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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome May Have a Significant Genetic Influence.

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Chronic fatigue syndrome has multiple influencing factors, with genetics starting to emerge as a key player.

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Recent research is illuminating how genetics contributes to the development of chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS). This latest study, the most extensive of its kind to date, identifies over 250 genes, significantly outpacing previous discoveries. The findings paves the way for targeted treatments for ME/CFS and enriches our understanding of how it varies from conditions like long COVID-19.

“We are exploring numerous possibilities, including new treatment options and repurposing existing medications,” remarks Steve Gardner of Precision Life in Oxford.

ME/CFS is a chronic and often debilitating illness characterized primarily by severe fatigue following even minor exertion. The cause is often linked to infections, yet not every individual exposed to these infections goes on to develop symptoms.

To deepen the understanding of this condition, Gardner’s team analyzed genomic information from over 10,500 individuals diagnosed with ME/CFS. This data originated from the DecodeME project, which notably found that patients with ME/CFS possess distinct genetic characteristics when compared to individuals without the disorder.

Subsequently, Gardner and colleagues cross-referenced this data with information from the UK Biobank, focusing on genetic variations known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which occur when one letter of the genetic code is altered.

While traditional analyses often evaluate one SNP at a time, Gardner notes, “The complexity of disease biology doesn’t operate that way. Multiple genes interact, with some enhancing and others diminishing each other’s effects.”

In a different approach, the researchers sought groups of SNPs linked to the risk of developing ME/CFS, uncovering 22,411 such groups drawn from 7,555 combinations of SNPs, out of an extensive dataset of over 300,000. They also discovered that individuals with a higher count of these SNP groups faced an increased likelihood of developing ME/CFS.

“This is where their progress begins,” adds Jacqueline Cliff from Brunel University, London.

The researchers proceeded to map the SNPs to 2,311 genes. Each gene plays a subtle role in an individual’s risk, culminating in the identification of 259 “core” genes that had a robust association with ME/CFS and contained the most frequently observed SNPs. This represents a profound advancement from the earlier August study, which identified only 43 genes.

“For drug discovery, it’s essential to focus on variants with greater prevalence and significant effect sizes,” Gardner states. While there are currently no specific medications for ME/CFS, symptomatic treatments like pain relievers and antidepressants may be offered, along with resources for energy management.

Danny Altman, a professor at Imperial College London, expresses optimism that investigations like this will highlight the severe impact of ME/CFS, a condition that has long been misunderstood. “We are gaining momentum in understanding genomics and pathophysiology.”

Previous studies have sought to pinpoint genetic risk factors for ME/CFS, but often duplicated findings. “It’s primarily about scale and statistical power,” explains Altman, emphasizing that inadequate sample sizes can overlook significant genetic signals.

In August, DecodeME researchers indicated several mutations in eight genomic regions, identifying 43 genes with links to ME/CFS risk, though not all could be validated in independent datasets. Nevertheless, PrecisionLife verified all eight regions, reinforcing their status as legitimate risk factors for the ailment.

ME/CFS is frequently compared to long COVID, given that both arise from infections and frequently result in post-exertional fatigue. In this recent study, researchers aimed to explore the connections between these conditions by analyzing gene lists associated with ME/CFS against those linked with long COVID-19. “Approximately 42 percent of the genes identified in long COVID-19 have been demonstrated in multiple cohorts of ME,” Gardner observes, underscoring the partially overlapping nature of these two diseases.

Despite this, Cliff cautioned that differing analyses of long COVID patients limit researchers’ confidence in the outcomes. The authors indicate that their genetic overlap findings represent a “minimal estimate,” implying a greater genetic similarity than previously assumed between these conditions.

Altman and his colleagues, including Rosemary Boyton, have recently secured £1.1 million in funding to explore the potential links between ME/CFS and long COVID-19. The focus will be on recruiting individuals with both conditions to conduct a comprehensive analysis that includes an overview of participants’ health, the immune system, and aspects such as latent viruses within the body and gut microbiome, believed to be contributors to these symptoms.

By delving into the mechanisms behind ME/CFS and long COVID, as well as individual variations, Altman aspires to create tailored interventions.

