Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 20, 2025

Evaluating the Role of Mitochondrial Function in Cancer-related Fatigue
08:56

Evaluating the Role of Mitochondrial Function in Cancer-related Fatigue

Published on: May 17, 2018

9.4K

Mitochondria and immunity in chronic fatigue syndrome

G Anderson1, M Maes2

  • 1CRC Scotland & London, Eccleston Square, London, UK.

Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry
|May 30, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) involves complex biological factors like the gut microbiome and immune cell mitochondria. Understanding these interactions with the circadian rhythm is key to improving ME/CFS treatment and managing other complex conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neuroscience
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) presents significant challenges in pathophysiology and treatment.
  • Heterogeneity in ME/CFS presentations and high comorbidity rates complicate understanding and classification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the biological underpinnings of ME/CFS presentations.
  • To explore potential treatment avenues and future research directions.
  • To elucidate the role of interacting systems in ME/CFS pathophysiology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of biological factors implicated in ME/CFS.
  • Analysis of the interplay between the gut microbiome, immune system, and nervous system.
  • Examination of molecular pathways including microRNA-155 and viral reactivation.

Main Results:

  • Key biological factors include gut microbiome/permeability, opioidergic system, immune cell mitochondria, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, microRNA-155, viral activity, leptin, melatonin, and circadian rhythm.
  • The gut and immune cell mitochondria are identified as critical hubs interacting with the circadian rhythm.
  • Understanding these mechanisms may offer insights into treating other complex conditions like fibromyalgia and dementia.

Conclusions:

  • Clarifying the biological underpinnings of ME/CFS is crucial for advancing treatment strategies.
  • The gut microbiome, immune cell mitochondria, and circadian rhythm are central to ME/CFS pathophysiology.
  • Further research into these interconnected systems holds promise for broader clinical applications.
Keywords:
Chronic fatigue syndromeCircadianEndogenous opioidergic systemGut microbiomeImmuneMitochondriaPathophysiologyTreatmentVagus nerveViral re-awakening

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: New Insights into PBMC Mitochondrial Responses Using Fluorespirometry07:18

Author Spotlight: New Insights into PBMC Mitochondrial Responses Using Fluorespirometry

Published on: May 24, 2024

1.5K
Measuring Mitochondrial Function of Naïve and Effector CD8 T Cells06:07

Measuring Mitochondrial Function of Naïve and Effector CD8 T Cells

Published on: March 28, 2025

859

Related Concept Videos

Muscle Recovery and Fatigue01:24

Muscle Recovery and Fatigue

Muscle fatigue refers to the decline in a muscle's ability to maintain the force of contraction after prolonged activity. It primarily stems from changes within muscle fibers. Even before experiencing muscle fatigue, one may feel tired and have the urge to stop the activity. This response, known as central fatigue, occurs due to changes in the central nervous system, namely the brain and spinal cord. While there is no single mechanism that induces fatigue, it may serve as a protective...
3.8K
Mitochondria01:37

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
19.2K
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II01:46

Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II

The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
18.2K
The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane01:28

The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane

The inner mitochondrial membrane is the primary site of ATP synthesis. The inner membrane domain that forms a smooth layer adjacent to the outer membrane is called the inner boundary membrane. This domain contains membrane transporters that drive metabolites in and out of the mitochondria.  In contrast, the inner membrane network that invaginates into the matrix space is called the cristae membrane. This domain accounts for principle mitochondrial function as it accommodates the protein...
4.3K
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
180
Mitochondrial Membranes01:45

Mitochondrial Membranes

A single mitochondrion is a bean-shaped organelle enclosed by a double-membrane system. The outer membrane of mitochondria is smooth and contains many porins - the integral membrane transporters. Porins enable free diffusion of ions and small uncharged molecules through the outer mitochondrial membrane but limit the transport of molecules larger than 5000 Daltons. Further, the outer mitochondrial membrane forms a unique structure called membrane contact sites with other subcellular organelles,...
16.4K