Category Archives: News
FM and CFS: underlying biology
Article abstract: There is an increasing interest in understanding the biological mechanism underpinning fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Despite the presence of mixed findings in this area, a few biological systems have been consistently involved, and the increasing number … Continue reading
Muscle cell abnormalities in CFS: AMPK & IL6
Research abstract: Background: Post exertional muscle fatigue is a key feature in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Abnormalities of skeletal muscle function have been identified in some but not all patients with CFS. To try to limit potential confounders that might … Continue reading
Mindfulness as effective as anti-depressants for depression
From the BBC website: A mindfulness-based therapy could offer a “new choice for millions of people” with recurrent depression, a Lancet report suggests. Scientists tested it against anti-depressant pills for people at risk of relapse and found it worked just … Continue reading
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentration may not be depressed in CFS
Research abstract: Due to its effect on the central nervous system, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been hypothesized to be involved in a number of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Recently, BDNF was also reported to be significantly lower in patients … Continue reading
Computer simulation explores cause for exercise intolerance in ME/CFS
Research abstract: Post-exertional malaise is commonly observed in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, but its mechanism is not yet well understood. A reduced capacity for mitochondrial ATP synthesis is associated with the pathogenesis of CFS and is suspected to … Continue reading
Inflammatory hypothesis of mood spectrum
Review abstract OBJECTIVES: The present paper aimed at reviewing literature data on the inflammatory hypothesis of mood spectrum, as well as the overlapping features with some chronic rheumatologic disorders, in particular fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. METHODS: A literature search … Continue reading
Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants
Research abstract: In 1964, Miyoshi reported a series of patients with diverse symptoms after receiving treatment with silicone or paraffin fillers. Miyoshi named this condition ‘human adjuvant disease’. Since then, the literature has been flooded with case reports and case … Continue reading
Review of exercise therapy studies
Review abstract BACKGROUND: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterised by persistent, medically unexplained fatigue, as well as symptoms such as musculoskeletal pain, sleep disturbance, headaches and impaired concentration and short-term memory. CFS presents as a common, debilitating and serious health … Continue reading
Immune biomarkers discussion
A team of American scientists discuss Prof Mady Hornig’s recent research on immune signatures in ME/CFS. They review identification of immune biomarkers in CFS/ME patients, and how a cell nuclease controls the innate immune response to vaccinia virus infection. [Introductions last about … Continue reading
Appropriate management of FM & CFS can give moderate improvements
Research abstract: Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome represent two of the most commonly encountered functional somatic syndromes in clinical practice. Both have been contentious diagnoses in the past, and this diagnostic dispute has resulted in a therapeutic nihilism that has … Continue reading
