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Sanal-Hayes NEM, Hayes LD, Mclaughlin M, Berry ECJ, Sculthorpe NF. People with Long Covid and ME/CFS Exhibit Similarly Impaired Dexterity and Bimanual Coordination: A Case-Case-Control Study. Am J Med 2024:S0002-9343(24)00091-3. [PMID: 38403179 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Dexterity and bimanual coordination had not previously been compared between people with long COVID and people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Therefore, this study determined dexterity and bimanual coordination in people with long COVID (∼16 month illness duration; n=21) and ME/CFS (∼16 year illness duration; n=20), versus age-matched healthy controls (n=20). METHODS Dexterity, and bimanual coordination was determined using the Purdue pegboard test. RESULTS The main findings of the present investigation were that people with ME/CFS and people with long COVID were generally comparable for Purdue pegboard tests (p>0.556 and d<0.36 for pairwise comparisons). It is worth noting however, that both these patient groups performed poorer in the Perdue pegboard test than healthy controls (p<0.169 and d>0.40 for pairwise comparisons). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that both people with long COVID and people with ME/CFS have similarly impaired dexterity, and bimanual coordination. Therefore, there is an urgent need for interventions to target dexterity and bimanual coordination in people with ME/CFS, and given the current pandemic, people with long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilihan E M Sanal-Hayes
- School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Salford, UK; Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Lawrence D Hayes
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Marie Mclaughlin
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, UK; School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Ethan C J Berry
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Nicholas F Sculthorpe
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, UK
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Mclaughlin M, Sanal-Hayes NEM, Hayes LD, Berry EC, Sculthorpe NF. People with Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Exhibit Similarly Impaired Vascular Function. Am J Med 2023:S0002-9343(23)00609-5. [PMID: 37832757 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2023.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to compare flow-mediated dilation values between individuals with long COVID, individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and healthy age-matched controls to assess the potential implications for clinical management and long-term health outcomes. METHODS A case-case-control approach was employed, and flow-mediated dilation measurements were obtained from 51 participants (17 long COVID patients, 17 ME/CFS patients, and 17 healthy age-matched controls). Flow-mediated dilation values were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance for between-group comparisons. RESULTS Results revealed significantly impaired endothelial function in both long COVID and ME/CFS groups compared with healthy age-matched controls as determined by maximum % brachial artery diameter post-occlusion compared with pre-occlusion resting diameter (6.99 ± 4.33% and 6.60 ± 3.48% vs 11.30 ± 4.44%, respectively, both P < .05). Notably, there was no difference in flow-mediated dilation between long COVID and ME/CFS groups (P = .949), despite significantly longer illness duration in the ME/CFS group (ME/CFS: 16 ± 11.15 years vs long COVID: 1.36 ± 0.51 years, P < .0001). CONCLUSION The study demonstrates that both long COVID and ME/CFS patients exhibit similarly impaired endothelial function, indicating potential vascular involvement in the pathogenesis of these post-viral illnesses. The significant reduction in flow-mediated dilation values suggests an increased cardiovascular risk in these populations, warranting careful monitoring and the development of targeted interventions to improve endothelial function and mitigate long-term health implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Mclaughlin
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom; School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Hull, United Kingdom.
| | - Nilihan E M Sanal-Hayes
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom; School of Health and Society, University of Salford, United Kingdom
| | - Lawrence D Hayes
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ethan C Berry
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas F Sculthorpe
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Hayes LD, Sanal-Hayes NEM, Mclaughlin M, Berry ECJ, Sculthorpe NF. People with Long Covid and ME/CFS Exhibit Similarly Impaired Balance and Physical Capacity: A Case-Case-Control Study. Am J Med 2023:S0002-9343(23)00465-5. [PMID: 37490948 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2023.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Postural sway and physical capacity had not previously been compared between people with long COVID and people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Therefore, this study determined postural sway and physical capacity in people with long COVID (∼16-month illness duration; n = 21) and ME/CFS (∼16-year illness duration; n = 20), vs age-matched healthy controls (n = 20). METHODS Postural sway was during a 30-s static stand test. Physical capacity was determined using the Timed Up and Go test and 5 Times Sit to Stand test. Throughout, participants wore isoinertial measurement units. RESULTS Postural sway was worse (ie, greater) in people with long COVID and ME/CFS than controls, but not different between long COVID and ME/CFS. Performance of the Timed Up and Go test and 5 Times Sit to Stand test were worse in long COVID and ME/CFS than controls, but not different between long COVID and ME/CFS. Of long COVID and ME/CFS participants, 87% and 13% exceeded the threshold for muscle weakness in the 5 Times Sit to Stand test and Timed Up and Go test, respectively. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that both people with long COVID and people with ME/CFS have similarly impaired balance and physical capacity. Therefore, there is an urgent need for interventions to target postural sway and physical capacity in people with ME/CFS, and given the current pandemic, people with long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence D Hayes
