101
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Heerdt PM, Shelley B, Singh I. Impaired systemic oxygen extraction long after mild COVID-19: potential perioperative implications. Br J Anaesth 2022; 128:e246-e249. [PMID: 35067364 PMCID: PMC8710396 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2021.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Heerdt
- Department of Anesthesiology, Applied Hemodynamics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Ben Shelley
- Golden Jubilee National Hospital/West of Scotland Heart and Lung Centre, University of Glasgow Academic Unit of Anaesthesia, Pain and Critical Care, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Inderjit Singh
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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102
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Westermeier F, Lacerda EM, Scheibenbogen C, Sepúlveda N. Editorial: Current Insights Into Complex Post-infection Fatigue Syndromes With Unknown Aetiology: The Case of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Beyond. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:862953. [PMID: 35280890 PMCID: PMC8907997 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.862953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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103
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Vink M, Vink-Niese F. Is It Useful to Question the Recovery Behaviour of Patients with ME/CFS or Long COVID? Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:392. [PMID: 35207003 PMCID: PMC8872229 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10020392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
For the last few decades, medical guidelines have recommended treating patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) with graded exercise therapy (GET) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Moreover, doctors have questioned the recovery behaviour of these patients and stimulated them to follow these treatments so that they would be able to go back to work. In this article, we reviewed trials of GET and CBT for ME/CFS that reported on work status before and after treatment to answer the question of whether doctors should continue to question the recovery behaviour of patients with ME/CFS. Our review shows that more patients are unable to work after treatment than before treatment with CBT and GET. It also highlights the fact that both treatments are unsafe for patients with ME/CFS. Therefore, questioning the recovery behaviour of patients with ME/CFS is pointless. This confirms the conclusion from the British National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which has recently published its updated ME/CFS guideline and concluded that CBT and GET are not effective and do not lead to recovery. Studies on CBT and GET for long COVID have not yet been published. However, this review offers no support for their use in improving the recovery of patients with an ME/CFS-like illness after infection with COVID-19, nor does it lend any support to the practice of questioning the recovery behaviour of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Vink
- Independent Researcher, 1096 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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104
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Dotan A, David P, Arnheim D, Shoenfeld Y. The autonomic aspects of the post-COVID19 syndrome. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103071. [PMID: 35182777 PMCID: PMC8848724 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, responsible for the widespread COVID-19, led to one of the most rogue pandemics in modern time, yet the major effects of the pandemic may still be ahead of us. SARS-CoV-2 had been found to possess autoimmune properties. Close to 20 distinct autoantibodies which target GPCR of the nervous system and renin-angiotensin system-related molecules were found significantly associated with the clinical severity of COVID-19. The new on-set of more than 10 various autoimmune disorders were documented as well. Additionally, clinical presentations of persisted symptoms were triggered in numerous recently recovered COVID-19 patients, which led to the formulation of the novel term “post-COVID19 syndrome”. Manifestations related to post-COVID-19 syndrome exist among approximately 50–80% of symptomatic COVID-19 patients who recovered, and among patients reported more than 50 different long-term effects of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Many of the common symptoms of the post-COVID19 syndrome are not explained by the virus-related injury alone. Similarly to chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, autoimmune-mediated autonomic nervous system dysfunction may play a significant part in the pathogenesis of such symptoms, including chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, mood related disorders, and numerous more. Importantly, therapeutic options such as immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive therapy may favor some post-COVID19 patients, while plasmapheresis and IVIG could be considered in severe cases. Nevertheless, as physical exercise has been found to stabilize the autonomic nervous system, exercise therapy might be a safer and more effective remedy for the post-COVID19 syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arad Dotan
- Ariel University, Israel; Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan 52621, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Paula David
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan 52621, Israel; Department of Medicine B, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Dana Arnheim
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan 52621, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Ariel University, Israel; Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan 52621, Israel; Laboratory of the Mosaics of Autoimmunity, Saint Petersburg University, 199034, Russia
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105
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König RS, Albrich WC, Kahlert CR, Bahr LS, Löber U, Vernazza P, Scheibenbogen C, Forslund SK. The Gut Microbiome in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Front Immunol 2022; 12:628741. [PMID: 35046929 PMCID: PMC8761622 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.628741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a neglected, debilitating multi-systemic disease without diagnostic marker or therapy. Despite evidence for neurological, immunological, infectious, muscular and endocrine pathophysiological abnormalities, the etiology and a clear pathophysiology remains unclear. The gut microbiome gained much attention in the last decade with manifold implications in health and disease. Here we review the current state of knowledge on the interplay between ME/CFS and the microbiome, to identify potential diagnostic or interventional approaches, and propose areas where further research is needed. We iteratively selected and elaborated on key theories about a correlation between microbiome state and ME/CFS pathology, developing further hypotheses. Based on the literature we hypothesize that antibiotic use throughout life favours an intestinal microbiota composition which might be a risk factor for ME/CFS. Main proposed pathomechanisms include gut dysbiosis, altered gut-brain axis activity, increased gut permeability with concomitant bacterial translocation and reduced levels of short-chain-fatty acids, D-lactic acidosis, an abnormal tryptophan metabolism and low activity of the kynurenine pathway. We review options for microbiome manipulation in ME/CFS patients including probiotic and dietary interventions as well as fecal microbiota transplantations. Beyond increasing gut permeability and bacterial translocation, specific dysbiosis may modify fermentation products, affecting peripheral mitochondria. Considering the gut-brain axis we strongly suspect that the microbiome may contribute to neurocognitive impairments of ME/CFS patients. Further larger studies are needed, above all to clarify whether D-lactic acidosis and early-life antibiotic use may be part of ME/CFS etiology and what role changes in the tryptophan metabolism might play. An association between the gut microbiome and the disease ME/CFS is plausible. As causality remains unclear, we recommend longitudinal studies. Activity levels, bedridden hours and disease progression should be compared to antibiotic exposure, drug intakes and alterations in the composition of the microbiota. The therapeutic potential of fecal microbiota transfer and of targeted dietary interventions should be systematically evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahel S König
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Werner C Albrich
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Christian R Kahlert
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Lina Samira Bahr
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Joint Cooperation of Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Löber
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Joint Cooperation of Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Host-Microbiome Factors in Cardiovascular Disease, Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Pietro Vernazza
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sofia K Forslund
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Experimental and Clinical Research Center, A Joint Cooperation of Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Host-Microbiome Factors in Cardiovascular Disease, Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany.,European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Structural and Computational Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
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106
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Wu TY, Khorramshahi T, Taylor LA, Bansal NS, Rodriguez B, Rey IR. Prevalence of Aspergillus-Derived Mycotoxins (Ochratoxin, Aflatoxin, and Gliotoxin) and Their Distribution in the Urinalysis of ME/CFS Patients. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042052. [PMID: 35206241 PMCID: PMC8872248 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a known complex, multi-organ system disorder with a sudden or subacute onset. ME/CFS occurs most commonly among women between 30 and 50 years of age. The current diagnostic criteria of ME/CFS, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, includes: profound fatigue and post-exertional malaise (>6 mo) unrelieved by rest, persistent cognitive impairment or orthostatic intolerance, and chronic unrefreshing sleep. Despite reported associations between ME/CFS onset and exposure to infectious agents (viral, bacterial, or fungal), the pathophysiology of ME/CFS remains unknown. In this prevalence study, we investigated the rates of Aspergillus-derived toxin levels, Aflatoxin (AF), Ochratoxin A (OTA), and Gliotoxin (GT), in the urinalysis of 236 ME/CFS patients with a history of chronic exposure to mold (i.e., from water-damaged buildings). Among ME/CFS patients reporting chronic exposure to mold, we found evidence of exposure in 92.4 percent of patients, with OTA being the most prevalent mycotoxin. Mold distributions (OTA, AF, and GT) in the urinalysis all demonstrated right skewness, while the distribution of age of ME/CFS patients diagnosed showed no deviation from normality. This study aims to provide preliminary, epidemiological evidence among ME/CFS patients who were diagnosed in South Florida with a history of exposure to mycotoxins. Based on these findings, we proposed how future control studies should approach investigating the association between chronic mold exposure and the diagnosis of ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yu Wu
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA; (T.Y.W.); (T.K.); (L.A.T.); (N.S.B.); (B.R.)
| | - Taura Khorramshahi
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA; (T.Y.W.); (T.K.); (L.A.T.); (N.S.B.); (B.R.)
| | - Lindsey A. Taylor
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA; (T.Y.W.); (T.K.); (L.A.T.); (N.S.B.); (B.R.)
| | - Nikita S. Bansal
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA; (T.Y.W.); (T.K.); (L.A.T.); (N.S.B.); (B.R.)
| | - Betsy Rodriguez
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA; (T.Y.W.); (T.K.); (L.A.T.); (N.S.B.); (B.R.)
| | - Irma R. Rey
- Institute of Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
- Correspondence:
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107
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O'Boyle S, Nacul L, Nacul FE, Mudie K, Kingdon CC, Cliff JM, Clark TG, Dockrell HM, Lacerda EM. A Natural History of Disease Framework for Improving the Prevention, Management, and Research on Post-viral Fatigue Syndrome and Other Forms of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:688159. [PMID: 35155455 PMCID: PMC8835111 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.688159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We propose a framework for the treatment, rehabilitation, and research into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) using a natural history of disease approach to outline the distinct disease stages, with an emphasis on cases following infection to provide insights into prevention. Moving away from the method of subtyping patients based on the various phenotypic presentations and instead reframing along the lines of disease progression could help with defining the distinct stages of disease, each of which would benefit from large prospective cohort studies to accurately describe the pathological mechanisms taking place therein. With a better understanding of these mechanisms, management and research can be tailored specifically for each disease stage. Pre-disease and early disease stages call for management strategies that may decrease the risk of long-term morbidity, by focusing on avoidance of further insults, adequate rest to enable recovery, and pacing of activities. Later disease stages require a more holistic and tailored management approach, with treatment-as this becomes available-targeting the alleviation of symptoms and multi-systemic dysfunction. More stringent and standardised use of case definitions in research is critical to improve generalisability of results and to create the strong evidence-based policies for management that are currently lacking in ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shennae O'Boyle
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luis Nacul
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- B.C. Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Flavio E. Nacul
- Pro-cardiaco Hospital and Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kathleen Mudie
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline C. Kingdon
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline M. Cliff
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Taane G. Clark
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hazel M. Dockrell
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eliana M. Lacerda
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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108
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Commonalities in the Features of Cancer and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Evidence for Stress-Induced Phenotype Instability? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020691. [PMID: 35054876 PMCID: PMC8775947 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF) are syndromes with considerable overlap with respect to symptoms. There have been many studies that have compared the two conditions, and some of this research suggests that the etiologies of the conditions are linked in some cases. In this narrative review, CFS/ME and cancer are introduced, along with their known and putative mechanistic connections to multiple stressors including ionizing radiation. Next, we summarize findings from the literature that suggest the involvement of HPA-axis dysfunction, the serotonergic system, cytokines and inflammation, metabolic insufficiency and mitochondrial dysfunction, and genetic changes in CRF and CFS/ME. We further suspect that the manifestation of fatigue in both diseases and its causes could indicate that CRF and CFS/ME lie on a continuum of potential biological effects which occur in response to stress. The response to this stress likely varies depending on predisposing factors such as genetic background. Finally, future research ideas are suggested with a focus on determining if common biomarkers exist in CFS/ME patients and those afflicted with CRF. Both CFS/ME and CRF are relatively heterogenous syndromes, however, it is our hope that this review assists in future research attempting to elucidate the commonalities between CRF and CFS/ME.
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109
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Dietzel J. Long-COVID, Post-COVID und Chronic Fatigue – Symptom, Syndrom, Diagnose. DEUTSCHE ZEITSCHRIFT FU¨R AKUPUNKTUR 2022. [PMCID: PMC9589870 DOI: 10.1007/s42212-022-00508-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Dietzel
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Hochschulambulanz für Naturheilkunde, Institut für Sozialmedizin, Epidemiologie, und Gesundheitsökonomie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Luisenstr. 57, B-10117 Berlin, Deutschland
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110
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Dehhaghi M, Panahi HKS, Kavyani B, Heng B, Tan V, Braidy N, Guillemin GJ. The Role of Kynurenine Pathway and NAD + Metabolism in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Aging Dis 2022; 13:698-711. [PMID: 35656104 PMCID: PMC9116917 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2021.0824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a serious, complex, and highly debilitating long-term illness. People with ME/CFS are typically unable to carry out their routine activities. Key hallmarks of the disease are neurological and gastrointestinal impairments accompanied by pervasive malaise that is exacerbated after physical and/or mental activity. Currently, there is no validated cure of biomarker signature for this illness. Impaired tryptophan (TRYP) metabolism is thought to play significant role in the pathobiology of ME/CFS. TRYP is an important precursor for serotonin and the essential pyridine nucleotide nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). TRYP has been associated with the development of some parts of the brain responsible for behavioural functions. The main catabolic route for TRYP is the kynurenine pathway (KP). The KP produces NAD+ and several neuroactive metabolites with neuroprotective (i.e., kynurenic acid (KYNA)) and neurotoxic (i.e., quinolinic acid (QUIN)) activities. Hyperactivation of the KP, whether compensatory or a driving mechanism of degeneration can limit the availability of NAD+ and exacerbate the symptoms of ME/CFS. This review discusses the potential association of altered KP metabolism in ME/CFS. The review also evaluates the role of the patient’s gut microbiota on TRYP availability and KP activation. We propose that strategies aimed at raising the levels of NAD+ (e.g., using nicotinamide mononucleotide and nicotinamide riboside) may be a promising intervention to overcome symptoms of fatigue and to improve the quality of life in patients with ME/CFS. Future clinical trials should further assess the potential benefits of NAD+ supplements for reducing some of the clinical features of ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Dehhaghi
- Neuroinflammation Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia.
- PANDIS.org, Australia.
| | | | - Bahar Kavyani
- Neuroinflammation Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia.
| | - Benjamin Heng
- Neuroinflammation Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia.
- PANDIS.org, Australia.
| | - Vanessa Tan
- Neuroinflammation Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia.
- PANDIS.org, Australia.
| | - Nady Braidy
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Gilles J. Guillemin
- Neuroinflammation Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia.
- PANDIS.org, Australia.
- Correspondence should be addressed to: Dr. Gilles J. Guillemin, Neuroinflammation Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia. .
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111
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James LM, Georgopoulos AP. At the Root of 3 “Long” Diseases: Persistent Antigens Inflicting Chronic Damage on the Brain and Other Organs in Gulf War Illness, Long-COVID-19, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Neurosci Insights 2022; 17:26331055221114817. [PMID: 35910083 PMCID: PMC9335483 DOI: 10.1177/26331055221114817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several foreign antigens such as those derived from viruses and bacteria have been linked to long-term deleterious effects on the brain and other organs; yet, health outcomes subsequent to foreign antigen exposure vary depending in large part on the host’s immune system, in general, and on human leukocyte antigen (HLA) composition, in particular. Here we first provide a brief description of 3 conditions characterized by persistent long-term symptoms, namely long-COVID-19, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and Gulf War Illness (GWI), followed by a brief overview of the role of HLA in the immune response to foreign antigens. We then discuss our Persistent Antigen (PA) hypothesis and highlight associations between antigen persistence due to HLA-antigen incongruence and chronic health conditions in general and the 3 “long” diseases above in particular. This review is not intended to cover the breadth and depth of symptomatology of those diseases but is specifically focused on the hypothesis that the presence of persistent antigens underlies their pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M James
- Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Brain Sciences Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Cognitive Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Apostolos P Georgopoulos
- Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Brain Sciences Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Cognitive Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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112
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Cohen SP, Wang EJ, Doshi TL, Vase L, Cawcutt KA, Tontisirin N. Chronic pain and infection: mechanisms, causes, conditions, treatments, and controversies. BMJ MEDICINE 2022; 1:e000108. [PMID: 36936554 PMCID: PMC10012866 DOI: 10.1136/bmjmed-2021-000108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Throughout human history, infection has been the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with pain being one of the cardinal warning signs. However, in a substantial percentage of cases, pain can persist after resolution of acute illness, manifesting as neuropathic, nociplastic (eg, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome), or nociceptive pain. Mechanisms by which acute infectious pain becomes chronic are variable and can include immunological phenomena (eg, bystander activation, molecular mimicry), direct microbe invasion, central sensitization from physical or psychological triggers, and complications from treatment. Microbes resulting in a high incidence of chronic pain include bacteria such as the Borrelia species and Mycobacterium leprae, as well as viruses such as HIV, SARS-CoV-2 and herpeses. Emerging evidence also supports an infectious cause in a subset of patients with discogenic low back pain and inflammatory bowel disease. Although antimicrobial treatment might have a role in treating chronic pain states that involve active infectious inflammatory processes, their use in chronic pain conditions resulting from autoimmune mechanisms, central sensitization and irrevocable tissue (eg, arthropathy, vasculitis) or nerve injury, are likely to cause more harm than benefit. This review focuses on the relation between infection and chronic pain, with an emphasis on common viral and bacterial causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven P Cohen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurology, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Anesthesiology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Eric J Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tina L Doshi
- Departments of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lene Vase
- Department of Psychology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kelly A Cawcutt
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Nuj Tontisirin
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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113
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Vaziri-Harami R, Delkash P. Can l-carnitine reduce post-COVID-19 fatigue? Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2021; 73:103145. [PMID: 34925826 PMCID: PMC8667465 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.103145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A significant number of patients infected with the new coronavirus suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome after COVID-19, and their symptoms may persist for months after the infection. Nevertheless, no particular treatment for post-disease fatigue has been found. At the same time, many clinical trials have shown the effectiveness of l-carnitine in relieving fatigue caused by the treatment of diseases such as cancer, MS, and many other diseases. Therefore, it can be considered as a potential option to eliminate the effects of fatigue caused by COVID-19, and its consumption is recommended in future clinical trials to evaluate its effectiveness and safety. The coronavirus disease is a viral infection that could induce different respiratory. A significant number of patients infected with the new coronavirus suffer from chronic fatigue. Clinical trials have shown the effectiveness of L-carnitine in relieving fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Vaziri-Harami
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Behavioural Sciences Research Center, Imam Hossein Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parisa Delkash
- Department of Adult Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Imam Hossein Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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114
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Stanculescu D, Sepúlveda N, Lim CL, Bergquist J. Lessons From Heat Stroke for Understanding Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Front Neurol 2021; 12:789784. [PMID: 34966354 PMCID: PMC8710546 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.789784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We here provide an overview of the pathophysiological mechanisms during heat stroke and describe similar mechanisms found in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Both conditions are characterized by disturbed homeostasis in which inflammatory pathways play a central role. Splanchnic vasoconstriction, increased gut permeability, gut-related endotoxemia, systemic inflammatory response, central nervous system dysfunction, blood coagulation disorder, endothelial-cell injury, and mitochondrial dysfunction underlie heat stroke. These mechanisms have also been documented in ME/CFS. Moreover, initial transcriptomic studies suggest that similar gene expressions are altered in both heat stroke and ME/CFS. Finally, some predisposing factors for heat stroke, such as pre-existing inflammation or infection, overlap with those for ME/CFS. Notwithstanding important differences - and despite heat stroke being an acute condition - the overlaps between heat stroke and ME/CFS suggest common pathways in the physiological responses to very different forms of stressors, which are manifested in different clinical outcomes. The human studies and animal models of heat stroke provide an explanation for the self-perpetuation of homeostatic imbalance centered around intestinal wall injury, which could also inform the understanding of ME/CFS. Moreover, the studies of novel therapeutics for heat stroke might provide new avenues for the treatment of ME/CFS. Future research should be conducted to investigate the similarities between heat stroke and ME/CFS to help identify the potential treatments for ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nuno Sepúlveda
- CEAUL—Centro de Estatística e Aplicações da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Mathematics and Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Chin Leong Lim
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jonas Bergquist
- Analytical Chemistry and Neurochemistry, Department of Chemistry—BMC, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- The ME/CFS Collaborative Research Center at Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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115
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Kunal S, Madan M, Tarke C, Gautam DK, Kinkar JS, Gupta K, Agarwal R, Mittal S, Sharma SM. Emerging spectrum of post-COVID-19 syndrome. Postgrad Med J 2021; 98:633-643. [PMID: 34880080 DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2020-139585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
'Post-COVID-19 syndrome' refers to symptoms in the convalescent phase following initial COVID-19 infection. This term encompasses a wide array of presentation involving lungs, heart and the neuromuscular system. Pulmonary manifestations include post-COVID-19 fibrosis, which is akin to post acute respiratory distress syndrome fibrosis and may reflect the permanent damage to the lungs following an initial bout of infection. Cardiovascular system is often involved, and the presentation can be in terms of acute coronary syndrome, myocarditis and heart failure. Clinical manifestations are often varied and non-specific, which entails a detailed workup and a multidisciplinary approach. Post-COVID-19 syndrome adds to the overall disease morbidity and leads to a prolonged hospital stay, greater healthcare utilisation and loss of productivity marring the country's dwindling economy. Thus, it is imperative that post-COVID-19 syndrome be prevented and identified early followed by a prompt treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shekhar Kunal
- Department of Cardiology, SMS Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Manu Madan
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Chandrakant Tarke
- Department of Pulmonology, Apollo Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Gautam
- Department of Cardiology, SMS Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Jiwan Shriram Kinkar
- Department of Neurology, SMS Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Kashish Gupta
- Department of Medicine, SG Diabetes Centre, Delhi, India
| | - Ritu Agarwal
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, SMS Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Shruti Mittal
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Shashi Mohan Sharma
- Department of Cardiology, SMS Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
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116
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Nikitina AJ, Levin OS. [Chronic fatigue syndrome against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2021; 121:92-98. [PMID: 34870921 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202112110292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The more we learn about the new coronavirus infection, the more we understand that we will feel the echoes of the pandemic for many years, and those who have successfully endured the acute phase of COVID-19 may face the consequences of the infection. One of the most frequent manifestations will be the development of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) after COVID-19. This article discusses the possible causes of the development of CFS, as well as possible ways of its treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Nikitina
- Russian Medical Academy of continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia
| | - O S Levin
- Russian Medical Academy of continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia
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117
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Kuut TA, Müller F, Aldenkamp A, Assmann-Schuilwerve E, Braamse A, Geerlings SE, Gibney KB, Kanaan RAA, Nieuwkerk P, Olde Hartman TC, Pauëlsen D, Prins M, Slieker K, Van Vugt M, Bleeker-Rovers CP, Keijmel SP, Knoop H. A randomised controlled trial testing the efficacy of Fit after COVID, a cognitive behavioural therapy targeting severe post-infectious fatigue following COVID-19 (ReCOVer): study protocol. Trials 2021; 22:867. [PMID: 34857010 PMCID: PMC8637041 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05569-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) results in debilitating long-term symptoms, often referred to as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC), in a substantial subgroup of patients. One of the most prevalent symptoms following COVID-19 is severe fatigue. Prompt delivery of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), an evidence-based treatment that has shown benefit in reducing severe fatigue in other conditions, may reduce post-COVID-19 fatigue. Based on an existing CBT protocol, a blended intervention of 17 weeks, Fit after COVID, was developed to treat severe fatigue after the acute phase of infection with SARS-CoV-2. METHOD The ReCOVer study is a multicentre 2-arm randomised controlled trial (RCT) to test the efficacy of Fit after COVID on severe post-infectious fatigue. Participants are eligible if they report severe fatigue 3 up to and including 12 months following COVID-19. One hundred and fourteen participants will be randomised to either Fit after COVID or care as usual (ratio 1:1). The primary outcome, the fatigue severity subscale of the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS-fatigue), is assessed in both groups before randomisation (T0), directly post CBT or following care as usual (T1), and at follow-up 6 months after the second assessment (T2). In addition, a long-term follow-up (T3), 12 months after the second assessment, is performed in the CBT group only. The primary objective is to investigate whether CBT will lead to a significantly lower mean fatigue severity score measured with the CIS-fatigue across the first two follow-up assessments (T1 and T2) as compared to care as usual. Secondary objectives are to determine the proportion of participants no longer being severely fatigued (operationalised in different ways) at T1 and T2 and to investigate changes in physical and social functioning, in the number and severity of somatic symptoms and in problems concentrating across T1 and T2. DISCUSSION This is the first trial testing a cognitive behavioural intervention targeting severe fatigue after COVID-19. If Fit after COVID is effective in reducing fatigue severity following COVID-19, this intervention could contribute to alleviating the long-term health consequences of COVID-19 by relieving one of its most prevalent and distressing long-term symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION Netherlands Trial Register NL8947 . Registered on 14 October 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Kuut
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Expert Center for Chronic Fatigue, Department of Medical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - F Müller
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Aldenkamp
- Department of Lung Medicine, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - A Braamse
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S E Geerlings
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - K B Gibney
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, and Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - R A A Kanaan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - P Nieuwkerk
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - T C Olde Hartman
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - D Pauëlsen
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M Prins
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - K Slieker
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bernhoven, Uden, The Netherlands
| | - M Van Vugt
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C P Bleeker-Rovers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - S P Keijmel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - H Knoop
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Expert Center for Chronic Fatigue, Department of Medical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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118
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Goudman L, De Smedt A, Noppen M, Moens M. Is Central Sensitisation the Missing Link of Persisting Symptoms after COVID-19 Infection? J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10235594. [PMID: 34884296 PMCID: PMC8658135 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10235594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients recovered from a COVID-19 infection often report vague symptoms of fatigue or dyspnoea, comparable to the manifestations in patients with central sensitisation. The hypothesis was that central sensitisation could be the underlying common aetiology in both patient populations. This study explored the presence of symptoms of central sensitisation, and the association with functional status and health-related quality of life, in patients post COVID-19 infection. Patients who were previously infected with COVID-19 filled out the Central Sensitisation Inventory (CSI), the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status (PCFS) Scale and the EuroQol with five dimensions, through an online survey. Eventually, 567 persons completed the survey. In total, 29.73% of the persons had a score of <40/100 on the CSI and 70.26% had a score of ≥40/100. Regarding functional status, 7.34% had no functional limitations, 9.13% had negligible functional limitations, 37.30% reported slight functional limitations, 42.86% indicated moderate functional limitations and 3.37% reported severe functional limitations. Based on a one-way ANOVA test, there was a significant effect of PCFS Scale group level on the total CSI score (F(4,486) = 46.17, p < 0.001). This survey indicated the presence of symptoms of central sensitisation in more than 70% of patients post COVID-19 infection, suggesting towards the need for patient education and multimodal rehabilitation, to target nociplastic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Goudman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
- STIMULUS Research Group (reSearch and TeachIng neuroModULation Uz bruSsel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
- Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Pain in Motion (PAIN) Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-2477-5514
| | - Ann De Smedt
- STIMULUS Research Group (reSearch and TeachIng neuroModULation Uz bruSsel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
- Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Noppen
- Chief Executive Officer, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Maarten Moens
- Department of Neurosurgery, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
- STIMULUS Research Group (reSearch and TeachIng neuroModULation Uz bruSsel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
- Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Pain in Motion (PAIN) Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Radiology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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De Bellis A, Bellastella G, Pernice V, Cirillo P, Longo M, Maio A, Scappaticcio L, Maiorino MI, Bellastella A, Esposito K, Montoya JG. Hypothalamic-Pituitary Autoimmunity and Related Impairment of Hormone Secretions in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e5147-e5155. [PMID: 34254637 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a severe chronic illness that reduces the quality of life. A potential role of neuroendocrine autoimmune dysfunction has been hypothesized. OBJECTIVE This work aims to investigate the occurrence of antipituitary (APA) and antihypothalamic (AHA) antibodies and possible related hypothalamic/pituitary dysfunctions in ME/CSF patients. METHODS This is a case-control study conducted in a university hospital setting (Stanford, California, USA; and Naples, Italy). Thirty women with ME/CSF (group 1) diagnosed according to Fukuda, Canadian, and Institute of Medicine criteria, at Stanford University, were enrolled and compared with 25 age-matched healthy controls. APA and AHA were detected by immunofluorescence; moreover, we investigated hormonal secretions of anterior pituitary and respective target glands. APA and AHA titers both were assessed and the prevalence of pituitary hormone deficiencies was also investigated. RESULTS Patients in group 1 showed a high prevalence of AHA (33%) and APA (56%) and significantly lower levels of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)/cortisol, and growth hormone (GH) peak/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) vs controls (all AHA/APA negative). Patients in group 1A (13 patients positive at high titers, ≥ 1:32) showed ACTH/cortisol and GH peak/IGF-1 levels significantly lower and more severe forms of ME/CFS with respect to patients in group 1B (7 positive at middle/low titers, 1:16-1:8) and 1C (10 antibody-negative patients). CONCLUSION Both AHA and/or APA at high titers were associated with hypothalamic/pituitary dysfunction, suggesting that hypothalamic/pituitary autoimmunity may play an important role in the manifestations of ME/CFS, especially in its more severe forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria De Bellis
- Unit of Andrology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bellastella
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Vlenia Pernice
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Cirillo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Miriam Longo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Antonietta Maio
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Scappaticcio
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Ida Maiorino
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Katherine Esposito
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- Unit of Diabetes, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - José G Montoya
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine; Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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Dotan A, Shoenfeld Y. Post-COVID syndrome: the aftershock of SARS-CoV-2. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 114:233-235. [PMID: 34785367 PMCID: PMC8590600 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arad Dotan
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel;; Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan, 52621, Israel.
