ME/CFS affects multiple body systems, often leading to serious complications with both physical and mental stress. (Image credit: kieferpix via Getty Images)
Scientists have carried out the largest genetic analysis of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a chronic condition that affects people's ability to perform physical activity and can be extremely debilitating.
The DecodeME study, which included more than 15,000 people of European descent with the condition, found that eight regions of the genome were associated with the syndrome. These regions had not previously been linked to ME/CFS. The study suggests that the genetic variants found in these regions are also found in some healthy people. However, in ME/CFS patients, the variants likely act in combination with environmental factors to increase the likelihood of developing the condition, the researchers say.
“The results provide the first compelling evidence of a genetic contribution to ME risk,” study co-author Chris Ponting, a bioinformatician at the University of Edinburgh, told a press conference on Wednesday (August 6).
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