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Komaroff AL, Lipkin WI. ME/CFS and Long COVID share similar symptoms and biological abnormalities: road map to the literature. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1187163. [PMID: 37342500 PMCID: PMC10278546 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1187163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Some patients remain unwell for months after "recovering" from acute COVID-19. They develop persistent fatigue, cognitive problems, headaches, disrupted sleep, myalgias and arthralgias, post-exertional malaise, orthostatic intolerance and other symptoms that greatly interfere with their ability to function and that can leave some people housebound and disabled. The illness (Long COVID) is similar to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) as well as to persisting illnesses that can follow a wide variety of other infectious agents and following major traumatic injury. Together, these illnesses are projected to cost the U.S. trillions of dollars. In this review, we first compare the symptoms of ME/CFS and Long COVID, noting the considerable similarities and the few differences. We then compare in extensive detail the underlying pathophysiology of these two conditions, focusing on abnormalities of the central and autonomic nervous system, lungs, heart, vasculature, immune system, gut microbiome, energy metabolism and redox balance. This comparison highlights how strong the evidence is for each abnormality, in each illness, and helps to set priorities for future investigation. The review provides a current road map to the extensive literature on the underlying biology of both illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony L. Komaroff
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - W. Ian Lipkin
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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2
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Lesnak JB, Berardi G, Sluka KA. Influence of routine exercise on the peripheral immune system to prevent and alleviate pain. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2023; 13:100126. [PMID: 37179769 PMCID: PMC10173010 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2023.100126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Routine physical activity reduces the onset of pain and exercise is a first line treatment for individuals who develop chronic pain. In both preclinical and clinical research regular exercise (routine exercise sessions) produces pain relief through multiple mechanisms such as alterations in the central and peripheral nervous system. More recently, it has been appreciated that exercise can also alter the peripheral immune system to prevent or reduce pain. In animal models, exercise can alter the immune system at the site of injury or pain model induction, in the dorsal root ganglia, and systemically throughout the body to produce analgesia. Most notably exercise shows the ability to dampen the presence of pro-inflammatory immune cells and cytokines at these locations. Exercise decreases M1 macrophages and the cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TFNα, while increasing M2 macrophages and the cytokines IL-10, IL-4, and IL-1ra. In clinical research, a single bout of exercise produces an acute inflammatory response, however repeated training can lead to an anti-inflammatory immune profile leading to symptom relief. Despite the clinical and immune benefits of routine exercise, the direct effect of exercise on immune function in clinical pain populations remains unexplored. This review will discuss in more detail the preclinical and clinical research which demonstrates the numerous ways through which multiple types of exercise alter the peripheral immune system. This review closes with the clinical implications of these findings along with suggestions for future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph B. Lesnak
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Giovanni Berardi
- Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kathleen A. Sluka
- Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Corresponding author.
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McCarthy MJ. Circadian rhythm disruption in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Implications for the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 20:100412. [PMID: 35465246 PMCID: PMC9019698 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a common and disabling disorder primarily characterized by persistent fatigue and exercise intolerance, with associated sleep disturbances, autonomic dysfunction, and cognitive problems. The causes of ME/CFS are not well understood but may coincide with immune and inflammatory responses following viral infections. During the current SARS-CoV2 coronavirus pandemic, ME/CFS has been increasingly reported to overlap with persistent “long COVID” symptoms, also called the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Given the prominence of activity and sleep problems in ME/CFS, circadian rhythm disruption has been examined as a contributing factor in ME/CFS. While these studies of circadian rhythms have been pursued for decades, evidence linking circadian rhythms to ME/CFS remains inconclusive. A major limitation of older chronobiology studies of ME/CFS was the unavailability of modern molecular methods to study circadian rhythms and