Recently published in Frontiers in Neuroscience; experts including Tiffany Lodge and Karl Morten shed light on the links between Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), Gulf War Syndrome (GWS), and Fibromyalgia (FM). These three chronic conditions share similar symptoms and currently lack reliable diagnostic tests. A key factor in these conditions appears to be oxidative stress, which can disrupt muscle energy production and lead to fatigue.
Studies have shown that patients with ME/CFS present with signs of energy production failure associated with muscle weakness, impaired cognition with evidence of increased oxidative stress liked to upregulation of antioxidant pathways.
Scientists are now using advanced research techniques like metabolic profiling and MRI to understand better why these elevated levels may lead to new treatment options for ME/CFS, GWS, and FM.
Research unlocks new insights
Interestingly, researchers have drawn comparisons between these conditions and Alzheimer's disease, which shares similar issues and energy dysfunction is also observed. In ME/CFS, patients also face challenges regarding physical activity; their bodies may not respond to exercise as effectively due to unknown mechanisms. This can lead to a worsening of symptoms known as post-exertional malaise (PEM), making it crucial for patients to manage their activities carefully.
Overall, the findings highlight the importance of understanding oxidative stress and energy dysregulation in ME/CFS, GWS, and FM. Researchers hope to develop better ways to support individuals living with these challenging conditions by exploring these connections.
Read the publication in full: "Dysregulation of lipid metabolism, energy production, and oxidative stress in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, Gulf War Syndrome and fibromyalgia"
Gov.uk delivery plan
The Government's interim plan for ME/CFS was released in December 2024, with a new delivery plan for ME/CFS due within the next few weeks.
Click here to read: My full reality: the interim delivery plan on ME/CFS
ITV news: "Not forgotten": Fresh hope for long Covid sufferers, five years on from pandemic | ITV News
On 11 March 2020, Becky Steed from Nottingham was working as a GP in the NHS. That was the day the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.
Becky continued her work on the frontline, until she contracted the virus, and her life has never been the same since. Sheis now one of around two million people in the UK living with long Covid. “I’ve been to some really dark places these last few years, really dark places” Becky told ITV News.
There is no cure for long Covid, but now groundbreaking research offers fresh hope. Becky is one of 70 people taking part in a study at the University of Derby.
Latest update - 22 April 2025
A proposal for an ME/CFS, Long Covid, and Post-Infectious Disease research platform