Induced pluripotent stem cells as suitable sensors for fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Research background

Fibromyalgia (FM) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are multifactorial immuno-metabolic disorders lacking biomarker-based diagnostic methods. Comorbidity is frequent, and the prevalence is increased in women, affecting as much as 5% of the population globally. Available clinical treatments are symptom-palliative only.

Research motivation

A diagnostic bioassay of FM and ME/CFS would reduce the time to diagnosis, clinical costs, and permit the development of effective, curative, treatments. Methods capable of detecting disease-associated “plasma factors” could serve this purpose even if the nature of the detected factors remain unknown.

Research objectives

Identification of metabolic imbalances associated with FM and ME/CFS provides the background needed to develop a cell-based diagnostic bioassay for FM and ME/CFS.

Research methods

The methods included a PRISMA (Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis)-based systematic review of the literature analyzing FM and ME/CFS metabolic profiles, and the technical evidence supporting induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as sensors of environmental imbalance.

Research results

More than one study found statistically significant changes (P < 0.05) in body-fluid metabolites, particularly cholines, ceramides, and some amino acids in FM and ME/CFS patients. Environmental cues can affect stem cell phenotype.

Research conclusions

FM and ME/CFS metabolite profiles support metabolic imbalance. The lack of previous research exploring the hypothesis raised confirms the novelty of our proposal.

Research perspectives

Empirical testing of the influence of FM and ME/CFS “plasma factors” on iPSCs growth and behavior is warranted.