incomplete understanding of circadian rhythms outside the brain in peripheral organ systems. Major methodological and conceptual advancements in chronobiology have since been made. Over the same time, biomarker research in ME/CFS has progressed. Together, these new developments may justify renewed interest in circadian rhythm research in ME/CFS. Presently, we review ME/CFS from the perspective of circadian rhythms, covering both older and newer studies that make use of modern molecular methods. We focus on transforming growth factor beta (TGFB), a cytokine that has been previously associated with ME/CFS and has an important role in circadian rhythms, especially in peripheral cells. We propose that disrupted TGFB signaling in ME/CFS may play a role in disrupting physiological rhythms in sleep, activity, and cognition, leading to the insomnia, energy disturbances, cognition problems, depression, and autonomic dysfunction associated with ME/CFS. Since SARS-like coronavirus infections cause persistent changes in TGFB and previous coronavirus outbreaks have caused ME/CFS-like syndromes, chronobiological considerations may have immediate implications for understanding ME/CFS in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and possibly suggest new avenues for therapeutic interventions. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is characterized by disrupted sleep and activity implicating circadian clocks. The incidence of ME/CFS is expected to increase as a result of the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. Biomarker studies in ME/CFS patients implicate Transforming Growth Factor B (TGFB). TGFB has roles in synchronizing circadian rhythms in peripheral cells. Identification of biomarkers and new methodologies may facilitate progress in the chronobiological basis of ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J McCarthy
- UC San Diego Department of Psychiatry and Center for Circadian Biology, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla CA 92093, USA.,VA San Diego Medical Center, San Diego CA, 3350 La Jolla Village Dr MC 116A, San Diego CA, 92161, USA
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4
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Song JH, Won SK, Eom GH, Lee DS, Park BJ, Lee JS, Son CG, Park JY. Improvement Effects of Myelophil on Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in a Reserpine-Induced Mouse Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910199. [PMID: 34638540 PMCID: PMC8508381 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is associated with various symptoms, such as depression, pain, and fatigue. To date, the pathological mechanisms and therapeutics remain uncertain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of myelophil (MYP), composed of Astragali Radix and Salviaemiltiorrhizae Radix, on depression, pain, and fatigue behaviors and its underlying mechanisms. Reserpine (2 mg/kg for 10 days, intraperitoneally) induced depression, pain, and fatigue behaviors in mice. MYP treatment (100 mg/kg for 10 days, intragastrically) significantly improved depression behaviors, mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity, and fatigue behavior. MYP treatment regulated the expression of c-Fos, 5-HT1A/B receptors, and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) in the brain, especially in the motor cortex, hippocampus, and nucleus of the solitary tract. MYP treatment decreased ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) expression in the hippocampus and increased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression and the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the striatum. MYP treatment altered inflammatory and anti-oxidative-related mRNA expression in the spleen and liver. In conclusion, MYP was effective in recovering major symptoms of ME/CFS and was associated with the regulation of dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways and TGF-β expression in the brain, as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant mechanisms in internal organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hye Song
- Department of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Korea; (J.-H.S.); (S.-K.W.); (G.-H.E.); (D.-S.L.); (B.-J.P.); (J.-S.L.); (C.-G.S.)
- Institute of Bioscience & Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Korea
| | - Seul-Ki Won
- Department of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Korea; (J.-H.S.); (S.-K.W.); (G.-H.E.); (D.-S.L.); (B.-J.P.); (J.-S.L.); (C.-G.S.)
- Institute of Bioscience & Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Korea
| | - Geun-Hyang Eom
- Department of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Korea; (J.-H.S.); (S.-K.W.); (G.-H.E.); (D.-S.L.); (B.-J.P.); (J.-S.L.); (C.-G.S.)
- Institute of Bioscience & Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Korea
| | - Da-Som Lee
- Department of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Korea; (J.-H.S.); (S.-K.W.); (G.-H.E.); (D.-S.L.); (B.-J.P.); (J.-S.L.); (C.-G.S.)
- Institute of Bioscience & Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Korea
| | - Byung-Jin Park
- Department of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Korea; (J.-H.S.); (S.-K.W.); (G.-H.E.); (D.-S.L.); (B.-J.P.); (J.-S.L.); (C.-G.S.)
| | - Jin-Seok Lee
- Department of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Korea; (J.-H.S.); (S.-K.W.); (G.-H.E.); (D.-S.L.); (B.-J.P.); (J.-S.L.); (C.-G.S.)
