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Arron HE, Marsh BD, Kell DB, Khan MA, Jaeger BR, Pretorius E. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: the biology of a neglected disease. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1386607. [PMID: 38887284 PMCID: PMC11180809 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1386607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic, debilitating disease characterised by a wide range of symptoms that severely impact all aspects of life. Despite its significant prevalence, ME/CFS remains one of the most understudied and misunderstood conditions in modern medicine. ME/CFS lacks standardised diagnostic criteria owing to variations in both inclusion and exclusion criteria across different diagnostic guidelines, and furthermore, there are currently no effective treatments available. Moving beyond the traditional fragmented perspectives that have limited our understanding and management of the disease, our analysis of current information on ME/CFS represents a significant paradigm shift by synthesising the disease's multifactorial origins into a cohesive model. We discuss how ME/CFS emerges from an intricate web of genetic vulnerabilities and environmental triggers, notably viral infections, leading to a complex series of pathological responses including immune dysregulation, chronic inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and metabolic disturbances. This comprehensive model not only advances our understanding of ME/CFS's pathophysiology but also opens new avenues for research and potential therapeutic strategies. By integrating these disparate elements, our work emphasises the necessity of a holistic approach to diagnosing, researching, and treating ME/CFS, urging the scientific community to reconsider the disease's complexity and the multifaceted approach required for its study and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley E. Arron
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Benjamin D. Marsh
- MRCPCH Consultant Paediatric Neurodisability, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas B. Kell
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - M. Asad Khan
- Directorate of Respiratory Medicine, Manchester University Hospitals, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Beate R. Jaeger
- Long COVID department, Clinic St Georg, Bad Aibling, Germany
| | - Etheresia Pretorius
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Kell DB, Khan MA, Kane B, Lip GYH, Pretorius E. Possible Role of Fibrinaloid Microclots in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): Focus on Long COVID. J Pers Med 2024; 14:170. [PMID: 38392604 PMCID: PMC10890060 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14020170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a common accompaniment of a variety of chronic, inflammatory diseases, including long COVID, as are small, insoluble, 'fibrinaloid' microclots. We here develop the argument, with accompanying evidence, that fibrinaloid microclots, through their ability to block the flow of blood through microcapillaries and thus cause tissue hypoxia, are not simply correlated with but in fact, by preceding it, may be a chief intermediary cause of POTS, in which tachycardia is simply the body's exaggerated 'physiological' response to hypoxia. Similar reasoning accounts for the symptoms bundled under the term 'fatigue'. Amyloids are known to be membrane disruptors, and when their targets are nerve membranes, this can explain neurotoxicity and hence the autonomic nervous system dysfunction that contributes to POTS. Taken together as a system view, we indicate that fibrinaloid microclots can serve to link POTS and fatigue in long COVID in a manner that is at once both mechanistic and explanatory. This has clear implications for the treatment of such diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas B Kell
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Biosustainability, Building 220, Chemitorvet 200, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Muhammed Asad Khan
- Directorate of Respiratory Medicine, Manchester University Hospitals, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Binita Kane
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
- Manchester University Foundation Trust and School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK
- Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Etheresia Pretorius
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
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Azcue N, Del Pino R, Acera M, Fernández-Valle T, Ayo-Mentxakatorre N, Pérez-Concha T, Murueta-Goyena A, Lafuente JV, Prada A, López de Munain A, Ruiz Irastorza G, Martín-Iglesias D, Ribacoba L, Gabilondo I, Gómez-Esteban JC, Tijero-Merino B. Dysautonomia and small fiber neuropathy in post-COVID condition and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. J Transl Med 2023; 21:814. [PMID: 37968647 PMCID: PMC10648633 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04678-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and post-COVID condition can present similarities such as fatigue, brain fog, autonomic and neuropathic symptoms. METHODS The study included 87 patients with post-COVID condition, 50 patients with ME/CFS, and 50 healthy controls (HC). The hemodynamic autonomic function was evaluated using the deep breathing technique, Valsalva maneuver, and Tilt test. The presence of autonomic and sensory small fiber neuropathy (SFN) was assessed with the Sudoscan and with heat and cold evoked potentials, respectively. Finally, a complete neuropsychological evaluation was performed. The objective of this study was to analyze and compare the autonomic and neuropathic symptoms in post-COVID condition with ME/CFS, and HC, as well as, analyze the relationship of these symptoms with cognition and fatigue. RESULTS Statistically significant differences were found