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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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Jahanbani F, Sing JC, Maynard RD, Jahanbani S, Dafoe J, Dafoe W, Jones N, Wallace KJ, Rastan A, Maecker HT, Röst HL, Snyder MP, Davis RW. Longitudinal cytokine and multi-modal health data of an extremely severe ME/CFS patient with HSD reveals insights into immunopathology, and disease severity. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1369295. [PMID: 38650940 PMCID: PMC11033372 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1369295] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) presents substantial challenges in patient care due to its intricate multisystem nature, comorbidities, and global prevalence. The heterogeneity among patient populations, coupled with the absence of FDA-approved diagnostics and therapeutics, further complicates research into disease etiology and patient managment. Integrating longitudinal multi-omics data with clinical, health,textual, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical data offers a promising avenue to address these complexities, aiding in the identification of underlying causes and providing insights into effective therapeutics and diagnostic strategies. Methods This study focused on an exceptionally severe ME/CFS patient with hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) during a period of marginal symptom improvements. Longitudinal cytokine profiling was conducted alongside the collection of extensive multi-modal health data to explore the dynamic nature of symptoms, severity, triggers, and modifying factors. Additionally, an updated severity assessment platform and two applications, ME-CFSTrackerApp and LexiTime, were introduced to facilitate real-time symptom tracking and enhance patient-physician/researcher communication, and evaluate response to medical intervention. Results Longitudinal cytokine profiling revealed the significance of Th2-type cytokines and highlighted synergistic activities between mast cells and eosinophils, skewing Th1 toward Th2 immune responses in ME/CFS pathogenesis, particularly in cognitive impairment and sensorial intolerance. This suggests a potentially shared underlying mechanism with major ME/CFS comorbidities such as HSD, Mast cell activation syndrome, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and small fiber neuropathy. Additionally, the data identified potential roles of BCL6 and TP53 pathways in ME/CFS etiology and emphasized the importance of investigating adverse reactions to medication and supplements and drug interactions in ME/CFS severity and progression. Discussion Our study advocates for the integration of longitudinal multi-omics with multi-modal health data and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to better understand ME/CFS and its major comorbidities. These findings highlight the significance of dysregulated Th2-type cytokines in patient stratification and precision medicine strategies. Additionally, our results suggest exploring the use of low-dose drugs with partial agonist activity as a potential avenue for ME/CFS treatment. This comprehensive approach emphasizes the importance of adopting a patient-centered care approach to improve ME/CFS healthcare management, disease severity assessment, and personalized medicine. Overall, these findings contribute to our understanding of ME/CFS and offer avenues for future research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Jahanbani
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Justin Cyril Sing
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Donnelly Center, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rajan Douglas Maynard
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Shaghayegh Jahanbani
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Veterans Affairs (VA) Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Janet Dafoe
- ME/CFS Collaborative Research Center at Stanford, Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Whitney Dafoe
- ME/CFS Collaborative Research Center at Stanford, Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Nathan Jones
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Kelvin J. Wallace
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Azuravesta Rastan
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Holden T. Maecker
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Immunity, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Hannes L. Röst
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Donnelly Center, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael P. Snyder
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Ronald W. Davis
- ME/CFS Collaborative Research Center at Stanford, Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
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Stallmach A, Quickert S, Puta C, Reuken PA. The gastrointestinal microbiota in the development of ME/CFS: a critical view and potential perspectives. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1352744. [PMID: 38605969 PMCID: PMC11007072 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1352744] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Like other infections, a SARS-CoV-2 infection can also trigger Post-Acute Infection Syndromes (PAIS), which often progress into myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). ME/CFS, characterized by post-exercise malaise (PEM), is a severe multisystemic disease for which specific diagnostic markers or therapeutic concepts have not been established. Despite numerous indications of post-infectious neurological, immunological, endocrinal, and metabolic deviations, the exact causes and pathophysiology remain unclear. To date, there is a paucity of data, that changes in the composition and function of the gastrointestinal microbiota have emerged as a potential influencing variable associated with immunological and inflammatory pathways, shifts in ME/CFS. It is postulated that this dysbiosis may lead to intestinal barrier dysfunction, translocation of microbial components with increased oxidative stress, and the development or progression of ME/CFS. In this review, we detailed discuss the findings regarding alterations in the gastrointestinal microbiota and its microbial mediators in ME/CFS. When viewed critically, there is currently no evidence indicating causality between changes in the microbiota and the development of ME/CFS. Most studies describe associations within poorly defined patient populations, often combining various clinical presentations, such as irritable bowel syndrome and fatigue associated with ME/CFS. Nevertheless, drawing on analogies with other gastrointestinal diseases, there is potential to develop strategies aimed at modulating the gut microbiota and/or its metabolites as potential treatments for ME/CFS and other PAIS. These strategies should be further investigated in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Stallmach
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefanie Quickert
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Puta
- Department of Sports Medicine and Health Promotion, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital/Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Center for Interdisciplinary Prevention of Diseases Related to Professional Activities, Jena, Germany
| | - Philipp A. Reuken
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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Yagin FH, Shateri A, Nasiri H, Yagin B, Colak C, Alghannam AF. Development of an expert system for the classification of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. PeerJ Comput Sci 2024; 10:e1857. [PMID: 38660205 PMCID: PMC11041999 DOI: 10.7717/peerj-cs.1857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a severe condition with an uncertain origin and a dismal prognosis. There is presently no precise diagnostic test for ME/CFS, and the diagnosis is determined primarily by the presence of certain symptoms. The current study presents an explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) integrated machine learning (ML) framework that identifies and classifies potential metabolic biomarkers of ME/CFS. Metabolomic data from blood samples from 19 controls and 32 ME/CFS patients, all female, who were between age and body mass index (BMI) frequency-matched groups, were used to develop the XAI-based model. The dataset contained 832 metabolites, and after feature selection, the model was developed using only 50 metabolites, meaning less medical knowledge is required, thus reducing diagnostic costs and improving prognostic time. The computational method was developed using six different ML algorithms before and after feature selection. The final classification model was explained using the XAI approach, SHAP. The best-performing classification model (XGBoost) achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCROC) value of 98.85%. SHAP results showed that decreased levels of alpha-CEHC sulfate, hypoxanthine, and phenylacetylglutamine, as well as increased levels of N-delta-acetylornithine and oleoyl-linoloyl-glycerol (18:1/18:2)[2], increased the risk of ME/CFS. Besides the robustness of the methodology used, the results showed that the combination of ML and XAI could explain the biomarker prediction of ME/CFS and provided a first step toward establishing prognostic models for ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Hilal Yagin
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Inonu University, Malatya, Türkiye
| | - Ahmadreza Shateri
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
| | - Hamid Nasiri
- Department of Computer Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
| | - Burak Yagin
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Inonu University, Malatya, Türkiye
| | - Cemil Colak
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Inonu University, Malatya, Türkiye
| | - Abdullah F. Alghannam
- Lifestyle and Health Research Center, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Lee JS, Kang JY, Park SY, Hwang SJ, Bae SJ, Son CG. Central 5-HTergic hyperactivity induces myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)-like pathophysiology. J Transl Med 2024; 22:34. [PMID: 38191373 PMCID: PMC10773012 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04808-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a significant medical challenge, with no indisputable pathophysiological mechanism identified to date. METHODS Based on clinical clues, we hypothesized that 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) hyperactivation is implicated in the pathogenic causes of ME/CFS and the associated symptoms. We experimentally evaluated this hypothesis in a series of mouse models. RESULTS High-dose selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment induced intra- and extracellular serotonin spillover in the dorsal raphe nuclei of mice. This condition resulted in severe fatigue (rota-rod, fatigue rotating wheel and home-cage activity tests) and ME/CFS-associated symptoms (nest building, plantar and open field test), along with dysfunction in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response to exercise challenge. These ME/CFS-like features induced by excess serotonin were additionally verified using both a 5-HT synthesis inhibitor and viral vector for Htr1a (5-HT1A receptor) gene knockdown. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the involvement of 5-HTergic hyperactivity in the pathophysiology of ME/CFS. This ME/CFS-mimicking animal model would be useful for understanding ME/CFS biology and its therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Seok Lee
- Research Center for CFS/ME, Daejeon Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Bioscience & Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yun Kang
- Institute of Bioscience & Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Samuel-Young Park
- Korean Medical College of Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Ju Hwang
- Institute of Bioscience & Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Jin Bae
- College of Medicine, Kosin University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Gue Son
- Research Center for CFS/ME, Daejeon Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Bioscience & Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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Chen W, Jiang T, Huang H, Zeng J. Post-stroke fatigue: a review of development, prevalence, predisposing factors, measurements, and treatments. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1298915. [PMID: 38187145 PMCID: PMC10768193 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1298915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a ubiquitous and overwhelming symptom for most stroke survivors. However, there are no effective management strategies for PSF, which is partly due to our limited understanding. Objective In this paper, we review the development, prevalence, predisposing factors, measurements, and treatments of PSF. Results PSF is an independent symptom after stroke, with a prevalence ranging from 42 to 53%, which depends on the selection of measurement tools and stroke characteristics. It is affected by biological, physical, and psychological factors, among which inflammation may play a key role. Conclusion Numerous but non-specific evaluation measurement tools limit the management of PSF. In clinical practice, it may be beneficial to identify PSF by combining scales and objective indexes, such as walking tests and electromyographic examinations. There are no evidence-based interventions to improve PSF. However, increasing evidence suggests that transcranial direct-current stimulation and mindfulness-based interventions may become promising treatments. Further studies are urgently needed to better understand the etiology of PSF, thereby providing the basis for developing new measurement tools and targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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LI C, YANG Y, FENG C, LI H, QU Y, WANG Y, WANG D, WANG Q, GUO J, SHI T, SUN X, WANG X, HOU Y, SUN Z, YANG T. Integrated 'omics analysis for the gut microbiota response to moxibustion in a rat model of chronic fatigue syndrome. J TRADIT CHIN MED 2023; 43:1176-1189. [PMID: 37946480 PMCID: PMC10623263 DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20231018.