Metabolic Dysregulation in ME/CFS: The Role of Hypometabolism and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Post-Exertional Malaise

Anastasia, Marin (2025) Metabolic Dysregulation in ME/CFS: The Role of Hypometabolism and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Post-Exertional Malaise. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.

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Abstract

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating illness marked by profound fatigue and post-exertional malaise (PEM), characterised by a worsening of symptoms following minimal exertion. Emerging studies suggest that metabolic dysfunctions, specifically hypometabolism and mitochondrial impairments, play a central role in the disease’s pathophysiology. This thesis explores how disruptions in energy metabolism contribute to PEM through analysing the findings from metabolomic, physiological, and cellular studies. ME/CFS patients show reduced oxidative phosphorylation, impaired fatty acid and amino acid metabolism, along with signs of mitochondrial inefficiency. These disturbances lead to a persistent energy deficit, switching to reliance on short-term, anaerobic pathways that cannot sustain normal body function. Mitochondrial studies reveal reduced reserve capacity and ATP production, supporting that PEM results from a failure to meet energy demands after exertion. Together, these findings suggest that ME/CFS reflects a maladaptive, hypometabolic state, analogous to the cell danger response and dauer state, that disrupts energy homeostasis and recovery. Understanding the metabolic pathways provides a foundation for future discovery of a specific biomarker that would lead to more effective diagnosis and metabolism-based therapies.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Duinen, H. van
Degree programme:	Biology
Thesis type:	Bachelor's Thesis
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	01 Jul 2025 11:07
Last Modified:	08 Jul 2025 10:25
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/35577

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