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Conway AE, Verdi M, Shaker MS, Bernstein JA, Beamish CC, Morse R, Madan J, Lee MW, Sussman G, Al-Nimr A, Hand M, Albert DA. Beyond Confirmed Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: Approaching Patients With Dysautonomia and Related Conditions. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2024; 12:1738-1750. [PMID: 38499084 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2024.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Allergist-immunologists face significant challenges as experts in an ever-evolving field of neuroimmunology. Among these challenges is the increasingly frequent need to counsel patients with suspected mast cell activation disorders about perceived comorbidities, which may include hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, amplified pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, burning sensation syndromes, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Patients may experience comorbid anxiety, panic disorder, and depression associated with disturbed sleep, fatigue, and cognitive impairment that often worsen when their physical symptoms increase in severity. These conditions may mimic mast cell activation disorders and are emotionally taxing for patients and clinicians because they are often accompanied by vague diagnostic courses, perceived unmanageability, social stigma, and significant impairment in quality of life. Combined with relatively poorly researched therapies, it is no surprise that clinicians may feel overwhelmed or find it difficult to provide consistently compassionate care for this population. In this article, we review available therapies for these conditions, which run the gamut from physical therapy to antidepressants to multimodal pain control. We highlight the benefit of multidisciplinary care within the primary care home, which includes an important role by the allergist-immunologist. By outlining simple approaches to initial treatment, we hope to empower clinicians with the tools needed to curb emotional burnout and embrace this patient population with compassion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marcus S Shaker
- Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH; Department of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH; Section of Allergy and Immunology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH.
| | - Jonathan A Bernstein
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Claire C Beamish
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Richard Morse
- Department of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH; Section of Pediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH
| | - Juliette Madan
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH; Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Michael W Lee
- Department of Medical Education, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH
| | - Gordon Sussman
- Division of Immunology, University of Toronto, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amer Al-Nimr
- Department of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH; Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Matthew Hand
- Department of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH; Section of Pediatric Nephrology and Integrative Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Daniel A Albert
- Department of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH; Section of Rheumatology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
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Pricoco R, Meidel P, Hofberger T, Zietemann H, Mueller Y, Wiehler K, Michel K, Paulick J, Leone A, Haegele M, Mayer-Huber S, Gerrer K, Mittelstrass K, Scheibenbogen C, Renz-Polster H, Mihatsch L, Behrends U. One-year follow-up of young people with ME/CFS following infectious mononucleosis by Epstein-Barr virus. Front Pediatr 2024; 11:1266738. [PMID: 38304441 PMCID: PMC10830704 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1266738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Infectious mononucleosis after primary infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV-IM) has been linked to the development of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue-syndrome (ME/CFS) in children, adolescents, and young adults. Here, we present clinical phenotypes and follow-up data from a first German cohort of young people with ME/CFS following EBV-IM. Methods 12 adolescents and 13 young adults were diagnosed with IM-triggered ME/CFS at our specialized tertiary outpatient service by clinical criteria requiring post-exertional malaise (PEM) and a history of confirmed EBV primary infection as triggering event. Demographic information, laboratory findings, frequency and severity of symptoms, physical functioning, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were assessed and re-evaluated 6 and 12 months later. Results Young adults displayed more severe symptoms as well as worsening of fatigue, physical and mental functioning, and HRQoL throughout the study, compared to adolescents. After one year, 6/12 (54%) adolescents no longer met the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS while all young adults continued to fulfill the Canadian consensus criteria. Improvement in adolescents was evident in physical functioning, symptom frequency and severity, and HRQoL, while young adults showed little improvement. EBV serology and EBV DNA load did not correlate with distinct clinical features of ME/CFS, and clinical chemistry showed no evidence of inflammation. Remarkably, the median time from symptom onset to ME/CFS diagnosis was 13.8 (IQR: 9.1-34.9) months. Conclusions ME/CFS following EBV-IM is a severely debilitating disease often diagnosed late and with limited responses to conventional medical care, especially in adults. Although adolescents may have a better prognosis, their condition can fluctuate and significantly impact their HRQoL. Our data emphasize that biomarkers and effective therapeutic options are also urgently needed to improve medical care and pave the way to recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Pricoco
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Paulina Meidel
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Tim Hofberger
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Hannah Zietemann
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Yvonne Mueller
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Wiehler
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Kaja Michel
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Paulick
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Ariane Leone
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Haegele
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Sandra Mayer-Huber
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Gerrer
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Kirstin Mittelstrass
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Herbert Renz-Polster
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, University Medicine Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lorenz Mihatsch
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Uta Behrends
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (partner site Munich), Munich, Germany
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Di Molfetta IV, Bordoni L, Gabbianelli R, Sagratini G, Alessandroni L. Vitamin D and Its Role on the Fatigue Mitigation: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2024; 16:221. [PMID: 38257114 PMCID: PMC10818509 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D has historically been associated with bone metabolism. However, over the years, a growing body of evidence has emerged indicating its involvement in various physiological processes that may influence the onset of numerous pathologies (cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, rheumatological diseases, fertility, cancer, diabetes, or a condition of fatigue). This narrative review investigates the current knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying fatigue and the ways in which vitamin D is implicated in these processes. Scientific studies in the databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were reviewed with a focus on factors that play a role in the genesis of fatigue, where the influence of vitamin D has been clearly demonstrated. The pathogenic factors of fatigue influenced by vitamin D are related to biochemical factors connected to oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines. A role in the control of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin has also been demonstrated: an imbalance in the relationship between these two neurotransmitters is linked to the genesis of fatigue. Furthermore, vitamin D is implicated in the control of voltage-gated calcium and chloride channels. Although it has been demonstrated that hypovitaminosis D is associated with numerous pathological conditions, current data on the outcomes of correcting hypovitaminosis D are conflicting. This suggests that, despite the significant involvement of vitamin D in regulating mechanisms governing fatigue, other factors could also play a role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ippolita Valentina Di Molfetta
- Chemistry Interdisciplinary Project, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (I.V.D.M.); (L.A.)
