Two recently published studies funded by Solve are pointing to gastrointestinal dysfunction as a key driver of illness in people with ME/CFS.
In the study, “Tryptophan Metabolism and Aryl-Hydrocarbon Receptor Agonists in the Gut Microbiome of People With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” Solve Ramsay Research Grant winner Dr. David Esteban and his team studied gut microbiome dysbiosis in people with ME/CFS.
They found that people with ME/CFS had reduced microbial diversity and different compositions of bacteria, like those important for metabolizing tryptophan and tryptophan-related signals, which are critical for neurological function. One of these signals (aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists) was associated with neurocognitive symptoms, regardless of ME/CFS status. These results suggest that interventions targeting the gut may reduce cognitive or neurological symptoms.
In “Gastrointestinal Symptoms Correlate with Core Clinical Features and Systemic Inflammation in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” Dr. Armin Alaedini and his team showed how ME/CFS gastrointestinal symptoms, often overlooked in relation to other ME/CFS symptoms like post-exertional malaise and cognitive dysfunction, are actually a core feature of the disease that significantly associate with inflammatory markers as well as other functional health measurements.
Their results highlight how translational studies must include an assessment of gastrointestinal symptoms to better understand the cause of ME/CFS and identify patient subgroups for targeted therapies.
The studies are significant because they:
- Highlight gastrointestinal symptoms and dysfunction as a core aspect of ME/CFS
- Point to ME/CFS-associated gastrointestinal dysfunction as a key driver of immunological and neurological problems
- Support precision medicine approaches, including interventions targeting the gut barrier or gut microbiome to address ME/CFS-associated gastrointestinal, immunological, or neurocognitive symptoms
- Create pathways toward better treatments
Solve CEO Emily Taylor noted, “Every study we fund brings us closer to a future where people with ME/CFS have answers, effective treatments, and the chance to reclaim the lives this disease has taken from them. We are proud to support research that not only advances science, but also offers real hope to patients and families who have waited far too long to be seen, understood, and helped.”
Stay tuned for more in-depth coverage of both studies in our Solve Science Spotlight series.