Biofeedback Electro-Stimulation Technology (BEST™) is briefly reviewed and an explanation of therapeutic applications and neurophysiology based upon electron loading, i.e., increased cellular capacitance, and stimulation of nonmyelinated C and myelinated A nerve fibers to secrete neuropeptides leading to a cascade of multiple other neuro-active substances such as neurotransmitters, histamine and 5-HT (serotonin) is presented. In addition, neuropeptide synthesis is up-regulated leading to a quantitative increase in endogenous neuropeptide production by C fibers.

BEST™ impulses induce neuropeptides secretion by primarily C nerve fibers, and have profound and wide-ranging effects, triggering complex regulative chains and cascades. Multiple biochemical pathways utilizing many types of neuro-mediators, hormones, and cytokines are involved. Although peptide half-life in body fluids is relatively short, other mediators in the cascades survive for many hours. Some regulatory peptides act on genomic activity to alter gene expression and change biochemical synthesis. BEST™ electrical signals can reprogram tissues locked into chronic vegetative and dysfunctional states by inducing bolus synthesis of regulatory peptides (RP).

BEST™ impulses also are relayed through afferent♥ neural pathways to the CNS and give rise to various 1) segmental spinal reflexes by efferent signals sent from the cord to organs associated with that segment or back to the local tissue receiving the impulse; 2) systemic reactions such as endorphin induction by efferent♣ signals descending from the cortical and subcortical areas of the brain i.e. pain reduction.

Avazzia ™ and BEST ™ are trademarks of Avazzia Inc., Dallas Texas.
§ For reprints or correspondence, Dr. Wolfe can be contacted at: The Wolfe Foundations, c/o 2329 Saharah Drive, Garland, Texas (75044)
♥ an afferent nerve conducts impulses from peripheral nerve endings to the brain (CNS)
♣ an efferent nerve conducts impulses from the brain (CNS) to peripheral receptors

BEST™ impulses have a direct effect on blood perfusion. Clinically observable and well-defined increases in tissue perfusion at the treated areas are due to neuropeptide-induced vasodilatation, particularly Substance P. A combination of BEST™-induced axon reflexes also releases other vaso-active substances such as kinins, prostaglandins, cytokines, and nitric oxide. The end result is that blood flow to a treated area is significantly increased. Other neuropeptides and endoc•rine secretions released by BEST™ impulses mediate inflammation. Complement fixation and tissue injuries due to immune aggression are suppressed, and cellular immunity is enhanced by macrophage proliferation, activation, chemotaxis, and clearance of extracelluar debris.

BEST, based upon older electro-stimulation concepts, has redefined existing technology with novel waveforms, improved circuitry, and cleaner signaling. Signaling is focused and intensified for narrow applications or is expanded with unique signaling combinations and frequency ranges for increased therapeutic flexibility. The Avazzia unit is the first generation of BEST. Compared with the earlier Russian electro-stimulation devices, Avazzia generates cleaner and more precisely defined wave forms and possesses both newer (patent pending) settings that expand clinical versatility and vastly improved operational reliability.

Key Words: Avazzia, BEST, Micro-current, Neuropeptides, Nitric Oxide, Redox Potential, Acupuncture