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Zhang YD, Wang LN. Research progress in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome through interventions targeting the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1373748. [PMID: 38660512 PMCID: PMC11039924 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1373748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) causes great harm to individuals and society. Elucidating the pathogenesis of CFS and developing safe and effective treatments are urgently needed. This paper reviews the functional changes in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in patients with CFS and the associated neuroendocrine mechanisms. Despite some controversy, the current mainstream research evidence indicates that CFS patients have mild hypocortisolism, weakened daily variation in cortisol, a weakened response to the HPA axis, and an increase in negative feedback of the HPA axis. The relationship between dysfunction of the HPA axis and the typical symptoms of CFS are discussed, and the current treatment methods are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Dan Zhang
- College of Basic Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Na Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Paffrath A, Kim L, Kedor C, Stein E, Rust R, Freitag H, Hoppmann U, Hanitsch LG, Bellmann-Strobl J, Wittke K, Scheibenbogen C, Sotzny F. Impaired Hand Grip Strength Correlates with Greater Disability and Symptom Severity in Post-COVID Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2153. [PMID: 38610918 PMCID: PMC11012649 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13072153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Post-COVID syndrome (PCS) encompasses a diverse array of symptoms persisting beyond 3 months after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, with mental as well as physical fatigue being the most frequent manifestations. Methods: In 144 female patients with PCS, hand grip strength (HGS) parameters were assessed as an objective measure of muscle fatigue, with 78 meeting the Canadian Consensus Criteria for postinfectious myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The severity of disability and key symptoms was evaluated using self-reported questionnaires. Results: Patients with ME/CFS exhibited heightened overall symptom severity, including lower physical function (p < 0.001), a greater degree of disability (p < 0.001), more severe fatigue (p < 0.001), postexertional malaise (p < 0.001), and autonomic dysfunction (p = 0.004) compared to other patients with PCS. While HGS was impaired similarly in all patients with PCS and exhibited a significant correlation with physical function across the entire patient group, HGS of patients with ME/CFS uniquely demonstrated associations with key symptoms. Conclusions: Thus, impaired HGS serves as an objective marker of physical function in patients with PCS. Only in patients meeting ME/CFS criteria is impaired HGS also associated with the severity of hallmark symptoms. This suggests a common mechanism for muscle fatigue and other symptoms in the ME/CFS subtype, distinct from that in other types of PCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Paffrath
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.); (C.K.); (E.S.); (R.R.); (H.F.); (U.H.); (L.G.H.); (K.W.); (C.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Laura Kim
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.); (C.K.); (E.S.); (R.R.); (H.F.); (U.H.); (L.G.H.); (K.W.); (C.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Claudia Kedor
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.); (C.K.); (E.S.); (R.R.); (H.F.); (U.H.); (L.G.H.); (K.W.); (C.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Elisa Stein
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.); (C.K.); (E.S.); (R.R.); (H.F.); (U.H.); (L.G.H.); (K.W.); (C.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Rebekka Rust
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.); (C.K.); (E.S.); (R.R.); (H.F.); (U.H.); (L.G.H.); (K.W.); (C.S.); (F.S.)
- Experimental and Research Center (ECRC), Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Helma Freitag
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.); (C.K.); (E.S.); (R.R.); (H.F.); (U.H.); (L.G.H.); (K.W.); (C.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Uta Hoppmann
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.); (C.K.); (E.S.); (R.R.); (H.F.); (U.H.); (L.G.H.); (K.W.); (C.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Leif G. Hanitsch
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.); (C.K.); (E.S.); (R.R.); (H.F.); (U.H.); (L.G.H.); (K.W.); (C.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Judith Bellmann-Strobl
- Experimental and Research Center (ECRC), Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Kirsten Wittke
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.); (C.K.); (E.S.); (R.R.); (H.F.); (U.H.); (L.G.H.); (K.W.); (C.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.); (C.K.); (E.S.); (R.R.); (H.F.); (U.H.); (L.G.H.); (K.W.); (C.S.); (F.S.)
| | - Franziska Sotzny
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (A.P.); (C.K.); (E.S.); (R.R.); (H.F.); (U.H.); (L.G.H.); (K.W.); (C.S.); (F.S.)
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Vojdani A, Almulla AF, Zhou B, Al-Hakeim HK, Maes M. Reactivation of herpesvirus type 6 and IgA/IgM-mediated responses to activin-A underpin long COVID, including affective symptoms and chronic fatigue syndrome. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38571295 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2024.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), reactivation of dormant viruses, and immune-oxidative responses are involved in long COVID. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether long COVID and depressive, anxiety, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) symptoms are associated with IgA/IgM/IgG to SARS-CoV-2, human herpesvirus type 6 (HHV-6), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), and immune-oxidative biomarkers. METHODS We examined 90 long COVID patients and ninety healthy controls. We measured serum IgA/IgM/IgG against HHV-6 and EBV and their deoxyuridine 5′-triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (duTPase), SARS-CoV-2, and activin-A, C-reactive protein (CRP), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR). RESULTS Long COVID patients showed significant elevations in IgG/IgM-SARS-CoV-2, IgG/IgM-HHV-6, and HHV-6-duTPase, IgA/IgM-activin-A, CRP, AOPP, and HOMA2-IR. Neural network analysis yielded a highly significant predictive accuracy of 80.6% for the long COVID diagnosis (sensitivity: 78.9%, specificity: 81.8%, area under the ROC curve = 0.876); the topmost predictors were as follows: IGA-activin-A, IgG-HHV-6, IgM-HHV-6-duTPase, IgG-SARS-CoV-2, and IgM-HHV-6 (all positively) and a factor extracted from all IgA levels to all viral antigens (inversely). The top 5 predictors of affective symptoms due to long COVID were IgM-HHV-6-duTPase, IgG-HHV-6, CRP, education, IgA-activin-A (predictive accuracy of r = 0.636). The top 5 predictors of CFS due to long COVID were in descending order: CRP, IgG-HHV-6-duTPase, IgM-activin-A, IgM-SARS-CoV-2, and IgA-activin-A (predictive accuracy: r = 0.709). CONCLUSION Reactivation of HHV-6, SARS-CoV-2 persistence, and autoimmune reactions to activin-A combined with activated immune-oxidative pathways play a major role in the pathophysiology of long COVID as well as the severity of its affective symptoms and CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aristo Vojdani
- Immunosciences Lab, Inc., Los Angeles, CA90035, USA
- Cyrex Laboratories, LLC, Phoenix, AZ85034, USA
| | - Abbas F Almulla
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Bo Zhou
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu610072, China
- Key Laboratory of Psychosomatic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu610072, China
| | | | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, the Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu610072, China
- Key Laboratory of Psychosomatic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu610072, China
- Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Center, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul02447, Korea
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Makhluf H, Madany H, Kim K. Long COVID: Long-Term Impact of SARS-CoV2. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:711. [PMID: 38611624 PMCID: PMC11011397 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14070711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Four years post-pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 continues to affect many lives across the globe. An estimated 65 million people suffer from long COVID, a term used to encapsulate the post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infections that affect multiple organ systems. Known symptoms include chronic fatigue syndrome, brain fog, cardiovascular issues, autoimmunity, dysautonomia, and clotting due to inflammation. Herein, we review long COVID symptoms, the proposed theories behind the pathology, diagnostics, treatments, and the clinical trials underway to explore treatments for viral persistence, autonomic and cognitive dysfunctions, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and exercise intolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huda Makhluf
- Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, National University, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
- Center for Infectious Disease, La Jolla Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (H.M.); (K.K.)
| | - Henry Madany
- Center for Infectious Disease, La Jolla Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (H.M.); (K.K.)
- Public Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Kenneth Kim
- Center for Infectious Disease, La Jolla Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (H.M.); (K.K.)
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Sehmbi T, Wearden A, Peters S, Dienes K. 'The world was going through what we go through everyday': The experiences of women with myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) living with their partners during the COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom. Br J Health Psychol 2024. [PMID: 38448223 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a long-term debilitating illness characterised by profound and persistent fatigue (JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 313, 2015, 1101). The current study aims to explore the experiences of women with ME/CFS living with their partners during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. DESIGN The study adopted a qualitative design comprising semi-structured interviews with participants. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis (TA). METHODS Participants were women with ME/CFS (n = 21) recruited through ME/CFS support groups in the United Kingdom. All participants were in romantic relationships and lived with their partners. RESULTS Data were organised into three themes: (1) lockdown disrupting routine, (2) reducing difference and (3) fear of getting COVID-19. People with ME/CFS found that lockdown disrupted their well-established routines. Although routines were disrupted by partners and increased working-from-home practices, participants found having partners at home helpful. People with ME/CFS believed that the changes induced by the pandemic reduced the differences between themselves and the outside world which, prior to lockdown, had felt prominent. They were fearful of getting COVID-19 as they believed this would make their ME/CFS worse. This meant that for people with ME/CFS, the lifting of the lockdown restrictions was an anxiety-provoking time, hence impacting symptoms. People with ME/CFS continued to adhere to government guidelines after national restrictions were eased. CONCLUSIONS This study outlines the experiences of women with ME/CFS during COVID-19, alongside the long-term impact this has had due to the changes that the pandemic imposed. These findings may have implications for those with long COVID.
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Snell GE, Seage CH, Mercer J. A phenomenological study on the lived experience of men with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. J Health Psychol 2024; 29:225-237. [PMID: 37455618 PMCID: PMC10913334 DOI: 10.1177/13591053231186385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Whilst chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has been widely researched amongst women, studies investigating how men experience a CFS diagnosis is limited. This study utilised an interpretative phenomenological approach to interview five men who have a medical diagnosis of CFS. Six themes emerged to demonstrate the participants' experiences prior to, during and after obtaining their CFS diagnosis. Findings revealed that participants were initially reluctant to accept their condition, confounded by their perception that symptoms compromised their sense of masculinity. They also felt that healthcare professionals had limited recognition of CFS leading them to seek social support and legitimisation from other sources. The struggle to come to terms with a different lifestyle and sense of masculinity prevailed. Such knowledge could be effectively utilised by researchers, practitioners and employers to facilitate an increased understanding of male accounts of the condition and more bespoke interventions where required.