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  • genetics/
  • chronic fatigue syndrome

Source: www.newscientist.com

How to Determine if Your Fatigue is Truly Caring Fatigue

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The concept of “compassion fatigue” was initially introduced in relation to nurses who provide care, demonstrate compassion, and occasionally witness traumatic events.

Compassion fatigue consists of two main aspects: emotional exhaustion and potential secondary trauma from observing the suffering of others.

Moreover, it isn’t limited to nurses; individuals in caring and related professions—those who must engage emotionally with others—are also vulnerable. Even outside professional settings, if you invest considerable emotional energy into supporting someone else and witness their pain, you may be at risk.

Research conducted on nurses has shown that compassion fatigue manifests in at least two primary forms.

First, it can present as a sort of emotional numbness (think of it as a defensive reaction to shield yourself from complete emotional exhaustion).

Secondly, it can lead to physical symptoms, which can include stomach issues, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.

A 2022 study featuring interviews with nurses yielded particularly noteworthy insights. For instance, one nurse described compassion fatigue as “a distinct type of exhaustion—cloudy, profound, like being enveloped in clouds or experiencing the fatigue of a hangover.”

Another nurse remarked about the emotional paralysis saying: “It’s akin to being a foil-covered person, deflecting everything… what is shared never truly reaches me… it just bounces off.”

Unfortunately, studies indicate that compassion fatigue can lead to a kind of façade. While one might outwardly appear caring and empathetic, internally, they may not genuinely feel these emotions.

This disconnection can be distressing and further intensify feelings of fatigue.

It can lead to questioning your own values (for instance, if I aspire to be a compassionate individual, why do I feel less concern for this person?).

The notion of “compassion fatigue” emerged in the context of nurses who provide care, compassion, and empathy – Credit: Getty Images

On a positive note, there is emerging research, though of varying quality, aimed at addressing and overcoming compassion fatigue.

A primary approach is to practice self-compassion, which involves allocating time for self-care and stepping back from the responsibilities of caring for others. This could include activities like walking in nature, practicing mindfulness, exercising, reading, watching television, or socializing with friends.

While this may sound straightforward, it can be challenging when you’re feeling emotionally depleted. A useful technique is to visualize the self-care advice you would give to a valued friend and apply that same counsel to yourself.

This article responds to the inquiry (from Yvonne Tevlin via email) “How can I overcome compassion fatigue?”

If you have questions, please email us at Question @sciencefocus.com or send a message Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (please include your name and location).

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Significant Genetic Variations Identified in Individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

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Genetics could play a significant role in the development of chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis.

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Recent large-scale studies have identified genetic factors that might increase the risk of developing chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). Researchers have associated eight regions of the human genome with this condition based on DNA analyses from over 15,000 affected individuals.

“Our research offers the first strong evidence for genetic influences,” says Sonya Chowdhury from the UK charity Action for ME.

In the long term, these findings may aid in creating new diagnostic tools and treatments for ME/CFS. This condition has been recognized for decades and is primarily characterized by a debilitating response to minimal exertion, often accompanied by fatigue after mental effort.

Chowdhury adds that the results provide “recognition and validation” for individuals suffering from this condition. “Many people have been dismissed with comments such as, ‘It’s not a real illness,'” she explains. “They visited doctors who often downplayed their symptoms.”

“This represents a significant breakthrough for patients,” notes Andy Devereux Cooke, co-founder of Science for ME, a forum supporting those with the condition.

The research, termed Decode, involved analysis of DNA from over 15,500 individuals with ME/CFS against approximately 260,000 samples from unaffected individuals.

“Eight genetic signals were identified,” explains Chris Ponting from the University of Edinburgh, UK. These genomic regions appear to differ significantly in individuals with ME/CFS, suggesting that genetic variants in these areas could influence the likelihood of developing the condition. The findings were announced at a press briefing but have not yet been published in scientific journals or preprint platforms.

Among these eight regions, the research team pinpointed 43 protein-coding genes, with 29 deemed particularly noteworthy. “Delving into these genetic signals reveals associations with both immune and nervous system functions,” Ponting states. “Notably, the activity of these genes is prevalent in brain tissue, indicating a potential link to nervous system involvement.”

