Research projects

Converging neurobiological and immune pathways in ME/CFS and post-infectious fatigue syndromes (PIFS)

About

Status:

Ongoing

Principal investigator:

Ruud Raijmakers

Country:

Netherlands

Study start:

2023-01

Completion (planned):

2027-12

Last update:

2024-12-20

Research types:

Epidemiological research

Research areas:

Immune system dysfunction, Nervous system dysfunction, Nutritional and metabolic system dysfunction, Endocrine system dysfunction, General

Interventions:

Not applicable

Priv. Sector Partner:

Not available

Sponsors:

The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw)

Links

Project website

Project description

Patients with ME and/or CFS, or ME/CFS, have similar symptoms to patients with post-infectious fatigue syndromes (PIFS). Since it is unknown how these diseases originate, proper diagnosis and treatment are still lacking for both ME/CFS and PIVS. This research aims to change this by joining the forces of patients, doctors and researchers.

Goal

Because ME/CFS and PIFS are similar, this project combines research into the pathophysiology of both disease entities. Among other things, this project aims to map the similarity of symptoms, and whether these can be linked to changes in (neuro)inflammatory, immunological, metabolic, and neuroendocrine profiles. The project also investigates whether the development of the disease can be predicted. With this knowledge, the researchers aim to propose new diagnostic and therapeutic options.

Approach

Over 40,000 people in the Netherlands have been diagnosed with ME/CFS. Research shows changes in (neuro)inflammatory, immunological, metabolic, and neuroendocrine profiles in both ME/CFS and PIFS patients. This project will investigate the pathophysiology and development of these profiles over four years by using data from the Netherlands ME/CFS Cohort and Biobank (NMCB) and existing prospective PIFS cohorts. The aim is to verify findings, map biomarkers and biomarker profiles in order to select better diagnostic and therapeutic options.

(Description adapted from project website: see link above)

Patient cohort

ME/CFS according to Canadian Consensus Criteria (CCC).

Patients enrolled: Not available

Age group: 18 - 65 years (Adults)

Research areas

8

Research types

1

Research networks

1

Working groups

0

People

4

Publications

0

Organisations

1

Research areas

Neuroendocrine dysfunction

A system of neurons that has the specialised function to produce and secrete hormones and that constitutes, in whole or in part, an endocrine system or organ. Description adapted from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68009490.

Research projects:

6

Publications:

2

A pathological process characterised by injury or destruction of tissues caused by a variety of cytologic and chemical reactions. It is usually manifested by typical signs of pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68007249.

Research projects:

7

Publications:

12

Immune system dysfunction

Immune system is the body's defense mechanism against foreign organisms or substances and deviant native cells. It includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response and consists of a complex of interrelated cellular, molecular, and genetic components. Diseases of the immune system are disorders caused by abnormal or absent immunologic mechanisms, whether humoral, cell-m...

Research projects:

Nervous system dysfunction

Nervous system is the entire nerve apparatus, composed of a central part, the brain and spinal cord, and a peripheral part, the cranial and spinal nerves, autonomic ganglia, and plexuses. Diseases of the nervous system include diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system. This includes disorders of the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, nerve roots, autonomic ner...

Research projects:

Nutritional and metabolic system dysfunction

A collective term for nutritional disorders resulting from poor absorption or nutritional imbalance, and metabolic disorders resulting from defects in biosynthesis (anabolism) or breakdown (catabolism) of endogenous substances. Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68009750.

Research projects:

13

Publications:

16

General research that is not limited to a specific organ or body system dysfunction.

Research projects:

Biobanks are large collections of human biological materials linked to relevant personal and health information, which may include health records, family history, lifestyle and genetic information that are held predominantly for use in health and medical research. Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Research projects:

Neuroinflammation

Diseases characterised by inflammation of the nervous tissue. Description adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2101228.

Research projects:

1

Publications:

1