GoF history on Monkeypox & a better Lysine/arginine ratio reduces risk of shingles or Herpes

- and CoV in my own case. Also food sources of arginine and lysine and spirulina might help herpes too and African geranium.

Topic one: Stress level and the Lysine / arginine ratio can impact risk of shingles was a comment from Patricia Beaupre. Arginine can help the virus replicate, while lysine helps the immune response to fight them. Food sources of arginine and lysine are included along with more detail and a link to a prior post on the topic.

Topic Two: Get screened for ‘AIDS’ if you are having odd skin symptoms. VAIDS will likely have similar risks of comorbid conditions as AIDS and white blood cell counts can be used to diagnose ‘AIDS’, not just PCR tests alone. More on that topic is at the end.

and Topic Three: the ‘Mpox clade’ disease X may be worse through Gain of Function change - covered here, in brief compared to the other two topics.

KP Stoller, KP’s Substack, 18 hrs ago.

“https://x.com/Censored4sure/status/1824958128796156321 *The link is a different topic.

This study describes the gain-of-function mutation L108F in the F8L protein of the monkeypox virus: ‘Mutations in the monkeypox virus replication complex: Potential contributing factors to the 2022 outbreak’ by Saathvik R. Kannan et al., published in the ‘Journal of Autoimmunity’ in December 2022. (Kannan, et al., 2022)

As of this day, no one has been held accountable for anything related to COVID and the GoF work at UNC/Wuhan.”

The study authors are from the University of Missouri and University of Nebraska, largely. The team assessed the gene sequence of the 2022 monkeypox virus (MPXV) for mutations according to the timeline of when the changes might have occurred in relation to each other - They might be describing Gain of Function changes someone made at earlier times.

Abstract: “Attributes contributing to the current monkeypox virus (MPXV) outbreak remain unknown. It has been established that mutations in viral proteins may alter phenotype and pathogenicity. To assess if mutations in the MPXV DNA replication complex (RC) contribute to the outbreak, we conducted a temporal analysis of available MPXV sequences to identify mutations, generated a DNA replication complex (RC) using structures of related viral and eukaryotic proteins, and structure prediction method AlphaFold. Ten mutations within the RC were identified and mapped onto the RC to infer role of mutations. Two mutations in F8L (RC catalytic subunit), and two in G9R (a processivity factor) were ∼100% prevalent in the 2022 sequences. F8L mutation L108F emerged in 2022, whereas W411L emerged in 2018, and persisted in 2022. L108 is topologically located to enhance DNA binding affinity of F8L. Therefore, mutation L108F can change the fidelity, sensitivity to nucleoside inhibitors, and processivity of F8L. Surface exposed W411L likely affects the binding of regulatory factor(s). G9R mutations S30L and D88 N in G9R emerged in 2022, and may impact the interaction of G9R with E4R (uracil DNA glycosylase). The remaining six mutations that appeared in 2001, reverted to the first (1965 Rotterdam) isolate. Two nucleoside inhibitors brincidofovir and cidofovir have been approved for MPXV treatment. Cidofovir resistance in vaccinia virus is achieved by A314T and A684V mutations. Both A314 and A684 are conserved in MPXV. Therefore, resistance to these drugs in MPXV may arise through similar mechanisms. […]

Conclusion: L108 is topologically located to enhance DNA binding affinity of F8L. Therefore, mutation L108F can change the fidelity, sensitivity to nucleoside inhibitors, and processivity of F8L. Surface exposed W411L likely affects the binding of regulatory factor(s). G9R mutations S30L and D88 N in G9R emerged in 2022, and may impact the interaction of G9R with E4R (uracil DNA glycosylase). The remaining six mutations that appeared in 2001, reverted to the first (1965 Rotterdam) isolate. Two nucleoside inhibitors brincidofovir and cidofovir have been approved for MPXV treatment. Cidofovir resistance in vaccinia virus is achieved by A314T and A684V mutations. Both A314 and A684 are conserved in MPXV. Therefore, resistance to these drugs in MPXV may arise through similar mechanisms.”