between groups in heart rate using the Kruskal-Wallis test (H), with ME/CFS group presenting the highest (H = 18.3; p ≤ .001). The Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and pathological values in palms on the Sudoscan were found in 31% and 34% of ME/CFS, and 13.8% and 19.5% of post-COVID patients, respectively. Concerning evoked potentials, statistically significant differences were found in response latency to heat stimuli between groups (H = 23.6; p ≤ .01). Latency was highest in ME/CFS, and lowest in HC. Regarding cognition, lower parasympathetic activation was associated with worse cognitive performance. CONCLUSIONS Both syndromes were characterized by inappropriate tachycardia at rest, with a high percentage of patients with POTS. The prolonged latencies for heat stimuli suggested damage to unmyelinated fibers. The higher proportion of patients with pathological results for upper extremities on the Sudoscan suggested a non-length-dependent SFN.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Azcue
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo (Bizkaia), CP, Spain
| | - R Del Pino
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo (Bizkaia), CP, Spain.
| | - M Acera
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo (Bizkaia), CP, Spain
| | - T Fernández-Valle
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo (Bizkaia), CP, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Cruces University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - N Ayo-Mentxakatorre
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo (Bizkaia), CP, Spain
| | - T Pérez-Concha
- Department of Neurology, Cruces University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
| | - A Murueta-Goyena
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo (Bizkaia), CP, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - J V Lafuente
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - A Prada
- Department of Immunology, Donostia University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, San Sebastián, Spain
- Spanish Network for the Research in Multiple Sclerosis, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - A López de Munain
- Department of Neurology, Donostia University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, San Sebastián, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV-EHU, San Sebastián, Spain
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
- CIBERNED-CIBER, Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - G Ruiz Irastorza
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Unit, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Cruces University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - D Martín-Iglesias
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Unit, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Cruces University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - L Ribacoba
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - I Gabilondo
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo (Bizkaia), CP, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Cruces University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, Barakaldo, Spain
- The Basque Foundation for Science, IKERBASQUE, Bilbao, Spain
| | - J C Gómez-Esteban
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo (Bizkaia), CP, Spain.
- Department of Neurology, Cruces University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, Barakaldo, Spain.
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain.
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain.
- CIBERNED-CIBER, Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - B Tijero-Merino
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Plaza de Cruces 12, 48903, Barakaldo (Bizkaia), CP, Spain
- Department of Neurology, Cruces University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
- CIBERNED-CIBER, Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Legler F, Meyer-Arndt L, Mödl L, Kedor C, Freitag H, Stein E, Hoppmann U, Rust R, Wittke K, Siebert N, Behrens J, Thiel A, Konietschke F, Paul F, Scheibenbogen C, Bellmann-Strobl J. Long-term symptom severity and clinical biomarkers in post-COVID-19/chronic fatigue syndrome: results from a prospective observational cohort. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 63:102146. [PMID: 37662515 PMCID: PMC10469383 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) is characterised by a wide range of symptoms, primarily fatigue and exertion intolerance. While disease courses in the early months post-infection have been well-described, the long-term health consequences for patients with PCS with disabling fatigue remain unclear. Methods In this prospective observational cohort study, we evaluated symptom severity and various biomarkers, including hand grip strength (HGS), cardiovascular function, and laboratory parameters, in 106 patients with PCS with moderate to severe fatigue and exertion intolerance at three time points after infection (3-8, 9-16, and 17-20 months). The study was conducted at the Charité's Fatigue Centre and the Charité's outpatient clinic for neuroimmunology at Berlin, Germany from July 16, 2020, to February 18, 2022. A subset of patients (PCS-ME/CFS) met the diagnostic criteria for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome according to the Canadian Consensus Criteria (CCC). The aim was to determine differences in the disease course between the two patient groups (i.e., PCS vs PCS-ME/CFS) and identify correlating biomarkers. Findings Patients with PCS-ME/CFS reported persistently high severity of most symptoms up to 20 months after infection, while patients with PCS showed overall health improvement. Although fatigue and post-exertional malaise (PEM), hallmarks of post-infectious fatigue syndromes, were still evident in both groups, they remained more pronounced in PCS-ME/CFS. Inflammatory biomarkers decreased in both groups, but not antinuclear antibodies. Lower HGS at onset correlated with symptom persistence, particularly in patients with PCS-ME/CFS. Interpretation Our findings suggest that PCS can persist beyond 20 months post-infection and encompass the full scope of post-infectious ME/CFS as defined by the CCC. Sub-classifying patients with PCS based on the CCC can assist in the management and monitoring of patients with PCS-ME/CFS due to their persistently higher symptom severity. Funding C. S. was supported by a grant from the Weidenhammer-Zoebele Foundation. F. K. was supported by the Volkswagen Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Legler
