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Malato J, Sotzny F, Bauer S, Freitag H, Fonseca A, Grabowska AD, Graça L, Cordeiro C, Nacul L, Lacerda EM, Castro-Marrero J, Scheibenbogen C, Westermeier F, Sepúlveda N. The SARS-CoV-2 receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: analysis of high-throughput epigenetic and gene expression studies. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2021:2021.03.23.21254175. [PMID: 33791744 PMCID: PMC8010776 DOI: 10.1101/2021.03.23.21254175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Patients affected by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) show specific epigenetic and gene expression signatures of the disease. However, it is unknown whether these signatures include abnormal levels of the human angiotensin-converting enzymes, ACE and ACE2, the latter being the main receptor described for the host-cell invasion by SARS-CoV-2. To investigate that, we first re-analyzed available case-control epigenome-wide association studies based on DNA methylation data, and case-control gene expression studies based on microarray data. From these published studies, we found an association between ME/CFS and 4 potentially hypomethylated probes located in the ACE locus. We also found another disease association with one hypomethylated probe located in the transcription start site of ACE2. The same disease associations were obtained for women but not for men after performing sex-specific analyses. In contrast, a meta-analysis of gene expression levels could not provide evidence for a differentially expression of ACE and ACE2 in affected patients when compared to healthy controls. In line with this negative finding, the analysis of a new data set on the gene expression of ACE and ACE2 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells did not find any differences between a female cohort of 37 patients and 34 age-matched healthy controls. Future studies should be conducted to extend this investigation to other potential receptors used by SARS-CoV-2. These studies will help researchers and clinicians to improve the understanding of the health risk imposed by this virus when infecting patients affected by this debilitating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Malato
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- CEAUL – Centro de Estatística e Aplicações, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Franziska Sotzny
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra Bauer
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Helma Freitag
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - André Fonseca
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Anna D Grabowska
- Department of Biophysics and Human Physiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Luís Graça
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Clara Cordeiro
- CEAUL – Centro de Estatística e Aplicações, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Luís Nacul
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Complex Chronic Diseases Program, British Columbia Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eliana M Lacerda
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jesus Castro-Marrero
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Research Institute, Division of Rheumatology, ME/CFS Unit, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Immunology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Francisco Westermeier
- Institute of Biomedical Science, FH Joanneum University of Applied Sciences, Graz, Austria
- Centro de Biología y Química Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nuno Sepúlveda
- CEAUL – Centro de Estatística e Aplicações, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Immunology, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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52
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Haghighi S, Forsmark S, Zachrisson O, Carlsson A, Nilsson MKL, Carlsson ML, Schuit RC, Gottfries CG. Open-label study with the monoamine stabilizer (-)-OSU6162 in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e02040. [PMID: 33528911 PMCID: PMC8035472 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of the present study was to investigate the safety and tolerability of the monoaminergic stabilizer (-)-OSU6162 in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). In addition, a potential therapeutic effect of (-)-OSU6162 in ME/CFS was evaluated by means of observer-rated scales and self-assessment rating scales. MATERIALS AND METHODS In the current study using an open-label single-arm design ME/CFS patient received treatment with (-)-OSU6162 during 12 weeks. The patients received the following doses of (-)-OSU6162: 15 mg b.i.d. during the first 4-week period, up to 30 mg b.i.d. during the second 4-week period and up to 45 mg b.i.d. during the third 4-week period, with follow-up visits after 16 and 20 weeks. RESULTS Out of 33 included patients, 28 completed the 12 weeks treatment period. (-)-OSU6162 was well tolerated; only one patient discontinued due to an adverse event. Vital signs and physical examinations showed no abnormal changes. Blood analyses showed an increase in serum prolactin. Therapeutically, improvements were seen on the Clinical Global Impression of Change scale, the FibroFatigue scale, the Mental Fatigue Scale, the Fatigue Severity Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS (-)-OSU6162 is well tolerated in ME/CFS patients and shows promise as a novel treatment to mitigate fatigue and improve mood and health-related quality of life in ME/CFS. Obviously, the present results need to be confirmed in future placebo-controlled double-blind trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Haghighi
- Department of Neurology, Motala Hospital, Motala, Sweden
| | - Sara Forsmark
- Gottfries Clinic, Affiliated with Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Olof Zachrisson
- Gottfries Clinic, Affiliated with Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Arvid Carlsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marie K L Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria L Carlsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Robert C Schuit
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carl-Gerhard Gottfries
- Gottfries Clinic, Affiliated with Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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53
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Mckay PG, Walker H, Martin CR, Fleming M. Exploratory study into the relationship between the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and fibromyalgia (FM) using a quasiexperimental design. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e041947. [PMID: 33526500 PMCID: PMC7853008 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the relationship between symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and fibromyalgia (FM). The hypothesis predicated that there would be no significant differences between the group's symptom experience. DESIGN A quasiexperimental design. Structural equation modelling (SEM) and invariance testing. PARTICIPANTS Males (M) and females (F) >16 with a confirmed diagnosis of CFS/ME or FM by a general practitioner or specialist. CFS/ME (n=101, F: n=86, M: n=15, mean (M) age M=45.5 years). FM (n=107, F: n=95, M: n=12, M=47.2 years). OUTCOME MEASURES Diagnostic criteria: the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for CFS/ME and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for FM. Additional symptom questionnaires measuring: pain, sleep quality, fatigue, quality of life, anxiety and depression, locus of control and self-esteem. RESULTS Invariance was confirmed with the exception of the American CDC Symptom Inventory, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (p<0.05) based on five questions. Consequently, it was erroneous to conclude differences. Therefore, the Syndrome Model was created. SEM could not have tested the ACR previously, as it comprised a single data point. Thus, it was combined with these three questionnaires, increasing the data points, to create this new measurable model. Results confirmed no significant differences between groups (p=0.07 (p<0.05)). CONCLUSION Participants responded in a similar manner to the questionnaire, confirming the same symptom experience. It is important to consider this in context with differing criteria and management guidelines, as this may influence diagnosis and the trajectory of patient's management. With the biomedical cause currently unclear, it is the symptom experience and the impact on quality of life that is important. These findings are meaningful for patients, clinicians and policy development and support the requirement for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Helen Walker
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton International Technology Park, Hamilton, UK
| | - Colin R Martin
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Mick Fleming
- Department of Education, Sport and Culture, University College Isle of Man, Douglas, Isle of Man
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Asprusten TT, Sletner L, Wyller VBB. Are there subgroups of chronic fatigue syndrome? An exploratory cluster analysis of biological markers. J Transl Med 2021; 19:48. [PMID: 33516248 PMCID: PMC7847574 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-02713-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is defined according to subjective symptoms only, and several conflicting case definition exist. Previous research has discovered certain biological alterations. The aim of the present study was to explore possible subgroups based on biological markers within a widely defined cohort of adolescent CFS patients and investigate to what extent eventual subgroups are associated with other variables. METHODS The Norwegian Study of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Adolescents: Pathophysiology and Intervention Trial (NorCAPITAL) has previously performed detailed investigation of immunological, autonomic, neuroendocrine, cognitive and sensory processing functions in an adolescent group of CFS patients recruited according to wide diagnostic criteria. In the present study, hierarchical cluster analyses (Ward's method) were performed using representative variables from all these domains. Associations between clusters and constitutional factors (including candidate genetic markers), diagnostic criteria, subjective symptoms and prognosis were explored by standard statistical methods. RESULTS A total of 116 patients (26.7% males, mean age 15.4 years) were included. The final cluster analyses revealed six clusters labelled pain tolerant & good cognitions, restored HPA dynamics, orthostatic intolerance, low-grade inflammation, pain intolerant & poor cognitions, and high vagal (parasympathetic) activity, respectively. There was substantial overlap between clusters. The pain intolerant & poor cognitions-cluster was associated with low functional abilities and quality of life, and adherence to the Canada 2003 diagnostic criteria for CFS. No other statistically significant cluster associations were discovered. CONCLUSION Within a widely defined cohort of adolescent CFS patients, clusters could be delineated, but no distinct subgroups could be identified. Associations between clusters and constitutional factors, subjective symptoms and prognosis were scarce. These results question the clinical usefulness of searching for CFS subgroups, as well as the validity of the most "narrow" CFS diagnostic criteria. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trials NCT01040429.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarjei Tørre Asprusten
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Health, Akershus University Hospital, 1478 Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Line Sletner
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Health, Akershus University Hospital, 1478 Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Vegard Bruun Bratholm Wyller
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Health, Akershus University Hospital, 1478 Lørenskog, Norway
- Division of Medicine and Laboratory Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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55
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Toogood PL, Clauw DJ, Phadke S, Hoffman D. Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): Where will the drugs come from? Pharmacol Res 2021; 165:105465. [PMID: 33529750 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic debilitating disease characterized by severe and disabling fatigue that fails to improve with rest; it is commonly accompanied by multifocal pain, as well as sleep disruption, and cognitive dysfunction. Even mild exertion can exacerbate symptoms. The prevalence of ME/CFS in the U.S. is estimated to be 0.5-1.5 % and is higher among females. Viral infection is an established trigger for the onset of ME/CFS symptoms, raising the possibility of an increase in ME/CFS prevalence resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Current treatments are largely palliative and limited to alleviating symptoms and addressing the psychological sequelae associated with long-term disability. While ME/CFS is characterized by broad heterogeneity, common features include immune dysregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanistic basis of the disease remains poorly understood. Herein, we review the current understanding, diagnosis and treatment of ME/CFS and summarize past clinical studies aimed at identifying effective therapies. We describe the current status of mechanistic studies, including the identification of multiple targets for potential pharmacological intervention, and ongoing efforts towards the discovery of new medicines for ME/CFS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter L Toogood
- Michigan Drug Discovery, University of Michigan, Life Science Institute, 210 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, North University Building, 428 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States.
| | - Daniel J Clauw
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Internal Medicine (Rheumatology) and Psychiatry, University of Michigan/Michigan Medicine, Chronic Pain and Fatigue Center, 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, P.O. Box 3885, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
| | - Sameer Phadke
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, North University Building, 428 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
| | - David Hoffman
- Cayman Chemical Company, 1180 E. Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, United States
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56
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Jason L, Mirin A. Updating the National Academy of Medicine ME/CFS prevalence and economic impact figures to account for population growth and inflation. FATIGUE-BIOMEDICINE HEALTH AND BEHAVIOR 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/21641846.2021.1878716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L.A. Jason
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - A.A. Mirin
- Independent Researcher, Castro Valley, CA, USA
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Cheshire A, Ridge D, Clark LV, White PD. Sick of the Sick Role: Narratives of What "Recovery" Means to People With CFS/ME. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2021; 31:298-308. [PMID: 33176575 PMCID: PMC7750673 DOI: 10.1177/1049732320969395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about what recovery means to those with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis, a poorly understood, disabling chronic health condition. To explore this issue, semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients reporting improvement (n = 9) and deterioration (n = 10) after a guided self-help intervention, and analyzed via "constant comparison." The meaning of recovery differed between participants-expectations for improvement and deployment of the sick role (and associated stigma) were key influences. While some saw recovery as complete freedom from symptoms, many defined it as freedom from the "sick role," with functionality prioritized. Others redefined recovery, reluctant to return to the lifestyle that may have contributed to their illness, or rejected the concept as unhelpful. Recovery is not always about eliminating all symptoms. Rather, it is a nexus between the reality of limited opportunities for full recovery, yet a strong desire to leave the illness behind and regain a sense of "normality."
