Intranasal VIP safely restores volume to multiple grey matter nuclei in patients with CIRS

Abstract

Evidence has accumulated since 2008 that intranasal, topical application of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) can be administered safely to patients with a multi-system, multi-symptom illness, called chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), acquired following exposure to biologically produced toxins and inflammagens. To date, over 300 physicians have prescribed intranasal VIP for their CIRS patients; these physicians have overwhelmingly (>90%) reported intranasal VIP to reduce symptoms; reduce elevated levels of MMP9, TGF beta-1 and C4a; raise low levels of VEGF; normalize clotting abnormalities, including acquired von Willebrand’s; and return regulation to pituitary systemic axes involving ACTH/cortisol and ADH/osmolality. These changes did not occur without use of VIP, though antecedent steps in a sequential treatment protocol provided benefit for many patients. The mechanism of these salutary health effects provided by VIP likely involves correction of abnormalities in ribosomal gene activation, nuclear encoded mitochondrial gene activation and an upregulation of Ikaros, a zinc fingered transcription factor. Recent preliminary work using sequential measurement of CNS volumes by NeuroQuant showed a longer treatment window (>12 weeks) and higher doses of VIP (>6 doses/day) safely corrected multinuclear atrophy of grey matter. The current study built upon this preliminary work and identified a course of VIP treatment that restores grey matter nuclear atrophy in CIRS patients. Safety of VIP and durability of benefit were both shown with no significant adverse effects reported by any patients.