| | - Laura Bordoni
- Unit of Molecular Biology and Nutrigenomics, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (L.B.); (R.G.)
| | - Rosita Gabbianelli
- Unit of Molecular Biology and Nutrigenomics, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (L.B.); (R.G.)
| | - Gianni Sagratini
- Chemistry Interdisciplinary Project, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (I.V.D.M.); (L.A.)
| | - Laura Alessandroni
- Chemistry Interdisciplinary Project, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (I.V.D.M.); (L.A.)
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Abstract
In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the severity of depression and fatigue in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), aged ≥ 60 years, with poor diabetes control. Between December 2018 and June 2019, 310 patients aged ≥ 60 years, with hemoglobin A1C ≥ 10%, followed-up with the diagnosis of T2DM for at least 3 years in the internal medicine outpatient clinics of Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and research hospital were included in the study. The geriatric depression scale (GDS) and fatigue severity scale (FSS) questionnaires were administered. Patients were analyzed according to their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, according to their GDS and FSS scores. The GDS and FSS scores were higher in the female patients than in the male patients, those with diabetes aged ≥ 21 years than those aged < 21 years, those using premixed insulin than those using basal bolus insulin and oral antidiabetic drug for + basal insulin, and those living alone than in those living with their families. The FSS score was higher in patients with vitamin D levels < 20 ng/mL. The factors affecting the GDS score were the FGS and FSS scores in the multivariate analysis. The factors affecting the FSS score were the GDS, diabetes age, hemoglobin level, and vitamin D level in the multivariate analysis. Poorly controlled diabetes affects elderly patients more in terms of their mental and physical health. Therefore, these patients should be considered in terms of psychosocial aspects to increase treatment compliance and effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irfan Esen
- Yüksek İhtisas Üniversitesi, Faculty of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine, Turkey
| | - Selin Akturk Esen
- Ankara Şehir Hastanesi, Department of Medical Oncology, Turkey
- * Correspondence: Selin Akturk Esen, Ankara Şehir Hastanesi, Department of Medical Oncology, Turkey (e-mail: )
| | - Hakan Demirci
- Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital, Department of Family Medicine, Turkey
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5
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Roth B, Larsson E, Ohlsson B. Poor intake of vitamins and minerals is associated with symptoms among patients with irritable bowel syndrome. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 37:1253-1262. [PMID: 35304769 PMCID: PMC9544605 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Poor food habits with insufficient intake of micronutrients have been described in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which could be of importance for development of gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms. The study aims were to examine intake and plasma/serum levels of micronutrients in IBS and whether these factors were associated with symptoms and restrictions and to study the effects of a starch- and sucrose-reduced diet (SSRD). METHODS One hundred five patients with IBS or functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) according to Rome IV criteria were included to SSRD/controls for 4 weeks. Patients completed a study questionnaire about lifestyle habits, medical health, IBS-symptom severity score (IBS-SSS), visual analog scale for IBS (VAS-IBS), and diary books before and after study start. Plasma/serum levels of micronutrients were analyzed at baseline. RESULTS Intake of micronutrients at baseline was lower than recommended according to national guidelines. Gastrointestinal symptoms were inversely associated with intake and plasma levels of iron. Extraintestinal symptoms and fatigue inversely associated with intake of vitamin B6, phosphorus, magnesium, and iodine, as was plasma levels of iron, and positively associated with plasma iron-binding capacity. Fatigue was also inversely associated with calcium, iron, and zinc intakes. Plasma ferritin was lower in participants on restrictions. SSRD increased the intake of several vitamins, selenium, and fat, whereas sodium intake was decreased, with markedly reduced symptoms. CONCLUSION Irritable bowel syndrome patients had low intake of micronutrients at baseline, which associated inversely with total IBS-SSS, extraintestinal IBS-SSS, and fatigue. SSRD increased the intake of several micronutrients, which correlated weakly with symptom improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodil Roth
- Department of Internal MedicineSkåne University HospitalMalmöSweden
- Department of Clinical SciencesLund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Ewa Larsson
- Department of Internal MedicineSkåne University HospitalMalmöSweden
- Department of Clinical SciencesLund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Bodil Ohlsson
- Department of Internal MedicineSkåne University HospitalMalmöSweden
- Department of Clinical SciencesLund UniversityLundSweden
