Genes Hold Clues About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Researchers from the University of New South Wales examined 6 million pieces of gene expression in a project known as Dubbo Infection Outcomes Study. Since 1999, the research team has been studying long-term health consequences of people infected with Ross River virus, Q fever infection, and Epstein-Barr virus which causes glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis). In the Dubbo study, people who recovered from glandular fever and those who went on to develop chronic fatigue syndrome were compared. Ultimately, the expression of 30,000 genes in the blood of 15 people tested 4 or 5 times over a 12-month period were analyzed.

The study, which was published in the July 1, 2007 issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases, revealed that 35 genes may hold clues about the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome. Lead researcher Andrew Lloyd reported that aside from genes related to neurotransmitters, others were related to zinc transport and other metal ions within cells, suggesting a problem with cellular function. Future research will focus on the 35 genes with the hope they will yield specific information about the disease process associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Related Resources:

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 101
• What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
• An In-Depth Report: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

~ By Carol & Richard Eustice, About.com Guides to Arthritis / Osteoarthritis

_{Photo © A.D.A.M.}