Abu dhabi: Researchers at the University of Edinburgh announced a groundbreaking discovery on Wednesday, revealing distinct differences in the DNA of individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), potentially shifting the perception of the condition away from psychological explanations.
According to Emirates News Agency, the study identified eight specific areas of genetic code that differ between individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and healthy volunteers. This marks the first significant evidence suggesting a genetic contribution to the likelihood of developing the disease, according to the researchers' statement.
The primary symptoms of ME/CFS include severe fatigue, pain, and cognitive difficulties, often exacerbated by minor physical or mental exertion. Despite affecting approximately 67 million people worldwide, the causes of ME/CFS remain largely unknown, with no diagnostic test or cure currently available.
The DecodeME study analyzed DNA samples from 15,579 individuals who self-reported chronic fatigue and 259,909 individuals without the condition, all of European descent. The study identified gene variants linked to the immune and nervous systems as more prevalent in individuals with ME/CFS.
Researchers found that at least two gene regions are related to the body's response to infection, supporting reports that ME/CFS symptoms often emerge following an infectious illness. Another identified gene region has been previously associated with chronic pain, a common symptom of ME/CFS.
Researcher Andy Devereux-Cooke emphasized the alignment of these findings with patient experiences over decades, suggesting they could significantly impact future ME/CFS research. However, he cautioned that while the results enhance understanding, they do not immediately lead to a test or cure.
Some scientists not involved in the study expressed concerns about its reliance on self-reported data rather than medically diagnosed participants, suggesting this could weaken the study's conclusions. They advocated for larger-scale studies to confirm the findings.
Dr. Jackie Cliff, a researcher in infection and immunity at Brunel University of London, stressed the need for substantial investment from academia and industry to transform these findings into new treatments for ME/CFS.