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Investigating the Relationship between Vitamin D and Persistent Symptoms Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13072430. [PMID: 34371940 PMCID: PMC8308626 DOI: 10.3390/nu13072430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of persistent symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection, known as long COVID, is providing a new challenge to healthcare systems. The cardinal features are fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance. Vitamin D is known to have pleotropic effects far beyond bone health and is associated with immune modulation and autoimmunity. We hypothesize that vitamin D levels are associated with persistent symptoms following COVID-19. Herein, we investigate the relationship between vitamin D and fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance, assessed by the Chalder Fatigue Score, six-minute walk test and modified Borg scale. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the relationships. A total of 149 patients were recruited at a median of 79 days after COVID-19 illness. The median vitamin D level was 62 nmol/L, with n = 36 (24%) having levels 30–49 nmol/L and n = 14 (9%) with levels <30 nmol/L. Fatigue was common, with n = 86 (58%) meeting the case definition. The median Borg score was 3, while the median distance covered for the walk test was 450 m. No relationship between vitamin D and the measures of ongoing ill-health assessed in the study was found following multivariable regression analysis. These results suggest that persistent fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance following COVID-19 are independent of vitamin D.
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7
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Vorobyova YD, Danilov AB. [Chronic fatigue syndrom: modern aspects of diagnosis and treatment]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2021; 121:113-120. [PMID: 34037364 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2021121402113] [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 article presents a modern ecological approach to the pathogenesis and treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). CFS is views in terms of gene-environment concept. The basic data in patients with CFS, triggers of diseases that implement the mechanisms responsible for the manifestation of symptoms are presented. A systematic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases is given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu D Vorobyova
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - A B Danilov
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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8
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Abstract
The article is devoted to the current problems of fatigue during the new coronavirus infection pandemic. The pathogenetic mechanisms of fatigue in the acute period of infection are considered, as well as potential mechanisms and factors influencing post-viral fatigue development after COVID-19 infection. A biopsychosocial approach to the pathogenesis and treatment of post-viral fatigue is proposed. In conclusion, the factors contributing to quarantine fatigue development and methods of its therapy are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu. D. Vorobyova
- I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)
| | - G. M. Diukova
- I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University); A. S. Loginov Moscow Clinical Scientific Center
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9
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Decrease in Serum Vitamin D Level of Older Patients with Fatigue. Nutrients 2019. [PMID: 31635199 DOI: 10.3390/nu11102531.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatigue is characterized by reduced energy level, decreased muscle strength, and a variable degree of cognitive impairment. Recent evidences seem to link vitamin D deficiency to fatigue. The aim of this study was to assess and compare vitamin D status in a cohort of older subjects with and without fatigue. We recruited a total of 480 subjects, 240 patients with fatigue and 240 controls without fatigue, from the Cannizzaro Hospital of Catania (Italy). Fatigue severity was measured by the fatigue severity scale, whereas mental and physical fatigue were measured through the Wessely and Powell fatigue scale, respectively. We also measured several blood parameters and 25-OH vitamin D. Subjects with fatigue showed lower levels of vitamin D as compared with those without fatigue. Blood levels of parameters related to fatigue were normal in both groups of subjects, however, platelet, hemoglobin, hematocrit (p < 0.05), mean corpuscular volume, C-reactive protein (CRP), iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the fatigue group with respect to the control group. Moreover, compared to controls, patients showed higher scores in the physical (p < 0.001), mental (p < 0.001), and severity (p < 0.001) fatigue scales. Finally, vitamin D inversely correlated with fatigue severity (r = -0.428, p < 0.01), whereas creatine kinase and CRP levels did not correlate with vitamin D. In conclusion, our data showed a direct link between vitamin D and fatigue in older subjects, suggesting translational implications in the diagnosis and management of these patients.