Additionally, researchers uncovered immune system-related genes, particularly rabgap1l, which may significantly heighten the risk of CFS. This aligns with anecdotal reports from many individuals with the condition, who often cite prior mild infections as precursors to their symptoms.

“I believed there was something distinct about the immune systems of individuals suffering from ME/CFS,” comments Jackie Cliff from Brunel University in London, noting that this study represents a substantial advancement in ME/CFS research.

Despite the fact that ME/CFS is significantly more prevalent in women, this study found no differences in genetic susceptibility between men and women. However, the team has yet to analyze the X and Y sex chromosomes.

The next steps involve examining these eight genome regions in greater depth to comprehend how genetic variations translate into molecular and cellular processes, both with and without ME/CFS. This could potentially pave the way for diagnostic tests and targeted treatments addressing the fundamental mechanisms of the disorder. However, this progress is contingent upon securing research funding, which is currently limited, says Cliff.

ME/CFS is estimated to impact 67 million individuals globally. A 2017 report from Think Tank 20/20 Health estimated that it incurs costs of £3.3 billion annually to the UK economy due to decreased productivity and healthcare expenses. “It’s an overlooked and marginalized illness that deserves attention and investment,” emphasizes Ponting.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Could Hidden Dehydration Be the Cause of Your Daytime Fatigue?

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Thirst is something we all encounter, and it can be quite uncomfortable. It’s also an early indicator of dehydration, which can escalate rapidly. Depending on factors like age, health, and environment, even mild to moderate dehydration can occur within just a few hours, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and confusion. If left unaddressed for 24 hours, severe dehydration can lead to critical issues such as shock and seizures.

Hidden dehydration (or hypochronic dehydration) is a more subtle condition that may arise from prolonged mild dehydration, affecting both physical and mental well-being.

Could this be the reason behind that frightening afternoon slump?

The Impact of Hidden Dehydration

As the name implies, hidden dehydration can be an insidious state, and you might be experiencing its effects without realizing the cause.

According to NHS guidelines, fatigue is one of the primary symptoms associated with hidden dehydration.

Symptoms include:
Dark urine
Dry mouth
Dizziness
Headaches
Lack of concentration

The human body is composed of around 60% water. The brain and heart contain about 73% water, while muscle tissues are made up of 75% water. Dehydration leads to lower blood volume and blood pressure, reducing blood flow to the brain, which contributes to fatigue. After lunch, many individuals naturally feel a drop in energy. However, inadequate hydration throughout the day can amplify this slump.

The NHS advises that adults should drink 6-8 glasses of water (1.2-2 liters) daily. Although staying hydrated is key, how much do we know about the quality of the water we consume?

Why Water Quality Matters

In the UK, we are fortunate to have high standards for drinking water recognized globally. Nonetheless, it still contains hard minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are harmless but may affect the taste for some individuals.

A consistent supply of fresh water can indeed help you meet your hydration goals as advised by the NHS.

“Installing a water filter is one of the simplest methods to enhance your tap water quality,” states Waterdrop Filter. “A filter can eliminate impurities and improve taste.”

What Is Reverse Osmosis?

Reverse osmosis is a purification method used by Waterdrop filters. Water is pushed through a semi-permeable membrane to remove various impurities, including:

Lead, arsenic, and mercury
Chlorine and fluoride
Microorganisms
Dissolved salts and minerals

The Waterdrop filter offers two reverse osmosis systems: the X16 and the A2. The X16 features an 11-step process with a 0.0001μm RO membrane that effectively reduces TDS, PFOA, PFOS, chlorine, fluoride, arsenic, lead, and more. With a flow rate of 1,600 gallons per day, it is ideal for larger households. Note that it requires electrical installation under the sink, and it comes equipped with LED lights and energy-saving modes for water safety.

Check it out here for the Water Drop X16.

