Archives ME Association Glasgow
http://www.meassociation.org.uk/mearesfn.htm
Projects Funded by
The ME Association's
Research Fund
Since 1990, The ME Association has been active in raising money for scientific research. In order that we can continue to fund this research, we are running The MEA Research Fund Appeal.
Future research supported by this fund will concentrate on the topics selected through our new research initiative - please visit our research website, www.mearesearch.org, for further information.
The following research projects have recently beeen funded by The MEA's research fund:
Quantitative Studies of
Putative Biochemical Markers for ME/CFS: CFSUM1, Amino Acids and Carnitines Summary of Research Abstract
Professor Ronald Chalmers, Professor Stewart Goodwin, Dr Lynne Drummond and
Dr John Axford, St George’s Hospital Medical School, London
Recent studies in ME/CFS patients have reported irregular levels of some urinary compounds, particularly an unknown compound named CFSUM1’. The possibility of one or more diagnostic chemical markers for ME/CFS is suggested by this work.
Status: Preliminary results presented to a meeting of the Melvin Ramsay Society in 2000. Results undergoing preparation for submission for publication.
Neuroendocrine Function
and the Symptoms of Fatigue: A Longitudinal Study of Patients with ME and
Athletes at Risk of Developing a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Summary of Research Abstract
Professor David Jones, Dr Anita Sharma, Dr Martin Kendall and Dr Michael
Gleeson, University of Birmingham
Whilst there are many cases of ME/CFS where the onset of clinical symptoms is clearly preceded by a well documented viral or other infection, there are probably similar numbers where the evidence is anecdotal or absent.
To establish a clear role for infection it is necessary to carry out a prospective study of individuals at risk of developing the condition.
Status: The results from part of this study have been published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (2001, 94, 26-27). Results undergoing preparation for submission for publication.
A Case-control Study of
Proton Spectroscopy and Hippocampal Volume Measurement in Patients with Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome Summary of Research Abstract
Professor Graham Whitehouse and Mr Jonathan Brooks University of Liverpool
A case-control study using neuroimaging techniques (proton spectroscopy) to investigate possible brain abnormalities in patients with ME/CFS.
Status: completed. The results have been presented to a meeting of the British Institute of Radiology (see Perspectives Medical Matters, April 2000, page ii). The results, which demonstrated a significant decrease in the concentration of an important brain chemical, known as N-acetylaspartate in the right hippocampus, have been published in the British Journal of Radiology (2000, 73, 1206 - 1208).
Professor Whitehouse is hoping to extend this study to matching results with the clinical details of the patients to see if there is also any correlation obtained from psychological testing.
Epidemiological Study of
the Incidence of Childhood ME/CFS in the Catchment Area of a District General
Hospital
Drs Nigel Speight and CJ Sabai, Dryburn Hospital, Durham
Dr Speight and Dr Sabai have received a small grant for a project, the aim of which is to monitor the paediatric cases occurring within one hospital catchment area. This small study also aims to examine the impact of ME/CFS on families and the education of children.
A small research study grant of £300 towards cost of secretarial expenses - 1998.
Status: Completed.
The Role of Breakdown of
the Blood-brain Barrier in the Pathogenesis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Summary of Research Abstract
Dr Wilhelmina Behan and Dr John Gow, University of Glasgow
A study to look at the way in which infections, immunisations and neurotoxins may cause a breakdown in the efficiency of the blood-brain-barrier (a layer of cells which help to protect nervous system tissue in the brain from harmful factors which may be circulating in the blood) and so precipitate changes in brain hormones, etc. which occur in ME/CFS.
Status: Preliminary results have been presented to international scientific meetings in Germany and the UK. Due to be published in Endothelium and Journal of Physiology.
‘The Social Impact of ME
- ME: sick person in a healthy community’ Summary of Research Abstract
Dr Lynn Michell, Midlothian, Scotland
Two year sociological study which will record ways in which ME/CFS shapes, changes and reduces the lives of individuals within the social spheres in which they once functioned as healthy individuals - at home, in the workplace and in the community. A potentially important piece of social research, the final report will examine the topics, issues and themes raised in the interviews.
Status: further grant of £500 awarded for 2000/2001 to cover analysis of data collected from the 25 lengthy interviews held with adults and children with ME.
Study on the 2-5A Synthetase/RNAse
L Antiviral Pathway in Patients with ME/CFS Summary of Research Abstract
Dr John Gow (Institute of Neurological Sciences) and Dr Wilhelmina Behan
(Department of Pathology), University of Glasgow.
Professor Leslie Findley, National ME Centre, Essex.
Professor Tony Pinching, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London.
This study will seek to identify abnormalities in this pathway in patients with ME/CFS and compare the results with a group of healthy controls and patients suffering from other types of infectious illnesses. Further evidence of abnormalities in the pathway could lead to the development of a diagnostic test for ME/CFS and the use of drugs (eg Ampligen) which are specifically targeted at this key intracellular response to viral infections.
