Are Circulating Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 and N-Terminal Prohormone of Brain Natriuretic Peptide Promising Novel Biomarkers in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Domingo, Joan Carles, Cordobilla, Begoña, Ferrer, Roser et al. · Antioxidants & redox signaling · 2021 · DOI
Quick Summary
This study looked for new blood markers that could help identify ME/CFS by measuring two proteins called FGF21 and NT-proBNP in patients and healthy people. The researchers found that ME/CFS patients had significantly higher levels of both proteins and showed signs of increased inflammation and oxidative stress (cellular damage). These findings suggest these proteins might be useful tools for diagnosing ME/CFS or developing new treatments.
Why It Matters
ME/CFS lacks reliable biomarkers for diagnosis, creating diagnostic uncertainty for patients. This study identifies two novel proteins that are significantly elevated in ME/CFS and may reflect underlying inflammation and metabolic dysfunction, offering potential new diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets.
Observed Findings
ME/CFS patients had significantly decreased total antioxidant capacity and increased lipoperoxide levels compared to healthy controls
Circulating FGF21 and NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in ME/CFS patients than controls
NT-proBNP levels positively correlated with IL-1β and IL-6 in ME/CFS patients but not in controls
No significant correlations between FGF21 and inflammatory cytokines were found in either group
Inferred Conclusions
FGF21 and NT-proBNP are promising novel biomarkers that may differentiate ME/CFS patients from healthy individuals
NT-proBNP's association with inflammatory cytokines suggests it may reflect systemic inflammation in ME/CFS
Elevated oxidative stress and low-grade systemic inflammation are present in ME/CFS and may be linked to elevated FGF21 and NT-proBNP
These proteins represent potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for ME/CFS management
Remaining Questions
Do FGF21 and NT-proBNP levels correlate with symptom severity or disease duration in ME/CFS patients?
What This Study Does Not Prove
This study does not prove that FGF21 and NT-proBNP cause ME/CFS symptoms or that measuring them will definitively diagnose the condition. Correlation between these proteins and inflammatory markers does not establish causation. The small sample size means these findings require replication in larger populations before clinical application.