Letter to the Editor

Abstract

Conflicting results addressing reduced levels of two essential fatty acids in the erythrocyte membrane of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) have been reported. The utilised diagnostic criteria for CFS may account for the observed discrepancies among investigators. Decreased levels of essential fatty acids in the erythrocyte membrane of CFS patients fit our current understanding of CFS pathophysiology. Activation of the protein kinase R enzyme leads to nuclear factor-κB activation, which in turn generates increased production of nitric oxide (NO). A wide variety of infectious agents are typically seen in CFS patients, and are able to increase NO production. It is hypothesized that oxidative stress accounts for the observed reduction in the levels of essential fatty acids in the erythrocyte membrane of CFS patients.

Keywords:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Oxidative stress
• Nitric oxide
• Erythrocyte membrane
• Pathophysiology