Hi everyone, This week’s edition brings several new studies exploring the mechanisms behind Long COVID, including the roles of the immune response, genetic predispositions, and potential therapeutic interventions. This week's highlighted article looks into the pathophysiology of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). It focuses on the dysregulated coagulation system and endothelial dysfunction in ME/CFS patients. The study utilizes Data-Independent Acquisition (DIA) LC-MS/MS to provide an analysis of protein expression in platelet-poor plasma samples.
My husband has long COVID and I've had ME/CFS since 1990, so I was thrilled to find this informative newsletter--with links to real research! Thank you for the work you do. I've got my fingers crossed that there even IS a possible drug for ME/CFS, and my husband forwarded the article about existing drugs that might help with long COVID to his doctor.
Hi Brenda, thanks so much for your comments! You are right, the article was a little confusing when it says, “mast cell activation syndrome is known as an augmented number of cells due to decreased cell death,” and then also says, “the pathogenesis of MCAS involves chronic abnormal activation of mast cells rather than neoplastic proliferation.” It does have a section toward the end discussing the differences between the two diseases, but we picked up on one of the more confusing statements for our summary. Our apologies, and your comments are much appreciated!
We do our best to include current articles that we think will be useful for people. This one reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis/mechanisms, diagnosis, and different organ system involvement of MCAS, which I thought was pretty interesting. It helps to illustrate just how widespread and pervasive the symptoms really are! That really sucks that you have so many symptoms. It must be so debilitating and awful. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
MCAS is NOT an increase in mast cells that is Mastocytosis. Here is some more information to aid you. I have MCAS and most of the symptoms listed in article.
Mastocytosis and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) are both types of mast cell disorders that can cause chronic and severe symptoms:
Mastocytosis
A genetic immune disorder that causes the body to produce too many mast cells, which can build up in the skin and other organs. Mast cells can become overly sensitive to activation and mediator release, and can infiltrate skin or other tissues and organs. Symptoms include:
Skin changes, such as red, flushed, warm skin, pigmentation changes, flat discolored patches of skin, itchiness, and hives
MCAS
An activation disorder that causes mast cells to release too many chemicals into the body, even when there are an average amount of mast cells. These chemicals can cause a severe reaction, leading to allergy-like symptoms. Symptoms include:
My husband has long COVID and I've had ME/CFS since 1990, so I was thrilled to find this informative newsletter--with links to real research! Thank you for the work you do. I've got my fingers crossed that there even IS a possible drug for ME/CFS, and my husband forwarded the article about existing drugs that might help with long COVID to his doctor.
That’s great!
Thanks Again. You are providing a significant service to the public.
Thanks for putting this together. very informative
This is a very tiny example of the symptoms of MCAS. There are literally 100+ plus more.
Hi Brenda, thanks so much for your comments! You are right, the article was a little confusing when it says, “mast cell activation syndrome is known as an augmented number of cells due to decreased cell death,” and then also says, “the pathogenesis of MCAS involves chronic abnormal activation of mast cells rather than neoplastic proliferation.” It does have a section toward the end discussing the differences between the two diseases, but we picked up on one of the more confusing statements for our summary. Our apologies, and your comments are much appreciated!
We do our best to include current articles that we think will be useful for people. This one reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis/mechanisms, diagnosis, and different organ system involvement of MCAS, which I thought was pretty interesting. It helps to illustrate just how widespread and pervasive the symptoms really are! That really sucks that you have so many symptoms. It must be so debilitating and awful. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
MCAS is NOT an increase in mast cells that is Mastocytosis. Here is some more information to aid you. I have MCAS and most of the symptoms listed in article.
Mastocytosis and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) are both types of mast cell disorders that can cause chronic and severe symptoms:
Mastocytosis
A genetic immune disorder that causes the body to produce too many mast cells, which can build up in the skin and other organs. Mast cells can become overly sensitive to activation and mediator release, and can infiltrate skin or other tissues and organs. Symptoms include:
Skin changes, such as red, flushed, warm skin, pigmentation changes, flat discolored patches of skin, itchiness, and hives
MCAS
An activation disorder that causes mast cells to release too many chemicals into the body, even when there are an average amount of mast cells. These chemicals can cause a severe reaction, leading to allergy-like symptoms. Symptoms include:
Swelling
Itching
Rashes
Inflammation
Vomiting
Chronic pain
Flushing
Diarrhea
Constipation
Sweats