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Max Delbrück for Molecular Medicine, Experimental and Clinical Research Centre, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, NeuroCure Research Centre, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lil Meyer-Arndt
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Max Delbrück for Molecular Medicine, Experimental and Clinical Research Centre, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, NeuroCure Research Centre, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Department for Neurology with Experimental Neurology, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lukas Mödl
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Kedor
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Immunology, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Helma Freitag
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Immunology, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisa Stein
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Immunology, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Uta Hoppmann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Max Delbrück for Molecular Medicine, Experimental and Clinical Research Centre, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, NeuroCure Research Centre, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Department for Neurology with Experimental Neurology, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Rebekka Rust
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Max Delbrück for Molecular Medicine, Experimental and Clinical Research Centre, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, NeuroCure Research Centre, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kirsten Wittke
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Immunology, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadja Siebert
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, NeuroCure Research Centre, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Janina Behrens
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, NeuroCure Research Centre, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Thiel
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Regenerative Immunology and Aging, BIH Centre for Regenerative Therapies, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Si-M / “Der Simulierte Mensch” a Science Framework of Technische Universität Berlin and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Konietschke
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Max Delbrück for Molecular Medicine, Experimental and Clinical Research Centre, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, NeuroCure Research Centre, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Institute of Medical Immunology, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Judith Bellmann-Strobl
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Max Delbrück for Molecular Medicine, Experimental and Clinical Research Centre, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, NeuroCure Research Centre, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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Thompson M, Ferrando SJ, Dornbush R, Lynch S, Shahar S, Klepacz L, Smiley A. Impact of COVID-19 on employment: sociodemographic, medical, psychiatric and neuropsychological correlates. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2023; 4:1150734. [PMID: 37496702 PMCID: PMC10368129 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2023.1150734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Given the nature of the persistent physical and neuropsychiatric symptoms reported in the literature, among individuals after acute COVID illness; there is growing concern about the functional implications of the Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). We aim to evaluate associations of sociodemographic, medical, psychiatric and neuropsychological factors with employment status post COVID-19. Methods 59 participants were administered a neuropsychiatric assessment and queried about employment status and occupational difficulties months after quarantine. Two levels of comparison were conducted: (1) Those who took time off work (TTO) to those with no time off (NTO); (2) Those who reported occupational performance suffered (PS) to those who did not (PDNS). Results TTO vs. NTO exhibited extensive differences across medical, psychiatric and neurocognitive domains. PS vs. PDNS differed on subjective measures of physical and cognitive symptoms, but not on objective testing. Conclusion Individuals who took time off beyond COVID-19 quarantine experience persistent physical, psychiatric, subjective and objective neurocognitive burden. In contrast, occupational impairment appears to reflect subjective complaints, but not objective measures. Clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Thompson
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Stephen J. Ferrando
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Westchester Medical Center Health Network, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Rhea Dornbush
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Westchester Medical Center Health Network, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Sean Lynch
