Elevated serum levels of interleukin-11 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome - Takeaways - MDSpire

Elevated serum levels of interleukin-11 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome

  • By

  • Baskaran Chinnappan

  • Duraisamy Kempuraj

  • Kristina K. Aenlle

  • Ashley Middleton

  • Katie S. Day

  • Sai Puneeth Kothuru

  • Rhitik Samir Joshi

  • Nancy G. Klimas

  • Theoharis C. Theoharides

  • June 5, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is characterized by chronic fatigue and neurological symptoms.

  • 2

    Serum levels of interleukin-11 (IL-11) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) are significantly elevated in ME/CFS patients.

  • 3

    Mast cells stimulated by Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) release high amounts of MMP-9, suggesting their involvement in ME/CFS.

  • 4

    ME/CFS affects approximately 3.3 million people in the U.S., with a higher prevalence in females aged 40-60 years.

  • 5

    Current research indicates no reliable blood biomarkers for ME/CFS, complicating diagnosis and treatment.

Original Source(s)

Elevated serum levels of interleukin-11 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome

  • by Baskaran Chinnappan, Duraisamy Kempuraj, Kristina K. Aenlle, Ashley Middleton, Katie S. Day, Sai Puneeth Kothuru, Rhitik Samir Joshi, Nancy G. Klimas, Theoharis C. Theoharides

  • June 5, 2026

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