Thanks for all of the info on Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). The herpes
virus (HHV8) associated with KS is also associated with multiple myelomas
(MM), and MM is preceded by subtle and progressive changes to the immune
system that begin years before the MM shows up. Gallo may or may not have
been looking at similar changes. The picture that I had formed before your
post was that people with just HHV8 may get MM after many years, but people
with HIV and HHV8 get KS instead of MM.
I am a straight male, no HIV, and I have the earliest of these
immune system alterations that preced MM. I forgot the name of it because it
is likely that my heart problems will kill me before MM becomes a problem.
MM is also associated with Chlamydia trachomatis, the STD, and the
ONLY treatment that has proven to be of any value in MM is clarithromycin,
one of the premiere anti-chlamydials. I don't have C. trachomatis, but I
have an intractable C. pneumoniae infection. C. pneumoniae also suppresses
the immune system, though it is not in the same league with HIV.
Alcohol, cocaine, nicotine, and some other substances raise cortisol
levels and suppress the immune system. I don't know what is in a "popper,"
but I would be curious to know what its effect on cortisol is.
Russ
