Abstract:
This study aims to improve the health of
patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) by
interventions based on the biochemistry of the illness, specifically
the function of mitochondria in producing ATP (adenosine
triphosphate), the energy currency for all body functions, and
recycling ADP (adenosine diphosphate) to replenish the ATP supply as
needed. Patients attending a private medical practice specializing
in CFS were diagnosed using the Centers for Disease Control
criteria. In consultation with each patient, an integer on the Bell
Ability Scale was assigned, and a blood sample was taken for the
"ATP profile" test, designed for CFS and other fatigue conditions.
Each test produced 5 numerical factors which describe the
availability of ATP in neutrophils, the fraction complexed with
magnesium, the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation, and the
transfer efficiencies of ADP into the mitochondria and ATP into the
cytosol where the energy is used. With the consent of each of 71
patients and 53 normal, healthy controls the 5 factors have been
collated and compared with the Bell Ability Scale. The individual
numerical factors show that patients have different combinations of
biochemical lesions. When the factors are combined, a remarkable
correlation is observed between the degree of mitochondrial
dysfunction and the severity of illness (P<0.001). Only 1 of
the 71 patients overlaps the normal region. The "ATP profile" test
is a powerful diagnostic tool and can differentiate patients who
have fatigue and other symptoms as a result of energy wastage by
stress and psychological factors from those who have insufficient
energy due to cellular respiration dysfunction. The individual
factors indicate which remedial actions, in the form of dietary
supplements, drugs and detoxification, are most likely to be of
benefit, and what further tests should be carried out.
The full article is available from
here -
published by
The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine
(http://www.ijcem.com)
Last Updated:
26/01/2009