Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome), is a complex and poorly understood condition. It has limited management options and remains underfunded in research and healthcare.
Many people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) or hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) also experience chronic fatigue and other symptoms common in ME/CFS. Joint hypermobility is more common in people with ME/CFS than in the general population, and those with both conditions often report more severe symptoms. However, the biological link between these conditions is still unknown.
The DecodeME study, the largest genetic investigation of ME/CFS to date, has revealed initial findings that may offer clues about how the condition develops. Researchers analyzed DNA from over 15,000 diagnosed people and found eight sections of DNA that may be linked to the condition. Interestingly, some of these sections of DNA are related to how the immune system responds to infections, aligning with reports from patients whose symptoms began after viral or bacterial illness.
While this study is not yet peer-reviewed and won’t lead to immediate clinical solutions, it reflects growing momentum in ME/CFS research and offers validation to those affected by ME/CFS.
For more information, read an accessible summary here or access the full paper here.