The A2 is a compact countertop system ideal for individuals or smaller households. This system includes a five-stage process with a 0.0001 μm RO membrane to minimize TDS, PFOA, PFOS, chlorine, fluoride, lead, and arsenic. It features temperature controls ranging from 10°C to 95°C, along with a touch control screen for customizable temperature and volume settings.

Check it out here for the Water Drop A2.

One Drop at a Time

Elevate your hydration habits by maintaining consistent water intake throughout the day, especially if you struggle with brain fog and fatigue during the afternoon.

For additional information about Waterdrop Filter products, visit this link.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Research suggests that having a fixed bedtime is more important than sleep time for combating fatigue

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Quality of sleep is often judged by the number of hours we sleep, but recent research suggests that the timing of sleep may be more crucial than the duration.

A study published in the journal Sleep indicates that the consistency of your sleep schedule, rather than just the number of hours slept, is a strong predictor of your risk of mortality. Even individuals who consistently get 7-8 hours of sleep but have irregular sleep patterns were found to be at a higher risk of stroke, heart attacks, and cancer. On the other hand, those with a consistent sleep routine had up to a 48% lower risk of death from all causes.

It’s important to note that simply sticking to an erratic sleep pattern with minimal hours of sleep is not advised. The study found that individuals who slept less than six hours or more than nine hours per night had a higher risk of mortality. While sleep duration is significant, the link between mortality and consistent sleep patterns was stronger.

Researchers analyzed data from nearly 61,000 individuals in the UK Biobank, totaling over 10 million recorded sleep hours. By studying sleep patterns and mortality rates, they identified the factors associated with an increased risk of early death.

These findings may lead to updated public health guidelines on sleep recommendations, emphasizing the importance of not only getting sufficient sleep but also maintaining a consistent sleep schedule for overall health improvement.

Further research is needed to determine if these findings are applicable to a broader population beyond the UK.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The Hidden Culprit Behind Your Sleep Troubles: Excessive Fatigue and How to Overcome It

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You’ve probably experienced this feeling before: after a long and exhausting day, all you want to do is curl up and sleep. But instead of allowing you to rest, your brain decides it’s time for some mischief, leaving you wide awake with thoughts racing through your mind.

So why does this happen? Why does our brain keep us awake when we’re most in need of sleep? The answer may lie in the fact that we’re just too tired to sleep.

If you’ve heard of this concept before, it’s often associated with babies who become “over-fatigued” when kept awake for too long, leading to stress and sleep disturbances.

However, the same phenomenon can occur in adults when unchecked emotions interfere with the body’s ability to shut down for sleep. And the longer you stay tired, the harder it becomes to fall asleep.

Fortunately, there are ways to break this cycle. In the following sections, we’ll not only explore what excessive fatigue is, but also share three simple, scientifically-backed steps to help you overcome excessive fatigue for good.

Excessive fatigue ruins your sleep

Being excessively tired is a paradoxical situation. When you’re physically and mentally drained, your brain is actually in a state of hyperarousal, making it difficult to relax and fall asleep.

This hyperarousal state hinders the body’s natural sleep mechanisms, particularly the buildup of sleep pressure.

Sleep pressure refers to the increase in neurochemicals and hormones that signal your body’s need for sleep as you stay awake throughout the day.

According to Professor Matt Jones from the University of Bristol, “As sleep pressure builds up, the brain may also become more excitable, with neurons in the cerebral cortex firing at an increased rate.”

By maintaining hyper-vigilance and allowing intrusive thoughts to dominate your mind, you disrupt the brain’s ability to reset the sleep pressure system, making it harder to fall asleep.

Furthermore, chronic fatigue and sleep deprivation can exacerbate this cycle by feeding troubling thoughts that persist into the following night.

In a recent study, individuals with insomnia were found to ruminate more about past embarrassing events than healthy sleepers, leading to longer sleep onset times.

Additionally, insomniacs may become hypersensitive to bodily sensations like their own heartbeat, further inhibiting their ability to fall asleep.

Dr. Jones explains, “Insomnia creates a heightened awareness of irrelevant information, placing undue strain on the brain and hindering the natural process of sleep onset.”

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How to avoid being too tired

If you find yourself feeling overly tired and mentally restless when trying to sleep, it indicates that key brain areas are still in a state of hyperarousal, preventing you from processing the events of the day.

