Plasmalogens - Dr. Goodenowe
- Dr. Thomas J. Lewis
- 13 hours ago
- 3 min read
Dr. Goodenowe is THE world expert on plasmalogens and how their deficiencies put people at risk for neurodegenerative diseases.
Here is a link to the webinar by Dr. Goodenowe on the HRP channel.
Here is a link to his talk titled, "What Recovery from MS Looks Like."
Important Summary:
Plasmalogen therapy appears to be effective in improving neurodegenerative conditions.
Augmenting plasmalogens is NOT a root-cause treatment, but may be very beneficial and essential for neurodegenerative (and other brain) conditions.
Considering and treating what may cause plasmalogen levels to decline is potentially more important; however, the combination of treatments for each pathway is necessary for the best results, IMHO, and experience.
See below for a discussion on a substantial causal process.
Discover the remarkable power of plasmalogens, a vital component in our battle against aging and cognitive decline.
What Are Plasmalogens?
Plasmalogens are a vital class of phospholipids crucial for building cell membranes in the body. Their unique chemical structure, featuring a vinyl ether linkage at the sn-1 position of the glycerol backbone, grants them special properties essential for various functions, especially in the nervous system. These molecules are predominantly present in the brain, heart, lungs, eyes, and kidneys, comprising a significant portion, around 20%, of brain tissue. Beyond their structural role, plasmalogens act as key antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, playing a pivotal role in maintaining overall health and promoting longevity. Moreover, they are critically involved in nerve function, highlighting their indispensable nature in supporting neural processes and overall well-being.
What Do Plasmalogens Do?
Plasmalogens play a multifaceted role in supporting various physiological functions essential for overall health. They serve as powerhouses for our nerves, driving movements, thoughts, and vital processes like heartbeat and breathing. Additionally, plasmalogens contribute significantly to membrane integrity, fluidity, and cell signaling, while also acting as potent antioxidants. Their unique ability to restore and optimize cellular functions requiring high levels of omega-9, such as in brain white matter, myelin, and heart membranes, is crucial for maintaining cellular health and functionality. Moreover, plasmalogens support functions reliant on DHA, such as in brain gray matter, neuron function, and neuromuscular synaptic activity, thereby aiding in preventing neurodegeneration. Furthermore, they facilitate reverse cholesterol transport, reduce amyloid formation, improve cognition, enhance mobility, and mitigate lipid peroxidation, collectively contributing to overall well-being and longevity.
Plasmalogens are critical to all cells in the body.
Consider plasmalogen therapy in the same vein as taking vitamin D or an immunoglobulin, such as IgG. Our bodies make both of these, yet adding some extra can be beneficial to your health.
HOWEVER, it is still essential to understand why some people have a deficiency. In the case of vitamin D (25-hydroxy vitamin D), a deficiency, other than lack of sunshine or the taking of a supplement, may be caused by a subtle infection that causes the activation of vitamin D to the 1,25-dihydroxy form. Thus, when you test for "vitamin D" it will be low due to this conversion.
From "Activation of Vitamin D in the gingival epithelium and its role in gingival inflammation and alveolar bone loss"
Vitamin D deficiency in mice contributes to PD, recapitulating the association seen in humans, and provides a unique model to study the development of PD. Vitamin D increases the activity of gingival epithelial cells (GEC) against the invasion of periodontal pathogens, and inhibits the inflammatory response, both in vitro and in vivo. GEC can convert inactive vitamin D to the active form in situ, supporting the hypothesis that vitamin D can be applied directly to the gingiva to prevent or treat periodontal disease.
Can the same driver(s) impact plasmalogen levels? The answer is - and really has to be - YES.
Here are some other corroborating references:
Plasmalogen Loss in Sepsis and SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Inflammation is an important immune response that our body uses to protect itself from infection and injury.
Inflammation is accompanied by many changes as outlined above. These include mitochondria dysfunction, oxidative stress, apoptosis and the increased expression of caspases, phagocytosis by macrophages, activation of PKCδ, stimulation of microglia with the generation of inflammatory cytokines, and TLR signaling. Many of these processes are associated with pathologies caused by inflammation and are reversed by administering plasmalogens and/or plasmalogen precursors. Plasmalogen levels are reduced in diseases that affect these processes.
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What about people with low blood counts… are they more likely to be low in plasmalogens? (therfore, not living as long and being more susceptible to dementia)