Page 34 - IMCJ April 2020

In this sense, vitamin D maintains its pivotal role as a pro- during the 1918 influenza pandemic (also called
survival molecule.” the Spanish flu pandemic). In SARS-CoV sepsis,
Cathelicidin produced by Vitamin D can neutralize one of the inflammatory chemokines involved is
LPS (lipopolysaccharides) that are responsible for so much CXCL10. Poor prognosis with Influenza A is also
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of the damage that we see in sepsis, and also has associated with CXCL10 dysregulation. Lomation
antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects. Vitamin dissectum, used by Native Americans in Western
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D deficiency may actually be considered a risk factor for US to treat influenza, was found to inhibit CXCL10
sepsis and inflammatory disorders, so please ensure that secretion by lung cells and may explain why during
your and your child’s vitamin D levels are optimized as I the 1918 influenza pandemic, L. dissectum was
discuss below in how to protect your child. hailed as the cure for influenza and influenza-
Other Natural Agents This journal article from associated pneumonia. 30
2014, Therapeutic interventions in sepsis: current and
anticipated pharmacological agents by Shukla P, et al , is Is airplane travel safe right now?
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probably the best article I’ve found on evidence-based yet As we see more outbreaks in countries outside of
outside-the-box thinking of potential natural treatment China, the CDC has added several countries to its travel
options for sepsis that warrant further investigation. Here advisories, with “most” of Europe being the most recent.
are just a few of the fascinating findings: The alerts below are as of March 12, 2020:

• Curcumin has been found to inhibit NF-kB – • Level 3: Widespread sustained (ongoing) spread
potent activator of inflammation in sepsis. and restrictions on entry to the US – Avoid all
Curcumin was also found to inhibit binding of nonessential travel, and entry of forein nationals
LPS and suppress the LPS-induced inflammatory have been suspended from China, Iran, and most
response and damage seen in sepsis, while of Europe.
improving survival, in a mouse model of sepsis. 22 • Level 3: Widespread sustained (ongoing)
• Quercetin has also been found to inhibit the NF-kB spread – Avoid all nonessential travel to South
pathway, and to improve survival and decrease Korea.
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cellular damage in a mouse model of sepsis 24,25 • Level 2: Sustained (ongoing) community
• Naringin, a flavonoid found in the skin of citrus spread – Special precautions for high-risk
fruit, ameliorated LPS-induced sepsis in mice, via travelers. Older adults or those with chronic
the NF-κB pathway, and reduced LPS-induced medical conditions should consider postponing
acute lung injury travel to any destination with an outbreak.
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• The probiotic Bacillus sp strain LBP32 has
extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) that were Travel advisories are a moving target, and as I write,
found to inhibit the LPS-induced release of many “most of Europe” was just added to the list. If you are
pro-inflammatory mediators (such as NO, ROS, planning international travel, keep informed with
IL-6 and TNF-α) by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. the CDC’s COVID-19 geographic risk assessment
Researchers were able to demonstrate that EPS page. Whether you choose to travel or cancel any
could greatly improve the outcome of mice with upcoming plans is a completely personal decision, and I
LPS-induced endotoxic shock. [Please note: this cannot recommend you choose one path or another. I
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particular Bacillus strain is not available personally am limiting international travel for me and my
commercially that I can find. I included it for family. While I am lucky to have a busy domestic travel
research purposes. I do not know if other strains schedule teaching integrative and pediatric functional
would have similar benefit but we do know that medicine to other practitioners, if given the choice, I
probiotics have amazing immune supporting would limit even my domestic travel until we know
properties in general…] more. I am much less concerned about the risk to me and
• Boswellia (Frankincense) can inhibit LPS-induced my family as I am about the risk of my family contributing
inflammation in sepsis. This study found that to the spread of COVID-19 to vulnerable populations. We
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Casperome® (Casp), an orally bioavailable soy all have to make whatever decisions we feel most
lecithin-based formulation of standardized comfortable with for our families, but if you are planning
frankincense extract, was able to ameliorate the air travel, please read my airplane travel tips and tricks
systemic effect and multi-organ damage induced by that I list in my blog post How to Have a Healthy, Happy
severe systemic inflammation using a mouse model Holiday.
of sepsis.
• Lomatium dissectum is a Native American How can you protect your family from COVID-19?
traditional root that was claimed to have Remember, the vast majority of people appear to
prevented the Washoe Indian tribes from dying have mild illness, especially children. Researchers are

32 Integrative Medicine • Vol. 19, No. 2 • April 2020 Song—Coronavirus Pediatrician's Perspective