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To observe the efficacy of moxibustion in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and explore the effects on gut microbiota and metabolic profiles. METHODS Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to control group (Con), CFS model group (Mod, established by multiple chronic stress for 35 d), MoxA group (CFS model with moxibustion Shenque (CV8) and Guanyuan (CV4), 10 min/d, 28 d) and MoxB group (CFS model with moxibustion Zusanli (ST36), 10 min/d, 28 d). Open-field test (OFT) and Morris-water-maze test (MWMT) were determined for assessment the CFS model and the therapeutic effects of moxibustion.16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis based gut microbiota integrated untargeted liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer (LC-MS) based fecal metabolomics were executed, as well as Spearman correlation analysis, was utilized to uncover the functional relevance between the potential metabolites and gut microbiota. RESULTS The results of our behavioral tests showed that moxibustion improved the performance of CFS rats in the OFT and the MWMT. Microbiome profiling analysis revealed that the gut microbiomes of CFS rats were less diverse with altered composition, including increases in pro-inflammatory species (such as Proteobacteria) and decreases in anti-inflammatory species (such as Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, and Prevotella). Moxibustion partially normalized these changes in the gut microbiota. Furthermore, CFS was associated with metabolic disorders, which were effectively ameliorated by moxibustion. This was demonstrated by the normalization of 33 microbiota-related metabolites, including mannose (P = 0.001), aspartic acid (P = 0.009), alanine (P = 0.007), serine (P = 0.000), threonine (P = 0.027), methionine (P = 0.023), 5-hydroxytryptamine (P = 0.008), alpha-linolenic acid (P = 0.003), eicosapentaenoic acid (P = 0.006), hypoxanthine (P = 0.000), vitamin B6 (P = 0.000), cholic acid (P = 0.013), and taurocholate (P = 0.002). Correlation analysis showed a significant association between the perturbed fecal microbiota and metabolite levels, with a notable negative relationship between LCA and Bacteroides. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we demonstrated that moxibustion has an antifatigue-like effect. The results from the 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics analysis suggest that the therapeutic effects of moxibustion on CFS are related to the regulation of gut microorganisms and their metabolites. The increase in Bacteroides and decrease in LCA may be key targets for the moxibustion treatment of CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoran LI
- 1 Department of Acupuncture, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Yan YANG
- 2 Department of Chinese Medical Literature, College of Basic Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Chuwen FENG
- 3 Department of Rehabilitation, the First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Heng LI
- 7 Shanghai Applied Protein Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Yuanyuan QU
- 5 Graduate School, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yulin WANG
- 6 Department of Acupuncture, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Delong WANG
- 6 Department of Acupuncture, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Qingyong WANG
- 5 Graduate School, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Jing GUO
- 5 Graduate School, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Tianyu SHI
- 5 Graduate School, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Xiaowei SUN
- 4 Department of Acupuncture, the First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Xue WANG
- 8 Department of Acupuncture, Chongqing Changshou District People's Hospital, Chongqing 401220, China
| | - Yunlong HOU
- 9 College of integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, and National Key Laboratory of Collateral Disease Research and Innovative Chinese Medicine, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Zhongren SUN
- 6 Department of Acupuncture, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Tiansong YANG
- 10 Department of Rehabilitation, the First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Traditional Chinese Medicine Informatics Key Laboratory of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150040, China
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Turner M, Beckwith H, Spratt T, Vallejos EP, Coughlan B. The #longcovid revolution: A reflexive thematic analysis. Soc Sci Med 2023; 333:116130. [PMID: 37573677 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116130] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Research has identified long COVID as the first virtual patient-made condition (Callard and Perego, 2021). It originated from Twitter users sharing their experiences using the hashtag #longcovid. Over the first two years of the pandemic, long COVID affected as many as 17 million people in Europe (WHO, 2023). This study focuses on the initial #longcovid tweets in 2020 (as previous studies have focused on 2021-2022), from the first tweet in May to August 2020, when the World Health Organization recognised the condition. We collected over 31,000 tweets containing #longcovid from Twitter. Using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis (2020), informed by the first author's experience of long COVID and drawing on Ian Hacking's perspective on social constructionism (1999), we identified different grades of social constructionism in the tweets. The themes we generated reflected that long COVID was a multi-system, cyclical condition initially stigmatised and misunderstood. These findings align with existing literature (Ladds et al., 2020; Rushforth et al., 2021). We add to the existing literature by suggesting that Twitter users raised awareness of long COVID by providing social consensus on their long COVID symptoms. Despite the challenge for traditional evidence-based medicine to capture the varied and intermittent symptoms, the social consensus highlighted that these variations were a consistent and collective experience. This social consensus fostered a collective social movement, overcoming stigma through supportive tweets and highlighting their healthcare needs using #researchrehabrecognition. The #longcovid movement's work was revolutionary, as it showed a revolutionary grade of social constructionism, because it brought about real-world change for long COVID sufferers in terms of recognition and the potential for healthcare provisions. Twitter users' accounts expose the limitations of traditional evidence-based medicine in identifying new conditions. Future research on novel conditions should consider various research paradigms, such as Evidence-Based Medicine Plus (Greenhalgh et al., 2022).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Helen Beckwith
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Tanisha Spratt
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, King's College London, UK
| | | | - Barry Coughlan
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, UK
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Uhde M, Indart AC, Green PH, Yolken RH, Cook DB, Shukla SK, Vernon SD, Alaedini A. Suppressed immune and metabolic responses to intestinal damage-associated microbial translocation in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 30:100627. [PMID: 37396339 PMCID: PMC10308215 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiology and mechanism of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are poorly understood and no biomarkers have been established. Specifically, the relationship between the immunologic, metabolic, and gastrointestinal abnormalities associated with ME/CFS and their relevance to established symptoms of the condition remain unclear. Relying on data from two independent pairs of ME/CFS and control cohorts, one at rest and one undergoing an exercise challenge, we identify a state of suppressed acute-phase innate immune response to microbial translocation in conjunction with a compromised gut epithelium in ME/CFS. This immunosuppression, along with observed enhancement of compensatory antibody responses to counter the microbial translocation, was associated with and may be mediated by alterations in glucose and citrate metabolism and an IL-10 immunoregulatory response. Our findings provide novel insights into mechanistic pathways, biomarkers, and potential therapeutic targets in ME/CFS, including in the context of exertion, with relevance to both intestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Uhde
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alyssa C. Indart
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter H.R. Green
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Celiac Disease Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert H. Yolken
- The Stanley Laboratory of Developmental Neurovirology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dane B. Cook
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sanjay K. Shukla
- Center for Human Genetics, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI, USA
| | | | - Armin Alaedini
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Celiac Disease Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
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10
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Rowe K. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) in Adolescents: Practical Guidance and Management Challenges. Adolesc Health Med Ther 2023; 14:13-26. [PMID: 36632532 PMCID: PMC9827635 DOI: 10.2147/ahmt.s317314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper reviews the current understanding of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and whether any treatment strategies have been effective. ME/CFS is a condition of as yet unknown etiology that commonly follows an infective process. It includes a new onset of fatigue (of more than 3-6 month duration and not relieved by rest), post-exertional malaise, cognitive difficulties and unrefreshing sleep, and frequently orthostatic intolerance, somatic symptoms and pain. Long COVID has renewed interest in the condition and stimulated research with findings suggestive of a multisystem neuroimmune disease. There are no definitively effective treatments. Despite earlier recommendations regarding graded exercise therapy and cognitive behavior therapy, the current recommendations are managing symptoms, with lifestyle management and supportive care. This paper provides an outline of strategies that young people and their families have reported as helpful in managing a chronic illness that impacts their life socially, physically, emotionally, cognitively and educationally. As the illness frequently occurs at a time of rapid developmental changes, reducing these impacts is reported to be as important as managing the physical symptoms. Young people face a mean duration of 5 years illness (range 1-16 years) with a likely residual 20% having significant restrictions after 10 years. Their feedback has suggested that symptom management, self-management strategies, advocacy and educational liaison have been the most helpful. They value professionals who will listen and take them seriously, and after excluding alternative diagnoses, they explain the diagnosis, are supportive and assist in monitoring their progress. Remaining engaged in education was the best predictor of later functioning. This allowed for social connections, as well as potential independence and fulfilling some aspirations. The need to consider the impact of this chronic illness on all aspects of adolescent development, as part of management, is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Rowe
- Department of General Medicine, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Correspondence: Katherine Rowe, Department of General Medicine, Royal Children’s Hospital, Flemington Road Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, 3052, Australia, Tel +61 412059283, Email
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11
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Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis and Long Covid have overlapping presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, MHIQ, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Natalie Eaton-Fitch
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, MHIQ, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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12
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Coenzyme Q10 + alpha lipoic acid for chronic COVID syndrome. Clin Exp Med 2022:10.1007/s10238-022-00871-8. [PMID: 35994177 PMCID: PMC9395797 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00871-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Chronic COVID syndrome is characterized by chronic fatigue, myalgia, depression and sleep disturbances, similar to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia syndrome. Implementations of mitochondrial nutrients (MNs) with diet are important for the clinical effects antioxidant. We examined if use of an association of coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid (Requpero®) could reduce chronic covid symptoms. The Requpero study is a prospective observational study in which 174 patients, who had developed chronic-covid syndrome, were divided in two groups: The first one (116 patients) received coenzyme Q10 + alpha lipoic acid, and the second one (58 patients) did not receive any treatment. Primary outcome was reduction in Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) in treatment group compared with control group. complete FSS response was reached most frequently in treatment group than in control group. A FSS complete response was reached in 62 (53.5%) patients in treatment group and in two (3.5%) patients in control group. A reduction in FSS core < 20% from baseline at T1 (non-response) was observed in 11 patients in the treatment group (9.5%) and in 15 patients in the control group (25.9%) (p < 0.0001). To date, this is the first study that tests the efficacy of coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid in chronic Covid syndrome. Primary and secondary outcomes were met. These results have to be confirmed through a double blind placebo controlled trial of longer duration.
