Research Brief
Researchers behind a new study say they've discovered post-exercise differences in genetic expression that meet criteria for an objective biomarker for a subgroup of chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). They also say data show two distinct subgroups of ME/CFS and also differentiate fibromyalgia (FMS) from both ME/CFS and healthy controls.
Researchers analyzed blood samples before exercise to get a baseline, then took samples again half an hour, 8 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours after moderate exercise (maintaining maximum heart rate for 20 minutes.) They were looking for changes in genes that deal with sensory fatigue and muscle pain, which are common post-exercise symptoms of ME/CFS. The found that:
- 71% of the ME/CFS group (34 of 48) had increased expression of 4 genes dealing with sensory and adrenergic receptors and cytokines for 48 hours after exercise;
- Those with the largest change in genetic expression also had the largest increase in post-exercise symptoms;
- The other 29% of the ME/CFS group (14 of 48) did not show the above changes but did have a decrease in expression of the adrenergic α-2A receptor;
- This group had significantly more orthostatic intolerance (dizziness upon standing) than the first group;
- Healthy controls and people with FMS had no post-exercises changes in the genes that were studied;
- However, those with FMS had baseline elevations in 3 genes -- 2 sensory ion channels and 1 cytokine -- that were not found in the other groups.
These differences in genetic expression could help explain post-exertional malaise (PEM), which is considered the hallmark symptom of ME/CFS. PEM causes a marked upswing in symptoms after exertion, and for some people it takes very little exertion -- such as taking a shower or walking to the mailbox -- to trigger this symptom. In the most severe cases, even sitting up for a few minutes can lead to PEM.
FMS involves a similar but generally less-severe reaction to over exertion or stressful events, and these genetic abnormalities could help shed light on this as well.
Researchers concluded that these findings could help establish an objective biomarker for diagnosing at least 1 subgroup of ME/CFS, guide treatment for both identified ME/CFS subgroups, and differentiate FMS from ME/CFS.
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That is wonderful! I think many people with fibromyalgia also wonder if they have ME/CFS and it sounds like this could make sure they’re diagnosed correctly.
The endurance of the long-distance runner and the short- burst of energy experienced by the sprinter are genetic in nature.
Slow-twitch muscle fibers like those of the long-distance runner use large amount of energy slowly so that you can work out for a long time without getting tired. Slow fibers use oxygen-using (aerobic) pathways for activities that require endurance. All sorts of endurance activities such as marathons rely on slow-twitch muscles.
Fast-twitch muscle fibers found in sprinters use small amounts of energy quickly. Fast fibers use sugars for fuel and do not require oxygen. It gives you the ability run fast, but for short distances.
So, the amount of endurance you have may come down to; were you born to be a long-distance runner or a sprinter? Maybe, some of us were never meant to be long-distance runners; trying to do so may have contributed to our illness.
Did you always have the ability to just keep going and going and going, or have you always had to sit-back and re-charge your batteries?
I was a “going and going and going” person. Slept five hours most nights and managed children, work, study, volunteering, etc. Then I wound down dramatically and now struggle with very ordinary tasks. So in my case I would argue for a physiological change rather than a lifetime pattern.
Like others have said, I was a going, going, going person before this also. That is one of the things that makes this illness so frustrating.
Well, trick question.
I could NEVER run a marathon. I couldn’t sprint either. Running (long or short) was never in my repertoire.
However, I COULD go and go and go. I would often work 18-20 hour days, 7-days a week, with no vacations, holidays, or sick days. Just long grueling days working animals, riding and exercising them, throwing hay bales, mucking stalls, putting up tents, etc. But ask me to run and forget it. I couldn’t do the aerobics.
no, behaviour does not contribute to this disease. That is fully as nonsensical as as it would be to say that behavior contributes to, for example, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Lupus, epilepsy, or cystic fibrosis.
science only: Many, many people with CFS said their illness began after some form of strenuous exercise or pushing themselves too hard including myself. So, unless you can absolutely prove otherwise, I wouldn’t be so quick to jump to any conclusions about this illness.
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Rachael said: Thanks kev, I will take a look at Professor Staines’s theory. My CFS was triggered after intense aerobic exercise, pushing myself beyond my limit, but I have known others who swear they became ill after a virus Another acquaintance of mine said she became ill after taking a course of antibiotics; the genetic predisposition and many triggers.
