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New Study from the ME/CFS Collaborative Center at Uppsala: Altered Metabolic Pathways in ME/CFS

The Heart of the Matter

  • The ME/CFS Collaborative Center at Uppsala published an article on altered metabolic pathways in ME/CFS.
  • The tryptophan metabolic pathway is highly relevant to ME/CFS because of its roles in immune function, neurotransmission, and energy metabolism.
  • Untargeted and targeted analysis of metabolites revealed significant changes in metabolic networks of ME/CFS patients compared to healthy controls.
  • The modified metabolic networks indicate that an altered immune system response and oxidative stress contribute to the pathophysiology of ME/CFS.
The image depicts a grand building at Uppsala University, showcasing classic architectural design. The edifice features a symmetrical façade with arched windows on the ground floor and rectangular windows on the upper floors, all framed with decorative moldings.

The ME/CFS Collaborative Center at Uppsala, directed by Dr. Jonas Bergquist, recently published an article evaluating alterations in metabolic pathways, especially tryptophan, and their potential role in the pathophysiology of ME/CFS. This study used both targeted and untargeted approaches to measuring the metabolic networks in the plasma of 38 ME/CFS patients and 24 healthy controls.

 

The tryptophan metabolic pathway’s roles in immune function, neurotransmission, and energy metabolism have led to its specific investigation as a potential contributor to the pathophysiology of ME/CFS. One of tryptophan’s metabolites, kynurenine, performs immunosuppressive actions, while another, serotonin, helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. In addition, metabolites further down the metabolic pathway play a role in the synthesis of NAD+, which is necessary for energy metabolism. Given the immune system dysregulation, problems with sleep, and issues with energy metabolism seen in ME/CFS, alterations in the tryptophan metabolic pathway may provide a deeper understanding of the disease pathophysiology.

 

In this study, the team used both an untargeted and targeted approach to measuring metabolites to gain a more holistic picture of changes seen in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy controls. The untargeted analysis found significant alterations in the metabolic pathways of vitamin B3, arginine-proline, and aspartate-asparagine. 

 

For targeted analysis, the study team focused on tryptophan and its metabolites, tyrosine, phenylalanine, B vitamins, and hypoxanthine. This analysis revealed changes in the levels of 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine, hypoxanthine, and phenylalanine. Together, these analyses indicate that an altered immune system response and oxidative stress are important components of the pathophysiology of ME/CFS.

Read the full article in ACS Chemical Neuroscience here.

As we continue to explore critical questions about ME/CFS and Long COVID, your support is more vital than ever. Please consider donating today to help us advance our research initiatives and move closer to finding effective treatments for millions around the world.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME / CFS) Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), Fibromyalgia Leading Research. Delivering Hope.Open Medicine Foundation®

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