21st Century Medicine |
the new approach to inflammation that includes assessment of innate immune responses |
a priori |
a term from philosophy, that which is known before hand |
acquired immune response |
antibody formation by special a B lymphocyte after an HLA-tagged antigen is presented to the B lymphocyte by naïve T cells (see dendrite cells) |
ACTH |
adrenocorticotrophic hormone, released by anterior portion of pituitary. It stimulates release of cortisol and other hormones by the adrenal gland. Early in MSH deficiency, high levels of ACTH compensate for loss of MSH regulatory control. ACTH often is dysregulated in the face of MSH deficiency; measure simultaneously with cortisol |
Actos |
pioglitazone, one of the thiazolidinedione group of drugs. FDA approved to help with treatment of diabetes, it is also has anti-inflammatory effects by blocking the cyto- kine nuclear receptor activity and thereby lowering elevated levels of leptin, MMP9, PAI-1. It may have benefit in treatment of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) if the MCS is diagnosed early. Actos is one of the most useful of the medications of the Biotoxin Pathway |
ADH |
antidiuretic hormone made by posterior portion of pituitary; retains free water from kidney, also called vasopres- sin. Relative reduction, or dysregulation, is common in mold patients and is seen in approximately 60% of patients with MSH deficiency. Measure simultaneously with osmolality |
adhesion molecules |
compound made by endothelial cells that cause white blood cells in the blood to stick or adhere to one location. Adhesion molecules are part of the innate immune response as theyre released when TNF, IL-IB, interferon and other cytokines, as well as anaphylatoxins from complement, bind to receptors on endothelial cells. Adhesion molecules provide a link from innate immune response activation and atherosclerosis |
allele |
an alternative word for a gene. There will be two copies of alleles of each of the immune response genes HLA DR. An allele is one member of a pair of genes on the same location of a chromosome |
alternaria |
common indoor mold, not thought to be a toxin- former, but can cause allergy symptoms |
alternative pathway of complement |
the series of proteins activated by antigen only, without antibody, particularly important in illnesses caused by biotoxins in HLA-susceptible individuals |
amerospores |
general classification for small, round spores that cant be identified accurately by direct microscopic examination. Toxin-forming organisms that are responsible for production of amerospores include Acremonium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Trichoderma. Look for the location of the sample to help with identification |
amplified mold growth |
indoor growth of mold in water dam- aged buildings in the absence of a significant group of predators. Usually accompanied by production of secondary metabolites |
amylose |
Amylose-free dietthe diet that recognizes that dietary restriction of the group of carbohydrates that have the complex plant starch, amylose, will prevent the rapid rise of blood sugar after a meal. Amylose-containing foods that must be avoided are wheat, rice, oats, barley and rye; bananas; and vegetable, that grow below the ground. See, Lose the Weight You Hate, Ritchie C. Shoemaker MD, 2002 |
anaerobic threshold (AT) |
the level at which oxygen is no longer delivered in capillary beds to muscle cells. Low AT is commonly seen in mold patients |
anaphylatoxin |
name often given to C3a and C5a. These compounds can activate smooth muscle spasm, promote release of adhesion molecules by endothelial cells, increase vascular permeability and cause release of cytokines and inflammatory compounds from mast cells and basophils. Their link to clotting systems may explain the increased amount of bleeding problems seen clinically in mold patients |
androgens |
male hormones released following stimulation by anterior pituitary hormones called gonadotrophins. We measure total testosterone, DHEA-S (not DHEA) and andros- tenedione. MSH controls pulsatile release of gonadotrophins. Abnormalities in androgens are found in 40% of patients with MSH deficiency |
anterior pituitary |
anatomical division of pituitary |
antibiotic resistant coagulase negative staphylococci |
once benign, but no longer, these colonizers of the skin and nose of MSH-deficient patients make biofilms that let them differentiate and live as a community of bacteria. In a biofilm colony, individual MARCoNS may variously make antibiotic resistance factors, hemolysins (small proteins that help the bacteria obtain iron) that activate cytokine responses and exotoxins that split and inactivate MSH. When a mold patient has a biofilm-forming MARCoNS and low MSH, clinical improvement will not occur until the MARCoNS is eradicated. Will be resistant to methicillin in 60% of isolates. |
antibody |
compound made by acquired immune response designed to eliminate specific molecule, recognized as not- self, by lymphocytes |
antigen |
specific molecule that stimulates antibody response |
arthrinium |
fungus found on plants. Its rarely found growing indoors |
ascospores |
a general classification for spores produced by sexual reproduction and can include Aspergillus and Peni- cillium. Often identified from fungi growing in damp areas |
Aspergillus/Penicillium-Like |
