Trial Report Investigation into the Plasma Proteome Signature in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), 2023, Systrom

https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/62/suppl_67/PA2960

Investigation into the Plasma Proteome Signature in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Johanna Squires, Sarra Al-Zayer, Peng Li, Wenzhong Xiao, David Systrom
European Respiratory Journal 2023 62: PA2960; DOI: 10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.PA2960

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Abstract
Background: ME/CFS is a complex disease with unclear etiology. Current diagnostic criteria lack objective laboratory measures.

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the plasma proteomic profile of ME/CFS patients and determine any differentially expressed proteins compared to controls.

Methods: Plasma samples obtained from 19 ME/CFS patients and 9 controls underwent analysis (Somalogic, Inc, CO). The ME/CFS patients met the National Academy of Medicine criteria for the disease. Samples were collected from a mixed venous compartment. Statistical analysis and a Mixed Graphical Model were used to identify candidate biomarker.

Results: Among ~7000 proteins detected, ~400 were differentially expressed between patients and controls (False Discovery Rate<0.05 and Absolute Fold Change ≥1.5). Selectin E (SELE), ATP Synthase Subunit F6 (ATP5PF), and Transcobalamin 2 (TCN2) were identified as top candidates. A classifier of these proteins in pulmonary artery blood of patients were distinguishable from controls (AUC =0.99).

Conclusion: The study highlighted potential biomarkers for ME/CFS, the top candidates of which are involved in inflammation, cellular energy metabolism, and Vitamin B12 transport. The plasma proteomic signature identifies ME/CFS from normals and suggests that the disease’s pathophysiology is driven by abnormalities of aerobic metabolism, vascular dysregulation, and Vitamin B12 metabolism.


Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2023; 62: Suppl. 67, PA2960.

This abstract was presented at the 2023 ERS International Congress, in session “Inflammatory endotyping: the macrophage across disease areas”.

This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).

 

Proteomics with 19 subjects. Fuck me.

 

If they had only one ME subject and one control, they could show even more dramatic differences.