Professor Ruggiero on HIV and AIDS

Marco Ruggiero is a professor at the Institute of Experimental Pathology and Oncology at the University of Florence. Professor Ruggiero belongs to a small club of scientists who do not believe that HIV is the cause of AIDS. Professor Peter Duesberg, PhD, at the University of California at Berkeley championed this theory in the early 1990s. Duesberg was rewarded for his public discussion of HIV not being the cause of AIDS with ostracism from his peers, a series of denials for grants for his research, and general labeling as an AIDS “dissident.” In the mid-1990s, dissidents were vigorously expounding on a non-HIV causation of AIDS. Medical societies, AIDS groups, and world health authorities condemned dissidents and recommendations for not using anti-HIV therapies. Professor Ruggiero has examined the controversy and argues that a non-HIV causation for AIDS not only is supported by hypothetical argument but also by experimental data and alternative therapies for AIDS. Ruggiero dismisses the “dissident” label. He cites a growing discussion is taking place at AIDS conferences that HIV by itself is not sufficient to explain AIDS causation.

Ruggiero agrees that HIV is associated with AIDS process; that antiretroviral agents do reduce HIV burden; and that markers for AIDS, including viral loads and white blood cell counts, are modified by HIV drug treatments. However, studies with immune supporting agents, including an agent called GcMAF, also reveal changes in HIV burden and modify white blood cell counts. Ruggiero cites data demonstrating improvement in the aforementioned when antiretroviral agents and other HIV drugs were unsuccessful. He argues that an immune-supporting agent for the AIDS process would make better sense for the treatment of AIDS and offers another option than depending on controlling HIV viral load. Ruggiero proposes a novel development utilizing what he calls a specially prepared probiotic yogurt to serve as primary immune support agent.

We are pleased to publish the full interview of Professor Ruggiero by Spanish journalist Jacques Fernández de Santos in this issue.

Dr. Heyman on Metabolic Syndrome in Men

Andrew Heyman, MD, is a faculty member at the University of Michigan, where he has worked with the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research Center. Dr. Heyman continues his work in the CAM field and currently has a private practice in Virginia. His research focuses on metabolic syndrome in men and shows its relationship to adrenal-related stress and abnormalities in testosterone. Dr. Heyman has found that as men age, there is a tendency to have adrenal gland dysfunctioning with abnormal cortisol levels. He particularly likes studying adrenal physiology with the use of salivary cortisol multipoint studies. When cortisol levels are abnormal, especially in relationship to abnormal, usually low, testosterone levels, there is a high likelihood that there will be insulin dysfunctioning and metabolic syndrome. Heyman believes that adrenal gland dysfunctioning with abnormal cortisol levels does not necessarily mean that the primary problem is insufficient adrenal functioning requiring cortisol supplementation. Instead, he focuses on the brain, which may be the “cause” of why the adrenal gland misfunctions during stress. Heyman thinks that brain centers, including the pituitary, hypothalamus and connected systems, falter as stress builds. Subsequently, the brain fails to stimulate the adrenal gland, leading to adrenal dysfunction. Rather than supplement testosterone and hydrocortisone Heyman would recommend supporting the brain. He would advise the use of behavioral therapies such as meditation and breathing techniques to calm stress. Heyman supports the use of adaptogen herbals that tend to calm the brain and adrenal system. He also likes to use nutrients to rebuild the adrenal and support testosterone rather than immediately working with hormone replacement.

Dr. Andrew Heyman is interviewed by Nancy Faass.

Sarah Wood, ND, on Low Testosterone

Dr. Sarah Wood is a graduate of the National College of Naturopathic Medicine. She practices in Oregon and is a staff physician with Labrix Clinical Services. Dr. Wood examines low testosterone as a primary factor for men developing metabolic syndrome in middle age. Wood would argue that testosterone deficiency by itself would play a pivotal role in insulin dysfunctioning, disrupting lipid control, and setting in play the conditions associated with metabolic syndrome. Dr. Wood reviews the importance of examining testosterone hormone levels in men and recommends hormone replacement unless there is established cancer diagnosis or risk. She also advises herbal support therapies for low testosterone.

Jonathan Collin, MD