- Institute of Bioscience & Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Korea
| | - Chang-Gue Son
- Department of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Korea; (J.-H.S.); (S.-K.W.); (G.-H.E.); (D.-S.L.); (B.-J.P.); (J.-S.L.); (C.-G.S.)
- Institute of Bioscience & Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Korea
| | - Ji-Yeun Park
- Department of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Korea; (J.-H.S.); (S.-K.W.); (G.-H.E.); (D.-S.L.); (B.-J.P.); (J.-S.L.); (C.-G.S.)
- Institute of Bioscience & Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 34520, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-42-280-2615
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5
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Lee WK, Kim Y, Jang H, Sim JH, Choi HJ, Shin Y, Choi JJ. Exogenous Transforming Growth Factor-β in Brain-Induced Symptoms of Central Fatigue and Suppressed Dopamine Production in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052580. [PMID: 33806649 PMCID: PMC7961432 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is one of the most refractory diseases in humans and is characterized by severe central fatigue accompanied with various symptoms that affect daily life, such as impaired memory, depression, and somatic pain. However, the etiology and pathophysiological mechanisms of CFS remain unknown. To investigate the pathophysiological role of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, we injected a cytokine into the lateral ventricle of a C57BL/6 mouse. The intracranial injection of TGF-β1 increased the immobility duration in a forced swimming test (FST) and time spent at the closed arm in elevated plus maze (EPM) analysis. The mice injected with TGF-β1 into their brain showed increased sensitivity to pain in a von Frey test, and had a decreased retention time on rotarod and latency time in a bright box in a passive avoidance test. In addition, the serum levels of muscle fatigue biomarkers, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK), were significantly increased after administration of TGF-β1. Intracranial injection of TGF-β1 significantly reduced the production of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the ventral tegmental area, accompanied by a decreased level of dopamine in the striatum. The suppression of TH expression by TGF-β1 was confirmed in the human neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y. These results, which show that TGF-β1 induced fatigue-like behaviors by suppressing dopamine production, suggest that TGF-β1 plays a critical role in the development of central fatigue and is, therefore, a potential therapeutic target of the disease.
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6
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Toogood PL, Clauw DJ, Phadke S, Hoffman D. Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): Where will the drugs come from? Pharmacol Res 2021; 165:105465. [PMID: 33529750 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic debilitating disease characterized by severe and disabling fatigue that fails to improve with rest; it is commonly accompanied by multifocal pain, as well as sleep disruption, and cognitive dysfunction. Even mild exertion can exacerbate symptoms. The prevalence of ME/CFS in the U.S. is estimated to be 0.5-1.5 % and is higher among females. Viral infection is an established trigger for the onset of ME/CFS symptoms, raising the possibility of an increase in ME/CFS prevalence resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Current treatments are largely palliative and limited to alleviating symptoms and addressing the psychological sequelae associated with long-term disability. While ME/CFS is characterized by broad heterogeneity, common features include immune dysregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanistic basis of the disease remains poorly understood. Herein, we review the current understanding, diagnosis and treatment of ME/CFS and summarize past clinical studies aimed at identifying effective therapies. We describe the current status of mechanistic studies, including the identification of multiple targets for potential pharmacological intervention, and ongoing efforts towards the discovery of new medicines for ME/CFS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter L Toogood
- Michigan Drug Discovery, University of Michigan, Life Science Institute, 210 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, North University Building, 428 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States.