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Barry PW, Kelley K, Tan T, Finlay I. NICE guideline on ME/CFS: robust advice based on a thorough review of the evidence. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2024:jnnp-2023-332731. [PMID: 38418217 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2023-332731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
In 2021, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence produced an evidence-based guideline on the diagnosis and management of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a disabling long-term condition of unknown cause. The guideline provides clear support for people living with ME/CFS, their families and carers, and for clinicians. A recent opinion piece published in the journal suggested that there were anomalies in the processing and interpretation of the evidence when developing the guideline and proposed eight areas where these anomalies were thought to have occurred. We outline how these opinions are based on a misreading or misunderstanding of the guideline process or the guideline, which provides a balanced and reasoned approach to the diagnosis and management of this challenging condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kate Kelley
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, London, UK
| | - Toni Tan
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, London, UK
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Xie F, You Y, Gu Y, Xu J, Yao F. Effects of the Prolong Life With Nine Turn-Method Qigong on Fatigue, Insomnia, Anxiety, and Gastrointestinal Disorders in Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e53347. [PMID: 38407950 DOI: 10.2196/53347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating multisystem disorder that can lead to various pathophysiological abnormalities and symptoms, including insomnia, gastrointestinal disorders, and anxiety. Due to the side effects of currently available drugs, there is a growing need for safe and effective nondrug therapies. The Prolong Life With Nine Turn (PLWNT) Qigong method is a system of mind-body exercise with restorative benefits that can alleviate the clinical symptoms of CFS and impart a significant inhibitory effect. Various studies have proven the treatment efficacy of PLWNT; however, the impact on insomnia, gastrointestinal disorders, and anxiety in patients with CFS has not yet been investigated. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the PLWNT method in terms of its effects on fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with CFS. METHODS We will conduct a randomized, analyst-blinded, parallel-controlled trial with a 12-week intervention and 8-week follow-up. A total of 208 patients of age 20-60 years will be recruited. The patients will be randomly divided into a PLWNT Qigong exercise group (PLWNT Group) and a control group treated with cognitive behavioral therapy at a ratio of 1:1. Participants from the treatment groups will be taught by a highly qualified professor at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine once a week and will be supervised via web during the remaining 6 days at home, over 12 consecutive weeks. The primary outcome will be the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory 20, while the secondary outcomes include the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, functional magnetic resonance imaging, gut microbiota, and peripheral blood. RESULTS The study was approved by the ethics committee of Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in March 2022 (Ethics Approval Number 2022SHL-KY-05). Recruitment started in July 2022. The intervention is scheduled to be completed in December 2024, and data collection will be completed by the end of January 2025. Over the 3-year recruitment period, 208 participants will be recruited. Data management is still in progress; therefore, data analysis has yet to be performed. CONCLUSIONS This randomized trial will evaluate the effectiveness of the PLWNT method in relieving fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with CFS. If proven effective, it will provide a promising alternative intervention for patients with CFS. TRIAL REGISTRATION China Clinical Trials Registry ChiCTR2200061229; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=162803. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/53347.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Xie
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200071, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, 1200 Cailun Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanli You
- ChangHai Hospital, Naval Medical University, 200071, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanjia Gu
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, 1200 Cailun Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiatuo Xu
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, 1200 Cailun Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Yao
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200071, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203, 1200 Cailun Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China, Shanghai, China
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Sokolovska L, Cistjakovs M, Matroze A, Murovska M, Sultanova A. From Viral Infection to Autoimmune Reaction: Exploring the Link between Human Herpesvirus 6 and Autoimmune Diseases. Microorganisms 2024; 12:362. [PMID: 38399766 PMCID: PMC10892088 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The complexity of autoimmunity initiation has been the subject of many studies. Both genetic and environmental factors are essential in autoimmunity development. Among others, environmental factors include infectious agents. HHV-6 is a ubiquitous human pathogen with a high global prevalence. It has several properties suggestive of its contribution to autoimmunity development. HHV-6 has a broad cell tropism, the ability to establish latency with subsequent reactivation and persistence, and a range of immunomodulation capabilities. Studies have implicated HHV-6 in a plethora of autoimmune diseases-endocrine, neurological, connective tissue, and others-with some studies even proposing possible autoimmunity induction mechanisms. HHV-6 can be frequently found in autoimmunity-affected tissues and lesions; it has been found to infect autoimmune-pathology-relevant cells and influence immune responses and signaling. This review highlights some of the most well-known autoimmune conditions to which HHV-6 has been linked, like multiple sclerosis and autoimmune thyroiditis, and summarizes the data on HHV-6 involvement in autoimmunity development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liba Sokolovska
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Riga Stradins University, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Maksims Cistjakovs
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Riga Stradins University, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Asnate Matroze
- Faculty of Residency, Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Modra Murovska
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Riga Stradins University, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Alina Sultanova
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Riga Stradins University, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
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10
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Kuut TA, Buffart LM, Braamse AMJ, Csorba I, Bleijenberg G, Nieuwkerk P, Moss-Morris R, Müller F, Knoop H. Does the effect of cognitive behavior therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) vary by patient characteristics? A systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis. Psychol Med 2024; 54:447-456. [PMID: 37927223 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723003148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Debate is ongoing on the efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). With an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis we investigated whether the effect of CBT varied by patient characteristics. These included post-exertional malaise (PEM), a central feature of ME/CFS according to many. We searched for randomized controlled trials similar with respect to comparison condition, outcomes and treatment-protocol. Moderation on fatigue severity (Checklist Individual Strength, subscale fatigue severity), functional impairment (Sickness Impact Profile-8) and physical functioning (Short Form-36, subscale physical functioning) was investigated using linear mixed model analyses and interaction tests. PROSPERO (CRD42022358245). Data from eight trials (n = 1298 patients) were pooled. CBT showed beneficial effects on fatigue severity (β = -11.46, 95% CI -15.13 to -7.79); p < 0.001, functional impairment (β = -448.40, 95% CI -625.58 to -271.23); p < 0.001; and physical functioning (β = 9.64, 95% CI 3.30 to 15.98); p < 0.001. The effect of CBT on fatigue severity varied by age (pinteraction = 0.003), functional impairment (pinteraction = 0.045) and physical activity pattern (pinteraction = 0.027). Patients who were younger, reported less functional impairments and had a fluctuating activity pattern benefitted more. The effect on physical functioning varied by self-efficacy (pinteraction = 0.025), with patients with higher self-efficacy benefitting most. No other moderators were found. It can be concluded from this study that CBT for ME/CFS can lead to significant reductions of fatigue, functional impairment, and physical limitations. There is no indication patients meeting different case definitions or reporting additional symptoms benefit less from CBT. Our findings do not support recent guidelines in which evidence from studies not mandating PEM was downgraded.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Kuut
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L M Buffart
- Department of Physiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A M J Braamse
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - I Csorba
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G Bleijenberg
- Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - P Nieuwkerk
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R Moss-Morris
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - F Müller
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H Knoop
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Krabbe SH, Bjorbaekmo WS, Mengshoel AM, Sveen U, Groven KS. A suffering body, hidden away from others: The experience of being long-term bedridden with severe myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome in childhood and adolescence. Nurs Inq 2024:e12625. [PMID: 38280185 DOI: 10.1111/nin.12625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
In this article, we present findings from a qualitative study examining how young women experience being long-term bedridden with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), during childhood and adolescence. The aim is to explore how young women who fell ill with ME/CFS during childhood and adolescence look back on their lived experience of being long-term bedridden from the vantage point of being fully or partially recovered. Informed by a phenomenological theoretical perspective, the researchers applied a narrative methodological approach involving the analysis of interviews with 13 women, aged 16-29 years at the time of the interview. Attention was particularly paid to how participants structured their narratives and to the events (telling moments) they identified as important. Four major storylines were developed: Ambivalent responses to the presence of others; A body on the edge of life; An eternity in the dark; and Recasting painful memories of being bedridden and alone. Based on our findings, we argue that the experience of being long-term bedridden with ME/CFS during childhood and adolescence can be understood and communicated as a plot in which individuals find themselves pushed to the extreme limit of suffering and loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silje Helen Krabbe
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- Children's Surgical Department, Division of Head, Neck and Reconstructive Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Anne Marit Mengshoel
- Department for Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Unni Sveen
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karen Synne Groven
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Health Studies, VID Specialized University, Sandes, Norway
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12
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Pricoco R, Meidel P, Hofberger T, Zietemann H, Mueller Y, Wiehler K, Michel K, Paulick J, Leone A, Haegele M, Mayer-Huber S, Gerrer K, Mittelstrass K, Scheibenbogen C, Renz-Polster H, Mihatsch L, Behrends U. One-year follow-up of young people with ME/CFS following infectious mononucleosis by Epstein-Barr virus. Front Pediatr 2024; 11:1266738. [PMID: 38304441 PMCID: PMC10830704 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1266738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Infectious mononucleosis after primary infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV-IM) has been linked to the development of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue-syndrome (ME/CFS) in children, adolescents, and young adults. Here, we present clinical phenotypes and follow-up data from a first German cohort of young people with ME/CFS following EBV-IM. Methods 12 adolescents and 13 young adults were diagnosed with IM-triggered ME/CFS at our specialized tertiary outpatient service by clinical criteria requiring post-exertional malaise (PEM) and a history of confirmed EBV primary infection as triggering event. Demographic information, laboratory findings, frequency and severity of symptoms, physical functioning, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were assessed and re-evaluated 6 and 12 months later. Results Young adults displayed more severe symptoms as well as worsening of fatigue, physical and mental functioning, and HRQoL throughout the study, compared to adolescents. After one year, 6/12 (54%) adolescents no longer met the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS while all young adults continued to fulfill the Canadian consensus criteria. Improvement in adolescents was evident in physical functioning, symptom frequency and severity, and HRQoL, while young adults showed little improvement. EBV serology and EBV DNA load did not correlate with distinct clinical features of ME/CFS, and clinical chemistry showed no evidence of inflammation. Remarkably, the median time from symptom onset to ME/CFS diagnosis was 13.8 (IQR: 9.1-34.9) months. Conclusions ME/CFS following EBV-IM is a severely debilitating disease often diagnosed late and with limited responses to conventional medical care, especially in adults. Although adolescents may have a better prognosis, their condition can fluctuate and significantly impact their HRQoL. Our data emphasize that biomarkers and effective therapeutic options are also urgently needed to improve medical care and pave the way to recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Pricoco
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Paulina Meidel
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Tim Hofberger
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Hannah Zietemann
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Yvonne Mueller
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Wiehler
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Kaja Michel
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Paulick
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Ariane Leone
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Haegele
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Sandra Mayer-Huber
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Gerrer
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Kirstin Mittelstrass
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Herbert Renz-Polster
- Mannheim Institute of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, University Medicine Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lorenz Mihatsch
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Uta Behrends
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People (MCFC), Children’s Hospital, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital Schwabing, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (partner site Munich), Munich, Germany
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13
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Armstrong CW, Mensah FFK, Leandro MJ, Reddy V, Gooley PR, Berkovitz S, Cambridge G. In vitro B cell experiments explore the role of CD24, CD38, and energy metabolism in ME/CFS. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1178882. [PMID: 38259473 PMCID: PMC10800820 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1178882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Disturbances of energy metabolism contribute to the clinical manifestations of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Previously, we found that B cells from ME/CFS patients have an increased expression of CD24, a modulator of many cellular functions including those of cell stress. The relative ability of B cells from ME/CFS patients and healthy controls (HC) to respond to rapid changes in energy demand was compared. Methods CD24, the ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73, the NAD-degrading enzyme CD38, and mitochondrial mass (MM) were measured following cross-linking of the B cell receptor and costimulation with either T-cell-dependent or Toll-like-receptor-9-dependent agonists. The levels of metabolites consumed/produced were measured using 1H-NMR spectroscopy and analyzed in relation to cell growth and immunophenotype. Results Proliferating B cells from patients with ME/CFS showed a lower mitochondrial mass and a significantly increased usage of essential amino acids compared with those from HC, with a significantly delayed loss of CD24 and an increased expression of CD38 following stimulation. Discussion The immunophenotype results suggested the triggering of a stress response in ME/CFS B cells associated with the increased usage of additional substrates to maintain necessary ATP levels. Disturbances in energy metabolism in ME/CFS B cells were thus confirmed in a dynamic in vitro model, providing the basis for further mechanistic investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W. Armstrong
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Fane F. K. Mensah
- Department of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria J. Leandro
- Department of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Venkat Reddy
- Department of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul R. Gooley
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Saul Berkovitz
- Chronic Fatigue Service, Royal London Hospital of Integrated Medicine, University College Hospitals National Health Service Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Carrasco-Querol N, Cabricano-Canga L, Bueno Hernández N, Gonçalves AQ, Caballol Angelats R, Pozo Ariza M, Martín-Borràs C, Montesó-Curto P, Castro Blanco E, Dalmau Llorca MR, Aguilar Martín C. Nutrition and Chronobiology as Key Components of Multidisciplinary Therapeutic Interventions for Fibromyalgia and Associated Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Narrative and Critical Review. Nutrients 2024; 16:182. [PMID: 38257075 PMCID: PMC10818822 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is often accompanied by chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). It is a poorly understood disorder that mainly affects women and leads to chronic pain, fatigue, and insomnia, among other symptoms, which decrease quality of life. Due to the inefficiency of current pharmacological treatments, increasing interest is being directed towards non-pharmacological multicomponent therapies. However, nutrition and chronobiology are often overlooked when developing multicomponent therapies. This narrative and critical review explore the relevance of nutritional and chronobiological strategies in the therapeutic management of FM and the often-associated CFS. Reviewed literature offers scientific evidence for the association of dietary habits, nutrient levels, body composition, gut microbiota imbalance, chronobiological alterations, and their interrelation with the development and severity of symptoms. This review highlights the key role of nutrition and chronobiology as relevant and indispensable components in a multidisciplinary approach to FM and CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noèlia Carrasco-Querol
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Terres de l’Ebre, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l’Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol I Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 43500 Tortosa, Spain; (N.B.H.); (A.Q.G.); (M.P.A.); (C.M.-B.); (E.C.B.); (C.A.M.)
| | | | - Nerea Bueno Hernández
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Terres de l’Ebre, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l’Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol I Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 43500 Tortosa, Spain; (N.B.H.); (A.Q.G.); (M.P.A.); (C.M.-B.); (E.C.B.); (C.A.M.)
| | - Alessandra Queiroga Gonçalves
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Terres de l’Ebre, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l’Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol I Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 43500 Tortosa, Spain; (N.B.H.); (A.Q.G.); (M.P.A.); (C.M.-B.); (E.C.B.); (C.A.M.)
