Increased neutrophil apoptosis in chronic fatigue syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
Many patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) have symptoms that are consistent with an underlying viral or toxic illness. Because increased neutrophil apoptosis occurs in patients with infection, this study examined whether this phenomenon also occurs in patients with CFS.


METHODS
Apoptosis was assessed in patients with CFS in conjunction with concentrations of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1).


RESULTS
The 47 patients with CFS had higher numbers of apoptotic neutrophils, lower numbers of viable neutrophils, increased annexin V binding, and increased expression of the death receptor, tumour necrosis factor receptor-I, on their neutrophils than did the 34 healthy controls. Patients with CFS also had raised concentrations of active TGFbeta1 (p < 0.005).


CONCLUSIONS
These findings provide new evidence that patients with CFS have an underlying detectable abnormality in their immune cells.
Vascular Diseases Research Unit, University Department of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK. g.kirk@dundee.ac.uk
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Kennedy
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Spence
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Underwood
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Belch
D000328:Adult; D017304:Annexin A5 / Q000378:metabolism; D017209:Apoptosis; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007154:Immune System Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000032:analysis; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000097:blood
D017304:Annexin A5; D015415:Biomarkers; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta