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Boruch AE, Barhorst EE, Rayne TJ, Roberge GA, Brukardt SM, Leitel ZT, Coe CL, Fleshner M, Falvo MJ, Cook DB, Lindheimer JB. Exercise does not cause post-exertional malaise in Veterans with Gulf War Illness: A randomized, controlled, dose-response, crossover study. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 120:221-230. [PMID: 38777281 PMCID: PMC11269017 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic multisymptom illnesses (CMI) such as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long-COVID, and Gulf War Illness (GWI) are associated with an elevated risk of post-exertional malaise (PEM), an acute exacerbation of symptoms and other related outcomes following exercise. These individuals may benefit from personalized exercise prescriptions which prioritize risk minimization, necessitating a better understanding of dose-response effects of exercise intensity on PEM. METHODS Veterans with GWI (n = 40) completed a randomized controlled crossover experiment comparing 20 min of seated rest to light-, moderate-, and vigorous-intensity cycling conditions over four separate study visits. Symptoms, pain sensitivity, cognitive performance, inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and plasma cytokines) were measured before and within 1 h after exercise and seated rest. Physical activity behavior was measured ≥ 7 days following each study visit via actigraphy. Linear mixed effects regression models tested the central hypothesis that higher intensity exercise would elicit greater exacerbation of negative outcomes, as indicated by a significant condition-by-time interaction for symptom, pain sensitivity, cognitive performance, and inflammatory marker models and a significant main effect of condition for physical activity models. RESULTS Significant condition-by-time interactions were not observed for primary or secondary measures of symptoms, pain sensitivity, cognitive performance, and a majority of inflammatory markers. Similarly, a significant effect of condition was not observed for primary or secondary measures of physical activity. CONCLUSIONS Undesirable effects such as symptom exacerbation were observed for some participants, but the group-level risk of PEM following light-, moderate-, or vigorous-intensity exercise was no greater than seated rest. These findings challenge several prior views about PEM and lend support to a broader body of literature showing that the benefits of exercise outweigh the risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander E Boruch
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA; University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | | | - Gunnar A Roberge
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA; University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Zoie T Leitel
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA; University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | | | - Michael J Falvo
- VA Airborne Hazards and Burn Pits Center of Excellence, East Orange, NJ, USA
| | - Dane B Cook
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA; University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jacob B Lindheimer
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA; University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA.
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Boruch A, Branchaw G, O'Connor PJ, Cook DB. Physical Activity and Fatigue Symptoms: Neurotypical Adults and People with Chronic Multisymptom Illnesses. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2024. [PMID: 39037494 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2024_502] [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: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
For neurotypical adults, a single bout of low-to-moderate intensity physical activity usually transiently improves feelings of energy. Similar bouts of exercise have the opposite effect of increased feelings of fatigue when performed by samples with chronic multisymptom illnesses (CMIs) such as Long-COVID, Gulf War Illness (GWI), or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). The short-term adoption of regular moderate intensity physical activity (typical experiments are 1 to 6 months) among neurotypical adults results in small-to-moderate improvements in self-reported feelings of fatigue, energy, and vitality. Small improvements in these feelings, or no change at all, occur for CMIs, but limited data precludes strong conclusions. The mechanisms of exercise effects on fatigue, whether acute or chronic, are poorly understood but likely involve multiple neural circuits and associated transmitters. For CMIs, the mechanisms of acute worsening of fatigue with exercise may be driven by the yet unknown pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease (perhaps involving brain, immune and autonomic system dysfunction, and their interactions). Likewise, fatigue improvements may depend on whether chronic physical activity is a disease-modifying treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Boruch
- Research Service, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Grace Branchaw
- Research Service, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Dane B Cook
- Research Service, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA.