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Beth Israel,New York, NY, United States
| | - Sivan Shahar
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lidia Klepacz
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Westchester Medical Center Health Network, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Abbas Smiley
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
- Department of Surgery, Westchester Medical Center Health Network, Valhalla, NY, United States
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Li Y, Wu K, Hu X, Xu T, Li Z, Zhang Y, Li K. Altered Effective Connectivity of Resting-State Networks by Tai Chi Chuan in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients: A Multivariate Granger Causality Study. Front Neurol 2022; 13:858833. [PMID: 35720086 PMCID: PMC9203735 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.858833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous evidence has shown that patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) have changes in resting brain functional connectivity, but there is no study on the brain network effect of Tai Chi Chuan intervention in CFS. To explore the influence of Tai Chi Chuan exercise on the causal relationship between brain functional networks in patients with CFS, 21 patients with CFS and 19 healthy controls were recruited for resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scanning and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) scale assessment before and after 1month-long training in Tai Chi Chuan. We extracted the resting brain networks using the independent component analysis (ICA) method, analyzed the changes of FC in these networks, conducted Granger causality analysis (GCA) on it, and analyzed the correlation between the difference causality value and the SF-36 scale. Compared to the healthy control group, the SF-36 scale scores of patients with CFS were lower at baseline. Meanwhile, the causal relationship between sensorimotor network (SMN) and default mode network (DMN) was weakened. The above abnormalities could be improved by Tai Chi Chuan training for 1 month. In addition, the correlation analyses showed that the causal relationship between SMN and DMN was positively correlated with the scores of Role Physical (RP) and Bodily Pain (BP) in CFS patients, and the change of causal relationship between SMN and DMN before and after training was positively correlated with the change of BP score. The findings suggest that Tai Chi Chuan is helpful to improve the quality of life for patients with CFS. The change of Granger causality between SMN and DMN may be a readout parameter of CFS. Tai Chi Chuan may promote the functional plasticity of brain networks in patients with CFS by regulating the information transmission between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Kang Wu
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojie Hu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tianjiao Xu
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zongheng Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yong Zhang
| | - Kuangshi Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Kuangshi Li
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7
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Wu REY, Khan FM, Hockin BCD, Lobban TCA, Sanatani S, Claydon VE. Faintly tired: a systematic review of fatigue in patients with orthostatic syncope. Clin Auton Res 2022; 32:185-203. [PMID: 35689118 PMCID: PMC9186485 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-022-00868-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orthostatic syncope (transient loss of conscious when standing-fainting) is common and negatively impacts quality of life. Many patients with syncope report experiencing fatigue, sometimes with "brain fog", which may further impact their quality of life, but the incidence and severity of fatigue in patients with syncope remain unclear. In this systematic review, we report evidence on the associations between fatigue and conditions of orthostatic syncope. METHODS We performed a comprehensive literature search of four academic databases to identify articles that evaluated the association between orthostatic syncope [postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), vasovagal syncope (VVS), orthostatic hypotension (OH)] and fatigue. Studies were independently screened using a multi-stage approach by two researchers to maintain consistency and limit bias. RESULTS Our initial search identified 2797 articles, of which 13 met our inclusion criteria (POTS n = 10; VVS n = 1; OH n = 1; VVS and POTS n = 1). Fatigue scores were significantly higher in patients with orthostatic syncope than healthy controls, and were particularly severe in those with POTS. Fatigue associated with orthostatic syncope disorders spanned multiple domains, with each dimension contributing equally to increased fatigue. "Brain fog" was an important symptom of POTS, negatively affecting productivity and cognition. Finally, fatigue was negatively associated with mental health in patients with POTS. CONCLUSION In conditions of orthostatic syncope, fatigue is prevalent and debilitating, especially in patients with POTS. The consideration of fatigue in patients with orthostatic disorders is essential to improve diagnosis and management of symptoms, thus improving quality of life for affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan E Y Wu
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Farhaan M Khan
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Brooke C D Hockin
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Trudie C A Lobban
- Syncope Trust and Reflex Anoxic Seizures Group (STARS) and Arrhythmia Alliance, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, UK
| | - Shubhayan Sanatani
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Victoria E Claydon
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.