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10
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Pennisi M, Malaguarnera G, Di Bartolo G, Lanza G, Bella R, Chisari EM, Cauli O, Vicari E, Malaguarnera M. Decrease in Serum Vitamin D Level of Older Patients with Fatigue. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11102531. [PMID: 31635199 PMCID: PMC6836014 DOI: 10.3390/nu11102531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatigue is characterized by reduced energy level, decreased muscle strength, and a variable degree of cognitive impairment. Recent evidences seem to link vitamin D deficiency to fatigue. The aim of this study was to assess and compare vitamin D status in a cohort of older subjects with and without fatigue. We recruited a total of 480 subjects, 240 patients with fatigue and 240 controls without fatigue, from the Cannizzaro Hospital of Catania (Italy). Fatigue severity was measured by the fatigue severity scale, whereas mental and physical fatigue were measured through the Wessely and Powell fatigue scale, respectively. We also measured several blood parameters and 25-OH vitamin D. Subjects with fatigue showed lower levels of vitamin D as compared with those without fatigue. Blood levels of parameters related to fatigue were normal in both groups of subjects, however, platelet, hemoglobin, hematocrit (p < 0.05), mean corpuscular volume, C-reactive protein (CRP), iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the fatigue group with respect to the control group. Moreover, compared to controls, patients showed higher scores in the physical (p < 0.001), mental (p < 0.001), and severity (p < 0.001) fatigue scales. Finally, vitamin D inversely correlated with fatigue severity (r = -0.428, p < 0.01), whereas creatine kinase and CRP levels did not correlate with vitamin D. In conclusion, our data showed a direct link between vitamin D and fatigue in older subjects, suggesting translational implications in the diagnosis and management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Pennisi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
| | - Giulia Malaguarnera
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy.
- Research Center "The Great Senescence", University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Di Bartolo
- Research Center "The Great Senescence", University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy.
| | - Rita Bella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technology, Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | | | - Omar Cauli
- Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Enzo Vicari
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Michele Malaguarnera
- Research Center "The Great Senescence", University of Catania, 95100 Catania, Italy.
- Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
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11
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Anti-Inflammatory Diets and Fatigue. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11102315. [PMID: 31574939 PMCID: PMC6835556 DOI: 10.3390/nu11102315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating data indicates a link between a pro-inflammatory status and occurrence of chronic disease-related fatigue. The questions are whether the observed inflammatory profile can be (a) improved by anti-inflammatory diets, and (b) if this improvement can in turn be translated into a significant fatigue reduction. The aim of this narrative review was to investigate the effect of anti-inflammatory nutrients, foods, and diets on inflammatory markers and fatigue in various patient populations. Next to observational and epidemiological studies, a total of 21 human trials have been evaluated in this work. Current available research is indicative, rather than evident, regarding the effectiveness of individuals’ use of single nutrients with anti-inflammatory and fatigue-reducing effects. In contrast, clinical studies demonstrate that a balanced diet with whole grains high in fibers, polyphenol-rich vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods might be able to improve disease-related fatigue symptoms. Nonetheless, further research is needed to clarify conflicting results in the literature and substantiate the promising results from human trials on fatigue.
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Wostyn P, De Deyn PP. The putative glymphatic signature of chronic fatigue syndrome: A new view on the disease pathogenesis and therapy. Med Hypotheses 2018; 118:142-145. [PMID: 30037603 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The underlying pathophysiology of chronic fatigue syndrome remains incompletely understood and there are no curative treatments for this disorder at present. However, increasing neuroimaging evidence indicates that functional and structural abnormalities exist in the brains of chronic fatigue syndrome patients, suggesting that the central nervous system is involved in this disorder and that at least some chronic fatigue syndrome patients may have an underlying neurological basis for their illness. In the present paper, we speculate that glymphatic dysfunction, causing toxic build up within the central nervous system, may be responsible for at least some cases of chronic fatigue syndrome. We further postulate that cerebrospinal fluid diversion such as lumboperitoneal shunting may be beneficial to this subgroup of patients by restoring glymphatic transport and waste removal from the brain. Although recent evidence indicates that at least some chronic fatigue syndrome patients may benefit from cerebrospinal fluid drainage, further studies are needed to confirm this finding and to determine whether this can be attributed to enhancement of glymphatic fluid flow and interstitial fluid clearance. If confirmed, this could offer promising avenues for the future treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. Clearly, given the relative invasive nature of cerebrospinal fluid diversion, such procedures should be reserved for chronic fatigue syndrome patients who are severely debilitated, or for those with severe headaches. Anyhow, it seems worthwhile to make every effort to identify new therapies for patients who suffer from this devastating disease, especially given that there are currently no effective treatments for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Wostyn
- Department of Psychiatry, PC Sint-Amandus, Reigerlostraat 10, 8730 Beernem, Belgium.
| | - Peter Paul De Deyn
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behavior, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Research Center, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology and Memory Clinic, Middelheim General Hospital (ZNA), Lindendreef 1, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
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