- Red de Investigación en Cronicidad, Atención Primaria y Promoción de la Salud (RICAPPS), 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Caballol Angelats
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l’Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol I Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 08007 Barcelona, Spain; (R.C.A.); (P.M.-C.); (M.R.D.L.)
- Servei d’Atenció Primària Terres de l’Ebre, Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), 43500 Tortosa, Spain
| | - Macarena Pozo Ariza
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Terres de l’Ebre, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l’Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol I Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 43500 Tortosa, Spain; (N.B.H.); (A.Q.G.); (M.P.A.); (C.M.-B.); (E.C.B.); (C.A.M.)
| | - Carme Martín-Borràs
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Terres de l’Ebre, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l’Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol I Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 43500 Tortosa, Spain; (N.B.H.); (A.Q.G.); (M.P.A.); (C.M.-B.); (E.C.B.); (C.A.M.)
- Departament de Fisioteràpia, Facultat de Ciencies de la Salut Blanquerna, Universitat Ramón Llull, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pilar Montesó-Curto
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l’Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol I Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 08007 Barcelona, Spain; (R.C.A.); (P.M.-C.); (M.R.D.L.)
- Servei d’Atenció Primària Terres de l’Ebre, Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), 43500 Tortosa, Spain
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), 43201 Reus, Spain
| | - Elisabet Castro Blanco
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Terres de l’Ebre, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l’Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol I Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 43500 Tortosa, Spain; (N.B.H.); (A.Q.G.); (M.P.A.); (C.M.-B.); (E.C.B.); (C.A.M.)
| | - Maria Rosa Dalmau Llorca
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l’Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol I Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 08007 Barcelona, Spain; (R.C.A.); (P.M.-C.); (M.R.D.L.)
- Servei d’Atenció Primària Terres de l’Ebre, Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), 43500 Tortosa, Spain
| | - Carina Aguilar Martín
- Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Terres de l’Ebre, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l’Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol I Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 43500 Tortosa, Spain; (N.B.H.); (A.Q.G.); (M.P.A.); (C.M.-B.); (E.C.B.); (C.A.M.)
- Unitat d’Avaluació i Recerca, Direcció d’Atenció Primària Terres de l’Ebre i Gerència Territorial Terres de l’Ebre, Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), 43500 Tortosa, Spain
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Ryabkova VA, Rubinskiy AV, Marchenko VN, Trofimov VI, Churilov LP. Similar Patterns of Dysautonomia in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue and Post-COVID-19 Syndromes. Pathophysiology 2024; 31:1-17. [PMID: 38251045 PMCID: PMC10801610 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology31010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a considerable overlap between the clinical presentation of post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Many of their common symptoms can be linked to dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system (dysautonomia). This study aimed to objectively assess autonomic function in a general group of patients with PCC and in a group of patients with ME/CFS whose disease was not related to COVID-19. We hypothesize that the similarity in the chronic symptoms of patients with PCC and ME/CFS extends to objective autonomic nervous system abnormalities. METHODS Synchronous recordings of an electrocardiogram and continuous dynamics of blood pressure in the digital artery using the Penaz method were obtained using the spiroarteriocardiorhythmography method in 34 patients diagnosed with ME/CFS, in whom the onset of the disease was not associated with COVID-19, 29 patients meeting the PCC definition and 32 healthy controls. Heart rate variability (HRV) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure variability (BPV) were assessed at rest and in tests with fixed respiratory rates. Indicators of baroreflex regulation (baroreflex effectiveness index and baroreflex sensitivity) were additionally determined at rest. RESULTS The total power and power of low-frequency and high-frequency of RR interval variability at rest as well as baroreflex sensitivity were significantly lower both in PCC and ME/CFS patients compared to healthy controls. Several diagnostic prediction models for ME/CFS were developed based on HRV parameters. During slow breathing, the HRV parameters returned to normal in PCC but not in ME/CFS patients. The correlation analysis revealed a close relationship of HRV, BPV parameters and baroreflex sensitivity with fatigue, but not with HADS depressive/anxiety symptoms in the ME/CFS and PCC patients. CONCLUSIONS A similar pattern of HRV and baroreflex failure with signs of a pathological acceleration of age-dependent dysautonomia was identified in the ME/CFS and PCC patients. The clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic implications of these findings are discussed, in light of previously described relationships between inflammation, vascular pathology, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and autonomic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varvara A. Ryabkova
- Laboratory of the Mosaic of Autoimmunity, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia;
- Department of Pathology, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Hospital Therapy Named after Academician M.V. Chernorutskii, Research Institute of Rheumatology and Allergology, Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, 197022 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (V.N.M.); (V.I.T.)
| | - Artemiy V. Rubinskiy
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation and Adaptive Physical Culture, Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, 197022 Saint-Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Valeriy N. Marchenko
- Department of Hospital Therapy Named after Academician M.V. Chernorutskii, Research Institute of Rheumatology and Allergology, Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, 197022 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (V.N.M.); (V.I.T.)
| | - Vasiliy I. Trofimov
- Department of Hospital Therapy Named after Academician M.V. Chernorutskii, Research Institute of Rheumatology and Allergology, Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, 197022 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (V.N.M.); (V.I.T.)
| | - Leonid P. Churilov
- Laboratory of the Mosaic of Autoimmunity, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia;
- Department of Pathology, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
- Laboratory of Microangiopathic Mechanisms of Atherogenesis, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
- Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, 191036 Saint Petersburg, Russia
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Mantle D, Hargreaves IP, Domingo JC, Castro-Marrero J. Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:574. [PMID: 38203745 PMCID: PMC10779395 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS) encompasses a wide range of complex neuroimmune disorders of unknown causes characterised by disabling post-exertional fatigue, myalgia and joint pain, cognitive impairments, unrefreshing sleep, autonomic dysfunction, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. It includes myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS); fibromyalgia (FM); and more recently post-COVID-19 condition (long COVID). To date, there are no definitive clinical case criteria and no FDA-approved pharmacological therapies for PVFS. Given the current lack of effective treatments, there is a need to develop novel therapeutic strategies for these disorders. Mitochondria, the cellular organelles responsible for tissue energy production, have recently garnered attention in research into PVFS due to their crucial role in cellular bioenergetic metabolism in these conditions. The accumulating literature has identified a link between mitochondrial dysfunction and low-grade systemic inflammation in ME/CFS, FM, and long COVID. To address this issue, this article aims to critically review the evidence relating to mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of these disorders; in particular, it aims to evaluate the effectiveness of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on chronic fatigue and pain symptoms as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of PVFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Mantle
- Pharma Nord (UK) Ltd., Morpeth, Northumberland NE61 2DB, UK
| | - Iain Parry Hargreaves
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK;
| | - Joan Carles Domingo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Jesus Castro-Marrero
- Research Unit in ME/CFS and Long COVID, Rheumatology Division, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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Giloteaux L, Glass KA, Germain A, Franconi CJ, Zhang S, Hanson MR. Dysregulation of extracellular vesicle protein cargo in female myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome cases and sedentary controls in response to maximal exercise. J Extracell Vesicles 2024; 13:e12403. [PMID: 38173127 PMCID: PMC10764978 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In healthy individuals, physical exercise improves cardiovascular health and muscle strength, alleviates fatigue and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Although exercise is suggested as a lifestyle intervention to manage various chronic illnesses, it negatively affects people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), who suffer from exercise intolerance. We hypothesized that altered extracellular vesicle (EV) signalling in ME/CFS patients after an exercise challenge may contribute to their prolonged and exacerbated negative response to exertion (post-exertional malaise). EVs were isolated by size exclusion chromatography from the plasma of 18 female ME/CFS patients and 17 age- and BMI-matched female sedentary controls at three time points: before, 15 min, and 24 h after a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test. EVs were characterized using nanoparticle tracking analysis and their protein cargo was quantified using Tandem Mass Tag-based (TMT) proteomics. The results show that exercise affects the EV proteome in ME/CFS patients differently than in healthy individuals and that changes in EV proteins after exercise are strongly correlated with symptom severity in ME/CFS. Differentially abundant proteins in ME/CFS patients versus controls were involved in many pathways and systems, including coagulation processes, muscle contraction (both smooth and skeletal muscle), cytoskeletal proteins, the immune system and brain signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovic Giloteaux
- Department of Molecular Biology and GeneticsCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | - Katherine A. Glass
- Department of Molecular Biology and GeneticsCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | - Arnaud Germain
- Department of Molecular Biology and GeneticsCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | - Carl J. Franconi
- Department of Molecular Biology and GeneticsCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Institute of BiotechnologyCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | - Maureen R. Hanson
- Department of Molecular Biology and GeneticsCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
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Sanchez V, Kim C, Locatelli EV, Cohen A, Cabrera K, Aenlle K, Klimas N, O’Brien R, Galor A. Dry eye symptoms and signs in United States Gulf War era veterans with myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024; 52:10-21. [PMID: 37953685 PMCID: PMC10873051 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To examine ocular symptoms and signs of veterans with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) diagnosis, ME/CFS symptoms, and controls. METHODS This was a prospective, cross-sectional study of 124 South Florida veterans in active duty during the Gulf War era. Participants were recruited at an ophthalmology clinic at the Miami Veterans Affairs Hospital and evaluated for a diagnosis of ME/CFS, or symptoms of ME/CFS (intermediate fatigue, IF) using the Canadian Consensus criteria. Ocular symptoms were assessed via standardised questionnaires and signs via comprehensive slit lamp examination. Inflammatory blood markers were analysed and compared across groups. RESULTS Mean age was 55.1 ± 4.7 years, 88.7% identified as male, 58.1% as White, and 39.5% as Hispanic. Ocular symptoms were more severe in the ME/CFS (n = 32) and IF (n = 48) groups compared to controls (n = 44) across dry eye (DE; Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI]: 48.9 ± 22.3 vs. 38.8 ± 23.3 vs. 19.1 ± 17.8, p < 0.001; 5 item Dry Eye Questionnaire [DEQ-5]: 10.8 ± 3.9 vs. 10.0 ± 4.6 vs. 6.6 ± 4.2, p < 0.001) and pain-specific questionnaires (Numerical Rating Scale 1-10 [NRS] right now: 2.4 ± 2.8 vs. 2.4 ± 2.9 vs 0.9 ± 1.5; p = 0.007; Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory modified for the Eye [NPSI-E]: 23.0 ± 18.6 vs. 19.8 ± 19.1 vs. 6.5 ± 9.0, p < 0.001). Ocular surface parameters and blood markers of inflammation were generally similar across groups. CONCLUSION Individuals with ME/CFS report increased ocular pain but similar DE signs, suggesting that mechanisms beyond the ocular surface contribute to symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Sanchez
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Colin Kim
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | | | - Kimberly Cabrera
- Ophthalmology, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Kristina Aenlle
- Ophthalmology, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, Florida, USA
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, K. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | - Nancy Klimas
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, K. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
- Miami Veterans Affairs Center for Geriatric Research and Clinical Care Center, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Robert O’Brien
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Anat Galor
- Miami Veterans Affairs Center for Geriatric Research and Clinical Care Center, Miami, Florida, USA
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
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19
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Thoma M, Froehlich L, Hattesohl DBR, Quante S, Jason LA, Scheibenbogen C. Why the Psychosomatic View on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Is Inconsistent with Current Evidence and Harmful to Patients. Medicina (Kaunas) 2023; 60:83. [PMID: 38256344 PMCID: PMC10819994 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Since 1969, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) has been classified as a neurological disease in the International Classification of Diseases by the World Health Organization. Although numerous studies over time have uncovered organic abnormalities in patients with ME/CFS, and the majority of researchers to date classify the disease as organic, many physicians still believe that ME/CFS is a psychosomatic illness. In this article, we show how detrimental this belief is to the care and well-being of affected patients and, as a consequence, how important the education of physicians and the public is to stop misdiagnosis, mistreatment, and stigmatization on the grounds of incorrect psychosomatic attributions about the etiology and clinical course of ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Thoma
- German Association for ME/CFS, 20146 Hamburg, Germany; (D.B.R.H.); (S.Q.)