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Herrera A, Behm J. Using the PEOP Model to Understand Barriers to Functioning in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Occup Ther Health Care 2021; 36:283-305. [PMID: 34431731 DOI: 10.1080/07380577.2021.1967548] [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: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) experience many barriers that lead to decreased functioning and quality of life. At this time, there are limited resources regarding the functional impact of POTS on occupational performance. Therefore, this narrative review demonstrates how occupational therapy practitioners can conceptualize, categorize, and systematically organize their thinking around barriers individuals with POTS experience using the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model of practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanna Behm
- Master of Occupational Therapy Program, Messiah University, Mechanicsburg, PA, USA
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9
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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: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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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10
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Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: From pathophysiological insights to novel therapeutic opportunities. Pharmacol Res 2019; 148:104450. [PMID: 31509764 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a common and disabling condition with a paucity of effective and evidence-based therapies, reflecting a major unmet need. Cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise are of modest benefit for only some ME/CFS patients, and many sufferers report aggravation of symptoms of fatigue with exercise. The presence of a multiplicity of pathophysiological abnormalities in at least the subgroup of people with ME/CFS diagnosed with the current international consensus "Fukuda" criteria, points to numerous potential therapeutic targets. Such abnormalities include extensive data showing that at least a subgroup has a pro-inflammatory state, increased oxidative and nitrosative stress, disruption of gut mucosal barriers and mitochondrial dysfunction together with dysregulated bioenergetics. In this paper, these pathways are summarised, and data regarding promising therapeutic options that target these pathways are highlighted; they include coenzyme Q10, melatonin, curcumin, molecular hydrogen and N-acetylcysteine. These data are promising yet preliminary, suggesting hopeful avenues to address this major unmet burden of illness.
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11
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Zielinski MR, Systrom DM, Rose NR. Fatigue, Sleep, and Autoimmune and Related Disorders. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1827. [PMID: 31447842 PMCID: PMC6691096 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Profound and debilitating fatigue is the most common complaint reported among individuals with autoimmune disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis. Fatigue is multi-faceted and broadly defined, which makes understanding the cause of its manifestations especially difficult in conditions with diverse pathology including autoimmune diseases. In general, fatigue is defined by debilitating periods of exhaustion that interfere with normal activities. The severity and duration of fatigue episodes vary, but fatigue can cause difficulty for even simple tasks like climbing stairs or crossing the room. The exact mechanisms of fatigue are not well-understood, perhaps due to its broad definition. Nevertheless, physiological processes known to play a role in fatigue include oxygen/nutrient supply, metabolism, mood, motivation, and sleepiness-all which are affected by inflammation. Additionally, an important contributing element to fatigue is the central nervous system-a region impacted either directly or indirectly in numerous autoimmune and related disorders. This review describes how inflammation and the central nervous system contribute to fatigue and suggests potential mechanisms involved in fatigue that are likely exhibited in autoimmune and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Zielinski
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David M Systrom
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Noel R Rose
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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12
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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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13
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Zadourian A, Doherty TA, Swiatkiewicz I, Taub PR. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: Prevalence, Pathophysiology, and Management. Drugs 2018; 78:983-994. [DOI: 10.1007/s40265-018-0931-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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14
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Raj V, Opie M, Arnold AC. Cognitive and psychological issues in postural tachycardia syndrome. Auton Neurosci 2018; 215:46-55. [PMID: 29628432 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is one of the most common forms of chronic orthostatic intolerance. In addition to orthostatic symptoms, many POTS patients report incapacitating cognitive dysfunction or "brain fog" even while lying down or seated. Consistent with these subjective reports, there is accruing objective evidence of specific cognitive difficulties in POTS, with studies showing mild to moderate cognitive impairment using standardized neuropsychological assessment batteries. The precise profile of cognitive dysfunction in POTS patients has been shown to vary among these studies potentially due to the neuropsychological tests used, postural position, comorbidities and length of illness, inclusion of adolescent versus adult patients, and sites of recruitment. The extent of the impact that this cognitive challenge has in patients justifies ongoing investigation and research into lifestyle and pharmacological treatments. Psychologically, patients face challenges congruent with many chronic illnesses, perhaps especially early in adjusting to the condition. POTS patients often exhibit mild to moderate depression symptoms as well as symptoms of anxiety disorders. Since even low levels of anxiety can exacerbate symptoms, and a high number of patients experience sub-clinical low mood and sleep disturbances, there is a likely role for psychotherapy in helping control adjustment-related issues, and possibly aberrant physiology, in POTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidya Raj
- Department of Psychiatry, Cardiac Sciences, and Family Medicine, University of Calgary, 1213 4th Street SW, Calgary, Alberta T2R 0X7, Canada
| | - Morwenna Opie
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
| | - Amy C Arnold
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Mail Code H109, Hershey, PA, USA.
