Circulating miRNAs Expression in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Soffritti, Irene, Gravelsina, Sabine, D'Accolti, Maria et al. · International journal of molecular sciences · 2023 · DOI
Quick Summary
Researchers tested whether six small molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs) in the blood could help identify people with ME/CFS. They compared blood samples from 40 ME/CFS patients with 20 healthy people and found that five miRNAs were more abundant in patients' blood while one was less abundant. Interestingly, the levels of these molecules matched how severe each patient's symptoms were, suggesting they could potentially be used as a blood test to help diagnose ME/CFS.
Why It Matters
ME/CFS currently lacks objective diagnostic biomarkers, leaving many patients undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. If validated in larger studies, circulating miRNAs could provide the first blood-based test to confirm ME/CFS diagnosis and potentially track disease severity objectively. This would transform patient care by enabling earlier diagnosis and monitoring treatment responses.
Observed Findings
Five miRNAs (miR-127-3p, miR-142-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-150-5p, miR-448) were significantly elevated in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy controls
One miRNA (miR-140-5p) was significantly reduced in ME/CFS patients
MiRNA levels showed direct correlation with ME/CFS disease severity
No significant correlation was found between miRNA levels and plasma pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations
No significant correlation was observed between miRNA levels and HHV-6A/6B genome presence or viral load
Inferred Conclusions
Circulating miRNAs may serve as novel biomarkers for distinguishing ME/CFS patients from healthy controls
MiRNA dysregulation reflects disease severity and may provide objective measures for patient stratification
The lack of correlation with cytokine levels and viral load suggests miRNA dysregulation may represent an independent or downstream pathogenic pathway in ME/CFS
Remaining Questions
Can these miRNA findings be validated in larger, independent patient cohorts with adequate statistical power?
Do these miRNA changes occur before symptom onset (potentially enabling early detection) or develop as a consequence of illness?
What This Study Does Not Prove
This study does not prove that miRNAs cause ME/CFS or that herpesviruses trigger the disease—it only shows association. The cross-sectional design means we cannot determine whether miRNA changes occur before, during, or after symptom onset. The findings also require validation in larger, independent cohorts before any clinical diagnostic application.