| | - Laura Froehlich
- Research Center CATALPA, FernUniversität in Hagen, 58097 Hagen, Germany;
| | | | - Sonja Quante
- German Association for ME/CFS, 20146 Hamburg, Germany; (D.B.R.H.); (S.Q.)
| | - Leonard A. Jason
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL 60614, USA;
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), 10117 Berlin, Germany;
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20
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Almulla AF, Al-Hakeim HK. Editorial: Neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative aspects of acute and long COVID. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1343930. [PMID: 38152586 PMCID: PMC10751905 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1343930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abbas F. Almulla
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
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21
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Baken DM, Ross KJ, Hodges LD, Batten L. Experiences of carers of youth, adult children and spouses with ME/CFS. Chronic Illn 2023; 19:719-729. [PMID: 36259126 DOI: 10.1177/17423953221121696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The debilitating nature of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) means that family members often take on a caring role. This study compared the experiences of people caring for three groups: youth, young adults, spouses. METHODS An opportunistic sample of 36 carers completed an online survey of open-ended questions asking about their experiences. Thematic analysis was used to consider the three sets of responses separately and Thematic Comparison was used to identify points of connection and disconnection across the sets. RESULTS The themes identified were very similar to those identified in past studies. Two super-ordinate themes were identified: "Lack of knowledge and understanding" and "Holistic Impact". Though most sub-ordinate themes were evident across all three groups, important differences were found. The sub-ordinate themes "Caring Blindly", "Emotional and physical health cost", and "Impact on the whole family" were more evident amongst carers of youth while the theme "Worry for the future" was more evident from carers of young adults and spouses. DISCUSSION Differences seemed to be related to both the time since diagnosis and the life stage. A longitudinal study would help to understand how carer experiences change over the life course of caring for someone with ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don M Baken
- School of Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Kirsty J Ross
- School of Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Lynette D Hodges
- School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Lesley Batten
- Palmerston North Hospital, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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22
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Zhu Y, Wang J, Yao L, Huang Y, Yang H, Yu X, Chen X, Chen Y. Electroacupuncture at BL15 attenuates chronic fatigue syndrome by downregulating iNOS/NO signaling in C57BL/6 mice. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2023; 306:3073-3084. [PMID: 35608198 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has a high incidence due to the increased pressure of daily life and work in modern society. Our previous clinical studies have found the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on CFS patients, however, the mechanism of EA on CFS is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of EA on cardiac function in a CFS mouse model to explore its underlying mechanism. The mice were randomly divided into three groups: control, CFS, and CFS mice receiving EA (CFS + EA). After behavioral assessments and echocardiographic measurement, blood and heart tissue of the mice were collected for biochemical tests, and then we evaluated the effects of EA on the CFS mouse model when nitric oxide (NO) levels were enhanced by l-arginine. The results showed that EA ameliorated the injured motor and cardiac function. Meanwhile, EA also inhibited increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) at heart tissue and the serum NO levels in mice subjected to sustained forced swimming stress. Furthermore, the NO level in serum increased with l-arginine administration, which blocked the effects of EA on CFS mice. This study suggested that EA could improve the motor function and cardiac function in CFS mice and its effects may be associated with the down-regulation of iNOS/NO signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingya Wang
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunxuan Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haitao Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojiang Yu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinghua Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongjun Chen
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangzhou, China
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23
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Wormgoor MEA, Rodenburg SC. Focus on post-exertional malaise when approaching ME/CFS in specialist healthcare improves satisfaction and reduces deterioration. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1247698. [PMID: 38107643 PMCID: PMC10722442 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1247698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is considered a hallmark characteristic of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). This may also apply to subgroups of patients with long COVID-induced ME/CFS. However, it is uncertain to what extent PEM is acknowledged in routine specialist healthcare for ME/CFS patients, and how this affects patient outcomes. Objective This study aims to evaluate to what extent ME/CFS patients experienced focus on PEM in specialist healthcare practice and its significance for outcome and care quality. Methods Data from two online cross-sectional surveys covering specialist healthcare services for ME/CFS patients at rehabilitation institutes in Norway and two regional hospitals, respectively, were analyzed. Evaluations of 788 rehabilitation stays, 86 hospital consultations, and 89 hospital interventions were included. Logistic regression models and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to quantify the impact of addressing PEM on health and functioning, care satisfaction, or benefit. Spearman's rank correlation and Cronbach's alpha of focus on PEM with the respondents' perception of healthcare providers' knowledge, symptom acknowledgment, and suitability of intervention were assessed as measures for care quality and their internal consistency, respectively. Results PEM was addressed in 48% of the rehabilitation stays, 43% of the consultations, and 65% of the hospital interventions. Failure to address PEM roughly doubled the risk of health deterioration, following rehabilitation (OR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.29-0.52; 40.1% vs. 63.2% P = <0.001) and hospital intervention (OR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.13-0.89; 22.4% vs. 45.2%, p = 0.026). The focus on PEM (PEM-focus) during the clinical contact was associated with significantly higher scores on patients' rated care satisfaction and benefit of both consultation and intervention. Furthermore, addressing PEM was (inter)related to positive views about healthcare providers' level of knowledge of ME/CFS, their acknowledgment of symptoms, obtained knowledge, and the perceived suitability of intervention (Cronbach's alpha ≥0.80). Discussion PEM is still frequently not acknowledged in specialist healthcare practice for ME/CFS patients in Norway. Not addressing PEM substantially increased the probability of a decline in health and functioning following the intervention and was strongly associated with reduced perceived care quality, satisfaction, and benefit. These findings may be related to the applied explanatory models for ME/CFS and are most likely of relevance to long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sanne C. Rodenburg
- Neuroscience and Cognition, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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24
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Wang X, Li X, Dong T, Yu W, Jia Z, Chen J. Frontiers in chronic fatigue syndrome research: An analysis of the top 100 most influential articles in the field. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35754. [PMID: 37986358 PMCID: PMC10659638 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex constellation of symptoms that significantly reduces the quality of life among affected individuals and increases public health expenditures. We conducted a search on the Web of Science Core Collection database and selected the top 100 cited articles in the field of CFS. Several literature analysis tools, including CiteSpace 6.1.R6, VOSviewer 1.6.19, and Scimago Graphica 1.0.30, were utilized to integrate the most influential research papers and academic journals in order to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the CFS field. The top 100 highly-cited publications were published in 67 reputable journals, with contributions from 250 institutions across 26 countries/regions involved in CFS research. This demonstrates the extensive attention and coverage of CFS research by high-quality academic journals and institutions, highlighting the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary nature of CFS studies. The journal with the highest publication volume and total citations was Lancet. The top 5 co-occurring keywords were chronic fatigue syndrome, cognitive behavior therapy, epidemiology, definition, and disorders, indicating the ongoing attention researchers have devoted to the diagnostic criteria and clinical studies of CFS. Cluster analysis results suggested that primary care, infectious retrovirus, gene expression, and metabolomics may become the focal points and trends in future CFS research. The prospective research directions in this field include the search for biological markers, with a particular focus on immunology; the advancement of diagnostic techniques; the screening of risk genes associated with CFS; and the conduct of epidemiological investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxin Wang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xuhao Li
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Tiantian Dong
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Wenyan Yu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zhixia Jia
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jun Chen
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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25
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Casson S, Jones MD, Cassar J, Kwai N, Lloyd AR, Barry BK, Sandler CX. The effectiveness of activity pacing interventions for people with chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Disabil Rehabil 2023; 45:3788-3802. [PMID: 36345726 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2135776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether activity pacing interventions (alone or in conjunction with other evidence-based interventions) improve fatigue, physical function, psychological distress, depression, and anxiety in people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Seven databases were searched until 13 August 2022 for randomised controlled trials that included activity pacing interventions for CFS and a validated measure of fatigue. Secondary outcomes were physical function, psychological distress, depression, and anxiety. Two reviewers independently screened studies by title, abstract and full text. Methodological quality was evaluated using the PEDro scale. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed in R. RESULTS 6390 articles were screened, with 14 included. Good overall study quality was supported by PEDro scale ratings. Activity pacing interventions were effective (Hedges' g (95% CI)) at reducing fatigue (-0.52 (-0.73 to -0.32)), psychological distress (-0.37 (-0.51 to -0.24)) and depression (-0.29 (-0.49 to -0.09)) and improving physical function (mean difference 7.18 (3.17-11.18)) when compared to no treatment/usual care. The extent of improvement was greater for interventions that encouraged graded escalation of physical activities and cognitive activities. CONCLUSION Activity pacing interventions are effective in reducing fatigue and psychological distress and improving physical function in CFS, particularly when people are encouraged to gradually increase activities. REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42016036087. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONA key feature of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a prolonged post-exertional exacerbation of symptoms following physical activities or cognitive activities.Activity pacing is a common strategy often embedded in multi-component management programs for CFS.Activity pacing interventions are effective in reducing fatigue and psychological distress and improving physical function in CFS, particularly when patients are encouraged to gradually increase their activities.Healthcare professionals embedding activity pacing as part of treatment should work collaboratively with patients to ensure successful, individualised self-management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Casson
- The Kirby Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
| | - Matthew D Jones
- School of Health Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Joanne Cassar
- The Kirby Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Natalie Kwai
- The Kirby Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew R Lloyd
- The Kirby Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Benjamin K Barry
- School of Health Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Carolina X Sandler
- The Kirby Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, Campbelltown Campus, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
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26
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Kielland A, Liu J, Jason LA. Do diagnostic criteria for ME matter to patient experience with services and interventions? Key results from an online RDS survey targeting fatigue patients in Norway. J Health Psychol 2023; 28:1189-1203. [PMID: 37114822 PMCID: PMC10619179 DOI: 10.1177/13591053231169191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Public health and welfare systems request documentation on approaches to diagnose, treat, and manage myalgic encephalomyelitis and assess disability-benefit conditions. Our objective is to document ME patients' experiences with services/interventions and assess differences between those meeting different diagnostic criteria, importantly the impact of post-exertional malaise. We surveyed 660 fatigue patients in Norway using respondent-driven sampling and applied validated DePaul University algorithms to estimate Canadian and Fukuda criteria proxies. Patients on average perceived most interventions as having low-to-negative health effects. Responses differed significantly between sub-groups for some key interventions. The PEM score was strongly associated with the experience of most interventions. Better designed and targeted interventions are needed to prevent harm to the patient group. The PEM score appears to be a strong determinant and adequate tool for assessing patient tolerance for certain interventions. There is no known treatment for ME, and "do-no-harm" should be a guiding principle in all practice.