Aspergillus and Penicillium spores are often indistinguishable. Commonly called Asp/Pen |
assay |
measure of activity of a biological compound |
atherosclerosis |
hardening of the arteries. Results from delivery of oxidized LDL cholesterol across endothelial cell membranes, through the supporting basement membrane and into the matrix of artery walls. There, LDL is then engulfed (innate immune response) by macrophages, initiating inflammation. As the deposits of LDL cholesterol increase in size, exerting pressure from the outside of the blood vessel, the internal diameter of the blood vessel is reduced. Over time, the deposits of cholesterol can erode into the blood vessel wall (rupturing of a plaque), causing an acute obstruction of blood flow. If the blood vessels internal diameter is reduced too much due to the growth of plaque from the outside in the heart or the brain, we become at risk for heart attack and stroke. Also called arteriosclerosis |
Attention deficit disorder (ADD) |
diagnosis often given to children with difficulty maintaining concentration, over- activity and learning disorder. Often misdiagnosed when mold exposure isnt considered |
Aureobasidium |
common outdoor, soil-dwelling fungus. When found indoors, its a marker for moisture accumulation. When a patient talks about black mold growing on shower curtains, tile grout, windowsills and fabrics, expect to find Aureo and Cladosporium |
autoantibodies |
antibodies produced by the acquired immune response to our own tissues. Autoantibodies to nuclear material (false positive ANA), cardiolipins and myelin basic protein are common in mold patients. Antibodies to gliadins, a small protein component of gluten, also commonly found in mold patients, arent technically the same as autoantibod- ies but are included in that group for discussion purposes. Curiously, those patients with wingspan greater than weight (normally less than 10% of patients) comprise 80% of the group of patients with autoantibodies. |
Basidiospores |
a group of molds commonly found in gardens, leaf litter and forests. Can cause dry rot |
Benzodiazepine |
anti-anxiety medications |
Bernoullis equation |
mathematical formula that associates pressure and flow within a tube |
biomarker |
a test that reflects biological activity of an illness. Some biomarkers are static, like a HLA DR genotype. Others are called dynamic, in that they change with disease activity |
bioterrorism |
use of biologic agents as weapons against civilians |
biotoxin exposure history |
an environmental history that looks to associate exposure to an area with resident biotoxin forming organisms with illness |
biotoxin pathway |
the main theory of biotoxin illnesses. The Pathway includes the dynamic interaction of genetics, cy- tokines, autoantibodies, vascular growth factors, central hypothalamic hormones, pituitary hormones, peripheral hormones and opportunistically growing microbes |
biotoxin-associated illness |
illness caused by exposure to biotoxins |
biowarfare agents |
biologically produced toxins that can be made into weapons to be used against troops or civilians |
Building Related Illness (BRI) |
term often used to attempt to describe illnesses found in multiple members of the exposed group. Can apply to chemical illness, irritant illness or toxin illness. Term should be discarded. |
C3a |
a by-product of activation of the third component of complement. C3a can continue to activate C3 when the alternative pathway of complement is activated, creating a high risk for chronic fatigue and persistent symptoms in mold patients (see anaphylatoxin) |
CA-1 |
acronym for unnamed Babesia-like organism found in California |
case definition |
an organized approach to what we mean when we say someone has a diagnosis or is a case of mold illness |
causation |
the logical effect of process A on element B to produce result C, such that a given result C is seen when B is exposed to A |
CDC |
Center for Disease Control and Prevention |
celiac disease |
a systemic illness with multiple symptoms associated with antibodies to a specific compound, endomysial antibody, an IgA, as well as to gliadin |
centromere |
the constricted region near the center of a chromosome that has a critical role in cell division |
Chaetomium |
toxin-former commonly found on damp sheet- rock |
Chimera |
According to Larrouse World Mythology, a classical mythological monster with a fire-breathing goats head, the fore-quarters of a lion, and the hind part of a dragon. Killed by the Coninthian hero, Bellerophon, on his winged horse, Pegasus. Also a statue near the Rayburn Office Building |
Cholestyramine (CSM) |
non-absorbable anion-binding resin used to lower cholesterol for over 40 years. This compound has multiple quaternary ammonium side-chains that present a net positive charge with a radius of approximately 1.4 Angstroms. The physicochemical properties of CSM enable it to bind to a diverse variety of toxin molecules, including biotoxins, as well as many others |
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) |
or Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS)The clinical syndrome defined by a consensus panel in 1994 that includes a series of symptoms, especially fatigue, felt to represent a distinct clinical entity |
Cigarette science |
another way to say "smokescreen" In the argument over whether or not exposure to cigarettes could cause cancer, defenders of the tobacco companies were hired to publish research findings that would say that nothing in tobacco smoke has ever been shown to hurt anything. |
