Kynurenine and Human Herpesvirus-6B in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Santa Rasa-Dzelzkaleja (Corresponding Author), Daniel Alexander Bizjak, Šimons Svirskis, Sabīne Grāvelsiņa, Jasmine-Leonike Buhl, Angelika Krūmiņa, Zaiga Nora-Krūkle, Anda Vilmane, Marion Schneider, Modra Murovska

Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstractpeer-review

Abstract

Objective
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex
and poorly understood illness potentially triggered by human herpesvirus (HHV)
infection. Kynurenine is an amino acid involved in the metabolism of tryptophan,
producing metabolites that regulate immune response, inflammation, and brain
function. Abnormalities in kynurenine metabolism may play a role in the development and progression of ME/CFS. Aim of this study was to determine contribution of HHV-6B infection and kynurenine level in the course of the ME/CFS.
Methods
29 patients with ME/CFS and 23 controls were enrolled in the study. DNA
was isolated with phenol-chloroform method, concentration measured spectrophotometrically and quality assessed by analysis of β-globin gene. HHV-6 Real-TM Quant and RealStar HHV-6 kits were used for quantitative analysis of HHV-6 load. Kynurenine concentration was determined spectrometrically in blood plasma. Fluorescence was measured with a plate reader and the concentration was calculated by the linear regression of the optical density from 492 nm minus 620 nm. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism v.9.0.2.
Results
Based on adapted semi-structured interview questions by Minnock et al., 2015,
22 patients had a moderate course of ME/CFS and 7 patients exhibited mild ME/
CFS symptoms. Mean ± SD (standard deviation) kynurenine concentration in blood plasma from patients with ME/CFS was 2.418 ± 0.572 µM and in control group individuals 2.692 ± 0.52 µM. Analysing levels of kynurenine and patients’ age, a significant difference between groups of control individuals, patients with mild and moderate ME/CFS was found (p = 0.0413). Mean HHV-6B load in PBMC from patients and controls was 10.21 and 0.18 copies in 10^6 cells, respectively.
Conclusions
The current results support the involvement of HHV-6B infection in patients
with ME/CSF. Kynurenine was selectively upregulated in patients with ME/CFS
and controls.
More research is needed to fully clarify the possible link between kynurenine,
HHV-6B infection and course of ME/CFS.
Original languageEnglish
Pages26-27
Number of pages2
Publication statusPublished - 9 Nov 2023
EventInternational Conference Autoimmune Diseases: Main Problems and Solutions - Riga, Latvia
Duration: 9 Nov 202310 Nov 2023

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference Autoimmune Diseases
Country/TerritoryLatvia
CityRiga
Period9/11/2310/11/23

Field of Science*

  • 3.1 Basic medicine
  • 1.6 Biological sciences
  • 3.3 Health sciences

Publication Type*

  • 3.4. Other publications in conference proceedings (including local)

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