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13
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Kavyani B, Lidbury BA, Schloeffel R, Fisher PR, Missailidis D, Annesley SJ, Dehhaghi M, Heng B, Guillemin GJ. Could the kynurenine pathway be the key missing piece of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) complex puzzle? Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:412. [PMID: 35821534 PMCID: PMC9276562 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04380-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex and debilitating disease with a substantial social and economic impact on individuals and their community. Despite its importance and deteriorating impact, progresses in diagnosis and treatment of ME/CFS is limited. This is due to the unclear pathophysiology of the disease and consequently lack of prognostic biomarkers. To investigate pathophysiology of ME/CFS, several potential pathologic hallmarks have been investigated; however, these studies have failed to report a consistent result. These failures in introducing the underlying reason for ME/CFS have stimulated considering other possible contributing mechanisms such as tryptophan (TRP) metabolism and in particular kynurenine pathway (KP). KP plays a central role in cellular energy production through the production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). In addition, this pathway has been shown to mediate immune response and neuroinflammation through its metabolites. This review, we will discuss the pathology and management of ME/CFS and provide evidence pertaining KP abnormalities and symptoms that are classic characteristics of ME/CFS. Targeting the KP regulation may provide innovative approaches to the management of ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Kavyani
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Brett A Lidbury
- The National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, RSPH, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Richard Schloeffel
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- The Grove Health Pymble, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul R Fisher
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Daniel Missailidis
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sarah J Annesley
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mona Dehhaghi
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Benjamin Heng
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Neuroinflammation Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
- Pandis.org, Melbourne, Australia.
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14
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Hirano SI, Ichikawa Y, Sato B, Takefuji Y, Satoh F. Molecular Hydrogen as a Medical Gas for the Treatment of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Possible Efficacy Based on a Literature Review. Front Neurol 2022; 13:841310. [PMID: 35493814 PMCID: PMC9042428 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.841310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a disorder that is characterized by fatigue that persists for more than 6 months, weakness, sleep disturbances, and cognitive dysfunction. There are multiple possible etiologies for ME/CFS, among which mitochondrial dysfunction plays a major role in abnormal energy metabolism. The potential of many substances for the treatment of ME/CFS has been examined; however, satisfactory outcomes have not yet been achieved. The development of new substances for curative, not symptomatic, treatments is desired. Molecular hydrogen (H2) ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction by scavenging hydroxyl radicals, the most potent oxidant among reactive oxygen species. Animal experiments and clinical trials reported that H2 exerted ameliorative effects on acute and chronic fatigue. Therefore, we conducted a literature review on the mechanism by which H2 improves acute and chronic fatigue in animals and healthy people and showed that the attenuation of mitochondrial dysfunction by H2 may be involved in the ameliorative effects. Although further clinical trials are needed to determine the efficacy and mechanism of H2 gas in ME/CFS, our literature review suggested that H2 gas may be an effective medical gas for the treatment of ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Ichi Hirano
- Department of Research and Development, MiZ Company Limited, Kamakura, Japan
| | - Yusuke Ichikawa
- Department of Research and Development, MiZ Company Limited, Kamakura, Japan.,MiZ Inc., Newark, CA, United States
| | - Bunpei Sato
- Department of Research and Development, MiZ Company Limited, Kamakura, Japan.,MiZ Inc., Newark, CA, United States
| | - Yoshiyasu Takefuji
- Professor Emeritus, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan.,Faculty of Data Science, Musashino University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumitake Satoh
- Department of Research and Development, MiZ Company Limited, Kamakura, Japan.,MiZ Inc., Newark, CA, United States
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15
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Pifarré F, Rosselló L, Hileno R, Palmi J, Bañeres L, Planas A, Prat JA. The use of oxygen as a possible screening biomarker for the diagnosis of chronic fatigue El aprovechamiento de oxígeno como posible biomarcador de cribaje para el diagnóstico de la fatiga crónica. APUNTS SPORTS MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apunsm.2022.100379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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16
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Stanculescu D, Bergquist J. Perspective: Drawing on Findings From Critical Illness to Explain Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:818728. [PMID: 35345768 PMCID: PMC8957276 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.818728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We propose an initial explanation for how myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) could originate and perpetuate by drawing on findings from critical illness research. Specifically, we combine emerging findings regarding (a) hypoperfusion and endotheliopathy, and (b) intestinal injury in these illnesses with our previously published hypothesis about the role of (c) pituitary suppression, and (d) low thyroid hormone function associated with redox imbalance in ME/CFS. Moreover, we describe interlinkages between these pathophysiological mechanisms as well as “vicious cycles” involving cytokines and inflammation that may contribute to explain the chronic nature of these illnesses. This paper summarizes and expands on our previous publications about the relevance of findings from critical illness for ME/CFS. New knowledge on diagnostics, prognostics and treatment strategies could be gained through active collaboration between critical illness and ME/CFS researchers, which could lead to improved outcomes for both conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonas Bergquist
- Division of Analytical Chemistry and Neurochemistry, Department of Chemistry - Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,The Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Collaborative Research Centre at Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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17
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Stanculescu D, Sepúlveda N, Lim CL, Bergquist J. Lessons From Heat Stroke for Understanding Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Front Neurol 2021; 12:789784. [PMID: 34966354 PMCID: PMC8710546 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.789784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We here provide an overview of the pathophysiological mechanisms during heat stroke and describe similar mechanisms found in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Both conditions are characterized by disturbed homeostasis in which inflammatory pathways play a central role. Splanchnic vasoconstriction, increased gut permeability, gut-related endotoxemia, systemic inflammatory response, central nervous system dysfunction, blood coagulation disorder, endothelial-cell injury, and mitochondrial dysfunction underlie heat stroke. These mechanisms have also been documented in ME/CFS. Moreover, initial transcriptomic studies suggest that similar gene expressions are altered in both heat stroke and ME/CFS. Finally, some predisposing factors for heat stroke, such as pre-existing inflammation or infection, overlap with those for ME/CFS. Notwithstanding important differences - and despite heat stroke being an acute condition - the overlaps between heat stroke and ME/CFS suggest common pathways in the physiological responses to very different forms of stressors, which are manifested in different clinical outcomes. The human studies and animal models of heat stroke provide an explanation for the self-perpetuation of homeostatic imbalance centered around intestinal wall injury, which could also inform the understanding of ME/CFS. Moreover, the studies of novel therapeutics for heat stroke might provide new avenues for the treatment of ME/CFS. Future research should be conducted to investigate the similarities between heat stroke and ME/CFS to help identify the potential treatments for ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nuno Sepúlveda
- CEAUL-Centro de Estatística e Aplicações da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Mathematics and Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Chin Leong Lim
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jonas Bergquist
- Analytical Chemistry and Neurochemistry, Department of Chemistry-BMC, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,The ME/CFS Collaborative Research Center at Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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18
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Monzón-Nomdedeu MB, Morten KJ, Oltra E. Induced pluripotent stem cells as suitable sensors for fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:1134-1150. [PMID: 34567431 PMCID: PMC8422931 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i8.1134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibromyalgia (FM) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are devastating metabolic neuroimmune diseases that are difficult to diagnose because of the presence of numerous symptoms and a lack of specific biomarkers. Despite patient heterogeneity linked to patient subgroups and variation in disease severity, anomalies are found in the blood and plasma of these patients when compared with healthy control groups. The seeming specificity of these “plasma factors”, as recently reported by Ron Davis and his group at Stanford University, CA, United States, and observations by our group, have led to the proposal that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) may be used as metabolic sensors for FM and ME/CFS, a hypothesis that is the basis for this in-depth review.
AIM To identify metabolic signatures in FM and/or ME/CFS supporting the existence of disease-associated plasma factors to be sensed by iPSCs.
METHODS A PRISMA (Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis)-based systematic review of the literature was used to select original studies evaluating the metabolite profiles of FM and ME/CFS body fluids. The MeSH terms “metabolomic” or “metabolites” in combination with FM and ME/CFS disease terms were screened against the PubMed database. Only original studies applying omics technologies, published in English, were included. The data obtained were tabulated according to the disease and type of body fluid analyzed. Coincidences across studies were searched and P-values reported by the original studies were gathered to document significant differences found in the disease groups.
