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Myalgic encephalomyelitis

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS) and various other names, is a syndrome of unknown and possibly multiple etiology, affecting the central nervous system (CNS), immune, and many other systems and organs. Most definitions other than the 1991 UK "Oxford", require a number of features, the most common being severe mental and physical depletion, which according to the 1994 Fukuda definition is "unrelieved by rest", and is usually made worse by even trivial exertion (controversially the Oxford and Fukuda require this to be optional only). more...

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However patients usually contend that they have many, often severe symptoms which are far more onerous, such as pain, muscle weakness, loss of brain function, hypersensitivity, orthostatic intolerance, immune and in some cases life-threatening cardiac and respiratory problems, and it is these symptoms exacerbated by extremely low stamina that cause greatest suffering, not "fatigue", which more properly describes a normal state of recovery unrelated to pathology. Some cases resolve or improve over time, and where available, treatments bring a degree of improvement to many others.

History

Originally studied since the late 1930s as an immunological neurological disorder under the medical term "myalgic encephalomyelitis" (ME), CFS has been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a disease of the central nervous system since 1969. In 1992 and early 1993 the terms "post-viral fatigue syndrome" (PVFS) and "chronic fatigue syndrome" (CFS) were added to ME under the exclusive ICD-10 designation of G93.3.

Nomenclature

There are a number of different terms which have been at various times identified with this organic neuroimmune disorder.

  • Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME, "inflammation of the brain and spinal cord with muscle pain") as a disease entity has been recognized and described in the medical literature since 1938, with the seminal paper being that by Wallis in 1957; Sir Donald Acheson's (a former Chief Medical Officer) major review of ME was published in 1959; in 1962 the distinguished neurologist Lord Brain included ME in his textbook of neurology, and in 1978 the Royal Society of Medicine accepted ME as a distinct clinical entity. In 1988 both the UK Department of Health and Social Services and the British Medical Association officially recognized it as a legitimate and potentially distressing disorder. Opponents to the term ME maintain there is no inflammation and that not all patients report muscle pain. United Kingdom and Canadian researchers and patients generally use this term in preference to CFS.
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS); this name was introduced in 1988 by a group of United States researchers based at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and is used increasingly over other designations, particularly in the United States.
  • Chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS); many people, especially patients in the United States, use the term CFIDS (pronounced ), which was originally an acronym for the above or "Chronic Fatigue & Immune Dysregulation Syndrome". This term was introduced by patients current with the biomedical research in an attempt to reduce the psychiatric stigma attached to "chronic fatigue", as well as the public perception of CFS as a psychiatric syndrome.
  • Post-viral syndrome (PVS or PVFS); this is a related disorder. According to original ME researcher Dr. Melvin Ramsay, "The crucial differentiation between ME and other forms of post-viral fatigue syndrome lies in the striking variability of the symptoms not only in the course of a day but often within the hour. This variability of the intensity of the symptoms is not found in post-viral fatigue states" (Ramsay 1989).
  • Chronic Epstein-Barr virus (CEBV) or Chronic Mononucleosis; the term CEBV was introduced by virologists Dr. Stephen Straus and Dr. Jim Jones in the United States. The Epstein-Barr virus, a neurotropic virus that more commonly causes infectious mononucleosis, was thought by Straus and Jones to be the cause of CFS. Subsequent discovery of the closely related human herpesvirus 6 shifted the direction of biomedical studies, although a vastly expanded and substantial body of published research continues to show active viral infection or reinfection of ME/CFS patients by these two viruses. As these viruses are also found in healthy controls, however, it is uncertain what role they play in CFS.
  • Low Natural Killer cell disease; this name is used widely in Japan. It reflects research showing a reduction in the number of natural killer cells in many CFS patients.
  • Yuppie Flu; this was a factually inaccurate nickname for CFS, first published in a November 1990 Newsweek article. It reflects the belief that CFS mainly affects the affluent ("yuppies"), and implies that it is a form of malingering or burnout. CFS, however, affects people of all races, genders, and social standings, and this nickname is inaccurate and considered offensive by patients. It is likely that this article contributed to the damaging public (and even medical) perception of CFS as a psychiatric or even psychosomatic condition.
  • Uncommonly used terms include Akureyri Disease, Iceland disease (in Iceland), Royal Free disease (after the location of an outbreak), raphe nucleus encephalopathy, and Tapanui flu (after the New Zealand town Tapanui where a doctor who investigated the disease lived).