Status: ongoing. Preliminary results (Glasgow subjects only) published November 2001.
Cholinergic
Supersensitivity of Blood Vessels in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) Summary of Research Abstract
Professor Jill Belch, Dr Faisel Khan and Dr Vance Spence, University of
Dundee
Study to assess the cholinergic supersensitivity of blood vessels in ME/CFS. This study will attempt to demonstrate if blood vessel size is abnormally sensitive to a chemical transmitter known as acetylcholine. Any such abnormality could help to explain some of the autonomic nervous system abnormalities (ie symptoms such as problems with heart rate or blood pressure and temperature sensitivity) which frequently occur in ME/CFS.
Status: Completed. Results from initial part of this work have been published in the American Journal of Medicine (reference: 2000, 108, 736-739). A summary of the findings appeared in the Winter 2000 edition of the Medical and Welfare Bulletin supplement to Perspectives. Results undergoing preparation for submission for publication in medical journal.
Physical Performance and
Quality of Life Studies in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Summary of Research Abstract
Professor Sue Ward Professor of Exercise Science and Medicine, University of
Glasgow
Professor Sue Ward will look at objective measurements of physiological function in ME/CFS patients. It is hoped that taking these measurements will cover some surprising omissions in the literature.
Professor Ward is studying physiological changes involving the cardiovascular system, respiratory system and muscles in people with ME/CFS. This should help clarify what role, if any, deconditioning (i.e. lack of physical activity) has in perpetuating ME/CFS. This research group is also looking at possible benefits from the use of supplements which are claimed to enhance muscle energy production (for more on these supplements, please see Management File in Perspectives issue 80).
Status: ongoing.
The Role of 11-beta
Hydroxisteroid Dehydrogenase in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Summary of Research Abstract
Dr. Carlo Berti
CFS patients suffer from a rather mild form of hypocortisolism. This small study is to assess whether carbenoxolone sodium will produce an increase in the plasma levels of cortisol.
Status: completed. Data under preparation for publication.
The Role of Enteroviral
Infections (and other precipitant factors) in the Disruption of Ion Channels
Professor Peter Behan, Institute of Neurological Sciences, University of
Glasgow
In June 1996 The ME Association was left a legacy of £7,707 (Miss Zedzierski’s legacy) with the specific request that it should be used to help fund a research student working on enteroviral (Coxsackie) involvement in ME/CFS or the use of antiviral therapy. At that time the Association had no research applications that met this criteria and the only researcher who expressed an interest was Professor Behan.
In 1998 we received a research proposal from Professor Behan, to look at the effects of viruses on cell membrane and ion channel function. (Abnormalities in this aspect of cell functioning are termed ‘channelopathies’.)
The application was approved and the legacy, together with other funds obtained by the University, will enable Professor Behan and his team to carry out this three year project.
Status: ongoing.
Search for Evidence of
Persisting Viral Infection (seven different viruses) and One Non-viral Pathogen
in ME/CFS
Professor Peter Behan and Dr John Gow, Institute of Neurological Sciences,
University of Glasgow
Two year study involving a search for evidence of persisting viral infection (seven different viruses) and one non-viral pathogen in ME/CFS. A paper relating to the possible presence of Borna virus disease in ME/CFS has already been published (ref Neurological Infections and Epidemiology, 1997, 2). A grant of £56,027 over a period of two years.
Status: completed.
Postal Survey of Local
ME Support Groups
Dr Lesley Cooper
A postal survey of members of local support groups betweeen June and August 2000 with the aim of determining the issues and concerns of people with ME and gathering news of their experiences of services and treatments. 730 questionnaires were distributed with 347 respondents replying. The study found that many of the prevoiusly-voiced concerns on behalf of people with ME were substantiated.
Status: completed. Report passed to the Chief Medical Officer's Working Group on CFS/ME. A copy is available here.
Please remember The MEA Research Fund Appeal
Survey of Risk Factors
for the Development of Severe ME/CFS
Dr Derek Pheby
A major study into factors which may be involved in the development of severe ME/CFS, the first such research to be carried out in this area. It is estimated that around 25% of people with ME/CFS are severely affected but there is a lack of literature on such cases.
A pilot case-control survey has been carried out by way of a questionnaire. Questionnaires were sent to 157 people with the aim of investigating currently recognised risk factors, determining severity (housebound or bedbound, use of the Barthel index), and assessing pain and mood. The questionnaire then requested information regarding possible risk factors for severity, such as gender, age, occupation, viral infection, exercise, chemical exposure, types and quality of treatment, and pyschology (personality type). Following presentation of his results (available in the Winter 2001/2 edition of Perspectives - Issue 82), Dr Pheby recommended a definitive study be carried out, using a modified questionnaire and involving as wide a range of people as possible.
Status: continuing. Results of the pilot study were presented at The ME Association's Annual General Meeting in October 2001.
Please remember The MEA Research Fund Appeal