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27
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Lacasa M, Alegre-Martin J, Sentañes RS, Varela-Sende L, Jurek J, Castro-Marrero J. Yeast Beta-Glucan Supplementation with Multivitamins Attenuates Cognitive Impairments in Individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients 2023; 15:4504. [PMID: 37960157 PMCID: PMC10647745 DOI: 10.3390/nu15214504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This research aimed to examine the potential alleviative effects of beta-glucan administration on fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, anxiety/depression symptoms and health-related quality of life in ME/CFS. A 36-week unicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 65 ME/CFS patients, who were randomly allocated to one of two arms to receive four capsules each one of 250 mg beta-glucan, 3.75 µg vitamin D3, 1.05 mg vitamin B6, and 7.5 mg zinc (n = 35), or matching placebo including only microcrystalline cellulose as an excipient (n = 30) once daily. The findings showed that the beta-glucan supplementation significantly improved cognitive fatigue (assessed with FIS-40 scores) after the 36-week treatment compared to the baseline (p = 0.0338). Taken together, this study presents the novel finding that yeast-derived beta-glucan may alleviate cognitive fatigue symptoms in ME/CFS. Thus, it offers valuable scientific insights into the potential use of yeast beta-glucan as a nutritional supplement and/or functional food to prevent or reduce cognitive dysfunction in patients with ME/CFS. Further interventions are warranted to validate these findings and also to delve deeper into the possible immunometabolic pathomechanisms of beta-glucans in ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Lacasa
- E-Health Center, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, 08018 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Jose Alegre-Martin
- Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research Unit, Division of Rheumatology, Vall d´Hebron University Hospital Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (J.A.-M.); (R.S.S.); (J.J.)
| | - Ramon Sanmartin Sentañes
- Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research Unit, Division of Rheumatology, Vall d´Hebron University Hospital Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (J.A.-M.); (R.S.S.); (J.J.)
| | - Luisa Varela-Sende
- Clinical Research Department, VITAE Health Innovation, Montmeló, 08160 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Joanna Jurek
- Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research Unit, Division of Rheumatology, Vall d´Hebron University Hospital Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (J.A.-M.); (R.S.S.); (J.J.)
| | - Jesus Castro-Marrero
- Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research Unit, Division of Rheumatology, Vall d´Hebron University Hospital Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (J.A.-M.); (R.S.S.); (J.J.)
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28
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Li Y, Yang J, Chau CI, Shi J, Chen X, Hu H, Ung COL. Is there a role for traditional and complementary medicines in managing chronic fatigue? a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1266803. [PMID: 37942489 PMCID: PMC10628447 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1266803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is an increasingly common condition that is challenging to treat due to unclear etiology and a lack of consensus on clinical diagnosis and treatment guidance. Many affected people resorted to using traditional and complementary medicines (T&CMs). However, the evidence for T&CMs for CFS has been inconclusive and continues to evolve. The study aims to identify, summarize and assess the most recent evidence on the efficacy and safety of T&CMs for CFS. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating T&CMs for CFS published in English of Chinese between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2022 were searched from 7 databases. RCTs comparing T&CMs with no treatment, placebo, or pharmacological medicine were included, irrespective of language or blinding. The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials Statement extensions for Chinese herbal medicine Formulas (CONSORT-CHM) and the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool were used to evaluate the quality and risk of bias of included studies. Results: A total of 62 RCTs investigating 43 types of T&CMs and involving 5,231 participants with CFS were included in this review. The primary outcome measures mainly included the scoring of fatigue symptoms using the validated tool Fatigue Scale-14 (FS-14) or the TCM syndrome score. The main interventions showing overall efficacy were Chaihu Guizhi Decoction and Buzhong Yiqi combined with Xiao Chaihu Decoction, and 148 ingredients were identified, including Astragali Radix, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, and Bupleuri Radix. The most significant effect was the improvement of fatigue, followed by TCM-diagnosed symptoms and other psychological conditions. No serious adverse effect had been reported. However, the quality of the RCTs included RCTs were found to be suboptimal, and the risk of bias remained uncertain. Conclusion: Some evidence from RCTs supported the efficacy and safety of T&CM in CFS. However, given the methodological and quality heterogenicity of the included studies, the recommendations of T&CMs in treating CFS remain inconclusive. To develop better quality evidence about T&CMs for CFS, future studies should employ more objective diagnosis standards and outcome measurements, larger sample size, and better bias control, and ensure the compliance with the corresponding reporting guidelines. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022362268, identifier CRD42022362268.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jingya Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Chi Ian Chau
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Junnan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Xianwen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Hao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
- Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Carolina Oi Lam Ung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
- Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
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29
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Josev EK, Chen J, Seal M, Scheinberg A, Cole RC, Rowe K, Lubitz L, Knight SJ. What lies beneath: White matter microstructure in pediatric myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome using diffusion MRI. J Neurosci Res 2023; 101:1572-1585. [PMID: 37331007 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies in adults with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) suggest that changes in brain white matter microstructural organization may correlate with core ME/CFS symptoms, and represent a potential biomarker of disease. However, this has yet to be investigated in the pediatric ME/CFS population. We examined group differences in macrostructural and microstructural white matter properties, and their relationship with clinical measures, between adolescents recently diagnosed with ME/CFS and healthy controls. Forty-eight adolescents (25 ME/CFS, 23 controls, mean age 16 years) underwent brain diffusion MRI, and a robust multi-analytic approach was used to evaluate white and gray matter volume, regional brain volume, cortical thickness, fractional anisotropy, mean/axial/radial diffusivity, neurite dispersion and density, fiber density, and fiber cross section. From a clinical perspective, adolescents with ME/CFS showed greater fatigue and pain, poorer sleep quality, and poorer performance on cognitive measures of processing speed and sustained attention compared with controls. However, no significant group differences in white matter properties were observed, with the exception of greater white matter fiber cross section of the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus in the ME/CFS group compared with controls, which did not survive correction for intracranial volume. Overall, our findings suggest that white matter abnormalities may not be predominant in pediatric ME/CFS in the early stages following diagnosis. The discrepancy between our null findings and white matter abnormalities identified in the adult ME/CFS literature could suggest that older age and/or longer illness duration influence changes in brain structure and brain-behavior relationships that are not yet established in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisha K Josev
- Neurodisability and Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jian Chen
- Developmental Imaging, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marc Seal
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Developmental Imaging, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Adam Scheinberg
- Neurodisability and Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca C Cole
- Neurodisability and Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katherine Rowe
- Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lionel Lubitz
- Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah J Knight
- Neurodisability and Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Tarar ZI, Farooq U, Nawaz A, Gandhi M, Ghouri YA, Bhatt A, Cash BD. Prevalence of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome among Individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: An Analysis of United States National Inpatient Sample Database. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2594. [PMID: 37892968 PMCID: PMC10604744 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder associated with other somatic disorders. We studied the prevalence and predictors of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in IBS patients. Methods: We used the National Inpatient Sample and included hospitalization of individuals with IBS, using ICD-10 codes, from 2016-2019. The prevalence and predictors of fibromyalgia and CFS in IBS patients were studied. Univariate and multivariate patient- and hospital-level regression models were used to calculate the adjusted odds of fibromyalgia and CFS in the IBS patient population. Results: Of 1,256,325 patients with an ICD-10 code of IBS included in the study, 10.73% (134,890) also had ICD-10 codes for fibromyalgia and 0.42% (5220) for CFS. The prevalence of fibromyalgia and CFS was significantly higher in IBS patients (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 5.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.24-5.41, p < 0.001, and AOR 5.40, 95% CI 5.04-5.78, p < 0.001, respectively) compared to the general adult population without IBS. IBS-diarrhea, IBS-constipation, and IBS-mixed types were independently associated with increased odds of fibromyalgia and CFS. Increasing age (AOR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.04, p 0.003; AOR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03, p 0.001), female gender (AOR 11.2, 95% CI 11.1-11.4, p < 0.001; AOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.78-1.93, p < 0.001) and white race (AOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.95-2.12, p < 0.001; AOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.34-2.13, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of increased odds of fibromyalgia and CFS, respectively. Conclusions: It appears that IBS is associated with an increased prevalence of somatic disorders such as fibromyalgia and CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahid Ijaz Tarar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Umer Farooq
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA;
| | - Ahmad Nawaz
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Suny Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Mustafa Gandhi
- Department of Medicine, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Yezaz A. Ghouri
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Asmeen Bhatt
- Center for Interventional Gastroenterology at UTHealth (iGUT), Division of Elective Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Health Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Brooks D. Cash
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Texas Health-McGovern Medical School and UT Health Science Center at Houston, St. Houston, TX 77054, USA
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Pasin T, Karatekin BD, Pasin O. Chronic fatigue syndrome in caregivers of children with cerebral palsy and affecting factors. North Clin Istanb 2023; 10:642-650. [PMID: 37829755 PMCID: PMC10565759 DOI: 10.14744/nci.2023.53533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study, the frequency of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), sleep disturbances, and quality of life levels in mothers of children with cerebral palsy (CP) was compared in relation to the functional status of the child. METHODS The caregivers were evaluated with the sociodemographic data form, Chalder fatigue scale (ChFS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Short Form-12, respectively. In addition, the functional status of the child with CP was evaluated with the gross motor function classification system, manual ability classification system (MACS), communication function classification system, and eating and drinking ability classification system. RESULTS According to CDC-1994 criteria, 80.4% of the participating mothers have CFS (n=45). While the mean ChFS and FSS scores of housewives were found to be significantly higher than those of full-time workers (p=0.002; p=0.003, respectively), the mean SF-12 MCS was found to be significantly lower (p=0.007). The rate of housewives was found to be significantly higher in those diagnosed with CFS (p<0.001). The relationship between independent variables and dependent variables data sets as a result of canonical correlation analysis was obtained as 0.815. While the variable with the highest effect among the independent variables is the MACS variable, the variable with the highest percentage of explanation for the dependent variables is ChFS. CONCLUSION The frequency of CFS is very high in mothers of children with CP, and the most important factors in the presence and severity of CFS are the mother's occupational status and the child's manual skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tugce Pasin
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Goztepe Prof. Dr. Suleyman Yalcin City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Bilinc Dogruoz Karatekin
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Goztepe Prof. Dr. Suleyman Yalcin City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkiye
| | - Ozge Pasin
- Department of Biostatistics, Bezmialem Foundation University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkiye
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Martín F, Blanco-Suárez M, Zambrano P, Cáceres O, Almirall M, Alegre-Martín J, Lobo B, González-Castro AM, Santos J, Domingo JC, Jurek J, Castro-Marrero J. Increased gut permeability and bacterial translocation are associated with fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome: implications for disease-related biomarker discovery. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1253121. [PMID: 37744357 PMCID: PMC10512706 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1253121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is growing evidence of the significance of gastrointestinal complaints in the impairment of the intestinal mucosal barrier function and inflammation in fibromyalgia (FM) and in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). However, data on intestinal permeability and gut barrier dysfunction in FM and ME/CFS are still limited with conflicting results. This study aimed to assess circulating biomarkers potentially related to intestinal barrier dysfunction and bacterial translocation and their association with self-reported symptoms in these conditions. Methods A pilot multicenter, cross-sectional cohort study with consecutive enrolment of 22 patients with FM, 30 with ME/CFS and 26 matched healthy controls. Plasma levels of anti-beta-lactoglobulin antibodies (IgG anti-β-LGB), zonulin-1 (ZO-1), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), soluble CD14 (sCD14) and interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β) were assayed using ELISA. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants were recorded using validated self-reported outcome measures. The diagnostic accuracy of each biomarker was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results FM patients had significantly higher levels of anti-β-LGB, ZO-1, LPS, and sCD14 than healthy controls (all P < 0.0001). In ME/CFS patients, levels of anti-β-LGB, ZO-1, LPS, and sCD14 were significantly higher than controls, but lower than in FM (all P < 0.01), while there was no significant difference in IL-1β level. In the FM and ME/CFS cohorts, both anti-β-LGB and ZO-1 correlated significantly with LPS and sCD14 (P < 0.001 for both). In the FM group, both anti-β-LGB and ZO-1 were correlated significantly with physical and mental health components on the SF-36 scale (P < 0.05); whereas IL-1β negatively correlated with the COMPASS-31 score (P < 0.05). In the ME/CFS cohort, ZO-1 was positively correlated with the COMPASS-31 score (P < 0.05). The ROC curve analysis indicated a strong ability of anti-β-LGB, ZO-1, LPS and sCD14 to predictively distinguish between FM and ME/CFS from healthy controls (P < 0.0001). Conclusion Biomarkers of intestinal barrier function and inflammation were associated with autonomic dysfunction assessed by COMPASS-31 scores in FM and ME/CFS respectively. Anti-β-LGB antibodies, ZO-1, LPS, and sCD14 may be putative predictors of intestinal barrier dysfunction in these cohorts. Further studies are needed to assess whether these findings are causal and can therefore be applied in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Martín
