The role of the Thymus gland in ME?

[Inara]

Does anybody know if the thymus gland plays a role in ME?

Amongst others, I came across this:
https://www.bmj.com/rapid-response/2011/10/30/troubles-chronic-fatigue-syndrome

This would implicate the thymus should be overactive? Is there such a thing as an overactive/underactive thymus and which symptoms should be expected?

Would there be a connection to T cells, and which one?

 

[dannybex]

Just to answer your first question: Since it's essential for proper immune function, my guess would be 'of course'.

 

[Inara]

I was wondering if there are any other people here whose thymus function seems to be reduced, and if this is due to ME or if this is before ME? Or is the thymus overactive? And is this relevant? Why does a thymus get over- or underactive?

 

[Jonathan Edwards]

This would implicate the thymus should be overactive? Is there such a thing as an overactive/underactive thymus and which symptoms should be expected?

Not really. The chief function of the thymus is to select useful T cells for protective immunity during childhood. By the age of 20 the organ atrophies and in adults it may be of no great importance. Removal of the thymus in adults does not produce major problems as far as I know.

The letter you quote must have been written by someone at least 85 years old I think - now 99. We understand why the thymus is relevant in myasthenia but this has no likely relevance to ME.

 

[Jonathan Edwards]

In fact he was 87!

 

[exoptima]

Hi, I have overactive thymus. I’m 39 and while investigating the root cause of my cfs symptoms I did a full body PET scan and it showed an overactive thymus with SUV 3. Also my thymus was enlarged. Also did the test for the myasthenia gravis but that turned out negative. So I think whatever is causing my cfs is causing the overactive thymus. Interesting article you have posted!
I’d be happy to share my medical records. I think someone should look into the relationship between thymus and cfs

 

[Trish]

Hi @exoptima, welcome to the forum. I hope you find us friendly and the discussions interesting.

On the subject of sharing medical records, please be aware that this thread is in the public area of the forum, and can be read by anybody and found on internet searches. Even the members only area is visible to about 2000 people, and, while members should not share anything posted there, we cannot guarantee who will see it.

 

[lansbergen]

So I think whatever is causing my cfs is causing the overactive thymus.

You could be right and maybe the overactivation could not be enough to stop the disease process.

The immune modulator I use mimics a thymus hormone.