A new study says people with chronic fatigue syndrome have differences in their DNA, supporting the claim that the condition may not be psychological in origin.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh said they found eight areas of genetic code that are different in people suffering from myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) compared to healthy participants.
According to a release from the University of Edinburgh, the findings are the first time “robust evidence” has been found that shows “genes contribute to a person’s chance of developing the disease.”
The condition typically results in severe fatigue, pain, and brain fog, even after light bouts of physical or mental activity. Around 67 million people globally are thought to suffer from ME/CFS, but no official diagnostic test or cure exists for the long misunderstood condition.
The landmark DecodeME study examined DNA samples from 15,579 people who reported having the condition and nearly 260,000 people without it. People reporting ME/CFS were more often found to have gene variants linked to the immune and nervous system.
“This is a wakeup call. These extraordinary DNA results speak the language of ME/CFS, often recounting people’s ME/CFS symptoms,” said DecodeME investigator from the University of Edinburgh, Professor Chris Ponting.
At least two of the gene regions are connected to how the body responds to infection. This finding aligns with reports that symptoms often follow an infectious illness.
Another previously identified gene region was found to be connected to chronic pain, yet another symptom that sufferers commonly report.
“DecodeME has revealed genetic results, which should prove game changing in the ME/CFS research field, and that also align with decades of patients reporting on their experiences,” said DecodeME co-investigator Andy Devereux-Cooke.
“These results will not mean that a test or cure will be developed straight away, but they will lead to a greater understanding of ME/CFS. DecodeME also shows the incredible level of support that the ME/CFS patient community can give to research that involves them on a deep and meaningful level. Without the community, we could not have achieved all that we have.”