PATIENTS WITH CFS HAVE ALTERATIONS IN GENE EXPRESSION.
Dr Johnathan Kerr and others have analysed gene expression in blood cells using microarray. Genes showing differential expression were further analysed using Tagman real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
15 Genes were upregulated in patients with CFS compared to normal blood donors and 1 was downregulated. The genes affected suggest T cell activation and peturbation of neuronal and mitochondrial function. Some of the genes affected suggest links to organophosphate exposure and viral infection.
-- Journal of Clinical Pathology, 2005.
"The new research suggests that a physical cause such as a viral infection is more likely (than a psychological cause). It is hoped the study could bring new approaoches to treating the syndrome and end the long standing medical controversy over the its causes."
-- British Medical Journal website.
VIRUSES IN THE MUSCLES OF PEOPLE WITH ME HAVE BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH AN ABNORMAL RESPONSE TO EXERCISE
Dr Russel Lane, consultant neurologist at Charing Cross Hospital, Professor Len Archard of Imperial College and a team of other scientists supported by the CFS RESEARCH FOUNDATION have reported finding the presence of genetic material from viruses in the muscles of one in five people with ME. They have also found that these people produce an abnormal amount of lactic acid when they exercise.
According to Dr Shepherd of the MEA, "This is an important new UK study. It drives another nail into the flawed theory that graded exercise works for everybody with ME because their muscle weakness is solely due to inactivity".
BLOOD CIRCULATION IS ABNORMAL IN PEOPLE WITH ME
Dr Vance Spence and colleagues at Dundee University have been carrying out a series of experiments on blood vessels.They have been measuring skin blood flow in the forearm through laser Doppler imaging and have now published four papers with their results. The first paper showed that the blood flow in people with CFS is sensitive to a chemical transmitter called acetylcholine (Ach)which makes blood vessels dilate. This is unusual because all other diseases studied so far show a blunted response to ACh. The second study showed people with primary fibromyalgia didn't show this sensitivity. The third study looked at why the blood vessels in people with CFS were sensitive to ACh. It found that when ACh was applied it took longer for the blood flow to return to normal in people with CFS. This suggests that there may be a problem with the mechanisms in the body that break down ACh. The fourth study showed that peole with Gulf War syndrome and agricultural workers exposed to pesticides did not have this sensitivity. This shows that although there are many clinical similarities between these illnesses, they are different.
If there are problems with blood circulation as Dr Spence suggests this could account for the symptoms of faintness and low blood pressure many people with ME experience.
This research has been funded by MERGE, a very worthwhile national charity that funds ME research. See our links for more information or to give donations.
EXERCISE LOWERS PAIN THRESHOLD IN ME
Research by Dr Chaudhuri and neurological and physics colleagues at the University of Glasgow has shown that patients with ME are more sensitive to pain after exercise. This contrasted with healthy people in the study who were less sensitive to pain following exercise. Their pain threshold had become higher but the pain threshold of people with ME had become lower. Pain was measured in the skin web between thumb and index finger.
INCREASED CELL DEATH IN M.E.
Dr Gwen Kennedy and colleagues at Ninewells Medical School, Dundee, have shown evidence of increased programmed cell death in ME/CFS patients. Neutrophils are 50-60% of the circulating white blood cells. Damaged neutrophils are removed by a process called apoptosis. Dr Kennedy showed increased neutrophil apoptosis in patients with ME. This suggests a persisting or reactivating viral infection or toxic state. In its August 2004 edition, the British Medical Journal referred to this research and concluded, "Evidence is emerging that people with CFS have a detectable immunological abnormality." ME expert, Ellen Goudsmit says, "This is such an important paper. Show this report to any disbelieving doctor and watch their face!" Dr Kennedy is a MERGE research fellow. See our link for more information on MERGE.
BREAKTHROUGH IN GENE RESEARCH
The CFS Foundation has carried out a very important study on gene expresiion in the blood of patients with ME. Gene expression describes the behaviour of genes when attacked by infection or other disturbance. Some genes become very active while others shut down. The overactive genes produce chemicals which cause the symptoms of the illness.
The study analysed 9,522 genes. The genes of patients with ME showed problems in the immune system, in neurological function and in mitochondrial metabolism. Mitochondria are like batteries in cells.
The team will go on to examine all the genes in the human genome and to compare the genes of people with ME to people with other diseases in order to identify changes that are found only in ME. They will then aim to develop diagnostic tests and drug therapies. The blood of some patients will be sampled at monthly intervals over nine months to see the possible relationship between gene activity and the coming and going of symptoms.
Funding is urgently needed for this important research. Please sent donations to the CFS Foundation, 2 The Briiars, Sarratt, Rickmansworth, Herts WD3 6AU.
Other pages:
This is the text-only version of this page. Click here to see this page with graphics.
Edit this page |
Manage website
Make Your Own Website: 2-Minute-Website.com