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Damien Ridge
- University of Westminster, London,
United Kingdom
| | - Lucy V. Clark
- Queen Mary University of London,
London, United Kingdom
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58
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Gotaas ME, Stiles TC, Bjørngaard JH, Borchgrevink PC, Fors EA. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Improves Physical Function and Fatigue in Mild and Moderate Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Consecutive Randomized Controlled Trial of Standard and Short Interventions. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:580924. [PMID: 33912079 PMCID: PMC8071989 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.580924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To study whether standard cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and a shorter, interpersonal oriented cognitive behavioral therapy (I-CBT) can improve physical function and fatigue in patients diagnosed with mild to moderate chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in a multidisciplinary fatigue clinic. Design: Consecutively 236 participants 18-62 years old meeting the Centre of Decease Control, CDC 1994 criteria, with a subsample also fulfilling the Canadian criteria for CFS, were randomly allocated to one of three groups. Two intervention groups received either 16 weeks of standard CBT or 8 weeks of I-CBT vs. a waiting-list control group (WLC). Primary outcome was the subscale Physical Function (PF) from SF-36 (0-100). Secondary outcome was amongst others fatigue measured by Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire (CFQ) (0-33). Outcomes were repeatedly measured up to 52 weeks from baseline. Results: The additional effect relative to baseline at post-intervention for SF-36 physical function was 14.2 (95% CI 7.9-20.4 p < 0.001) points higher for standard CBT and 6.8 (0.5-13.2 p = 0.036) points higher for I-CBT compared with the control group. The additional effect relative to baseline at post-intervention for fatigue was 5.9 (95% CI 0.5-10.5 p = 0.03) points lower for standard CBT compared with the control group but did not differ substantially for I-CBT 4.8 (95% CI -0.4 to 9.9 p = 0.07). The positive change in physical function persisted at 1-year follow-up for both treatment groups, and for standard CBT also in fatigue. The two intervention groups did not differ significantly in self-reported physical function and fatigue at the 1-year follow-up. No serious adverse reactions were recorded in any of the groups during the trial period. Interpretation: A 16-week standard, individual CBT intervention improves physical function and fatigue in CFS outpatients with mild to moderate disease. A shorter 8-week I-CBT program improves physical function. Both treatments are safe, and the effect persist 1 year after baseline. Clinical Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT00920777, registered June 15, 2009. REK-project number: 4.2008.2586, registered April 2, 2008. Funding: The Liaison Committee for Education, Research and Innovation in Central Norway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merethe Eide Gotaas
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,National Competence Centre for Complex Symptom Disorders, St. Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Tore C Stiles
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Johan Håkon Bjørngaard
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Levanger, Norway
| | - Petter C Borchgrevink
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,National Competence Centre for Complex Symptom Disorders, St. Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Egil A Fors
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Muller AE, Tveito K, Bakken IJ, Flottorp SA, Mjaaland S, Larun L. Potential causal factors of CFS/ME: a concise and systematic scoping review of factors researched. J Transl Med 2020; 18:484. [PMID: 33317576 PMCID: PMC7734915 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02665-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is understood as a complex condition, likely triggered and sustained by an interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. Little oversight exists of the field of causal research. This systematic scoping review explores potential causal factors of CFS/ME as researched by primary studies. METHODS We searched eight databases for primary studies that examined potential causal factors of CFS/ME. Based on title/abstract review, two researchers independently sorted each study's factors into nine main categories and 71 subordinate categories, using a system developed with input given during a 2018 ME conference, specialists and representatives from a ME patient advocacy group, and using BMJ Best Practice's description of CFS/ME etiology. We also extracted data related to study design, size, diagnostic criteria and comparison groups. RESULTS We included 1161 primary studies published between January 1979 and June 2019. Based on title/abstract analysis, no single causal factor dominated in these studies, and studies reported a mean of 2.73 factors. The four most common factors were: immunological (297 studies), psychological (243), infections (198), and neuroendocrinal (198). The most frequent study designs were case-control studies (894 studies) comparing CFS/ME patients with healthy participants. More than half of the studies (that reported study size in the title/abstract) included 100 or fewer participants. CONCLUSION The field of causal hypotheses of CFS/ME is diverse, and we found that the studies examined all the main categories of possible factors that we had defined a priori. Most studies were not designed to adequately explore causality, rather to establish hypotheses. We need larger studies with stronger study designs to gain better knowledge of causal factors of CFS/ME.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kari Tveito
- Journal of the Norwegian Medical Association, Sentrum, PO Box 1152, 0107, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Signe A Flottorp
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Skøyen, PO Box 222, 0213, Oslo, Norway
- University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Siri Mjaaland
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Skøyen, PO Box 222, 0213, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lillebeth Larun
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Skøyen, PO Box 222, 0213, Oslo, Norway
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Adamson J, Ali S, Santhouse A, Wessely S, Chalder T. Cognitive behavioural therapy for chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome: outcomes from a specialist clinic in the UK. J R Soc Med 2020; 113:394-402. [PMID: 32930040 PMCID: PMC7583448 DOI: 10.1177/0141076820951545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cognitive behavioural therapy is commonly used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome and has been shown to be effective for reducing fatigue and improving physical functioning. Most of the evidence on the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome is from randomised control trials, but there are only a few studies in naturalistic treatment settings. Our aim was to examine the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome in a naturalistic setting and examine what factors, if any, predicted outcome. DESIGN Using linear mixed effects analysis, we analysed patients' self-reported symptomology over the course of treatment and at three-month follow-up. Furthermore, we explored what baseline factors were associated with improvement at follow-up. SETTING Data were available for 995 patients receiving cognitive behavioural therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome at an outpatient clinic in the UK. PARTICIPANTS Participants were referred consecutively to a specialist unit for chronic fatigue or chronic fatigue syndrome. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Patients were assessed throughout their treatment using self-report measures including the Chalder Fatigue Scale, 36-item Short Form Health Survey, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Global Improvement and Satisfaction. RESULTS Patients' fatigue, physical functioning and social adjustment scores significantly improved over the duration of treatment with medium to large effect sizes (|d| = 0.45-0.91). Furthermore, 85% of patients self-reported that they felt an improvement in their fatigue at follow-up and 90% were satisfied with their treatment. None of the regression models convincingly predicted improvement in outcomes with the best model being (R2 = 0.137). CONCLUSIONS Patients' fatigue, physical functioning and social adjustment all significantly improved following cognitive behavioural therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome in a naturalistic outpatient setting. These findings support the growing evidence from previous randomised control trials and suggest that cognitive behavioural therapy could be an effective treatment in routine treatment settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Adamson
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Sheila Ali
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Alastair Santhouse
- Persistent Physical symptoms Research and Treatment Unit, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Simon Wessely
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London SE5 8AF, UK.,Persistent Physical symptoms Research and Treatment Unit, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
| | - Trudie Chalder
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London SE5 8AF, UK.,Persistent Physical symptoms Research and Treatment Unit, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
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61
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Close S, Marshall-Gradisnik S, Byrnes J, Smith P, Nghiem S, Staines D. The Economic Impacts of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in an Australian Cohort. Front Public Health 2020; 8:420. [PMID: 32974259 PMCID: PMC7472917 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to estimate direct and indirect health economic costs associated with government and out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure based on health care service utilization and lost income of participants and carers, as reported by Australian Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) patient survey participants. Design: A cost of illness study was conducted to estimate Australian cost data for individuals with a ME/CFS diagnosis as determined by the Canadian Consensus Criteria (CCC), International Consensus Criteria (ICC), and the 1994 CDC Criteria (Fukuda). Setting and participants: Survey participants identified from a research registry database provided self-report of expenditure associated with ME/CFS related healthcare across a 1-month timeframe between 2017 and 2019. Main outcome measures: ME/CFS related direct annual government health care costs, OOP health expenditure costs, indirect costs associated with lost income and health care service use patterns. Results: The mean annual cost of health care related expenditure and associated income loss among survey participants meeting diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS was estimated at $14.5 billion. For direct OOP and Government health care expenditure, high average costs were related to medical practitioner attendance, diagnostics, natural medicines, and device expenditure, with an average attendance of 10.6 referred attendances per annum and 12.1 GP visits per annum related specifically to managing ME/CFS. Conclusions: The economic impacts of ME/CFS in Australia are significant. Improved understanding of the illness pathology, diagnosis, and management, may reduce costs, improve patient prognosis and decrease the burden of ME/CFS in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shara Close
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Joshua Byrnes
- Centre for Applied Health Economics, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter Smith
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Son Nghiem
- Centre for Applied Health Economics, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Don Staines
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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Twomey R, Yeung ST, Wrightson JG, Millet GY, Culos-Reed SN. Post-exertional Malaise in People With Chronic Cancer-Related Fatigue. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 60:407-416. [PMID: 32105793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a distressing and persistent sense of tiredness or exhaustion that interferes with usual functioning. Chronic CRF continues for months after curative cancer treatment is complete. Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is a worsening of symptoms after physical or mental activity, with limited investigations in people with chronic CRF. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to identify and describe self-reported incidences of PEM in people with chronic CRF. METHODS Participants (n = 18) were eligible if they scored ≤34 on the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale and had a cancer-related onset of fatigue. Participants completed a brief questionnaire to assess PEM during a six-month time frame (the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire-PEM). In addition, a maximal exercise test was used to investigate self-reported symptom exacerbation (via an open-ended questionnaire) after strenuous physical exertion. RESULTS On the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire-PEM, three participants met previously defined scoring criteria, which included experiencing moderate to very severe symptoms at least half of the time, worsening of fatigue after minimal effort, plus a recovery duration of >24 hours. Content analysis of responses to open-ended questionnaires identified five people who experienced a delayed recovery and symptoms of PEM after maximal exercise. CONCLUSION A subset of people with chronic CRF (up to 33% in this sample) may experience PEM. Exercise specialists and health care professionals working with people with chronic CRF must be aware that PEM may be an issue. Symptom exacerbation after exercise should be monitored, and exercise should be tailored and adapted to limit the potential for harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Twomey
