scholarly journals Changes in circulating microRNA after recumbent isometric yoga practice by patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an explorative pilot study

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shu Takakura ◽  
Takakazu Oka ◽  
Nobuyuki Sudo
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Mirna Expression ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Circulating Microrna ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Isometric Yoga

Abstract Background Yoga is a representative mind-body therapy. Our previous studies have demonstrated that isometric yoga (i.e. yoga programs that we developed so individuals can practice yoga poses with a self-adjustable isometric load) reduces the fatigue of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS); however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Several studies have suggested that the micro-ribonucleic acid (miRNA) expression of ME/CFS patients is different from that of healthy subjects. However, it has not to date been determined if the practice of isometric yoga can affect miRNA expression. Therefore, we sought to investigate if isometric yoga is associated with changes in the expression levels of serum miRNA of patients with ME/CFS. Methods The study included nine patients with ME/CFS who failed to show satisfactory improvement after at least 6 months of treatment administered at our hospital. Patients practiced recumbent isometric yoga for 3 months; they met with a yoga instructor every 2 to 4 weeks and participated in daily in-home sessions. The effect of recumbent isometric yoga on fatigue was assessed by comparing pre- and post-intervention scores on the Japanese version of the 11-item Chalder fatigue scale (CFQ 11). Patient blood samples were drawn pre- and post-intervention, just prior to practicing recumbent isometric yoga with an instructor. The serum was used for miRNA array analysis with known human miRNAs. Results The average CFQ 11 score decreased significantly (from 25.3 ± 5.5 to 17.0 ± 5.8, p <  0.0001) after practicing recumbent isometric yoga for 3 months. The miRNA microarray analysis revealed that four miRNAs were significantly upregulated, and 42 were downregulated after the intervention period. Conclusions This explorative pilot study is the first to demonstrate changes in the serum levels of several miRNAs after regular practice of recumbent isometric yoga. These miRNAs might represent biomarkers for the fatigue-relieving effects of isometric yoga of patients with ME/CFS. Trial registration University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN CTR) 000023472. Registered Aug 4, 2016.

scholarly journals Defining the prevalence and symptom burden of those with self-reported severe chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME): a two-phase community pilot study in the North East of England

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. e020775 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Jane Strassheim ◽  
Madison Sunnquist ◽  
Leonard A Jason ◽  
Julia L Newton
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Phase 2 ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Community Based Research ◽  
North East ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome

ObjectivesTo define the prevalence of severe chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and its clinical characteristics in a geographically defined area of Northern England. To understand the feasibility of a community-based research study in the severely affected CFS/ME group.DesignA two-phase clinical cohort study to pilot a series of investigations in participants own homes.SettingParticipants were community living from the area defined by the Northern clinical network of the UK.ParticipantsAdults with either a medical or a self-reported diagnosis of CFS/ME. Phase 1 involved the creation of a database. Phase 2: five participants were selected from database, dependent on their proximity to Newcastle.InterventionsThe De Paul fatigue questionnaire itemised symptoms of CFS/ME, the Barthel Functional Outcome Measure and demographic questions were collected via postal return. For phase 2, five participants were subsequently invited to participate in the pilot study.Results483 questionnaire packs were requested, 63 were returned in various stages of completion. 56 De Paul fatigue questionnaires were returned: all but 12 met one of the CFS/ME criteria, but 12 or 22% of individuals did not fulfil the Fukuda nor the Clinical Canadian Criteria CFS/ME diagnostic criteria but 6 of them indicated that their fatigue was related to other causes and they barely had any symptoms. The five pilot participants completed 60% of the planned visits.ConclusionsSeverely affected CFS/ME individuals are keen to participate in research, however, their symptom burden is great and quality of life is poor. These factors must be considered when planning research and methods of engaging with such a cohort.

scholarly journals Circulating extracellular vesicles as potential biomarkers in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: an exploratory pilot study

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 1453730 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús Castro-Marrero ◽  
Esther Serrano-Pertierra ◽  
Myriam Oliveira-Rodríguez ◽  
Maria Cleofé Zaragozá ◽  
Alba Martínez-Martínez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Potential Biomarkers

scholarly journals Potential benefits of a ketogenic diet to improve response and recovery from physical exertion in people with Myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): A feasibility study

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 33-39
Author(s):  
Jo Cossington ◽  
◽  
Dr. Shelly Coe ◽  
Yaomeng Liu ◽  
Helen Dawes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Ketogenic Diet ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ◽  
Exercise Stress ◽  
Metabolic Abnormalities ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Low Carbohydrate Diet ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome

Background: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) affects approximately 250,000 people in the UK. The condition varies in severity causing long-term physical and cognitive fatigue which is not alleviated by rest. Whilst the pathology is not understood, recent evidence suggests metabolic abnormalities may be associated with the manifestation of symptoms, particularly involving the metabolism of glucose and energy production. The use of ketone bodies as an alternative energy substrate may be beneficial to people with ME/CFS, in order to by-pass the glycolytic pathway, enhance energy production and reduce fatiguing outcomes. Study Design and Methods: Using a pragmatic collective case study with repeated measures methodology we investigated the feasibility of following a ketogenic diet and potential effects of the high fat, low carbohydrate diet on response to physical activity in people with ME/CFS (n=3) and healthy controls (n=3) using a submaximal exercise stress test both with and without dietary intervention. Exercise tolerance (mins), rate of oxygen consumption (VO2) to workload (75W), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), rate of perceived effort (RPE) and lactate response were measured throughout and descriptive statistics performed. Results: We found that the ketogenic diet was followed, with compliance higher in the pwME/CFS. Variations in response following the ketogenic diet was observed across individuals in minutes performed, VO2, HR, RER, and RPE post diet but the KD only limited exercise capacity in the control individuals. Individuals responded differently to the KD but group trends have been reported as means and standard deviation. The KD resulted in a decrease in RER at submax in the controls with a mean change of 0.07 from baseline (0.86 ± 0.1) to post intervention (0.79 ± 0.1) compared to a mean change of 0.02 in the ME/CFS from baseline (1.03 ± 0.1) to post intervention (1.01 ± 0.1). A decrease in VO2 (L/min) at submax showed a mean change of 0.06 (L/min) in the pwME/CFS at baseline (1.34 ± 0.1) to post intervention (1.27 ± 0.2) compared to a mean change of 0.07 (L/min) in the controls at baseline (1.40 ± 0.3) to post intervention (1.33 ± 0.2). HR (bpm) at submax decreased in all individuals, with a mean change of 4 (bpm), with pwME/CFS at baseline (139 ± 8.2) to post intervention (135 ± 14) and control individuals at baseline (107 ± 7.8) to intervention (103 ± 3.2). RPE at submax decreased in the pwME/CFS from baseline (6 ± 1.0) to post intervention (5 ± 2.1) whereas the controls increased from baseline (2 ± 1.0) to post intervention (3 ± 1.5). Conclusion: Our observations suggest individualised but metabolic flexibility in healthy individuals is achievable via dietary manipulation showing the ability to switch from glucose to fats under controlled conditions. The different response in substrate utilisation in individuals with ME/CFS suggests that potential metabolic abnormalities may be present in ME/CFS. Further investigation is now warranted in order to assess whether the KD is beneficial for people with ME/CFS

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