Its biology and potential causes involve a combination of immune, neurological, metabolic, and genetic factors.
This phenomenon which increased conspicuously due to the SARS2-Cov vaccination programs all over the globe is a fuzzy creature. The background narrative given by natural science is counterproductive for increasing our knowledge about this illness and so explore further therapeutic paths.
Without changing the underlying metaphor of cause and effect as explanatory model for this chronic illness, we shall end up in the desert as applies to all other chronic diseases that are scaringly on the rise.
• Chronic Inflammation:
Persistent immune activation is a hallmark of ME/CFS. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β and IL-18, have been observed, along with activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome [1][3].
• Microbial Triggers:
ME/CFS often follows infections (viral, bacterial, or parasitic), suggesting immune dysfunction as a key factor. Pathogens may persist intracellularly, evading immune surveillance through molecular mimicry and causing chronic immune activation [1][6].
And here we are having the narrative wonderfully pronounced, Just analysing or explaining the term mimicry is an article per se and mirrors our outdated scientific views. leading into a deadlock.
• Gut Dysbiosis:
Alterations in the gut microbiome and elevated levels of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the blood contribute to systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation [1][5].
• Neuroinflammation:
Evidence suggests neuroinflammation in cortical and limbic regions of the brain, potentially driven by microglial activation. This may explain cognitive dysfunction ("brain fog") and sensory hypersensitivity [2][3].
• Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction:
Dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system leads to symptoms such as orthostatic intolerance and abnormal heart rate responses during physical activity [2][5].
• Structural and Functional Brain Abnormalities:
Imaging studies reveal changes in brain metabolism, including reduced serotonin transporters and altered neurovascular coupling [2].
• Energy Production Deficits:
ME/CFS patients exhibit impaired mitochondrial respiration and reduced ATP production in various cell types (e.g., neutrophils, lymphoblasts). This contributes to low energy levels and fatigue[1][3].
• Oxidative Stress:
Damaged mitochondria release reactive oxygen species (ROS), exacerbating oxidative stress and further impairing mitochondrial function[1].
The mitochondria are the core unit of energy production.
• Impaired Glycolysis: Reduced glycolysis has been observed in immune cells such as CD8+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, leading to decreased cellular energy reserves [1].
• Coenzyme Q10 Deficiency:
Lower plasma CoQ10 levels have been associated with fatigue severity in ME/CFS patients [1].
• Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis Dysfunction: Chronic stress may lead to hypocortisolism (low cortisol levels), impairing the body's ability to regulate inflammation and stress responses [1][4].
• Growth Hormone Abnormalities: Dysfunctional adrenergic metabolism and growth hormone secretion may also contribute to fatigue and other symptoms [4].
The cycles of balancing the metabolism
• Genetic predispositions may influence susceptibility to ME/CFS by affecting immune function, mitochondrial efficiency, or stress response pathways. Altered microRNA profiles have been identified as potential biomarkers for the disease[1][7].
• Environmental factors like physical trauma, stress, or toxin exposure may interact with genetic vulnerabilities to trigger ME/CFS onset [7].
• Dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system reduces cardiopulmonary capacity and alters blood flow autoregulation, leading to tissue hypoxia and exercise intolerance[1][5].
[1] Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Frontiers https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1386607/full
[2] Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myalgic_encephalomyelitis/chronic_fatigue_syndrome
[3] Current Research Provides Insight into the Biological Basis and ... https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6787691/
[4] Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557676/
[5] America: 'ME/CFS is unambiguously biological, with multiple organ ... https://meassociation.org.uk/2024/03/america-me-cfs-is-unambiguously-biological-with-multiple-organ-systems-affected-dr-avindra-nath/
[6] Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6787585/
[7] Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: the biology ... https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38887284/
[8] Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360490