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Antiviral intervention for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
From Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, 2/1/04 by Shari Lieberman

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has a long history in medical literature. In the past it has been referred to as chronic Epstein-Barr virus syndrome (EBV), chronic mononucleosis syndrome, postviral fatigue syndrome, epidemic myalgic encephalomyelitis and even "yuppie flu." In 1994 the Center for Disease Control refined the definition of CFS.

CDC, NIH and International Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Study Group Criteria for Diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

A case of CFS must fulfill all major criteria, plus four or more of the minor criteria. Each minor criterion must have persisted or recurred during six or more consecutive months of illness and must not have predated the fatigue. A patient who does not fully meet the CFS criteria may be given a diagnosis of idiopathic chronic fatigue.

Major Criteria

* Unexplained, persistent or relapsing fatigue that is new or definite onset (not lifelong)

* Fatigue is not due to ongoing exertion

* Fatigue is not substantially alleviated by rest

* Fatigue easily results in substantial reduction in previous levels of occupational, educational, social, or personal activities

Minor Criteria

1. Self-reported impairment in short-term memory or concentration severe enough to cause substantial reduction in previous levels of occupational, educational, social or personal activities.

2. Sore throat

3. Tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes

4. Muscle pain

5. Multijoint pain without swelling or redness

6. Headaches of a new type, pattern or severity

7. Unrefreshing sleep

8. Postexertional malaise lasting more than 24 hours.

It has been observed that CFS occurs after a viral illness such as a severe flu. Many patients describe a relapse of an illness after which CFS occurs because more rest and a longer period of convalescence were required to recover. Initial symptoms of CFS are viral and include swollen glands, sore throat, fatigue, malaise and fever. A host of viruses has been associated with CFS including influenza, EBV, cytomegalovirus, coxsackie, polio, human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6), enteroviruses, herpes simplex 1 & 2, human T-cell lymphotropic viruses, and retrovirus. It is possible that prions and stealth viruses yet to be identified may also be involved in this illness and many may be co-infected with more than one virus. Numerous immune abnormalities have been seen in patients with CFS including decreased natural killer cell (NK) function, alterations in interferons (INF), interleukins and other cytokines and tumor necrosis factor (TNF).

To date there are no safe and effective antiviral drugs to treat CFS. However, there are many natural compounds that are safe and effective and have broad antiviral action, many of which also modulate immune function to fight viruses. Additionally, some of these compounds have the added benefit of antifungal and antibacterial activity. Chronic immune suppression often results in candidiasis (Candida albicans infection) which can cause further immunosuppression.

Glycyrrhizin

Glycyrrhizin (GL) is one of the active antiviral compounds found in licorice root (Glyrrhiza glabra). It has been used in Japan as an intravenous drug for more than 20 years as Stronger Neo-Minophagen C (SNMC) and research has shown it to be extremely effective for hepatitis (A, B, C), HIV, cancer and many other serious viral illnesses. Licorice is in many Kampo medicines (Japanese Herbal Medicine) for immune modulation and antiviral therapy. GL is absorbed orally. GL is a conjugate of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) and glucuronic acid. Oral GL is metabolized in the intestine to GA and both are active antiviral compounds. Intravenous GL is metabolized into GA when excreted through the bile into the intestines. GL and GA exhibit similar properties. Both have been shown to be effective for hepatitis A, B, C; Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV); Herpes (I, II, Zoster, perhaps HHV-6); lichen planus, influenza, cytomegalovirus (CMV), cancer, phlebovirus and vaccinia virus. GL/GA increases the effectiveness of INF therapy in patients with hepatitis C. GL/GA also modulates cortisol levels which are often abnormal in patients with CFS. These compounds improve immunocompetence and reduce susceptibility to candida albicans. GL/GA are antibacterial to H. pylori and klebsiella pneumoniae.

