Histone deacetylase elevation and oxidative stress, decreased glucocorticoid activity in CFS/ME

An Etiological Model for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Decreased glucocorticoid sensitivity and high oxidative stress in CFS might be related to histone deacetylases (HDACs),

HDACs need to be inhibited in order for Nrf2 to be recruited.

HDACs can also promote pro-inflammatory gene expression. This could account for more expression of IL-8, which then suppresses cortisol production.

Jason, Sorenson et al. (2011) found that elderly people with CFS/ME had elevated HDAC activity.

HDAC activity could lead to a chronic pro-inflammatory state that leads to fatigue.