Biological Mechanisms of Chronic Fatigue

[Wishful]

https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/50/6/1009/1786899

Not new (2011), but it seems like a good explanation for causes of fatigue. The article considers several mechanisms, but the strongest seems to be cytokines, particularly IL-1 and IL-6.

Simply measuring cytokine levels in CSF might not be enough to verify this hypothesis, since it could be a localized issue, or it could be altered sensitivity to the cytokines. One test that comes to mind: inject some PWME with the appropriate cytokines, and see if they feel that the effects are the same as their ME symptoms. Also, if there are suitable blockers available, see if those reduce the fatigue symptoms.

 

[Rufous McKinney]

Thanks for posting, quite interesting..and will take time to wade thru.

Imagine a day when- this type of review article is actually based on studying consistent patients who meet consistent criteria?

And we've just got to come up with non-subjective ways to measure- fatigue- mental cognitive for instance.

Is anyone looking at Executive Function..in the US?

 

[Wishful]

Yes, a reliable way to quantify central fatigue is needed. Watching mice run on a wheel or lick themselves just isn't adequate, and neither is a questionnaire about 'how tired do you feel?'.