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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Stussman B, Calco B, Norato G, Gavin A, Chigurupati S, Nath A, Walitt B. Mixed methods system for the assessment of post-exertional malaise in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an exploratory study. BMJ Neurol Open 2024; 6:e000529. [PMID: 38352048 PMCID: PMC10862339 DOI: 10.1136/bmjno-2023-000529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background A central feature of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is post-exertional malaise (PEM), which is an acute worsening of symptoms after a physical, emotional and/or mental exertion. Dynamic measures of PEM have historically included scaled questionnaires, which have not been validated in ME/CFS. To enhance our understanding of PEM and how best to measure it, we conducted semistructured qualitative interviews (QIs) at the same intervals as visual analogue scale (VAS) measures after a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Methods Ten ME/CFS and nine healthy volunteers participated in a CPET. For each volunteer, PEM symptom VAS (12 symptoms) and semistructured QIs were administered at six timepoints over 72 hours before and after a single CPET. QI data were used to plot the severity of PEM at each time point and identify the self-described most bothersome symptom for each ME/CFS volunteer. Performance of QI and VAS data was compared with each other using Spearman correlations. Results Each ME/CFS volunteer had a unique PEM experience, with differences noted in the onset, severity, trajectory over time and most bothersome symptom. No healthy volunteers experienced PEM. QI and VAS fatigue data corresponded well an hour prior to exercise (pre-CPET, r=0.7) but poorly at peak PEM (r=0.28) and with the change from pre-CPET to peak (r=0.20). When the most bothersome symptom identified from QIs was used, these correlations improved (r=0.0.77, 0.42. and 0.54, respectively) and reduced the observed VAS scale ceiling effects. Conclusion In this exploratory study, QIs were able to capture changes in PEM severity and symptom quality over time, even when VAS scales failed to do so. Measurement of PEM can be improved by using a quantitative-qualitative mixed model approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Stussman
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Brice Calco
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Gina Norato
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Angelique Gavin
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Snigdha Chigurupati
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Avindra Nath
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Brian Walitt
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Sultana E, Shastry N, Kasarla R, Hardy J, Collado F, Aenlle K, Abreu M, Sisson E, Sullivan K, Klimas N, Craddock TJA. Disentangling the effects of PTSD from Gulf War Illness in male veterans via a systems-wide analysis of immune cell, cytokine, and symptom measures. Mil Med Res 2024; 11:2. [PMID: 38167090 PMCID: PMC10759613 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00505-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One-third of veterans returning from the 1990-1991 Gulf War reported a myriad of symptoms including cognitive dysfunction, skin rashes, musculoskeletal discomfort, and fatigue. This symptom cluster is now referred to as Gulf War Illness (GWI). As the underlying mechanisms of GWI have yet to be fully elucidated, diagnosis and treatment are based on symptomatic presentation. One confounding factor tied to the illness is the high presence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous research efforts have demonstrated that both GWI and PTSD are associated with immunological dysfunction. As such, this research endeavor aimed to provide insight into the complex relationship between GWI symptoms, cytokine presence, and immune cell populations to pinpoint the impact of PTSD on these measures in GWI. METHODS Symptom measures were gathered through the Multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI) and 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) scales and biological measures were obtained through cytokine & cytometry analysis. Subgrouping was conducted using Davidson Trauma Scale scores and the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM)-5, into GWI with high probability of PTSD symptoms (GWIH) and GWI with low probability of PTSD symptoms (GWIL). Data was analyzed using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical analysis along with correlation graph analysis. We mapped correlations between immune cells and cytokine signaling measures, hormones and GWI symptom measures to identify patterns in regulation between the GWIH, GWIL, and healthy control groups. RESULTS GWI with comorbid PTSD symptoms resulted in poorer health outcomes compared with both Healthy control (HC) and the GWIL subgroup. Significant differences were found in basophil levels of GWI compared with HC at peak exercise regardless of PTSD symptom comorbidity (ANOVA F = 4.7, P = 0.01,) indicating its potential usage as a biomarker for general GWI from control. While the unique identification of GWI with PTSD symptoms was less clear, the GWIL subgroup was found to be delineated from both GWIH and HC on measures of IL-15 across an exercise challenge (ANOVA F > 3.75, P < 0.03). Additional differences in natural killer (NK) cell numbers and function highlight IL-15 as a potential biomarker of GWI in the absence of PTSD symptoms. CONCLUSION We conclude that disentangling GWI and PTSD by defining trauma-based subgroups may aid in the identification of unique GWI biosignatures that can help to improve diagnosis and target treatment of GWI more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esha Sultana
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
| | - Nandan Shastry
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
| | - Rishabh Kasarla
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
| | - Jacob Hardy
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
| | - Fanny Collado
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
- Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, 33125, USA
| | - Kristina Aenlle
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
- Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, 33125, USA
| | - Maria Abreu
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
- Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, 33125, USA
| | - Emily Sisson
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Kimberly Sullivan
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Nancy Klimas
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
- Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, 33125, USA
| | - Travis J A Craddock
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA.
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA.
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA.
- Department of Computer Science, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA.
