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Red blood cell deformability is diminished in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Amit K Saha1,2, Brendan R Schmidt1, Julie Wilhelmy2

  • 1Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, San José State University, San José, CA, USA.

Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation
|December 31, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Red blood cells (RBCs) from patients with Myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) are stiffer than those from healthy individuals. This reduced RBC deformability may contribute to ME/CFS symptoms and could be a diagnostic marker.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Pathophysiology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex illness characterized by severe fatigue, cognitive issues, and sleep disturbances.
  • The exact cause of ME/CFS remains unclear, but oxidative damage to the immune and blood systems is a suspected factor.
  • Red blood cells (RBCs) combat oxidative stress and are vital for oxygen delivery, making their function in ME/CFS a key area of investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether RBC deformability is altered in individuals with ME/CFS.
  • To explore the potential link between RBC mechanical properties and ME/CFS pathophysiology.

Main Methods:

  • A specialized microfluidic device was employed to analyze RBCs.
  • High-speed microscopy was utilized to quantify the deformability of RBCs from ME/CFS patients and healthy controls.

Main Results:

  • RBCs from ME/CFS patients exhibited significantly reduced deformability compared to those from healthy controls.
  • Analysis revealed increased stiffness in the red blood cells of ME/CFS patients across multiple measurement parameters.

Conclusions:

  • Impaired RBC deformability may contribute to the microvascular and oxygenation deficits observed in ME/CFS.
  • Altered RBC mechanics present a potential novel diagnostic biomarker for ME/CFS.
Keywords:
Chronic Fatigue Syndromecell deformabilitymicrofluidicsred blood cells

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