Transient Receptor Potential Ion Channels in the Etiology and Pathomechanism of CFS/ME, 2018, Marshall-Gradisnik et al

[Andy]

ABSTRACT

Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a disabling condition of unknown cause having multi-system manifestations.

Our group has investigated the potential role of transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels in the etiology and pathomechanism of this illness. Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) signaling is the primary intracellular calcium signaling mechanism in non-excitable cells and is associated with TRP ion channels. While the sub-family (Canonical) TRPC has been traditionally associated with this important cellular mechanism, a member of the TRPM sub-family group (Melastatin), TRPM3, has also been recently identified as participating in SOCE in white matter of the central nervous system.

We have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TRP genes in natural killer (NK) cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in CFS/ME patients. We also describe biochemical pathway changes and calcium signaling perturbations in blood cells from patients. The ubiquitous distribution of TRP ion channels and specific locations of sub-family group members such as TRPM3 suggest a contribution to systemic pathology in CFS/ME.

Open access at http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=84678

 

[hixxy]

So basically just another rehash of previous research? I wonder when they're gonna publish something new after hoovering up every last cent of funding in Australia a couple of years ago.

 

[Trish]

It describes itself as a review of the possible roles of the stuff they talk about in ME.

I was hoping they might actually be presenting new data here to support their theories, but as @hixxy says, it presents hypotheses, not data.
I don't have sufficient knowledge to say whether it contributes anything new.

I also notice it was published only a month after the journal received it, which suggests super quick peer review (if any). I thought papers took many months in the process normally. Maybe reviews like this get less scrutiny because they don't claim to have found anything new.

@Jonathan Edwards, can you help here. Does this say anything new or useful in your opinion?