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The hypothesis of this study is that there develops a problem
with the regulation of the antiviral response, resulting in chronic fatigue
syndrome (CFS). There is no specific test for this disease of unknown
cause that has no effective treatment. Extracts from peripheral blood
mononuclear cells were analyzed for 2-5A dependent binding proteins. A
heavier (80-kDa) 2-5A binding protein was present in all individuals.
A lighter (37 kDa) 2-5A binding protein was present in 50/57 (88%) patients
with CFS, 9/28 (32%) in healthy controls, 2/14 (14%) in those with depression
and 4/11 (38%) in those with fibromyalgia. The authors conclude this 37
kDa 2-5A binding protein may be a useful biomarker for CFS. The biological
significance of these 2-5A binding proteins in patients with CFS is unknown.
The 32% positive rate in healthy people shows the limits of specificity
of the test. |