| | - Daniel J Clauw
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Internal Medicine (Rheumatology) and Psychiatry, University of Michigan/Michigan Medicine, Chronic Pain and Fatigue Center, 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, P.O. Box 3885, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
| | - Sameer Phadke
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, North University Building, 428 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
| | - David Hoffman
- Cayman Chemical Company, 1180 E. Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, United States
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7
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Feder HM, Wormser GP. Studying College Students for the Development of Infectious Mononucleosis and ME/CFS. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e3747-e3749. [PMID: 33508083 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Henry M Feder
- University of Connecticut Medical Center and Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Farmington and Hartford, CT
| | - Gary P Wormser
- Division of Infectious Diseases, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
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8
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Strawbridge R, Sartor ML, Scott F, Cleare AJ. Inflammatory proteins are altered in chronic fatigue syndrome-A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:69-83. [PMID: 31465778 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Immune dysfunction has been posited as a key element in the aetiology of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) since the illness was first conceived. However, systematic reviews have yet to quantitatively synthesise inflammatory biomarkers across the literature. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify available data on circulating inflammatory proteins, examining studies recruiting patients with a CFS diagnosis and a non-affected control group. Results were meta-analysed from 42 studies. Patients with CFS had significantly elevated tumour necrosis factor (ES = 0.274, p < 0.001), interleukin-2 (ES = 0.203, p = 0.006), interleukin-4 (ES = 0.373, p = 0.004), transforming growth factor-β (ES = 0.967, p < 0.001) and c-reactive protein (ES = 0.622, p = 0.019). 12 proteins did not differ between groups. These data provide some support for an inflammatory component in CFS, although inconsistency of results indicates that inflammation is unlikely to be a primary feature in all those suffering from this disorder. It is hoped that further work will elucidate whether there are subgroups of patients with clinically-relevant inflammatory dysfunction, and whether inflammatory cytokines may provide a prognostic biomarker or moderate treatment effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Strawbridge
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Maria-Laura Sartor
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Fraser Scott
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Anthony J Cleare
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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9
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Rethinking ME/CFS Diagnostic Reference Intervals via Machine Learning, and the Utility of Activin B for Defining Symptom Severity. Diagnostics (Basel) 2019; 9:diagnostics9030079. [PMID: 31331036 PMCID: PMC6787626 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics9030079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomarker discovery applied to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a disabling disease of inconclusive aetiology, has identified several cytokines to potentially fulfil a role as a quantitative blood/serum marker for laboratory diagnosis, with activin B a recent addition. We explored further the potential of serum activin B as a ME/CFS biomarker, alone and in combination with a range of routine test results obtained from pathology laboratories. Previous pilot study results showed that activin B was significantly elevated for the ME/CFS participants compared to healthy (control) participants. All the participants were recruited via CFS Discovery and assessed via the Canadian/International Consensus Criteria. A significant difference for serum activin B was also detected for ME/CFS and control cohorts recruited for this study, but median levels were significantly lower for the ME/CFS cohort. Random Forest (RF) modelling identified five routine pathology blood test markers that collectively predicted ME/CFS at ≥62% when compared via weighted standing time (WST) severity classes. A closer analysis revealed that the inclusion of activin B to the panel of pathology markers improved the prediction of mild to moderate ME/CFS cases. Applying correct WST class prediction from RFA modelling, new reference intervals were calculated for activin B and associated pathology markers, where 24-h urinary creatinine clearance, serum urea and serum activin B showed the best potential as diagnostic markers. While the serum activin B results remained statistically significant for the new participant cohorts, activin B was found to also have utility in enhancing the prediction of symptom severity, as represented by WST class.
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Yang T, Yang Y, Wang D, Li C, Qu Y, Guo J, Shi T, Bo W, Sun Z, Asakawa T. The clinical value of cytokines in chronic fatigue syndrome. J Transl Med 2019; 17:213. [PMID: 31253154 PMCID: PMC6599310 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-1948-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a heterogeneous disorder with uncertain pathogenesis. Without effective therapy, CFS is characterized by disabling fatigue, depression, memory loss, and somatic discomfort. This comprehensive and impartial review aimed to assess the available evidence and examined the potential clinical value of using cytokines for the monitoring of CFS and as targets for the treatment of CFS. Inflammatory reactions and immune modulation are considered to contribute to the pathophysiology of CFS, and it is well documented that cytokines present in both blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are closely associated with the progression and severity of CFS. However, pathophysiological and methodological limitations prevent using circulating cytokines as independent diagnostic indices. Moreover, there is no evidence to support the use of CSF cytokines as independent diagnostic indices. Nevertheless, a comprehensive evaluation of changes in circulating and CSF cytokines may improve clinical understanding of the pathophysiology of patients with CFS, aiding in the establishment of an appropriate diagnosis. Importantly, the available evidence does not support the value of cytokines as therapeutic targets. We believe that an improved understanding of cytokine-related mechanisms will be helpful to explore new cytokine-related therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiansong Yang
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 26 Heping Road, Harbin, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 24 Heping Road, Harbin, China
| | - Delong Wang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 24 Heping Road, Harbin, China
| | - Chaoran Li
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 24 Heping Road, Harbin, China
| | - Yuanyuan Qu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 24 Heping Road, Harbin, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 24 Heping Road, Harbin, China
| | - Tianyu Shi
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 24 Heping Road, Harbin, China
| | - Wang Bo
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 24 Heping Road, Harbin, China
| | - Zhongren Sun
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 24 Heping Road, Harbin, China.
