To properly diagnose environmental-related diseases, a thorough medical history is essential. This includes considering all aspects of the patient’s professional and personal environment, familial predisposition, as well as consumption and dietary habits from an environmental medicine perspective. Only through this comprehensive approach can successful diagnostics be conducted, enabling effective treatment. The current status of your teeth also plays a crucial role in this process.
In modern medicine, especially dentistry, the significance of laboratory diagnostics has increased. Interactions between dental materials and the overall organism, as well as periodontitis and dental foci, can be examined concerning their impact on the overall organism.
Thanks to modern immunological techniques, sensitizations to metals, plastics, and other materials can be detected without subjecting the patient to undue stress. Molecular biological techniques are now employed in periodontitis treatment to identify pathogens and determine inflammation variants.
The inflammatory marker MMP8 has emerged as the most significant prognostic marker for local and systemic complications. Laboratory diagnostics can also investigate the individual immune response to titanium implants and the presence of jaw osteomyelitis or infected teeth.
A holistic analysis of your health is particularly important to us. We are happy to inform you about the laboratory diagnostic procedures we use because meticulous diagnostics are the prerequisite for successful treatment.
Clinical environmental medicine places great emphasis on holistic approaches to maintaining and restoring health. In addition to a comprehensive patient interview and examination, various laboratory tests are employed to gather information about the patient’s health status.
Below are some of the mentioned diagnostic and examination methods we offer:
Immunology is the scientific discipline that deals with the biological and biochemical foundations of the body’s defense against pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other harmful substances. It also investigates disorders and malfunctions of the immune system.
Immunological Status – Capturing the State of the Immune System
The immunological status is a diagnostic laboratory procedure for detecting disorders in the immune system. It is used, among other things, in cases of abnormal changes in lymphocytes in the blood count, to identify or exclude immunoproliferative diseases, during cancer therapies, chronic diseases, increased susceptibility to infections, chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer prevention, autoimmune diseases, and to monitor the immune response after infections.
Changes in Immunological Status with Age
As we age, the performance of our immune system decreases. The immunological status enables the detection of age-related immune weaknesses and the initiation of appropriate treatments. By measuring the immunological status, immune system disorders can be recognized early, and further diagnostic and therapeutic measures can be initiated.
Hormone Testing – Information Messengers in the Body
Hormones are natural messengers produced in specialized glandular cells and transported through the blood to target cells with appropriate receptors. Unlike nerves, hormones require more time to convey their messages, often taking minutes or even hours. The chemical structure of hormones remains hidden during this process.
There are two main types of hormones: peptide hormones, primarily composed of proteins (e.g., insulin and glucagon), as well as pituitary and hypothalamic hormones and steroid hormones, mainly composed of fats. Steroid hormones include sex hormones and adrenal cortex hormones, as well as pheromones. An important hormone is cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3), which plays a role in bone metabolism and can be produced by the body itself but requires sufficient sunlight exposure. It can also be obtained through diet.
Allergy Diagnostics – Identifying Allergy Causes
Allergy diagnostics involve various methods to identify the causes of allergies and find the responsible allergens. It is divided into in vivo diagnostics, which are performed directly on the patient, and in vitro diagnostics, where body fluids (mostly blood) are analyzed in the laboratory.
Colorectal Cancer Screening with the M2-PK Stool Test
The M2-PK stool test detects pathological processes in the colon, such as polyps and tumors, in a specific way. Unlike conventional testing methods, it does not react to blood but detects the enzyme M2-PK.
The M2-PK enzyme is tumor-specific and is produced only by fetal and tumor cells. It regulates the metabolism and growth of tumors. The M2-PK test allows for the early detection of the tumor marker in stool, long before it is detectable in the blood. False-positive results due to nonspecific bleeding are excluded with the M2-PK test. Even the smallest cancer changes can produce the M2-PK enzyme in detectable amounts. Early diagnosis of colorectal cancer, which often develops from benign polyps, can increase the chances of successful treatment. The M2-PK stool test thus contributes to the early detection of colorectal cancer.
