El Paso's Chiropractic Team
I hope you have enjoyed our blog posts on various health, nutritional and injury related topics. Please don't hesitate in calling us or myself if you have questions when the need to seek care arises. Call the office or myself. Office 915-850-0900 - Cell 915-540-8444 Great Regards. Dr. J

Functional Neurology: Nrf2 Activation for Neurological Diseases

Neurological diseases, including well-known neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) as well as other rare health issues, such as Huntington’s disease (HD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), affect millions of people worldwide. Unfortunately, these are estimated to increase due to the aging population. Currently, there is no treatment available for any neurodegenerative disorder. Treatments for symptoms are available for several neurological diseases, such as PD and HD, but the therapeutic benefits are limited. Although the causes and symptoms for these health issues are different for each neurodegenerative disorders, their molecular pathogeneses share common underlying factors and characteristics, including excessive levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mainly due to mitochondrial impairment, neuroinflammation, and disturbances in protein homeostasis (proteostasis). This increases the possibility of developing a universal treatment that will focus on targeting the common triggers of neurological diseases.  

 

Nrf2 Activation Pathways and the Human Brain

The transcription factor, Nrf2, regulates the main endogenous defense mechanism against oxidative and xenobiotic stress and inflammation. Nrf2 also plays a fundamental role in the management of mitochondrial function and cellular proteostasis, which suggests the possible benefits of Nrf2 to control neurodegenerative disorders. When under stress, Nrf2 activates the transcriptional upregulation of a large network of cytoprotective genes that allow adaptation and survival. The levels and activity of Nrf2 are controlled through ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation mediated by several ubiquitin ligase systems, including Keap1-Cul3/Rbx1, β-TrCP-Cul1, and Hrd1. Keap1 is the most well understood key regulator of Nrf2.  

 

Keap1 functions as a primary sensor for electrophiles and oxidants, which chemically change certain cysteines in Keap1, leading to conformational changes that protect Nrf2 from Keap1-associated degradation. Subsequently, Nrf2 will accumulate and then translocate to the nucleus where it binds as a heterodimer with a small Maf transcription factor to antioxidant response elements in the promoter of its target genes to activate the expression of a large network of detoxification, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory genes as well as other genes involved in the clearance of damaged proteins. Of particular interest is also the upregulation of genes responsible in the biosynthesis and the regeneration of glutathione (GSH), a major intracellular antioxidant. Moreover, Nrf2 also suppresses proinflammatory responses through transcriptional repression and it is involved in the regulation of mitochondrial function. Keap1 and p62/SQSTM1 are Nrf2-associated proteins and main regulators of negative and positive feedback loop mechanisms. In addition, p62 targets Keap1 for selective degradation through autophagy, therefore contributing to the sustained Nrf2 activation response.  

 

Aging has been associated with the increase in ROS and chronic inflammation, which suggests a loss of adaptability and/or impairment of Nrf2 signaling, which are particularly pronounced in age-dependent neurodegenerative disorders. Surprisingly, rare mutations in SQSTM1 can cause susceptibility to the human neurodegenerative disorder, ALS as well as frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and are associated with muted Nrf2 activation responses in clinical trials. Research studies suggest a reciprocal correlation and show negative effects of mutant disease-related proteins on Nrf2 signaling, thus suggesting the inhibition of the Nrf2 pathway as a possible mechanism underlying neurodegeneration and health issues.  

 

Nrf2 Activation for Neurodegenerative Disorders

ALS, an adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder caused by the selective death of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, is commonly characterized by progressive muscle weakness and atrophy which is generally considered to be fatal, typically within 5 years of diagnosis. ALS has a predominant sporadic ALS form with no apparent genetic component, however, approximately 5 to 10 percent of cases show an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern or familial form of the disease, known as fALS, with is known to cause gene mutations. The symptoms of sporadic ALS and familial ALS are similar, which suggests the involvement of common pathogenic mechanisms, including oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.  