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
| | - Samuel T Yeung
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - James G Wrightson
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Guillaume Y Millet
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; UJM Saint-Etienne, Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Biology, University of Lyon, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - S Nicole Culos-Reed
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada; Department of Psychosocial Resources, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada
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Bynke A, Julin P, Gottfries CG, Heidecke H, Scheibenbogen C, Bergquist J. Autoantibodies to beta-adrenergic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) patients - A validation study in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid from two Swedish cohorts. Brain Behav Immun Health 2020; 7:100107. [PMID: 34589868 PMCID: PMC8474431 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2020.100107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) also known as ME/CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) or ME/SEID (Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disorder), is a disabling and often long-lasting disease that can drastically impair quality of life and physical/social functioning of the patients. Underlying pathological mechanisms are to a large extent unknown, but the presence of autoantibodies, cytokine pattern deviations and the presentation of cognitive and autonomic nervous system related symptoms provide evidence for ME being an immunological disorder with elements of autoimmunity. Increased levels of autoantibodies binding to adrenergic and muscarinic receptors in ME-patients have been reported. It is hypothesized that these autoantibodies have pathological significance and contribute to the ME-specific symptoms, however, these observations need to be validated. This study was designed to investigate potential differences in adrenergic and muscarinic receptor autoantibody levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples between ME patients and gender and age-matched healthy controls, and to correlate the autoantibody levels to disease severity. We collected bodyfluids and health-related questionnaires from two Swedish ME cohorts, plasma and CSF from one of the cohorts (n = 24), only plasma from the second cohort (n = 24) together with plasma samples (n = 24) and CSF (n = 6) from healthy controls. All samples were analysed for IgG autoantibodies directed against Alpha- (α1, α2) and Beta- (β1-3) adrenergic receptors and Muscarinic (M) 1-5 acetylcholine receptors using an ELISA technique. The questionnaires were used as measures of disease severity. Significant increases in autoantibody levels in ME patients compared to controls were found for M3 and M4 -receptors in both cohorts and β1, β2, M3 and M4-receptors in one cohort. No significant correlations were found between autoantibody levels and disease severity. No significant levels of autoantibodies were detected in the CSF samples. These findings support previous findings that there exists a general pattern of increased antibody levels to adrenergic and muscarinic receptors within the ME patient group. However, the role of increased adrenergic and muscarinic receptor autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of ME is still uncertain and further research is needed to evaluate the clinical significance of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Bynke
- Analytical Chemistry and Neurochemistry, Department of Chemistry – BMC, Box 599, Uppsala University, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden
- The ME/CFS Collaborative Research Centre at Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Per Julin
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- ME/CFS-policlinic, Neurological Rehabiliation Clinic, Stora Sköndal, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carl-Gerhard Gottfries
- Gottfries Clinic, Affiliated with Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, Sweden
| | | | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jonas Bergquist
- Analytical Chemistry and Neurochemistry, Department of Chemistry – BMC, Box 599, Uppsala University, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden
- The ME/CFS Collaborative Research Centre at Uppsala University, Sweden
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Lim EJ, Son CG. Review of case definitions for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). J Transl Med 2020; 18:289. [PMID: 32727489 PMCID: PMC7391812 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02455-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating disease with unknown causes. From the perspectives on the etiology and pathophysiology, ME/CFS has been labeled differently, which influenced changes in case definitions and terminologies. This review sought to feature aspects of the history, developments, and differential symptoms in the case definitions. METHODS A search was conducted through PubMed published to February 2020 using the following search keywords: case definition AND chronic fatigue syndrome [MeSH Terms]. All reference lists of the included studies were checked. Of the included studies, the number of citations and the visibility in the literatures of the definitions were considered for comparisons of the criteria. RESULTS Since the first 'ME' case definition was developed in 1986, 25 case definitions/diagnostic criteria were created based on three conceptual factors (etiology, pathophysiology, and exclusionary disorders). These factors can be categorized into four categories (ME, ME/CFS, CFS, and SEID) and broadly characterized according to primary disorder (ME-viral, CFS-unknown, ME/CFS-inflammatory, SEID-multisystemic), compulsory symptoms (ME and ME/CFS-neuroinflammatory, CFS and SEID-fatigue and/or malaise), and required conditions (ME-infective agent, ME/CFS, CFS, SEID-symptoms associated with fatigue, e.g., duration of illness). ME and ME/CFS widely cover all symptom categories, while CFS mainly covers neurologic and neurocognitive symptoms. Fatigue, cognitive impairment, PEM, sleep disorder, and orthostatic intolerance were the overlapping symptoms of the 4 categories, which were included as SEID criteria. CONCLUSIONS This study comprehensively described the journey of the development of case definitions and compared the symptom criteria. This review provides broader insights and explanations to understand the complexity of ME/CFS for clinicians and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Jin Lim
- Institute of Bioscience and Integrative Medicine, Department of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, 62 Daehak-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Gue Son
- Institute of Bioscience and Integrative Medicine, Department of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, 62 Daehak-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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Pedraz-Petrozzi B, Neumann E, Sammer G. Pro-inflammatory markers and fatigue in patients with depression: A case-control study. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9494. [PMID: 32528052 PMCID: PMC7289841 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66532-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to investigate differences between depressed subjects (PG) and non-depressed healthy control participants (HCG) with regard to fatigue dimensions and inflammation. For this purpose, 43 participants in the PG and 51 participants in the HCG were included in the study. IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and CRP were assessed in venous blood samples. Fatigue and depression were assessed using the FIS-D and BDI-FS questionnaires. Main results showed higher BDI-FS values in PG. Moreover, PG showed mean differences for fatigue dimensions when compared to the HCG. For the pro-inflammatory markers, a moderate group effect was found between PG and HCG which was mainly caused by IL-6. Correlations between TNF-α and BDI-FS, TNF-α and cognitive fatigue, TNF-α and psychosocial fatigue were found within the PG. In the HCG, correlations were found between IL-6, TNF-α and somatic fatigue, as well as IL-6 and cognitive fatigue. Significant correlations were found between the psychological variables in both groups. All results were controlled for the confounding variables gender, age, BMI and multiple comparisons. These results suggest the presence of inflammation in both depression and fatigue. However, each correlates with different pro-inflammatory parameters, suggesting a biological heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Pedraz-Petrozzi
- Cognitive Neurosciences at the Center for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Hessen, Germany.
| | - Elena Neumann
- Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Campus Kerckhoff, Justus-Liebig University, Bad Nauheim, Hessen, Germany
| | - Gebhard Sammer
- Cognitive Neurosciences at the Center for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Hessen, Germany
- Faculty of Psychology and Sports Science, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Hessen, Germany
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Estévez-López F, Mudie K, Wang-Steverding X, Bakken IJ, Ivanovs A, Castro-Marrero J, Nacul L, Alegre J, Zalewski P, Słomko J, Strand EB, Pheby D, Shikova E, Lorusso L, Capelli E, Sekulic S, Scheibenbogen C, Sepúlveda N, Murovska M, Lacerda E. Systematic Review of the Epidemiological Burden of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Across Europe: Current Evidence and EUROMENE Research Recommendations for Epidemiology. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E1557. [PMID: 32455633 PMCID: PMC7290765 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9051557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aimed at determining the prevalence and incidence of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) in Europe. We conducted a primary search in Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science for publications between 1994 and 15 June 2019 (PROSPERO: CRD42017078688). Additionally, we performed a backward-(reference lists) and forward-(citations) search of the works included in this review. Grey literature was addressed by contacting all members of the European Network on ME/CFS (EUROMENE). Independent reviewers searched, screened and selected studies, extracted data and evaluated the methodological and reporting quality. For prevalence, two studies in adults and one study in adolescents were included. Prevalence ranged from 0.1% to 2.2%. Two studies also included incidence estimates. In conclusion, studies on the prevalence and incidence of ME/CFS in Europe were scarce. Our findings point to the pressing need for well-designed and statistically powered epidemiological studies. To overcome the shortcomings of the current state-of-the-art, EUROMENE recommends that future research is better conducted in the community, reviewing the clinical history of potential cases, obtaining additional objective information (when needed) and using adequate ME/CFS case definitions; namely, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention-1994, Canadian Consensus Criteria, or Institute of Medicine criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Estévez-López
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kathleen Mudie
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Disease, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (K.M.); (L.N.); (N.S.); (E.L.)
| | | | - Inger Johanne Bakken
- Centre for Fertility and Health (CeFH), Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 0456 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Andrejs Ivanovs
- Statistics Unit, Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Jesús Castro-Marrero
- ME/CFS Unit, Division of Rheumatology, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (J.C.-M.); (J.A.)
| | - Luis Nacul
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Disease, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (K.M.); (L.N.); (N.S.); (E.L.)
| | - Jose Alegre
- ME/CFS Unit, Division of Rheumatology, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (J.C.-M.); (J.A.)
| | - Paweł Zalewski
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, Ergonomics and Postgraduate Education, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (P.Z.); (J.S.)
| | - Joanna Słomko
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, Ergonomics and Postgraduate Education, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (P.Z.); (J.S.)
| | - Elin Bolle Strand
- Faculty of Health Studies, VID Specialized University, 0370 Oslo, Norway;
- Norway & National Advisory Unit on CFS/ME, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Derek Pheby
- Faculty of Health and Society, Buckinghamshire New University, High Wycombe HP11 3JZ, UK;
| | - Evelina Shikova
- Department of Virology, National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria & The National Specialized Hospital for Active Treatment in Haematological Diseases, 1233 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | | | - Enrica Capelli
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Centre for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Slobodan Sekulic
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Nuno Sepúlveda
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Disease, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (K.M.); (L.N.); (N.S.); (E.L.)
- Centre of Statistics and Its Applications, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Modra Murovska
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Eliana Lacerda
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Disease, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK; (K.M.); (L.N.); (N.S.); (E.L.)