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel;; Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan, 52621, Israel; Ariel University, Israel; Laboratory of the Mosaics of Autoimmunity, Saint Petersburg, 199034, Russia
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121
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Ruiz-Pablos M, Paiva B, Montero-Mateo R, Garcia N, Zabaleta A. Epstein-Barr Virus and the Origin of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Front Immunol 2021; 12:656797. [PMID: 34867935 PMCID: PMC8634673 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.656797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) affects approximately 1% of the general population. It is a chronic, disabling, multi-system disease for which there is no effective treatment. This is probably related to the limited knowledge about its origin. Here, we summarized the current knowledge about the pathogenesis of ME/CFS and revisit the immunopathobiology of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Given the similarities between EBV-associated autoimmune diseases and cancer in terms of poor T cell surveillance of cells with EBV latency, expanded EBV-infected cells in peripheral blood and increased antibodies against EBV, we hypothesize that there could be a common etiology generated by cells with EBV latency that escape immune surveillance. Albeit inconclusive, multiple studies in patients with ME/CFS have suggested an altered cellular immunity and augmented Th2 response that could result from mechanisms of evasion to some pathogens such as EBV, which has been identified as a risk factor in a subset of ME/CFS patients. Namely, cells with latency may evade the immune system in individuals with genetic predisposition to develop ME/CFS and in consequence, there could be poor CD4 T cell immunity to mitogens and other specific antigens, as it has been described in some individuals. Ultimately, we hypothesize that within ME/CFS there is a subgroup of patients with DRB1 and DQB1 alleles that could confer greater susceptibility to EBV, where immune evasion mechanisms generated by cells with latency induce immunodeficiency. Accordingly, we propose new endeavors to investigate if anti-EBV therapies could be effective in selected ME/CFS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruno Paiva
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Medica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Nicolas Garcia
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Medica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Aintzane Zabaleta
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Medica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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122
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Darley DR, Dore GJ, Byrne AL, Plit ML, Brew BJ, Kelleher A, Matthews GV. Limited recovery from post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 at 8 months in a prospective cohort. ERJ Open Res 2021; 7:00384-2021. [PMID: 34725634 PMCID: PMC8504133 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00384-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Global attention is gradually turning to focus on the problem of prolonged illness following acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), commonly termed “Long COVID” or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). While an increasing number of reports now recognise this condition, accurate characterisation of its prevalence, clinical features and natural history is complicated by choice of denominator population, lack of case definition and marked self-selection bias. Nevertheless, a picture is emerging of a syndrome characterised predominantly by fatigue, dyspnoea, chest tightness and “brain fog” present in around 10–30% of individuals at 2–3 months post-acute infection and affecting both those with initial severe illness and those in whom acute infection was mild [1–3]. In a longitudinal cohort, a significant proportion of patients had persistent symptoms 8 months after initial #COVID19 infection. There was no significant improvement in symptoms or health-related quality of life between 4- and 8-month assessments.https://bit.ly/2Wtb7IX
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Affiliation(s)
- David Ross Darley
- Dept of Thoracic Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia.,UNSW Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gregory John Dore
- Dept of Infectious Diseases, St Vincent's Hospital Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia.,Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anthony Luke Byrne
- Dept of Thoracic Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia.,UNSW Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Marshall Lawrence Plit
- Dept of Thoracic Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia.,UNSW Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bruce James Brew
- UNSW Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Dept of Neurology and Peter Duncan Neurosciences Unit, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney Australia
| | - Anthony Kelleher
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Dept of Immunology, St Vincent's Hospital Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gail Veronica Matthews
- Dept of Infectious Diseases, St Vincent's Hospital Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia.,Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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123
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Bateman L, Bested AC, Bonilla HF, Chheda BV, Chu L, Curtin JM, Dempsey TT, Dimmock ME, Dowell TG, Felsenstein D, Kaufman DL, Klimas NG, Komaroff AL, Lapp CW, Levine SM, Montoya JG, Natelson BH, Peterson DL, Podell RN, Rey IR, Ruhoy IS, Vera-Nunez MA, Yellman BP. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Essentials of Diagnosis and Management. Mayo Clin Proc 2021; 96:2861-2878. [PMID: 34454716 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) affecting millions of people worldwide, many clinicians lack the knowledge to appropriately diagnose or manage ME/CFS. Unfortunately, clinical guidance has been scarce, obsolete, or potentially harmful. Consequently, up to 91% of patients in the United States remain undiagnosed, and those diagnosed often receive inappropriate treatment. These problems are of increasing importance because after acute COVID-19, a significant percentage of people remain ill for many months with an illness similar to ME/CFS. In 2015, the US National Academy of Medicine published new evidence-based clinical diagnostic criteria that have been adopted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Furthermore, the United States and other governments as well as major health care organizations have recently withdrawn graded exercise and cognitive-behavioral therapy as the treatment of choice for patients with ME/CFS. Recently, 21 clinicians specializing in ME/CFS convened to discuss best clinical practices for adults affected by ME/CFS. This article summarizes their top recommendations for generalist and specialist health care providers based on recent scientific progress and decades of clinical experience. There are many steps that clinicians can take to improve the health, function, and quality of life of those with ME/CFS, including those in whom ME/CFS develops after COVID-19. Patients with a lingering illness that follows acute COVID-19 who do not fully meet criteria for ME/CFS may also benefit from these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alison C Bested
- Integrative Medicine, Dr Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
| | - Hector F Bonilla
- Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | | | - Lily Chu
- Independent Consultant, Burlingame, CA.
| | | | | | | | | | - Donna Felsenstein
- Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | | | - Nancy G Klimas
- Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Dr Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
| | | | | | | | - Jose G Montoya
- Dr Jack S. Remington Laboratory for Specialty Diagnostics, Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Benjamin H Natelson
- Pain & Fatigue Study Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | | | | | - Irma R Rey
- Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Dr Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL
| | - Ilene S Ruhoy
- Neurology, Chiari/EDS Center, Mount Sinai South Nassau, Oceanside, NY
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Hajdarevic R, Lande A, Rekeland I, Rydland A, Strand EB, Sosa DD, Creary LE, Mella O, Egeland T, Saugstad OD, Fluge Ø, Lie BA, Viken MK. Fine mapping of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) suggests involvement of both HLA class I and class II loci. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 98:101-109. [PMID: 34403736 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.08.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The etiology of myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is unknown, but involvement of the immune system is one of the proposed underlying mechanisms. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) associations are hallmarks of immune-mediated and autoimmune diseases. We have previously performed high resolution HLA genotyping and detected associations between ME/CFS and certain HLA class I and class II alleles. However, the HLA complex harbors numerous genes of immunological importance, and there is extensive and complex linkage disequilibrium across the region. In the current study, we aimed to fine map the association signals in the HLA complex by genotyping five additional classical HLA loci and 5,342 SNPs in 427 Norwegian ME/CFS patients, diagnosed according to the Canadian Consensus Criteria, and 480 healthy Norwegian controls. SNP association analysis revealed two distinct and independent association signals (p ≤ 0.001) tagged by rs4711249 in the HLA class I region and rs9275582 in the HLA class II region. Furthermore, the primary association signal in the HLA class II region was located within the HLA-DQ gene region, most likely due to HLA-DQB1, particularly the amino acid position 57 (aspartic acid/alanine) in the peptide binding groove, or an intergenic SNP upstream of HLA-DQB1. In the HLA class I region, the putative causal locus might map outside the classical HLA genes as the association signal spans several genes (DDR1, GTF2H4, VARS2, SFTA2 and DPCR1) with expression levels influenced by the ME/CFS associated SNP genotype. Taken together, our results implicate the involvement of the MHC, and in particular the HLA-DQB1 gene, in ME/CFS. These findings should be replicated in larger cohorts, particularly to verify the putative involvement of HLA-DQB1, a gene important for antigen-presentation to T cells and known to harbor alleles providing the largest risk for well-established autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riad Hajdarevic
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Asgeir Lande
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Rekeland
- Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anne Rydland
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elin B Strand
- CFS/ME Center, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Faculty of Health, VID Specialized University, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Daisy D Sosa
- CFS/ME Center, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; National Advisory Unit on CFS/ME, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lisa E Creary
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Laboratory, Stanford Blood Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Olav Mella
- Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Torstein Egeland
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ola D Saugstad
- Department of Pediatric Research, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Øystein Fluge
- Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Benedicte A Lie
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marte K Viken
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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125
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Varesi A, Deumer US, Ananth S, Ricevuti G. The Emerging Role of Gut Microbiota in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): Current Evidence and Potential Therapeutic Applications. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10215077. [PMID: 34768601 PMCID: PMC8584653 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10215077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The well-known symptoms of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) are chronic pain, cognitive dysfunction, post-exertional malaise and severe fatigue. Another class of symptoms commonly reported in the context of ME/CFS are gastrointestinal (GI) problems. These may occur due to comorbidities such as Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or as a symptom of ME/CFS itself due to an interruption of the complex interplay between the gut microbiota (GM) and the host GI tract. An altered composition and overall decrease in diversity of GM has been observed in ME/CFS cases compared to controls. In this review, we reflect on genetics, infections, and other influences that may factor into the alterations seen in the GM of ME/CFS individuals, we discuss consequences arising from these changes, and we contemplate the therapeutic potential of treating the gut to alleviate ME/CFS symptoms holistically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Varesi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Almo Collegio Borromeo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.V.); (G.R.)
| | - Undine-Sophie Deumer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Sanjana Ananth
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK;
| | - Giovanni Ricevuti
- Department of Drug Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.V.); (G.R.)
