Ep 208 Exploring CFS: NIH Study Sheds Light on Neurological and Immune Dynamics Part 3

Jun 25, 2025

Explore groundbreaking findings on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) revealed through functional MRI technology, highlighting hypoactive brain regions. Delve into immune system insights, particularly the phenomenon of immune exhaustion and potential connections to persistent infections. The conversation advocates for interdisciplinary approaches in understanding these invisible illnesses. Additional topics include gut microbiome influences on health, the challenges of holistic treatment, and where cancer research can guide future therapies.

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INSIGHT

Functional MRI Reveals Brain Hypoactivity

Functional MRI measures brain activity by detecting changes in proton alignment during rest and effort.
CFS patients show hypoactivity in the parietal temporal junction, indicating brain circuit integration issues.

INSIGHT

Immune Exhaustion in CFS Patients

ME-CFS patients have immune exhaustion similar to cancer patients where lymphocytes express inhibitory markers.
Blocking these markers revived immune function in cancer, suggesting immune exhaustion is a treatable dysfunction.

INSIGHT

Genetic Susceptibility to Infections

ME-CFS patients often experience repeated infections with increasingly prolonged recovery times.
This suggests a genetic susceptibility affecting immune responses to infections, similar to observations in long COVID.

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This detailed podcast episode delves into the findings of a study on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) using functional MRI and immune system analysis. The speaker explains the technology behind functional MRI and what it revealed about brain activity, specifically in the parietal temporal junction, which showed hypoactivity in CFS patients. The discussion extends to immune abnormalities, highlighting immune cell exhaustion, and hypothesizing links to persistent infections. The episode emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary, evidence-based approaches to treating these 'invisible' illnesses and calls for more integrated, patient-centric research. Other discussed topics include the limitations of current medical specialization and the need for generalist knowledge, the role of gut microbiome, and potential lessons from oncology on immune checkpoints.

00:00 Introduction to Functional MRI
01:48 Understanding Functional MRI Findings
04:08 Immune System Insights
04:54 Cancer Research and Immune Exhaustion
09:01 Genetic Susceptibility and Long COVID
10:33 Holistic Approach to Medicine
13:34 Challenges in Treating CFS and Fibromyalgia
15:38 Future Directions in Research
22:40 Gut Microbiome and Immune Response
25:41 Neurodivergence and Immune System
29:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers.

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