Biotoxins from mold, Lyme, and other sources can lead to chronic inflammation, immune dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances - particularly in individuals with HLA-DR genetic susceptibility.

Roughly 25% of the population carry specific HLA-DR gene variants that impair the immune system’s ability to clear these toxins. Once bound to bile, they get reabsorbed and recirculate, keeping the body in a chronic inflammatory loop.

Over time, this drives excess cytokine production, which blocks leptin signaling at proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the hypothalamus. When POMC signaling is disrupted, production of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) drops—reducing the body’s ability to regulate inflammation, immune balance, metabolism, and gut integrity.

Low α-MSH and impaired POMC signaling are linked to:

• Chronic inflammation and fatigue

• Immune dysregulation (MARCoNS, Candida, etc.)

• Gut permeability and food sensitivities

• Adrenal dysfunction and fibromyalgia-like pain

Recovery requires more than removing exposure—it means restoring cellular communication between light, leptin, and POMC signaling, addressing inflammation at its biophysical roots.