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Endothelial dysfunction in ME/CFS patients
Miriam Kristine Sandvik1, Kari Sørland2, Elisabeth Leirgul3
1Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Telemark Hospital Trust, Skien, Norway.
Plos One
|February 2, 2023
Summary
Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) exhibit impaired large and small blood vessel function. This suggests vascular homeostasis may contribute to ME/CFS symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Previous research suggests endothelial dysfunction in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).
- Understanding vascular contributions to ME/CFS is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate large-vessel and small-vessel endothelial function in ME/CFS patients.
- To compare endothelial function between ME/CFS patients and healthy controls.
- To explore the relationship between endothelial function and clinical outcomes in ME/CFS.
Main Methods:
- A substudy of the RituxME trial, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III study.
- Measured flow-mediated dilation (FMD) for large-vessel function and post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) for small-vessel function.
- Assessed 39 ME/CFS patients and compared them to healthy controls at baseline and after 18 months of treatment.
Main Results:
- ME/CFS patients showed significantly reduced FMD (5.1% vs. 8.2%) and PORH (1354 PU vs. 2208 PU) compared to controls.
- No significant differences in symptom changes or vascular measures between rituximab and placebo groups.
- A slight improvement in clinical symptoms and PORH was observed in ME/CFS patients as a group after 18 months.
Conclusions:
- ME/CFS patients exhibit impaired macro- and microvascular endothelial function.
- Vascular homeostasis appears to play a role in the clinical presentation of ME/CFS.
- Further research into vascular mechanisms is warranted for ME/CFS management.
