Low Dose Naltrexone Update

The Benefits of LDN in Autoimmune Disease

Nov 9, 2007 Elaine Moore

Mounting evidence shows that LDN offers more than a promise. At the 3rd Annual LDN Conference, researchers gathered to share their latest findings.

Evidence that low dose naltrexone (LDN) offers benefits in multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases continues to mount. In October, researchers gathered at the Third Annual LDN Conference at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee to present the latest findings.

Recent Studies and Future Trials

Jill Smith published the first successful trial of LDN in Crohn’s disease in the American Journal of Gastroenterology in January 2007. At the conference, Dr. Smith described the progress she’s seeing in the Phase II trial of LDN in Crohn’s disease.

Researchers at University of California San Francisco have reported success with their ongoing trial assessing the benefits of LDN for patients with multiple sclerosis.

Dr. Pat Crowley from Ireland described the success seen in 50 multiple sclerosis patients he’s currently treating for multiple sclerosis.

At Dr. Bihari’s office in New York City, six clinical trials are in progress for patients with lymphoma, HIV infections, multiple sclerosis, and other autoimmune diseases.

Dr. Terry Grossman is successfully using LDN for stage IV renal cancer.

Dr. Burt Berkson from New Mexico is using LDN for various cancers and autoimmune diseases. His work on lymphoma has been published in the medical journal Integrative Cancer Therapeutics September 2007.

The Institutional Review Board in Bamako, Mali, has approved plans as of September 2007 for a clinical trial of LDN in HIV-infected citizens of Mali—the first scientific study of LDN for HIV/AIDS, which will be overseen by Dr. Jaquelyn McCandless, who has also seen success in using LDN for children with autism.

A multi-institutional clinical trial of LDN for MS has begun in Italy by Dr. Maira Gironi.

A clinical trial of LDN in the treatment of fibromyalgia at Stanford Medical Center was implemented in mid-2007.

The National MS Society has awarded a small grant for a study at Penn State of naltrexone for an animal model of a disease that mimics MS.

Animal research on neurodegeneration at NIEHS has suggested a protective role for naltrexone.

Immune Effects of LDN

Low dose naltrexone benefits patients with autoimmune diseases in many ways. The results of studies indicate that LDN has several distinct attributes.

• LDN reduces inflammation
• LDN reduces oxidative stress
• LDN reduces apoptosis of oligodendrocytes in MS
• LDN down regulates but doesn’t eliminate inflammatory cytokines
• LDN increases beta endorphin levels
• LDN facilitates tissue repair and wound healing
• LDN stimulates the release of neurotrophic factor from astroglia
• LDN restores CD4 levels in HIV infection
• LDN increases levels of NK lymphocytes

Resources:

Third Annual LDN Conference (2007) Breaking Down Barriers, Oct 20, 2007, Conference Update, ldninfo.org/conf2007.htm

Private correspondence with staff at Dr. Bihari’s office, October 30, 2007.

The copyright of the article Low Dose Naltrexone Update in General Medicine is owned by Elaine Moore. Permission to republish Low Dose Naltrexone Update in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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Dec 17, 2008 8:55 AM

Guest :

Can LDN benefit Hashimoto-hypothyroid?

Dec 17, 2008 11:44 AM

Elaine Moore :

Hi,
Dr. Bihari reports treating patients with Hashimoto's with LDN. It can help stop disease progression and help the immune system heal. Because Hashimoto's destroys thyroid tissue, the damage already done may not be remedied. I know several people with HT who are using LDN and reporting benefitis, but there aren't any formal studies on this. I've heard other doctors mention that because Hashimoto's is related to rheumatoid arthritis and LDN works well in this condition, it has good potential in Hashimoto's. Best, Elaine

Jan 13, 2009 8:30 AM

Guest :

Can LDN benefit those with hyperthyroidism?

Jun 6, 2009 3:40 PM

Guest :

I have several autoimmune diseases and wonder if I am a candidate for LDN. I have celiac disease, hypothyroidism ( don't know if it is Hashimoto's), addison's disease, vitiligo, and polycystic ovary disease.
My daughter has Type I diabetes.

Jun 6, 2009 7:52 PM

Elaine Moore :

Hi,
All of the disorders you mentioned have been helped by LDN, but I haven't seen a study of their use in someone with this combination of disorders. With autoimmune thyroid disease, LDN may lower thyroid antibody production and in celiac disease it may help heal intestinal damage--one would still though need to avoid gluten. I've heard of a few people using it for PCOS who noted improvement but I'm not sure to what extent. It seems it would be worth a try. Best, Elaine

Oct 16, 2009 7:29 AM

Guest :

Ms Moore,

My nephew has become completely immobile and blind since a young adult 25 years with MS. Is there still hope that LDN could help?

Oct 16, 2009 12:30 PM

Elaine Moore :

I'm so sorry to hear about your nephew. LDN would be worth trying. Many people with MS have observed remarkable results. There are no guarantees but it would be a shame not to give it a try. Best, Elaine

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