The Gastro-Intestinal (GI) tract mucosal surfaces have been recognized as having their own immune system, where T and B cells can be primed at one mucosal site and disseminate through the blood and lymphatics and be active at other mucosal sites (1). Unfortunately this same immune system can be infected with HIV and other AIDS related diseases with the associated increases in inflammatory cytokines and Arachadonic Acid (AA) metabolites. Excessive production of Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF) and Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the cells of the GI as a result of HIV infection and or AIDS related infections has been shown to be a factor in protracted diarrhea (2). In studies of Crohn's Disease, a comparable disease to HIV protracted diarrhea, it has been shown that decreasing PGE2 and Leukotriene B4 (LTB 4), significantly reduces symptoms (3 and 4).  PGE2 and LTB 4 are AA metabolites produced by Cyclo-oxygenase and Lipoxygenase 5 enzyme pathways and can be suppressed by a range of plant extracts. For people living with HIV, it has been shown, that in general, the acidity of the stomach is decreased and this is important for the absorption of food and drugs and also allows a range of pathogens to proliferate in the GI causing further absorption problems (5). By altering the production of AA metabolites, it is possible to alter the production of inflammatory cytokines and alter the movement of nutrients through the walls of the GI (6). PNP 3 is designed to provide cellular nutrients to the cells of the GI that help restore the normal function of these cells and thus reduce inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins. PNP 3 also has the added benefit that it assists cells in slowing viral replication and fungal and bacterial growth. PNP 3 can be absorbed through the skin in cases of extreme malabsorption.

CANCER

In a number of cancers associated with the GI, prostaglandin mimics are produced by the cancer and these cause protracted diarrhea. Based on the available knowledge of these cancers PNP 3 should offer some assistance in controlling this diarrhea.

References:

1.Current Opinions in Infectious Diseases 8: 368-73 (1995)

2. AIDS 10: 989-94 (1996)

3. Curr. Med. Res. Opin. 13, No.7, 417-425 (1996)

4. Clinical Science 91. 509-12 (1996)

5. Clinical Infectious Diseases 21: 1431-8 (1995)

6. J.Exp. Med. 176, 1703-18 (1992)