Journal of IiME Volume 6 Issue 1 (June 2012) alterations in gene expression as compared with normal controls….Certain themes of gene activity are emerging, of which ‘immunity and defence’ is the most prominent. This supports previous findings on the role of the immune system in the maintenance of this disease….16 genes were shown to be expressed at very different levels in the (ME)CFS cases compared with the controls. These differentially expressed genes were involved in several processes, including the immune response, the mitochondria (or powerhouse of the cell), conversion of DNA to RNA (termed transcription) and conversion of RNA to protein (termed translation). Although this indicates a complex picture, it’s proof that (ME)CFS patients exhibit significant and reproducible differences in gene expression compared with controls….Knowledge of how a disease is caused can lead directly to design and utilisation of treatments to correct the abnormal processes, which can eventually lead to improvement or cure of the disease” (The CFIDS Chronicle, Spring 2006:8-11). 2006 At the Invest in ME Conference held on 12th May 2006 in London, expert speakers presented their work, including evidence from Dr Jonathan Kerr from St George’s University, London, that most of the abnormally expressed genes seen in (ME)CFS are involved in the immune system. The take-home message was: Since a prolonged inflammation is at the heart of this condition, all speakers advocated the use of the term Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, not Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, since most if not all illnesses cause ‘fatigue’ Inflammation is at the heart of ME – the immune system response is indicative of inflammation; inflammation is in the muscles and in the blood vessels The illness is not and never has been ‘all in the mind’ There is a genetic predisposition for ME Invest in ME (Charity Nr. 1114035) ME is a legitimate physical illness and patients are really ill – their immune, endocrine and neurological systems are compromised and they should not be made to exercise The truth about ME is already out there, so why does widespread ignorance and misinformation remain? (Co-Cure ACT; 17th May 2006). 2006 “The diagnostic criteria of CFS define a heterogeneous population composed of several subgroups. This study was designed to examine NK cell activity as a potential subgroup biomarker. The results (provide) evidence in support of using NK cell activity as an immunological subgroup marker in (ME)CFS. Improved treatment options will only come with better understanding of the syndrome’s underlying pathophysiology. The present study specifically investigated the existence of an immunological subgroup of CFS patients. Reduced NK cell activity may contribute to enhanced cytokine production. Given the role that NK cells play in targeting virally infected cells, a clinically significant reduction in NK cell activity may lead to activation of latent viruses and new viral infections. (ME)CFS is a misunderstood condition. Research in the last two decades has produced little advancement in the understanding of the pathophysiology of (ME)CFS. Unfortunately, this lack of progress seems to have further contributed to the belief among some members of the medical community that (ME)CFS is not an actual organic condition” (Scott D Siegel, Mary Ann Fletcher, Nancy Klimas et al. J Psychosom Res 2006:60:6:559-566). 2006 “(ME)CFS is a poorly defined medical condition which involves inflammatory and immune activation. The Type I interferon antiviral pathway has been repeatedly shown to be activated in the most afflicted patients. An abnormal truncated form of ribonuclease L (37kDa RNase L) is also found in (ME)CFS patients www.investinme.org Page 73 of 108
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