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Article
Neuroendocrine and Immune Network Re-modeling in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An Exploratory Analysis
BMC Systems Biology
  • J. Fuite
  • S.D. Vernon
  • Gordon Broderick, Nova Southeastern University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2008
Disciplines
Abstract/Excerpt

This work investigates the significance of changes in association patterns linking indicators of neuroendocrine and immune activity in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Gene sets preferentially expressed in specific immune cell isolates were integrated with neuroendocrine data from a large population-based study. Co-expression patterns linking immune cell activity with hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA), thyroidal (HPT) and gonadal (HPG) axis status were computed using mutual information criteria. Networks in control and CFS subjects were compared globally in terms of a weighted graph edit distance. Local re-modeling of node connectivity was quantified by node degree and eigenvector centrality measures. Results indicate statistically significant differences between CFS and control networks determined mainly by re-modeling around pituitary and thyroid nodes as well as an emergent immune sub-network. Findings align with known mechanisms of chronic inflammation and support possible immune-mediated loss of thyroid function in CFS exacerbated by blunted HPA axis responsiveness.

DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ygeno.2008.08.008
Citation Information
J. Fuite, S.D. Vernon and Gordon Broderick. "Neuroendocrine and Immune Network Re-modeling in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An Exploratory Analysis" BMC Systems Biology Vol. 92 Iss. 6 (2008) p. 393 - 399 ISSN: 0888-7543
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/gordon-broderick/100/