Sterols

http://www.drhoffman.com/page.cfm/216

An article explaining sterols and sterolyns and the basic nature of their use in therapy for the immune system. http://www.natur-leaf.com/morton-walker.asp

Plant Sterols Monograph

Plant Sterols and sterolins: A review of their immune modulating properties 4. Quite a good article.

Plant Sterols and Sterolins, Inflammation and Polymyositis

Corticosteroids and Inflammation
The inhibition of inflammatory pathways involved in polymyositis is a key to fighting the condition. Presently, corticosteroid agents such as prednisone are used to suppress the immune responses mediated by B-cells and T-cells. They in addition exert suppressive effects on the effector processes of phagocytes thus making an excellent choice for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders such as polymyositis. Unfortunately, prednisone has been associated with several side effects such as bone loss, skin thinning and psychological complications .

Beta-sitosterol (BSS) and Beta-sitosterol Glycoside (BSSG)
Because of these complications, natural plant sterols and sterolins can be an effective choice for treating polymyositis-related inflammation. These compounds, also known as phytosterols, refer to fats present in essentially all plants including vegetables and fruits . Examples of these compounds include BSS and its own glycoside BSSG.

Benefits of BSS and BSSG

• BSS and BSSG have been known to exhibit anti-neoplastic, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory and immune modulating functions. A mixture of BSS and BSSG has also demonstrated interesting in vitro results in both animal and human trials. According to Bouic and Lamprecht, the complex targets specific T-helper lymphocytes, the Th1 and the Th2 cells thus helping in normalizing their functions. This eventually results in improved function of the natural killer cells and T-lymphocytes .
• The inhibition of TNF-α and IL-6 secretion is one of the most important benefits of BSS: BSSG complex . TNF-α and IL-6 are critical factors which induce inflammation and chronic processes . Inhibiting these factors can be an important step in managing polymyositis–related inflammation. This is because studies carried out by Aziz and a team of other researcher has indicated the importance of cytokines such as IL6 in the pathogenesis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies such as polymyositis.

Side effects and Dosage
Since phytosterols are considered to be safe, they are rarely associated with any clinically meaningful side effects as they do not result in any suppression of the immune system. According to Thorne Research, studies have been conducted on a 100:1 BSS: BSSG formula which contains 20 mg of beta-sitosterol and 200 mcg of beta-sitosterolin per every capsule. It is recommended that a loading dose of 2 capsules given thrice a day should be administered for a period of one month. This should then be reduced to one capsule given thrice daily. These drug compounds work best an hour prior to mealtime or on an empty stomach. Since milk and other animal fats inhibit drug absorption, it is not recommended to take the drug with these foods .  
Summary

• BSS: BSSG complex can be a safer alternative to corticosteroids such prednisone which are presently being used in the management of polymyositis-related inflammation.
• Plant Sterols and Sterolins are naturally derived from plants and vegetables.
• The compounds work by modulating the immune functions and inhibiting the production of IL-6 which is an important factor in the pathogenesis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies such as polymyositis
• There are no side effects associated with the phytosterols
• With a formula of 100:1 BSS: BSSG (20 mg of BSS and 200 mcg of BSSG), patients can take 2 capsules given thrice daily for one month and reduced to one capsule given thrice follow.