 

Research studies show that oxidative stress and neuroinflammation should be the key therapeutic targets of Nrf2 signaling in ALS. Genetic research studies in ALS mouse models have shown a considerable therapeutic effect of increased Nrf2 levels in astrocytes, the main GSH producers for neurons. Furthermore, Nrf2 signaling is fundamental for controlling neuroinflammation in ALS through the management of the effects of activated microglial cells on overall neuronal survival. Consistent with the therapeutic potential of Nrf2 signaling, treatment with small molecule activators, including the extremely potent cyanoenone triterpenoids, has ultimately shown efficacy in research study mouse ALS models.  

 

The neuroprotective potential of Nrf2 activation has been evaluated in experiments utilizing genetic mouse HD models. HD is an autosomal dominant and highly penetrant neurodegenerative disorder, which results from the pathological expansion of a trinucleotide CAG repeats encoding polyglutamines in HTT protein. Brains from patients with HD usually show marked striatal and cortical atrophy at the time of diagnosis. Once motor or other symptoms become apparent, generally throughout midlife, the affected individuals become increasingly disabled over the course of 15 to 25 years before eventually succumbing to the effects of severe physical and mental deterioration, according to evidence from research studies.  

 

Complex pathogenic mechanisms have been shown in HD, however, excessive oxidative stress has been recognized as a fundamental driver of pathology. The harmful role of oxidative stress has been described in both HD patients and in experimental clinical trial models and it is potentially due to the neuronal sensitivity of an excess in ROS. The levels of several Nrf2-dependent antioxidant proteins, including glutathione peroxidases, catalase, and superoxide dismutase 1, are increased in human HD brains as compared with non-disease controls, suggesting a partial activation of Nrf2 defense signaling yet insufficient enough to block progressive neurodegeneration. Pharmacological activation of Nrf2 results in the broad antioxidant effects of HD in mouse brains and ameliorates the neurological phenotype. Increased expression of several key inflammatory mediators has been shown in the blood, the striatum, the cortex, and the cerebellum from postmortem patient HD tissues, however, neuroinflammation in HD patients seems to be less pronounced than in ALS or PD patients.  

 

Neurological Disease Treatment with Nrf2 Activation

Finally, the neurological phenotype of the most common neurological disease and neurodegenerative disorder, PD, can be challenged by Nrf2 activation. PD is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the profound reduction of dopamine in the striatum. Currently available dopaminergic treatments offer relief from several symptoms but these only address the motor manifestations. Multiple genetic and environmental factors have been suggested in the etiology of PD, however, like ALS, the majority of the clinical cases are sporadic. The discovery that the environmental neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) causes Parkinson’s disease in humans, led to the development of the MPTP mouse model of disease, which to date, remains one of the most highly utilized animal models of sporadic PD, including the evaluation of drug efficiency. Nrf2 activators showed neuroprotective effects in MPTP mice, which are associated with a reduction of oxidative damage and neuroinflammation. The identification of causative mutations in SNCA, the gene encoding α-synuclein (aSyn), developed genetic mouse PD models, in which daily oral delivery of the Nrf2 activator dimethyl fumarate (DMF) protected nigral dopaminergic neurons against aSyn toxicity.  

 

Although oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are pathological hallmarks of AD, a therapeutic role of Nrf2 signaling has developed more slowly, perhaps due to the complexity of disease pathogenesis and readouts of efficiency. Nonetheless, there is a number of recent research studies that demonstrate the efficiency of Nrf2 activators in AD mouse models.   DMF, a U.S. FDA-approved drug (Tecfidera, Biogen-Idec) for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis, activates Nrf2 through the regulation of the Keap1 sensor. DMF is of seemingly low potency and specificity, which prevents neurodegeneration. Drug-like molecules with a similar mechanism of action or with the ability of direct interference with the Keap1/Nrf2 interaction are emerging. The data demonstrate the feasibility to develop Nrf2 activators for treatment.  

