Polli, Andrea, Ghosh, Manosij, Bakusic, Jelena et al. · Arthritis & rheumatology (Hoboken, N.J.) · 2020 · DOI
This study found that people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia have unusual patterns in how their genes are regulated, specifically involving a molecule called BDNF that affects pain and nerve function. Researchers measured genetic markers and protein levels in blood samples and found that changes in how BDNF genes are 'switched on and off' may explain why patients experience severe fatigue, pain, and widespread body aches.
This research identifies a specific molecular mechanism—dysregulated BDNF expression through epigenetic changes—that may underlie both the neurological and pain symptoms in ME/CFS with comorbid fibromyalgia. Understanding this pathway could inform targeted therapeutic approaches and validates the biological basis of these debilitating conditions, moving beyond dismissive psychogenic explanations.
This study does not prove that BDNF dysregulation is the sole cause of ME/CFS/FM or that correcting BDNF levels will cure the disease. The cross-sectional design with measurements only 4 days apart cannot establish causality or temporal progression, and findings in comorbid CFS/FM patients may not generalize to ME/CFS alone or other ME/CFS presentations.
About the PEM badge: “PEM required” means post-exertional malaise was an explicit required diagnostic criterion for participant inclusion in this study — not that PEM was studied, observed, or discussed. Studies using criteria that do not require PEM (e.g. Fukuda, Oxford) are tagged “PEM not required”. How the atlas works →
The first block is for the primary paper and is the citation you should use in research work. The atlas-snapshot line only applies if you are specifically referring to this atlas’s reading of the paper on the date shown.
Primary citation
Polli, Andrea, Ghosh, Manosij, Bakusic, Jelena, Ickmans, Kelly, Monteyne, Dora, Velkeniers, Brigitte, et al. (2020). DNA Methylation and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression Account for Symptoms and Widespread Hyperalgesia in Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Comorbid Fibromyalgia.. Arthritis & rheumatology (Hoboken, N.J.). https://doi.org/10.1002/art.41405
BibTeX
@article{mecfsatlas-polli-2020-dna-methylation,
author = {Polli, Andrea and Ghosh, Manosij and Bakusic, Jelena and Ickmans, Kelly and Monteyne, Dora and Velkeniers, Brigitte and Bekaert, Bram and Godderis, Lode and Nijs, Jo},
title = {DNA Methylation and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression Account for Symptoms and Widespread Hyperalgesia in Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Comorbid Fibromyalgia.},
journal = {Arthritis & rheumatology (Hoboken, N.J.)},
year = {2020},
doi = {10.1002/art.41405},
note = {PubMed: 32562379},
url = {https://www.mecfsatlas.com/evidence/polli-2020-dna-methylation},
}Atlas snapshot reference
ME/CFS Atlas. Generator v1 / Scanner v1.4 / policy v0.1. Accessed 2026-05-30. https://www.mecfsatlas.com/evidence/polli-2020-dna-methylation
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