November 4, 2010 at 9:57 pm
kev said: Very interesting Rachael I too was an avid exerciser, but it was something that I’d done for most of my life represented Australia for cycling etc… and around the time of all these symptoms starting, I’d been putting some very heavy training session on an indoor trainer, almost with the feeling of overheating even though drinking plenty and fan for cooling but having said this I’d also taken more than my fair share of anitbiotics over the years, so who really knows, it’s like Dr Staines mentions for some the trigger could be different but same end result which is quite feasable when you check out his theory, like having a car crash there are several ways it could happen but always ends up with damage. Cheers.
November 7, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Comments from:
http://chronicfatigue.about.com/b/2010/11/02/overview-of-xmrv-research-chronic-fatigue-syndrome.htm#comments
Behavior COULD be a factor if that behavior includes stress. STRESS has as a physiological change on our bodies. With stress, certain chemicals are released into our systems. That’s not to say stress causes the illness, but it can trigger what may already be genetically possible.
I was diagnosed with Fibro 10 years ago. I used to be able to work out in my yard for many hours at a time and not have to take a break. Now, I can pull weeds, etc for about an hour and I’m totally sore and exhausted. I have to take a break and sit down for at least 1/2 hour to just partially recharge my batteries so I can just finish what I was doing. I saddens me to think that I can’t do what I used to and have to settle for what I can just do now.
Dee M, I know you don’t consider yourself lucky, but I would be thrilled to be able to pull weeds for an hour and recharge after a half an hour, and then finish the task. It is so much more than I can do. Taking a shower some days is about it for me.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome causes some patients to be bedridden; others consider themselves fortunate if they can work or attend school at least part time, since any exertion typically worsens their symptoms. Many are denied disability insurance benefits because doctors and employers believe they are lazy or have a mental illness rather than a serious physical condition.
I am so glad that someone has done this research. Sometimes I feel like my fatigue is all in my head and that people don’t believe that I actually do get exhausted after minimal workout/activity. This comes at a time when I’ve been super exhausted and it’s been relentless, no matter how much I sleep, I still feel the same.
Do others feel extra drained in the summer when the temperatures soar? I’ve always had problems, since I was a little kid, with heat and overheating. I get so tired SO fast. It’s to the point of being unbearable. If i’m outside in 90 deg heat for 5 minutes, it drains all of my energy, and I’m done for the day!
I also am extra drained with heat. Even pre-CFS, I wasn’t good in the heat, although obviously with CFS it’s much worse. Drains my energy and also brings on headaches and migraines much easier, especially with any exertion in the heat.
Re the above comments, pre-CFS, I was literally a sprinter rather than a long-distance runner in athletics. But everyday I had sufficient stamina to keep going all day, no problem.
I used to love summertime, couldn’t wait to be in the sun all day. Now with FMS and CFS I can’t stand to be in the heat, it exhausts me to no end. I can walk out in the yard and back and I’m so tired I have sit down. I was always active and wanted to be busy busy all the time. Now I do well to go to work and back, it’s getting to be too much for me.
Ive been diagnosed with FM/CFS/ME and Osteoporosis – but I do wonder whether my Dr is covering himself because he thinks they are all the same thing.
I suffer severely and cannot work and get exhausted walking across the room if I can walk. I have 3 points of excruciating pain but no real diagnosis of what is causing the pain. All put down to FM and probably the other diagnosis might be a cause according to dr.
I am very interested to know the differences and can you suffer from all?
That’s me, showers and walking to the mailbox!
Ditto!!!!!!!!!! I hear you. I take baths 99% of the time so I can sit down and the heat and changes in temperature also affect me. The other day I had a quick shower and did okay, so a day ago I tried another shower and let’s just say I won’t be doing that again for a loooooong while.
Amazing findings, I have been diagnosed with both and have often wondered. I always described the fibro as pain with a little tiredness and a lot of virus type illness, (sensitization and cytokines) and the CFIDS as profound fatique and weakness, almost ’supernatural’ with a little pain. I can tell the difference when one or the other flares! Can’t wait to hear more about this.
The potential for proper diagnosis as a result of this research is exciting.