| | - Tetsuya Asakawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Handayama, 1-20-1, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, 431-3192, Japan. .,Research Base of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
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Cliff JM, King EC, Lee JS, Sepúlveda N, Wolf AS, Kingdon C, Bowman E, Dockrell HM, Nacul L, Lacerda E, Riley EM. Cellular Immune Function in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Front Immunol 2019; 10:796. [PMID: 31057538 PMCID: PMC6477089 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating condition with unknown aetiology, Myalgic encephalomyelitis unclear pathophysiology and with no diagnostic test or biomarker available. Many patients report their ME/CFS began after an acute infection, and subsequent increased frequency of infections, such as colds or influenza, is common. These factors imply an altered immunological status exists in ME/CFS, in at least a proportion of patients, yet previous studies of peripheral immunity have been discrepant and inconclusive. The UK ME/CFS Biobank, which has collected blood samples from nearly 300 clinically-confirmed ME/CFS patients, enables large-scale studies of immunological function in phenotypically well-characterised participants. In this study, herpes virus serological status and T cell, B cell, NK cell and monocyte populations were investigated in 251 ME/CFS patients, including 54 who were severely affected, and compared with those from 107 healthy participants and with 46 patients with Multiple Sclerosis. There were no differences in seroprevalence for six human herpes viruses between ME/CFS and healthy controls, although seroprevalence for the Epstein-Barr virus was higher in multiple sclerosis patients. Contrary to previous reports, no significant differences were observed in NK cell numbers, subtype proportions or in vitro responsiveness between ME/CFS patients and healthy control participants. In contrast, the T cell compartment was altered in ME/CFS, with increased proportions of effector memory CD8+ T cells and decreased proportions of terminally differentiated effector CD8+ T cells. Conversely, there was a significantly increased proportion of mucosal associated invariant T cells (MAIT) cells, especially in severely affected ME/CFS patients. These abnormalities demonstrate that an altered immunological state does exist in ME/CFS, particularly in severely affected people. This may simply reflect ongoing or recent infection, or may indicate future increased susceptibility to infection. Longitudinal studies of ME/CFS patients are needed to help to determine cause and effect and thus any potential benefits of immuno-modulatory treatments for ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline M. Cliff
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth C. King
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ji-Sook Lee
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nuno Sepúlveda
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Centre of Statistics and Applications, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Asia-Sophia Wolf
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Kingdon
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erinna Bowman
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hazel M. Dockrell
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luis Nacul
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eliana Lacerda
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor M. Riley
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Morris G, Maes M, Berk M, Puri BK. Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome: how could the illness develop? Metab Brain Dis 2019; 34:385-415. [PMID: 30758706 PMCID: PMC6428797 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-019-0388-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A model of the development and progression of chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis), the aetiology of which is currently unknown, is put forward, starting with a consideration of the post-infection role of damage-associated molecular patterns and the development of chronic inflammatory, oxidative and nitrosative stress in genetically predisposed individuals. The consequences are detailed, including the role of increased intestinal permeability and the translocation of commensal antigens into the circulation, and the development of dysautonomia, neuroinflammation, and neurocognitive and neuroimaging abnormalities. Increasing levels of such stress and the switch to immune and metabolic downregulation are detailed next in relation to the advent of hypernitrosylation, impaired mitochondrial performance, immune suppression, cellular hibernation, endotoxin tolerance and sirtuin 1 activation. The role of chronic stress and the development of endotoxin tolerance via indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase upregulation and the characteristics of neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages and T cells, including regulatory T cells, in endotoxin tolerance are detailed next. Finally, it is shown how the immune and metabolic abnormalities of chronic fatigue syndrome can be explained by endotoxin tolerance, thus completing the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerwyn Morris
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Maes
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Michael Berk
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Basant K Puri
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, England, W12 0HS, UK.
