Marker Genes May Provide Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosis
Is this finally the key to a diagnostic test for chronic fatigue syndrome?
Japanese researchers say they've identified 12 genes that have significantly altered levels of messenger RNA in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. (Messenger RNA, or mRNA, is a type of genetic material that uses DNA information to help cells make necessary proteins.)
Of the 12 genes, researchers successfully identified what 9 of them were doing, and they linked them to T cells and natural killer cells (believed to be involved in chronic fatigue syndrome), energy regulators, and numerous other cellular processes you need an advanced degree to understand. (In other words, it's so far over my head that I'm not even going to try explaining it!)
In this small study, researchers say genetic testing correctly identified chronic fatigue syndrome 94% of the time.
Yep, 94%! Not bad, if it holds true in larger studies. Certainly, it's a lot more to go on that a doctor's educated guess. A better method of diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome would help legitimize the illness and lessen the stigma, cut down on misdiagnoses, and help a lot with disability claims.
Of course, it's not time to do a victory dance - word of a possible diagnostic test in the works comes out a few times a year, and so far none has panned out. We've had a lot of exciting discoveries lately, though, and I'm determined to remain cautiously optimistic that we're finally getting somewhere.
What do you think? Is this one more glimmer of hope that you expect to die out, or do you think researchers are figuring out this puzzle? Share your thoughts here or in About.com's Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome forum.
Comments
I remain optimistic as I see more and more evidence of a means of diagnosing our disorder. Yes, these come up from time to time. But my gut tells me we are finally making significant headway. We still have a long road to travel but I think we can be optimistic that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel albeit a tiny light.
Nancy
94% is wonderful. It’s a breakthrough and will definitely be an asset to those who apply for disability. My concern is, while they know genetically where the problem lay…how do they intend to make their findings work to help the symptoms? That’s what i’m waiting to see.
Wait a minute lets not get into this marker gene crap until we find out a little more about viruses which we still know verry little about.It`s a little like going from basic Math. to Trigonometry with out taking Algebra
John,
Yes, we absolutely need to keep looking for viral causes, but we also need diagnostic tests ASAP. Also, genetics helps explain why some people get ME/CFS from a virus when other people don’t. They’re both essential areas of research for diagnostics, treatments, causes … and maybe someday, prevention and cures.