Named a dangerous consequence of chronic fatigue

CFS/ME manifests as extreme fatigue, cognitive impairment, and post-exertional malaise. Previously, this condition was considered a mental disorder, but current data shows that it is associated with physical metabolic disorders, inflammation, and tissue damage. The symptoms of the disease overlap with post-COVID syndrome, which confirms a possible connection with infections.

In the new study, scientists analyzed the blood of 56 patients with CFS/ME and 52 healthy volunteers from New York and California. Using molecular methods, they mapped the metabolome and proteome, and also assessed immune responses to microbial stimuli before and after physical exertion.

The results showed that in patients with CFS/ME, processes characteristic of chronic inflammatory diseases occur more actively in the body when exposed to pathogens: metabolic dysfunction, immune system failures, and tissue damage. Particularly pronounced changes were observed in women over 45 years of age with low levels of the sex hormone estradiol.

The authors of the work emphasize that understanding these mechanisms opens up possibilities for new approaches to treatment. Among the potential candidates for therapy are metformin, the cytokine IL-37, and the immunosuppressant rapamycin, which can reduce the pathological activity of innate immunity.

In addition, scientists note that prebiotics and probiotics that strengthen the intestinal barrier function and regulate inflammatory responses may be beneficial for patients with CFS/ME.