losartan-potassium and Fatigue-Syndrome--Chronic

Hugh Montgomery's discovery of the first of more than 239 fitness genes together with rapid advances in human gene therapy have created a prospect of using genes, genetic elements, and cells that have the capacity to enhance athletic performance (to paraphrase the World Anti-Doping Agency's definition of gene doping). This brief overview covers the main areas of interface between genetics and sport, attempts to provide a context against which gene doping may be viewed, and predicts a futuristic legitimate use of genomic (and possibly epigenetic) information in sport.

Topics: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; Animals; Apolipoproteins E; Doping in Sports; Epigenesis, Genetic; Erythropoietin; Fatigue; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic; Female; Gene Transfer Techniques; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genetic Therapy; Genome, Human; Humans; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Male; Myostatin; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; Receptors, Erythropoietin; Sex Determination Analysis; Sports

Given previous findings, we wished to investigate whether there was evidence of autonomic dysfunction in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, and whether this could be related to reduced erythropoietin levels and altered red blood cell indices.. We assessed autonomic function and analysed blood parameters (including erythropoietin) in 22 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome who were medication-free and without comorbid depression or anxiety. Results were compared to 23 iron-deficiency anaemia patients and 18 healthy individuals.. Autonomic testing in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome yielded a significantly greater increase in heart rate together with a more pronounced systolic blood pressure fall on standing compared to healthy individuals. Heart rate beat-to-beat variation on deep breathing and responses to the Valsalva manoeuvre were normal. Two of 22 patients with chronic fatigue had mild normochromic normocytic anaemia with normal ferritin, vitamin B12 and folate levels. Serum erythropoietin levels were within reference range.. Some autonomic dysfunction is present in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients; the explanation remains uncertain, but could relate to cardiovascular deconditioning. There were no major haematological, biochemical or immunological abnormalities in these patients.

Topics: Adult; Albumins; Autonomic Nervous System; Blood Pressure; Creatinine; Erythropoietin; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic; Female; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Severity of Illness Index; Surveys and Questionnaires; Valsalva Maneuver; Vitamin B 12