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15
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Association between aerobic fitness and cerebrovascular function with neurocognitive functions in healthy, young adults. Exp Brain Res 2018. [PMID: 29536150 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-018-5230-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Studies of the effects of physical activity on cognition suggest that aerobic fitness can improve cognitive abilities. However, the physiological mechanisms for the cognitive benefit of aerobic fitness are less well understood. We examined the association between aerobic fitness and cerebrovascular function with neurocognitive functions in healthy, young adults. Participants aged 18-29 years underwent measurements of cerebral vasomotor reactivity (CVMR) in response to rebreathing-induced hypercapnia, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) during cycle ergometry to voluntary exhaustion, and simple- and complex-neurocognitive assessments at rest. Ten subjects were identified as having low-aerobic fitness (LF < 15th fitness percentile), and twelve subjects were identified as having high-aerobic fitness (HF > 80th fitness percentile). There were no LF versus HF group differences in cerebrovascular hemodynamics during the baseline condition. Changes in middle cerebral artery blood velocity and CVMR during hypercapnia were elevated more in the HF than the LF group. Compared to the LF, the HF performed better on a complex-cognitive task assessing fluid reasoning, but not on simple attentional abilities. Statistical modeling showed that measures of VO2max, CVMR, and fluid reasoning were positively inter-correlated. The relationship between VO2max and fluid reasoning, however, did not appear to be reliably mediated by CVMR. In conclusion, a high capacity for maximal oxygen uptake among healthy, young adults was associated with greater CVMR and better fluid reasoning, implying that high-aerobic fitness may promote cerebrovascular and cognitive functioning abilities.
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16
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Glassford JAG. The Neuroinflammatory Etiopathology of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Front Physiol 2017; 8:88. [PMID: 28261110 PMCID: PMC5314655 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating multi-systemic chronic illness of unknown etiology, classified as a neurological disorder by the World Health Organization (WHO). The symptomatology of the condition appears to emanate from a variety of sources of chronic neurological disturbance and associated distortions, and chronicity, in noxious sensory signaling and neuroimmune activation. This article incorporates a summary review and discussion of biomedical research considered relevant to this essential conception perspective. It is intended to provide stakeholders with a concise, integrated outline disease model in order to help demystify this major public health problem. The primary etiopathological factors presented are: (A) Postural/biomechanical pain signaling, affecting adverse neuroexcitation, in the context of compression, constriction, strain, or damage of vertebral-regional bone and neuromuscular tissues; (B) Immune mediated inflammatory sequelae, in the context of prolonged immunotropic neurotrophic infection—with lymphotropic/gliotropic/glio-toxic varieties implicated in particular; (C) A combination of factors A and B. Sustained glial activation under such conditions is associated with oxidative and nitrosative stress, neuroinflammation, and neural sensitivity. These processes collectively enhance the potential for multi-systemic disarray involving endocrine pathway aberration, immune and mitochondrial dysfunction, and neurodegeneration, and tend toward still more intractable synergistic neuro-glial dysfunction (gliopathy), autoimmunity, and central neuronal sensitization.
