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Detoxifying the sulfites produced by CBS activity requires molybdenum, a mineral
that performs several biochemical functions.
CBS upregulation Sulfites Molybdenum
In addition to processing sulfur, molybdenum helps the body maintain the zinc/
copper ratio and contributes to genetic material. When molybdenum is depleted
by excess sulfites resulting from CBS upregulation, this can impact the zinc/
copper ratio.
Manganese is another mineral involved in ammonia detoxification. Excess ammonia
can deplete manganese stores. Classic signs of chronic manganese deficiency
include low cholesterol, elevated alkaline phosphatase levels, and depressed
T-cell-mediated immune function (due to thymus issues). Manganese
also contributes to the synthesis of dopamine, a key neurotransmitter that helps
to regulate mood. Accordingly, when higher levels of ammonia result from the
CBS upregulation, manganese can be recruited to detoxify them, impacting dopamine
levels. In addition, the pancreas requires manganese for insulin production.
Because of the many functional areas impacted when these two minerals
are recruited to rid the body of excess ammonia, I recommend that those with
CBS mutations regularly monitor both molybdenum and manganese levels on
an essential minerals test—in addition to monitoring both ammonia and taurine
levels on a UAA test. If the test results show elevated taurine and ammonia, you
and your practitioner can elect to raise the level of ammonia support.
There is one caveat in interpreting test results. While I would expect to see high
levels of taurine and ammonia in all those with the CBS mutation, in actuality,
sometimes that’s not what the test results always show, especially prior to
implementing full methylation cycle supports. So don’t be misled if your baseline
results don’t reveal elevated levels of ammonia and/or taurine.
Taurine
Why will the CBS mutation tend to produce higher levels of taurine One of the
roles of the transsulfuration pathway is to generate both glutathione and taurine.
If the cell detects a low level of cysteine, it will favor glutathione synthesis. High
levels of cysteine lead to taurine synthesis. With a CBS upregulation, more cysteine
is generated, shunting the pathway toward taurine formation. Some animal
studies indicate that the CBS C699T represents a forty-fold increase in enzyme
activity. The CBS A360A is a less active upregulation. It’s not surprising that
in those with the CBS mutation it’s common to see low levels of homocysteine,
cysteine, or cystathionine, due to the rapid conversion to taurine.
Taurine is not just a bad guy. It’s calming and helps to prevent seizure activity, so
we don’t want taurine levels to drop too low. Until the entire methylation cycle
134 Autism: Pathways to Recovery