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Joseph P, Singh I, Oliveira R, Capone CA, Mullen MP, Cook DB, Stovall MC, Squires J, Madsen K, Waxman AB, Systrom DM. Exercise Pathophysiology in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2: More in Common Than Not? Chest 2023; 164:717-726. [PMID: 37054777 PMCID: PMC10088277 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
TOPIC IMPORTANCE Postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) is a long-term consequence of acute infection from COVID-19. Clinical overlap between PASC and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) has been observed, with shared symptoms including intractable fatigue, postexertional malaise, and orthostatic intolerance. The mechanistic underpinnings of such symptoms are poorly understood. REVIEW FINDINGS Early studies suggest deconditioning as the primary explanation for exertional intolerance in PASC. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing reveals perturbations related to systemic blood flow and ventilatory control associated with acute exercise intolerance in PASC, which are not typical of simple detraining. Hemodynamic and gas exchange derangements in PASC have substantial overlap with those observed with ME/CFS, suggestive of shared mechanisms. SUMMARY This review illustrates exercise pathophysiologic commonalities between PASC and ME/CFS that will help guide future diagnostics and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Joseph
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Inderjit Singh
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Rudolf Oliveira
- Division of Respiratory Disease, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Christine A Capone
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology Department of Pediatrics, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra, Manhasset, NY
| | - Mary P Mullen
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Dane B Cook
- Research Service, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital & Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Mary Catherine Stovall
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Johanna Squires
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kristine Madsen
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Aaron B Waxman
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - David M Systrom
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
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6
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Boruch AE, Lindheimer JB, Ninneman JV, Wylie GR, Alexander T, Klein-Adams JC, Stegner AJ, Gretzon NP, Samy B, Falvo MJ, Cook DB. Exercise-induced changes in gene expression do not mediate post exertional malaise in Gulf War illness. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 29:100612. [PMID: 36950022 PMCID: PMC10027470 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is considered a characteristic feature of chronic multi-symptom illnesses (CMI) like Gulf War illness (GWI); however, its pathophysiology remains understudied. Previous investigations in other CMI populations (i.e., Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) have reported associations between PEM and expression of genes coding for adrenergic, metabolic, and immune function. Objectives To investigate whether PEM is meditated by gene expression in Veterans with GWI. Methods Veterans with GWI (n = 37) and healthy control Gulf War Veterans (n = 25) provided blood samples before and after 30-min of cycling at 70% of age-predicted heart rate reserve. Relative quantification of gene expression, symptom measurements, and select cardiopulmonary parameters were compared between groups at pre-, 30 minpost-, and 24 hpost-exercise using a doubly multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-MANOVA). Mediation analyses were used to test indirect effects of changes in gene expression on symptom responses (i.e., PEM) to the standardized exercise challenge. Results Veterans with GWI experienced large symptom exacerbations following exercise compared to controls (Cohen's d: 1.65; p < 0.05). Expression of β -actin (ACTB), catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) decreased in Veterans with GWI at 30 min (p < 0.05) and 24 h post-exercise (p < 0.05). Changes in gene expression did not mediate post-exercise symptom exacerbation in GWI (Indirect Effect Slope Coefficient: 0.06 - 0.02; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.12). Conclusion An acute bout of moderate intensity cycling reduced the expression of select structural, adrenergic, and immune genes in Veterans with GWI, but the pathophysiological relevance to PEM is unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander E. Boruch
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jacob B. Lindheimer
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jacob V. Ninneman
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Glenn R. Wylie
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ, USA
- Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, USA
- New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Thomas Alexander
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ, USA
| | - Jacquelyn C. Klein-Adams
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ, USA
| | - Aaron J. Stegner
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Nicholas P. Gretzon
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Bishoy Samy
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ, USA
| | - Michael J. Falvo
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Department of Veterans Affairs New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ, USA
- New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Dane B. Cook
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Corresponding author. Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Room 335, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
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Stussman B, Calco B, Norato G, Gavin A, Chigurupati S, Nath A, Walitt B. A Mixed Methods System for the Assessment of Post Exertional Malaise in Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.04.24.23288821. [PMID: 37205352 PMCID: PMC10187342 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.24.23288821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Background A central feature of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is post exertional malaise (PEM), which is an acute worsening of symptoms after a physical, emotional and/or mental exertion. PEM is also a feature of Long COVID. Dynamic measures of PEM have historically included scaled questionnaires which have not been validated in ME/CFS. To enhance our understanding of PEM and how best to measure it, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews (QIs) at the same intervals as Visual Analog Scale (VAS) measures after a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET). Methods Ten ME/CFS and nine healthy volunteers participated in a CPET. For each participant, PEM symptom VAS (7 symptoms) and semi-structured QIs were administered at six timepoints over 72 hours before and after a single CPET. QI data were used to plot the severity of PEM at each time point and identify the self-described most bothersome symptom for each patient. QI data were used to determine the symptom trajectory and peak of PEM. Performance of QI and VAS data were compared to