Mitochondrial dysfunctions in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome explained by activated immuno-inflammatory, oxidative and nitrosative stress pathways

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerwyn Morris ◽  
Michael Maes
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Nitrosative Stress ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Oxidative And Nitrosative Stress ◽  
Mitochondrial Dysfunctions ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome

scholarly journals Hypothesis: Mechanisms That Prevent Recovery in Prolonged ICU Patients Also Underlie Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic Stanculescu ◽  
Lars Larsson ◽  
Jonas Bergquist
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Collaborative Research ◽  
Nitrosative Stress ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Oxidative And Nitrosative Stress ◽  
Icu Patients ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome

Here the hypothesis is advanced that maladaptive mechanisms that prevent recovery in some intensive care unit (ICU) patients may also underlie Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Specifically, these mechanisms are: (a) suppression of the pituitary gland's pulsatile secretion of tropic hormones, and (b) a “vicious circle” between inflammation, oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS), and low thyroid hormone function. This hypothesis should be investigated through collaborative research projects.

scholarly journals Theory: Treatments for Prolonged ICU Patients May Provide New Therapeutic Avenues for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic Stanculescu ◽  
Lars Larsson ◽  
Jonas Bergquist
Keyword(s):  
Critical Illness ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Nitrosative Stress ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Metabolic Effects ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Icu Patients ◽  
Treatment Trials ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome

We here provide an overview of treatment trials for prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) patients and theorize about their relevance for potential treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Specifically, these treatment trials generally target: (a) the correction of suppressed endocrine axes, notably through a “reactivation” of the pituitary gland's pulsatile secretion of tropic hormones, or (b) the interruption of the “vicious circle” between inflammation, oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS), and low thyroid hormone function. There are significant parallels in the treatment trials for prolonged critical illness and ME/CFS; this is consistent with the hypothesis of an overlap in the mechanisms that prevent recovery in both conditions. Early successes in the simultaneous reactivation of pulsatile pituitary secretions in ICU patients—and the resulting positive metabolic effects—could indicate an avenue for treating ME/CFS. The therapeutic effects of thyroid hormones—including in mitigating O&NS and inflammation and in stimulating the adreno-cortical axis—also merit further studies. Collaborative research projects should further investigate the lessons from treatment trials for prolonged critical illness for solving ME/CFS.

scholarly journals A systematic review of nutraceutical interventions for mitochondrial dysfunctions in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebekah Maksoud ◽  
Cassandra Balinas ◽  
Sean Holden ◽  
Hélène Cabanas ◽  
Donald Staines ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Mitochondrial Targeting ◽  
Mitochondrial Dysfunctions ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Ebsco Host

Abstract Background Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating illness, characterised by persistent fatigue that is unrelieved by rest, in combination with a range of other disabling symptoms. There is no diagnostic test nor targeted treatment available for this illness. The pathomechanism also remains unclear. Mitochondrial dysfunctions have been considered a possible underlying pathology based on reported differences including structural and functional changes in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy controls. Due to the potential role that mitochondria may play in ME/CFS, mitochondrial-targeting nutraceutical interventions have been used to potentially assist in improving patient outcomes such as fatigue. The aim of this systematic review is to appraise literature assessing these nutraceuticals as a possible intervention for treating ME/CFS. Methods A systematic search of Pubmed, Embase, Medline (EBSCO host) and Web of Science (via Clarivate Analytics) for journal articles published between January 1995 and 10th November 2020 was conducted. Articles assessing nutraceutical interventions and ME/CFS patient outcomes were retrieved. Using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, the list of articles was further refined. Quality was measured using the Rosendal scale. Results Nine intervention studies were included in this review. The studies investigated patient symptom severity changes such as altered fatigue levels in response to mitochondrial-targeting nutraceuticals. Improvements in fatigue levels were observed in six of the nine studies. Secondary outcomes assessed include biochemical, psychological, and quality of life parameters. Conclusion There is insufficient evidence on the effectiveness of mitochondria- targeting nutraceuticals in ME/CFS patients. Future well-designed studies are required to elucidate both the involvement of mitochondria in the pathomechanism of ME/CFS and the effect of mitochondrial-modifying agents on illness severity.

scholarly journals Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): Major Impact on Lives of Both Patients and Family Members

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 43
Author(s):  
Esme Brittain ◽  
Nina Muirhead ◽  
Andrew Y. Finlay ◽  
Jui Vyas
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ◽  
World Health ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome

Background and objectives: To explore the impacts that Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) has on the patient and their family members using the WHOQOL-BREF (Abbreviated World Health Organisation Quality of Life questionnaire) and FROM-16 (Family Reported Outcome Measure-16) quality of life assessments. Materials and Methods: A quantitative research study using postal questionnaires was conducted. A total of 39 adult volunteers expressed an interest in participating in the study: 24 returned appropriately completed questionnaires. Patients with ME/CFS completed the WHOQOL-BREF and up to four of their family members completed the FROM-16 questionnaire. Results: ME/CFS negatively affects the quality of life of the patient (median scores WHOQOL-BREF: Physical health = 19, Psychological = 44, Social relationships = 37.5, Environment = 56, n = 24) and their family members’ quality of life (FROM-16: Emotional = 9.5, Personal and social = 11.5, Overall = 20.5, n = 42). There was a significant correlation between the patient’s reported quality of life scores and their family members’ mean FROM-16 total scores. Conclusions: This study identifies the major impact that having an adult family member with ME/CFS has on the lives of partners and of other family members. Quality of life of ME/CFS patients was reduced most by physical health compared to the other domains. Quality of life of family members was particularly impacted by worry, family activities, frustration and sadness. This highlights the importance of measuring the impact on the lives of family members using tools such as the FROM-16 in the ME/CFS clinical encounter and ensuring appropriate support is widely available to family members.

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