RESULTS Eighteen previous studies show that some metabolites are commonly altered in ME/CFS and FM body fluids. In vitro cell-based assays have the potential to be developed as screening platforms, providing evidence for the existence of factors in patient body fluids capable of altering morphology, differentiation state and/or growth patterns. Moreover, they can be further developed using approaches aimed at blocking or reversing the effects of specific plasma/serum factors seen in patients. The documented high sensitivity and effective responses of iPSCs to environmental cues suggests that these pluripotent cells could form robust, reproducible reporter systems of metabolic diseases, including ME/CFS and FM. Furthermore, culturing iPSCs, or their mesenchymal stem cell counterparts, in patient-conditioned medium may provide valuable information to predict individual outcomes to stem-cell therapy in the context of precision medicine studies.
CONCLUSION This opinion review explains our hypothesis that iPSCs could be developed as a screening platform to provide evidence of a metabolic imbalance in FM and ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- María B Monzón-Nomdedeu
- School of Biotechnology, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Valencia 46001, Spain
| | - Karl J Morten
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, The Women Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Elisa Oltra
- Department of Pathology, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Valencia 46001, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, Valencia 46001, Spain
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19
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Hoel F, Hoel A, Pettersen IK, Rekeland IG, Risa K, Alme K, Sørland K, Fosså A, Lien K, Herder I, Thürmer HL, Gotaas ME, Schäfer C, Berge RK, Sommerfelt K, Marti HP, Dahl O, Mella O, Fluge Ø, Tronstad KJ. A map of metabolic phenotypes in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e149217. [PMID: 34423789 PMCID: PMC8409979 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.149217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating disease usually presenting after infection. Emerging evidence supports that energy metabolism is affected in ME/CFS, but a unifying metabolic phenotype has not been firmly established. We performed global metabolomics, lipidomics, and hormone measurements, and we used exploratory data analyses to compare serum from 83 patients with ME/CFS and 35 healthy controls. Some changes were common in the patient group, and these were compatible with effects of elevated energy strain and altered utilization of fatty acids and amino acids as catabolic fuels. In addition, a set of heterogeneous effects reflected specific changes in 3 subsets of patients, and 2 of these expressed characteristic contexts of deregulated energy metabolism. The biological relevance of these metabolic phenotypes (metabotypes) was supported by clinical data and independent blood analyses. In summary, we report a map of common and context-dependent metabolic changes in ME/CFS, and some of them presented possible associations with clinical patient profiles. We suggest that elevated energy strain may result from exertion-triggered tissue hypoxia and lead to systemic metabolic adaptation and compensation. Through various mechanisms, such metabolic dysfunction represents a likely mediator of key symptoms in ME/CFS and possibly a target for supportive intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - August Hoel
- Department of Biomedicine and.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Ingrid G Rekeland
- Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kristin Risa
- Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kine Alme
- Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kari Sørland
- Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Alexander Fosså
- Department of Oncology, Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,KJ Jebsen Centre for B-cell malignancies, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Katarina Lien
- CFS/ME Center, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Herder
- CFS/ME Center, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Merete E Gotaas
- Department of Pain and Complex Disorders, St. Olav's Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Christoph Schäfer
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Rolf K Berge
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kristian Sommerfelt
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Pediatrics and
| | - Hans-Peter Marti
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Olav Dahl
- Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Olav Mella
- Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Øystein Fluge
- Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Numata
- Department of Kampo Medicine, National Hospital Organization Yonezawa National Hospital, Japan
- Department of Education and Support for Regional Medicine, Department of Kampo Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Japan
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21
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Yin C, Fu X, Chou J, Li J, Chen Y, Bai J, Wu J, Wu Y, Wang X, Yu ZL. A proprietary herbal drug Young Yum Pill ameliorates chronic fatigue syndrome in mice. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 88:153602. [PMID: 34102522 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex disease with few effective and safe therapies. Young Yum Pill (YYP), a proprietary herbal drug, has been used to relieve CFS-like symptoms. The pharmacological basis of this application of YYP is unknown. PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of action of YYP in a mouse model of CFS. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS A food restriction and exhaustive swimming-induced mouse CFS model was used to evaluate the effects of YYP. Lymphocyte proliferation was assessed by MTT assays. T-lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. Serum biochemical parameters were determined using commercial kits. Protein levels were measured by immunoblotting. RESULTS Intragastric administration of YYP (2.85, 5.70, 11.40 g/kg) daily for 21 consecutive days significantly prolonged swimming time and diminished body weight loss of CFS mice. Mechanistic investigations revealed that YYP increased thymus and spleen indices of CFS mice, enhanced proliferation of lipopolysaccharide- or concanavalin A-stimulated spleen lymphocytes, and increased CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ T-cells in the spleen. YYP increased glycogen content in gastrocnemius muscle and liver, and lowered levels of triglyceride, lactic acid and urea nitrogen in sera of CFS mice. YYP suppressed the elevation of serum level of malondialdehyde, the increase of activities of lactic dehydrogenase and creatine phosphokinase, and the decrease of activity of the serum antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase in CFS mice. Moreover, YYP upregulated protein level of activated AMPK in gastrocnemius muscle and liver of CFS mice. CONCLUSIONS YYP ameliorates CFS by reversing metabolic changes, reducing oxidative damage, and improving some immune function parameters in mice. This study provides pharmacological justifications for the use of YYP in treating fatigue, including CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengle Yin
- Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China; Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Institute of Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiuqiong Fu
- Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China; Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Institute of Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiyao Chou
- Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China; Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Institute of Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Junkui Li
- Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China; Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Institute of Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yingjie Chen
- Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China; Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Institute of Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingxuan Bai
- Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China; Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Institute of Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiaying Wu
- Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China; Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Institute of Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China; Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Institute of Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoqi Wang
- Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China; Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Institute of Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhi-Ling Yu
- Consun Chinese Medicines Research Centre for Renal Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China; Center for Cancer and Inflammation Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Research and Development Centre for Natural Health Products, HKBU Institute of Research and Continuing Education, Shenzhen, China.
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22
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Moghimi N, Di Napoli M, Biller J, Siegler JE, Shekhar R, McCullough LD, Harkins MS, Hong E, Alaouieh DA, Mansueto G, Divani AA. The Neurological Manifestations of Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2021; 21:44. [PMID: 34181102 PMCID: PMC8237541 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-021-01130-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a global health challenge. This review aims to summarize the incidence, risk factors, possible pathophysiology, and proposed management of neurological manifestations of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) or neuro-PASC based on the published literature. Recent Findings The National Institutes of Health has noted that PASC is a multi-organ disorder ranging from mild symptoms to an incapacitating state that can last for weeks or longer following recovery from initial infection with SARS-CoV-2. Various pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed as the culprit for the development of PASC. These include, but are not limited to, direct or indirect invasion of the virus into the brain, immune dysregulation, hormonal disturbances, elevated cytokine levels due to immune reaction leading to chronic inflammation, direct tissue damage to other organs, and persistent low-grade infection. A multidisciplinary approach for the treatment of neuro-PASC will be required to diagnose and address these symptoms. Tailored rehabilitation and novel cognitive therapy protocols are as important as pharmacological treatments to treat neuro-PASC effectively. Summary With recognizing the growing numbers of COVID-19 patients suffering from neuro-PASC, there is an urgent need to identify affected individuals early to provide the most appropriate and efficient treatments. Awareness among the general population and health care professionals about PASC is rising, and more efforts are needed to understand and treat this new emerging challenge. In this review, we summarize the relevant scientific literature about neuro-PASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Moghimi
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC10-5620, Albuquerque, NM 87131 USA
| | - Mario Di Napoli
- Neurological Service, SS Annunziata Hospital, Sulmona, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - José Biller
- Department of Neurology, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL USA
| | - James E. Siegler
- Cooper Neurological Institute, Cooper University Health Care, Camden, NJ 08103 USA
| | - Rahul Shekhar
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Louise D. McCullough
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, Texas USA
| | - Michelle S. Harkins
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Emily Hong
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC10-5620, Albuquerque, NM 87131 USA
| | - Danielle A. Alaouieh
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC10-5620, Albuquerque, NM 87131 USA
| | - Gelsomina Mansueto
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Afshin A. Divani
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, 1 University of New Mexico, MSC10-5620, Albuquerque, NM 87131 USA
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23
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Khanpour Ardestani S, Karkhaneh M, Stein E, Punja S, Junqueira DR, Kuzmyn T, Pearson M, Smith L, Olson K, Vohra S. Systematic Review of Mind-Body Interventions to Treat Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:652. [PMID: 34202826 PMCID: PMC8305555 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57070652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic condition distinguished by disabling fatigue associated with post-exertional malaise, as well as changes to sleep, autonomic functioning, and cognition. Mind-body interventions (MBIs) utilize the ongoing interaction between the mind and body to improve health and wellbeing. Purpose: To systematically review studies using MBIs for the treatment of ME/CFS symptoms. Materials and Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched (inception to September 2020). Interventional studies on adults diagnosed with ME/CFS, using one of the MBIs in comparison with any placebo, standard of care treatment or waitlist control, and measuring outcomes relevant to the signs and symptoms of ME/CFS and quality of life were assessed for inclusion. Characteristics and findings of the included studies were summarized using a descriptive approach. Results: 12 out of 382 retrieved references were included. Seven studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with one including three reports (1 RCT, 2 single-arms); others were single-arm trials. Interventions included mindfulness-based stress reduction, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, relaxation, Qigong, cognitive-behavioral stress management, acceptance and commitment therapy and isometric yoga. The outcomes measured most often were fatigue severity, anxiety/depression, and quality of life. Fatigue severity and symptoms of anxiety/depression were improved in nine and eight studies respectively, and three studies found that MBIs improved quality of life. Conclusions: Fatigue severity, anxiety/depression and physical and mental functioning were shown to be improved in patients receiving MBIs. However, small sample sizes, heterogeneous diagnostic criteria, and a high risk of bias may challenge this result. Further research using standardized outcomes would help advance the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Khanpour Ardestani
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada; (S.K.A.); (S.P.); (D.R.J.)
