Genetic Factors in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
On days like last week when I was sick with a bad sinus cold, the exhaustion made me wonder how chronically ill people manage to make it through the day. Sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, not only experience low energy levels that sometimes make it impossible to even get out of bed, they have had to endure the disbelief and unhelpful attitudes of healthcare providers. Recent studies of gene expression in white blood cells may provide a clue as to the causes and mechanisms of CFS. (Times Online, July 21, 2005)
Viruses, environmental toxins, and chemical imbalances in the brain have all been implicated in CFS. Scientists at Imperial College, London, compared gene expression patterns in white blood cells (which function primarily in the immune system) between 25 CFS patients and 25 non-CFS patients. Among the thousands of genes screened, 35 appeared to behave differently in people with CFS; 15 were up to four times more active in CFS patients. Many of the genes affect the functioning of mitochondria–energy-generating powerhouses in cells–and their dysfunction could lead to a reduction of the energy needed to maintain our body’s homeostasis.
Dr. Jonathan Kerr said the results support a theory that the condition is often triggered by viruses such as Epstein-Barr, Q fever, enteroviruses and parvovirus B19, which causes lasting changes in gene expression that lead to chronic fatigue.
Despite the debilitating symptoms of CFS, many people have co-existed with the disease and achieved great things. Bestselling author of Seabiscuit, Laura Hillenbrand, has had CFS for over 15 years. Read about her battle with CFS even while she was writing her book at ImmuneSupport.com.
