diabetes Subject: Denial Of All Site Herbicide Cancers By Veterans Affairs

[allan 10]

Letter/Issue 5 of 6

09-08-08

TO: The Members of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committee

FROM: The Veterans, Widows of Veterans and their Offspring of this great Nation

SUBJECT: Denial of All Site Herbicide Cancers by Veterans Affairs

Dear Members of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committee,

Many of you may not have heard of the Epstein Barr Virus that was the first virus found to be associated to tumors, many different cancers (including Burkitt's lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Hodgkin's disease, breast cancer, gastric adenocarcinoma, esophageal cancers, blood cancers, etc, and autoimmune disorders. (Dioxin created autoimmune issues to be discussed under a separate issues letter.)

You may have heard of the Papillomavirus associated to Cervical Cancer recently in the news.

The point is some human endemic virus impacts can lay dormant with no signs the victim has even been exposed for decades and have no impact as it hides inside the nucleus of immune cells called lymphocytes without producing any symptoms.

Yet, over life some genetic triggers then progresses to the development of begin tumors turning malignant. The term ‘associated to’ is somewhat confusing since it was not the direct virus impact but the impact of the virus on the immune system itself in B and T cell dysregulation and homeostatic of B ant T cells leading to uncontrolled growth; and among other Interleukins and chemical messengers such as cytokines, macrophages, and lymphocytes that support and maintain the immune system are now confused or damaged. Not only does the body not recognize the tumor cells but in many cases because of further immune system damages actually helps promote the cancers in damaged immune system growth factors supplying more and more cells and increased vascular capabilities. Because the immune system itself is now responsible and damaged; it increases the risk of metastasis in individuals that have developed cancer in this form of manifestation. Note the finding of increased metastasis in Veterans exposed to dioxin with prostate cancer at a 4/1 higher risk of metastasis and more aggressive form of cancer. Every year more and more cancers are being associated to this endemic virus and its effect on the immune system.

Is this similar to how dioxins, furans, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are potent immune and endocrine system dysregulators creating both cancers and autoimmune disorders damaging the very lowest levels of human biology? The answer is yes.

Dioxin attacks the cellular mitochondria to create cancers and one must also conclude similar to a virus, autoimmune disorders as well. (1) The study appears online and in the Dec. 17 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Dioxin, TCDD attacks the cellular machinery, disrupts normal cellular function and ultimately promotes tumor progression and many other disorders and syndromes including connective tissue disorders.

Mitochondria, the cellular sub-units that convert oxygen and nutrients into cellular fuel, are the target of tetrachlorodibenzodioxin, or TCDD. TCDD induces mitochondria-to-nucleus stress signaling, which in turn induces the expression of cell nucleus genes associated with tumor promotion and metastasis.

Directly relevant to understanding incidences of cancers in human populations exposed to these chemicals.

The mechanism of TCDD action occurs through activation of arylhydrocarbon receptors, AhR, by directly binding to the protein subunits. Activated AhR mediates the transcriptional activation of many genes including those involved in fatty acid metabolism, cell cycle regulation and immune response. The present study, however, shows that TCDD starts the chain of events that promote tumor progression in vivo by directly targeting mitochondrial transcription and induction of mitochondrial stress signaling. A unique feature of this TCDD-induced signaling is that it does not involve the action of AhR but occurs through increased calcium levels in cells and activation of calcium responsive factors. A net result of signaling cascade is slowing down of cellular apoptosis, increased cell proliferation and tumor cell metastasis. Taken together, this study describes a novel mechanism of TCDD-induced tumor progression and emergence of metastatic cancer cells.

TCDD is the most toxic compound in the dioxin family. Formed as a by-product during waste incineration, paper, chemical and pesticide manufacturing, it was one of the toxic ingredients in Agent Orange and closed the Love Canal in Niagara Falls. The public health impact of dioxin, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, compares to that of the pesticide DDT.

Do we have evidence that is exactly what this dioxin is doing to Herbicide Exposed Veterans? Yes! See study abstract below.

