Immune and hemorheological changes in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Ekua W. Brenu, Bond University
Donald R. Staines, Bond University
Oguz K. Baskurt, Akdeniz University
Kevin J. Ashton, Bond University
Sandra B. Ramos, Bond University
Rhys M. Christy, Bond University
Sonya M. Marshall-Gradisnik, Bond University

Article comments

Published Version.

Brenu, E.W., Staines, D.R., Baskurt, O.K., Ashton, K.J., Ramos, S. B., Christy, R.M. & Marshall-Gradisnik, S.M. (2010). Immune and hemorheological changes in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Journal of translational medicine, 8:1

Access the publisher's website.

© Copyright Brenu et al, 2010; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Abstract

Background
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a multifactorial disorder that affects various physiological systems including immune and neurological systems. The immune system has been substantially examined in CFS with equivocal results, however, little is known about the role of neutrophils and natural killer (NK) phenotypes in the pathomechanism of this disorder. Additionally the role of erythrocyte rheological characteristics in CFS has not been fully expounded. The objective of this present study was to determine deficiencies in lymphocyte function and erythrocyte rheology in CFS patients.

Methods
Flow cytometric measurements were performed for neutrophil function, lymphocyte numbers, NK phenotypes (CD56dimCD16+ and CD56brightCD16-) and NK cytotoxic activity. Erythrocyte aggregation, deformability and fibrinogen levels were also assessed.

Results
CFS patients (n = 10) had significant decreases in neutrophil respiratory burst, NK cytotoxic activity and CD56brightCD16- NK phenotypes in comparison to healthy controls (n = 10). However, hemorheological characteristic, aggregation, deformability, fibrinogen, lymphocyte numbers and CD56dimCD16+ NK cells were similar between the two groups.

Conclusion
These results indicate immune dysfunction as potential contributors to the mechanism of CFS, as indicated by decreases in neutrophil respiratory burst, NK cell activity and NK phenotypes. Thus, immune cell function and phenotypes may be important diagnostic markers for CFS. The absence of rheological changes may indicate no abnormalities in erythrocytes of CFS patients.