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
| | - Nilihan E M Sanal-Hayes
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom; School of Health & Society, University of Salford, Salford, United Kingdom
| | - Marie Mclaughlin
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ethan C J Berry
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas F Sculthorpe
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Kasimir F, Toomey D, Liu Z, Kaiping AC, Ariza ME, Prusty BK. Tissue specific signature of HHV-6 infection in ME/CFS. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1044964. [PMID: 36589231 PMCID: PMC9795011 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1044964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
First exposure to various human herpesviruses (HHVs) including HHV-6, HCMV and EBV does not cause a life-threatening disease. In fact, most individuals are frequently unaware of their first exposure to such pathogens. These herpesviruses acquire lifelong latency in the human body where they show minimal genomic activity required for their survival. We hypothesized that it is not the latency itself but a timely, regionally restricted viral reactivation in a sub-set of host cells that plays a key role in disease development. HHV-6 (HHV-6A and HHV-6B) and HHV-7 are unique HHVs that acquire latency by integration of the viral genome into sub-telomeric region of human chromosomes. HHV-6 reactivation has been linked to Alzheimer's Disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and many other diseases. However, lack of viral activity in commonly tested biological materials including blood or serum strongly suggests tissue specific localization of active HHV-6 genome. Here in this paper, we attempted to analyze active HHV-6 transcripts in postmortem tissue biopsies from a small cohort of ME/CFS patients and matched controls by fluorescence in situ hybridization using a probe against HHV-6 microRNA (miRNA), miR-aU14. Our results show abundant viral miRNA in various regions of the human brain and associated neuronal tissues including the spinal cord that is only detected in ME/CFS patients and not in controls. Our findings provide evidence of tissue-specific active HHV-6 and EBV infection in ME/CFS, which along with recent work demonstrating a possible relationship between herpesvirus infection and ME/CFS, provide grounds for renewed discussion on the role of herpesviruses in ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Kasimir
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Danny Toomey
- HHV-6 Foundation, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Zheng Liu
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Agnes C. Kaiping
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maria Eugenia Ariza
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics (CBG), Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research (IBMR), The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Bhupesh K. Prusty
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany,*Correspondence: Bhupesh K. Prusty,
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Matsui T, Hara K, Iwata M, Hojo S, Shitara N, Endo Y, Fukuoka H, Matsui M, Kawaguchi H. Cervical muscle stiffness and parasympathetic nervous system improvements for treatment-resistant depression. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2022; 23:907. [PMID: 36217161 PMCID: PMC9552456 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-05860-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a major public health problem that increases mortality due to suicides, a considerable percentage of patients do not respond adequately to variable treatments. Patients with TRD sometimes have comorbid cervical stiffness. This observational study aims to examine the association of local modulation of cervical muscles with TRD and to learn the involvement of the parasympathetic nervous system in the underlying mechanism. METHODS A total of 1103 hospitalized patients with TRD who were resistant to outpatient care were enrolled between May 2006 and October 2021. All patients underwent local modulation of the cervical muscles by physical therapy during hospitalization. The presence or absence of TRD and whole-body disorders, such as headache, dazzling, cervical stiffness, and cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders, was determined by the patient's subjectivity using the self-rated medical interview sheet at admission and discharge. Pupil light reflex parameters were also measured at admission and discharge using a binocular infrared pupilometer. RESULTS The improvement rate of TRD during hospitalization was 72.1%, and did not differ significantly by sex, age, and hospitalization period. The improvement of TRD showed a strong association with those of cervical stiffness and dazzling, a pupil light reflex disorder (p < 0.001: odds ratios = 12.76 and 6.39, respectively), but not with those of headache or cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders (p > 0.05). In the TRD-improved patients, the pupil light reflex parameters representative of the parasympathetic nervous system function ameliorated: pupil diameter decreased, while constriction rate and velocity increased during hospitalization. In contrast, little amelioration of the parameters was seen in the TRD-unimproved patients. CONCLUSIONS Cervical muscle stiffness may be associated with TRD, possibly through dysfunction of the parasympathetic nervous system. TRIAL REGISTRATION ID: UMIN000040590. First registration date: 30/05/2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayoshi Matsui
- Tokyo Neurological Center, Toranomon 4-1-17, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0001 Japan ,Matsui Hospital, Kan-nonji 739, Tokyo, Kagawa 768-0013 Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Hara
- Matsui Hospital, Kan-nonji 739, Tokyo, Kagawa 768-0013 Japan