- Andalusian Centre of Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CABIMER), University Pablo Olavide, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Biomedical Research Network on Diabetes and Related Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Blanco-Suárez
- Central Sensitivity Unit (SHC Medical), Hospital Viamed Santa Ángela de la Cruz, Seville, Spain
| | - Paola Zambrano
- Central Sensitivity Unit (SHC Medical), Hospital Viamed Santa Ángela de la Cruz, Seville, Spain
| | - Oscar Cáceres
- Central Sensitivity Unit (SHC Medical), Hospital Viamed Santa Ángela de la Cruz, Seville, Spain
| | - Miriam Almirall
- Division of Rheumatology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Rheumatology Research Group, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Research Unit, Vall d´Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Alegre-Martín
- Division of Rheumatology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Rheumatology Research Group, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Research Unit, Vall d´Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Lobo
- Laboratory of Neuro-Immuno-Gastroenterology, Digestive System Research Unit, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Maria González-Castro
- Laboratory of Neuro-Immuno-Gastroenterology, Digestive System Research Unit, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Santos
- Laboratory of Neuro-Immuno-Gastroenterology, Digestive System Research Unit, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joan Carles Domingo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joanna Jurek
- Rheumatology Research Group, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Research Unit, Vall d´Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesús Castro-Marrero
- Rheumatology Research Group, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Research Unit, Vall d´Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Kleinstäuber M, Schröder A, Daehler S, Pallesen KJ, Rask CU, Sanyer M, Van den Bergh O, Weinreich Petersen M, Rosmalen JGM. Aetiological Understanding of Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Classificatory Analogues: A Systematic Umbrella Review. Clin Psychol Eur 2023; 5:e11179. [PMID: 38356902 PMCID: PMC10863637 DOI: 10.32872/cpe.11179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This umbrella review systematically assesses the variety and relative dominance of current aetiological views within the scientific literature for the three most investigated symptom-defined functional somatic syndromes (FSS) and their classificatory analogues within psychiatry and psychology. Method An umbrella review of narrative and systematic reviews with and without meta-analyses based on a search of electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, PsychINFO) was conducted. Eligible reviews were published in English, focused on research of any kind of aetiological factors in adults diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), and somatic symptom disorder (SSD)/somatoform disorder (SFD). Results We included 452 reviews (132 systematic reviews including meta-analyses, 133 systematic reviews, 197 narrative reviews), of which 132 (29%) focused on two or more of the investigated health conditions simultaneously. Across diagnoses, biological factors were addressed in 90% (k = 405), psychological in 33% (k = 150), social in 12% (k = 54), and healthcare factors in 5% (k = 23) of the reviews. The methodological quality of the included systematic reviews (k = 255) was low (low/critically low: 41% [k = 104]; moderate: 49% [k = 126]; high quality: 10% [k = 25]). The high-quality systematic reviews suggest that deficient conditioned pain modulation, genetic factors, changes in the immune, endocrinological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and nervous system, and psychosocial factors such as sexual abuse and pain catastrophizing increase the risk for FSS. Conclusion Only very few systematic reviews have used comprehensive, biopsychosocial disease models to guide the selection of aetiological factors in FSS research. Future research should strive for higher scientific standards and broaden its perspective on these health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kleinstäuber
- Department of Psychology, Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Andreas Schröder
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sarah Daehler
- Department of Psychology, Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | | | - Charlotte U. Rask
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mathias Sanyer
- Department of Psychology, Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | | | - Marie Weinreich Petersen
- The Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Judith G. M. Rosmalen
- University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Bai NA, Richardson CS. Posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome and myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review and comparison of pathogenesis. Chronic Dis Transl Med 2023; 9:183-190. [PMID: 37711861 PMCID: PMC10497844 DOI: 10.1002/cdt3.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States and has been causing significant morbidity since its discovery in 1977. It is well-documented that about 10% of patients properly treated with antibiotics never fully recover, but instead go on to develop a chronic illness dubbed, posttreatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS) characterized by severe fatigue, cognitive slowing, chronic pain, and sleep difficulties. This review includes 18 studies that detail the symptoms of patients with PTLDS and uses qualitative analysis to compare them to myalgic encephalitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a strikingly similar syndrome. In the majority of the PTLDS studies, at least four of the six major symptoms of ME/CFS were also noted, including substantial impairment in activity level and fatigue for more than 6 months, post-exertional malaise, and unrefreshing sleep. In one of the included PTLDS articles, 26 of the 29 ME/CFS symptoms were noted. This study adds to the expanding literature on the post-active phase of infection syndromes, which suggests that chronic illnesses such as PTLDS and ME/CFS have similar pathogenesis despite different infectious origins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie A. Bai
- Department of PsychiatryRowan‐Virtua School of Osteopathic MedicineMount LaurelNew JerseyUSA
| | - Christie S. Richardson
- Department of PsychiatryRowan‐Virtua School of Osteopathic MedicineMount LaurelNew JerseyUSA
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35
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Puşuroğlu M, Topaloğlu MS, Hocaoğlu Ç, Yıldırım M. Expressing emotions, rejection sensitivity, and attachment in patients with fibromyalgia. Turk J Phys Med Rehabil 2023; 69:303-308. [PMID: 37674789 PMCID: PMC10478538 DOI: 10.5606/tftrd.2023.11440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to examine emotional awareness, control of emotions, and the childhood attachment process in fibromyalgia patients. Patients and methods The observational study was conducted with 117 participants (14 males, 103 females; mean age: 43.9±9.0 years; range, 22 to 64 years) between February 20, 2022, and May 20, 2022. Sixty-one patients and 56 healthy control subjects filled out a form including sociodemographic data, such as age, sex, occupation, and educational status. In addition, the participants answered the Expressing Emotions Scale, Rejection Sensitivity Scale, and Experiences in Close Relationships Scale. Results In our study, Expressing Emotions Scale scores are significantly higher in the healthy control group than in the patient group (p<0.05). Rejection Sensitivity Scale scores are significantly higher in the patient group than in the healthy control group (p<0.05). In the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale, a significant difference was determined between the patient and control groups in the avoidant attachment subdimension (p<0.05). Similarly, a significant difference was observed between both groups in terms of the anxiety attachment subdimension (p<0.05). Conclusion The ability to express emotions is lower and avoidant and anxious attachment rates are higher in fibromyalgia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meltem Puşuroğlu
- Department of Spirit Health and Patients, Medicine Faculty of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Türkiye
| | - Mehmet Serhat Topaloğlu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medicine Faculty of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Türkiye
| | - Çiçek Hocaoğlu
- Department of Spirit Health and Patients, Medicine Faculty of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Türkiye
| | - Murat Yıldırım
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Medicine Faculty of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Türkiye
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36
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Moulton CD, Jordan C, Hayee B, Chalder T. All-or-Nothing Behavior and Catastrophic Thinking Predict Fatigue in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2023:izad193. [PMID: 37619243 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izad193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Lay Summary
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often report fatigue. However, the reasons for this are poorly understood. In this study of people with IBD, we demonstrate that all-or-nothing behavior (being very active then needing to resting a while) and catastrophic thinking (making very negative assumptions about outcomes) both predict worsening in fatigue over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calum D Moulton
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Psychological Medicine Unit, St Mark's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cheryl Jordan
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Gastroenterology, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bu'Hussain Hayee
- Department of Gastroenterology, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Trudie Chalder
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Włodarczyk M, Makaro A, Prusisz M, Włodarczyk J, Nowocień M, Maryńczak K, Fichna J, Dziki Ł. The Role of Chronic Fatigue in Patients with Crohn's Disease. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1692. [PMID: 37629549 PMCID: PMC10455565 DOI: 10.3390/life13081692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic, relapsing disorder belonging to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). It is manifested by relapsing transmural inflammation found in any segment of the gastrointestinal tract. Chronic fatigue is a common and underrecognized symptom of CD for which the prevalence is much higher in the population of CD patients compared to the healthy population. It stems from an intricate web of interactions between various risk factors, and its pathophysiology is still not fully understood. The implementation of routine screening and a holistic, multidisciplinary approach involving psychological support may be crucial in the management of CD patients with chronic fatigue. There is currently no single intervention aimed at decreasing fatigue alone, and its treatment is especially difficult in patients with fatigue persisting despite clinical and endoscopic remission. Extensive research is still needed in order to be able to predict, prevent, identify, and ultimately treat fatigue associated with CD. The aim of this review is to summarize the knowledge on the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic fatigue in CD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Włodarczyk
- Department of General and Oncological, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska 251, PL 90-213 Lodz, Poland
| | - Adam Makaro
- Department of General and Oncological, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska 251, PL 90-213 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, PL 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Mateusz Prusisz
- Department of General and Oncological, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska 251, PL 90-213 Lodz, Poland
| | - Jakub Włodarczyk
- Department of General and Oncological, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska 251, PL 90-213 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, PL 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Marta Nowocień
- Department of General and Oncological, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska 251, PL 90-213 Lodz, Poland
| | - Kasper Maryńczak
- Department of General and Oncological, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska 251, PL 90-213 Lodz, Poland
| | - Jakub Fichna
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, PL 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Łukasz Dziki
- Department of General and Oncological, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska 251, PL 90-213 Lodz, Poland
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Briese T, Tokarz R, Bateman L, Che X, Guo C, Jain K, Kapoor V, Levine S, Hornig M, Oleynik A, Quan PL, Wong WH, Williams BL, Vernon SD, Klimas NG, Peterson DL, Montoya JG, Ian Lipkin W. A multicenter virome analysis of blood, feces, and saliva in myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28993. [PMID: 37526404 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is estimated to affect 0.4%-2.5% of the global population. Most cases are unexplained; however, some patients describe an antecedent viral infection or response to antiviral medications. We report here a multicenter study for the presence of viral nucleic acid in blood, feces, and saliva of patients with ME/CFS using polymerase chain reaction and high-throughput sequencing. We found no consistent group-specific differences other than a lower prevalence of anelloviruses in cases compared to healthy controls. Our findings suggest that future investigations into viral infections in ME/CFS should focus on adaptive immune responses rather than surveillance for viral gene products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Briese
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rafal Tokarz
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Xiaoyu Che
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Cheng Guo
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Komal Jain
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vishal Kapoor
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Mady Hornig
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alexandra Oleynik
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Phenix-Lan Quan
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Wai H Wong
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Brent L Williams
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Nancy G Klimas
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
- Bruce W. Carter Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Geriatric Research Education and Research Center, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | - Jose G Montoya
- Jack S. Remington Laboratory for Specialty Diagnostics of Toxoplasmosis, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Palo Alto, USA
| | - Walter Ian Lipkin
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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39
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Kim L, Kedor C, Buttgereit F, Heidecke H, Schaumburg D, Scheibenbogen C. Characterizing Sjögren-Associated Fatigue: A Distinct Phenotype from ME/CFS. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4994. [PMID: 37568396 PMCID: PMC10419548 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12154994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatigue is the most commonly reported and debilitating extraglandular symptom of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Fatigue and exertional intolerance are hallmark symptoms of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). We aimed to characterize fatigue and further symptoms among pSS patients and to determine whether there is a symptom overlap in pSS and ME/CFS. In 19 patients with pSS, we assessed pSS symptom severity and disease activity via questionnaires as well as the Canadian Consensus Criteria (CCC) for ME/CFS. Hand grip strength (HGS) and levels of α1-, α2-, β1-, β2-, M3- and M4-receptor-autoantibodies were measured. A subgroup of pSS patients exhibited severe fatigue and had higher severity of pain (p = 0.045), depression (p = 0.021) and sleep disturbances (p = 0.020) compared to those with less fatigue. Four of eighteen pSS patients fulfilled the CCC. HGS parameters strongly correlated with fatigue severity (p < 0.05), but strength fully recovered one hour after exertion in contrast to ME/CFS. Levels of β1-, β2- and M4-receptor-autoantibodies were elevated and correlated significantly with disease activity assessed by the ESSDAI (p < 0.05), but not fatigue severity. Only a minor subgroup of pSS patients fulfills the CCC, and post exertional malaise (PEM) is atypical, as it is primarily triggered by mental/emotional but not physical exertion. HGS assessment is an objective measure to assess overall fatigue severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kim
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (C.K.); (C.S.)