Ciguatera |
the dinoflagellate toxin illness caused by eating fish that are predators on tropical reefs. The illness is a classic biotoxin-associated illness, one of the few that comes from eating toxin-contaminated food |
Cladosporium |
common outdoor mold that often grows indoors on damp wallboard and fabrics. Not as common in areas of water damage that dry out intermittently |
classical pathway of complement |
the series of proteins activated by a combination of antigen and antibody joined to make an "immune complex" Classical pathway activation is commonly seen in diseases of autoimmunity, especially lupus, but is also highly important in eradicating organisms causing infectious disease |
cognitive |
related to thinking |
cohort |
epidemiologists word for groups of patients with similar exposures |
complement |
innate immune first responder. Thirty different proteins, receptors and inhibitors. Third most common group of proteins in blood. Highly associated with immune response to acute exposures. Chronic elevation of alternative pathway increases C3a; a major factor in chronic health symptoms |
compounding pharmacist |
A pharmacist who is capable of making, mixing or otherwise compounding individually made prescriptions not otherwise made available by major manufacturers. Compounded prescriptions include topical preparations for those who cannot take pills, and flavored medicines to make it easier for children to take |
confounding illness |
another illness that can produce similar symptoms as those in the illness under consideration |
consensus panel |
groups of individuals, usually authoritative scientists, brought together by a large body, usually governmental, for the sole purpose of considering a problem and developing an opinion that can be used by the larger body for policy. Ideally, this group could be the purest form of sharing of thought. In reality, the direction of the panel discussion is usually directed by the larger organization for the purpose of managing the public perception of what is true about the given scientific question |
controls, control group |
people without exposure who are used in scientific studies to compare to the actual effects of exposure on cases. If exposure causes something to occur, the effect wont be seen often in controls, but will be seen often in cases |
cortisol |
powerful anti-inflammatory steroid hormone released by adrenal upon stimulation by ACTH. Must measure simul- taneously with ACTH to assess possibility of dysregulation |
CRP |
c-reactive protein. An often ordered marker of inflammation initiated by release of interleukin-6. Innate immune response element |
cytokine nuclear receptor |
controller of copying (transcription) of a group of genes found in DNA of fat cells, endothelial cells and white blood cells. When activated by NFkB, these cells manufacture the proteins and cytokines that regulate the immune response to foreign invaders (antigens) |
cytokines |
proteins that are the effective elements of immune response. Three main functions of cytokines are part of life/ death control: recognition of foreign antigens, recruitment of WBC response and activation of killer functions |
dendrite cell |
professional antigen presenting cell that engulfs antigen (innate immune response) before processing it and presenting the antigen for antibody formation (acquired immune response) |
DHEA-S |
important androgen (male) hormone |
DNA |
the genetic code |
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome |
a group of patients with unusual physical features characterized by long arms and wingspan compared to height. There are several different types |
EKG |
12 lead electrocardiogram |
endorphins |
natural opiates of the brain. These compounds regulate pain reception |
endothelial cells |
cells that line blood vessels |
Epicoccum |
Rarely felt to be a toxin-former. Often found on continuously damp materials |
epidemiologist |
a scientist who studies the presence of disease in populations |
Erythropoietin |
epo an anti-cytokine protein that serves several functions. Its used clinically to increase red blood cell production in bone marrow of patients receiving chemotherapy, those with HIV, those with renal failure and those who must increase red blood cell mass before surgery. Epo supplementation usually provides marked clinical improvement in mold patients who have refractory symptoms and persistent low VEGF, despite treatment. |
exotoxins |
both A and B destroy MSH, perpetuating MSH deficiency, that in turn permits ongoing colonization of MAR- CoNS in deep spaces of nose |
expert medical testimony |
opinion in a legal case that comes either from one with knowledge, either from practice or edu- cation, not available to the everyday person that could help a jury sort out contradictory testimony. |
fibromyalgia |
my pet peeve diagnosis. The diagnosis named as a result of a 1988 consensus panel that was trying to sort out why so many people had chronic, multisystem health effects. This one is the most egregious of the consensus panel opinions that abuse common sense. |
five-step, repetitive exposure protocol |
a stylized study design that enables one to determine causation of illness in mold cases |
fungal contamination |
growth of fungi indoors in water dam- aged buildings.