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126
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Murga I, Aranburu L, Gargiulo PA, Gómez Esteban JC, Lafuente JV. Clinical Heterogeneity in ME/CFS. A Way to Understand Long-COVID19 Fatigue. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:735784. [PMID: 34707521 PMCID: PMC8542754 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.735784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of present paper is to identify clinical phenotypes in a cohort of patients affected of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Ninety-one patients and 22 healthy controls were studied with the following questionnaires, in addition to medical history: visual analogical scale for fatigue and pain, DePaul questionnaire (post-exertional malaise, immune, neuroendocrine), Pittsburgh sleep quality index, COMPASS-31 (dysautonomia), Montreal cognitive assessment, Toulouse-Piéron test (attention), Hospital Anxiety and Depression test and Karnofsky scale. Co-morbidities and drugs-intake were also recorded. A hierarchical clustering with clinical results was performed. Final study group was made up of 84 patients, mean age 44.41 ± 9.37 years (66 female/18 male) and 22 controls, mean age 45 ± 13.15 years (14 female/8 male). Patients meet diagnostic criteria of Fukuda-1994 and Carruthers-2011. Clustering analysis identify five phenotypes. Two groups without fibromyalgia were differentiated by various levels of anxiety and depression (13 and 20 patients). The other three groups present fibromyalgia plus a patient without it, but with high scores in pain scale, they were segregated by prevalence of dysautonomia (17), neuroendocrine (15), and immunological affectation (19). Regarding gender, women showed higher scores than men in cognition, pain level and depressive syndrome. Mathematical tools are a suitable approach to objectify some elusive features in order to understand the syndrome. Clustering unveils phenotypes combining fibromyalgia with varying degrees of dysautonomia, neuroendocrine or immune features and absence of fibromyalgia with high or low levels of anxiety-depression. There is no a specific phenotype for women or men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Murga
- LaNCE-Neuropharm Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Larraitz Aranburu
- Department of Mathematics, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Pascual A. Gargiulo
- Lab Experimental Psychology, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Department of Pathology, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo (UNC), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Juan Carlos Gómez Esteban
- LaNCE-Neuropharm Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Leioa, Spain
- Neurodegenerative Disease Group, Biocruces Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - José-Vicente Lafuente
- LaNCE-Neuropharm Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Leioa, Spain
- Neurodegenerative Disease Group, Biocruces Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
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127
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A Comprehensive Examination of Severely Ill ME/CFS Patients. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9101290. [PMID: 34682970 PMCID: PMC8535418 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9101290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One in four myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) patients are estimated to be severely affected by the disease, and these house-bound or bedbound patients are currently understudied. Here, we report a comprehensive examination of the symptoms and clinical laboratory tests of a cohort of severely ill patients and healthy controls. The greatly reduced quality of life of the patients was negatively correlated with clinical depression. The most troublesome symptoms included fatigue (85%), pain (65%), cognitive impairment (50%), orthostatic intolerance (45%), sleep disturbance (35%), post-exertional malaise (30%), and neurosensory disturbance (30%). Sleep profiles and cognitive tests revealed distinctive impairments. Lower morning cortisol level and alterations in its diurnal rhythm were observed in the patients, and antibody and antigen measurements showed no evidence for acute infections by common viral or bacterial pathogens. These results highlight the urgent need of developing molecular diagnostic tests for ME/CFS. In addition, there was a striking similarity in symptoms between long COVID and ME/CFS, suggesting that studies on the mechanism and treatment of ME/CFS may help prevent and treat long COVID and vice versa.
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128
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Noor N, Urits I, Degueure A, Rando L, Kata V, Cornett EM, Kaye AD, Imani F, Narimani-Zamanabadi M, Varrassi G, Viswanath O. A Comprehensive Update of the Current Understanding of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Anesth Pain Med 2021; 11:e113629. [PMID: 34540633 PMCID: PMC8438707 DOI: 10.5812/aapm.113629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This is a comprehensive literature review of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). We provide a description of the background, etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management regarding CFS. CFS is a multifaceted illness that has many symptoms and a wide array of clinical presentations. As of recent, CFS has been merged with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). Much of the difficulty in its management has stemmed from a lack of a concrete understanding of its etiology and pathogenesis. There is a potential association between dysfunction of the autoimmune, neuroendocrine, or autonomic nervous systems and the development of CFS. Possible triggering events, such as infections followed by an immune dysregulation resulting have also been proposed. In fact, ME/CFS was first described following Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infections, but it was later determined that it was not always preceded by EBV infection. Patient diagnosed with CFS have shown a noticeably earlier activation of anaerobic metabolism as a source of energy, which is suggestive of impaired oxygen consumption. The differential diagnoses range from tick-borne illnesses to psychiatric disorders to thyroid gland dysfunction. Given the many overlapping symptoms of CFS with other illnesses makes diagnosing it far from an easy task. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers it a diagnosing of exclusion, stating that self-reported fatigue for at minimum of six months and four of the following symptoms are necessary for a proper diagnosis: memory problems, sore throat, post-exertion malaise, tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes, myalgia, multi-joint pain, headaches, and troubled sleep. In turn, management of CFS is just as difficult. Treatment ranges from conservative, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and antidepressants, to minimally invasive management. Minimally invasive management involving ranscutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation of target points has demonstrated significant improvement in fatigue and associated symptoms in a 2017 randomized controlled study. The understanding of CFS is evolving before us as we continue to learn more about it. As further reliable studies are conducted, providing a better grasp of what the syndrome encompasses, we will be able to improve our diagnosis and management of it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazir Noor
- Mount Sinai Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Miami Beach, FL, USA
- Corresponding Author: Mount Sinai Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Miami Beach, FL, USA.
| | - Ivan Urits
- Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA, USA
- Southcoast Health, Southcoast Physician Group Pain Medicine, MA, USA
| | - Arielle Degueure
- Louisiana State University Health Shreveport School of Medicine, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Lauren Rando
- Louisiana State University Health Shreveport School of Medicine, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Vijay Kata
- Louisiana State University Health Shreveport School of Medicine, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Elyse M. Cornett
- Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Alan D. Kaye
- Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Farnad Imani
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Narimani-Zamanabadi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tehran Medical Science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Corresponding Author: Department of Anesthesiology, Tehran Medical Science, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Omar Viswanath
- Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Department of Anesthesiology, Shreveport, LA, USA
- Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants – Envision Physician Services, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Creighton University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Omaha, NE, USA
- University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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129
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Evaluation of Immune Dysregulation in an Austrian Patient Cohort Suffering from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11091359. [PMID: 34572574 PMCID: PMC8465819 DOI: 10.3390/biom11091359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a severe multi-systemic disease characterized by debilitating fatigue that is not relieved by rest. The causes of the disease are still largely unexplained, and no causative treatment is currently available. Changes in the immune response are considered as fundamental in the development of ME/CFS. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the immunological profile of ME/CFS patients in a retrospective data analysis. As part of the routine workup for ME/CFS patients, a differential blood count, leukocyte subtyping, and quantification of immunoglobulins and IgG subclasses, as well as a complement analysis, was performed. Out of 262 ME/CFS patients, 64.9% had a reduction or deficiency in at least one of the listed immune parameters. In contrast, 26.3% showed signs of immune activation or inflammation. A total of 17.6% of the ME/CFS patients had an unclassified antibody deficiency, with IgG3 and IgG4 subclass deficiencies as the most common phenotypes. Reduced MBL (mannose-binding lectin) levels were found in 32% of ME/CFS patients, and MBL deficiency in 7%. In summary, the present results confirmed the relevance of immune dysfunction in ME/CFS patients underlining the involvement of a dysfunctional immune response in the disease. Thus, immune parameters are relevant disease biomarkers, which might lead to targeted therapeutic approaches in the future.
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Clinical Profile and Aspects of Differential Diagnosis in Patients with ME/CFS from Latvia. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:medicina57090958. [PMID: 34577881 PMCID: PMC8467618 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57090958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives: There is still an uncertainty regarding the clinical symptomatology and the diagnostic criteria in terms of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), as different diagnostic criteria exist. Our aim is to identify the core symptoms of ME/CFS in the outpatient setting in Riga; to distinguish symptoms in patients with ME/CFS and those with symptoms of fatigue; and to investigate patient thoughts on the onset, symptoms, treatment and effect of ME/CFS. Materials and methods: Total of 65 Caucasian patients from an ambulatory care setting were included in the study. Questionnaires, specialist evaluation of the patients and visual analogue scale (VAS) measurements were used to objectify the findings. Results: The study showed that ME/CFS with comorbidities is associated with a more severe disease. A negative correlation was found regarding an increase in age and number of current symptoms, as well as an increase in VAS score and the duration of fatigue and age in the ME/CFS without comorbidities group. Conclusions: Comorbidities tend to present with a more severe course of ME/CFS. Fatigue, myalgia, arthralgia and sleep disturbances tend to be more prevalent in the ME/CFS patients compared to the non-ME/CFS patients. VAS score has a tendency to decrease with age and duration of fatigue. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most commonly used pharmacological drug class that reduces ME/CFS symptoms.
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131
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Putilina MV. [Asthenic disorders as a manifestation of chronic fatigue syndrome]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2021; 121:125-130. [PMID: 34481448 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2021121081125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The article explains the changes in terminology and diagnostic criteria for asthenic disorders as manifestations of chronic fatigue syndrome CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis). Chronic fatigue syndrome is defined as neuroimmune endocrine dysfunction with a purely clinical diagnosis. Probably, viral infections can play a leading role in the pathogenesis. Published diagnostic criteria reveal possible correlations between chronic fatigue syndrome and COVID-19 disease. A promising strategy for the therapy and rehabilitation of patients is the use of smart peptides, a representative of which is the drug cortexin.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Putilina
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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132
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Hirschenberger M, Hunszinger V, Sparrer KMJ. Implications of Innate Immunity in Post-Acute Sequelae of Non-Persistent Viral Infections. Cells 2021; 10:2134. [PMID: 34440903 PMCID: PMC8391718 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-persistent viruses classically cause transient, acute infections triggering immune responses aimed at the elimination of the pathogen. Successful viruses evolved strategies to manipulate and evade these anti-viral defenses. Symptoms during the acute phase are often linked to dysregulated immune responses that disappear once the patient recovers. In some patients, however, symptoms persist or new symptoms emerge beyond the acute phase. Conditions resulting from previous transient infection are termed post-acute sequelae (PAS) and were reported for a wide range of non-persistent viruses such as rota-, influenza- or polioviruses. Here we provide an overview of non-persistent viral pathogens reported to be associated with diverse PAS, among them chronic fatigue, auto-immune disorders, or neurological complications and highlight known mechanistic details. Recently, the emergence of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or long COVID highlighted the impact of PAS. Notably, PAS of non-persistent infections often resemble symptoms of persistent viral infections, defined by chronic inflammation. Inflammation maintained after the acute phase may be a key driver of PAS of non-persistent viruses. Therefore, we explore current insights into aberrant activation of innate immune signaling pathways in the post-acute phase of non-persistent viruses. Finally, conclusions are drawn and future perspectives for treatment and prevention of PAS are discussed.
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133
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Potential of Activin B as a Clinical Biomarker in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081189. [PMID: 34439855 PMCID: PMC8394088 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reliable serum biomarkers are of immense need for diagnostic purposes of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)-a disabling and complex disease for which diagnosis is mainly based on clinical symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate a possible diagnostic potential of activin B by directly comparing 134 cases of ME/CFS with 54 healthy controls. Analyses of human activin B level in plasma samples were performed using a validated human activin B ELISA assay. The results of the study show that activin B levels did not differ statistically significantly between ME/CFS patients and healthy controls (p = 0.6511). No gender or age-related differences in activin B levels were observed in the ME/CFS group and healthy controls. The level of activin B tended to decrease with increasing visual analogue scale score (r = -0.2004; p = 0.5085) nevertheless the results obtained so far does not support the clinical utility of activin B as a biomarker for ME/CFS.