Immunotoxicological Effects of Agent Orange Exposure to the Vietnam War Korean Veterans (2)

Abstract: Immunomodulatory effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) demonstrated using animals are thymic atrophy, downregulation of cytotoxic T or B lymphocyte differentiation or activation, whereas human immunotoxicities have not been investigated well. This study was undertaken to evaluate overall immunologic spectrum of the Vietnam War Korean veterans exposed to Agent Orange contaminated with TCDD. Quantity of red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit in the veterans suffered from chronic diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure (Veterans patient group) were decreased in comparison with those of the veterans without the diseases and the age-matched healthy controls, but no differences in leukocyte populations. Plasma IgG levels were lowered in the veterans than the controls, owing to significant decrease in the IgG1 levels. Increase in the IgE levels was observed in the plasma from the veterans. Alteration of T cell-mediated immunity was also resulted from activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with polyclonal T cell activators. Production of IFNγ, a major cytokine mediating host resistance against infection or tumoregenesis, was lowered in the veterans-patient group. However, production of IL-4 and IL-10, representative cytokines involved with hypersensitivity induction, was enhanced in the patient group. Overall, this study suggests that military service in Vietnam and/or Agent Orange exposure disturbs immune-homeostasis resulting in dysregulation of B and T cell activities.

Key words: Agent Orange, Vietnam War Veterans, RBC, Immunoglobulins, Cytokines, Autoantibodies

The dysregulation of B and T Cells along with cytokines can produce any cancer known to man not just a specific few Veterans Affairs has approved. It would also be very unlikely these dysregulations would not be involved in many autoimmune system disorders and syndromes; all of them still denied by Veterans Affairs.

In the definition of mitochondria below you will also notice the connection to mental disorders as well as cardiac dysfunction. All of it is still denied by Veterans Affairs.

Members of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committee considering the damages done by these Herbicides is down to the very bowels of human cellular level described, can anyone put forth that any cancer is not associated to this most toxic chemical ever produced by mankind and that the mandate by Veterans Affairs and our Institute of Medicine is ever going to find cause and effect but only the increased rate of incidence among those that were exposed to the militarized versions of this Rainbow of Herbicides.

Definition

In cell biology, a mitochondrion (plural mitochondria) is a membrane-enclosed organelle found in most eukaryotic cells.^[1] These organelles range from 1–10 micrometers (μm) in size. Mitochondria are sometimes described as "cellular power plants" because they generate most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), used as a source of chemical energy. In addition to supplying cellular energy, mitochondria are involved in a range of other processes, such as signaling, cellular differentiation, cell death, as well as the control of the cell cycle and cell growth.^[2] Mitochondria have been implicated in several human diseases, including mental disorders,^[3] cardiac dysfunction,^[4] and may play a role in the aging process. The word mitochondrion comes from the Greek μίτος or mitos, thread + χονδρίον or khondrion, granule. Their ancestry is not fully understood, but, according to the endosymbiotic theory, mitochondria are descended from ancient bacteria, which were engulfed by the ancestors of eukaryotic cells more than a billion years ago.

Several characteristics make mitochondria unique. The number of mitochondria in a cell varies widely by organism and tissue type. Many cells have only a single mitochondrion, whereas others can contain several thousand mitochondria.^[5][6] The organelle is composed of compartments that carry out specialized functions. These compartments or regions include the outer membrane, the intermembrane space, the inner membrane, and the cristae and matrix. Mitochondrial proteins vary depending on the tissues and species. In human, 615 distinct types of proteins were identified from cardiac mitochondria;^[7] whereas in murine, 940 proteins encoded by distinct genes were reported.^[8] The mitochondrial proteome is thought to be dynamically regulated.^[9] Although most of a cell's DNA is contained in the cell nucleus, the mitochondrion has its own independent genome. Further, its DNA shows substantial similarity to bacterial genomes.^[10]

Congressman Steve Kagen a medical doctor has introduced HR 6798 to add the following cancers as presumptive to Herbicides.

Paragraph:

‘‘(I) Cancers of any tissues through the opening of the gastro-intestinal tract to the end, including any and all carcinomas arising from tissues of endo dermal origin, beginning in the oral pharynx, extending through the esophagus, duodenum, cecum, transverse and descending colon, as well as biliary and pancreatic tissues, not to exclude the rectum, becoming manifest to a degree of disability of 10 percent or more.’’