| | | | - Eleanor Stein
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2T4L8, Canada;
| | - Salima Punja
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada; (S.K.A.); (S.P.); (D.R.J.)
| | - Daniela R. Junqueira
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada; (S.K.A.); (S.P.); (D.R.J.)
| | - Tatiana Kuzmyn
- Patient Research Partner, Retired RN, Patient and Community Engagement Research (PaCER) Program Graduate, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2P 1B2, Canada;
| | - Michelle Pearson
- Patient Research Partner, MAPC, CEO Wunjo IS, Calgary, AB T3K 4N8, Canada;
| | - Laurie Smith
- Patient Research Partner, Calgary, AB 95060, Canada;
| | - Karin Olson
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada;
| | - Sunita Vohra
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada
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24
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Weigel B, Eaton-Fitch N, Passmore R, Cabanas H, Staines D, Marshall-Gradisnik S. A preliminary investigation of nutritional intake and supplement use in Australians with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and the implications on health-related quality of life. Food Nutr Res 2021; 65:5730. [PMID: 34262415 PMCID: PMC8254462 DOI: 10.29219/fnr.v65.5730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, multisystem illness without a currently recognized pharmacological treatment. Dietary supplementation and modification have been posited as potential management strategies; however, their efficacy is controversial. Objective This study aimed to assess the nutritional intake and supplement use of Australian ME/CFS patients and the perceived effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for the first time in an Australian patient population. Design Between February 2019 and January 2020, ME/CFS patients across Australia volunteered in this cross-sectional study in response to online advertisements. Eligible respondents were invited to complete three online self-administered questionnaires investigating their supplement use, nutritional intake, and HRQoL. The study participants’ supplement use and nutritional intake were summarized and compared with the population data returned from the Australian Health Survey (2011–2012). Multiple linear regression analysis was also performed to determine the effect of participants’ supplement use and nutrient intake on HRQoL. Results Twenty-four eligible ME/CFS patients (54.2% meeting the International Consensus Criteria, 79.2% female, mean age = 43.4 ± 10.5 years) completed the online questionnaires. Supplement use was highly prevalent among the study sample (87.5%) and considerably more common when compared with population data (31.9%). Daily total fats and caffeine intakes were significantly higher among ME/CFS patients when compared with the Australian population (P = 0.009 and P = 0.033, respectively), whereas daily intakes of total carbohydrates and alcohol were significantly lower (both P < 0.001). No consistent trends between nutrition and supplement use with patients’ HRQoL could be identified. Conclusions The daily diet and supplement use of ME/CFS patients appear to vary considerably from those of the general Australian population. Although the role of nutritional intake and supplement use on ME/CFS patients’ HRQoL remains unclear, dietary changes and the use of supplements appear to be of value to ME/CFS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanna Weigel
- The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Consortium Health International for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Natalie Eaton-Fitch
- The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Consortium Health International for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Rachel Passmore
- The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Consortium Health International for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Hélène Cabanas
- The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Consortium Health International for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Donald Staines
- The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Consortium Health International for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik
- The National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Consortium Health International for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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25
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Eccles JA, Thompson B, Themelis K, Amato ML, Stocks R, Pound A, Jones AM, Cipinova Z, Shah-Goodwin L, Timeyin J, Thompson CR, Batty T, Harrison NA, Critchley HD, Davies KA. Beyond bones: The relevance of variants of connective tissue (hypermobility) to fibromyalgia, ME/CFS and controversies surrounding diagnostic classification: an observational study. Clin Med (Lond) 2021; 21:53-58. [PMID: 33479068 DOI: 10.7861/clinmed.2020-0743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are poorly understood conditions with overlapping symptoms, fuelling debate as to whether they are manifestations of the same spectrum or separate entities. Both are associated with hypermobility, but this remains significantly undiagnosed, despite impact on quality of life. OBJECTIVE We planned to understand the relevance of hypermobility to symptoms in fibromyalgia and ME/CFS. METHOD Sixty-three patient participants presented with a confirmed diagnosis of fibromyalgia and/or ME/CFS; 24 participants were healthy controls. Patients were assessed for symptomatic hypermobility. RESULTS Evaluations showed exceptional overlap in patients between fibromyalgia and ME/CFS, plus 81% met Brighton criteria for hypermobility syndrome (odds ratio 7.08) and 18% met 2017 hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) criteria. Hypermobility scores significantly predicted symptom levels. CONCLUSION Symptomatic hypermobility is particularly relevant to fibromyalgia and ME/CFS, and our findings highlight high rates of mis-/underdiagnosis. These poorly understood conditions have a considerable impact on quality of life and our observations have implications for diagnosis and treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Eccles
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, UK, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK and Sussex Partnership Foundation NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Amy Pound
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, UK and Sussex Partnership Foundation NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Zdenka Cipinova
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Jean Timeyin
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Charlotte R Thompson
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK and Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, UK
| | - Thomas Batty
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, UK and Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Neil A Harrison
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, UK and Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, Cardiff, UK
| | - Hugo D Critchley
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, UK, University of Sussex, Falmer and Sussex Partnership Foundation NHS Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Kevin A Davies
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Brighton, UK and Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Falmer, UK
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26
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Kuo CF, Shi L, Lin CL, Yao WC, Chen HT, Lio CF, Wang YTT, Su CH, Hsu NW, Tsai SY. How peptic ulcer disease could potentially lead to the lifelong, debilitating effects of chronic fatigue syndrome: an insight. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7520. [PMID: 33824394 PMCID: PMC8024330 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87018-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has been defined as unexplained relapsing or persistent fatigue for at least 6 consecutive months. Immuno-inflammatory pathway, bacterial infection, and other causes play essential roles in CFS. Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the most common causes of foregut inflammation, leading to peptic ulcer disease (PUD). This study aimed to analyze the risk of CFS development between patients with and without PUD. Other related factors were also analyzed. We performed a retrospective, nationwide cohort study identifying patients with or without PUD respectively by analyzing the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 (LHID2000), Taiwan. The overall incidence of CFS was higher in the PUD cohort than in the non- PUD cohort (HR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.75-2.30), with the same adjusted HR (aHR) when adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities. The sex-specific PUD cohort to the non-PUD cohort relative risk of CFS was significant in both genders. The age-specific incidence of CFS showed incidence density increasing with age in both cohorts. There is an increased risk of developing CFS following PUD, especially in females and the aging population. Hopefully, these findings can prevent common infections from progressing to debilitating, chronic conditions such as CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Feng Kuo
- Department of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Long-Term Care, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Applications and Management, MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Leiyu Shi
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Cheng-Li Lin
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan
- Management Office for Health Data, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Cheng Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Min-Sheng General Hospital, Tao-Yuan, 330, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Ting Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chon-Fu Lio
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Tina Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Huang Su
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nai-Wei Hsu
- Department of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Long-Term Care, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Yi Tsai
- Department of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Long-Term Care, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
- Department of Cosmetic Applications and Management, MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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27
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Sørland K, Sandvik MK, Rekeland IG, Ribu L, Småstuen MC, Mella O, Fluge Ø. Reduced Endothelial Function in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Results From Open-Label Cyclophosphamide Intervention Study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:642710. [PMID: 33829023 PMCID: PMC8019750 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.642710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) present with a range of symptoms including post-exertional malaise (PEM), orthostatic intolerance, and autonomic dysfunction. Dysfunction of the blood vessel endothelium could be an underlying biological mechanism, resulting in inability to fine-tune regulation of blood flow according to the metabolic demands of tissues. The objectives of the present study were to investigate endothelial function in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy individuals, and assess possible changes in endothelial function after intervention with IV cyclophosphamide. Methods: This substudy to the open-label phase II trial "Cyclophosphamide in ME/CFS" included 40 patients with mild-moderate to severe ME/CFS according to Canadian consensus criteria, aged 18-65 years. Endothelial function was measured by Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and Post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) at baseline and repeated after 12 months. Endothelial function at baseline was compared with two cohorts of healthy controls (N = 66 and N = 30) from previous studies. Changes in endothelial function after 12 months were assessed and correlated with clinical response to cyclophosphamide. Biological markers for endothelial function were measured in serum at baseline and compared with healthy controls (N = 30). Results: Baseline FMD was significantly reduced in patients (median FMD 5.9%, range 0.5-13.1, n = 35) compared to healthy individuals (median FMD 7.7%, range 0.7-21, n = 66) (p = 0.005), as was PORH with patient score median 1,331 p.u. (range 343-4,334) vs. healthy individuals 1,886 p.u. (range 808-8,158) (p = 0.003). No significant associations were found between clinical response to cyclophosphamide intervention (reported in 55% of patients) and changes in FMD/PORH from baseline to 12 months. Serum levels of metabolites associated with endothelial dysfunction showed no significant differences between ME/CFS patients and healthy controls. Conclusions: Patients with ME/CFS had reduced endothelial function affecting both large and small vessels compared to healthy controls. Changes in endothelial function did not follow clinical responses during follow-up after cyclophosphamide IV intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari Sørland
- Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Ingrid Gurvin Rekeland
- Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, Institute of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lis Ribu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Olav Mella
- Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, Institute of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Øystein Fluge
- Department of Oncology and Medical Physics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, Institute of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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28
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Maksoud R, Balinas C, Holden S, Cabanas H, Staines D, Marshall-Gradisnik S. A systematic review of nutraceutical interventions for mitochondrial dysfunctions in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. J Transl Med 2021; 19:81. [PMID: 33596913 PMCID: PMC7890871 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-02742-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating illness, characterised by persistent fatigue that is unrelieved by rest, in combination with a range of other disabling symptoms. There is no diagnostic test nor targeted treatment available for this illness. The pathomechanism also remains unclear. Mitochondrial dysfunctions have been considered a possible underlying pathology based on reported differences including structural and functional changes in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy controls. Due to the potential role that mitochondria may play in ME/CFS, mitochondrial-targeting nutraceutical interventions have been used to potentially assist in improving patient outcomes such as fatigue. The aim of this systematic review is to appraise literature assessing these nutraceuticals as a possible intervention for treating ME/CFS. METHODS A systematic search of Pubmed, Embase, Medline (EBSCO host) and Web of Science (via Clarivate Analytics) for journal articles published between January 1995 and 10th November 2020 was conducted. Articles assessing nutraceutical interventions and ME/CFS patient outcomes were retrieved. Using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, the list of articles was further refined. Quality was measured using the Rosendal scale. RESULTS Nine intervention studies were included in this review. The studies investigated patient symptom severity changes such as altered fatigue levels in response to mitochondrial-targeting nutraceuticals. Improvements in fatigue levels were observed in six of the nine studies. Secondary outcomes assessed include biochemical, psychological, and quality of life parameters. CONCLUSION There is insufficient evidence on the effectiveness of mitochondria- targeting nutraceuticals in ME/CFS patients. Future well-designed studies are required to elucidate both the involvement of mitochondria in the pathomechanism of ME/CFS and the effect of mitochondrial-modifying agents on illness severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah Maksoud
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia. .,Consortium Health International for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.