GL/GA have direct antiviral activity and can inhibit some RNA transcriptases (HIV). They also have an indirect antiviral action and can decrease cell membrane permeability (e.g. decrease hepatocyte injury in hepatitis); inactivate viruses and inhibit viral proliferation. Both compounds are also potent antioxidants and free radical scavengers and protect normal, healthy cells from injury. GL/GA can increase gamma interferon, T cells, NK cells and improve immune function. They also selectively inhibit cytolytic reactivity of the complement system. However, these compounds do not inhibit (may enhance) immune adherence responsible for immune phagocytosis, regulation of antibody production in protective immunity against invaders. GL/GA also inhibits the arachidonic acid cascade (phospholipase A2) thereby reducing inflammation.

SNMC 20 ml ampoules for IV use provide 40 mg GL, 400 mg glycine, and 20 mg L-cysteine. The therapeutic IV dose range for SNMC is from 40 to 60 ml and may go as high as 100 ml for a therapeutic effect. Oral intake of GL and/or GA ranges from 150-300 mg/day. SNMC has aminoacetic acid and L-cysteine added to prevent pseudo-aldosteronism resulting in sodium retention, potassium depletion and hypertension. Pseudo-aldosteronism is rarely reported at therapeutic doses but can be treated with spironolactone and perhaps prevented with potassium supplementation and consuming potassium rich foods. Patients taking GL or GA should routinely monitor their blood pressure. However, hypertension has not generally been observed in patients with CFS (clinical observation). CFS patients often have postural hypotension and perhaps they are not susceptible to this adverse effect.

Lauric Acid/Monolaurin

Lauric acid was first discovered as the main antiviral and antibacterial substance in human breast milk. It is a medium chain, saturated fatty acid that is also found in coconut products. Monolaurin is the glycerol ester of lauric acid and is more biologically active than lauric acid. Monolaurin has been shown to be active against influenza virus, pneumovirus, paramyxovirus (Newcastle), morbillivirus (rubeola), coronavirus (avian infectious, bronchitis virus), herpes simplex I & II, CMV, EBV, and HIV. Monolaurin disrupts the lipid bilayer of the virus preventing attachment to susceptible host cells. It binds to the lipid-protein envelope of the virus and inactivates the virus. Monolaurin inhibits the replication of viruses by interrupting the binding of virus to host cells and prevents uncoating of viruses necessary for replication and infection. Monolaurin can remove all measurable infectivity by directly disintegrating the viral envelope. Monolaurin binding to the viral envelope makes a virus more susceptible to host defenses.

Monolaurin is effective against yeast and fungi, staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus agalactiae, chlamydia trachomatis, candida albicans, giardia lamblia, ringworm, H. pylori and gonorrhea. Monolaurin is non-toxic and listed in GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) as a food emulsifier. A therapeutic dose of monolaurin is generally 1800 mg to 2400 mg per day.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonoid compound that is found in many foods including apples, onions, medicinal herbs and tea. Quercetin has been shown to be active against many types of cancer including: breast, prostate, colon, gastric, head and neck, leukemia, lung melanoma, liver, ovarian, cervical, rhabdomyosarcoma and it damages cancer cells only. In addition to its powerful antioxidant activity it is a potent aromatase inhibitor. Quercetin inhibits production of estrogen from DHEA and testosterone and also inhibits estrone sulfatase in the liver. It has anti-inflammatory effects and could help the muscle and joint pain associated with CFS. It also has strong anti-histamine activity and could improve the environmental and chemical sensitivities associated with CFS. It is immunostimulatory and antiviral against CMV, EBV, HIV, poliomyelitis and herpes simplex I & II. It blocks RNA transcriptase, impedes viral replication and increases reduced intracellular glutathione. Quercetin is non-toxic and the major flavonoid found in the US diet. It is estimated that Americans can consume approximately 25 mg/day. The therapeutic dose ranges from 2000 to 4000 mg/day.

