Propax Information for Physicians

Technical Information - Propax Fatigue Survey

We are conducting studies to specify the effect of our product, Propax™ with NT Factor™, on fatigue. Fatigue is a multi-causal, multi-dimensional condition in which an individual's energy resources are excessively depleted due to physical, mental, or emotional exertion, illness, drug or chemical accumulation/toxicity, lifestyle changes, or age-related patterns. The web-based survey is similar to one of the tools we and other groups have used in clinical studies measuring fatigue.

The NANDA (North American Nursing Diagnosis Association) Nursing Diagnosis for Fatigue defines fatigue as, "An overwhelming sustained sense of exhaustion and decreased capacity for physical and mental work." Major defining characteristics include, "Verbalization of an unremitting and overwhelming lack of energy, and inability to maintain usual routines.", while minor characteristics include, "Perceived need for additional energy to accomplish routine tasks; increase in physical complaints; emotionally labile or irritable; impaired ability to concentrate; decreased performance; lethargic or listless; disinterest in surroundings/introspection; decreased libido, and accident prone." Finally, related factors include, "Decreased/increased metabolic energy production; overwhelming psychological or emotional demands; increased energy requirements to perform activities of daily living; excessive social and/or role demands; states of discomfort, and altered body chemistry (e.g., medications, drug withdrawal, chemotherapy)".

Although the actual mechanisms that produce fatigue are unknown, it is thought that changes in biological and psychosocial patterns can influence signs and symptoms of fatigue. These patterns include: Accumulation of metabolites, changes in energy and energy substrates, activity/rest, sleep/wake, disease/treatment, symptoms, oxygenation, changes in regulation/transmission, psychological, and other related patterns, including environmental, social, life events, and host characteristics.

Central to the issues of health and disease is the ability of cells, individually and in aggregate, to communicate with their environment. Cell and mitochondrial membranes are made up mostly of polyunsaturated phospholipids arranged in bilayers. Injury to membranes results in a more rigid or deformed membrane, which in turn prevents cells from communicating effectively, and might also impair mitochondria function. This sequence of events can lead to disease conditions and symptoms of fatigue. Clinical research indicates that disease processes are initiated by free radical assault on cell membranes. There is also a considerable body of research showing that mutations and damage to mitochondria have a profound impact on their ability to generate the energy necessary for normal metabolic processes. Mitochondrial defects have been found in aging cells, as well as in a wide variety of degenerative diseases and cancer. Pathogenic base substitution, deletion, and insertion mutations are thought to lead to impaired ATP production. A single mtDNA mutation can inhibit electron transport, which increases free-radical formation, leading to more mtDNA mutations. In addition, selective replication of incomplete mtDNA results in a worsening of disease symptoms over time. Long-lived, diet-restricted animals produced fewer oxygen free radicals and accumulated less mtDNA damage than well-fed ones, in a study in mice. Inherited mtDNA mutations combine with accumulated somatic mutations to further depress energy levels in the compromised tissues, which then begin to break down, and produce symptoms.

We have demonstrates that Propax™ with NT Factor™ is a possible solution for fatigue in the various disease conditions, through its ability to restore both cellular and mitochondrial function. Reports from Henry Ford Hospital showed that the NT Factor™ component of Propax™ improved the maintenance and metabolic activity of normal cells, and significantly protected them from chemically-induced damage to the mitochondrial energy-generating system. In these animal studies, mitochondrial function was retained at a rate 20% greater than controls. These impressive results seem to imply both a cessation and reversal of the effects of mtDNA mutations. Many nutrients typically have cellular antioxidant capability. However, in the compromised individual, typical nutrients are of limited use because damage and assault on cells already exist. NT Factor™ introduces the ability to improve cell and mitochondrial membranes, by providing an external source of nutrition, thereby setting the stage for better utilization of moderately dosed nutrients and improved mitochondrial function.

Since an individual's subjective experience of fatigue provides the most reliable assessment of its progression or reduction, an accurate measurement tool seeks to encompass the various complex modalities associated with fatigue. Using a questionnaire which is easy to administer and demands minimal effort from the respondent, we try to accomplish this goal. To this end, we are using the Piper Fatigue Scale, which is a self-report scale that has been shown to accurately reflect the various factors associated with fatigue, both through clinical studies, and statistical factor analysis. This survey focuses on the occurrence of fatigue in various chronic and degenerative conditions.

Click here to take the Propax Fatigue Survey.

For more information, click a link below:

Piper Fatigue Scale (PDF File)

Evaluation Score (PDF File)

Abstract for Piper Fatigue Scale

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The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. You should not stop taking any pharmaceutical product without first consulting your prescribing physician.