Fulltext available. (Kannan, et al., 2022)

Another reader shared the lysine/arginine tip regarding shingles risk.

They are amino acids and the balance in foods can vary. Nuts are higher in arginine and beans in lysine. My vegan diet can get out of balance when I eat too many pecans instead of bean soup and maybe soy specifically - organic tofu is something I eat occasionally.

I try to take some lysine (in my Cheerful Juice DMG mix) because I can overdo nuts/beans balance which is tipping things towards more arginine and less lysine. It can increase risk of infection with virus that like arginine which includes herpes simplex and varicella zoster, and also SARS-CoV-2 allegedly.

"l-arginine is associated with the replication and virulence of a variety of viruses in vitro, including herpes simplex and varicella zoster." (LoBue, et al., 2019)

A previous post has a nice graphic showing the effects of various amino acids including lysine and arginine on our immune responses.

Protein adequacy is critical for preventing infection or chronic inflammation.

• A video regarding using the Lysine/arginine ratio therapeutically for preventing herpes outbreaks. https://youtu.be/y2OZcjoLon0?si=ISDzfG19MYSWN6El < (I do not recommend this video for educational accuracy regarding virus. Comedic value or outrage value for the No virus crowd is present though.)

Our take home point from the video - testimonial value that taking lysine daily helps Andrea and the herpes community to prevent outbreaks. She takes 1000 mg, one capsule as a daily prevention and ups it to 3000 mg during an outbreak. It can lower blood pressure levels - talk to your doctor about it.

And a PS at the end is worth noting - during an outbreak of Herpes she also cuts down on arginine rich foods - less fuel for the infection to use.

African geranium - Umckalabo - Pelargonium sidoides

The opening has images of pomegranate but she doesn't mention pomegranate in the video or I missed it. A search turned up an African geranium extract as potentially helpful topically against Herpes outbreaks instead of pomegranate but I think pomegranate is helpful too - it is a broad spectrum antimicrobial.

• Efficacy of aqueous (or alcohol) Pelargonium sidoides extract against herpesvirus (researchgate.net/publication/23160536_Efficacy_of_an_aqueous_Pelargonium_sidoides_extract_against_herpesvirus)

• Product: ‘Umckalabo’ is the local name for Pelargonium sidoides extract. (examine.com/supplements/umckaloabo/)

African geranium, Pelargonium sidoides, (plantlust.com/pelargonium-sidoides/)

This is not a product line with a huge amount of competitive products, or research to support use, but it is a pretty house or garden plant too. Noteworthy: Rose Geranium essential oil is not the same plant and has not shown similar benefits for treating Herpes.

Eat less of arginine rich foods like nuts, seeds, spirulina and soy during shingles or herpes outbreaks.

Arginine content per 100 grams of food:

1. Pumpkin seeds - 5.35 g

2. Soy protein concentrate - 4.64 g

3. Dried spirulina – 4.15 g

4. Walnuts – 3.62 g

5. Peanuts – 3.35 g

6. Sesame – 3.25 g

7. Tofu – 3.19 g

8. Lean pork – 2.5 g

9. Lean beef – 2.5 g

10. Almonds – 2.46 g

11. Turkey meat – 2.3 g

12. Shrimps – 2.25 g

13. Chicken meat – 2.17 g

14. Veal – 2.05 g

15. Oysters – 2 g

16. ostrovit.com/en/blog/arginine-properties-health-promoting-effects-and-food-sources

Eat more lysine.

Lysine is richer in beans than in grains. Vegetarian meals with more grains than beans may be low in lysine content.

Lysine is less prevalent in cereal grains than in legumes and the average diet in India may be insufficient in total protein and in lysine in particular. A better choice meal for lysine content in the study excerpted below, was lentil sauce Sambar (11.47 gr/kg total lysine), with Idli (6.22 gr/kg lysine), a fermented lentil and rice doughball, or with Dosa (4.85 gr/kg lysine), a fermented lentil and rice crepe/pancake. Meals with Maize roti as the starch, a cornmeal tortilla like food, only adds 1.74 gr kg lysine - the fermented lentil batter or dough likely makes a difference in total protein content, not just a difference in the lysine/arginine ratio. (See Table 3, Rutherfurd, Bains, and Moughan, 2012)

Recipe links for some of the Indian meal combinations used in the study:

• Sambar is a lentil / dal recipe (cookwithmanali.com/sambar/).