Diagnostics through Provocation Testing for Heavy Metals
Provocation testing is typically performed by administering two chelators (e.g., a combination of DMPS and Zn-DTPA) intravenously in rapid succession. The infusion duration is about 10-15 minutes, followed by a 45-minute break. Due to their chemical properties, chelators form metal-chelate complexes with toxic heavy metals, which are excreted through urine. In the laboratory, this allows for the detection and assessment of heavy metal burden in the body. Based on this analysis, an individual detoxification therapy using chelation therapy may be recommended.
Carl Spengler’s discoveries regarding mixed infections and their effects on the body have led to groundbreaking advancements in tuberculosis treatment. His colloid therapy combines both active and passive immunization to strengthen the immune system and improve treatment effectiveness.
Spengler’s colloids are immunomodulating drugs consisting of antigens and antitoxins from various bacterial strains. They are produced in potency D9 and offer a wide range of therapeutic applications. They are particularly effective in mixed infections, immune disorders, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.
Spengler’s Colloid Immunotherapy focuses on diseases with unknown causes, often attributed to tuberculous toxins or syphilitic-toxic hereditary weaknesses. The colloids are applied topically to the skin, with the patient rubbing the medication into the inner elbow or another delicate skin area. This avoids stomach stress.
There are various Spengler’s colloids for different diseases. Spengler’s Colloid A is used for age-related ailments, microcirculation disorders, heart diseases, metabolic disorders, nerve diseases, and prostate diseases. Spengler’s Colloid D and DX are used to detect inflammatory foci and interference fields. Spengler’s Colloid E is used for intoxications and contains antigens and antitoxins of the syphilis pathogen. Spengler’s Colloid G is used for inflammations, infections, mosquito bites, acne, and infection prophylaxis. Spengler’s Colloid K is suitable for circulatory problems, allergies, bronchial asthma, and dermatitis. Spengler’s Colloid M is used as a follow-up treatment for malaria sequelae. Spengler’s Colloid Om is intended for the treatment of pain conditions, cancer, and intestinal mycoses. Spengler’s Colloid R is used for rheumatic diseases and gout. Spengler’s Colloid T is used for tuberculosis and chronic diseases such as migraines and eczemas.
Spengler’s colloids offer an innovative and versatile therapeutic option for a wide range of diseases and contribute to holistic health and treatment.
If you are interested in Spengler’s therapy, please email us or use the contact form.
LTT Immunofunction: Quantitative Measurement of Immunoreactivity
The Lymphocyte Transformation Test (LTT) is an important procedure for examining the anti-infective immune function of T-helper lymphocytes. It helps detect acquired cellular functional deficits of the immune system, which can occur spontaneously or as a result of surgical procedures and chemo-/radiotherapy measures in the context of cancer treatment. Immune deficiencies may be associated with numerous diseases, characterized by reduced infection resistance of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract, prolonged recovery from infections, and wound healing disorders.
The complex interaction of psyche and the hormone, nervous, and immune systems (PNEI, Psycho-Neuro-Endocrine-Immunology) complicates the assessment of immune defense against infectious agents and tumor cells. Common causes of immune deficiencies include exposure to environmental toxins, deficiency and malnutrition, chronic stress, acute allergic diseases of the immediate type (Type 1 allergy), and chronically persistent infections such as HIV.
Previously, it was problematic to quantitatively assess the extent of immune dysfunction, derive appropriate therapeutic measures, and monitor their effectiveness. Likewise, controlling medically indicated immunosuppressive therapy to achieve the required degree of immunosuppression without disproportionately increasing the risk of infection and tumors was challenging. Previously used skin tests for immune function testing were difficult to quantify and are no longer available.