each other using Spearman correlations. Results QIs documented that each ME/CFS volunteer had a unique PEM experience, with differences noted in the onset, severity, trajectory over time, and most bothersome symptom. No healthy volunteers experienced PEM. Scaled QI data were able to identify PEM peaks and trajectories, even when VAS scales were unable to do so due to known ceiling and floor effects. QI and VAS fatigue data corresponded well prior to exercise (baseline, r=0.7) but poorly at peak PEM (r=0.28) and with the change from baseline to peak (r=0.20). When the most bothersome symptom identified from QIs was used, these correlations improved (r=.0.77, 0.42. and 0.54 respectively) and reduced the observed VAS scale ceiling and floor effects. Conclusion QIs were able to capture changes in PEM severity and symptom quality over time in all the ME/CFS volunteers, even when VAS scales failed to do so. Information collected from QIs also improved the performance of VAS. Measurement of PEM can be improved by using a quantitative-qualitative mixed model approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Stussman
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Brice Calco
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Gina Norato
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Angelique Gavin
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Snigdha Chigurupati
- George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington D.C., United States
| | - Avindra Nath
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Brian Walitt
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
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8
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Kozlova EV, Carabelli B, Bishay AE, Liu R, Denys ME, Macbeth JC, Piamthai V, Crawford MS, McCole DF, Zur Nieden NI, Hsiao A, Curras-Collazo MC. Induction of distinct neuroinflammatory markers and gut dysbiosis by differential pyridostigmine bromide dosing in a chronic mouse model of GWI showing persistent exercise fatigue and cognitive impairment. Life Sci 2022; 288:120153. [PMID: 34801513 PMCID: PMC9048156 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To characterize neuroinflammatory and gut dysbiosis signatures that accompany exaggerated exercise fatigue and cognitive/mood deficits in a mouse model of Gulf War Illness (GWI). METHODS Adult male C57Bl/6N mice were exposed for 28 d (5 d/wk) to pyridostigmine bromide (P.O.) at 6.5 mg/kg/d, b.i.d. (GW1) or 8.7 mg/kg/d, q.d. (GW2); topical permethrin (1.3 mg/kg), topical N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (33%) and restraint stress (5 min). Animals were phenotypically evaluated as described in an accompanying article [124] and sacrificed at 6.6 months post-treatment (PT) to allow measurement of brain neuroinflammation/neuropathic pain gene expression, hippocampal glial fibrillary acidic protein, brain Interleukin-6, gut dysbiosis and serum endotoxin. KEY FINDINGS Compared to GW1, GW2 showed a more intense neuroinflammatory transcriptional signature relative to sham stress controls. Interleukin-6 was elevated in GW2 and astrogliosis in hippocampal CA1 was seen in both GW groups. Beta-diversity PCoA using weighted Unifrac revealed that gut microbial communities changed after exposure to GW2 at PT188. Both GW1 and GW2 displayed systemic endotoxemia, suggesting a gut-brain mechanism underlies the neuropathological signatures. Using germ-free mice, probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus reuteri produced less gut permeability than microbiota transplantation using GW2 feces. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings demonstrate that GW agents dose-dependently induce differential neuropathology and gut dysbiosis associated with cognitive, exercise fatigue and mood GWI phenotypes. Establishment of a comprehensive animal model that recapitulates multiple GWI symptom domains and neuroinflammation has significant implications for uncovering pathophysiology, improving diagnosis and treatment for GWI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena V Kozlova
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Bruno Carabelli
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Anthony E Bishay
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA; Graduate Program in Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Maximillian E Denys
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - John C Macbeth
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA; Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Varadh Piamthai
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Meli'sa S Crawford
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Declan F McCole
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Nicole I Zur Nieden
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Ansel Hsiao
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
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Barhorst EE, Boruch AE, Cook DB, Lindheimer JB. Pain-related post-exertional malaise in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia: A systematic review and three-level meta-analysis. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 23:1144-1157. [PMID: 34668532 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia (FM) are two debilitating, moderately comorbid illnesses in which chronic musculoskeletal pain symptoms are prevalent. These individuals can experience post-exertional malaise (PEM), a phenomenon where symptom severity is worsened 24hr or longer following physical stress, but the pain-related component of PEM is not well characterized. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS Case-control studies involving adults with ME/CFS or FM and measuring pain symptoms before and after exposure to a standardized aerobic exercise test were included. Hedges' d effect sizes were aggregated using random effects models and potential moderators were explored with meta-regression analysis. Results were adjusted for nesting effects using three-level modeling. RESULTS Forty-five effects were extracted from 15 studies involving 306 patients and 292 healthy controls. After adjusting for nesting effects, we observed a small-to-moderate effect indicating higher post-exercise pain in patients than controls (Hedges' d=0.42; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.67). The mean effect was significantly moderated by pain measurement timepoint (b = -0.19, z = -2.57, P = 0.01) such that studies measuring pain 8-72hr post-exercise showed larger effects (d = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.28-1.14) than those measuring pain 0-2hr post-exercise (d = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.10-0.53). CONCLUSIONS People with ME/CFS and FM experience small-to-moderate increases in pain severity following exercise which confirms pain as a component of PEM and emphasizes its debilitating impact in ME/CFS and FM. Future directions include determining mechanisms of pain-related PEM and developing exercise prescriptions that minimize symptom exacerbation in these illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen E Barhorst
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Alex E Boruch
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Dane B Cook
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jacob B Lindheimer
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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