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17
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Cognitive impairment in women with joint hypermobility syndrome/Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type. Rheumatol Int 2017; 37:937-939. [DOI: 10.1007/s00296-017-3659-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Landi A, Broadhurst D, Vernon SD, Tyrrell DLJ, Houghton M. Reductions in circulating levels of IL-16, IL-7 and VEGF-A in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Cytokine 2015; 78:27-36. [PMID: 26615570 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2015.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Recently, differences in the levels of various chemokines and cytokines were reported in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) as compared with controls. Moreover, the analyte profile differed between chronic ME/CFS patients of long duration versus patients with disease of less than 3years. In the current study, we measured the plasma levels of 34 cytokines, chemokines and growth factors in 100 chronic ME/CFS patients of long duration and in 79 gender and age-matched controls. We observed highly significant reductions in the concentration of circulating interleukin (IL)-16, IL-7, and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A) in ME/CFS patients. All three biomarkers were significantly correlated in a multivariate cluster analysis. In addition, we identified significant reductions in the concentrations of fractalkine (CX3CL1) and monokine-induced-by-IFN-γ (MIG; CXCL9) along with increases in the concentrations of eotaxin 2 (CCL24) in ME/CFS patients. Our data recapitulates previous data from another USA ME/CFS cohort in which circulating levels of IL-7 were reduced. Also, a reduced level of VEGF-A was reported previously in sera of patients with Gulf War Illness as well as in cerebral spinal fluid samples from a different cohort of USA ME/CFS patients. To our knowledge, we are the first to test for levels of IL-16 in ME/CFS patients. In combination with previous data, our work suggests that the clustered reduction of IL-7, IL-16 and VEGF-A may have physiological relevance to ME/CFS disease. This profile is ME/CFS-specific since measurement of the same analytes present in chronic infectious and autoimmune liver diseases, where persistent fatigue is also a major symptom, failed to demonstrate the same changes. Further studies of other ME/CFS and overlapping disease cohorts are warranted in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolamir Landi
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Canada.
| | - David Broadhurst
- Department of Medicine, Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy & Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Suzanne D Vernon
- Bateman Horne Center, 1002 E. South Temple, Suite 408, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, USA
| | - D Lorne J Tyrrell
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Canada
| | - Michael Houghton
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Canada.
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Wise S, Ross A, Brown A, Evans M, Jason L. An assessment of fatigue in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. J Health Psychol 2015; 22:733-742. [DOI: 10.1177/1359105315613624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome share many symptoms with those who have chronic fatigue syndrome; one of which is severe fatigue. Previous literature found that those with chronic fatigue syndrome experience many forms of fatigue. The goal of this study was to investigate whether individuals with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome also experience multidimensional fatigue and whether these individuals can be clustered into subgroups based on the types of fatigue they endorse. A convenience sample of 138 participants (aged 14–29) with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome completed questionnaires that assessed fatigue, brain fog symptom severity, activities that improve brain fog, and brain fog-related disability. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted on the Fatigue Types Questionnaire, and a three-factor solution was produced. Factor scores were then used to cluster the patients into groups using a TwoStep cluster analysis. This resulted in two clusters, a high severity group and a low severity group. The clusters were then compared on a number of items related to symptom expression. Individuals within the more severe cluster had significantly more brain fog at the beginning and end of the survey when compared to cluster two. Those in the more severe cluster also described more activity impairment as well as more frequent, more severe, and more debilitation from postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and brain fog. The findings of the factor analysis suggest that patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome experience fatigue as a multidimensional construct and they also can be subgrouped based on symptom severity.
