An intriguing new study finds that
blockading acetylcholine activity can reverse mitochondrial dysfunction and promote nerve repair.
I take acetylcholine supplements purely on faith, since they're generally considered important for ME treatment. But I've only been able to take small doses because they
seem to trigger burning, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms.
This study focuses on diabetic neuropathy, but researchers found that tamping down acetylcholine signalling allows proper oxygenation of cells AND promotes
small-fiber nerve regeneration. (Small-fiber neuropathy is often linked to, or equated with, fibromyalgia.)
Importantly, acetylcholine antagonism must be
selective, according to the study. Non-selective antagonists, like Benadryl (which I also don't tolerate), are not effective. Specifically, M1R antagonists like Pirenzepine (?) -- which are supposedly readily available -- seem to unambiguously promote neurological healing.
Unless I'm misreading the literature, this seems like a promising avenue of exploration for some of us. Maybe it also points to a delineation between those of us with FM-caused CFS and ME? The study suggests other factors (such as stress and injury) can lead to nerve damage, perhaps from too much acetylcholine activity.
One of the study's many intriguing conclusions:
