From Clinical and Cellular Immunology, 29 July 2015. Link take you to full text.
Low NK Cell Activity in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Relationship to Symptom Severity
David Strayer*, Victoria Scott and William Carter
1617 JFK Boulevard, Suite 500, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
*Corresponding author: David Strayer, 1617 JFK Boulevard, Suite 500, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA, E-mail: annmarie@hemispherx.net
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Natural killer (NK) cells act as an immune surveillance against invading pathogens and tumors. NK cell cytotoxicity (NKCC) has been reported to be decreased in patients with CFS.
METHODS
The objective of this review was to conduct an analysis of available publications that reported NKCC data in CFS in order to evaluate any relationships to case definitions used to define CFS and symptom severity.
RESULTS
Of 17 studies that evaluated NKCC in patients with CFS, defined using the CDC 1988 and/or 1994 case definition (CD), 88% (15/17) concluded that NKCC was decreased in CFS patients compared to normal controls. The NKCC decrease was seen using two established methods, 51Cr release (11/13) and flow cytometry (4/4). The mean percent decrease in NKCC using the CDC 1988 CD (66.3%) was significantly greater than that using the CDC 1994 CD (49.7%) (p<0.01).This result is consistent with that of six publications showing a greater decrease in NKCC associated with increased CFS symptom severity based on the lower symptom requirement for the CDC 1994 vs. 1988 CD. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the mean percent decrease in NKCC seen comparing the CDC 1994 CD defined population using the 51Cr release (48.3%) vs. flow cytometry (50.7%) assays (p>0.5).
Finally, seven studies investigating the ability of various agents to augment NKCC in patients with CFS showed increases of NKCC with both in vitro exposure (4/5) and in vivo exposure using randomized trials (2/2).
CONCLUSIONS
Low NKCC is commonly seen in CFS and is associated with increase symptom severity.
From the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, September/October 2015.
Activity Pacing Self-Management in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Kos D(1), van Eupen I(2), Meirte J(3), Van Cauwenbergh D(4), Moorkens G(5), Meeus M(6), Nijs J(7).
1) Daphne Kos, PhD, OT, is Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Neuromotor Research Group, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Belgium; Lecturer, Division of Occupational Therapy, Department of Health and Social Care, Artesis Plantijn University College, Antwerp, Belgium; and Member, Pain in Motion Research Group, Brussels, Belgium; daphne.kos@faber.kuleuven.be.
2) Inge van Eupen, OT, is Lecturer, Division of Occupational Therapy, Department of Health and Social Care, Artesis Plantijn University College, Antwerp, Belgium.
3) Jill Meirte, PT, is PhD Researcher, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium. At the time of the study, she was Lecturer, Artesis Plantijn University College, Antwerp, Belgium.
4) Deborah Van Cauwenbergh, PT, is PhD Researcher, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium. At the time of the study, she was Lecturer, Artesis Plantijn University College, Antwerp, Belgium.
5) Greta Moorkens, PhD, MD, is Associate Professor, Department of General Internal Medicine of University of Antwerp, Belgium; and Warrant-Manager, University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.
6) Mira Meeus, PhD, PT, is Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Antwerp, Belgium; Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; and Member, Pain in Motion Research Group, Brussels, Belgium. At the time of the study, she was Lecturer, Artesis Plantijn University College, Antwerp, Belgium.
7) Jo Nijs, PhD, PT, is Associate Professor, Departments of Human Physiology and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit, Brussels, Belgium; Physiotherapist, Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium; and Member, Pain in Motion Research Group, Brussels, Belgium. At the time of the study, he was Lecturer, Artesis Plantijn University College, Antwerp, Belgium.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an activity pacing self-management (APSM) intervention in improving performance of daily life activities in women with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
METHOD
A total of 33 women with CFS (age 41.1 ± 11.2 yr) were randomly allocated to APSM (experimental group; n = 16) or relaxation (control group; n = 17). Main outcome measures included the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM; primary) and Checklist Individual Strength (CIS).
RESULTS
COPM scores changed significantly over time in both groups (p = .03). The change in Satisfaction scores showed a significant difference in favor only of APSM (effect size = 0.74 [0.11, 1.4]). CIS scores decreased significantly in the experimental group only (p < .01).CONCLUSIONAPSM was found to be feasible and effective in optimizing participation in desired daily life activities in women with CFS. Replication in a larger sample with long-term follow-up is required.
From Clinical Rheumatology, 10 Seotember 2015. [Epub ahead of print].
HPV vaccination syndrome. A questionnaire-based study.
Martínez-Lavín M(1), Martínez-Martínez LA(2), Reyes-Loyola P(2).
1) Departamento de Reumatología, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Juan Badiano 1, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico. drmartinezlavin@gmail.com.
2) Departamento de Reumatología, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Juan Badiano 1, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico.
Abstract
Isolated cases and small series have described the development of complex regional pain syndrome, postural orthostatic tachycardia, and fibromyalgia after human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. These illnesses are difficult to diagnose and have overlapping clinical features.
Small fiber neuropathy and dysautonomia may play a major role in the pathogenesis of these entities.