| | - Cassandra Balinas
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Consortium Health International for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Sean Holden
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Consortium Health International for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Hélène Cabanas
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Consortium Health International for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Donald Staines
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Consortium Health International for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases (NCNED), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Consortium Health International for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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29
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Xu HM, Huang HL, Zhou YL, Zhao HL, Xu J, Shou DW, Liu YD, Zhou YJ, Nie YQ. Fecal Microbiota Transplantation: A New Therapeutic Attempt from the Gut to the Brain. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2021; 2021:6699268. [PMID: 33510784 PMCID: PMC7826222 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6699268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gut dysbacteriosis is closely related to various intestinal and extraintestinal diseases. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a biological therapy that entails transferring the gut microbiota from healthy individuals to patients in order to reconstruct the intestinal microflora in the latter. It has been proved to be an effective treatment for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection. Studies show that the gut microbiota plays an important role in the pathophysiology of neurological and psychiatric disorders through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Therefore, reconstruction of the healthy gut microbiota is a promising new strategy for treating cerebral diseases. We have reviewed the latest research on the role of gut microbiota in different nervous system diseases as well as FMT in the context of its application in neurological, psychiatric, and other nervous system-related diseases (Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, hepatic encephalopathy, neuropathic pain, etc.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Ming Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, China
| | - Hong-Li Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, China
| | - You-Lian Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, China
| | - Hai-Lan Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, China
| | - Di-Wen Shou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, China
| | - Yan-Di Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, China
| | - Yong-Jian Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, China
| | - Yu-Qiang Nie
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, China
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30
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Wormgoor MEA, Rodenburg SC. The evidence base for physiotherapy in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome when considering post-exertional malaise: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. J Transl Med 2021; 19:1. [PMID: 33397399 PMCID: PMC7780213 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02683-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the inconsistent use of diagnostic criteria in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), it is unsure whether physiotherapeutic management regarded effective in ME/CFS is appropriate for patients diagnosed with criteria that consider post-exertional malaise (PEM) as a hallmark feature. PURPOSE To appraise current evidence of the effects of physiotherapy on symptoms and functioning in ME/CFS patients in view of the significance of PEM in the applied diagnostic criteria for inclusion. METHODS A systematic review of randomized controlled trials published over the last two decades was conducted. Studies evaluating physiotherapeutic interventions for adult ME/CFS patients were included. The diagnostic criteria sets were classified into three groups according to the extent to which the importance of PEM was emphasized: chronic fatigue (CF; PEM not mentioned as a criterion), CFS (PEM included as an optional or minor criterion) or ME (PEM is a required symptom). The main results of included studies were synthesized in relation to the classification of the applied diagnostic criteria. In addition, special attention was given to the tolerability of the interventions. RESULTS Eighteen RCTs were included in the systematic review: three RCTs with CF patients, 14 RCTs with CFS patients and one RCT covering ME patients with PEM. Intervention effects, if any, seemed to disappear with more narrow case definitions, increasing objectivity of the outcome measures and longer follow-up. CONCLUSION Currently, there is no scientific evidence when it comes to effective physiotherapy for ME patients. Applying treatment that seems effective for CF or CFS patients may have adverse consequences for ME patients and should be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjon E A Wormgoor
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway.
- Division Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Stavern, Norway.
| | - Sanne C Rodenburg
- Department of Physiotherapy, Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Elanwar R, Hussein M, Magdy R, Eid RA, Yassien A, Abdelsattar AS, Alsharaway LA, Fathy W, Hassan A, Kamal YS. Physical and Mental Fatigue in Subjects Recovered from COVID-19 Infection: A Case-Control Study. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2021; 17:2063-2071. [PMID: 34188476 PMCID: PMC8235935 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s317027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Much effort has been directed toward studying COVID-19 symptoms; however, the post-COVID-19 phase remains mysterious. The aim of this work was to conduct a clinical and neurophysiological evaluation of physical and mental fatigue in COVID-19 long-haulers and to study whether markers of COVID-19 severity are able to predict the likelihood of developing postinfectious fatigue syndrome (PIFS) in such patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS This case-control study was conducted on 46 COVID-19 long-haulers who met the criteria for PIFS and 46 recovered COVID-19 subjects without any residuals. Clinical assessment of fatigue was done using a fatigue questionnaire. Repetitive nerve stimulation and single-fiber electromyography were done after excluding neuropathy and myopathy. RESULTS The median value for physical fatigue was 4 (IQR 2-7), while that for mental fatigue was 2 (IQR 0-3). Each day's increase in the period of COVID-19 illness increased the odds of PIFS in COVID-19 long-haulers 1.104-fold, and each unit increase in ferritin increased the odds of PIFS 1.006-fold. A significant decrement in at least one muscle was observed in 50% of patients. Patients with PIFS had significantly higher mean consecutive difference (MCD) in the extensor digitorum communis than the control group. There were statistically significant positive correlations between MCD values and physical, mental, and total fatigue scores. CONCLUSION Higher ferritin levels and prolonged COVID-19 infection were independent predictors of PIFS in COVID-19 long-haulers. There was electrophysiological evidence of abnormalities in the peripheral portion of the motor unit in COVID-19 long-haulers with PIFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehab Elanwar
- Clinical Neurophysiology, Neurodiagnostic Research Center, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Mona Hussein
- Department of Neurology, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Rehab Magdy
- Department of Neurology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ragaey A Eid
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Yassien
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | | | | | - Wael Fathy
- Department of Anaesthesia, Surgical ICU and Pain Management, Beni-SuefUniversity, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Amr Hassan
- Department of Neurology, Kasr Al Ainy Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yasmine S Kamal
- Department of Neurology, Kasr Al Ainy Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.,Department of Neurology, Rashid Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Profile of circulating microRNAs in myalgic encephalomyelitis and their relation to symptom severity, and disease pathophysiology. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19620. [PMID: 33184353 PMCID: PMC7665057 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76438-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex chronic disease, rooted in multi-system dysfunctions characterized by unexplained debilitating fatigue. Post-exertional malaise (PEM), defined as the exacerbation of the patient's symptoms following minimal physical or mental stress, is a hallmark of ME/CFS. While multiple case definitions exist, there is currently no well-established biomarkers or laboratory tests to diagnose ME/CFS. Our study aimed to investigate circulating microRNA expression in severely ill ME/CFS patients before and after an innovative stress challenge that stimulates PEM. Our findings highlight the differential expression of eleven microRNAs associated with a physiological response to PEM. The present study uncovers specific microRNA expression signatures associated with ME/CFS in response to PEM induction and reports microRNA expression patterns associated to specific symptom severities. The identification of distinctive microRNA expression signatures for ME/CFS through a provocation challenge is essential for the elucidation of the ME/CFS pathophysiology, and lead to accurate diagnoses, prevention measures, and effective treatment options.
