Exploring Muscle Clues in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long COVID

By Bio-IT World Staff  

January 14, 2025 | An international team of researchers is delving into the molecular and cellular changes in muscle tissue associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and long COVID. The effort, led by Xuanhong Cheng, Ph.D., of Lehigh University, focuses on identifying biomarkers and pathways that could pave the way for diagnosis and treatment. 

CFS, affecting at least 1.3% of the U.S. population, and long COVID, reported by 6.9% of U.S. adults in 2022, share symptoms like muscle fatigue, neuroinflammation, and brain fog. Cheng and her collaborators in Italy are employing innovative techniques to measure electrical and functional differences in muscle stem cells. Using broadband electrical sensors, they aim to detect abnormalities in cellular responses to oxidative stress, a key factor in CFS-related muscle damage. 

The study, part of the NIH’s RECOVER initiative, involves recruiting 36 participants for muscle biopsies. These minimally invasive procedures will provide insights into cellular dysfunctions and gene expression changes. Long-term goals include developing non-invasive diagnostic tools using electrical signal frequency ranges to distinguish diseased from healthy tissue. 

While the study acknowledges that CFS and long COVID involve multi-system complications, muscle tissue stands out as a consistently affected organ. The research complements other investigations into immune and brain dysfunction, offering a comprehensive approach to understanding these complex conditions. Although clinical applications remain distant, this foundational work brings hope for clearer diagnostics and effective treatments for millions worldwide. 

Read the full story at Diagnostics World.