Heat Shock Protein Abnormalities in CFS

Here is yet another study showing an abnormal metabolic response to stress in CFS.

In this study, heat shock proteins (HSP — a reflection of the body's ability to handle oxidative stress) were abnormal after exercise as compared to healthy controls.

Baseline HSP27 was significantly higher among CFS patients compared to controls, and decreased immediately post-exercise, remaining below basal levels even at 7 days. A similar pattern was observed for HSP60, which gradually decreased in CFS patients but increased in controls post-exercise. These findings suggest an abnormal adaptive response to oxidative stress in CFS, which has been seen as well in earlier studies.

I think that antioxidant support (present at high levels in a good multivitamin powder) is an important part of addressing CFS and FMS.

This is yet one more study that:

1. Shows that CFS and FMS are real.
2. Demonstrates that nutritional support with antioxidants may be helpful.
3. Points the way to another potential blood test for diagnosing these illnesses.

References

Differential heat shock protein responses to strenuous standardized exercise in chronic fatigue syndrome patients and matched healthy controls. AA Thambirajah, K Sleigh, HG Stiver, and AW Chow. Clin Invest Med, January 1, 2008; 31(6): E319.