| | - Makoto Iwata
- Tokyo Neurological Center, Toranomon 4-1-17, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0001 Japan
| | - Shuntaro Hojo
- Tokyo Neurological Center, Toranomon 4-1-17, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0001 Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Shitara
- Tokyo Neurological Center, Toranomon 4-1-17, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0001 Japan
| | - Yuzo Endo
- Tokyo Neurological Center, Toranomon 4-1-17, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0001 Japan
| | - Hideoki Fukuoka
- Tokyo Neurological Center, Toranomon 4-1-17, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0001 Japan
| | - Masaki Matsui
- Matsui Hospital, Kan-nonji 739, Tokyo, Kagawa 768-0013 Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kawaguchi
- Tokyo Neurological Center, Toranomon 4-1-17, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0001 Japan
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Bernhoff G, Huhmar HM, Rasmussen-Barr E, Bunketorp Käll L. The Significance of Pain Drawing as a Screening Tool for Cervicogenic Headache and Associated Symptoms in Chronic Fatigue. J Pain Res 2022; 15:2547-2556. [PMID: 36061488 PMCID: PMC9432569 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s369470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) present with a broad spectrum of symptoms, including headache. A simple, yet powerful tool – the pain drawing identifies essential aspects such as pain distribution. The aim with this study was to 1) evaluate the significance of pain drawing as a screening tool for cervicogenic headache using a predefined C2 pain pattern, 2) assess whether there was an association between dizziness/imbalance and a C2 pain pattern, and 3) compare subgroups according to the pain drawing with respect to pain characteristics and quality of life. Patients and Methods Pain drawings and clinical data from 275 patients investigated for ME/CFS were stratified into: 1) cervicogenic headache as determined by a C2 pain pattern, 2) headache with no C2 pain pattern, and 3) no headache. For inference logistic regression presented with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and Kruskal–Wallis test were applied. Results One hundred sixteen participants (42%) were stratified to the group for which the pain drawing corresponded to the C2 pain pattern, thus indicating putative cervicogenic origin of the headache. Dizziness/imbalance was strongly associated with a C2 pain pattern; OR 6.50 ([95% CI 2.42–17.40] p ˂ 0.00), whereas this association was non-significant for patients with headache and no C2 pain pattern. Those demonstrating a C2 pain pattern reported significantly higher pain intensity (p = 0.00) and greater pain extent (p = 0.00) than the other groups, and lower health-related quality of life (p = 0.00) than the group with no headache. Conclusion For patients with chronic fatigue who present with a C2 pain pattern (interpreted as cervicogenic headache) the pain drawing seems applicable as a screening tool for signs associated with neuropathic and more severe pain, dizziness and reduced quality of life as detection of these symptoms is essential for targeted treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Bernhoff
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- ME-Centre, Bragée Clinics, Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: Gabriella Bernhoff, Karolinska Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Alfred Nobels allé 23 D2, 141 83 Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden, Tel +46 720 71 33 29, Email
| | | | - Eva Rasmussen-Barr
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lina Bunketorp Käll
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Centre for Advanced Reconstruction of Extremities, Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Mölndal, Mölndal, Sweden
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Autoimmune Autonomic Dysfunction Syndromes: Potential Involvement and Pathophysiology Related to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Silicone Breast Implant–Related Symptoms and Post-COVID Syndrome. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2022; 29:414-425. [PMID: 35997389 PMCID: PMC9396987 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology29030033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiological mechanisms involved in chronic disorders such as complex regional pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, silicone breast implant–related symptoms, and post-COVID syndrome have not been clearly defined. The course of the pain in some of the syndromes, the absence of evident tissue damage, and the predominance of alterations in the autonomic nervous system are shared similarities between them. The production of autoantibodies following a trigger in the syndromes was previously described, for instance, trauma in complex regional pain syndrome, infectious agents in fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and post-COVID syndrome, and the immune stimulation by silicone in women with breast implants. In fact, the autoantibodies produced were shown to be directed against the autonomic nervous system receptors, leading to the amplification of the perception of pain alongside various clinical symptoms seen during the clinical course of the syndromes. Therefore, we viewed autoantibodies targeting the autonomic nervous system resulting in autonomic dysfunction as likely the most comprehensive explanation of the pathophysiology of the disorders mentioned. Based on this, we aimed to introduce a new concept uniting complex regional pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, silicone breast implant–related symptoms, and post-COVID syndrome, namely “autoimmune autonomic dysfunction syndromes”. Due to its etiological, pathophysiological, and clinical implications, the suggested term would be more precise in classifying the syndromes under one title. The new title would doubtlessly facilitate both laboratory and clinical studies aimed to improve diagnosis and make treatment options more directed and precise.
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