Tsamou, Maria, Kremers, Fabiënne A C, Samaritakis, Keano A et al. · International journal of molecular sciences · 2024 · DOI
This review examined tiny molecules called microRNAs that may play a role in ME/CFS and fibromyalgia. Researchers looked at existing studies to identify which microRNAs appear to be abnormal in these conditions and what role they might play in causing symptoms. They found that certain microRNAs may be involved in immune system problems, energy production difficulties, and increased pain sensitivity—processes that could help explain why people with these diseases experience fatigue, pain, and other symptoms.
This research offers a potential molecular framework for understanding ME/CFS and fibromyalgia by identifying specific biological markers that could eventually lead to objective diagnostic tests and targeted treatments. Currently, both diseases lack validated biomarkers, contributing to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment, so identifying candidate microRNAs represents an important step toward addressing this clinical gap.
This review does not prove that any of these microRNAs actually cause ME/CFS or fibromyalgia, nor does it establish causation rather than correlation. It does not provide clinical validation that measuring these microRNAs would reliably diagnose either disease. The findings are based on reviewing existing studies, not original experimental data, so individual studies reviewed may vary in quality and methodology.
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 →
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