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Metabolic abnormalities in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a mini-review. Biochem Soc Trans 2018; 46:547-553. [PMID: 29666214 DOI: 10.1042/bst20170503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), commonly known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a debilitating disease of unknown etiology. CFS/ME is a heterogeneous disease associated with a myriad of symptoms but with severe, prolonged fatigue as the core symptom associated with the disease. There are currently no known biomarkers for the disease, largely due to the lack of knowledge surrounding the eitopathogenesis of CFS/ME. Numerous studies have been conducted in an attempt to identify potential biomarkers for the disease. This mini-review offers a brief summary of current research into the identification of metabolic abnormalities in CFS/ME which may represent potential biomarkers for the disease. The progress of research into key areas including immune dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase activation, skeletal muscle cell acidosis, and metabolomics are presented here. Studies outlined in this mini-review show many potential causes for the pathogenesis of CFS/ME and identify many potential metabolic biomarkers for the disease from the aforementioned research areas. The future of CFS/ME research should focus on building on the potential biomarkers for the disease using multi-disciplinary techniques at multiple research sites in order to produce robust data sets. Whether the metabolic changes identified in this mini-review occur as a cause or a consequence of the disease must also be established.
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Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Evidence for an autoimmune disease. Autoimmun Rev 2018; 17:601-609. [PMID: 29635081 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a frequent and severe chronic disease drastically impairing life quality. The underlying pathomechanism is incompletely understood yet but there is convincing evidence that in at least a subset of patients ME/CFS has an autoimmune etiology. In this review, we will discuss current autoimmune aspects for ME/CFS. Immune dysregulation in ME/CFS has been frequently described including changes in cytokine profiles and immunoglobulin levels, T- and B-cell phenotype and a decrease of natural killer cell cytotoxicity. Moreover, autoantibodies against various antigens including neurotransmitter receptors have been recently identified in ME/CFS individuals by several groups. Consistently, clinical trials from Norway have shown that B-cell depletion with rituximab results in clinical benefits in about half of ME/CFS patients. Furthermore, recent studies have provided evidence for severe metabolic disturbances presumably mediated by serum autoantibodies in ME/CFS. Therefore, further efforts are required to delineate the role of autoantibodies in the onset and pathomechanisms of ME/CFS in order to better understand and properly treat this disease.