| | - Claudia Kedor
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (C.K.); (C.S.)
| | - Frank Buttgereit
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (F.B.); (D.S.)
| | - Harald Heidecke
- CellTrend GmbH, Im Biotechnologiepark 3, 14943 Luckenwalde, Germany;
| | - Desiree Schaumburg
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (F.B.); (D.S.)
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (C.K.); (C.S.)
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Maya J. Surveying the Metabolic and Dysfunctional Profiles of T Cells and NK Cells in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11937. [PMID: 37569313 PMCID: PMC10418326 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Millions globally suffer from myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The inflammatory symptoms, illness onset, recorded outbreak events, and physiological variations provide strong indications that ME/CFS, at least sometimes, has an infectious origin, possibly resulting in a chronic unidentified viral infection. Meanwhile, studies exposing generalized metabolic disruptions in ME/CFS have stimulated interest in isolated immune cells with an altered metabolic state. As the metabolism dictates the cellular function, dissecting the biomechanics of dysfunctional immune cells in ME/CFS can uncover states such as exhaustion, senescence, or anergy, providing insights into the consequences of these phenotypes in this disease. Despite the similarities that are seen metabolically between ME/CFS and other chronic viral infections that result in an exhausted immune cell state, immune cell exhaustion has not yet been verified in ME/CFS. This review explores the evidence for immunometabolic dysfunction in ME/CFS T cell and natural killer (NK) cell populations, comparing ME/CFS metabolic and functional features to dysfunctional immune cell states, and positing whether anergy, exhaustion, or senescence could be occurring in distinct immune cell populations in ME/CFS, which is consistent with the hypothesis that ME/CFS is a chronic viral disease. This comprehensive review of the ME/CFS immunometabolic literature identifies CD8+ T cell exhaustion as a probable contender, underscores the need for further investigation into the dysfunctional state of CD4+ T cells and NK cells, and explores the functional implications of molecular findings in these immune-cell types. Comprehending the cause and impact of ME/CFS immune cell dysfunction is critical to understanding the physiological mechanisms of ME/CFS, and developing effective treatments to alleviate the burden of this disabling condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Maya
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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Almulla AF, Abdul Jaleel AKK, Abo Algon AA, Tunvirachaisakul C, Hassoun HK, Al-Hakeim HK, Maes M. Mood Symptoms and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Due to Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Are Associated with Immune Activation and Aberrations in the Erythron. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1073. [PMID: 37509005 PMCID: PMC10377656 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13071073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune and neuroinflammatory disease of the central nervous system characterized by peripheral activation of immune-inflammatory pathways which culminate in neurotoxicity causing demyelination of central neurons. Nonetheless, the pathophysiology of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)-related chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, cognitive impairments, and autonomic disturbances is not well understood. OBJECTIVES The current study aims to delineate whether the remitted phase of RRMS is accompanied by activated immune-inflammatory pathways and if the latter, coupled with erythron variables, explain the chronic fatigue and mood symptoms due to RRMS. MATERIAL AND METHODS We recruited 63 MS patients, 55 in the remitted phase of RRMS and 8 with secondary progressive MS, and 30 healthy controls and assessed erythron variables, and used a bio-plex assay to measure 27 serum cytokines. RESULTS A significant proportion of the MS patients (46%) displayed activation of the immune-inflammatory response (IRS) and compensatory immune response (CIRS) systems, and T helper (Th)1 and Th17 cytokine profiles. Remitted RRMS patients showed increased chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, physiosomatic, autonomic, and insomnia scores, which could partly be explained by M1 macrophage, Th1, Th-17, growth factor, and CIRS activation, as well as aberrations in the erythron including lowered hematocrit and hemoglobin levels. CONCLUSIONS Around 50% of remitted RRMS patients show activation of immune-inflammatory pathways in association with mood and chronic-fatigue-like symptoms. IRS and CIRS activation as well as the aberrations in the erythron are new drug targets to treat chronic fatigue and affective symptoms due to MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas F Almulla
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf 54001, Iraq
| | | | | | - Chavit Tunvirachaisakul
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | | | - Hussein K Al-Hakeim
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Kufa, Kufa 54002, Iraq
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
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Huang SF, Duan HY. Sleeping and Dietary Factors Associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Taiwanese Preschoolers. Children (Basel) 2023; 10:1149. [PMID: 37508645 PMCID: PMC10378476 DOI: 10.3390/children10071149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to investigate the sleeping and dietary factors associated with the prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome among Taiwanese preschoolers. Five-year-old preschoolers were randomly selected using a stratified multistage random cluster sampling method. The parents of the preschoolers completed a questionnaire containing items related to symptoms of fatigue and sleeping and dietary habits among the preschoolers. A total of 1536 valid questionnaires were returned. After obtaining the data, the researchers analyzed them using descriptive statistics and a chi-square test. The following results were obtained: (1) chronic fatigue syndrome was typically indicated by yawning during the day, feeling tired, and appearing sleepy; (2) the preschoolers with high sleep quality, adequate sleeping time, and a regular sleep schedule exhibited a lower degree of fatigue; (3) half of the preschoolers who ate three nutritionally balanced meals a day at a regular time exhibited a lower degree of fatigue. Among the three dimensions studied, fatigue was most strongly associated with the "sleepy and inactive/blunted responses/lacking in energy" dimension, followed by the "difficulty concentrating" dimension, and, finally, the "localized pain" dimension. In this study, the association between sleeping habits and symptoms of fatigue in preschool children was verified. The associations of dietary factors with symptoms of fatigue were not confirmed. It is suggested that parents establish a good sleep schedule for preschool children based on the study findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Fen Huang
- Department of Early Childhood Education, National Taitung University, No. 369, Sec. 2, University Road, Taitung City 950309, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ying Duan
- Department of Infant and Child Care, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, No. 365, Min-Te Road, Taipei 112303, Taiwan
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Magel T, Meagher E, Boulter T, Albert A, Tsai M, Muñoz C, Carlsten C, Johnston J, Wong AW, Shah A, Ryerson C, Mckay RJ, Nacul L. Fatigue presentation, severity, and related outcomes in a prospective cohort following post-COVID-19 hospitalization in British Columbia, Canada. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1179783. [PMID: 37457578 PMCID: PMC10344448 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1179783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Increasing evidence on long-term health outcomes following SARS CoV-2 infection shows post-viral symptoms can persist for months. These symptoms are often consistent with those of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence and outcome predictors of post-viral fatigue and related symptoms 3- and 6-months following symptom onset. Methods A prospective cohort of patients hospitalized with Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (n = 88) were recruited from a Post-COVID-19 Respiratory Clinic (PCRC) in Vancouver, Canada to examine predictors of long-term fatigue and substantial fatigue. Multivariable mixed effects analyses examined the relationship between patient predictors, including pre-existing comorbidities, patient reported outcome measures, and fatigue and substantial fatigue at follow-up. Results The number of patients experiencing fatigue or substantial fatigue at 3 months post-infection were 58 (67%) and 14 (16%) respectively. At 6 months these numbers declined to 47 (60%) patients experiencing fatigue and 6 (6%) experiencing substantial fatigue. Adjusted analysis, for sex, age, and time, revealed the number of pre-existing comorbidities to be associated with fatigue (OR 2.21; 95% CI 1.09-4.49; 0.028) and substantial fatigue (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.06-2.95; 0.033) at 3 months follow-up. Except for shortness of breath, self-care, and follow-up time, all follow-up variables were found to be associated with fatigue and substantial fatigue at 3 months. Conclusion Fatigue and substantial fatigue are common after COVID-19 infection but often diminish over time. A significant number of patients continue to exhibit long-term fatigue at 6 months follow-up. Further research is needed to clarify the causality of viral infections in the development and severity of fatigue as a symptom and in meeting post-viral fatigue syndrome or ME/CFS diagnostic criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianna Magel
- Women’s Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Emily Meagher
- Women’s Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Travis Boulter
- Women’s Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Arianne Albert
- Women’s Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Melody Tsai
- Women’s Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Carola Muñoz
- Women’s Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Chris Carlsten
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - James Johnston
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alyson W. Wong
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Aditi Shah
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Chris Ryerson
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Rhonda Jane Mckay
- General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Luis Nacul
- Women’s Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- CureME, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Du Preez S, Eaton-Fitch N, Smith PK, Marshall-Gradisnik S. Altered TRPM7-Dependent Calcium Influx in Natural Killer Cells of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1039. [PMID: 37509075 PMCID: PMC10377690 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a disabling multisystemic condition. The pathomechanism of ME/CFS remains unestablished; however, impaired natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity is a consistent feature of this condition. Calcium (Ca2+) is crucial for NK cell effector functions. Growing research recognises Ca2+ signalling dysregulation in ME/CFS patients and implicates transient receptor potential ion channel dysfunction. TRPM7 (melastatin) was recently considered in the pathoaetiology of ME/CFS as it participates in several Ca2+-dependent processes that are central to NK cell cytotoxicity which may be compromised in ME/CFS. TRPM7-dependent Ca2+ influx was assessed in NK cells isolated from n = 9 ME/CFS patients and n = 9 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) using live cell fluorescent imaging techniques. Slope (p < 0.05) was significantly reduced in ME/CFS patients compared with HCs following TRPM7 activation. Half-time of maximal response (p < 0.05) and amplitude (p < 0.001) were significantly reduced in the HCs compared with the ME/CFS patients following TRPM7 desensitisation. Findings from this investigation suggest that TRPM7-dependent Ca2+ influx is reduced with agonism and increased with antagonism in ME/CFS patients relative to the age- and sex-matched HCs. The outcomes reported here potentially reflect TRPM3 dysfunction identified in this condition suggesting that ME/CFS is a TRP ion channelopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley Du Preez
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4215, Australia
- Consortium Health International for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4215, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4215, Australia
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4215, Australia
| | - Natalie Eaton-Fitch
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4215, Australia
- Consortium Health International for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4215, Australia
| | - Peter K Smith
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4215, Australia
- Queensland Allergy Services, Gold Coast 4215, Australia
| | - Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4215, Australia
- Consortium Health International for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4215, Australia
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Soffritti I, Gravelsina S, D'Accolti M, Bini F, Mazziga E, Vilmane A, Rasa-Dzelzkaleja S, Nora-Krukle Z, Krumina A, Murovska M, Caselli E. Circulating miRNAs Expression in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10582. [PMID: 37445763 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex multifactorial disease that causes increasing morbidity worldwide, and many individuals with ME/CFS symptoms remain undiagnosed due to the lack of diagnostic biomarkers. Its etiology is still unknown, but increasing evidence supports a role of herpesviruses (including HHV-6A and HHV-6B) as potential triggers. Interestingly, the infection by these viruses has been reported to impact the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs), short non-coding RNA sequences which have been suggested to be epigenetic factors modulating ME/CFS pathogenic mechanisms. Notably, the presence of circulating miRNAs in plasma has raised the possibility to use them as valuable biomarkers for distinguishing ME/CFS patients from healthy controls. Thus, this study aimed at determining the role of eight miRNAs, which were selected for their previous association with ME/CFS, as potential circulating biomarkers of the disease. Their presence was quantitatively evaluated in plasma from 40 ME/CFS patients and 20 healthy controls by specific Taqman assays, and the results showed that six out of the eight of the selected miRNAs were differently expressed in patients compared to controls; more specifically, five miRNAs were significantly upregulated (miR-127-3p, miR-142-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-150-5p, and miR-448), and one was downmodulated (miR-140-5p). MiRNA levels directly correlated with disease severity, whereas no significant correlations were observed with the plasma levels of seven pro-inflammatory cytokines or with the presence/load of HHV-6A/6B genome, as judged by specific PCR amplification. The results may open the way for further validation of miRNAs as new potential biomarkers in ME/CFS and increase the knowledge of the complex pathways involved in the ME/CFS development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Soffritti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabine Gravelsina