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Carr MJ, Ashcroft DM, White PD, Kapur N, Webb RT. Prevalence of comorbid mental and physical illnesses and risks for self-harm and premature death among primary care patients diagnosed with fatigue syndromes. Psychol Med 2020; 50:1156-1163. [PMID: 31131782 PMCID: PMC7253619 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291719001065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatigue syndromes (FSs) affect large numbers of individuals, yet evidence from epidemiological studies on adverse outcomes, such as premature death, is limited. METHODS Cohort study involving 385 general practices in England that contributed to the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) with linked inpatient Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) and Office for National Statistics (ONS) cause of death information. A total of 10 477 patients aged 15 years and above, diagnosed with a FS during 2000-2014, were individually matched with up to 20 comparator patients without a history of having a FS. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were estimated to compare the FS and comparison cohorts on clinical characteristics. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for subsequent adverse outcomes were estimated from stratified Cox regression models. RESULTS Among patients diagnosed with FSs, we found elevated baseline prevalence of: any psychiatric illness (PR 1.77; 95% CI 1.72-1.82), anxiety disorders (PR 1.92; 1.85-1.99), depression (PR 1.89; 1.83-1.96), psychotropic prescriptions (PR 1.68; 1.64-1.72) and comorbid physical illness (PR 1.28; 1.23-1.32). We found no significant differences in risks for: all-cause mortality (HR 0.99; 0.91-1.09), natural death (HR 0.99; 0.90-1.09), unnatural death (HR 1.00; 0.59-1.72) or suicide (HR 1.68; 0.78-3.63). We did, however, observe a significantly elevated non-fatal self-harm risk: HR 1.83; 1.56-2.15. CONCLUSIONS The absence of elevated premature mortality risk is reassuring. The raised prevalence of mental illness and increased non-fatal self-harm risk indicate a need for enhanced assessment and management of psychopathology associated with fatigue syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Carr
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, ManchesterM13 9PL, UK
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, ManchesterM13 9PL, UK
| | - Darren M. Ashcroft
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, ManchesterM13 9PL, UK
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, ManchesterM13 9PT, UK
| | - Peter D. White
- Wolfson Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Nav Kapur
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, ManchesterM13 9PL, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Roger T. Webb
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, ManchesterM13 9PL, UK
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, ManchesterM13 9PL, UK
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Herane-Vives A, Papadopoulos A, de Angel V, Chua KC, Soto L, Chalder T, Young AH, Cleare AJ. Cortisol levels in chronic fatigue syndrome and atypical depression measured using hair and saliva specimens. J Affect Disord 2020; 267:307-314. [PMID: 32217231 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.01.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder (MDE) overlap with those of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Furthermore, atypical MDE (A-MDE), a subtype of MDE characterised by profound fatigue and which has frequently been linked with CFS, exhibits similar low cortisol levels to CFS. However, this result has been only found in specimens designed for measuring acute cortisol levels. In this study, we measure cortisol levels in subjects with CFS and in subjects with A-MDE, without psychiatric comorbidity, using both hair and saliva specimens, to gain a measure of both short and long-term cortisol levels in these two conditions. METHODS Hair cortisol concentration, representing the cortisol concentration of the previous three months, and salivary cortisol, measured at six time-points across one day and including the cortisol awakening response (CAR), post-awakening delta cortisol and the total daily output, were assessed in an age and gender matched group of 34 controls, 15 subjects with A-MDE and 17 with CFS. RESULTS CFS (mean 92.2 nmol/l.h, s.d. 33.2 nmol/l.h) and A-MDE (mean 89.1 nmol/l.h, s.d. 22.6 nmol/l.h) subjects both showed lower cortisol total daily output in saliva (AUCg) in comparison to healthy controls (mean 125.5 nmol/l.h, s.d. 40.6 nmol/l.h). However, hair cortisol concentration was not lower than that of controls in either patient group. CFS and A-MDE did not differ from one another on any cortisol measures. CFS subjects reported fewer daily hassles and less severe psychic anxiety symptoms in comparison to A-MDE subjects (all p < 0.05). However, they did not differ in the severity of somatic anxiety symptoms. There was also no difference in the presence of overlapping symptoms such as fatigability and concentration/memory problems between A-MDE and CFS subjects. CONCLUSION Low levels of cortisol found using short-term measures of daily output may be transient, since cortisol levels were normal when a long-term measure (hair) was studied. This might be explained by a potential cortisol rhythm alteration. Although these disorders have their distinctive depressive and somatic features, they may from part of a wider group of Somatic Symptom Disorders (SSD), given the findings of the same pattern of cortisol secretion in both disorders and increased frequency of overlapping clinical features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Herane-Vives
- Centre for Affective Disorders(,) Department of Psychological Medicine(,) Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London(,) London(,) United Kingdom; Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience. University College of London (UCL)(,) London(,) United Kingdom.
| | - Andrew Papadopoulos
- Centre for Affective Disorders(,) Department of Psychological Medicine(,) Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London(,) London(,) United Kingdom
| | - Valeria de Angel
- Centre for Affective Disorders(,) Department of Psychological Medicine(,) Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London(,) London(,) United Kingdom
| | - Kia-Chong Chua
- Centre for Affective Disorders(,) Department of Psychological Medicine(,) Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London(,) London(,) United Kingdom
| | - Lilian Soto
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Chile
| | - Trudie Chalder
- Centre for Affective Disorders(,) Department of Psychological Medicine(,) Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London(,) London(,) United Kingdom
| | - Allan H Young
- Centre for Affective Disorders(,) Department of Psychological Medicine(,) Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London(,) London(,) United Kingdom
| | - Anthony J Cleare
- Centre for Affective Disorders(,) Department of Psychological Medicine(,) Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London(,) London(,) United Kingdom
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Pheby DF, Araja D, Berkis U, Brenna E, Cullinan J, de Korwin JD, Gitto L, Hughes DA, Hunter RM, Trepel D, Wang-Steverding X. The Development of a Consistent Europe-Wide Approach to Investigating the Economic Impact of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS): A Report from the European Network on ME/CFS (EUROMENE). Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:healthcare8020088. [PMID: 32272608 PMCID: PMC7349118 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8020088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We have developed a Europe-wide approach to investigating the economic impact of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), facilitating acquisition of information on the economic burden of ME/CFS, and international comparisons of economic costs between countries. The economic burden of ME/CFS in Europe appears large, with productivity losses most significant, giving scope for substantial savings through effective prevention and treatment. However, economic studies of ME/CFS, including cost-of-illness analyses and economic evaluations of interventions, are problematic due to different, arbitrary case definitions, and unwillingness of doctors to diagnose it. We therefore lack accurate incidence and prevalence data, with no obvious way to estimate costs incurred by undiagnosed patients. Other problems include, as for other conditions, difficulties estimating direct and indirect costs incurred by healthcare systems, patients and families, and heterogeneous healthcare systems and patterns of economic development across countries. We have made recommendations, including use of the Fukuda (CDC-1994) case definition and Canadian Consensus Criteria (CCC), a pan-European common symptom checklist, and implementation of prevalence-based cost-of-illness studies in different countries using an agreed data list. We recommend using purchasing power parities (PPP) to facilitate international comparisons, and EuroQol-5D as a generic measure of health status and multi-attribute utility instrument to inform future economic evaluations in ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek F.H. Pheby
- Society and Health, Buckinghamshire New University, High Wycombe HP11 2JZ, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Diana Araja
- Department of Dosage Form Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema Street 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Uldis Berkis
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Riga Stradins University, Dzirciema Street 16, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Elenka Brenna
- Department of Economics and Finance, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Agostino Gemelli 1, 20123 Milan, Italy;
| | - John Cullinan
- School of Business & Economics, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
| | - Jean-Dominique de Korwin
- Internal Medicine Department, University of Lorraine, 34, cours Léopold, CS 25233, F-54052 Nancy CEDEX, France;
- University Hospital of Nancy, Rue du Morvan, 54511 Nancy, France; jd.dekorwin@chru-nancy
| | - Lara Gitto
- Department of Economics, University of Messina, Piazza Pugliatti 1, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Dyfrig A Hughes
- Centre for Health Economics & Medicines Evaluation, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2PZ, UK;
| | - Rachael M Hunter
- Institute of Epidemiology & Health, Royal Free Medical School, University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK;
| | - Dominic Trepel
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, D02 PN40 Dublin 2, Ireland;
- Global Brain Health Institute, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, D02 PN40 Dublin 2, Ireland
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70
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Sandler CX, Lloyd AR. Chronic fatigue syndrome: progress and possibilities. Med J Aust 2020; 212:428-433. [DOI: 10.5694/mja2.50553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina X Sandler
- UNSW Fatigue ClinicUNSW Sydney NSW
- Queensland University of Technology Brisbane QLD
| | - Andrew R Lloyd
- Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity in SocietyUNSW Sydney NSW
- UNSW Medicine Sydney NSW
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71
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Kim TH, Kim DH, Kang JW. Medicinal herbs for managing fatigue symptoms in patients with idiopathic chronic fatigue: A PRISMA compliant updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials based on the GRADE approach. Eur J Integr Med 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2020.101069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Irritable bowel, chronic widespread pain, chronic fatigue and related syndromes are prevalent and highly overlapping in the general population: DanFunD. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3273. [PMID: 32094442 PMCID: PMC7039919 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60318-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevalence of functional somatic syndromes (FSS) in the general population varies with observed overlap between syndromes. However, studies including a range of FSS are sparse. We investigated prevalence and characteristics of various FSS and the unifying diagnostic construct bodily distress syndrome (BDS), and identified mutual overlap of the FSS and their overlap with BDS. We included a stratified subsample of 1590 adults from a randomly selected Danish general population sample (n = 7493). Telephonic diagnostic interviews performed by three trained physicians were used to identify individuals with FSS and BDS. Prevalence of overall FSS was 9.3%; 3.8% for irritable bowel, 2.2% for chronic widespread pain, 6.1% for chronic fatigue, 1.5% for whiplash associated disorders, and 0.9% for multiple chemical sensitivity. Prevalence of BDS was 10.7% where 2.0% had the multi-organ type. FSS were highly overlapping with low likelihood of having a “pure” type. Diagnostic agreement of FSS and BDS was 92.0%. Multi-syndromatic FSS and multi-organ BDS were associated with female sex, poor health, physical limitations, and comorbidity. FSS are highly prevalent and overlapping, and multi-syndromatic cases are most affected. BDS captured the majority of FSS and may improve clinical management, making the distinction between multi- and mono-syndromatic patients easier.
