Disrupted immune signatures found in females with ME/CFS
US researchers found that female ME/CFS patients responded differently to an exercise challenge that stimulates PEM, compared to healthy females. They studied the RNA molecules in the cells (transcriptomics).
The ME/CFS patients did not show significant changes in gene expression, while the healthy patients did.
During the recovery period (commonly when PEM begins), the ME/CFS patients showed an abnormal immune and cellular response.
“The unique functional pathways identified provide a foundation for future research efforts into the disease, as well as for potential targeted treatment options.”
Stress-Induced Transcriptomic Changes in Females with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Reveal Disrupted Immune Signatures, by Derek J Van Booven, Jackson Gamer, Andrew Joseph, Melanie Perez, Oskar, Zarnowski, Meha Pandya, Fanny Collado, Nancy Klimas, Elisa Oltra and Lubov Nathanson in Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(3) [10.3390/ijms24032698]
Research abstract:
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic, complex multi-organ illness characterized by unexplained debilitating fatigue and post-exertional malaise (PEM), which is defined as a worsening of symptoms following even minor physical or mental exertion.
Our study aimed to evaluate transcriptomic changes in ME/CFS female patients undergoing an exercise challenge intended to precipitate PEM. Our time points (baseline before exercise challenge, the point of maximal exertion, and after an exercise challenge) allowed for the exploration of the transcriptomic response to exercise and recovery in female patients with ME/CFS, as compared to healthy controls (HCs).
Under maximal exertion, ME/CFS patients did not show significant changes in gene expression, while HCs demonstrated altered functional gene networks related to signaling and integral functions of their immune cells.
During the recovery period (commonly during onset of PEM), female ME/CFS patients showed dysregulated immune signaling pathways and dysfunctional cellular responses to stress. The unique functional pathways identified provide a foundation for future research efforts into the disease, as well as for potential targeted treatment options.
Health rising: Exercise triggers major immune system letdown in ME/CFS