N-Acetylcysteine

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a major antioxidant involved in liver detoxification and it is the precursor for glutathione. NAC is used to rescue patients from acetaminophen (Tylenol) liver damage and damage from other toxic chemicals. NAC is important for patients with chemical and environmental sensitivity. It is mucolytic and can improve mucous buildup in the lung and improve asthma. It is used as a prescription drug for oral and nasal application. NAC increases influenza virus specific lymphocyte proliferation, INF-gamma production and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte production to augment immune function. It has been shown to control EBV infection by reducing its replication and spread. NAC may block certain receptors interacting with viruses. Most of the antiviral work has focused on NAC's potent anti-HIV activity. Its antiviral activity against HIV is more potent when combined with vitamin C and glutathione (GSH). NAC increases the immunological function of NK and T cells in HIV infected patients. Depletion of NAC has adverse effects on macrophage and phagocyte function. NAC raises intracellular glutathione levels which is important for cell integrity. GSH and NAC may prevent/repair neuronal cell death by viruses such as HIV. NAC may be important to prevent and treat the memory and concentration impairments associated with CFS. Therapeutic doses range from 2000-4000 mg of NAC/day. Some practitioners add 1000-2000 mg of GSH since NAC and GSH together have a greater antiviral effect.

Coenzyme Q10

CoQ10 acts as a catalyst in the chain of chemical reactions that creates adenosine triphosphate (ATP) that is required as energy for every cell to function (aerobic metabolism). Viruses, cancer, CFIDS, and other disorders switch ATP production to anaerobic metabolism yielding less ATP and higher levels of lactic acid which induces muscle aches and fatigue. It is estimated that at least 80% of CFS patients are deficient in CoQ10. Compared to normal sedentary adults, CoQ10 significantly decreases even after mild exercise in patients with CFS. Unlike normal controls, these levels are not restored overnight. CoQ10 supplementation (100 mg/day) for three months in patients with CFS resulted in 100% improvement in exercise tolerance, 85% improvement in post-exercise fatigue and 90% improvement in overall symptoms. While most of the research on CoQ10 has focused on cardiovascular disease there are some reports suggesting it has some antiviral properties as well. Viral myocarditis caused by coxsackie virus was treated in mice either with Astragalus membranaceus (AM) plus taurine or CoQ10 given alone. Another group received all supplements together. Only AM with taurine and CoQ10 significantly reduced the mortality of the mice. All supplements could lighten myocardial histopathologic changes but results were greater when all supplements were given together. These results suggest some antiviral activity of CoQ10.

Exercise

Chronically ill patients have high levels of lactic acid due to a switch from predominantly aerobic to anaerobic glycolysis. Those with CFS experience symptoms of high levels of lactic acid such as fatigue, soreness and malaise which resemble over-training symptoms. In order to have exercise recovery and lower lactic acid levels one must do aerobic exercise. The best way to initiate this exercise is to start with 3-5 minutes every other day and add 1-2 minutes each week until 30 minutes is sustained without stopping. Brisk walking outside or on a treadmill and cycling on a stationary bicycle or biking outside are examples of aerobic activities. After the patient is aerobically fit, they can either add more time (45-60 minutes) or they may do this 5 times per week if desired. They may also add strength training twice weekly on alternate days with weights or exercise bands (light to moderate intensity). It is very important that these patients do not overtrain.

