New Study Reveals Blood Biomarkers Linked to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Recent research has uncovered significant differences in the blood profiles of individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), offering promising potential for more reliable diagnostic methods. This groundbreaking study, the largest of its kind, demonstrates that patients with ME/CFS exhibit consistent blood markers associated with chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and liver dysfunction, regardless of their activity levels. These findings suggest that biological changes underlying ME/CFS are more profound and measurable than previously thought, challenging the misconception that the illness is purely psychological or due to deconditioning.

The research utilized data from the UK Biobank, analyzing over 1,400 ME/CFS patients and more than 130,000 healthy controls. By examining over 3,000 blood-based biomarkers and applying advanced statistical models to account for variables such as age, sex, and activity levels, scientists identified around 116 biomarkers that differed significantly between patients and healthy individuals. Interestingly, the differences were consistent across genders and were especially pronounced in people experiencing post-exertional malaise—an hallmark symptom characterized by a delayed worsening of symptoms after minor exertion.

This research emphasizes that these blood biomarker changes are likely a consequence of ME/CFS rather than the initial cause, paving the way for the development of blood tests to assist in diagnosis. Experts from the University of Edinburgh, collaborating across genetics, mathematics, and informatics disciplines, highlight that these findings provide concrete biological evidence refuting the myth that ME/CFS symptoms are solely psychological. Additionally, the robustness of the biomarkers across diverse patient groups underlines their potential utility in clinical settings.

The study not only advances understanding of the biological basis of ME/CFS but also opens new avenues for targeted treatment strategies. While causes of the disease remain elusive, these biomarkers offer a vital step toward better recognition, diagnosis, and ultimately, management of this long-standing and debilitating condition. The full study is published in EMBO Molecular Medicine, offering a significant leap forward in the quest to unravel the mysteries of ME/CFS.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-scale-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-affects.html