Chronic fatigue and immune deficiency syndrome (CFIDS), cellular metabolism, and ionizing radiation: a review of contemporary scientific literature and suggested directions for future research

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate biochemical pathways known to be involved in radiation response and in CFIDS to determine if there might be common underlying mechanisms leading to symptoms experienced by those accidentally or deliberately exposed to radiation and those suffering from CFIDS. If such a link was established to suggest testable hypotheses to investigate the mechanisms with the aim of identifying new therapeutic targets.

Conclusions: Evidence for involvement of the alpha-synuclein, cytochrome c oxidase, αB-crystallin, RNase L, and lactate dehydrogenase/STAT1 pathways is strong and suggests a common underlying mechanism involving mitochondrial dysfunction mediated by ROS and disruption of ATP production. The downstream effect of this is compromised energy production. Testable hypotheses are suggested to investigate the involvement of these pathways further.

Keywords:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• bystander effects of radiation
• reactive oxygen species (ROS)
• post-radiation syndrome
• atomic veterans

Acknowledgments

The CFIDS Foundation Inc. who funded this review and in particular the director – Dr. Alan Cocchetto who pointed the authors in the direction of many of the papers covered by the review and provided encouragement and ideas.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Andrej Rusin

Andrej Rusin is at Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.

Colin Seymour

Colin Seymour is at Medical Physics & Applied Radiation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.

Carmel Mothersill

Carmel Mothersill is at Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Medical Physics & Applied Radiation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.