Mast Cell Activation Disorder incudes: macrocystosis (an increased number of mast cells) and MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome).
Mast Cell Activation Sydrome (MCAS) is not rare, occurring in 10-17% of the population!
Mast Cells are the first responders in the immune system defense against pathogens and play an important role in wound healing and immune tolerance. Mast Cells have an important role in the immune system in responding to certain bacteria and parasites. They help control other types of immune responses. They contain: histamine, heparin, cytokines, and growth factors. Degranulation of these preformed substances- over 200+ substances including: histamine, tryptase, etc. occurs rapidly- within seconds!
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome is a chronic inappropriate production and release of the mast cells' large inventory of potent mediators, which upon interaction with other cells throughout the body, cause most of the symptoms.
People who have mast cell activation syndrome often have repeated episodes of the symptoms of anaphylaxis: allergic symptoms such as hives, swelling, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, tachycardia, skin turning red/flushing, and severe diarrhea. High levels of mast cell mediators are released during those episodes.
Mast cells are found in highest concentrations in the skin, airway, lungs, and intestines, as well as the mouth and nose. Mast cells are also found in the brain.
Mast cell triggers can be: heat/changes in temperature, stress, mold, heavy metals, viruses, lyme disease, exercise, foods (cheese, spices, cumin, fish, etc).
Neuropsychiatric disease associated with mast cells: Fibromyalgia, Migraine, Neuropathic pain, CRPS, Vulvodynia, Autism, MS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinsonism, Neurofibromatosis, Depressive episodes, ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks, difficulties in concentrating (and many many more conditions).
Testing/diagnosis of MCAS can be done through Blood by: Serum Tryptase, plasma histamine elevation. 24-hour Urine tests are: N-methylhistamine; Prostaglandin D2, Leukotrienes, and heparin. The third way is pretty invasive, it is a bone marrow biopsy for systemic Mastocycosis (aspirate is analyzed for tryptase, CD117, CD25, CD2, CD30 and KIT mutation.
Mast cells in the brain are activated by Cortisol Releasing hormone (Stress destabilizes mast cells!), etc- which releases inflammatory mediators, causes hyperpermeability (leaky brain) and neuroinflammation.
Mast cell activation Syndrome often is a tough condition. Symptoms can be mitigated by a low histamine diet, DAO enzyme with meals; as well as some of my favorite supplements that moderate mast cells including: Quercetin, Luteolin (found in celery and parsley), Vitamin C, and Magnesium. Environment is also looked at including: mold removal and other environmental toxin reductions. Since MCAS symptoms are severe often H1 and H2 blockers are helpful.
Mycotoxins (mold toxins) have a detrimental and dramatic effect on the body, often inflammatory, immune suppressive, etc. Running a mycotoxin urine profile is often helpful in finding if mycotoxins are compounding the problem.
