Differences in Gut Microbe May Be Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Biomarkers

Two studies recently published in Cell Host and Microbe, analyzing the correlation between the gut microbiome and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigues syndrome (ME/CFS), determined differences in the gut microbiome may be biomarkers of ME/CFS.

“The microbiome has emerged as a potential contributor to ME/CFS. These findings provide unique insights into the role the microbiome plays in the disease and suggest that certain differences in gut microbes could serve as biomarkers for ME/CFS,” said Vicky Whittemore, PhD, program director at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), in the press release.

The first of the two studies was a multi-omic analysis that analyzed the difference in gut microbiome diversity between 106 cases of ME/CFS and 91 healthy controls. In addition to exploring gut microbiome diversity, the researchers also looked at microbiome abundance, functional pathways, and interactions.

Upon conclusion of the study, the researchers determined lower concentrations of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Eubacterium rectale — bacteria that promote the synthesis of butyrate — in patients with ME/CFS compared to healthy patients.

According to an article published by the Cleveland Clinic, butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid that helps break down dietary fiber. Additionally, butyrate is the primary energy source for cells in the colon, supports the immune system, and prevents inflammation. Since a more significant presence of butyrate-promoting bacteria was linked to less severe fatigue, researchers postulate that this could be a potential biomarker.

The study also found higher levels of other nine other bacterial species linked to autoimmune disorders and inflammatory bowel disease.

The other study conducted a metagenomic analysis of stool. Combining that data with plasma metabolomics and clinical phenotyping, the researchers compared short-term and long-term ME/CFS with healthy patients. Once again, this study found that reduced microbial butyrate biosynthesis and plasma butyrate correlated with a higher risk of ME/CFS.

ME/CFS is linked to symptoms including fatigue, cognitive impairments, pain, gastrointestinal issues, and more. The CDC notes that up to 2.5 million people in the United States have this disorder, amounting to a $17–24 billion annual economic burden. Part of this burden is associated with the 90% of patients with ME/CFS who have not gotten a formal diagnosis. Understanding potential biomarkers may help improve diagnosis and contribute to research on treatments.