Thread by @IsabelRamirezRD

Professor Simon Carding, #IIMEC15 conference chair opening the conference: Let's do this for #MECFS & #LongCovid

The latest ground breaking research into #MECFS research. Mission to uncover disease mechanisms for evidence intervention: viruses, autoimmunity, immune senescence; in addition: photobiomodulation, microbiota replacement therapy

A unique cluster of research institutions located within 1 KM

#MECFS is a multifactorial and complex disease, we are learning a lot from #longcovid - microbe infection driven by exhaustion of the immune system.

Microbes essential for immune system fitness, essential processing, communication of gut-brain axis. These are not just bacteria, but virus, fungi all working together. Disturbance in microbiome is linked to nearly every human disease.

10-25% of #MECFS patients are severe, yet only 0.5% are included in research

Viruses in severe #MECFS patients: virus are good at hiding, reactivate, kill the cell, interact with lots of sensors in the body, particularly the immune system. They can activate or suppress immune function

The first comprehensive description of gut microbiome in severe pts, identify changes, viral clusters, unique virus-bacteria interactions, contribute to alterations in gut bacteria described in these patients

Autoimmunity in severe pts: reactivity to their own gut microbiome. Reactivity in serum with own and foreign microbes. pts have lower levels of antibodies, increase antibody reactivity to specific gut bacteria, potential explanation on why there are more infections

Microbiome is a transformative platform for health and healthcare: FMT-impact in aging, but also #MECFS - intestinal permeability increased from old to young mice FMT and vice versa. Microbiota modulation may be a targeted therapy

FMT and #MECFS 60 mild-severe in a trial: 42 responded; 58% symptom free after 15-20 yrs, GI symptoms 88% resolved.

Restore ME : FMT capsules are called "neptune capsules" because it is next to uranus

Expected start of the study is Dec 2023/Jan2024

A trial of photo-biomodulation will also be starting as a therapy for ME. Promising application in cell based therapies, such as end stage liver disease and perhaps ME. ME pts have high levels of oxidative stress, limited ATP production.

Participants for the study need to be over 18, dx with ME and live in the UK for phase 1 with n=10

Light me up will be a remote study. Waiting on final approvals, protocol is ready.

A lot of international and multidisciplinary teams across the world working to bring #MECFS research to the forefront, including training and networking young scientist and clinicians to have the next generation continue the important work of ME, #longcovid and others