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73
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Lim EJ, Ahn YC, Jang ES, Lee SW, Lee SH, Son CG. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). J Transl Med 2020; 18:100. [PMID: 32093722 PMCID: PMC7038594 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02269-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) has been emerging as a significant health issue worldwide. This study aimed to systemically assess the prevalence of CFS/ME in various aspects of analyses for precise assessment. Methods We systematically searched prevalence of CFS/ME from public databases from 1980 to December 2018. Data were extracted according to 7 categories for analysis: study participants, gender and age of the participants, case definition, diagnostic method, publication year, and country of the study conducted. Prevalence data were collected and counted individually for studies adopted various case definitions. We analyzed and estimated prevalence rates in various angles: average prevalence, pooled prevalence and meta-analysis of all studies. Results A total of 1291 articles were initially identified, and 45 articles (46 studies, 56 prevalence data) were selected for this study. Total 1085,976 participants were enrolled from community-based survey (540,901) and primary care sites (545,075). The total average prevalence was 1.40 ± 1.57%, pooled prevalence 0.39%, and meta-analysis 0.68% [95% CI 0.48–0.97]. The prevalence rates were varied by enrolled participants (gender, study participants, and population group), case definitions and diagnostic methods. For example, in the meta-analysis; women (1.36% [95% CI 0.48–0.97]) vs. men (0.86% [95% CI 0.48–0.97]), community-based samples (0.76% [95% CI 0.53–1.10]) vs. primary care sites (0.63% [95% CI 0.37–1.10]), adults ≥ 18 years (0.65% [95% CI 0.43–0.99]) vs. children and adolescents < 18 years (0.55% [95% CI 0.22–1.35]), CDC-1994 (0.89% [95% CI 0.60–1.33]) vs. Holmes (0.17% [95% CI 0.06–0.49]), and interviews (1.14% [95% CI 0.76–1.72]) vs. physician diagnosis (0.09% [95% CI 0.05–0.13]), respectively. Conclusions This study comprehensively estimated the prevalence of CFS/ME; 0.89% according to the most commonly used case definition CDC-1994, with women approximately 1.5 to 2 folds higher than men in all categories. However, we observed the prevalence rates are widely varied particularly by case definitions and diagnostic methods. An objective diagnostic tool is urgently required for rigorous assessment of the prevalence of CFS/ME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Jin Lim
- Institute of Bioscience and Integrative Medicine, Department of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, 62 Daehak-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yo-Chan Ahn
- Department of Health Service Management, Daejeon University, 96-3 Yongun-dong, Dong-gu, Daejeon, 300-716, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Su Jang
- Institute of Bioscience and Integrative Medicine, Department of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, 62 Daehak-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Si-Woo Lee
- Division of Future Medicine, Korean Institute of Oriental Medicine, Yuseong-daero, 1672, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Hwa Lee
- The Catholic University of Korea, Daejeon St. Mary Hospital, 64, Daeheung-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Gue Son
- Institute of Bioscience and Integrative Medicine, Department of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, 62 Daehak-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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74
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Almenar-Pérez E, Sarría L, Nathanson L, Oltra E. Assessing diagnostic value of microRNAs from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and extracellular vesicles in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2064. [PMID: 32034172 PMCID: PMC7005890 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58506-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating multisystemic disease of unknown etiology, affecting thousands of individuals worldwide. Its diagnosis still relies on ruling out medical problems leading to unexplained fatigue due to a complete lack of disease-specific biomarkers. Our group and others have explored the potential value of microRNA profiles (miRNomes) as diagnostic tools for this disease. However, heterogeneity of participants, low numbers, the variety of samples assayed, and other pre-analytical variables, have hampered the identification of disease-associated miRNomes. In this study, our team has evaluated, for the first time, ME/CFS miRNomes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) from severely ill patients recruited at the monographic UK ME biobank to assess, using standard operating procedures (SOPs), blood fractions with optimal diagnostic power for a rapid translation of a miR-based diagnostic method into the clinic. Our results show that routine creatine kinase (CK) blood values, plasma EVs physical characteristics (including counts, size and zeta-potential), and a limited number of differentially expressed PBMC and EV miRNAs appear significantly associated with severe ME/CFS (p < 0.05). Gene enrichment analysis points to epigenetic and neuroimmune dysregulated pathways, in agreement with previous reports. Population validation by a cost-effective approach limited to these few potentially discriminating variables is granted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloy Almenar-Pérez
- Escuela de Doctorado, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Valencia, Spain
| | - Leonor Sarría
- Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | - Lubov Nathanson
- Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | - Elisa Oltra
- School of Medicine, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Valencia, Spain.
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75
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Bhatia S, Olczyk N, Jason LA, Alegre J, Fuentes-Llanos J, Castro-Marrero J. A Cross-National Comparison of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome at Tertiary Care Settings from the US and Spain. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES 2019; 5:104-115. [PMID: 34109300 PMCID: PMC8186297 DOI: 10.20448/801.51.104.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cross-national comparative studies are useful for describing the unique characteristics of complex illnesses, and can reveal culture-specific traits of disease frequency/severity and healthcare. Though myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are debilitating conditions found all over the world, few studies have examined their characteristics across different countries. The purpose of this study was to compare the levels of functional impairment and symptomatology in patients with ME and CFS at tertiary referral hospitals in the US and Spain. Four hundred twenty potentially eligible participants (N = 235 from the US and N = 185 from Spain) who met the 1994 Fukuda et al. definition for CFS were enrolled. Both samples completed the medical outcomes study 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) as a proxy for impairment, and the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire (DSQ) for patient symptomatology. ANCOVA and, where appropriate, MANCOVA tests were used to compare the SF-36 and DSQ items for illness characteristics between the samples. The patients from Spain demonstrated significantly worse functioning than those from the US in the SF-36 domains of physical functioning, bodily pain, general health functioning, role emotional, and mental health functioning. The Spanish sample also was also more symptomatic across all the DSQ-items, most significantly in the pain and neuroendocrine domains. These findings may be due to differences between the US and Spain regarding disability policy, perception of ME and CFS, and access to specialist care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun Bhatia
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nicole Olczyk
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Leonard A. Jason
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jose Alegre
- Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, CFS/ME Unit, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judith Fuentes-Llanos
- Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, CFS/ME Unit, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesus Castro-Marrero
- Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, CFS/ME Unit, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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76
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White PD. A perspective on causation of the chronic fatigue syndrome by considering its nosology. J Eval Clin Pract 2019; 25:991-996. [PMID: 31373106 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The causes of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) remain unknown, with many failures to replicate new findings. This may be because the condition is hard to diagnose, difficult to classify, or because of its heterogeneous nature. Authors have problems in differentiating CFS from myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), which leads many to label it as a hybrid CFS/ME or ME/CFS. Attempts to validate the many published criterion-based definitions have ended in failure. The International Classification of Diseases provide several different descriptions to choose from, although the latest 11th edition has narrowed this down. This paper describes conventional attempts to define and classify the illness, suggesting that this may be what leads to a failure to replicate putative causes. The approach to CFS/ME may require a shift in the assumption that the illness is homogeneous. An alternative approach is provided by studies suggesting that the condition is heterogeneous. CONCLUSION: The way forward may be to be over-inclusive regarding the diagnosis as a first step, while subdividing the condition into likely subgroups as a means of finding valid and reliable associations with potential causes. Studies of aetiology must involve prospective designs since cross-sectional studies cannot inform either aetiology or pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Denton White
- Centre for Psychiatry, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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77
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Eaton-Fitch N, du Preez S, Cabanas H, Staines D, Marshall-Gradisnik S. A systematic review of natural killer cells profile and cytotoxic function in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Syst Rev 2019; 8:279. [PMID: 31727160 PMCID: PMC6857215 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-019-1202-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compromised natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxic function is a well-documented and consistent feature of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Other outcomes evaluated in NK cells of ME/CFS patients, however, remain equivocal. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature regarding NK cell phenotype, receptor expression, cytokine production and cytotoxicity in ME/CFS patients and determine the appropriateness as a model for ME/CFS. METHODS Medline (EBSCOHost), Scopus, EMBASE and PubMed databases were systematically searched to source relevant papers published between 1994 and March 2018. This review included studies examining NK cells' features in ME/CFS patients compared with HC following administration of specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Secondary outcomes included genetic analysis in isolated NK cells or quality of life assessment. Quality assessment was completed using the Downs and Black checklist in addition to The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. RESULTS Seventeen eligible publications were included in this review. All studies were observational case control studies. Of these, 11 investigated NK cell cytotoxicity, 14 investigated NK cell phenotype and receptor profiles, three examined NK cell cytokine production, six investigated NK cell lytic protein levels and four investigated NK cell degranulation. Impaired NK cell cytotoxicity remained the most consistent immunological report across all publications. Other outcomes investigated differed between studies. CONCLUSION A consistent finding among all papers included in this review was impaired NK cell cytotoxicity, suggesting that it is a reliable and appropriate cellular model for continued research in ME/CFS patients. Aberrations in NK cell lytic protein levels were also reported. Although additional research is recommended, current research provides a foundation for subsequent investigations. It is possible that NK cell abnormalities can be used to characterise a subset of ME/CFS due to the heterogeneity of both the illness itself and findings between studies investigating specific features of NK function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Eaton-Fitch
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Stanley du Preez
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Hélène Cabanas
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Donald Staines
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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78
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Sunnquist M, Lazarus S, Jason LA. The development of a short form of the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire. Rehabil Psychol 2019; 64:453-462. [PMID: 31318234 PMCID: PMC6803042 DOI: 10.1037/rep0000285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE The DePaul Symptom Questionnaire (DSQ) is a widely used instrument that assesses common symptoms of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The DSQ has strong psychometric properties; however, it consists of 99 items, and the energy limitations and cognitive difficulties experienced by individuals with ME and CFS may hinder their ability to easily complete the questionnaire. METHOD The current study examined symptom prevalence and discriminative ability to develop a short form of the DSQ (DSQ-SF). RESULTS The resulting short form questionnaire consists of 14 items that were highly prevalent among individuals with ME and CFS. Additionally, the items demonstrated the ability to differentiate individuals with ME and CFS from adult controls and, to a lesser extent, individuals with multiple sclerosis. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS The DSQ-SF may serve as an effective, brief screening tool for symptoms of ME and CFS. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
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79
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Murga Í, Lafuente JV. [From neurasthenia to post-exertion disease: Evolution of the diagnostic criteria of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis]. Aten Primaria 2019; 51:579-585. [PMID: 31182238 PMCID: PMC6945124 DOI: 10.1016/j.aprim.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in the terminology and diagnostic criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis are explained in this paper. This syndrome is a complex and controversial entity of unknown origins. It appears in the medical literature in 1988, although clinical pictures of chronic idiopathic fatigue have been identified since the nineteenth century with different names, from neurasthenia, epidemic neuromyasthenia, and benign myalgic encephalomyelitis up to the current proposal of disease of intolerance to effort (post-effort). All of them allude to a chronic state of generalised fatigue of unknown origin, with limitations to physical and mental effort, accompanied by a set of symptoms that compromise diverse organic systems. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) places this syndrome in the section on neurological disorders (G93.3), although histopathological findings have not yet been found to clarify it. Multiple organic alterations have been documented, but a common biology that clarifies the mechanisms underlying this disease has not been established. It is defined as a neuro-immune-endocrine dysfunction, with an exclusively clinical diagnosis and by exclusion. Several authors have proposed to include CFS/ME within central sensitivity syndromes, alluding to central sensitisation as the common pathophysiological substrate for this, and other syndromes. The role of the family doctor is a key figure in the disease, from the detection of those patients who present a fatigue of unknown nature that is continuous or intermittent for more than 6 months, in order to make an early diagnosis and establish a plan of action against a chronic disease with high levels of morbidity in the physical and mental sphere. OBJECTIVE: To carry out a bibliographic review of the terminology and diagnostic criteria of the chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis, in order to clarify the pathology conceptually, as a usefulness in the diagnosis of Primary Care physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Íñigo Murga
- Grupo LanCE, Departamento de Neurociencia, Universidad del País Vasco, Leioa, España.
