Abstract:
AIM: To identify subtypes in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) based on DNA methylation profiles and health scores.
METHODS: DNA methylome profiles in immune cells were integrated with symptomatology from 70 women with ME/CFS using similarity network fusion to identify subtypes.
RESULTS: We discovered four ME/CFS subtypes associated with DNA methylation modifications in 1939 CpG sites, three RAND-36 categories and five DePaul Symptom Questionnaire measures. Methylation patterns of immune response genes and differences in physical functioning and postexertional malaise differentiated the subtypes.
CONCLUSION: ME/CFS subtypes are associated with specific DNA methylation differences and health symptomatology and provide additional evidence of the potential relevance of metabolic and immune differences in ME/CFS with respect to specific symptoms.
Source: de Vega WC, Erdman L, Vernon SD, Goldenberg A, McGowan PO. Integration of DNA methylation & health scores identifies subtypes in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Epigenomics. 2018 Apr 25. doi: 10.2217/epi-2017-0150. [Epub ahead of print] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29692205