Wang, Tengteng, Yin, Jie, Miller, Andrew H et al. · Brain, behavior, and immunity · 2017 · DOI
Researchers reviewed 50 studies to understand whether differences in our genes (called genetic polymorphisms) might make some people more likely to experience severe fatigue. They found that certain genetic variations in immune system and brain chemistry genes were linked to fatigue across different diseases, including ME/CFS. This suggests that our genes may play a role in determining how tired we become.
This review consolidates evidence that genetic factors contribute to ME/CFS fatigue severity, moving beyond purely psychological explanations and supporting a biological basis for the disease. Understanding the genetic underpinnings of fatigue could eventually lead to better diagnostic tools, personalized treatment approaches, and more effective interventions for ME/CFS patients.
This systematic review does not prove that specific genetic polymorphisms cause ME/CFS or fatigue; it only identifies associations across multiple studies. It also does not explain why some people with these genetic variations develop severe fatigue while others do not, nor does it address environmental or epigenetic factors that may interact with genetics. Finally, the review cannot establish causation—associations found in retrospective studies do not necessarily mean the genetic variants directly cause increased fatigue.
About the PEM badge: “PEM required” means post-exertional malaise was an explicit required diagnostic criterion for participant inclusion in this study — not that PEM was studied, observed, or discussed. Studies using criteria that do not require PEM (e.g. Fukuda, Oxford) are tagged “PEM not required”. How the atlas works →
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