CIRS profile

CIRS- Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Lab Test Panel

What is CIRS?

CIRS stands for Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and is typically associated with biotoxin exposure. Biotoxins are toxic compounds that are released by a variety of organisms. In humans, these organisms are usually mold, and other chronic infections (many times symptomless). To help confirm mold exposure, we recommend testing for mycotoxins.

Dr. Shoemaker and CIRS

Dr. Shoemaker is one of the leading experts in CIRS and suggests several lab tests that can give deep insights into what areas of the body the syndrome is affecting. Here is a great article on CIRS. Below are the more important CIRS lab tests which are run in one single panel. If you are in need of other tests related to CIRS, please contact us. What’s Being Tested in This Panel:

• C3a
• C4a
• MMP9
• ADH
• Osmolality
• MSH
• VEGF
• TGFb-1
• Leptin

C3a and C4a

C3a and C4a Are very important in the activation of inflammation. When C3 and C4a Are elevated, this means that inflammation is active and can lead to common CRIS symptoms like cognitive brain issues (memory changes, brain fog, trouble thinking), breathing challenges, and fatigue.

MMP9

MMP9 is released By certain white blood cells and helps break down vessel walls so that different substances can get through into tissues like the brain, muscles, joints, etc. In CIRS, we see an overproduction of MMP9, allowing large amounts of inflammatory substances in, creating widespread inflammation.

ADH

Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH), or vasopressin, acts on the kidneys to keep water in the body to prevent dehydration and keep electrolytes balanced (osmolality). In biotoxin-related (mold) CIRS, patients may urinate more, have excessive thirst, and become dehydrated. Since electrolytes can become imbalanced with CIRS, this can change the way nerves fire, creating chronic pain which can further trigger more inflammation.

Leptin

Leptin is a hormone that is made by fat cells and tells your brain that you are no longer hungry. However, leptin also increased the amount of fat stored, promoting weight gain. In CIRS, inflammation blocks leptin in the brain thus increasing hunger and weight gain.

MSH

MSH stands for Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone. Secreted by the pituitary gland, this hormone how helps control the inflammatory process and fights microbes like the mold that produces biotoxins which leads to CIRS. The hormone leptin (above) helps produce MSH. Low MSH will aggravate conditions like mold susceptibility, chronic fatigue, and chronic pain, insomnia, and hormonal imbalances.

VEGF

VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) is released to help new blood vessels grow in areas of low oxygen. Chronic inflammation lowers VEGF which means lower oxygen levels in tissues. This can lead to cramping, extreme exhaustion after exercise, and even difficulty breathing.

TGFb-1

TGFb-1 and produce or reduce inflammation. High levels of TGFb-1 happen in overactive immune activity. It can also damage other white blood cells that protect us from autoimmunity leading to an increased risk.   Important Note:

• This test is not available in NY, NJ, MA, and RI.