predict poor survival in otherwise indistinguishable HIV-infected subjects. Specifically, we show that GSH deficiency in CD4 T cells from such subjects is associated with markedly decreased survival 2-3 years after baseline data collection (Kaplan-Meier and logistic regression analyses, P < 0.0001 for both analyses). This finding, supported by evidence demonstrating that oral administration of the GSH prodrug N-acetylcysteine replenishes GSH in these subjects and suggesting that N-acetylcysteine administration can improve their survival, establishes GSH deficiency as a key determinant of survival in HIV disease. Further, it argues strongly that the unnecessary or excessive use of acetaminophen, alcohol, or other drugs known to deplete GSH should be avoided by HIV-infected individuals.

Clinical Applications of N-acetylcysteine
by Gregory Kelly, N.D.
Alternative Medicine Review - Volume 3, Number 2, April 1998
N-acetylcysteine (NAC), the acetylated variant of the amino acid L-cysteine, is an excellent source of sulfhydryl (SH) groups, and is converted in the body into metabolites capable of stimulating glutathione (GSH) synthesis, promoting detoxification, and acting directly as free radical scavengers.

Stress-induced suppression of the cellular immune reactions. A contribution on the neuroendocrine control of the immune system.
A. Hassig, Liang Wen-Xi and K. Stampfi
Medical Hypothesis (1996) 46: 551-555
The task of the immune system is to maintain the genetically determined individuality of the organism. This task covers two fields: Firstly the elimination of exogenous "not-self" structures and secondly the processing of endogenous "altered-self" structures, such as occur in large amounts with the constant restructuring of the cellular elements of the organism.(1) According to the latest opinions, the elimination of exogenous "not-self" structures is the primary task of the humoral immune reactions associated with the B cells. The processing of endogenous "altered-self" structures, on the other hand, is the primary task of the cellular immune reactions associated with cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells. Immunological health depends on harmonious collaboration between the humoral and cellular immune reactions.

Pathogenesis of human suppression in hypercatabolic diseases: AIDS, septicaemia, toxic shock syndrome and protein calorie malnutrition
A. Hässig, H. Kremer, Liang Wen-Xi and K. Stampfli
Continuum vol.4 no.6 June/July 1997
Summary - The immune system’s main function is the constant elimination of endogenous cell debris, and when necessary, the disposal of foreign structures. It seems appropriate, therefore, to complement the existing paradigm of "self and non-self" with the concept of "altered self". The concept of stress comprises a multitude of environmental assaults, all of which result in a displacement towards catabolic metabolism. This is based on the activation of the neuroendocrine stress axis hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal glands, which results in increased production of catecholamines and glucocorticoids. The latter limit life-threatening acute phase reactions by means of the body’s own inflammatory mediators. The purpose of displacing the cytokine profiles of CD4 lymphocytes from Th1 to Th2 is to enable them to take over temporarily the inflammation-inhibiting role of cortisol until normality is re-established. In autoimmune disease a permanent Th2 displacement is a sign of persistent hypercortisolism. Failure by cortisone to arrest inflammation due to severe stress, results in hypercatabolic diseases such as AIDS, septicaemia, toxic shock syndrome and protein calorie malnutrition (NAIDS). Preventing and treating AIDS and NAIDS entails, besides removing the causes of stress, activating mesenchymal production of anabolic matrix components, eg. glycosamineglycanes, and the neutralisation of O and NO radicals, as well as inflammatory mediators from overactivated macrophages, using polyanions and polyphenols as food supplements. Septicaemia and toxic shock syndrome are, in our opinion, best treated with speedy administration of high doses of intravenous gammaglobulins.

15 YEARS OF AIDS
By A. Hässig, H. Kremer, S. Lanka, W-X Liang, K. Stampfli
May 1998
The continuous failure in the prevention and treatment of AIDS is rooted in the misinterpretation of an inflammatory auto immune process as a lethal, viral venereal disease.

AIDS, Its Causes and Treatment
Treatment recommendations based on the work of Dr. Heinrich Kremer, Hamburg, Prof. Alfred Hassig, Berne, and Dr. Stefan Lanka, Stuttgart.
Dec. 1999

more articles by Alfred Hässig et al.

The Drug-AIDS Hypothesis
Peter Duesberg (1) and David Rasnick (2)
Continuum Feb./March 1997
Abstract: The war on the new AIDS epidemic has been a complete failure in terms of public health benefits: 50,000 to 75,000 Americans develop AIDS per year and over $8 billion are spent annually on AIDS research and treatment by the US taxpayer alone, but there is no vaccine, and no effective drug, and not one AIDS patient has been cured. It is proposed here that this failure is the responsibility of the hypothesis that AIDS is caused by a virus named HIV. This hypothesis has monopolized AIDS research and treatment since 1984, but it neither explains nor predicts numerous AIDS facts, nor has it produced any public health benefits. In order to solve AIDS we propose here the drug-AIDS hypothesis. The drug hypothesis holds that all American AIDS diseases that exceed their normal low background are caused by the long-term consumption of recreational drugs, anti-HIV/AIDS drugs or both. ...

more articles by Peter Duesberg
more articles by David Rasnick

Acquired Iatrogenic Death Syndrome (AIDS)
Pneumonias & Lung Diseases
By Heinrich Kremer
Continuum Nov./Dec. 1996
Pneumonia is a frightening prospect for anyone, treating physicians included. Undoubtedly prevention is better than cure. But does this involves a fresh commitment to look behind the plague-mongering to the sensitivity of our biological systems, and the pressures of present and cumulative chemo-toxicity?

more articles by Heinrich Kremer

Syphilis, HIV and AIDS: new approaches for the 21st century
John B. Scythes
December 21, 1998
I would like to share three more recent ideas about 1) where the HIV/AIDS paradigm is - or isn’t - going, 2) the possible HIV/syphilis interaction, and 3) the possibility that some chronic active infectious diseases injure the immune system in a way that may be more amenable to therapy by allogeneic placental stem cell transplantation than a protracted and very costly anti-microbial approach.

Syphilis & AIDS  Déja vu: AIDS in historical perspective.

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