Naviaux

Naviaux refers primarily to the work of Dr. Robert K. Naviaux, a professor of medicine, pediatrics, and pathology at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). His research focuses on the emerging field of metabolomics, particularly its application to understanding and treating complex, chronic illnesses.

Dr. Naviaux is best known for his work on the Cell Danger Response (CDR). The CDR is a conserved metabolic response to stress, injury, or infection at the cellular level. It represents a fundamental shift in cellular metabolism and gene expression that protects the cell and initiates the healing process. According to Naviaux's hypothesis, when the CDR becomes chronically activated, it can lead to a variety of chronic diseases, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), and others.

Naviaux's research has explored the metabolic features of these conditions and the potential for metabolically-targeted therapies to restore cellular health and improve patient outcomes. His work has involved preclinical studies using cell cultures and animal models, as well as clinical trials in humans.

Key concepts associated with Naviaux's work include:

• Metabolomics: The comprehensive study of metabolites, the small molecules involved in metabolism.
• Cell Danger Response (CDR): A universal cellular response to stress, injury, or infection.
• Suramin: An older antiparasitic drug that has been studied by Naviaux as a potential CDR inhibitor in autism.
• Purinergic signaling: The role of extracellular nucleotides, such as ATP, in cell-to-cell communication and the CDR.
• Mitochondrial function: The importance of mitochondria in cellular metabolism and the CDR.

The term "Naviaux" is increasingly used in the scientific literature and patient communities to refer to the principles, research, and potential therapies associated with the Cell Danger Response and metabolically-focused approaches to chronic disease.