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134
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Lee JS, Lacerda EM, Nacul L, Kingdon CC, Norris J, O'Boyle S, Roberts CH, Palla L, Riley EM, Cliff JM. Salivary DNA Loads for Human Herpesviruses 6 and 7 Are Correlated With Disease Phenotype in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:656692. [PMID: 34422848 PMCID: PMC8378328 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.656692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex chronic condition affecting multiple body systems, with unknown cause, unclear pathogenesis mechanisms, and fluctuating symptoms which may lead to severe debilitation. It is frequently reported to have been triggered by an infection, but there are no clear differences in exposure to, or seroprevalence of, any particular viruses between people with ME/CFS and healthy individuals. However, herpes viruses have been repeatedly hypothesized to underlie the chronic relapsing/remitting form of MS/CFS due to their persistence in a latent form with periodic reactivation. It is possible that ME/CFS is associated with herpes virus reactivation, which has not been detectable previously due to insufficiently sensitive testing methods. Saliva samples were collected from 30 people living with ME/CFS at monthly intervals for 6 months and at times when they experienced symptom exacerbation, as well as from 14 healthy control individuals. The viral DNA load of the nine humanherpes viruses was determined by digital droplet PCR. Symptoms were assessed by questionnaire at each time point. Human herpesvirus (HHV) 6B, HHV-7, herpes simplex virus 1 and Epstein-Barr virus were detectable within the saliva samples, with higher HHV-6B and HHV-7 viral loads detected in people with ME/CFS than in healthy controls. Participants with ME/CFS could be broadly separated into two groups: one group displayed fluctuating patterns of herpesviruses detectable across the 6 months while the second group displayed more stable viral presentation. In the first group, there was positive correlation between HHV-6B and HHV-7 viral load and severity of symptom scores, including pain, neurocognition, and autonomic dysfunction. The results indicate that fluctuating viral DNA load correlates with ME/CFS symptoms: this is in accordance with the hypothesis that pathogenesis is related to herpesvirus reactivation state, and this should be formally tested. Herpesvirus reactivation might be a cause or consequence of dysregulated immune function seen in ME/CFS. The sampling strategy and molecular tools developed here permit such large-scale epidemiological investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Sook Lee
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eliana M. Lacerda
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luis Nacul
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Complex Chronic Diseases Program, BC Womens' Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Caroline C. Kingdon
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jasmin Norris
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shennae O'Boyle
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chrissy h. Roberts
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luigi Palla
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleanor M. Riley
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Immunology and Infection Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline M. Cliff
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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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: A meta-analysis of public DNA methylation and gene expression data. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07665. [PMID: 34341773 PMCID: PMC8320404 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
People with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) often report a high frequency of viral infections and flu-like symptoms during their disease course. Given that this reporting agrees with different immunological abnormalities and altered gene expression profiles observed in the disease, we aimed at answering whether the expression of the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the major cell entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2, is also altered in these patients. In particular, a low expression of ACE2 could be indicative of a high risk of developing COVID-19. We then performed a meta-analysis of public data on CpG DNA methylation and gene expression of this enzyme and its homologous ACE protein in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and related subsets. We found that patients with ME/CFS have decreased methylation levels of four CpG probes in the ACE locus (cg09920557, cg19802564, cg21094739, and cg10468385) and of another probe in the promoter region of the ACE2 gene (cg08559914). We also found a decreased expression of ACE2 but not of ACE in patients when compared to healthy controls. Accordingly, in newly collected data, there was evidence for a significant higher proportion of samples with an ACE2 expression below the limit of detection in patients than healthy controls. Altogether, patients with ME/CFS can be at a higher COVID-19 risk and, if so, they should be considered a priority group for vaccination by public health authorities. To further support this conclusion, similar research is recommended for other human cell entry receptors and cell types, namely, those cells targeted by the virus.
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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, Physiology, and Pathophysiology, 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, Department of Health Studies, FH Joanneum University of Applied Sciences, Graz, Austria
- Centro Integrativo 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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136
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Sepúlveda N. Impact of genetic variation on the molecular mimicry between Anoctamin-2 and Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 in Multiple Sclerosis. Immunol Lett 2021; 238:29-31. [PMID: 34310987 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2021.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Sepúlveda
- CEAUL - Centro de Estatística e Aplicações da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal.
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137
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Bath PM, Coleman CM, Gordon AL, Lim WS, Webb AJ. Nitric oxide for the prevention and treatment of viral, bacterial, protozoal and fungal infections. F1000Res 2021; 10:536. [PMID: 35685687 PMCID: PMC9171293 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.51270.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the antimicrobial potential of nitric oxide (NO) is widely published, it is little used clinically. NO is a key signalling molecule modulating vascular, neuronal, inflammatory and immune responses. Endogenous antimicrobial activity is largely mediated by high local NO concentrations produced by cellular inducible nitric oxide synthase, and by derivative reactive nitrogen oxide species including peroxynitrite and S-nitrosothiols. NO may be taken as dietary substrate (inorganic nitrate, L-arginine), and therapeutically as gaseous NO, and transdermal, sublingual, oral, intranasal and intravenous nitrite or nitrate. Numerous preclinical studies have demonstrated that NO has generic static and cidal activities against viruses (including β-coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2), bacteria, protozoa and fungi/yeasts in vitro. Therapeutic effects have been seen in animal models in vivo, and phase II trials have demonstrated that NO donors can reduce microbial infection. Nevertheless, excess NO, as occurs in septic shock, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In view of the dose-dependent positive and negative effects of NO, safety and efficacy trials of NO and its donors are needed for assessing their role in the prevention and treatment of infections. Trials should test dietary inorganic nitrate for pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis and gaseous NO or oral, topical or intravenous nitrite and nitrate for treatment of mild-to-severe infections, including due to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). This review summarises the evidence base from in vitro, in vivo and early phase clinical studies of NO activity in viral, bacterial, protozoal and fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip M Bath
- Stroke Trials Unit, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Notts, NG7 2UH, UK
- Stroke, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, Notts, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Christopher M Coleman
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Microbes, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Notts, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Adam L Gordon
- Unit of Injury, Inflammation and Recovery Sciences, University of Nottingham, Derby, Derbyshire, DE22 3NE, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration-East Midlands (ARC-EM), Nottingham, Notts, UK
| | - Wei Shen Lim
- Respiratory Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Andrew J Webb
- Clinical Pharmacology, School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, Kings College London British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, St Thomas' Hospital, London, SE1 7EH, UK
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138
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Domingues TD, Grabowska AD, Lee JS, Ameijeiras-Alonso J, Westermeier F, Scheibenbogen C, Cliff JM, Nacul L, Lacerda EM, Mouriño H, Sepúlveda N. Herpesviruses Serology Distinguishes Different Subgroups of Patients From the United Kingdom Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Biobank. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:686736. [PMID: 34291062 PMCID: PMC8287507 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.686736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The evidence of an association between Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and chronic herpesviruses infections remains inconclusive. Two reasons for the lack of consistent evidence are the large heterogeneity of the patients' population with different disease triggers and the use of arbitrary cutoffs for defining seropositivity. In this work we re-analyzed previously published serological data related to 7 herpesvirus antigens. Patients with ME/CFS were subdivided into four subgroups related to the disease triggers: S0-42 patients who did not know their disease trigger; S1-43 patients who reported a non-infection trigger; S2-93 patients who reported an infection trigger, but that infection was not confirmed by a lab test; and S3-48 patients who reported an infection trigger and that infection was confirmed by a lab test. In accordance with a sensitivity analysis, the data were compared to those from 99 healthy controls allowing the seropositivity cutoffs to vary within a wide range of possible values. We found a negative association between S1 and seropositivity to Epstein-Barr virus (VCA and EBNA1 antigens) and Varicella-Zoster virus using specific seropositivity cutoff. However, this association was not significant when controlling for multiple testing. We also found that S3 had a lower seroprevalence to the human cytomegalovirus when compared to healthy controls for all cutoffs used for seropositivity and after adjusting for multiple testing using the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure. However, this association did not reach statistical significance when using Benjamini-Yekutieli procedure. In summary, herpesviruses serology could distinguish subgroups of ME/CFS patients according to their disease trigger, but this finding could be eventually affected by the problem of multiple testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Dias Domingues
- Departamento de Estatística e Investigação Operacional, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- CEAUL–Centro de Estatística e Aplicações da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Anna D. Grabowska
- Department of Biophysics, Physiology, and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ji-Sook Lee
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jose Ameijeiras-Alonso
- Department of Statistics, Mathematical Analysis and Optimization, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Francisco Westermeier
- Institute of Biomedical Science, Department of Health Studies, FH Joanneum University of Applied Sciences, Graz, Austria
- Centro Integrativo de Biología y Química Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jacqueline M. Cliff
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luis Nacul
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Complex Chronic Diseases Program, British Columbia Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Eliana M. Lacerda
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helena Mouriño
- Departamento de Estatística e Investigação Operacional, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- CMAFcIO–Center of Mathematics, Fundamental Applications and Operations Research, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sepúlveda
- CEAUL–Centro de Estatística e Aplicações da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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139
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Bath PM, Coleman CM, Gordon AL, Lim WS, Webb AJ. Nitric oxide for the prevention and treatment of viral, bacterial, protozoal and fungal infections. F1000Res 2021; 10:536. [PMID: 35685687 PMCID: PMC9171293 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.51270.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the antimicrobial potential of nitric oxide (NO) is widely published, it is little used clinically. NO is a key signalling molecule modulating vascular, neuronal, inflammatory and immune responses. Endogenous antimicrobial activity is largely mediated by high local NO concentrations produced by cellular inducible nitric oxide synthase, and by derivative reactive nitrogen oxide species including peroxynitrite and S-nitrosothiols. NO may be taken as dietary substrate (inorganic nitrate, L-arginine), and therapeutically as gaseous NO, and transdermal, sublingual, oral, intranasal and intravenous nitrite or nitrate. Numerous preclinical studies have demonstrated that NO has generic static and cidal activities against viruses (including β-coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV-2), bacteria, protozoa and fungi/yeasts in vitro. Therapeutic effects have been seen in animal models in vivo, and phase II trials have demonstrated that NO donors can reduce microbial infection. Nevertheless, excess NO, as occurs in septic shock, is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In view of the dose-dependent positive and negative effects of NO, safety and efficacy trials of NO and its donors are needed for assessing their role in the prevention and treatment of infections. Trials should test dietary inorganic nitrate for pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis and gaseous NO or oral, topical or intravenous nitrite and nitrate for treatment of mild-to-severe infections, including due to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). This review summarises the evidence base from in vitro, in vivo and early phase clinical studies of NO activity in viral, bacterial, protozoal and fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip M. Bath
- Stroke Trials Unit, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Notts, NG7 2UH, UK
- Stroke, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, Notts, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Christopher M. Coleman
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Microbes, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Notts, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Adam L. Gordon
- Unit of Injury, Inflammation and Recovery Sciences, University of Nottingham, Derby, Derbyshire, DE22 3NE, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration-East Midlands (ARC-EM), Nottingham, Notts, UK
