A role of microbiome in the pathogenesis of ME/CFS: a population-based study

Project description

ME/CFS is a serious disease with a major impact on individual health and society. It is assumed that a broad spectrum of genetic, biochemical and environmental factors are involved in causing ME/CFS, but the exact causes and mechanisms are not yet known. This project investigates the role of the intestinal microbiome in the development of ME/CFS. This research into the relationship between ME/CFS and the microbiome aims to discover the molecular mechanisms of the disease. This can contribute to a better diagnosis of ME/CFS and lead to new points of action for treatment.

Purpose

The intestinal microbiome is involved in regulating various functions in the body and affects both the immune system and brain function. There is evidence that the intestinal microbiome plays a role in the development of ME/CFS. These clues come from previous studies into this connection, but these had few participants, lasted only a short time or had other limitations. More knowledge about the gut microbiome composition of ME/CFS patients can provide new insights into the onset of this disease, and potentially contribute to a better diagnosis and to the development of microbiome-focused treatments for ME/CFS. The goal of this project is to identify specific patterns in the microbiome of ME/CFS patients.

Approach/method of working

The researcher of this project map the gut microbiome of 900 ME/CFS patients and use the data available on the gut microbiome of 8,000 people without ME/CFS. These individuals participate in the Lifelines study, in which information is also available about the diet, lifestyle and any medications the participants use. All this can affect theit gut micrbiome.

(Description adapted from project website: see link above)