With LTT Immunofunction (LTT-FU), a method has been developed that allows for quantitative measurements of the functionality of immune cells from the blood. The test is based on the stimulation of lymphocytes by components of common infectious agents or vaccines (recall antigens), against which a strong immune reactivity should be present in an unburdened immune system. In the LTT, these antigens are processed by monocytes and dendritic cells and presented to T-helper lymphocytes. Depending on immune competence, specific T-helper memory cells are activated and stimulated to divide, with DNA synthesis quantitatively determined. Strong activation in LTT is only expected if immune function is intact or if immune-stimulating therapies have improved immune function (therapy control).
Natural Killer Cells
Natural killer (NK) cells are the third lymphocyte population of the blood, alongside T and B lymphocytes. Their main function in cellular immune defense is the killing of virus-infected and tumor-transformed cells. Unlike cytotoxic CD8 lymphocytes, they are not subject to MHC restriction, meaning they develop an unspecific, rapid, and natural defense against altered body cells (first line of defense).
NK cells are capable of effectively attacking tumor cells and virus-infected cells, especially when pre-activated by endogenous cytokines from T-helper cells and macrophages (LAK/Lymphokine-activated killer cells). Particularly important are interleukin-12 (IL-12), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). It follows that NK cell function cannot be seen independently of the function of other immune cells.
Source (IMD Institute for Medical Diagnostics Berlin-Potsdam GbR)
The diagnosis of a possible heavy metal burden associated with your symptoms requires an initial provocation test using so-called “chelators.”
Chelators are substances capable of forming complex compounds with heavy metals. These metal-chelate complexes are nontoxic and soluble, allowing them to be excreted through the kidneys. Chelators are used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, aluminum, silver, and palladium can exert toxic effects in the body even in small amounts. In combination, they can be even more toxic at lower doses. These heavy metals enter our bodies through drinking water, food, and dental materials such as amalgam. Their effects on the organism are diverse, particularly affecting the nervous and immune systems. They can cause allergies, autoimmune diseases (including those of the nervous system such as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), and weaken the immune system, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and even cancer.
Most chronic diseases often involve a significant heavy metal burden. Taking into account individual developmental history, heavy metal burdens often represent a significant factor in damaging the immune system at the onset of a harmful disease process. Early symptoms of heavy metal toxicity include nonspecific but chronic fatigue and reduced endurance, which always underlie a cellular metabolic disorder.
Performing a provocation test with chelators allows for the detection of heavy metal burden in the body and the initiation of targeted treatment to remove heavy metals and improve health.
Diagnostics through Provocation Testing
In the laboratory, the concentration of excreted heavy metals can be detected, providing approximate indications of the extent of the burden in the body. Based on this analysis, an individual detoxification strategy using chelation therapy can be derived.
There is no standardized plan applicable to all patients. Each patient receives an individual infusion plan and individual accompanying therapy tailored to their specific needs.
It is important to note that there are risks and side effects associated with provocation testing and chelation therapy. In some cases, a temporary increase in liver enzymes (transaminases) may be observed after the test. Cardiovascular reactions, especially when chelators are injected too quickly, may manifest as hypotension, nausea, dizziness, and weakness, usually shortly after injection.
Some rare but possible side effects such as chills, fever, skin reactions, circulatory problems, itching, and allergic reactions ranging from rash to anaphylactic shock may also occur. These symptoms are usually reversible and can be acutely treated with appropriate medical support. Provocation testing and chelation therapy are performed in our practice only under the supervision of an experienced physician or therapist who monitors potential risks and side effects and takes appropriate measures to ensure patient safety.
You can find more information about diagnostics HERE.
Dr. med Stefan Trapp
Center for Clinical Environmental Medicine
Center for Therapeutic Apheresis
Von-Weichs-Str. 23 | 53121 Bonn
Tel. +49 (0) 228 619966-0
Fax +49 (0) 228 619966-1
apherese@medbonn.com