Researchers have identified a link between genes and chronic fatigue syndrome

• All genetic regions associated with ME/CFS have been identified.
• The research underscores the importance of genetic factors in the development of the disease.
• Further studies are needed to improve diagnostics.

Researchers have identified the first preliminary evidence that genes influence the likelihood of developing myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a disease that has long been ignored by the medical community.

Results from a global study, which is the largest in terms of scale, indicated that all human genetic variants significantly differ in people diagnosed with ME/CFS compared to those who do not have this condition.

This discovery suggests that certain genetic variants, prevalent in the population, increase the risk of developing the disease, although many people with these variants do not develop it.

Professor Chris Ponting, one of the researchers of the DecodeME project at the University of Edinburgh, referred to the results as a "signal of hope," indicating that genetic factors could "shift the balance" regarding the development of ME/CFS.

The research was conducted on 15,579 DNA samples from 27,000 people with ME/CFS and over 250,000 individuals without this condition. All identified genetic variants were associated with the immune and nervous systems.

Among the symptoms of ME/CFS are extreme fatigue, problems with sleep, "brain fog," and exacerbation of symptoms after physical or psychological exertion, referred to as post-exertional malaise.

The research underscores the importance of further studies to develop diagnostic tests or screenings for identifying individuals at high risk of developing ME/CFS. Researchers believe that these results could improve patient care and restore trust in patients.

Additionally, the research did not identify genetic reasons why ME/CFS is more frequently diagnosed in women, where the ratio is 4:1. Researchers also did not find genetic links between ME/CFS and long COVID.

The head of the organization Action for ME, Sonya Chowdhury, noted that the results are significant and could change the status of the disease.

Tags: Research