| | - José-Vicente Lafuente
- Grupo LanCE, Departamento de Neurociencia, Universidad del País Vasco, Leioa, España
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80
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Nacul L, Lacerda EM, Kingdon CC, Curran H, Bowman EW. How have selection bias and disease misclassification undermined the validity of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome studies? J Health Psychol 2019; 24:1765-1769. [PMID: 28810428 PMCID: PMC5581258 DOI: 10.1177/1359105317695803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome has been a controversial diagnosis, resulting in tensions between patients and professionals providing them with care. A major constraint limiting progress has been the lack of a 'gold standard' for diagnosis; with a number of imperfect clinical and research criteria used, each defining different, though overlapping, groups of people with myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome. We review basic epidemiological concepts to illustrate how the use of more specific and restrictive case definitions could improve research validity and drive progress in the field by reducing selection bias caused by diagnostic misclassification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Nacul
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
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81
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Vink M, Vink-Niese F. Work Rehabilitation and Medical Retirement for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients. A Review and Appraisal of Diagnostic Strategies. Diagnostics (Basel) 2019; 9:diagnostics9040124. [PMID: 31547009 PMCID: PMC6963831 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics9040124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome leads to severe functional impairment and work disability in a considerable number of patients. The majority of patients who manage to continue or return to work, work part-time instead of full time in a physically less demanding job. The prognosis in terms of returning to work is poor if patients have been on long-term sick leave for more than two to three years. Being older and more ill when falling ill are associated with a worse employment outcome. Cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise therapy do not restore the ability to work. Consequently, many patients will eventually be medically retired depending on the requirements of the retirement policy, the progress that has been made since they have fallen ill in combination with the severity of their impairments compared to the sort of work they do or are offered to do. However, there is one thing that occupational health physicians and other doctors can do to try and prevent chronic and severe incapacity in the absence of effective treatments. Patients who are given a period of enforced rest from the onset, have the best prognosis. Moreover, those who work or go back to work should not be forced to do more than they can to try and prevent relapses, long-term sick leave and medical retirement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Vink
- Family and Insurance Physician, 1096 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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82
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Joung JY, Lee JS, Cho JH, Lee DS, Ahn YC, Son CG. The Efficacy and Safety of Myelophil, an Ethanol Extract Mixture of Astragali Radix and Salviae Radix, for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:991. [PMID: 31551788 PMCID: PMC6746924 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There is a strong demand for therapeutics to treat chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), although there are limitations. Myelophil, which is a combination of extracts from Astragali Radix and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix, has been clinically used to treat fatigue-related disorders in South Korea. We conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial of Myelophil in patients with CFS and evaluated its efficacy and safety in two hospitals. Methods: We enrolled 98 participants (M: 38, F: 60) with CFS in a phase 2 trial of oral Myelophil (2 g daily) or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary end point was a change in the Chalder fatigue scale, as scored by a numeric rating scale (NRS). The secondary end points included changes in the visual analogue scale, fatigue severity scale (FSS), and 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36). Biomarkers of oxidative stress and cytokines were evaluated by blood tests. Results: Ninety-seven participants (48 in the Myelophil group and 49 in the placebo group) completed the trial. An analysis of all participants showed that Myelophil slightly improved fatigue symptoms compared with those of the placebo, but this effect was not statistically significant (p > 0.05 for the NRS, VAS, FSS, and SF-36). By contrast, an analysis of the subpopulation (53 participants, M: 24, F: 29) with severe symptoms (≥63, median NRS value of total participants) showed a statistically significant improvement in fatigue symptoms in the Myelophil group compared with the placebo (p < 0.05 for NRS, FSS, and SF-36). There were no significant changes in the biomarkers for oxidative stress and cytokines before or after the treatment. No Myelophil-related adverse response was observed during the trial. Conclusion: These results support the hypothesis that Myelophil can be a therapeutic candidate to manage CFS and provide the rationale for its progression to a phase 3 clinical trial. Clinical Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier KCT0002317.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Yong Joung
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Oriental Medical Collage of Daejeon University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jin-Seok Lee
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Oriental Medical Collage of Daejeon University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jung-Hyo Cho
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Oriental Medical Collage of Daejeon University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Dong-Soo Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital of Catholic University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Yo-Chan Ahn
- Department of Health Service Management, Daejeon University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Chang-Gue Son
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Oriental Medical Collage of Daejeon University, Daejeon, South Korea
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83
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Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: From pathophysiological insights to novel therapeutic opportunities. Pharmacol Res 2019; 148:104450. [PMID: 31509764 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a common and disabling condition with a paucity of effective and evidence-based therapies, reflecting a major unmet need. Cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise are of modest benefit for only some ME/CFS patients, and many sufferers report aggravation of symptoms of fatigue with exercise. The presence of a multiplicity of pathophysiological abnormalities in at least the subgroup of people with ME/CFS diagnosed with the current international consensus "Fukuda" criteria, points to numerous potential therapeutic targets. Such abnormalities include extensive data showing that at least a subgroup has a pro-inflammatory state, increased oxidative and nitrosative stress, disruption of gut mucosal barriers and mitochondrial dysfunction together with dysregulated bioenergetics. In this paper, these pathways are summarised, and data regarding promising therapeutic options that target these pathways are highlighted; they include coenzyme Q10, melatonin, curcumin, molecular hydrogen and N-acetylcysteine. These data are promising yet preliminary, suggesting hopeful avenues to address this major unmet burden of illness.
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84
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Strawbridge R, Sartor ML, Scott F, Cleare AJ. Inflammatory proteins are altered in chronic fatigue syndrome-A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:69-83. [PMID: 31465778 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Immune dysfunction has been posited as a key element in the aetiology of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) since the illness was first conceived. However, systematic reviews have yet to quantitatively synthesise inflammatory biomarkers across the literature. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify available data on circulating inflammatory proteins, examining studies recruiting patients with a CFS diagnosis and a non-affected control group. Results were meta-analysed from 42 studies. Patients with CFS had significantly elevated tumour necrosis factor (ES = 0.274, p < 0.001), interleukin-2 (ES = 0.203, p = 0.006), interleukin-4 (ES = 0.373, p = 0.004), transforming growth factor-β (ES = 0.967, p < 0.001) and c-reactive protein (ES = 0.622, p = 0.019). 12 proteins did not differ between groups. These data provide some support for an inflammatory component in CFS, although inconsistency of results indicates that inflammation is unlikely to be a primary feature in all those suffering from this disorder. It is hoped that further work will elucidate whether there are subgroups of patients with clinically-relevant inflammatory dysfunction, and whether inflammatory cytokines may provide a prognostic biomarker or moderate treatment effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Strawbridge
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Maria-Laura Sartor
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Fraser Scott
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Anthony J Cleare
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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85
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Bedree H, Sunnquist M, Jason LA. The DePaul Symptom Questionnaire-2: A Validation Study. FATIGUE-BIOMEDICINE HEALTH AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 7:166-179. [PMID: 32685281 DOI: 10.1080/21641846.2019.1653471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Background The DePaul Symptom Questionnaire (DSQ) was developed to assess the symptomatology and case definition fulfillment of individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The questionnaire was recently revised to improve its psychometric properties, increase its diagnostic reliability, and assess symptoms required by case definitions. The resulting instrument was named the DSQ-2. Purpose The current study sought to evaluate the utility and reliability of the new and revised items in the DSQ-2. Method A cross-sectional sample of 399 adults with ME or CFS was recruited to complete the DSQ-2. Results Descriptive analyses of the DSQ-2 suggest that the new and revised items enhance the instrument's ability to assess certain symptom domains and evaluate recent case definitions. Additionally, an exploratory factor analysis resulted in an eight-factor solution: post-exertional malaise, cognitive impairment, fever and flu, pain, sleep disruption, orthostatic intolerance, genitourinary issues, and temperature intolerance. The items within each factor demonstrated strong internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alphas = .73-.91). Conclusion These analyses indicate that the DSQ-2 offers a more thorough and precise understanding ME and CFS symptomology and case definition fulfillment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Bedree
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University
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86
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Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2019; 9:diagnostics9030091. [PMID: 31394725 PMCID: PMC6787585 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics9030091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating chronic disease of unknown aetiology that is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) as a disorder of the brain. The disease predominantly affects adults, with a peak age of onset of between 20 and 45 years with a female to male ratio of 3:1. Although the clinical features of the disease have been well established within diagnostic criteria, the diagnosis of ME/CFS is still of exclusion, meaning that other medical conditions must be ruled out. The pathophysiological mechanisms are unclear but the neuro-immuno-endocrinological pattern of CFS patients gleaned from various studies indicates that these three pillars may be the key point to understand the complexity of the disease. At the moment, there are no specific pharmacological therapies to treat the disease, but several studies' aims and therapeutic approaches have been described in order to benefit patients' prognosis, symptomatology relief, and the recovery of pre-existing function. This review presents a pathophysiological approach to understanding the essential concepts of ME/CFS, with an emphasis on the population, clinical, and genetic concepts associated with ME/CFS.
