Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating condition that affects a large number of people. Scientists around the world have been trying to understand the origin of the condition for years. And, despite various hypotheses being made, no one seems to have come up with a sensible answer. This is why there are currently no cures that actually work. On the other hand, a new study suggests that an overactive immune system may be behind the condition. Here is the detail of the discovery. What is chronic fatigue syndrome
It was part of the rare disease group, but there has been a huge increase in cases in recent years. The incidence is estimated at around 1% of the population, a percentage too high to be part of rare diseases. It is also commonly referred to as CFS, an acronym for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. And, as the name suggests, the main symptom is chronic fatigue that persists for at least six months. Following new studies, however, it was considered appropriate to rename the pathology Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), a term considered more correct than chronic fatigue syndrome. How myalgic encephalomyelitis arises
In reality, no one knows, although there is strong evidence that this can be triggered by a viral or bacterial infection. And indeed, in support of this hypothesis, there is a new study conducted by King’s College in London, which suggests that an overactive immune system is at the basis of it all. In practice, he would overreact following an infection (even if the disease seems to have already passed).
Chronic fatigue renamed “myalgic encephalomyelitis” Chronic fatigue syndrome, the first tests
“For the first time, we have shown that people who are prone to developing a CFS-like disease have an overactive immune system, both before and during an immune system challenge. Our findings suggest that people who have an exaggerated immune response to a trigger may be more at risk of developing CFS, ”explains study coordinator Alice Russell. The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Study
To reach similar conclusions, the research team of the University’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience recruited 55 patients who were given the drug interferon-alpha, generally used for the treatment of hepatitis C. such a medicine, and to activate the immune system just like a powerful infection would. The 18 patients who went on to develop chronic fatigue with symptoms suggestive of chronic fatigue syndrome / myalgic encephalomyelitis also had a stronger immune response when given the drug. Signs already evident
The 18 patients, even before the start of treatment, already had an overactive immune system. “The first step to identify who is at risk and to grasp the disease in its crucial early stages”, explains Dr. Carmine Pariante. «CFS / ME is a serious condition and its underlying biology is poorly understood. Encouragingly, this work highlights potential immune dysregulation mechanisms underlying the early stages of chronic fatigue syndrome. The MRC strongly encourages more research to better understand this condition in order to address an area of unmet clinical need, ”concludes Dr Neha Issar-Brown, of the Medical Research Council (MRC). Company that also funded the research.