Summary

An antiviral program should be taken with a broad spectrum multi-vitamin, multi-mineral supplement and anti-oxidants in divided doses throughout the day, rather than one large dose at once to make sure nutrient needs are being met. Antiviral compounds include GA and GL, monolaurin, quercetin, NAC, GSH and perhaps CoQ10. All of these substances have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity as well. Many of these substances improve immune function and have anti-fungal and antibiotic activity. Other anti-inflammatory agents include fish oil, bromelain, curcumin, proantho-cyanidins, ginger, high dose antioxidants and Ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo can also improve cognitive function as well. CoQ10 is important as it significantly improves post-exercise fatigue and overall symptoms. Incorporating aerobic exercise into the program is important as it reduces lactic acid, improves energy and reduces fatigue. Strength training should be added after the patient is aerobically fit to improve conditioning.

Bibliography

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Fujisawa Y, Sakamoto M, Matsushita M et al. Glycyrrhizin inhibits the lytic pathway of complement--possible mechanism of its anti-inflammatory effect on liver cells in Viral hepatitis. Microbiol Imm. 2000;44(9):799-804

Kim DH, Hong SW, Kim BT et al. Biotransformation of glycyrrhizin by human intestinal bacteria and its relation to biological activities. Arch Pharm Res 2000;23(2):172-7

Crance JM, Gratier JM, Guimet J et al. Inhibition of sandfly fever Sicilian virus (Phlebovirus) in vitro by antiviral compounds. Res Virol 1997;148(5):353-65

Wang ZY, Nixon DW. Licorice and cancer. Nutr Cancer 2002;39(1):1-11

Utsunomiya T, Kobayashi M, Herndon DN et al. Effects of glycyrrizin, an active component of licorice roots on Candida albicans infection in thermally injured mice. Clin Exp Immunol 1999;116(2):291-8

Heirholzer JC, Kabara JJ. In vitro effects of monloaurin compounds on enveloped RNA and DNA viruses. J Food Safety 1982;4:1-12

Kabara JJ. Antimicrobial compositions. U.S. Patent Number 4, 189,481. Med-Chem Laboratories, Feb 19, 1980

Enig MG. Lauric oils as antimicrobial agents: theory of effect, scientific rationale and dietary applications as adjunct nutritional support for HIV infected individuals. Nutrient and Foods in AIDS (RR Watson ed) CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 1998, pp. 81-97

Lamson WL, Brignall MS. Antioxidants and Cancer III: Quercetin. Altern Med Rev 2000;5(3):196-208.

Krazeisen A, Breitling R et al. Phytoestrogens inhibit 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 5. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2001;171(1-2):151-62.

Iwase Y, Takemura Y, Ju-ichi M et al. Inhibitory effect of flavonoid derivatives on Epstein-Barr virus activation and two-stage carcinogenesis of skin tumors. Can Letters 2001:173(2):105-9

Boon AC, Vos AP, Graus YM et al. In vitro effect of bioactive compounds on influenza virus specific B and T cell responses. Scan J Immunol 2002;55(1):24-32

Nishinaka Y, Nakamura H, Okada N et al. Redox control of EBV infection: prevention by thiol-dependent modulation of functional CD21/EBV receptor expression. Antioxid Res Signal 2001; 3(6):1075-87

Sung JH, Shin SA, Park HK et al. Protective effect of glutathione in HIV-1 lytic peptide 1-induced cell death in human neuronal cells. J Neurovirol 2001;7(5):454-65

Breitkreutz R, Pittack N, Nebe CT et al. Improvement of immune functions in HIV infection by sulfur supplementation: two randomized trials. J Mol Med 2000;78(1):55-62

Judy W. Coenzyme Q10 presented at the American College of Nutrition 37th Annual Meeting, Oct 13, 1996, San Francisco

Xiong D, Yang Y, Su Y. Experimental study on treatment of viral myocarditis in mice by integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Je He Za Zhi 1998;18(8):480-2

by Shari Lieberman, PhD, CNS, FACN

www.drshari.net

Correspondence:

Shari Lieberman, PhD

c/o Vitamin Research Products

3579 Hwy 50 East

Carson City, Nevada 89701 USA

COPYRIGHT 2004 The Townsend Letter Group
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group

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