According to Dr. Alex Scott of Keele University, modern society’s difficulty in regulating emotions and processing experiences often leaves individuals unable to positively address their emotions, leading to rumination and anxiety at bedtime.

To combat excessive fatigue and improve sleep quality, Scott recommends three simple strategies:

1. Stop counting sheep

Contrary to popular belief, focusing on falling asleep can actually make it more difficult to do so. Rather than forcing yourself to sleep, Dr. Scott suggests acknowledging that sleep is an automatic process that can’t be rushed. Instead of counting sheep, focus on processing your emotions through activities like journaling.

2. Keep a worry diary

Keeping a worry journal before bed can help you identify and address troubling thoughts that may be contributing to your inability to sleep. By writing down your worries and potential solutions, you can externalize and process these concerns, allowing your mind to relax and prepare for sleep.

3. Set a Bedtime Timer

To create a buffer between daily activities and bedtime, set a bedtime alarm to allow time for relaxation and decompression. Engaging in calming activities like reading or meditation before bed can help ease mental fatigue and promote restful sleep.

About our experts

Professor Matt Jones: A neuroscientist at the University of Bristol specializing in sleep science, memory, and decision-making.

Dr. Alex Scott: A psychology lecturer at Keele University whose research focuses on the role of sleep in mental health.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The Dangers of Overlooked Fatigue on Your Sleep and Ways to Combat It

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You’ve probably experienced this scenario before: after a long day, feeling mentally and physically drained, all you want to do is crawl into bed and sleep.

However, your brain, the most powerful biological supercomputer in the universe, decides to play tricks on you. Instead of allowing you to rest, it keeps you wide awake, with thoughts racing through your mind at lightning speed.

So why does this happen? Why does it prevent us from sleeping when we need it the most? The answer is simple: when you’re too tired, your brain overrides the signals for sleep and keeps you awake.

If you’ve heard of being “over-fatigued” before, it’s often used to describe babies who become agitated and unsettled from being awake too long, leading to sleep disturbances and stress.

Similarly, adults can experience the same issues when unaddressed emotions interfere with the body’s natural sleep processes. The longer you stay fatigued, the more challenging it becomes to fall asleep.

Fortunately, there are ways to break this cycle. In the sections below, we’ll explore what causes excessive fatigue and share three scientifically proven steps to combat it for good.

Excessive fatigue impacts your sleep quality

Being overly tired is a paradoxical situation. When you’re physically and mentally drained, your brain is actually overstimulated and in a state of hyperarousal, making it difficult to transition to sleep.

This hyperarousal state affects essential functions that promote sleep, particularly hindering the buildup of sleep pressure in the brain.

Sleep pressure refers to the buildup of neurochemicals and hormones that increase throughout the day, signaling your body’s need for rest.

“Interestingly, as sleep pressure rises, the brain can become more excitable,” explains Professor Matt Jones, a Neuroscientist at the University of Bristol. “The neurons in the cerebral cortex tend to fire more frequently as wakefulness increases.”

“The primary theory is that sleep helps reset sleep pressure, preventing the brain from becoming overly excited and metaphorically ‘exploding!'”

When you’re vigilant and overwhelmed by racing thoughts, this process of resetting the brain for sleep is disrupted, particularly impacting the locus ceruleus area in the brainstem.

“In times of hyperarousal, the activity in this brain region remains high, impeding the transition to sleep and resisting mechanisms that facilitate falling asleep,” Jones clarifies.

Furthermore, persistent fatigue and sleep deprivation can exacerbate troubling thoughts, making it harder to sleep the following night.

“A study in 2019 found that individuals with insomnia were more likely to ruminate about recent embarrassing events and have disrupted sleep compared to healthy sleepers,” he explains.

“Insomniacs might even become hypersensitive to their heartbeat, showing how an unrested brain struggles to ignore irrelevant stimuli,” Jones adds.

“A well-rested brain can filter out unnecessary information, but insomnia disrupts this process, leading to increased mental strain,” he concludes.

