Dr. Gow Identifies Possible Gene Signature for ME/CFS/CFIDS

Dr. John W. Gow’s Research Shows Promise of Diagnostic Test for ME/CFS/CFIDS

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E., ME) — referred to as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) per CDC definition in the United States or Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) — is a complex disorder characterized by persistent fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and post-exertional malaise. (Malaise is usually referred to as the feeling of bodily discomfort at the beginning of an illness; in ME/CFS, malaise is not limited to the onset to the illness, but for those with exercise-intolerant ME/CFS, it is the pain, discomfort, and depression that can follow any exertion.) Because the mechanism of fatigue in CFS is not known and as no reliable diagnostic test is available, misdiagnosis is common and treatment regimes vary.

T-shirts and Gift Ideas Index for the “a nap is only nice when it’s a luxury, not a necessity” design

More reliable diagnostic criteria soon may become possible thanks to the research done by a doctor in Scotland.

Conducting research done at the University of Glasgow, Dr. John W. Gow has generated what he believes to be a “gene signature” of patients with ME/CFS. Dr. Gow believes that a gene malfunction causes the immune system to “work overtime,” which in turn makes patients with ME/CFS to become excessively, constantly tired. In Japan in February 2005, Dr. Gow presented “Whole-Genome (33,000 genes) Affymetrix DNA Microarray Analysis of Gene Expression in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” — an abstract about that research, and hopes to have his data published in a peer-reviewed journal later in 2005.

Because of Dr. Gow’s research, on February 1st 2005 the University of Glasgow patented the novel biomarkers and triple drug treatment (”Materials and Methods for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” application number GB 0502042.5).

Unfortunately, in what seems to occur all too often when it comes to ME/CFS research, Dr. Gow has been hit by a funding crunch. Coming to Dr. Gow’s aid and in honor of his friend who suffers from ME/CFS, singer Stuart Murdoch is auctioning band memorabilia to help raise research funds. (Stuart Murdoch himself was one of the lucky few to overcome childhood ME/CFS.)

Despite recent donations that mean Dr. Gow can go forward with clinical trials planned for August 2005, he emphasizes that before his proposed diagnostic test can become widely available, funding will be needed for extensive further trials that include a larger number of patients with CFS/ME and controls (healthy controls and patients with a variety of disorders).

If you would like to send a donation to help continue Dr. Gow’s research, you can do so by sending a check directly to Dr. Gow at this address:

Dr John W Gow

Senior Lecturer in Clinical Neuroscience

University Dept. of Neurology

Southern General Hospital

1345 Govan Rd

Glasgow, G51 4TF

Scotland

Make checks payable to “The University of Glasgow.” Dr. Gow’s secretary will ensure that the check goes into the research account. The University will send you a receipt. (Although it isn’t required, as a courtesy, those outside of Scotland should include International Reply Coupons available from the post office sufficient to pay for mailing fees for the receipt.)

Story from BBC NEWS:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/health/4702515.stm

Related posts:

1. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Resources
2. Chronic Fatigue Tests, Treatments, and Research
3. Sleep Medications for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
4. Chiari syndrome and/or cervical spinal stenosis
5. Coping Skills: Special Diets

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