• Idli are a white rice looking doughball/steamed biscuit made from a fermented lentil and rice blended dough. (indianhealthyrecipes.com/soft-idli-recipe-using-idli-rava/) *These can be purchased as a frozen food in Indian markets.

• Dosa are crepe like pancakes made with a fermented lentil and rice batter. They look delicious. (indianhealthyrecipes.com/dosa-recipe-dosa-batter/)

• Rajmah is a red kidney bean dish. (10.13 gr kg lysine)/kg (Brave AI summary, varied links)

• Maize roti are like a corn tortilla, except more yellow, moister and more like a flour tortilla in texture. (1.74 gr kg lysine) (Brave AI summary recipe, with links to recipe pages)

• Chickpea curry / Chana masala - chickpeas in a spicy tomato sauce. (9.81 gr/kg lysine) (masalachilli.com/chana-masala-easy-indian-chickpea-curry/)

• For a veggie side-dish bonus, not included in the study - Indian Cauliflower with caraway seeds and other spices. (yummly.com/recipe/Indian-Cauliflower-1584817)

Total Protein content tangent:

1 cup of dried beans or lentils for a four serving batch is a portion size of 1/4 cup dried ~ 1/2 cup cooked for each person which is providing about 8 grams of protein roughly.

I had noticed that the average Indian diet ratio is skewed towards low protein, more carbs. Diabetes is a problem there I think more than some other Western chronic conditions. China is leading the world for rate of diabetes, with India in second place at 1 in 10 people having diabetes, per Brave AI summary.

A typical South Indian meal - Idli - the white dumpling/dough shapes - fermented lentil and rice blended into a dough. Served with some spicy sauces and a bowl of bean and meat curry which might be Sambar, Rajmah or Chana masala. Dessert looks like a doughnut flavored with caraway seeds. Photo by prabhakaran sambandam on Unsplash

Table 3 - lysine content in some common Indian meal combinations with an intent to estimate available lysine versus total lysine content in the typical meals. Only one combination provided the daily goal intake for lysine - Sambar and Idli. See image above sambar is a lentil/dal sauce and Idli are fermented lentil and rice dumplings.

Table 3 Mean (n=5) true ileal digestible total and reactive (available) lysine contents1 (g kg⁻¹ DM) for the eleven prepared Indian foods and ten Indian food ingredients. (Rutherfurd, Bains, and Moughan, 2012)

“A similar analysis (data not shown) was conducted for the sulphur amino acids (methionine plus cysteine) which tend to be first limiting in legumes. For a seventy kilogram adult human, the lysine requirement is 2·12 g day^− 1(27); and the methionine plus cysteine requirement 0·98 g day^− 1(27); however, the estimated daily lysine intake for all of the prepared food combinations, with the exception of sambar/idli was lower than 2·12 g day^− 1 ranging from 0·94 g day^− 1 for rajmah/maize roti (10:90) to 2·04 g day^− 1 for sambar/dosa (20:80) when based on cereal and legume availability per capita and ranging from 1·02 g day^− 1 for rajmah/maize roti (10:90) to 2·1 g day^− 1 for sambar/dosa (20:80) when based on daily energy intake. In contrast, the daily intake of sulphur amino acids estimated based on the daily energy intake of the Indian population ranged from 1·30 g day^− 1 for sambar/cooked rice (10:90) to 2·88 g day^− 1 for chickpea curry/wheat roti (10:90) and would be sufficient to meet the daily methionine plus cysteine requirement for a 70 kg man for all of the prepared food combinations examined. Although it is recognised that it is unlikely that Indians will consume the same prepared food combination for each meal in a day, consumption of any of the prepared food combinations, excluding sambar/idli, would lead to an insufficient daily lysine intake and in many cases supplying less than three quarters of the daily lysine requirement.” (Rutherfurd, Bains, and Moughan, 2012)

Section two - Get screened for AIDS, it might be diagnosable by a drop in white blood cell levels.

