The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are related to abnormal ion channel function (2000) Chaudhuri et al

Hoopoe · Feb 27, 2021

The pathogenesis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is unknown but one of the most characteristic features of the illness is fluctuation in symptoms which can be induced by physical and/or mental stress. Other conditions in which fluctuating fatigue occurs are caused by abnormal ion channels in the cell membrane. These include genetically determined channelopathies, e.g. hypokalemic periodic paralysis, episodic ataxia type 2 and acquired conditions such as neuromyotonia, myasthenic syndromes, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathies. Our hypothesis is that abnormal ion channel function underlies the symptoms of CFS and this is supported also by the finding of abnormal cardiac-thallium201 SPECT scans in CFS, similar to that found in syndrome X, another disorder of ion channels. CFS and syndrome X can have identical clinical symptoms. CFS may begin after exposure to specific toxins which are known to produce abnormal sodium ion channels. Finally, in CFS, increased resting energy expenditure (REE) occurs, a state influenced by transmembrane ion transport. The hypothesis that ion channels are abnormal in CFS may help to explain the fluctuating fatigue and other symptoms.
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Personal comment: episodes of paralysis or severe weakness which can be triggered by exertion, heat, cold, or occur upon awakening in the morning, and may improve with carbohydrates and electrolytes are symptom of periodic paralysis, although most people with periodic paralysis never have paralysis. Severe ME can have similar paralysis as one of its symptoms. Abnormal ion channel function also tends to cause fluctuating symptoms, where a person can be relatively well in one moment, and rapidly become symptomatic.

Sean · Feb 27, 2021

strategist said: ↑

Abnormal ion channel function also tends to cause fluctuating symptoms, where a person can be relatively well in one moment, and rapidly become symptomatic.
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There is a non-linearity with ME, I think, which shows up as the rapid fluctuation that can occur in the degree of symptom expression.

Whatever explanation eventually emerges it is going to have to account for this.

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The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are related to abnormal ion channel function (2000) Chaudhuri et al

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The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are related to abnormal ion channel function (2000) Chaudhuri et al

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