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87
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Sweetman E, Noble A, Edgar C, Mackay A, Helliwell A, Vallings R, Ryan M, Tate W. Current Research Provides Insight into the Biological Basis and Diagnostic Potential for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Diagnostics (Basel) 2019; 9:E73. [PMID: 31295930 PMCID: PMC6787691 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics9030073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a severe fatigue illness that occurs most commonly following a viral infection, but other physiological triggers are also implicated. It has a profound long-term impact on the life of the affected person. ME/CFS is diagnosed primarily by the exclusion of other fatigue illnesses, but the availability of multiple case definitions for ME/CFS has complicated diagnosis for clinicians. There has been ongoing controversy over the nature of ME/CFS, but a recent detailed report from the Institute of Medicine (Academy of Sciences, USA) concluded that ME/CFS is a medical, not psychiatric illness. Importantly, aspects of the biological basis of the ongoing disease have been revealed over the last 2-3 years that promise new leads towards an effective clinical diagnostic test that may have a general application. Our detailed molecular studies with a preclinical study of ME/CFS patients, along with the complementary research of others, have reported an elevation of inflammatory and immune processes, ongoing neuro-inflammation, and decreases in general metabolism and mitochondrial function for energy production in ME/CFS, which contribute to the ongoing remitting/relapsing etiology of the illness. These biological changes have generated potential molecular biomarkers for use in diagnostic ME/CFS testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiren Sweetman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Alex Noble
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Christina Edgar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Angus Mackay
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Amber Helliwell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | | | - Margaret Ryan
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Warren Tate
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand.
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88
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Sharpe M, Greco M. Chronic fatigue syndrome and an illness-focused approach to care: controversy, morality and paradox. MEDICAL HUMANITIES 2019; 45:183-187. [PMID: 31213482 PMCID: PMC6699605 DOI: 10.1136/medhum-2018-011598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Contemporary medicine distinguishes between illness and disease. Illness refers to a person's subjective experience of symptoms; disease refers to objective bodily pathology. For many illnesses, medicine has made great progress in finding and treating associated disease. However, not all illnesses are successfully relieved by treating the disease. In some such cases, the patient's suffering can only be reduced by treatment that is focused on the illness itself. Chronic disabling fatigue is a common symptom of illness, for which disease-focused treatment is often not effective, but for which illness-focused treatments (psychological or behavioural) often are. In this article, we explore a controversy surrounding illness-focused treatments for fatigue. We do this by contrasting their acceptance by people whose fatigue is associated with a disease (using the example of cancer-related fatigue) with their controversial rejection by some people whose fatigue is not associated with an established disease (chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS, sometimes called ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis)). In order to understand this difference in acceptability we consider the differing moral connotations of illness and disease and then go on to examine the limitations of the concepts of illness and disease themselves. We conclude that a general acceptance of illness-focused treatments by all who might benefit from them will require a major long-term change in thinking about illness, but that improvements to the care of individual patients can be made today.
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89
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Erasmus E, Steffens FE, van Reenen M, Vorster BC, Reinecke CJ. Biotransformation profiles from a cohort of chronic fatigue women in response to a hepatic detoxification challenge. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216298. [PMID: 31075116 PMCID: PMC6510445 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic fatigue, in its various manifestations, frequently co-occur with pain, sleep disturbances and depression and is a non-communicable condition which is rapidly becoming endemic worldwide. However, it is handicapped by a lack of objective definitions and diagnostic measures. This has prompted the World Health Organization to develop an international instrument whose intended purpose is to improve quality of life (QOL), with energy and fatigue as one domain of focus. To complement this objective, the interface between detoxification, the exposome, and xenobiotic-sensing by nuclear receptors that mediate induction of biotransformation-linked genes, is stimulating renewed attention to a rational development of strategies to identify the metabolic profiles in complex multifactorial conditions like fatigue. Here we present results from a seven-year study of a cohort of 576 female patients suffering from low to high levels of chronic fatigue, in which phase I and phase II biotransformation was assessed. The biotransformation profiles used were based on hepatic detoxification challenge tests through oral caffeine, acetaminophen and acetylsalicylic acid ingestion coupled with oxidative stress analyses. The interventions indicated normal phase I but increased phase II glucuronidation and glycination conjugation. Complementarity was indicated between a fatigue scale, medical symptoms and associated energy-related parameters by application of Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID) analysis. The presented study provides a cluster of data from which we propose that multidisciplinary inputs from the combination of a fatigue scale, medical symptoms and biotransformation profiles provide the rationale for the development of a comprehensive laboratory instrument for improved diagnostics and personalized interventions in patients with chronic fatigue with a view to improving their QOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elardus Erasmus
- Human Metabolomics, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), South Africa
| | | | - Mari van Reenen
- Human Metabolomics, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), South Africa
| | - B. Chris Vorster
- Human Metabolomics, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), South Africa
| | - Carolus J. Reinecke
- Human Metabolomics, North-West University (Potchefstroom Campus), South Africa
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90
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Morris G, Maes M, Berk M, Puri BK. Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome: how could the illness develop? Metab Brain Dis 2019; 34:385-415. [PMID: 30758706 PMCID: PMC6428797 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-019-0388-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A model of the development and progression of chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis), the aetiology of which is currently unknown, is put forward, starting with a consideration of the post-infection role of damage-associated molecular patterns and the development of chronic inflammatory, oxidative and nitrosative stress in genetically predisposed individuals. The consequences are detailed, including the role of increased intestinal permeability and the translocation of commensal antigens into the circulation, and the development of dysautonomia, neuroinflammation, and neurocognitive and neuroimaging abnormalities. Increasing levels of such stress and the switch to immune and metabolic downregulation are detailed next in relation to the advent of hypernitrosylation, impaired mitochondrial performance, immune suppression, cellular hibernation, endotoxin tolerance and sirtuin 1 activation. The role of chronic stress and the development of endotoxin tolerance via indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase upregulation and the characteristics of neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages and T cells, including regulatory T cells, in endotoxin tolerance are detailed next. Finally, it is shown how the immune and metabolic abnormalities of chronic fatigue syndrome can be explained by endotoxin tolerance, thus completing the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerwyn Morris
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Maes
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Michael Berk
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Basant K Puri
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, England, W12 0HS, UK.
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91
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Alameda Cuesta A, Pazos Garciandía Á, Oter Quintana C, Losa Iglesias ME. Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Illness Experiences. Clin Nurs Res 2019; 30:32-41. [PMID: 30917692 DOI: 10.1177/1054773819838679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis, and multiple chemical sensitivity can be considered contested illnesses. The questioning of the status of these conditions as real diseases reduces feelings of legitimacy in those affected. The purpose of this study was to analyze subjectivity construction processes in people with these diseases. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted from the perspective of hermeneutic phenomenology and ethnosociology. We used life stories for compiling data (13 informants were interviewed face-to-face), and sociological discourse analysis was developed. Three main categories were identified: (a) self and grieving; (b) images and practices relating to fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis, and multiple chemical sensitivity; and (c) relationships with health professionals. This study shows that daily experiences of people living with these diseases are marked by stigmatization processes. The ultimate purpose of nursing care for people with these conditions should be to reduce their vulnerability and exclusion.
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92
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Epigenetic Components of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Uncover Potential Transposable Element Activation. Clin Ther 2019; 41:675-698. [PMID: 30910331 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2019.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Studies to determine epigenetic changes associated with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) remain scarce; however, current evidence clearly shows that methylation patterns of genomic DNA and noncoding RNA profiles of immune cells differ between patients and healthy subjects, suggesting an active role of these epigenetic mechanisms in the disease. The present study compares and contrasts the available ME/CFS epigenetic data in an effort to evidence overlapping pathways capable of explaining at least some of the dysfunctional immune parameters linked to this disease. METHODS A systematic search of the literature evaluating the ME/CFS epigenome landscape was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. Differential DNA methylation and noncoding RNA differential expression patterns associated with ME/CFS were used to screen for the presence of transposable elements using the Dfam browser, a search program nurtured with the Repbase repetitive sequence database and the RepeatMasker annotation tool. FINDINGS Unexpectedly, particular associations of transposable elements and ME/CFS epigenetic hallmarks were uncovered. A model for the disease emerged involving transcriptional induction of endogenous dormant transposons and structured cellular RNA interactions, triggering the activation of the innate immune system without a concomitant active infection. IMPLICATIONS Repetitive sequence filters (ie, RepeatMasker) should be avoided when analyzing transcriptomic data to assess the potential participation of repetitive sequences ("junk repetitive DNA"), representing >45% of the human genome, in the onset and evolution of ME/CFS. In addition, transposable element screenings aimed at designing cost-effective, focused empirical assays that can confirm or disprove the suspected involvement of transposon transcriptional activation in this disease, following the pilot strategy presented here, will require databases gathering large ME/CFS epigenetic datasets.
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93
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Holtzman CS, Bhatia S, Cotler J, Jason LA. Assessment of Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) in Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): A Patient-Driven Survey. Diagnostics (Basel) 2019; 9:diagnostics9010026. [PMID: 30832336 PMCID: PMC6468435 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics9010026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable controversy has existed with efforts to assess post-exertional malaise (PEM), which is one of the defining features of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). While a number of self-report questionnaires have been developed to assess this symptom, none have been comprehensive, and a recent federal government report has recommended the development of a new PEM measure. The current study involved a community-based participatory research process in an effort to develop a comprehensive PEM instrument, with critical patient input shaping the item selection and overall design of the tool. A survey was ultimately developed and was subsequently completed by 1534 members of the patient community. The findings of this survey suggest that there are key domains of this symptom, including triggers, symptom onset, and duration, which have often not been comprehensively assessed in a previous PEM instrument. This study indicates that there are unique benefits that can be derived from patients collaborating with researchers in the measurement of key symptoms defining ME and CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly S Holtzman
- Center for Community Research, Department of Psychology, DePaul University, Chicago, IL 60604, USA.
| | - Shaun Bhatia
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL 60604, USA.
| | - Joseph Cotler
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL 60604, USA.
| | - Leonard A Jason
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL 60604, USA.
