Bioactive peptides in ME/CFS: The link between inflammation and neurological abnormalities.

Project description

ME/CFS is a complex multisystem-disease. Patients with ME/CFS often suffer from inflammation-related complaints. This can be due to certain proteins (bioactive peptides) that have a lot of influence on different systems (organs and processes) in the body. This project investigates how these peptides are involved in ME/CFS. The research team measures the peptides and inflammation levels in ME/CFS patients with very severe symptoms since the strongest signals are expected from this group. Measurements are taken at patients' homes, as patients usually are unable to visit the hospital. By including patients with very severe symptoms in the study, the researchers can better understand the disease process of ME/CFS. In the future, treatment may then be started with drugs that are now used in other diseases with similar underlying mechanisms.

The goal of this project is to better understand ME/CFS by looking at certain proteins in the body, such as bioactive peptides and the enzyme neprylin (also called CD10). These are substances in the body that can play a role in the disease process. An innovative technology is used, called Point-of-Care (PoC). This technology makes it possible to perform examinations at patients' homes. This is unique worldwide and makes participation possible for severely affected ME/CFS patients. Through this approach, the researchers hope to find objective disease markers that can improve both diagnosis and treatment.

The study uses a mobile laboratory that is used for severely ill patients at home in order to perform tests quickly and accurately. The researchers are measuring inflammatory cells and proteins (bioactive peptides) in the blood, wich will provide a picture of the immune system and abnormalities that may indicate ME/CFS. Through the use of wearable devices, the heart rate and movement of patients are monitored, showing how the nervous system behaves.

Another part of the study looks at a certain enzyme, neprylysin, in immune cells. This enzyme helps to break down proteins (bioactive peptides) and can provide insights about the role of the immune system in ME/CFS patients. The researchers use advanced techniques to measure which substances are in the blood, with the aim to understand how different immune cells, proteins and the disease interact.

The project aims to find new markers for ME/CFS. These markers can form the basis for new diagnostic tests and treatments. The researchers also want to understand how and why proteins (bioactive peptides) are involved in the symptoms of ME/CFS. The overall goals are to provide patients with a better understanding of their disease, find new treatments, and help patients obtain a better quality of life.

Description adapted from project website: see link above.