Journal of IiMER May 2025 Cell-Cell Communication: Marton Olbei’s research maps changes in cell communication during inflammation and infection, offering deeper insights into disease mechanisms. Computational Modelling: Dezso Modos applies advanced models to decipher complex biological networks and signalling pathways, enhancing understanding of disease dynamics and supporting novel therapeutic target identification. Recent studies show that ME/CFS, Gulf War Syndrome, and Fibromyalgia share metabolic disruptions, especially in lipid metabolism and energy production, alongside increased oxidative stress driving cellular damage and inflammation. Identifying reliable biomarkers is essential for earlier diagnosis and targeted therapies, with comprehensive metabolomic and proteomic analyses playing a vital role. Invest in ME Research’s focus on systems biology at BRMEC14 aims to help solve this continuing and devastating medical puzzle. By integrating computational, experimental, and clinical perspectives, systems biology stands to transform understanding of ME-from pathogenesis to treatment innovation. This holistic approach is crucial for addressing the variability and elusive nature of the disease. Long Covid and ME/CFS: Overlapping symptoms, shared research, and implications for diagnosis and treatment Long Covid and ME/CFS share striking similarities, necessitating research into their overlapping symptoms, shared biological mechanisms, and implications for diagnosis and treatment-hence their inclusion in the BRMEC14 colloquium. Both conditions, often triggered by viral infections, present with post-exertional malaise (PEM), profound fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and autonomic issues, complicating differential diagnosis. Recent studies suggest common pathophysiological pathways, including immune dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation, driving collaborative research. A 2023 study in Nature Reviews Microbiology noted that up to 50% of Long Covid patients meet ME/CFS diagnostic criteria, with PEM as a hallmark. Shared biomarkers-such as elevated cytokines, reduced natural killer cell function, and altered metabolomic profiles-point to common immune and metabolic deficits. For example, a 2024 NIH study identified T-cell exhaustion in both conditions, while metabolomic analyses reveal hypometabolism, suggesting potential diagnostic markers. These findings underscore the need for precise diagnostic tools to distinguish or co-diagnose the conditions, as misdiagnosis risks inappropriate treatment. Research synergies are accelerating progress. Long Covid’s global attention has boosted funding for ME/CFS. Trials targeting mitochondrial function, such as photobiomodulation (Quadram Institute, 2024), and immunomodulators like rapamycin (Mayo Clinic, 2025) show promise for both. BRMEC14 brings together researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates to discuss these advances. The focus on immunology, metabolomics, and patient-involved research provides a platform for sharing data, refining hypotheses, and planning multicentre studies, strengthening the ME/CFS research ecosystem. The implications are significant. Improved diagnostics could emerge from validated biomarkers, while shared treatment strategies may alleviate symptoms like PEM and fatigue. However, challenges remain, including heterogeneous patient cohorts and limited funding. BRMEC14 aims to foster collaboration and support efforts to translate research into better care for those with ME/CFS and Long Covid. Invest in ME Research Page 12 of 43
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