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Correlation of psycho-neuroendocrine-immune (PNI) gene expression with symptoms of acute infectious mononucleosis
Vernon SD, Nicholson A, Rajeevan M, Dimulescu I, Cameron B, Whistler T, Lloyd A
Brain Research 2005; doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2005.11.013
Summary
This is a publication from the collaborative study of post-infection fatigue that we conducted with the University of New South Wales. In this study we looked at expression levels (i.e., activity) of genes among 13 persons acutely ill with infectious mononucleosis (caused by Epstein Barr Virus or EBV). We found that activity of a gene involved in skeletal muscle function (MEF2C) was associated with the occurrence of pain and fatigue; another gene involved in sleep was associated with symptoms of sleep disturbance.
Abstract
Acute infection is known to perturb psycho-neuroendocrine-immune (PNI) gene expression. Oligonucleotide microarrays were used to examine PNI gene expression in the peripheral blood of 13 subjects with infectious mononucleosis (IM). Novel peripheral blood gene expression activity was correlated with central-nervous-system-mediated symptoms including fatigue and sleep disturbance. Of note, expression of the MADS box transcription enhancer factor 2 polypeptide C ( MEF2C ) gene, previously implicated in skeletal muscle myogenesis, correlated with symptoms of musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. Expression of the hypocretin/orexin receptor HCRTR2 , which has been implicated in narcolepsy, correlated with sleep disturbance. And, VACHT , the vesicular acetylcholine transporter, was highly correlated with neurocognitive disturbance. The expression of both HCRTR2 and MEF2C in the peripheral blood was validated by reverse transcription PCR. Thus, investigation of the PNI response in peripheral blood may provide novel insights into the complex pathophysiology of centrally mediated disease states.
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