of fungi indoors in water dam- aged buildings |
fungi |
group of organisms that lack chlorophyll and blood vessels that include yeasts, smuts, molds and mushrooms |
Fusarium |
common indoor and outdoor fungus. Often a toxin- former, especially in areas where broad spectrum fungicides are used. Indoors, it causes damping off of house plants. Look for it in water reservoirs for humidifiers and drip pans. One species, Fusarium oxysporum schlecht, can release cyanide into its root zone |
gastrointestinal |
referring to the stomach and intestines, as well as liver, gall bladder and pancreas |
genetic susceptibility |
predetermined group of immune- response genes represented by HLA DR. Particular toxin illnesses are highly linked to presence of particular genotypes. While the genes dont make patients ill, exposure to toxins will result in illness essentially only in those with the susceptible genotype. The HLA link to lack of antibody formation is a bridge from the innate immune response to the acquired immune response |
genomics |
the study of the functions and interactions of all the genes in the genome, including their interactions with environmental factors |
genotype |
a persons genetic makeup; his or her DNA sequence |
GGTP |
important liver enzyme that converts glutathione. Found along small bile ducts |
gliadin |
protein found in gluten consisting of 18 amino acids. The toxic element in gluten. Some evidence exists to suggest that gliadin can be incorporated into wall of small intestine, acting as a self molecule |
gluten, gluten intolerance |
a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and oats |
haplotype |
a group of nearby alleles that are inherited together |
health assessment |
a systematic review of elements of health |
hemolysins |
protein consisting of 22 amino acids that disrupts red blood cell membranes, releasing iron neces- sary for growth of bacteria living in biofilms |
heterozygous |
having two different alleles at a specific gene locus |
HLA DR |
groups of immune-response genes that control attachment of HLA tag to antigen in dendrite cells |
homozygous |
having two identical alleles at a specific gene locus |
HVAC |
Heat, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systemthe system that warms and cools many of our homes and buildings |
hyphae |
part of the vegetative mass of molds |
hypothalamus |
the master gland of endocrine system. Exerts influence on mood, appetite, sweating, temperature regulation. Has multiple mechanisms to affect changes in nerve function as well. Main source of MSH production |
IBS |
Irritable bowel syndrome. Commonly diagnosed condition abdominal pain with alternating constipation and diarrhea. Also called spastic colon. Patients who have mold as a cause for their IBS, will often have more trouble with constipation from CSM than those without IBS. The diagnosis is made following consensus opinion that multiple unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms are caused by emotional factors and benign, but uncomfortable responses to food and environment. Usually wrong. |
IL-6 |
Interleukin 6; pro-inflammatory cytokine released as part of recognition of foreign antigens and after activated by TNF and IL-1B. |
IL-IB |
Interleukin-1-beta; one of the cytokines that causes increased inflammation. This compound is frequently elevated in blood of mold patients |
independent medical exam |
exam performed at the request of a third party in medical claims disputes. Often, the third party is an insurance company and often the IME physician is one who makes his living providing an assessment of the medical claim for the insurance company. Patients are often surprised to find the report of the IME examiner bears little resemblance to what is actually present in the case. If you have to go through an IME, take a video camera and a tape player, as well as a significant other. You are provided with a list of your rights before the IME. Be prepared to be outraged by what the IME physician does in his opinion. Demand that the IME physician be available for corrections. |
infectious disease |
illnesses caused by growth of organisms growing inside or on us. As opposed to colonization, when an organism doesnt invade from its secure site in or on us, an infectious disease will include growth beyond boundaries.