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Rīga Stradiņš University, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Maria D'Accolti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Bini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Mazziga
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anda Vilmane
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Rīga Stradiņš University, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Zaiga Nora-Krukle
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Rīga Stradiņš University, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Angelika Krumina
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectology, Rīga Stradiņš University, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia
| | - Modra Murovska
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Rīga Stradiņš University, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Elisabetta Caselli
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Cheng Y, Xu SM, Takenaka K, Lindner G, Curry-Hyde A, Janitz M. A Unique Circular RNA Expression Pattern in the Peripheral Blood of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients. Gene 2023:147568. [PMID: 37328077 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating disease with obscure aetiology. The underdiagnosis rate of ME/CFS is high due to the lack of diagnostic criteria based on objective markers. In recent years, circRNAs have emerged as potential genetic biomarkers for neurological diseases, including Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, making them likely to have the same prospect of being biomarkers in ME/CFS. However, despite the extensive amount of research that has been performed on the transcriptomes of ME/CFS patients, all of them are solely focused on linear RNAs, and the profiling of circRNAs in ME/CFS has been completely omitted. In this study, we investigated the expression profiles of circRNAs, comparing ME/CFS patients and controls before and after two sessions of cardiopulmonary exercise longitudinally. In patients with ME/CFS, the number of detected circRNAs was higher compared to healthy controls, indicating potential differences in circRNA expression associated with the disease. Additionally, healthy controls showed an increase in the number of circRNAs following exercise testing, while no similar pattern was evident in ME/CFS patients, further highlighting physiological differences between the two groups. A lack of correlation was observed between differentially expressed circRNAs and their corresponding coding genes in terms of expression and function, suggesting the potential of circRNAs as independent biomarkers in ME/CFS. Specifically, 14 circRNAs were highly expressed in ME/CFS patients but absent in controls throughout the exercise study, indicating a unique molecular signature specific to ME/CFS patients and providing potential diagnostic biomarkers for the disease. Significant enrichment of protein and gene regulative pathways were detected in relation to five of these 14 circRNAs based on their predicted miRNA target genes. Overall, this is the first study to describe the circRNA expression profile in peripheral blood of ME/CFS patients, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuning Cheng
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Si-Mei Xu
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Konii Takenaka
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Grace Lindner
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Ashton Curry-Hyde
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Michael Janitz
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Shinba T, Kuratsune D, Shinba S, Shinba Y, Sun G, Matsui T, Kuratsune H. Major Depressive Disorder and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Show Characteristic Heart Rate Variability Profiles Reflecting Autonomic Dysregulations: Differentiation by Linear Discriminant Analysis. Sensors (Basel) 2023; 23:s23115330. [PMID: 37300057 DOI: 10.3390/s23115330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) have overlapping symptoms, and differentiation is important to administer the proper treatment. The present study aimed to assess the usefulness of heart rate variability (HRV) indices. Frequency-domain HRV indices, including high-frequency (HF) and low-frequency (LF) components, their sum (LF+HF), and their ratio (LF/HF), were measured in a three-behavioral-state paradigm composed of initial rest (Rest), task load (Task), and post-task rest (After) periods to examine autonomic regulation. It was found that HF was low at Rest in both disorders, but was lower in MDD than in CFS. LF and LF+HF at Rest were low only in MDD. Attenuated responses of LF, HF, LF+HF, and LF/HF to task load and an excessive increase in HF at After were found in both disorders. The results indicate that an overall HRV reduction at Rest may support a diagnosis of MDD. HF reduction was found in CFS, but with a lesser severity. Response disturbances of HRV to Task were observed in both disorders, and would suggest the presence of CFS when the baseline HRV has not been reduced. Linear discriminant analysis using HRV indices was able to differentiate MDD from CFS, with a sensitivity and specificity of 91.8% and 100%, respectively. HRV indices in MDD and CFS show both common and different profiles, and can be useful for the differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshikazu Shinba
- Department of Psychiatry, Shizuoka Saiseikai General Hospital, Shizuoka 422-8527, Japan
- Research Division, Saiseikai Research Institute of Health Care and Welfare, Tokyo 108-0073, Japan
- Autonomic Nervous System Consulting, Shizuoka 420-0839, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kuratsune
- Fatigue Science Laboratory Inc., Osaka 532-0011, Japan
- Department of Medical Science on Fatigue, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Shuntaro Shinba
- Autonomic Nervous System Consulting, Shizuoka 420-0839, Japan
| | - Yujiro Shinba
- Autonomic Nervous System Consulting, Shizuoka 420-0839, Japan
| | - Guanghao Sun
- Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Takemi Matsui
- School of System Design, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo 191-0065, Japan
| | - Hirohiko Kuratsune
- Department of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Molecular Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 545-0051, Japan
- FMCC Co., Ltd., Osaka 532-0011, Japan
- Division of Health Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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48
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Al-Hakeim HK, Khairi Abed A, Rouf Moustafa S, Almulla AF, Maes M. Tryptophan catabolites, inflammation, and insulin resistance as determinants of chronic fatigue syndrome and affective symptoms in long COVID. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1194769. [PMID: 37333619 PMCID: PMC10272345 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1194769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Critical COVID-19 disease is accompanied by depletion of plasma tryptophan (TRY) and increases in indoleamine-dioxygenase (IDO)-stimulated production of neuroactive tryptophan catabolites (TRYCATs), including kynurenine (KYN). The TRYCAT pathway has not been studied extensively in association with the physiosomatic and affective symptoms of Long COVID. In the present study, we measured serum TRY, TRYCATs, insulin resistance (using the Homeostatic Model Assessment Index 2-insulin resistance, HOMA2-IR), C-reactive protein (CRP), physiosomatic, depression, and anxiety symptoms in 90 Long COVID patients, 3-10 months after remission of acute infection. We were able to construct an endophenotypic class of severe Long COVID (22% of the patients) with very low TRY and oxygen saturation (SpO2, during acute infection), increased kynurenine, KYN/TRY ratio, CRP, and very high ratings on all symptom domains. One factor could be extracted from physiosomatic symptoms (including chronic fatigue-fibromyalgia), depression, and anxiety symptoms, indicating that all domains are manifestations of the common physio-affective phenome. Three Long COVID biomarkers (CRP, KYN/TRY, and IR) explained around 40% of the variance in the physio-affective phenome. The latter and the KYN/TRY ratio were significantly predicted by peak body temperature (PBT) and lowered SpO2 during acute infection. One validated latent vector could be extracted from the three symptom domains and a composite based on CRP, KYN/TRY, and IR (Long COVID), and PBT and SpO2 (acute COVID-19). In conclusion, the physio-affective phenome of Long COVID is a manifestation of inflammatory responses during acute and Long COVID, and lowered plasma tryptophan and increased kynurenine may contribute to these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anwar Khairi Abed
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Kufa, Kufa, Iraq
| | - Shatha Rouf Moustafa
- Clinical Analysis Department, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Abbas F. Almulla
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Deakin University, IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Prajjwal P, Kalluru PK, Marsool MD, Inban P, Gadam S, Al-ezzi SM, Marsool AD, Al-Ibraheem AM, Al-Tuaama AZ, Amir O, Arunachalam SP. Association of multiple sclerosis with chronic fatigue syndrome, restless legs syndrome, and various sleep disorders, along with the recent updates. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:2821-2832. [PMID: 37363482 PMCID: PMC10289738 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000000929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) share the symptom of fatigue, and might even coexist together. Specifically focusing on genetics, pathophysiology, and neuroimaging data, the authors discuss an overview of the parallels, correlation, and differences in fatigue between MS and ME/CFS along with ME/CFS presence in MS. Studies have revealed that the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia regions, which are involved in fatigue regulation, have similar neuroimaging findings in the brains of people with both MS and ME/CFS. Additionally, in both conditions, genetic factors have been implicated, with particular genes known to enhance susceptibility to MS and CFS. Management approaches for fatigue in MS and ME/CFS differ based on the underlying factors contributing to fatigue. The authors also focus on the recent updates and the relationship between MS and sleep disorders, including restless legs syndrome, focusing on pathophysiology and therapeutic approaches. Latest therapeutic approaches like supervised physical activity and moderate-intensity exercises have shown better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pugazhendi Inban
- Internal Medicine, Government Medical College, Omandurar, Chennai, India
| | | | - Saud M.S. Al-ezzi
- Internal Medicine, Lugansk State Medical University, Lugansk, Ukraine
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50
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Otero E, Gálvez I, Ortega E, Hinchado MD. Influence of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Codiagnosis on the Relationship between Perceived and Objective Psychoneuro-Immunoendocrine Disorders in Women with Fibromyalgia. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051488. [PMID: 37239159 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the predominant symptom in fibromyalgia (FM) is muscle pain, and fatigue in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), differential diagnosis is very difficult. This research investigates the psychoneuroimmunoendocrine disorders of FM patients and ascertains whether a previous CFS diagnosis affected them. Through accelerometry objective parameters, physical activity/sedentarism levels in relation to fatigue are studied, as well as whether perceived levels of stress, anxiety, and pain correspond to objective biomarkers, all of these with respect to a reference group (RG) of women without FM. FM patients have a worse psychological state and perceived quality of life than those with RG. These perceived outcomes are consistent with impaired objective levels of a sedentary lifestyle, higher systemic levels of cortisol and noradrenaline, and lower levels of serotonin. However, FM patients with a previous CFS diagnosis had lower systemic levels of IL-8, cortisol, oxytocin, and higher levels of adrenaline and serotonin than FM patients without diagnosed CFS. In conclusion, while perceived health parameters do not detect differences, when objective neuroimmunoendocrine parameters related to stress, inflammation, pain, and fatigue are used, people with CFS could be overdiagnosed with FM. This reinforces the need for objective biomarker assessment of these patients for better diagnostic discrimination between both syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Otero
- Immunophysiology Research Group, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), 06080 Badajoz, Spain
- Immunophysiology Research Group, Physiology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Isabel Gálvez
- Immunophysiology Research Group, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), 06080 Badajoz, Spain
- Immunophysiology Research Group, Nursing Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Eduardo Ortega
- Immunophysiology Research Group, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), 06080 Badajoz, Spain
- Immunophysiology Research Group, Physiology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - María Dolores Hinchado
- Immunophysiology Research Group, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Biosanitaria de Extremadura (INUBE), 06080 Badajoz, Spain
- Immunophysiology Research Group, Physiology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06071 Badajoz, Spain
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