We used the following validated questionnaires to appraise the chronic illness that might appear after HPV vaccination: The 2010 American College of Rheumatology Fibromyalgia Diagnostic Criteria, COMPASS 31 dysautonomiam questionnaire, and S-LANSS neuropathic pain form.
These questionnaires and a “present illness” survey were e-mailed to persons who had the onset of a chronic ailment soon after HPV vaccination. Forty-five filled questionnaires from individuals living in 13 different countries were collected in a month's period.
Mean (±SD) age at vaccination time was 14 ± 5 years. Twenty-nine percent of the cases had immediate (within 24 h) post-vaccination illness onset. The most common presenting complaints were musculoskeletal pain (66 %), fatigue (57 %), headache (57 %), dizziness/vertigo (43 %), and paresthesias/allodynia (36 %). Fifty-three percent of affected
individuals fulfill the fibromyalgia criteria.
COMPASS-31 score was 43 ± 21, implying advanced autonomic dysfunction. Eighty-three percent of the patients who had ongoing pain displayed S-LANSS values >12, suggesting a neuropathic component in their pain experience.
After a mean period of 4.2 ± 2.5 years post-vaccination, 93 % of patients continue to have incapacitating symptoms and remain unable to attend school or work. In conclusion, a disabling syndrome of chronic neuropathic pain, fatigue, and autonomic dysfunction may appear after HPV vaccination.
From the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 2 September 2015.[Epub ahead of print].
Capturing the post-exertional exacerbation of fatigue following physical and cognitive challenge in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Keech A(1), Sandler CX(2), Vollmer-Conna U(3), Cvejic E(3), Lloyd AR(4), Barry BK(5).
1) School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Electronic address: andrew.keech@unsw.edu.au.
2) School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
3) School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
4) Inflammation and Infection Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
5) School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To design and validate an instrument to capture the characteristic post-exertional exacerbation of fatigue in patients
with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
METHODS
Firstly, patients with CFS (N=19) participated in five focus group discussions to jointly explore the nature of fatigue and dynamic changes after activity, and inform development of a self-report instrument – the Fatigue and Energy Scale (FES).
The psychometric properties of the FES were then examined in two case-control challenge studies: a physically-demanding challenge (moderate-intensity aerobic exercise; N=10 patients), and a cognitively-demanding challenge (simulated driving; N=11 patients). Finally, ecological validity was evaluated by recording in association with tasks of daily living (N=9).
RESULTS
Common descriptors for fatigue included ‘exhaustion','tiredness', ‘drained of energy', ‘heaviness in the limbs', and ‘foggy in the head'. Based on the qualitative data, fatigue was
conceptualised as consisting of ‘physical' and ‘cognitive' dimensions.
Analysis of the psychometric properties of the FES showed good sensitivity to the changing symptoms during a post-exertional exacerbation of fatigue following both physical exercise and driving simulation challenges, as well as tasks of daily living.
CONCLUSION
The ‘fatigue' experienced by patients with CFS covers both physical and cognitive components. The FES captured the phenomenon of a post-exertional exacerbation of fatigue commonly reported by patients with CFS.
The characteristics of the symptom response to physical and cognitive challenges were similar. Both the FES and the challenge paradigms offer key tools to reliably investigate biological correlates of the dynamic changes in fatigue.
From the Journal of Translational Medicine, 14 September 2015. Link goes to pdf of full text.
Longitudinal analysis of immune abnormalities in varying severities of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis patients.
Sharni Lee Hardcastle*, Ekua Weba Brenu, Samantha Johnston, Thao Nguyen, Teilah Huth, Sandra Ramos, Donald Staines and Sonya Marshall‐Gradisnik
*Correspondence: sharni.hardcastle@hotmail.com
National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, 9.22, G40 Griffith Health Institute, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Research has identified immunological abnormalities in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), a heterogeneous illness with an unknown cause and absence of diagnostic test.
There have been no CFS/ME studies examining innate and adaptive immune cells longitudinally in patients with varying severities. This is the first study to investigate immune cells over 6 months while also examining CFS/ME patients of varying symptom severity.
METHODS
Participants were grouped into 18 healthy controls, 12 moderate and 12 severe CFS/ME patients and flow cytometry was used to examine cell parameters at 0 and 6 months.
RESULTS
Over time, iNKT CD62L expression significantly increased in moderate CFS/ME patients and CD56bright NK receptors differed in severe CFS/ME. Naïve CD8+T cells, CD8−CD4− and CD56−CD16− iNKT phenotypes, γδ2T cells and effector memory subsets were significantly increased in severe CFS/ME patients at 6 months.
Severe CFS/ME patients were significantly reduced in CD56brightCD16dim NKG2D, CD56dimCD16− KIR2DL2/DL3, CD94−CD11a− γδ1T cells and CD62L+CD11a− γδ1T cells at 6 months.
CONCLUSIONS
Severe CFS/ME patients differed from controls and moderate CFS/ME patients over time and expressed significant alterations in iNKT cell phenotypes, CD8+T cell markers, NK cell receptors and γδT cells at 6 months. This highlights the importance of further assessing these potential immune biomarkers longitudinally in both moderate and severe CFS/ME patients.