Innate immune responseprimordial set of first responders includes dendrite cells, macrophages, toll receptors, complement and cytokines. |
intima |
the endothelial cell and basement membrane of blood vessel walls |
JAK, Janus kinase |
one of the innate immune response enzyme systems that helps activate receptors for insulin and leptin |
leptin |
hormone made by fat cells. Its also a cytokine that participates in regulating body mass, and storing fatty acids efficiently. It also activates production of MSH, which in turn regulates much of the immune response from the innate immune system. High leptin and low MSH are the markers for obesity caused by toxins. With high leptin in a biotoxin patient, weight loss is incredibly difficult |
linkage disequilibrium |
the nonrandom association in a pop- ulation of alleles at nearby loci |
lupus |
systemic lupus erythematosis is an autoimmune illness characterized by multiple organ involvement and presence of antibodies to our own nuclear material. Full discussion of SLE is beyond this glossary |
Lyme Disease |
the infectious and biotoxin illness caused by carriage of the spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, following a tick bite. Both over-diagnosed and underdiagnosed, a significant contributor to chronic fatiguing illnesses. |
macrophages |
white blood cells that can engulf antigens, immune complexes and release cytokines. They are activated by cytokines (innate) and immune complexes (acquired). |
matrix |
the collection of connective tissue molecules between the intima of blood vessels and smooth muscle cells |
MBP |
antibodies to myelin basic protein |
melatonin |
a compound that regulates restorative restful sleep. When MSH is low, supplemental melatonin is usually ineffective in restoring normal sleep |
Memnoniella |
Not clearly shown to be a consistent toxin-former indoors. Often grows on cellulose. |
mildew |
superficial growth of fungi on organic surfaces |
MMP9 |
matrix metalloproteinases, including #9, are enzymes that effect the tissues underneath blood vessel walls (sub- intimal space). MMP9 is particularly adept at delivering inflammatory elements out of blood vessels and putting them where they shouldnt be in brain, nerve, lung, muscle and joint. If you see high MMP9, look for toxins and cytokines |
mold |
fungi capable of digesting organic matter |
mold facies |
a red rash on the face, probably due to release in skin of complement or VEGF, or maybe both, due to mold exposure. Usually more common in fair-skinned patients, especially blondes, and far more common in women than men. Topical preparation of CSM helps, but nothing is a better cure than prevention of exposure |
molecular mimicry |
the concept that a compound made by one organism can share structural features of molecules made by other organisms such that the antibody made recognizing one compound will result in recognition of the second compound as well |
MSH |
alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone. A small peptide hormone (13 amino acids) that regulates nearly all aspects of the innate immune response. Made in the hypothalamus, it controls nerve, hormone, cytokine function, skin cells (ker- atinocytes) and mucus membrane defenses, as well as controlling production of endorphins and melatonin |
Multiple sclerosis (MS) |
a demyelinating illness of the brain |
mycotoxin |
biologic toxin made molds, fungi |
myelopathy |
an illness caused by disease of a nerve |
NFkB |
the nuclear factor that rapidly activates the cytokine nuclear receptor. NFkB is normally sheltered by a protecting protein, IkA, in the cytoplasm of a cell. NFkB is released from IkA by a second messenger sent from the cell surface membrane after a toxin binds to a surface Toll receptor |
occupational exposure |
exposure to biotoxins while at work |
osmolality |
measure of salt and water content of the blood. Loss of free water into urine in ADH-dysregulated patients results in higher than expected osmolality. We use osmolal- ity as an indicator of dehydration. Measure simultaneously with ADH |
Pandoras Box |
In Greek mythology, Pandora was the first woman on earth. The gods endowed her with many talents; gave her beauty, music, persuasion, and so forth. Hence her name: Pandora, all-gifted. When Prometheus stole fire from heaven, Zeus took vengeance by presenting Pandora to, Prometheus brother. Pandora had a jar which she was not to open. Impelled by curiosity, Pandora opened the jar, and all evil contained escaped and spread over the earth. She quickly closed the lid, but the jars contents had escaped, except for one thing which lay at the bottom, and that was Hope. |
paradigm |
the example of a whole. A small element of mold illness represents much of the entirety of biotoxin illnesses |
PEAS |
