Further Theories for CFS-FMS

1. Channelopathy Theory

Infection Cause
It is well established that many microbial infections have been followed by CFS.
According to Prof. K. De Meirleir of Brussels (he specialises in CFS research), infectious viruses or certain other microbes, invade human cells releasing their virus DNA which triggers production of enzymes called 2-5 0AS and PKR. In turn these causes activation of a substance called RNase-L which finally destroys the infectious RNA (essential nuclear code) but also the host cell too. Both die. Fortunately this stops spreading of the infection….at a cost.
Strangely, these OAS proteins are the same as a Thyroid receptor protein and they can deactivate the receptor which may lead to intense fatigue and a hypothyroid situation (note the prevalence and similarity of hypothyroid symptoms in CSF-FMS). Hence Thyroid Receptor Resistance.
Another thing happens:
Inflammation triggered by infection, produces substances that cleave (break apart) those RNase L and OAS proteins into small fragments that cause further mayhem in the walls of organ or tissue cells where they disrupt transport of vital minerals (ions) through ‘channels’.
Cell functioning goes haywire and as you can imagine, results in many abnormal symptoms such as palpitations (heart cells) sweats, hypoglycaemia, reduced pain threshold, visual-taste-smell disorder, sensitivity to chemicals, depression anxiety, feeling cold or hot and so on.
These consequences are termed ‘Channelopathies’.
In addition, the immune response becomes abnormal – with lowered immunity to infections, even some which normally are relatively harmless can take hold (opportunistic infections as in AIDs).
One example infection is Mycoplasma which has been found in 69% of CFS patients.
Another cleavage fragment called ankyrin, can also increase cytotoxicity of mercury compounds such as Thimerosol (used in some vaccinations as a sterilizer) as well as dental mercury. It also may cause the pain in the muscles.
The Channelopathy theory actually explains why in the CFS-FMS syndrome there ARE multiple dysfunctions of many organ systems.
We also can explain why STRESS makes it worse, at least one reason, is that it activates virus replication – which restarts the whole process as above. Stress if prolonged, increases adrenal cortisol at first, decreases protective white cells (macrophages), reduces defences and the virus multiplies.
Predisposing factors:

  • Cell stress
  • Toxins – PCP, DU, organophosphates, mycotoxins (from yeasts, fungi), heavy metals
  • Certain viruses – EBV, CMV, HHV-6 etc
  • Prolonged physical or mental stress – reduces cortisol, testosterone, DHEA
  • Immune response shift TH1 to TH2
  • Genetic predisposition

Unfortunately, the infection may have long gone but left the legacy. Infections can be treated – with the exception of viruses. Though here one can increase immune defences as the best attack.

2. Phosphate Theory

I did try this many years ago but very hard for patients – so Im no expert on this topic. Some do believe ot to be succesful.
It was discovered years ago that some FMS patients got better after anti-gout treatment. This lead to a theory that phosphate build up occurred in cells especially muscles.
A Professor of Endocrinology at Harbor-UCLA University, Paul Amand and his team have worked in FMS-CFS and their research led them to a simple compound called Guaifenesin (actually a natural product common to many cough mixtures). It appears Guaifenesin (G) increases excretion of phosphates through the kidneys. Other cell changes are found such as low ATP (the energy factor produced by mitochondria in every cell).
Professor Amand postulates a primary disorder of phosphate metabolism and he can account for many of the wide spectrum of symptoms.
More importantly, he has considerable success with treating FMS with G. However, it does have to be done long term. One month for every year of FMS.
The course must be done 100% according to the protocol. Many things can negate the outcome such as taking any form of salicylate found in aspirin, toothpaste even, and many types of foods.
refer to Expert US Centre

3. Thyroid Dysfunction

Many symptoms of FMS and perhaps CFS are so similar to underactive thyroid that it is absolutely necessary to assess the thyroid, and all endocrine glands for that matter.

On the matter of thyroid testing with TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone or thyrotropin)
It is not enough to just measure the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) as per medical guidelines. It is a poor screening test when confronted with certain hypothyroid-like clinical cases.  Current medical standard guidelines state that the TSH alone is appropriate for the assessment of thyroid status. Indeed for most ‘normal’ patients that may be the case. But it does not take into account the many who have within-range TSH and other thyroid hormones (and often in the low normal range) – yet they display classic symptoms of underactive thyroid activity. The tests TSH, T3 and T4 – simply indicate the ability of the brain-pituitary-thyroid system to make the hormones available. It does not in any way give evidence of what then happens at the cellular and intracellular interface. Many disturbances are possible there. But there no readily available lab tests to confirm such a problem – yet many patients respond to careful prescribing of a combined T4, T3, T2 natural hormone preparation. As dosing is titrated upwards, the symptoms reduce and quality of life restored – so it becomes what is termed a ‘trial of therapy’. A term that is actually the basis of many mainstream medication therapies if one cares to admit the fact.

Full thyroid tests including thyroid antibodies, early morning as well as temperature testing, and full symptom evaluation and physical checkup are required. Refer to Downloads page or Thyroid page for more on Thyroid testing availability.
Some experts in the FMS field such as Dr Lowe, Dr Teitelbaum in the US place great emphasis on the thyroid as a major cause of FMS. The channelopathy theory may explain why now.
Dr Lowe recognises severe thyroid resistance and treats accordingly with doses of, usually, T3 until symptoms are controlled. i.e. when the patient has normal thyroid function. This may not mean normal thyroid function tests! These may be irrelevant if there is such an entity as resistance in FMS. However that topic is very controversial at present in the medical establishment
His website is very informative. Dr Lowe also has published a well referenced textbook.
We use this technique at our clinic.
For more on Dr Lowe refer to Dr Lowe Website
A recent excellent works that scientifically explains the whole CFS-FMS sequence is ‘Explaining Unexplained Illnesses’ by Martin L.Pall, PhD 2007. He has put up the theories from the most prominent CFS researchers and explained them with a single biochemical theory.
CFS and FMS requires a serious workup – full history, relevant examination, blood workup with emphasis on the hormones (endocrine). In addition diet, digestion, gut microbe environment, mood status and so on. There are many treatments for FMS and CFS – varying enormously depending on each case.
For more information on Thyroid Disorders go to this page >>>

4.  Sleep Disorder

This topic should be No.1 as it is the most overlooked yet potentially the easiest and rewarding to treat of all.
Many sufferers of fatigue and pain complain of poor sleeping, either cant go to sleep or wake later. There are categories of this spectrum which has relevance to causation.

Amongst many causes are the following:

  • pain from any cause
  • disturbance from spouse or partner
  • shift working
  • medication side effects
  • mood disorder eg depression
  • airways obstruction
    • tonsils, adenoids, nasal deviation
    • weight gain
    • pharyngeal laxity
    • jaw and dental structural issues
I consider it is imperative to assess the likelihood of sleep disorder as it can produce even profound fatigue and brain ‘fog’ – poor short term memory, concentration and just poor ‘thinking processes’.Sleep apnoea may or may not be obvious to the partner – as apparent stopping of breathing for seemingly a long time before sudden arousal and loud breathing again.
Snoring or noisy breathing is common.

If you cannot absolutely say this is not a factor then see our clinic for assessment – but first go to the website below and thoroughly read everything. If you wish to have further assessment by overnight Recording Pulse Oxymetry (at your own home and bed) then complete the form from the website.Then contact me via the Contact Us  page to inform that you have an assessment underway.
Go to The SleepWell Clinic

5. Currently the research is showing that MITOCHONDRIA failure is the pivotal problem. Many theories as to how, what and why – as well as which treatment works. That will be determined by what the cause is likely to be.