Back to search

BEHANDLING-God og treffsikker diagnostikk, behandling og rehabilitering

Disease mechanisms in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME): an integrated, translational approach

Alternative title: null

Awarded: NOK 7.6 mill.

The first aim of the project was to explore cognitive alterations among adolescents suffering from the chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The methods consist partly of specific cognitive test, and partly of functional imaging of the brain (fMRI). We compare the patient group with healthy controls of similar age. This comparison showed that the CFS patients suffers from attenuated cognitive functions, as well as functional alterations of brain Activity, in particular in the insula region. The latter alterations, in turn, was Associated With clinical symptoms, such as fatigue. The second aim of the project was to explore molecular disease mechanism among adolescents suffering from the chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This part of the project also implies comparing CSF patients with healthy controls. We performed a complete mapping of Whole blood gene expression in patients and controls; this Method is called RNA sequencing and results in large amount of data, requiring in turn bioinformatic analyses. The analyses revealed differential expression of 176 genes; the expression pattern suggested upregulation of innate immunity responses and attenuation of B cell differentiation and survival among patients. This pattern, in turn, was Associated with markers of endocrine and autonomic nervous system function.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or myalgic encephalomyelitis is a long-lasting, disabling condition, representing a strong burden on patients and society. It is also a notable women's disease. Treatment options are sparse, and no diagnostic test is availab le. Further exploration of disease mechanism is a first, necessary step to improve this situation. Previous research at our institution suggested a 'sustained arousal' model of disease mechanisms in CFS, ie. a complex interaction of genetics, infections , cognitions, autonomic nervous activity, endocrinology and immunity. The 'sustaind arousal' model provides the basis for the NorCAPITAL project, which consists of a) a case-control study of disease mechanisms, and b) an double-blind, randomized, placebo- controlled trial of clonidine. This application focuses on a), with a particular emphasis on cognitive and immune alterations. Due to partial funding, NorCAPITAL has already been implemented. 120 CFS patients 12-18 years of age has been enrolled and ran domized to 9 weeks of treatment with clonidine/placebo. 70 healthy controls having similar age- and gender distribution have been enrolled. All acquisition of material will be completed by November 2012. This application focuses on analyses related to -Ge netic/epigenetic markers: SNPs, DNA-methylation, histone modification -Microbiological assessment: PCR and serology -Cognitive tests: Executive functions -Brain fMRI -Endocrine assessment: HPA axis and catecholamines -Autonomic assessment: Cardiovascular autonomic control -Immune assessment: Plasma cytokines, lymphocyte global gene expression -Symptoms: Questionnaires. -Activity recordings: Accelerometer The project addresses a highly prioritized area of research, nationally as well as internationally , and provides a basis for further development of diagnostics and therapies. The project will results in two PhD-theses and several international scientific publications.

Publications from Cristin

No publications found

No publications found

No publications found

No publications found

Funding scheme:

BEHANDLING-God og treffsikker diagnostikk, behandling og rehabilitering