Possible Estuarine Associated Syndrome; acronym coined by a consensus panel convened by the CDC to study Pfiesteria Human Illness Syndrome. |
Pfiesteria |
the estuarine toxin former that started my career in biotoxin illnesses. These dinoflagellates, from one of the oldest groups of living creatures, killed fish and made people sick in the Pocomoke (Md) River in 1997. When the State of Maryland said no one was made ill by Pfiesteria, my introduction to the Appearance of Good Science was initiated. |
PFT |
pulmonary function test |
phenotype |
the clinical presentation or expression of a specific gene or genes, environmental factors, or both. |
PIC |
proinflammatory cytokine |
posterior pituitary |
anatomical division of pituitary |
Post-Lyme Syndrome |
grouping of symptoms and physiologic abnormalities persistent in a patient with Lyme disease after adequate treatment with antibiotics. Found invariably in patients with HLA 15-6-51 or 16-5-51 |
pseudoscience |
junk science, see cigarette science |
pulmonary stress test |
supervised aerobic exercise, monitoring oxygen delivery, oxygen consumption and cardiac function. This test yields clinically important measures like V02 max and anaerobic threshold (AT). |
punitive damages |
extra money awarded in legal cases, usually as a result of attitude or behavior of the defendants |
pustules |
small areas of clogged pores on the skin that have small growth of bacteria |
remediation, remediation plan |
the process of safely removing mold contamination from inhabited spaces |
residential exposure |
exposure to toxigenic fungi at home |
rheumatologists |
medical specialists in illnesses caused by inflammation |
rosacea |
the distinctive facial rash seen in people over 25 that often looks like acne. Often it is due to mold exposure |
rusts |
rusts are plant pathogens. Not a human health threat (yet!). |
sampling program |
A systematic plan to test for the presence of toxigenic fungi, actinomycetes and bacteria in water damaged buildings. Look at the sampling plan to see if it could possibly be adequate to answer a simple question: Are there toxigenic organisms in the air in this building that can make me sick? |
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) |
antidepressants that work by deactivating mechanisms that remove serotonin from neural pathways in the brain |
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) |
one of the most common names for the illness acquired from working in moldy or water-damaged buildings |
smuts/myxomycetes |
parasitic plant pathogens. Myxomycetes are occasionally found indoors, but theyre not something I worry about. |
spore |
the reproductive structure of a mold |
Stachybotrys |
The black mold of media hype. Needs lots of humidity, has sticky spores that rarely are found in air samples, but if they are in an air sample, look out!
Stealth toxina toxin whose presence is undetected |
sub-intimal space |
the area of matrix and smooth muscle cells in blood vessel walls |
The Center for Research on Biotoxin Illnesses |
Our non- profit 501-c-3 research organization. Please help us with a donation! |
TNF |
tumor necrosis factor alphaone of the cytokines that increases inflammation. Its rarely elevated in mold patients but is often elevated in patients who have the Post-Lyme syndrome |
toll receptor |
named for the German word roughly translated as Eureka, Toll receptors are part of the innate immune response team that provide rapid response after theyre activated by components of bacteria, viruses and toxins circulating in blood |
torula |
when you find yeast indoors, look for wet cellulose |
Ulocladium |
Ulocladium is a rarely toxin-former, often found on sheetrock and fabrics |
unidentified conidia |
fungal spores indicating growth, but without unique identifying characteristics. |
VCS Test |
Visual Contrast Sensitivity testthe neurotoxicolog- ical test that shows a distinctive group of deficits in biotoxin illness patients |
VEGF |
vascular endothelial growth factorprobably one of many growth factors. Exerts extraordinary control of blood flow in capillaries. High levels of VEGF stimulate new bloods vessel growth (angiogenesis); role of VEGF in cancer and heart disease is a hot research topic. Low VEGF is common in biotoxin patients. Affects NFKB and cytokines. |
VEGF resistance |
high VEGF levels in the face of low V02 max and low anaerobic threshold (AT). The VEGF receptor is not responding to VEGF, despite high levels in blood. Must distinguish this condition from high VEGF without resistance by performing pulmonary stress test. |
VO2 Max |
a measure of the upper limits of oxygen delivery from capillaries to the entire body during exercise. Low VO2 max is commonly seen in chronically short-of-breath mold patients |
WA-1 |
Acronym for as yet unnamed Babesia-like organism found in the State of Washington |
WBC |
white blood cell |