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Blomberg J, Gottfries CG, Elfaitouri A, Rizwan M, Rosén A. Infection Elicited Autoimmunity and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An Explanatory Model. Front Immunol 2018; 9:229. [PMID: 29497420 PMCID: PMC5818468 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) often also called chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a common, debilitating, disease of unknown origin. Although a subject of controversy and a considerable scientific literature, we think that a solid understanding of ME/CFS pathogenesis is emerging. In this study, we compiled recent findings and placed them in the context of the clinical picture and natural history of the disease. A pattern emerged, giving rise to an explanatory model. ME/CFS often starts after or during an infection. A logical explanation is that the infection initiates an autoreactive process, which affects several functions, including brain and energy metabolism. According to our model for ME/CFS pathogenesis, patients with a genetic predisposition and dysbiosis experience a gradual development of B cell clones prone to autoreactivity. Under normal circumstances these B cell offsprings would have led to tolerance. Subsequent exogenous microbial exposition (triggering) can lead to comorbidities such as fibromyalgia, thyroid disorder, and orthostatic hypotension. A decisive infectious trigger may then lead to immunization against autoantigens involved in aerobic energy production and/or hormone receptors and ion channel proteins, producing postexertional malaise and ME/CFS, affecting both muscle and brain. In principle, cloning and sequencing of immunoglobulin variable domains could reveal the evolution of pathogenic clones. Although evidence consistent with the model accumulated in recent years, there are several missing links in it. Hopefully, the hypothesis generates testable propositions that can augment the understanding of the pathogenesis of ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Blomberg
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Clinical Microbiology, Academic Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Amal Elfaitouri
- Department of Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health, Benghazi University, Benghazi, Libya
| | - Muhammad Rizwan
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Clinical Microbiology, Academic Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anders Rosén
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Cell Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Moneghetti KJ, Skhiri M, Contrepois K, Kobayashi Y, Maecker H, Davis M, Snyder M, Haddad F, Montoya JG. Value of Circulating Cytokine Profiling During Submaximal Exercise Testing in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2779. [PMID: 29426834 PMCID: PMC5807550 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20941-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a heterogeneous syndrome in which patients often experience severe fatigue and malaise following exertion. Immune and cardiovascular dysfunction have been postulated to play a role in the pathophysiology. We therefore, examined whether cytokine profiling or cardiovascular testing following exercise would differentiate patients with ME/CFS. Twenty-four ME/CFS patients were matched to 24 sedentary controls and underwent cardiovascular and circulating immune profiling. Cardiovascular analysis included echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise and endothelial function testing. Cytokine and growth factor profiles were analyzed using a 51-plex Luminex bead kit at baseline and 18 hours following exercise. Cardiac structure and exercise capacity were similar between groups. Sparse partial least square discriminant analyses of cytokine profiles 18 hours post exercise offered the most reliable discrimination between ME/CFS and controls (κ = 0.62(0.34,0.84)). The most discriminatory cytokines post exercise were CD40L, platelet activator inhibitor, interleukin 1-β, interferon-α and CXCL1. In conclusion, cytokine profiling following exercise may help differentiate patients with ME/CFS from sedentary controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kegan J Moneghetti
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Mehdi Skhiri
- General Medical Disciplines, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kévin Contrepois
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yukari Kobayashi
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Holden Maecker
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mark Davis
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael Snyder
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Francois Haddad
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jose G Montoya
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation Toxoplasma Serology Laboratory, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Roerink ME, Knoop H, Bronkhorst EM, Mouthaan HA, Hawinkels LJAC, Joosten LAB, van der Meer JWM. Cytokine signatures in chronic fatigue syndrome patients: a Case Control Study and the effect of anakinra treatment. J Transl Med 2017; 15:267. [PMID: 29284500 PMCID: PMC5747240 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-017-1371-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytokine disturbances have been suggested to be associated with the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) for decades. METHODS Fifty female CFS patients were included in a study on the effect of the interleukin-1-receptor antagonist anakinra or placebo during 4 weeks. EDTA plasma was collected from patients before and directly after treatment. At baseline, plasma samples were collected at the same time from 48 healthy, age-matched female neighborhood controls. A panel of 92 inflammatory markers was determined in parallel in 1 μL samples using a 'proximity extension assay' (PEA) based immunoassay. Since Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) were not included in this platform, these cytokines were measured with ELISA. RESULTS In CFS/ME patients, the 'normalized protein expression' value of IL-12p40 and CSF-1 was significantly higher (p value 0.0042 and 0.049, respectively). Furthermore, using LASSO regression, a combination of 47 markers yielded a prediction model with a corrected AUC of 0.73. After correction for multiple testing, anakinra had no effect on circulating cytokines. TGF-β did not differ between patients and controls. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, this study demonstrated increased IL-12p40 and CSF-1 concentrations in CFS/ME patients in addition to a set of predictive biomarkers. There was no effect of anakinra on circulating cytokines other than IL-1Ra. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02108210 , Registered April 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Roerink
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Hans Knoop
- Department of Medical Psychology, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ewald M Bronkhorst
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Luuk J A C Hawinkels
- Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Leo A B Joosten
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jos W M van der Meer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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