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94
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Havdahl A, Mitchell R, Paternoster L, Davey Smith G. Investigating causality in the association between vitamin D status and self-reported tiredness. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2880. [PMID: 30814568 PMCID: PMC6393455 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39359-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-reported tiredness or low energy, often referred to as fatigue, has been linked to low levels of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), a biomarker of vitamin D status. Although it is uncertain if the association is causal, fatigue is a common indication for testing, and correcting, low 25OHD-levels. We used two-sample Mendelian randomization to test for genetic evidence of a causal association between low 25OHD-levels and fatigue. Genetic-25OHD associations were estimated from the largest genome-wide association study of vitamin D to date, and genetic-fatigue associations were estimated in 327,478 individuals of European descent in UK Biobank, of whom 19,526 (5.96%) reported fatigue (tiredness or low energy nearly every day over the past two weeks). Using seven genome-wide significant 25OHD-reducing genetic variants, there was little evidence for a causal effect of 25OHD on fatigue (odds ratio for fatigue was 1.05 with 95% confidence interval of 0.87–1.27 per 1-SD decrease in log-transformed 25OHD). There was also little evidence of association between any individual 25OHD-reducing variant and fatigue. Our results suggest that a clinically relevant protective effect of 25OHD-levels on fatigue is unlikely. Therefore, vitamin D supplementation of the general population to raise 25OHD-levels is not likely to be useful in preventing fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Havdahl
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, United Kingdom. .,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, United Kingdom. .,Nic Waals Institute, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, 0853, Norway. .,Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, N-0213, Norway.
| | - Ruth Mitchell
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, United Kingdom.,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, United Kingdom
| | - Lavinia Paternoster
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, United Kingdom.,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, United Kingdom
| | - George Davey Smith
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, United Kingdom.,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 2BN, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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95
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96
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Ali S, Adamczyk L, Burgess M, Chalder T. Psychological and demographic factors associated with fatigue and social adjustment in young people with severe chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a preliminary mixed-methods study. J Behav Med 2019; 42:898-910. [PMID: 30684123 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-019-00010-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This mixed-methods study investigated factors associated with fatigue, disability and school attendance in young people with severe CFS/ME. Participants' illness experiences were also explored. Questionnaires were completed at baseline (T1) and approximately 5 months later (T2). There were 51 participants aged between 12 and 25, with a mean age of 18.8 years (SD 3.4). At T1, participants reported severe fatigue and poor social adjustment. Stronger fear avoidance beliefs at T1 were associated with higher fatigue at T2, and with worse social adjustment at T1 and T2. Female gender was associated with lower work/school attendance at T1 and T2 but not with higher fatigue or worse social adjustment. Having accessed treatment was associated with reporting lower levels of work/school attendance at T1 and T2. Multivariate analyses of key outcomes identified significant associations between stronger fear avoidance beliefs and worse social adjustment at T2, and between female gender and lower work/school attendance at T2. It was clear from the qualitative data that severe CFS/ME negatively impacted on many aspects of young people's lives. Fearful beliefs about activity could be targeted using cognitive-behavioural interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Ali
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Lucy Adamczyk
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mary Burgess
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Trudie Chalder
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
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Carneiro G, Radcenco AL, Evaristo J, Monnerat G. Novel strategies for clinical investigation and biomarker discovery: a guide to applied metabolomics. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2019; 38:/j/hmbci.ahead-of-print/hmbci-2018-0045/hmbci-2018-0045.xml. [PMID: 30653466 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2018-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Metabolomics is an emerging technology that is increasing both in basic science and in human applications, providing a physiological snapshot. It has been highlighted as one of the most wide ranging and reliable tools for the investigation of physiological status, the discovery of new biomarkers and the analysis of metabolic pathways. Metabolomics uses innovative mass spectrometry (MS) allied to chromatography or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The recent advances in bioinformatics, databases and statistics, have provided a unique perception of metabolites interaction and the dynamics of metabolic pathways at a system level. In this context, several studies have applied metabolomics in physiology- and disease-related works. The application of metabolomics includes, physiological and metabolic evaluation/monitoring, individual response to different exercise, nutritional interventions, pathological processes, responses to pharmacological interventions, biomarker discovery and monitoring for distinct aspects, such as: physiological capacity, fatigue/recovery and aging among other applications. For metabolomic analyses, despite huge improvements in the field, several complex methodological steps must be taken into consideration. In this regard, the present article aims to summarize the novel aspects of metabolomics and provide a guide for metabolomics for professionals related to physiologist and medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Carneiro
- Proteomics Laboratoy, LADETEC, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andres Lopez Radcenco
- Departamento de Química del Litoral, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Joseph Evaristo
- Proteomics Laboratoy, LADETEC, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Monnerat
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, IBCCF-UFRJ, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho 373 - CCS - Bloco G, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil, Phone/Fax: +55 21 25626555
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98
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Perez M, Jaundoo R, Hilton K, Del Alamo A, Gemayel K, Klimas NG, Craddock TJA, Nathanson L. Genetic Predisposition for Immune System, Hormone, and Metabolic Dysfunction in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Pilot Study. Front Pediatr 2019; 7:206. [PMID: 31179255 PMCID: PMC6542994 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a multifactorial illness of unknown etiology with considerable social and economic impact. To investigate a putative genetic predisposition to ME/CFS we conducted genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis to identify possible variants. Methods: 383 ME/CFS participants underwent DNA testing using the commercial company 23andMe. The deidentified genetic data was then filtered to include only non-synonymous and nonsense SNPs from exons and microRNAs, and SNPs close to splice sites. The frequencies of each SNP were calculated within our cohort and compared to frequencies from the Kaviar reference database. Functional annotation of pathway sets containing SNP genes with high frequency in ME/CFS was performed using over-representation analysis via ConsensusPathDB. Furthermore, these SNPs were also scored using the Combined Annotation Dependent Depletion (CADD) algorithm to gauge their deleteriousness. Results: 5693 SNPs were found to have at least 10% frequency in at least one cohort (ME/CFS or reference) and at least two-fold absolute difference for ME/CFS. Functional analysis identified the majority of SNPs as related to immune system, hormone, metabolic, and extracellular matrix organization. CADD scoring identified 517 SNPs in these pathways that are among the 10% most deleteriousness substitutions to the human genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Perez
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Rajeev Jaundoo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States.,Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Kelly Hilton
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Ana Del Alamo
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States.,Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Kristina Gemayel
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Nancy G Klimas
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States.,Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States.,Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Travis J A Craddock
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States.,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States.,Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States.,Department of Computer Science, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Lubov Nathanson
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States.,Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
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Pedersen M, Asprusten TT, Godang K, Leegaard TM, Osnes LT, Skovlund E, Tjade T, Øie MG, Wyller VBB. Predictors of chronic fatigue in adolescents six months after acute Epstein-Barr virus infection: A prospective cohort study. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 75:94-100. [PMID: 30261303 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2018.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is a trigger of chronic fatigue and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). This study investigated baseline predictors of chronic fatigue six months after an acute EBV infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 200 adolescents (12-20 years old) with acute EBV infection were assessed for 149 possible baseline predictors and followed prospectively. We performed linear regression to assess possible associations between baseline predictors and fatigue (Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire total score) six months after the acute EBV infection. A total of 70 healthy controls were included for cross-sectional reference. This study is part of the CEBA-project (Chronic fatigue following acute Epstein-Barr virus infection in adolescents). RESULTS In the final multiple linear regression model, fatigue six months after acute EBV infection was significantly and independently predicted by the following baseline variables (regression coefficient B[95% CI]): Sensory sensitivity (0.8[0.09-1.6]), pain severity (0.2[0.02-0.3]), functional impairment (1000 steps/day) (-0.3[-0.5 to -0.08]), negative emotions (anxiety) (0.4[0.2-0.6]), verbal memory (correct word recognition) (1.7[0.1-3.3]), plasma C-reactive protein (2.8[1.1-4.4] for CRP values >0.86) and plasma Vitamin B12 (-0.005[-0.01 to -0.001]). CONCLUSIONS Development of fatigue after acute EBV infection is to a larger extent predicted by baseline variables related to symptoms and functions than to baseline variables reflecting infectious and immune processes. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials, ID: NCT02335437, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02335437.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pedersen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Dept. of Pediatrics, Akershus University Hospital, Norway
| | - Tarjei Tørre Asprusten
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Dept. of Pediatrics, Akershus University Hospital, Norway
| | - Kristin Godang
- Section of Specialized Endocrinology, Dept. of Endocrinology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway.
| | - Truls Michael Leegaard
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Dept. of Microbiology and Infection Control, Akershus University Hospital, Norway.
| | - Liv Toril Osnes
- Dept. of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Norway.
| | - Eva Skovlund
- Dept. of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Norway.
| | | | - Merete Glenne Øie
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway; Dept. of Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Norway.
| | - Vegard Bruun Bratholm Wyller
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Dept. of Pediatrics, Akershus University Hospital, Norway.
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100
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Groven N, Fors EA, Iversen VC, White LR, Reitan SK. Association between cytokines and psychiatric symptoms in chronic fatigue syndrome and healthy controls. Nord J Psychiatry 2018; 72:556-560. [PMID: 30063870 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2018.1493747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The reports regarding the status of the immune system in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalopathy (CFS/ME) have been inconclusive. We approached this question by comparing a strictly defined group of CFS/ME outpatients to healthy control individuals, and thereafter studied cytokines in subgroups with various psychiatric symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty patients diagnosed with CFS/ME according to the Fukuda criteria and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Plasma was analysed by ELISA for levels of the cytokines TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10. Participants also answered questionnaires regarding health in general, and psychiatric symptoms in detail. RESULTS Increased plasma levels of TNF-α in CFS/ME patients almost reached significance compared to healthy controls (p = .056). When studying the CFS/ME and control groups separately, there was a significant correlation between TNF-α and The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) depressive symptoms in controls only, not in the CFS/ME group. A correlation between IL-10 and psychoticism was found in both groups, whereas the correlation for somatisation was seen only in the CFS/ME group. When looking at the total population, there was a significant correlation between TNF-α and both the HADS depressive symptoms and the SCL-90-R cluster somatisation. Also, there was a significant association between IL-10 and the SCL-90-R cluster somatisation when analyzing the cohort (patients and controls together). CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that immune activity in CFS/ME patients deviates from that of healthy controls, which implies potential pathogenic mechanisms and possible therapeutic approaches to CFS/ME. More comprehensive studies should be carried out on defined CFS/ME subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Groven
- a Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) , Trondheim , Norway
| | - Egil A Fors
- b General Practice Research Unit, Department of Public Health Sciences and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) , Trondheim , Norway
| | - Valentina C Iversen
- a Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) , Trondheim , Norway.,c Department of Tiller DPS , St. Olav's University Hospital , Trondheim , Norway
| | - Linda R White
- d Department of Neurology , St. Olav's Hospital , Trondheim , Norway.,e Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) , Trondheim , Norway
| | - Solveig Klæbo Reitan
- a Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) , Trondheim , Norway.,f Department of Psychiatry , St. Olav's Hospital , Trondheim , Norway
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