Another good point in a comment - Late-stage AIDS may have Kaposi’s sarcoma, and shingles, Herpes, and yeast infections may occur. It might be a good idea to get screened for immune function and find out whether AIDS/VAIDS may be part of your skin rash conditions.

Ana M. Fuentes, 20 hrs ago, A significant proportion of these “MPox” lesions strongly resemble Kaposi’s Sarcoma, a hallmark presentation of late-stage AIDS.

Lab Tests for AIDS Screening can use White Blood Cells (CBC) or T Cells

The following lab tests are commonly used to screen for AIDS using white blood cells or T cells:

1. T-cell count:

T-cell count is a measurement of the number of T cells (CD4+ and CD8+) in the blood. This test is used to monitor the progression of HIV infection and to assess the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART).

• There is a decrease in T-cell counts with HIV/AIDS and the B-cell count may also be decreased. (ucsfhealth.org/medical-tests/b-and-t-cell-screen)

Chimeric spike issues may have reduced CD8+ more than seen in HIV/AIDs which tends to affect the CD4+ T cells.

• See for a summary of health tips/selfcare strategies that might help CoV/VAIDS: prior post Bioweapons a bore?)

• See for the science complexity of CD8+ and CD4+ T cell differences seen in CoV/VAIDS - (Part 5. Annoyed Citizen Interview with Kevin McCairn, Substack)

Part 5. Annoyed Citizen Interview with Kevin McCairn & a preprint re jab effects on innate and adaptive immune system

• Simple description of what a lab visit for T cell count might be like and what T-cells are - lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. (mountsinai.org/health-library/tests/t-cell-count)

• Academic/health professional description of recommended methods and details for lab screening of infants and children for the purpose of diagnosing or monitoring HIV status largely using PCR screening methods. Lactation status for younger infants is considered, as maternal antibodies might be present and cause a false positive.

  WHO Recommendations on the Diagnosis of HIV Infection in Infants and Children. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2010. 5, LABORATORY METHODS FOR DIAGNOSIS OF HIV INFECTION IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK138552/

2. CD4 count:

Specifically measures the number of CD4+ T cells, also known as “helper” cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections. Low CD4 counts are indicative of immune system compromise and increased risk of opportunistic infections.

3. Complete Blood Count (CBC):

The CBC is a routine lab order for an annual doctor visit. It includes a differential count, which assesses the proportion of different types of white blood cells, including lymphocytes (T cells and B cells). Abnormalities in lymphocyte counts or proportions may indicate HIV infection.

4. HIV antibody/antigen tests:

The standard for HIV testing is with a PCR type screening set for different antigen parts of the HIV virus. These tests detect the presence of HIV antibodies or antigens in the blood. They are used to confirm HIV infection and are often performed in conjunction with T-cell counts and CD4 counts. [Addition: *Just to spell it out - this is the Brave AI - “standard knowledge” but we have learned that PCR tests are too often fraudulent or inaccurate. I personally am pursuing T cell and B cell count to assess my own VAIDS status. I also ordered a D-dimer, Ferritin, CRP and CBC and another Uric Acid level and a whole bunch of thyroid/ Hashimoto’s diagnostic labs. I should get results later next week.]

This guide from the World Health Organization has extensive detail about the antigens that might be used in a PCR type of screening for HIV status. Academic/health professional description of recommended methods and details for lab screening of infants and children for the purpose of diagnosing or monitoring HIV status largely using PCR screening methods. Lactation status for younger infants is considered, as maternal antibodies might be present and cause a false positive. [Addition: *Again, this is about the current standards for Diagnosis of AIDS. In general PCR tests may be accurate if 25 or fewer cycles were run. CoV testing was using as many as 45 cycles which can turn nothing into 45 tines more than nothing. And is basically meaningless - yet is the standard. Children or babies could also be tested for T cell and B cell counts or general inflammatory markers like Ferritin and CRP. D-dimer is not typically run, but has been recommended to show microcontroller g risks following chimeric spike issues.]