 

El Paso Chiropractor Staff and Doctor

In summary, although the causes and symptoms of neurological diseases are different, neurodegenerative disorders share similar molecular mechanisms, which could be regulated and managed with Nrf2 activators. Moreover, targeting Nrf2 signaling may offer a safe and effective treatment approach for a variety of these health issues. Because pharmacological Nrf2 activation targets the broad mechanisms of these health issues, all neurodegenerative conditions would be eligible for treatment. Furthermore, the main goal is to develop noninvasive oral treatment(s) for patients under the supervision of healthcare professionals, which targets both sporadic and familial patients. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight

 


 

Neurotransmitter Assessment Form

 

The following Neurotransmitter Assessment Form can be filled out and presented to Dr. Alex Jimenez. Symptoms listed on this form are not intended to be utilized as a diagnosis of any type of disease, condition, or any other type of health issue.  

 


 

Neurological diseases, including well-known neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) as well as other rare health issues, such as Huntington’s disease (HD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), affect millions of people worldwide. Unfortunately, these are estimated to increase due to the aging population. Currently, there is no treatment available for any neurodegenerative disorder. Treatments for symptoms are available for several neurological diseases, such as PD and HD, but the therapeutic benefits are limited. Although the causes and symptoms for these health issues are different for each neurodegenerative disorders, their molecular pathogeneses share common underlying factors and characteristics, including excessive levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mainly due to mitochondrial impairment, neuroinflammation, and disturbances in protein homeostasis (proteostasis). This increases the possibility of developing a universal treatment that will focus on targeting the common triggers of neurological diseases.  

 

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .  

 

Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez  

 

References:  

 

  • Dinkova-Kostova, Albena T, et al. “Activation of Nrf2 Signaling as a Common Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases.” Activation of Nrf2 Signaling as a Common Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases | Neurodegenerative Disease Management, 23 May 2017, www.futuremedicine.com/doi/full/10.2217/nmt-2017-0011#.

 


 

Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain

Sudden pain is a natural response of the nervous system which helps to demonstrate possible injury. By way of instance, pain signals travel from an injured region through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. Pain is generally less severe as the injury heals, however, chronic pain is different than the average type of pain. With chronic pain, the human body will continue sending pain signals to the brain, regardless if the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last for several weeks to even several years. Chronic pain can tremendously affect a patient’s mobility and it can reduce flexibility, strength, and endurance.

 

 


 

Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease

Neural Zoomer Plus | El Paso, TX Chiropractor  

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate neurological diseases. The Neural ZoomerTM Plus is an array of neurological autoantibodies which offers specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus is designed to assess an individual’s reactivity to 48 neurological antigens with connections to a variety of neurologically related diseases. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus aims to reduce neurological conditions by empowering patients and physicians with a vital resource for early risk detection and an enhanced focus on personalized primary prevention.  

 

Food Sensitivity for the IgG & IgA Immune Response

Food Sensitivity Zoomer | El Paso, TX Chiropractor  

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate health issues associated with food sensitivities. The Food Sensitivity ZoomerTM is an array of 180 commonly consumed food antigens that offers very specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. This panel measures an individual’s IgG and IgA sensitivity to food antigens. Being able to test IgA antibodies provides additional information to foods that may be causing mucosal damage. Additionally, this test is ideal for patients who might be suffering from delayed reactions to certain foods. Utilizing an antibody-based food sensitivity test can help prioritize the necessary foods to eliminate and create a customized diet plan around the patient’s specific needs.  

 

Formulas for Methylation Support

Xymogen Formulas - El Paso, TX

 

XYMOGEN’s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.

 

Proudly, Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.

 

Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.

 

If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.

xymogen el paso, tx

 

For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link. *XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download  

 

* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.

 


 

 

Post Disclaimers

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Functional Neurology: Nrf2 Activation for Neurological Diseases" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card

Comments are closed.

Again, I Welcome You.