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21
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Abstract
Mental clouding is an almost universal complaint among patients with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) but remains poorly understood. Thus, we have determined whether POTS patients exhibit deficits during neuropsychological testing relative to healthy subjects. A comprehensive battery of validated neuropsychological tests was administered to 28 female POTS patients and 24 healthy subjects in a semi-recumbent position. Healthy subjects were matched to POTS patients on age and gender. Selective attention, a primary outcome measure, and cognitive processing speed were reduced in POTS patients compared with healthy subjects (Ruff 2&7 Speed t-score: 40±9 compared with 49±8; P=0.009; Symbol Digit Modalities Test t-score: 45±12 compared with 51±8; P=0.011). Measures of executive function were also lower in POTS patients (Trails B t-score: 46±8 compared with 52±8; P=0.007; Stroop Word Color t-score: 45±10 compared with 56±8; P=0.001), suggesting difficulties in tracking and mental flexibility. Measures of sustained attention, psychomotor speed, memory function or verbal fluency were not significantly different between groups. The present study provides evidence for deficits in selective attention and cognitive processing in patients with POTS, in the seated position when orthostatic stress is minimized. In contrast, other measures of cognitive function, including memory assessments, were not impaired in these patients, suggesting selectivity in these deficits. These findings provide new insight into the profile of cognitive dysfunction in POTS and provide the basis for further studies to identify clinical strategies to better manage the mental clouding associated with this condition.
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Medow MS, Del Pozzi AT, Messer ZR, Terilli C, Stewart JM. Altered oscillatory cerebral blood flow velocity and autoregulation in postural tachycardia syndrome. Front Physiol 2014; 5:234. [PMID: 25002851 PMCID: PMC4067089 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Decreased upright cerebral blood flow (CBF) with hyperpnea and hypocapnia is seen in a minority of patients with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). More often, CBF is not decreased despite upright neurocognitive dysfunction. This may result from time-dependent changes in CBF. We hypothesized that increased oscillations in CBF occurs in POTS (N = 12) compared to healthy controls (N = 9), and tested by measuring CBF velocity (CBFv) by transcranial Doppler ultrasound of the middle cerebral artery, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and related parameters, supine and during 70° upright tilt. Autospectra for mean CBFv and MAP, and transfer function analysis were obtained over the frequency range of 0.0078-0.4 Hz. Upright HR was increased in POTS (125 ± 8 vs. 86 ± 2 bpm), as was diastolic BP (74 ± 3 vs. 65 ± 3 mmHg) compared to control, while peripheral resistance, cardiac output, and mean CBFv increased similarly with tilt. Upright BP variability (BPV), low frequency (LF) power (0.04-0.13 Hz), and peak frequency of BPV were increased in POTS (24.3 ± 4.1, and 18.4 ± 4.1 mmHg(2)/Hz at 0.091 Hz vs. 11.8 ± 3.3, and 8.8 ± 2 mmHg(2)/Hz c at 0.071 Hz), as was upright overall CBFv variability, low frequency power and peak frequency of CBFv variability (29.3 ± 4.7, and 22.1 ± 2.7 [cm/s](2)/Hz at.092 Hz vs. 14.7 ± 2.6, and 6.7 ± 1.2 [cm/s](2)/Hz at 0.077Hz). Autospectra were sharply peaked in POTS. LF phase was decreased in POTS (-14 ± 4 vs. -25 ± 10 degrees) while upright. LF gain was increased (1.51 ± 0.09 vs. 0.86 ± 0.12 [cm/s]/ mmHg) while coherence was increased (0.96 ± 0.01 vs. 0.80 ± 0.04). Increased oscillatory BP in upright POTS patients is closely coupled to oscillatory CBFv over a narrow bandwidth corresponding to the Mayer wave frequency. Therefore combined increased oscillatory BP and increased LF gain markedly increases CBFv oscillations in a narrow bandwidth. This close coupling of CBF to MAP indicates impaired cerebral autoregulation that may underlie upright neurocognitive dysfunction in POTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin S Medow
- Departments of Pediatrics, The Center for Hypotension, New York Medical College Valhalla, NY, USA ; Departments of Physiology, New York Medical College Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Andrew T Del Pozzi
- Departments of Pediatrics, The Center for Hypotension, New York Medical College Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Zachary R Messer
- Departments of Pediatrics, The Center for Hypotension, New York Medical College Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Courtney Terilli
- Departments of Pediatrics, The Center for Hypotension, New York Medical College Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Julian M Stewart
- Departments of Pediatrics, The Center for Hypotension, New York Medical College Valhalla, NY, USA ; Departments of Physiology, New York Medical College Valhalla, NY, USA
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