• WHO Recommendations on the Diagnosis of HIV Infection in Infants and Children. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2010. 5, LABORATORY METHODS FOR DIAGNOSIS OF HIV INFECTION IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK138552/

These four types of lab tests are essential for diagnosing and monitoring HIV infection, and for assessing the effectiveness of treatment. They help healthcare providers track the progression of the disease and make informed decisions about patient care. (Brave AI summary)

“The definitive diagnosis of HIV infection at any age requires diagnostic testing that confirms the presence of HIV. Serological testing identifies HIV antigen and/or antibody generated as part of the immune response to infection with HIV. In children older than 18 months of age, serological testing should be used in the same manner as in adults. However, maternal HIV antibody is transferred to the baby passively during pregnancy and then declines (with a half-life of 28–30 days in non-breastfed infants) (24-29). Infected infants then go on to produce HIV antibody (30); however, most commonly used HIV serological assays cannot distinguish between maternal HIV antibody and HIV antibody produced by the infant, making the interpretation of reactive HIV serological test results difficult (29, 31). In order to diagnose HIV infection definitely in children aged less than 18 months, assays are required that detect the virus or its components (i.e. virological tests). A range of laboratory-based techniques are available, and these are discussed in more detail in the following section.”

• WHO Recommendations on the Diagnosis of HIV Infection in Infants and Children. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2010. 5, LABORATORY METHODS FOR DIAGNOSIS OF HIV INFECTION IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK138552/

Bonus topic from an old post - arginine source Spirulina has been helpful for increasing CD4+ T cell count in HIV/AIDS.

• Regarding spirulina, 10 grams a day for six months helped improve CD4+ cell count in patients with HIV. This reference has the dosing study https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9976/12/1/6. CoV spike issues include a similar drop in CD8+ cells. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41423-021-00750-4

Caution if autoimmune disease seems to flair-up or the spirulina causes a skin rash. Rare but has occurred. Spirulina promotes immune function and reduces cytokines and inflammatory TNF alpha in SARS-COV-2 infection. See Walter Chesnut’s post for the CoV reference.

Friday Hope: Spirulina: Potent Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Cytokine Storm

Most all Nrf2 promoters, including chlorophyll and spirulina, are also NF-kB inhibiting. TNF alpha is part of the NF-Kb inflammatory pathway.

Disclaimer This information is being shared for educational purposes within the guidelines of Fair Use and is not intended to provide individual health guidance.

Reference List

• (ucsfhealth.org/medical-tests/b-and-t-cell-screen)

• (mountsinai.org/health-library/tests/t-cell-count)

• ostrovit.com/en/blog/arginine-properties-health-promoting-effects-and-food-sources

(Kannan, et al., 2022) Kannan SR, Sachdev S, Reddy AS, Kandasamy SL, Byrareddy SN, Lorson CL, Singh K. Mutations in the monkeypox virus replication complex: Potential contributing factors to the 2022 outbreak. J Autoimmun. 2022 Dec;133:102928. doi: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102928. Epub 2022 Oct 14. PMID: 36252459; PMCID: PMC9562781. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9562781/

(LoBue, et al., 2019) LoBue SA, Tailor P, Carlson SM, Mano F, Giovane RA, Schaefer E, LoBue TD. Recurrent herpes zoster ophthalmicus in a young, healthy individual taking high doses of l-Arginine. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2019 Aug 20;16:100547. doi: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2019.100547. PMID: 31497676; PMCID: PMC6722283. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6722283/

(Rutherfurd, Bains, and Moughan, 2012) Rutherfurd SM, Bains K, Moughan PJ. Available lysine and digestible amino acid contents of proteinaceous foods of India. British Journal of Nutrition. 2012;108(S2):S59-S68. doi:10.1017/S0007114512002280 https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/available-lysine-and-digestible-amino-acid-contents-of-proteinaceous-foods-of-india/9E4FC6011F10CB3C9BF2A7A06BAC83F8

WHO Recommendations on the Diagnosis of HIV Infection in Infants and Children. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2010. 5, LABORATORY METHODS FOR DIAGNOSIS OF HIV INFECTION IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK138552/