Understanding Myalgic Encephalomyelitis – Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Long COVID have overlapping presentation
Dr Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik and Dr Natalie Eaton-Fitch from Griffith University, on the Gold Coast in Australia, say there is a significant overlap in symptoms and possibly the underlying processes in ME and LC. Lessons should be learned from understanding ME:
An important research challenge is the lack of a validated biomarker, laboratory-based test, and animal model, likely attributed to inconsistency in protocols, such as cell isolation, sample type, and technique. These challenges provide important lessons for research of Long Covid.
By developing interdisciplinary and consistent research protocols, the pathomechanism of ME/CFS and Long Covid can be elucidated. The recent interest in the overlap that exists between ME/CFS and Long Covid poses several questions, such as whether Long Covid predisposes a person to ME/CFS, and whether an individual has Long Covid or ME/CFS.
Pathomechanism – the process by which a disease or illness occurs. [Wiki]
Research into the etiology of ME/CFS and Long Covid should simultaneously identify the mechanism and diagnostic approach to both. ME/CFS poses a substantial health concern and has recently been taken more seriously since the emergence of Long Covid, and renewed focus on diagnostic, research, and treatment practices is needed.
Proposed mechanisms underlying ME/CFS
Proposed mechanisms underlying ME/CFS
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) presents as a range of symptoms that affect multiple organ systems. Enteric dysbiosis, neurological and immune dysfunction, as well as impaired mitochondrial function are implicated in the pathomechanism of ME/CFS. These symptoms also occur in Long Covid, although with differing prevalence.
Read more about the nature of ME/CFS:
Understanding myalgic encephalomyelitis – Myalgic encephalomyelitis and Long Covid have overlapping presentation, by Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik and Natalie Eaton-Fitch in Science Vol 377, Issue 6611 pp. 1150-1151, 8 Sep 2022 [DOI: 10.1126/science.abo1261]
The authors:
Professor Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik Dr Natalie Eaton-Fitch more research
Comments:
Medscape: Post-COVID Fatigue, Exercise Intolerance Signal ME/CFS