| | - Wei Shen Lim
- Respiratory Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Andrew J. Webb
- Clinical Pharmacology, School of Cardiovascular Medicine & Sciences, Kings College London British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, St Thomas' Hospital, London, SE1 7EH, UK
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140
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Patterson BK, Guevara-Coto J, Yogendra R, Francisco EB, Long E, Pise A, Rodrigues H, Parikh P, Mora J, Mora-Rodríguez RA. Immune-Based Prediction of COVID-19 Severity and Chronicity Decoded Using Machine Learning. Front Immunol 2021; 12:700782. [PMID: 34262570 PMCID: PMC8273732 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.700782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of CCR5 and its cognate ligands have been implicated in COVID-19 pathogenesis, consequently therapeutics directed against CCR5 are being investigated. Here, we explored the role of CCR5 and its ligands across the immunologic spectrum of COVID-19. We used a bioinformatics approach to predict and model the immunologic phases of COVID so that effective treatment strategies can be devised and monitored. We investigated 224 individuals including healthy controls and patients spanning the COVID-19 disease continuum. We assessed the plasma and isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 29 healthy controls, 26 Mild-Moderate COVID-19 individuals, 48 Severe COVID-19 individuals, and 121 individuals with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) symptoms. Immune subset profiling and a 14-plex cytokine panel were run on all patients from each group. B-cells were significantly elevated compared to healthy control individuals (P<0.001) as was the CD14+, CD16+, CCR5+ monocytic subset (P<0.001). CD4 and CD8 positive T-cells expressing PD-1 as well as T-regulatory cells were significantly lower than healthy controls (P<0.001 and P=0.01 respectively). CCL5/RANTES, IL-2, IL-4, CCL3, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, and VEGF were all significantly elevated compared to healthy controls (all P<0.001). Conversely GM-CSF and CCL4 were in significantly lower levels than healthy controls (P=0.01). Data were further analyzed and the classes were balanced using SMOTE. With a balanced working dataset, we constructed 3 random forest classifiers: a multi-class predictor, a Severe disease group binary classifier and a PASC binary classifier. Models were also analyzed for feature importance to identify relevant cytokines to generate a disease score. Multi-class models generated a score specific for the PASC patients and defined as S1 = (IFN-γ + IL-2)/CCL4-MIP-1β. Second, a score for the Severe COVID-19 patients was defined as S2 = (IL-6+sCD40L/1000 + VEGF/10 + 10*IL-10)/(IL-2 + IL-8). Severe COVID-19 patients are characterized by excessive inflammation and dysregulated T cell activation, recruitment, and counteracting activities. While PASC patients are characterized by a profile able to induce the activation of effector T cells with pro-inflammatory properties and the capacity of generating an effective immune response to eliminate the virus but without the proper recruitment signals to attract activated T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jose Guevara-Coto
- Department of Computer Science and Informatics (ECCI), Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica
| | - Ram Yogendra
- Lab of Tumor Chemosensitivity, CIET/DC Lab, Faculty of Microbiology, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica
| | | | - Emily Long
- IncellDx Inc, San Carlos, CA, United States
| | | | | | - Purvi Parikh
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, NYU Langone Tisch Hospital, New York, NY, United States
| | - Javier Mora
- Lab of Tumor Chemosensitivity, CIET/DC Lab, Faculty of Microbiology, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica
| | - Rodrigo A Mora-Rodríguez
- Lab of Tumor Chemosensitivity, CIET/DC Lab, Faculty of Microbiology, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica
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141
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Proal AD, VanElzakker MB. Long COVID or Post-acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC): An Overview of Biological Factors That May Contribute to Persistent Symptoms. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:698169. [PMID: 34248921 PMCID: PMC8260991 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.698169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 463] [Impact Index Per Article: 154.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Across the globe, a subset of patients who sustain an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection are developing a wide range of persistent symptoms that do not resolve over the course of many months. These patients are being given the diagnosis Long COVID or Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). It is likely that individual patients with a PASC diagnosis have different underlying biological factors driving their symptoms, none of which are mutually exclusive. This paper details mechanisms by which RNA viruses beyond just SARS-CoV-2 have be connected to long-term health consequences. It also reviews literature on acute COVID-19 and other virus-initiated chronic syndromes such as post-Ebola syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) to discuss different scenarios for PASC symptom development. Potential contributors to PASC symptoms include consequences from acute SARS-CoV-2 injury to one or multiple organs, persistent reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2 in certain tissues, re-activation of neurotrophic pathogens such as herpesviruses under conditions of COVID-19 immune dysregulation, SARS-CoV-2 interactions with host microbiome/virome communities, clotting/coagulation issues, dysfunctional brainstem/vagus nerve signaling, ongoing activity of primed immune cells, and autoimmunity due to molecular mimicry between pathogen and host proteins. The individualized nature of PASC symptoms suggests that different therapeutic approaches may be required to best manage care for specific patients with the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy D. Proal
- PolyBio Research Foundation, Kenmore, WA, United States
| | - Michael B. VanElzakker
- PolyBio Research Foundation, Kenmore, WA, United States
- Division of Neurotherapeutics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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142
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O'Neal AJ, Hanson MR. The Enterovirus Theory of Disease Etiology in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Critical Review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:688486. [PMID: 34222292 PMCID: PMC8253308 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.688486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, multi-system disease whose etiological basis has not been established. Enteroviruses (EVs) as a cause of ME/CFS have sometimes been proposed, as they are known agents of acute respiratory and gastrointestinal infections that may persist in secondary infection sites, including the central nervous system, muscle, and heart. To date, the body of research that has investigated enterovirus infections in relation to ME/CFS supports an increased prevalence of chronic or persistent enteroviral infections in ME/CFS patient cohorts than in healthy individuals. Nevertheless, inconsistent results have fueled a decline in related studies over the past two decades. This review covers the aspects of ME/CFS pathophysiology that are consistent with a chronic enterovirus infection and critically reviews methodologies and approaches used in past EV-related ME/CFS studies. We describe the prior sample types that were interrogated, the methods used and the limitations to the approaches that were chosen. We conclude that there is considerable evidence that prior outbreaks of ME/CFS were caused by one or more enterovirus groups. Furthermore, we find that the methods used in prior studies were inadequate to rule out the presence of chronic enteroviral infections in individuals with ME/CFS. Given the possibility that such infections could be contributing to morbidity and preventing recovery, further studies of appropriate biological samples with the latest molecular methods are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J O'Neal
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Maureen R Hanson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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143
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Weigel B, Eaton-Fitch N, Passmore R, Cabanas H, Staines D, Marshall-Gradisnik S. A preliminary investigation of nutritional intake and supplement use in Australians with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and the implications on health-related quality of life. Food Nutr Res 2021; 65:5730. [PMID: 34262415 PMCID: PMC8254462 DOI: 10.29219/fnr.v65.5730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, multisystem illness without a currently recognized pharmacological treatment. Dietary supplementation and modification have been posited as potential management strategies; however, their efficacy is controversial. Objective This study aimed to assess the nutritional intake and supplement use of Australian ME/CFS patients and the perceived effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for the first time in an Australian patient population. Design Between February 2019 and January 2020, ME/CFS patients across Australia volunteered in this cross-sectional study in response to online advertisements. Eligible respondents were invited to complete three online self-administered questionnaires investigating their supplement use, nutritional intake, and HRQoL. The study participants’ supplement use and nutritional intake were summarized and compared with the population data returned from the Australian Health Survey (2011–2012). Multiple linear regression analysis was also performed to determine the effect of participants’ supplement use and nutrient intake on HRQoL. Results Twenty-four eligible ME/CFS patients (54.2% meeting the International Consensus Criteria, 79.2% female, mean age = 43.4 ± 10.5 years) completed the online questionnaires. Supplement use was highly prevalent among the study sample (87.5%) and considerably more common when compared with population data (31.9%). Daily total fats and caffeine intakes were significantly higher among ME/CFS patients when compared with the Australian population (P = 0.009 and P = 0.033, respectively), whereas daily intakes of total carbohydrates and alcohol were significantly lower (both P < 0.001). No consistent trends between nutrition and supplement use with patients’ HRQoL could be identified. Conclusions The daily diet and supplement use of ME/CFS patients appear to vary considerably from those of the general Australian population. Although the role of nutritional intake and supplement use on ME/CFS patients’ HRQoL remains unclear, dietary changes and the use of supplements appear to be of value to ME/CFS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanna Weigel
- The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Consortium Health International for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Natalie Eaton-Fitch
- The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Consortium Health International for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Rachel Passmore
- The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Consortium Health International for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Hélène Cabanas
- The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Consortium Health International for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Donald Staines
- The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Consortium Health International for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik
- The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Consortium Health International for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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144
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Stanculescu D, Larsson L, Bergquist J. Theory: Treatments for Prolonged ICU Patients May Provide New Therapeutic Avenues for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:672370. [PMID: 34026797 PMCID: PMC8137963 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.672370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We here provide an overview of treatment trials for prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) patients and theorize about their relevance for potential treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Specifically, these treatment trials generally target: (a) the correction of suppressed endocrine axes, notably through a "reactivation" of the pituitary gland's pulsatile secretion of tropic hormones, or (b) the interruption of the "vicious circle" between inflammation, oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS), and low thyroid hormone function. There are significant parallels in the treatment trials for prolonged critical illness and ME/CFS; this is consistent with the hypothesis of an overlap in the mechanisms that prevent recovery in both conditions. Early successes in the simultaneous reactivation of pulsatile pituitary secretions in ICU patients-and the resulting positive metabolic effects-could indicate an avenue for treating ME/CFS. The therapeutic effects of thyroid hormones-including in mitigating O&NS and inflammation and in stimulating the adreno-cortical axis-also merit further studies. Collaborative research projects should further investigate the lessons from treatment trials for prolonged critical illness for solving ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lars Larsson
- Basic and Clinical Muscle Biology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Jonas Bergquist
- Analytical Chemistry and Neurochemistry, Department of Chemistry–Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- The Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Collaborative Research Centre at Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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145
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The Role of Prevention in Reducing the Economic Impact of ME/CFS in Europe: A Report from the Socioeconomics Working Group of the European Network on ME/CFS (EUROMENE). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 57:medicina57040388. [PMID: 33923830 PMCID: PMC8073750 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57040388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This report addresses the extent to which there may be scope for preventive programmes for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), and, if so, what economic benefits may accrue from the implementation of such programmes. We consider the economic case for prevention programmes, whether there is scope for preventive programmes for ME/CFS, and what are the health and economic benefits to be derived from the implementation of such programmes. We conclude that there is little scope for primary prevention programmes, given that ME/CFS is attributable to a combination of host and environmental risk factors, with host factors appearing to be most prominent, and that there are few identified modifiable risk factors that could be the focus of such programmes. The exception is in the use of agricultural chemicals, particularly organophosphates, where there is scope for intervention, and where Europe-wide programmes of health education to encourage safe use would be beneficial. There is a need for more research on risk factors for ME/CFS to establish a basis for the development of primary prevention programmes, particularly in respect of occupational risk factors. Secondary prevention offers the greatest scope for intervention, to minimise diagnostic delays associated with prolonged illness, increased severity, and increased costs.