Our Purpose & Passions: I am a Doctor of Chiropractic specializing in progressive, cutting-edge therapies and functional rehabilitation procedures focused on clinical physiology, total health, practical strength training, and complete conditioning. We focus on restoring normal body functions after neck, back, spinal and soft tissue injuries.

We use Specialized Chiropractic Protocols, Wellness Programs, Functional & Integrative Nutrition, Agility & Mobility Fitness Training, and Rehabilitation Systems for all ages.

As an extension to effective rehabilitation, we too offer our patients, disabled veterans, athletes, and young and elder a diverse portfolio of strength equipment, high-performance exercises, and advanced agility treatment options. We have teamed up with the city’s premier doctors, therapists, and trainers to provide high-level competitive athletes the possibility to push themselves to their highest abilities within our facilities.

We’ve been blessed to use our methods with thousands of El Pasoans over the last three decades allowing us to restore our patients’ health and fitness while implementing researched non-surgical methods and functional wellness programs.

Our programs are natural and use the body’s ability to achieve specific measured goals, rather than introducing harmful chemicals, controversial hormone replacement, unwanted surgeries, or addictive drugs. We want you to live a functional life that is fulfilled with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, and less pain. Our goal is to ultimately empower our patients to maintain the healthiest way of living.

With a bit of work, we can achieve optimal health together, no matter the age or disability.

Join us in improving your health for you and your family.

It’s all about: LIVING, LOVING & MATTERING!

Welcome & God Bless

EL PASO LOCATIONS

East Side: Main Clinic*
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste 128
Phone: 915-412-6677

Central: Rehabilitation Center
6440 Gateway East, Ste B
Phone: 915-850-0900

North East Rehabilitation & Fitness Center
7100 Airport Blvd, Ste. C
Phone: 915-412-6677

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CIFM, ATN, IFMCP
My Digital Business Card

Clinic Location 1

Address: 11860 Vista Del Sol Dr Suite 128
El Paso, TX 79936
Phone
: (915) 412-6677
Email: Send Email
Webwww.DrAlexJimenez.com

Clinic Location 2

Address: 6440 Gateway East, Building B
El Paso, TX 79905
Phone: (915) 850-0900
EmailSend Email
Webwww.ElPasoBackClinic.com

Clinic Location 3

Address: 1700 N Zaragoza Rd # 117
El Paso, TX 79936
Phone: (915) 850-0900
EmailSend Email
Webwww.ChiropracticScientist.com

Push As Rx Crossfit & Rehab

Address: 6440 Gateway East, Building B
El Paso, TX 79905
Phone
: (915) 412-6677
EmailSend Email
Webwww.PushAsRx.com

Push 24/7

Address: 1700 E Cliff Dr
El Paso, TX 79902
Phone
: (915) 412-6677
EmailSend Email
Webwww.PushAsRx.com

Just Play 24/7

Address: 7100 Airport Blvd
El Paso, TX 79906
Phone
: (915) 412-6677
EmailSend Email
Webwww.JustPlay.us

Your New Rehabilitation & Fitness Center*

(Come Join Us Today)

Rated Top El Paso Doctor & Specialist by RateMD* | Years 2012 thru 2022

Top Rated Chiropractor El Paso

EVENTS REGISTRATION: Live Events & Webinars*

(Come Join Us & Register Today)

No Events Found

Call (915) 850-0900 Today!

Additional Online Links & Resources (Available 24/7)

  1. Online Appointments or Consultations:  bit.ly/Book-Online-Appointment
  2. Online Physical Injury / Accident Intake Form: bit.ly/Fill-Out-Your-Online-History
  3. Online Functional Medicine Assessment: bit.ly/functionmed
  1. General Disclaimer *

    The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, or licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

    We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

    Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

    email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

    phone: 915-850-0900

    Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*

    Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CIFM, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
    My Digital Business Card

Post Disclaimers

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Functional Neurology: Nrf2 Activation for Neurological Diseases" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card