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Systematic Review of Primary Outcome Measurements for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) in Randomized Controlled Trials. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9113463. [PMID: 31906979 PMCID: PMC7692998 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Due to its unknown etiology, the objective diagnosis and therapeutics of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) are still challenging. Generally, the patient-reported outcome (PRO) is the major strategy driving treatment response because the patient is the most important judge of whether changes are meaningful. Methods: In order to determine the overall characteristics of the main outcome measurement applied in clinical trials for CFS/ME, we systematically surveyed the literature using two electronic databases, PubMed and the Cochrane Library, throughout June 2020. We analyzed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for CFS/ME focusing especially on main measurements. Results: Fifty-two RCTs out of a total 540 searched were selected according to eligibility criteria. Thirty-one RCTs (59.6%) used single primary outcome and others adapted ≥2 kinds of measurements. In total, 15 PRO-derived tools were adapted (50 RCTs; 96.2%) along with two behavioral measurements for adolescents (4 RCTs; 7.7%). The 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36; 16 RCTs), Checklist Individual Strength (CIS; 14 RCTs), and Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire (CFQ; 11 RCTs) were most frequently used as the main outcomes. Since the first RCT in 1996, Clinical Global Impression (CGI) and SF-36 have been dominantly used each in the first and following decade (26.1% and 28.6%, respectively), while both CIS and Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) have been the preferred instruments (21.4% each) in recent years (2016 to 2020). Conclusions: This review comprehensively provides the choice pattern of the assessment tools for interventions in RCTs for CFS/ME. Our data would be helpful practically in the design of clinical studies for CFS/ME-related therapeutic development.
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Ahn YC, Lee JS, Son CG. Reliability and Validity of the Modified Korean Version of the Chalder Fatigue Scale (mKCFQ11). Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:E427. [PMID: 33114401 PMCID: PMC7712859 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8040427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatigue can accompany various diseases; however, fatigue itself is a key symptom for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Due to the absence of biological parameters for the diagnosis and severity of CFS, the assessment tool for the degree of fatigue is very important. This study aims to verify the reliability and validity of the modified Korean version of the Chalder Fatigue Scale (mKCFQ11). This study was performed using data from 97 participants (Male: 37, Female: 60) enrolled in a clinical trial for an intervention of CFS. The analyses of the coefficient between the mKCFQ11 score and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) or the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) at two time points (baseline and 12 weeks) as well as their changed values were conducted. The mKCFQ11 showed strong reliability, as evidenced by the Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.967 for the whole item and two subclasses (0.963 for physical and 0.958 for mental fatigue) along with the suitable validity of the mKCFQ11 structure shown by the principal component analysis. The mKCFQ11 scores also strongly correlated (higher than 0.7) with the VAS, FSS and SF-36 on all data from baseline and 12 weeks and changed values. This study demonstrated the clinical usefulness of the mKCFQ11 instrument, particularly in assessing the severity of fatigue and the evaluation of treatments for patients suffering from CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yo-Chan Ahn
- Department of Health Service Management, Daejeon University, Daejeon 300-716, Korea;
| | - Jin-Seok Lee
- Department of Korean Medicine, Institute of Bioscience and Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 300-716, Korea;
| | - Chang-Gue Son
- Department of Korean Medicine, Institute of Bioscience and Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon 300-716, Korea;
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Nacul L, O'Boyle S, Palla L, Nacul FE, Mudie K, Kingdon CC, Cliff JM, Clark TG, Dockrell HM, Lacerda EM. How Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Progresses: The Natural History of ME/CFS. Front Neurol 2020; 11:826. [PMID: 32849252 PMCID: PMC7431524 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We propose a framework for understanding and interpreting the pathophysiology of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) that considers wider determinants of health and long-term temporal variation in pathophysiological features and disease phenotype throughout the natural history of the disease. As in other chronic diseases, ME/CFS evolves through different stages, from asymptomatic predisposition, progressing to a prodromal stage, and then to symptomatic disease. Disease incidence depends on genetic makeup and environment factors, the exposure to singular or repeated insults, and the nature of the host response. In people who develop ME/CFS, normal homeostatic processes in response to adverse insults may be replaced by aberrant responses leading to dysfunctional states. Thus, the predominantly neuro-immune manifestations, underlined by a hyper-metabolic state, that characterize early disease, may be followed by various processes leading to multi-systemic abnormalities and related symptoms. This abnormal state and the effects of a range of mediators such as products of oxidative and nitrosamine stress, may lead to progressive cell and metabolic dysfunction culminating in a hypometabolic state with low energy production. These processes do not seem to happen uniformly; although a spiraling of progressive inter-related and self-sustaining abnormalities may ensue, reversion to states of milder abnormalities is possible if the host is able to restate responses to improve homeostatic equilibrium. With time variation in disease presentation, no single ME/CFS case description, set of diagnostic criteria, or molecular feature is currently representative of all patients at different disease stages. While acknowledging its limitations due to the incomplete research evidence, we suggest the proposed framework may support future research design and health care interventions for people with ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Nacul
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- B.C. Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shennae O'Boyle
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luigi Palla
- Department of Medical Statistics, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Global Health, School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Flavio E. Nacul
- Pro-Cardiaco Hospital and Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kathleen Mudie
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline C. Kingdon
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline M. Cliff
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Taane G. Clark
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hazel M. Dockrell
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eliana M. Lacerda
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Liu X, Wang B, Wang X, Tian M, Wang X, Zhang Y. Elevated plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein at admission predicts the occurrence of post-stroke fatigue at 6 months after ischaemic stroke. Eur J Neurol 2020; 27:2022-2030. [PMID: 32633437 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a common neuropsychiatric affective symptom occurring after stroke. Evidence indicates activated inflammatory pathways are involved in modulating the stroke and fatigue. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is one of the most sensitive indicators of inflammation. Our aim was to estimate the association between plasma hs-CRP and PSF after acute ischaemic stroke. METHODS In all, 212 acute ischaemic stroke patients were consecutively recruited within the first 14 days after stroke onset and followed up for 6 months. Plasma hs-CRP levels were assayed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Fatigue severity was assessed using the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions. A score ≥ 43 is defined as PSF. RESULTS Sixty-eight stroke patients (32.1%) were diagnosed with PSF at 6 months' follow-up. In the patients with PSF, plasma hs-CRP levels were significantly higher compared with those in non-PSF patients (t = -8.524, P ≤ 0.001). In multivariate analyses, plasma levels of hs-CRP were independently associated with PSF at 6 months (odds ratio 3.435, 95% confidence interval 2.222-5.309; P ≤ 0.001) after adjusting other recorded variables. Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve, the optimal cut-off value of plasma hs-CRP levels as an indicator for the prediction of PSF was projected to be 0.52 mg/dl, which yielded a sensitivity of 77.9% and a specificity of 74.3%, with the area under the curve 0.794 (95% confidence interval 0.725-0.864; P ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSION Elevated plasma hs-CRP levels at admission were associated with PSF 6 months after stroke, suggesting that these alterations might predict the development of PSF in stroke patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Liu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - B Wang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - X Wang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - M Tian
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - X Wang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Y Zhang
- Department of Emergency, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Environmental, Neuro-immune, and Neuro-oxidative Stress Interactions in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:4598-4607. [PMID: 32761353 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-01939-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS) is a complex, multisystem disease that is characterized by long-term fatigue, exhaustion, disabilities, pain, neurocognitive impairments, gastrointestinal symptoms, and post-exertional malaise, as well as lowered occupational, educational, and social functions. The clinical and biomarker diagnosis of this disorder is hampered by the lack of validated diagnostic criteria and laboratory tests with adequate figures of merit, although there are now many disease biomarkers indicating the pathophysiology of CFS. Here, we review multiple factors, such as immunological and environmental factors, which are associated with CFS and evaluate current concepts on the involvement of immune and environmental factors in the pathophysiology of CFS. The most frequently reported immune dysregulations in CFS are modifications in immunoglobulin contents, changes in B and T cell phenotypes and cytokine profiles, and decreased cytotoxicity of natural killer cells. Some of these immune aberrations display a moderate diagnostic performance to externally validate the clinical diagnosis of CFS, including the expression of activation markers and protein kinase R (PKR) activity. Associated with the immune aberrations are activated nitro-oxidative pathways, which may explain the key symptoms of CFS. This review shows that viral and bacterial infections, as well as nutritional deficiencies, may further aggravate the immune-oxidative pathophysiology of CFS. Targeted treatments with antioxidants and lipid replacement treatments may have some clinical efficacy in CFS. We conclude that complex interactions between immune and nitro-oxidative pathways, infectious agents, environmental factors, and nutritional deficiencies play a role in the pathophysiology of CFS.
