gamma-linolenic-acid and Fatigue-Syndrome--Chronic

Evidence is put forward to suggest that myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, may be associated with persistent viral infection. In turn, such infections are likely to impair the ability of the body to biosynthesise n-3 and n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids by inhibiting the delta-6 desaturation of the precursor essential fatty acids--namely, alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid. This would, in turn, impair the proper functioning of cell membranes, including cell signalling, and have an adverse effect on the biosynthesis of eicosanoids from the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. These actions might offer an explanation for some of the symptoms and signs of myalgic encephalomyelitis. A potential therapeutic avenue could be offered by bypassing the inhibition of the enzyme delta-6-desaturase by treatment with virgin cold-pressed non-raffinated evening primrose oil, which would supply gamma-linolenic acid and lipophilic pentacyclic triterpenes, and with eicosapentaenoic acid. The gamma-linolenic acid can readily be converted into dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid and thence arachidonic acid, while triterpenes have important free radical scavenging, cyclo-oxygenase and neutrophil elastase inhibitory activities. Furthermore, both arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid are, at relatively low concentrations, directly virucidal.

Topics: Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Humans; Linoleic Acids; Membrane Lipids; Oenothera biennis; Phospholipids; Plant Oils; Virus Diseases

To replicate the treatment study by Behan et al. (1990) using current research criteria for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).. Fifty patients who fulfilled the Oxford Criteria for CFS were randomly allocated to treatment with either Efamol Marine or placebo for 3 months. They were seen monthly and completed a physical symptoms checklist and the Beck Inventory for Depression and reported if they were the same, better or worse at the end of the study.. Symptoms generally improved with time but not significantly and there were no significant differences between the treatment and placebo groups. Pretreatment red-cell membrane (RBC) lipids of patients compared with age-and sex-matched normal controls showed no significant differences.. The results of this study contrast sharply with the previous study where 85% of patients had a clinically significant improvement of symptoms with Efamol Marine over a 3-month treatment period.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; Double-Blind Method; Erythrocyte Membrane; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic; Fatty Acids, Essential; Female; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Humans; Linoleic Acids; Male; Membrane Lipids; Middle Aged; Oenothera biennis; Plant Oils; Reproducibility of Results; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic; Fatty Acids, Essential; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Humans; Linoleic Acids; Magnesium; Oenothera biennis; Plant Oils

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is a mysterious and controversial condition. Debate has centred upon its causation, and the purchasing question-which services to commission for people with ME-has not been addressed.. A health needs assessment was made of people with ME in Wakefield, based upon published (including grey) literature, and local informants.. Previous studies have mostly reflected institutional outbreaks; local needs will reflect community, sporadic cases but there is little information about these. The very wide estimates of prevalence (between zero and 57000 for a district the size of Wakefield) indicate a fundamental problem over the validity of the concept of ME. Four sets of health needs emerged from the literature and from local informants: a medical diagnosis, rest, specific treatments and social care. All four are highly debatable.. There are no proven services or interventions which the health authority should purchase for people with ME. Purchasing, being a blunt tool for service change, is unlikely to improve health care given the disagreements over the condition.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Bed Rest; Child; Encephalomyelitis; England; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic; Fatty Acids, Essential; Female; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Health Services Needs and Demand; Humans; Linoleic Acids; Male; Oenothera biennis; Plant Oils; Self-Help Groups; Social Work

Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Complementary Therapies; Drug Combinations; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic; Fatty Acids, Essential; Fish Oils; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Humans; Linoleic Acids; Magnesium Sulfate; Oenothera biennis; Plant Oils