Preprint Herpesvirus Infection as a Systemic Pathological Axis in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, 2024, Nunes, Kell & Pretorius

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https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202401.1486/v1

Preprint Review Version 1
This version is not peer-reviewed
Herpesvirus Infection as a Systemic Pathological Axis in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Jean M Nunes
,
Douglas B Kell
* ,
Etheresia Pretorius
*

Version 1 : Received: 18 January 2024 / Approved: 19 January 2024 / Online: 19 January 2024 (13:13:19 CET)

How to cite: Nunes, J.M.; Kell, D.B.; Pretorius, E. Herpesvirus Infection as a Systemic Pathological Axis in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Preprints 2024, 2024011486. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202401.1486.v1 Nunes, J.M.; Kell, D.B.; Pretorius, E. Herpesvirus Infection as a Systemic Pathological Axis in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Preprints 2024, 2024011486. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202401.1486.v1

Abstract

Understanding the pathophysiology of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is critical for advancing treatment options.

This review explores the novel hypothesis that herpesviruses' infection of endothelial cells (ECs) may underlie ME/CFS symptomatology.

We review evidence linking herpesviruses to persistent EC infection and the implications for endothelial dysfunction, encompassing blood flow regulation, coagulation, and cognitive impairment – symptoms consistent with ME/CFS and Long COVID.

The paper provides a synthesis of current research on herpesvirus latency and reactivation, detailing the impact on ECs and subsequent systemic complications, including latent modulation and long-term maladaptation.

We suggest that the chronicity of ME/CFS symptoms and the multisystemic nature of the disease may be partly attributable to herpesvirus-induced endothelial maladaptation.

Our conclusions underscore the necessity for further investigation into the prevalence and load of herpesvirus infection within ECs of ME/CFS patients.

This review offers a conceptual advance by proposing an endothelial infection model as a systemic mechanism contributing to ME/CFS, steering future research towards potentially unexplored avenues in understanding and treating this complex syndrome.

Keywords
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS); Endothelial cells; Herpesvirus

 
ME Research UK

·
Both endothelial dysfunction (impaired function of blood vessel lining known as the endothelium) and herpesviruses are topics of interest in ME/CFS research, though studies linking these subject areas remains sparse. A review by researchers from Stellenbosch University, South Africa, explored whether a potential relationship between herpesvirus infection and endothelial dysfunction may contribute towards the manifestation of ME/CFS symptoms such as cognitive dysfunction.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/3atbev42


 
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