©Getty

Strategies to prevent excessive fatigue

When you’re too tired and key brain regions remain hyperaroused while trying to sleep, essential processes for rest are disrupted.

Dr. Alex Scott, a Psychology lecturer at Keele University, explains that in today’s society, people struggle to regulate their emotions and process daily experiences effectively due to various distractions.

“At the end of the day, we are less inclined to deal positively with our emotions, often exaggerating worries and ruminating in bed,” he shares.

Scott suggests that when fatigued, individuals tend to use unhealthy coping mechanisms, like rumination and blame-shifting.

If rumination proves ineffective for alleviating fatigue, Scott recommends the following three strategies:

1. Avoid counting sheep

Paradoxically, trying too hard to fall asleep can make it even harder. Instead of using traditional methods like counting sheep, Scott encourages individuals to understand that sleep is an automated process that cannot be forced.

“Focus on processing your emotions through exercises like a worry journal,” Scott advises.

2. Maintain a worry diary

Although it may seem tedious, journaling your worries can significantly improve sleep quality for those with sleep issues, according to Scott.

Before bedtime, write down all your concerns in a journal, allowing you to acknowledge them and develop strategies to address them the next day.

“The act of writing down your worries may help you rationalize them and temporarily set them aside, promoting better sleep,” Scott explains.

3. Establish a bedtime routine

Creating a relaxation routine before bed, ideally starting an hour before sleep, can help alleviate mental fatigue and prepare your mind for rest.

“Engage in activities like reading, mindfulness, or journaling during this time to unwind and avoid associating your bed with worries,” Scott suggests.

Learn more about our experts

Professor Matt Jones: A Neuroscientist at the University of Bristol, delving into the science of sleep, memory, and decision-making. His research has been featured in numerous academic journals, such as Frontiers in Neurology, Sleep, and the Neuroscience Journal.

Dr. Alex Scott: As a Psychology lecturer at Keele University, Scott explores the relationship between sleep and mental health issues. His work has been published in esteemed journals like the British Journal of Health Psychology and the British Medical Journal.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Probiotics found effective in reducing fatigue and memory loss related to prolonged COVID-19 infection

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Probiotics, illustration of live microorganisms that can affect intestinal bacteria

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A daily cocktail of prebiotics and probiotics can help reduce fatigue, memory, and symptoms in people with long-term COVID-19 (symptoms that persist for months or years after being infected with COVID-19). May be useful in treating gastrointestinal complaints.

Although little is understood about long-term coronavirus infections, previous research has shown that people with the disease have lower levels of certain gut microbes than those without. Masu. In particular, they lack gut bacteria that produce compounds called short-chain fatty acids that regulate immune responses.

Siu Ng and his colleagues at the Chinese University of Hong Kong have formulated a mixture that boosts the production of short-chain fatty acids. The product, called SIM01, contained three probiotics (live bacterial strains) and three prebiotics (compounds that help the growth of beneficial gut bacteria).

They distributed this cocktail to 232 adults. Another group of 231 adults took a mixture containing starch and low-dose vitamin C. Both mixtures were taken twice a day for 6 months. All participants were residents of Hong Kong, had previously tested positive for COVID-19, and met the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s criteria for long-term COVID-19 infection.

Researchers used a questionnaire to assess 14 long-term COVID-19 symptoms in participants before treatment began and after treatment ended. At the end of the trial, people who received SIM01 were likely to experience relief from five long-term coronavirus symptoms: fatigue, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, general unwellness, and gastrointestinal upset. It was found to be about 2 to 2.5 times higher on average. The research team also found no serious side effects from the treatment.

Analysis of fecal samples taken before and after the trial revealed that SIM01 increases gut microbial diversity and promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, Ng said. Therefore, she says, it could be useful in treating other conditions that are associated with disruption of the gut microbiome, such as chronic fatigue syndrome.

However, it is unclear how these changes in the gut reduce the symptoms of long-term coronavirus infection. timothy sampson At Emory University in Georgia. “It makes sense that the microbiome has the ability to mediate immune responses, but… [immune system] What is actually at the root of [long covid] You get symptoms,” he says.

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Source: www.newscientist.com