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Słomko J, Estévez-López F, Kujawski S, Zawadka-Kunikowska M, Tafil-Klawe M, Klawe JJ, Morten KJ, Szrajda J, Murovska M, Newton JL, Zalewski P. Autonomic Phenotypes in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) Are Associated with Illness Severity: A Cluster Analysis. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9082531. [PMID: 32764516 PMCID: PMC7464864 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9082531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study we set out to define the characteristics of autonomic subgroups of patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). The study included 131 patients with CFS (Fukuda criteria). Participants completed the following screening symptom assessment tools: Chalder Fatigue Scale, Fatigue Impact Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scales, the self-reported Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale. Autonomic parameters were measured at rest with a Task Force Monitor (CNS Systems) and arterial stiffness using an Arteriograph (TensioMed Kft.). Principal axis factor analysis yielded four factors: fatigue, subjective and objective autonomic dysfunction and arterial stiffness. Using cluster analyses, these factors were grouped in four autonomic profiles: 34% of patients had sympathetic symptoms with dysautonomia, 5% sympathetic alone, 21% parasympathetic and 40% had issues with sympathovagal balance. Those with a sympathetic-dysautonomia phenotype were associated with more severe disease, reported greater subjective autonomic symptoms with sympathetic over-modulation and had the lowest quality of life. The highest quality of life was observed in the balance subtype where subjects were the youngest, had lower levels of fatigue and the lowest values for arterial stiffness. Future studies will aim to design autonomic profile-specific treatment interventions to determine links between autonomic phenotypes CFS and a specific treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Słomko
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, Ergonomy and Postgraduate Education, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (S.K.); (M.Z.-K.); (J.J.K.); (J.S.); (P.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-52-585-36-16
| | - Fernando Estévez-López
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, PO Box 2040 Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Sławomir Kujawski
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, Ergonomy and Postgraduate Education, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (S.K.); (M.Z.-K.); (J.J.K.); (J.S.); (P.Z.)
| | - Monika Zawadka-Kunikowska
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, Ergonomy and Postgraduate Education, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (S.K.); (M.Z.-K.); (J.J.K.); (J.S.); (P.Z.)
| | - Małgorzata Tafil-Klawe
- Department of Human Physiology, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Karłowicza 24, 85-092 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Jacek J. Klawe
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, Ergonomy and Postgraduate Education, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (S.K.); (M.Z.-K.); (J.J.K.); (J.S.); (P.Z.)
| | - Karl J. Morten
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, The Women Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK;
| | - Justyna Szrajda
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, Ergonomy and Postgraduate Education, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (S.K.); (M.Z.-K.); (J.J.K.); (J.S.); (P.Z.)
| | - Modra Murovska
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Riga Stradiņš University, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Julia L. Newton
- Population Health Science Institute, The Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE2 4HH, UK;
| | - Paweł Zalewski
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, Ergonomy and Postgraduate Education, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (S.K.); (M.Z.-K.); (J.J.K.); (J.S.); (P.Z.)
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Lidbury BA, Fisher PR. Biomedical Insights that Inform the Diagnosis of ME/CFS. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10020092. [PMID: 32046358 PMCID: PMC7168303 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10020092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well known that myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett A. Lidbury
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Paul R. Fisher
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia;
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Missailidis D, Sanislav O, Allan CY, Annesley SJ, Fisher PR. Cell-Based Blood Biomarkers for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21031142. [PMID: 32046336 PMCID: PMC7037777 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21031142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a devastating illness whose biomedical basis is now beginning to be elucidated. We reported previously that, after recovery from frozen storage, lymphocytes (peripheral blood mononuclear cells, PBMCs) from ME/CFS patients die faster in culture medium than those from healthy controls. We also found that lymphoblastoid cell lines (lymphoblasts) derived from these PBMCs exhibit multiple abnormalities in mitochondrial respiratory function and signalling activity by the cellular stress-sensing kinase Target Of Rapamycin Complex 1 (TORC1). These differences were correlated with disease severity, as measured by the Richardson and Lidbury weighted standing test. The clarity of the differences between these cells derived from ME/CFS patient blood and those from healthy controls suggested that they may provide useful biomarkers for ME/CFS. Here, we report a preliminary investigation into that possibility using a variety of analytical classification tools, including linear discriminant analysis, logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. We found that results from three different tests—lymphocyte death rate, mitochondrial respiratory function and TORC1 activity—could each individually serve as a biomarker with better than 90% sensitivity but only modest specificity vís a vís healthy controls. However, in combination, they provided a cell-based biomarker with sensitivity and specificity approaching 100% in our sample. This level of sensitivity and specificity was almost equalled by a suggested protocol in which the frozen lymphocyte death rate was used as a highly sensitive test to triage positive samples to the more time consuming and expensive tests measuring lymphoblast respiratory function and TORC1 activity. This protocol provides a promising biomarker that could assist in more rapid and accurate diagnosis of ME/CFS.
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Kim DY, Lee JS, Park SY, Kim SJ, Son CG. Systematic review of randomized controlled trials for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). J Transl Med 2020; 18:7. [PMID: 31906979 PMCID: PMC6943902 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-02196-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although medical requirements are urgent, no effective intervention has been proven for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). To facilitate the development of new therapeutics, we systematically reviewed the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for CFS/ME to date. METHODS RCTs targeting CFS/ME were surveyed using two electronic databases, PubMed and the Cochrane library, through April 2019. We included only RCTs that targeted fatigue-related symptoms, and we analyzed the data in terms of the characteristics of the participants, case definitions, primary measurements, and interventions with overall outcomes. RESULTS Among 513 potentially relevant articles, 55 RCTs met our inclusion criteria; these included 25 RCTs of 22 different pharmacological interventions, 28 RCTs of 18 non-pharmacological interventions and 2 RCTs of combined interventions. These studies accounted for a total of 6316 participants (1568 males and 4748 females, 5859 adults and 457 adolescents). CDC 1994 (Fukuda) criteria were mostly used for case definitions (42 RCTs, 76.4%), and the primary measurement tools included the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS, 36.4%) and the 36-item Short Form health survey (SF-36, 30.9%). Eight interventions showed statistical significance: 3 pharmacological (Staphypan Berna, Poly(I):poly(C12U) and CoQ10 + NADH) and 5 non-pharmacological therapies (cognitive-behavior-therapy-related treatments, graded-exercise-related therapies, rehabilitation, acupuncture and abdominal tuina). However, there was no definitely effective intervention with coherence and reproducibility. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review integrates the comprehensive features of previous RCTs for CFS/ME and reflects on their limitations and perspectives in the process of developing new interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do-Young Kim
- Korean Medical College of Daejeon University, 62, Daehak-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Seok Lee
- Institute of Traditional Medicine and Bioscience, Dunsan Oriental Hospital of Daejeon University, 75, Daedeok-daero 176, Seo-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Samuel-Young Park
- Korean Medical College of Daejeon University, 62, Daehak-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Jin Kim
- Korean Medical College of Daejeon University, 62, Daehak-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Gue Son
- Institute of Traditional Medicine and Bioscience, Dunsan Oriental Hospital of Daejeon University, 75, Daedeok-daero 176, Seo-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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Lee JS, Jeon YJ, Park SY, Son CG. An Adrenalectomy Mouse Model Reflecting Clinical Features for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E71. [PMID: 31906307 PMCID: PMC7023174 DOI: 10.3390/biom10010071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is one of the most intractable diseases and is characterized by severe central fatigue that impairs even daily activity. To date, the pathophysiological mechanisms are uncertain and no therapies exist. Therefore, a proper animal model reflecting the clinical features of CFS is urgently required. We compared two CFS animal models most commonly used, by injection with lipopolysaccharide (LPS from Escherichia coli O111:B4) or polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), along with bilateral adrenalectomy (ADX) as another possible model. Both LPS- and poly I:C-injected mice dominantly showed depressive behaviors, while ADX led to fatigue-like performances with high pain sensitivity. In brain tissues, LPS injection notably activated microglia and the 5-hydroxytryptamine (HT)1A receptor in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Poly I:C-injection also remarkably activated the 5-HT transporter and 5-HT1A receptor with a reduction in serotonin levels in the brain. ADX particularly activated astrocytes and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) 1 in all brain regions. Our results revealed that LPS and poly I:C animal models approximate depressive disorder more closely than CFS. We suggest that ADX is a possible method for establishing a mouse model of CFS reflecting clinical features, especially in neuroendocrine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Seok Lee
- Institute of Traditional Medicine and Bioscience, Dunsan Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon 34323, Korea; (J.-S.L.); (Y.-J.J.)
| | - Yoo-Jin Jeon
- Institute of Traditional Medicine and Bioscience, Dunsan Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon 34323, Korea; (J.-S.L.); (Y.-J.J.)
| | - Samuel-Young Park
- Korean Medical College of Daejeon University, 62, Daehak-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon 34323, Korea;
| | - Chang-Gue Son
- Institute of Traditional Medicine and Bioscience, Dunsan Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon 34323, Korea; (J.-S.L.); (Y.-J.J.)
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Comhaire F, Deslypere JP. News and views in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): The role of co-morbidity and novel treatments. Med Hypotheses 2019; 134:109444. [PMID: 31669858 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.109444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Though affecting many thousands of patients, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) should be considered an orphan disease, since the cause remains elusive and no treatment is available that can provide complete cure. There is reasonable insight into the pathogenesis of signs and symptoms, and treatments specifically directed to immunological, inflammatory and metabolic processes offer relief to an increasing number of patients. Particular attention is given to the importance of co-morbidity requiring appropriate therapy. Promising results are obtained by treatment with Metformin, or possibly Momordica charantia extract, which will correct insulin resistance, with Meldonium improving the transportation of glucose into the mitochondria, with sodium dichloroacetate activating pyruvate dehydrogenase, and with nutraceutical support reducing oxidative and inflammatory impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Comhaire
- Emeritus Professor of Internal Medicine, Endrocrinology and Metabolic diseases, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium.
| | - J P Deslypere
- Managing Director Aesculape CRO BVBA, Belseledorp, 116; B9111 Belsele, Belgium
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