Myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) may be associated with disruption of the gut microbiome. This was reported by the press service of Columbia University.
The researchers performed metagenomic and metabolomic (chemical) analyzes of stool samples collected from 106 individuals with ME/CFS and 91 healthy individuals. The analysis showed significant differences in the diversity of the gut microbiome, the abundance of bacteria, and the characteristics of the interaction of their groups. At the same time, patients and control groups were similar in terms of age, gender, residence and socioeconomic status.
gut bacteria Faecalibacterium prausnitzii And Eubacterium rectalGenerally abundant and beneficial to health, it was less abundant in ME/CFS patients. Additionally, both of these bacteria were worse at synthesizing butyric acid, the main “fuel” of colon cells. They also had a low level C. secundusproduces acetate, the “raw material” for butyric acid. On the contrary, the number of bacteria Faecalibacterium prausnitzii It was higher in ME/CFS.
In addition, elevated levels of ten other bacterial species were observed in ME/CFS. C Bolteaeis associated with increased fatigue in multiple sclerosis, according to past research. another kind, r.gnavuhas been associated with inflammatory bowel disease.
The authors hope that understanding the relationship between ME/CFS and the gut microbiome will help effectively treat this disease in the future.