While Herbicide Veterans, Widows, and our minor offspring cannot thank Congressman Kagen and his staff enough for their dedication to this issue; there is still more to resolve not only in other cancer issues but also immune system dysfunction, neurological disorders, cardiovascular disorders creating death and disability in our Veterans.

Including immune system mimicry, which can be, confused with other disorders such as Hepatitis and end stage liver disorders. You will notice above one of the cytokines found down regulated in connection with Herbicide exposure was IFNγ. How does medicine treat Hepatitis C? It treats the patient with IFNγ. (Interferon gamma) Is there a connection? One would certainly think so since in diagnosing hepatitis the diagnosis is the body immune system response not the measurement or finding of the virus itself. That requires the use of an electron microscope. Plus New Zealand is finding that were they had the dioxin, TCDD that outbreaks of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Hepatitis C are above normal.

What the Veteran ends up with are cells that should not be in his or her body per the human genotype and yet along with this we have the condition where the body is now saying these cells are OK, no matter how disfigured or damaged and the body must reproduce them in great quantities.

Other studies involving both civilians and military have shown the same thing that all and any cancers can be associated to the dioxin, TCDD. (3)

Other studies have shown that there is no dioxin, TCDD dose below where any cancer is not ruled out as associated. (3)

Using our own Ranch Hand data Dr. Michalek proved in a follow-up study that any cancer is associated. (4)

The Seveso, Italy dioxin disaster findings also found this finding of all cancers can be associated. (5)

While everyone has overlooked the glioma brain tumors and brain cancers studies also clearly demonstrate that T patients with gliomas demonstrate T cell inhibited T cell activity functions.

Findings show that glioblastoma-generated factors are known to suppress T cell responses alter the cytokine profiles of monocytic APC that, in turn, inhibit T cell function. This model indicates that monocytes can serve as an intermediate between tumor-generated immune-suppressive factors and the T cell responses that are suppressed in gliomas. (6)

Given the nature and level of described dioxin, TCDD actions and damages at cellular level, given the levels of B and T cell activity that can be both increased or suppressed, given the many different immune system issues created that can also be increased or suppressed, given the different genetics in humans and the different genetic pathways that can be altered it is given that any cancer can be associated to these exposures and that the rate or threshold has little if any effect on the outcomes.

The increase in Herbicide Veterans in these cancers; some cancers with only normally one in hundred thousand, should make it clearly evident to the membership of the House and Veterans Committee this significant risk of incidence is not happening by chance alone.

Then let us not forget the found on-going genetic damages in Veterans. (7) (8)

Members of our committees, this cannot be a good indicator of our health over life and involves many issues Veterans Affairs and the Institute of Medicine due to subjective rules of what constitutes a connection we are continually denied even with a significant correlation or an increased risk of incidence, which is what our courts deemed as appropriate for Service Connection.

If you have further questions or require testimony please contact me.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Charles Kelley

2078 Eastwood Drive

Snellville, GA 30078

Vietnam Veteran 67-68

DMZ

From all of the Herbicide Veterans of this Nation

References available on accompanying CD

(1) The study appears online and in the Dec. 17 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

(2) Immunotoxicological Effects of Agent Orange Exposure to the Vietnam War Korean Veterans – Industrial Health 2003, 41, 158-166

(3) Industrial Health 2003, 41, 175-180 – Dioxin: Exposure-Response Analysis and Risk Assessment. (Low-level exposure analysis)

(4) Diabetes and Cancer in Ranch Hand Veterans by Dr. Joel E. Michalek, PHD and Dr. Marian Pavuk, MD, PhD demonstrating increases in all site cancers.

(5) Short and Long-Term Morbidity and Mortality in the Population Exposed to Dioxin after the Seveso Accident.

(6) Human Glioma-Induced Immunosuppression Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Kentucky Medical Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536; and Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852

(7) Vietnam Veteran Genetic Damages Found Report – Institute of Molecular Biosciences; Massy University

(8) Participants Report on Vietnam Veteran Genetic Damages – Institute of Molecular Biosciences; Massy University

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