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146
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Szklarski M, Freitag H, Lorenz S, Becker SC, Sotzny F, Bauer S, Hartwig J, Heidecke H, Wittke K, Kedor C, Hanitsch LG, Grabowski P, Sepúlveda N, Scheibenbogen C. Delineating the Association Between Soluble CD26 and Autoantibodies Against G-Protein Coupled Receptors, Immunological and Cardiovascular Parameters Identifies Distinct Patterns in Post-Infectious vs. Non-Infection-Triggered Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Front Immunol 2021; 12:644548. [PMID: 33889154 PMCID: PMC8056217 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.644548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Soluble cluster of differentiation 26 (sCD26) has a wide range of enzymatic functions affecting immunological, metabolic and vascular regulation. Diminished sCD26 concentrations have been reported in various autoimmune diseases and also in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Here we re-evaluate sCD26 as a diagnostic marker and perform a comprehensive correlation analysis of sCD26 concentrations with clinical and paraclinical parameters in ME/CFS patients. Though this study did find significantly lower concentrations of sCD26 only in the female cohort and could not confirm diagnostic suitability, results from correlation analyses provide striking pathomechanistic insights. In patients with infection-triggered onset, the associations of low sCD26 with elevated autoantibodies (AAB) against alpha1 adrenergic (AR) and M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR) point to a pathomechanism of infection-triggered autoimmune-mediated vascular and immunological dysregulation. sCD26 concentrations in infection-triggered ME/CFS were found to be associated with activated T cells, liver enzymes, creatin kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and inversely with Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1b). Most associations are in line with the known effects of sCD26/DPP-4 inhibition. Remarkably, in non-infection-triggered ME/CFS lower sCD26 in patients with higher heart rate after orthostatic challenge and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) suggest an association with orthostatic regulation. These findings provide evidence that the key enzyme sCD26 is linked to immunological alterations in infection-triggered ME/CFS and delineate a different pathomechanism in the non-infectious ME/CFS subset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Szklarski
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité –Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Helma Freitag
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité –Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Lorenz
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité –Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sonya C. Becker
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité –Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Sotzny
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité –Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra Bauer
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité –Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jelka Hartwig
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité –Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Kirsten Wittke
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité –Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Kedor
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité –Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Leif G. Hanitsch
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité –Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patricia Grabowski
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité –Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nuno Sepúlveda
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité –Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité –Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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147
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Lidbury BA. Ross River Virus Immune Evasion Strategies and the Relevance to Post-viral Fatigue, and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Onset. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:662513. [PMID: 33842517 PMCID: PMC8024622 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.662513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ross River virus (RRV) is an endemic Australian arbovirus, and member of the Alphavirus family that also includes Chikungunya virus (CHIK). RRV is responsible for the highest prevalence of human disease cases associated with mosquito-borne transmission in Australia, and has long been a leading suspect in cases of post-viral fatigue syndromes, with extrapolation of this link to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). Research into RRV pathogenesis has revealed a number of immune evasion strategies, impressive for a virus with a genome size of 12 kb (plus strand RNA), which resonate with insights into viral pathogenesis broadly. Drawing from observations on RRV immune evasion, mechanisms of relevance to long term idiopathic fatigue are featured as a perspective on infection and eventual ME symptoms, which include considerations of; (1) selective pro-inflammatory gene suppression post antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of RRV infection, (2) Evidence from other virus families of immune disruption and evasion post-ADE, and (3) how virally-driven immune evasion may impact on mitochondrial function via target of rapamycin (TOR) complexes. In light of these RRV measures to counter the host immune - inflammatory responses, links to recent discoveries explaining cellular, immune and metabolomic markers of ME will be explored and discussed, with the implications for long-COVID post SARS-CoV-2 also considered. Compelling issues on the connections between virally-induced alterations in cytokine expression, for example, will be of particular interest in light of energy pathways, and how these perturbations manifest clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett A Lidbury
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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148
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Winchester N, Calabrese C, Calabrese L. The Intersection of COVID-19 and Autoimmunity: What is Our Current Understanding? Pathog Immun 2021; 6:31-54. [PMID: 33969248 PMCID: PMC8097827 DOI: 10.20411/pai.v6i1.417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infections have historically had a complex relationship with autoimmune diseases. For patients with preexisting autoimmune disorders, often complicated by immunosuppressive therapies, there are numerous potential effects of COVID-19, a disease of complex immunobiology, including the potential for an altered natural history of COVID-19 when infected. In addition, individuals without recognized autoimmune disease may be vulnerable to virally induced autoimmunity in the forms of autoantibody formation, as well as the development of clinical immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Until quite recently in the pandemic, this relationship between COVID-19 and autoimmune diseases has been relatively underexplored; yet such investigation offers potential insights into immunopathogenesis as well as for the development of new immune-based therapeutics. Our review examines this relationship through exploration of a series of questions with relevance to both immunopathogenic mechanisms as well as some clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. Winchester
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - C. Calabrese
- Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - L.H. Calabrese
- Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
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149
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Friedman KJ, Murovska M, Pheby DFH, Zalewski P. Our Evolving Understanding of ME/CFS. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:200. [PMID: 33652622 PMCID: PMC7996879 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57030200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The potential benefits of the scientific insights gleaned from years of treating ME/CFS for the emerging symptoms of COVID-19, and in particular Longhaul- or Longhauler-COVID-19 are discussed in this opinion article. Longhaul COVID-19 is the current name being given to the long-term sequelae (symptoms lasting beyond 6 weeks) of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Multiple case definitions for ME/CFS exist, but post-exertional malaise (PEM) is currently emerging as the 'hallmark' symptom. The inability to identify a unique trigger of ME/CFS, as well as the inability to identify a specific, diagnostic laboratory test, led many physicians to conclude that the illness was psychosomatic or non-existent. However, recent research in the US and the UK, championed by patient organizations and their use of the internet and social media, suggest underlying pathophysiologies, e.g., oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. The similarity and overlap of ME/CFS and Longhaul COVID-19 symptoms suggest to us similar pathological processes. We put forward a unifying hypothesis that explains the precipitating events such as viral triggers and other documented exposures: For their overlap in symptoms, ME/CFS and Longhaul COVID-19 should be described as Post Active Phase of Infection Syndromes (PAPIS). We further propose that the underlying biochemical pathways and pathophysiological processes of similar symptoms are similar regardless of the initiating trigger. Exploration of the biochemical pathways and pathophysiological processes should yield effective therapies for these conditions and others that may exhibit these symptoms. ME/CFS patients have suffered far too long. Longhaul COVD-19 patients should not be subject to a similar fate. We caution that failure to meet the now combined challenges of ME/CFS and Longhaul COVID-19 will impose serious socioeconomic as well as clinical consequences for patients, the families of patients, and society as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth J. Friedman
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Modra Murovska
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Riga Stradiņš University, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Derek F. H. Pheby
- Society and Health, Buckinghamshire New University, High Wycombe HP11 2JZ, UK;
| | - Paweł Zalewski
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, Ergonomy and Postgraduate Education, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
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150
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Recursive ensemble feature selection provides a robust mRNA expression signature for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4541. [PMID: 33633136 PMCID: PMC7907358 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83660-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic disorder characterized by disabling fatigue. Several studies have sought to identify diagnostic biomarkers, with varying results. Here, we innovate this process by combining both mRNA expression and DNA methylation data. We performed recursive ensemble feature selection (REFS) on publicly available mRNA expression data in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 93 ME/CFS patients and 25 healthy controls, and found a signature of 23 genes capable of distinguishing cases and controls. REFS highly outperformed other methods, with an AUC of 0.92. We validated the results on a different platform (AUC of 0.95) and in DNA methylation data obtained from four public studies on ME/CFS (99 patients and 50 controls), identifying 48 gene-associated CpGs that predicted disease status as well (AUC of 0.97). Finally, ten of the 23 genes could be interpreted in the context of the derailed immune system of ME/CFS.
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