New for June 2005

More Promising CFIDS Research:
Dr. Natelson's preliminary findings of protein changes
in the spinal fluid of CFIDS patients.

Dr. Benjamin Natelson, M.D., professor of neurosciences at the University of New Jersey Medical School, is a highly respected CFIDS researcher. He recently, using a new technology called proteomic profiling, has found abnormal proteins in the spinal fluid of CFIDS patients.

The purpose of his research is to seek possible causes and diagnostic markers for CFIDS.

In the early stages of this research, he has already found at least 5 "CFS-related alterations... in both the high and low molecular weight ranges." One of the proteins "that is present in all healthy controls... appears absent or reduced in 81% of CFIDS patients." Dr. Natelson, in the next phase of his research, is seeking to identify this protein. Likely candidates are a thryroid hormone transport protein and a brain-derived neurotrophic factor. The protein alterations could explain various CFIDS symptoms, including exhaustion, cognition and memory problems, and neural aberrations.

Dr. Natelson wishes to continue and broaden his research to test the spinal fluids of more CFIDS patients and controls to determine if a CFIDS-specific altered protein profile exists and if such a profile can be used as a diagnostic marker.

Although his work is in its early stages, it seems like a valuable line of research since the spinal fluid may provide access to determining organic changes in the brain.

Dr. Natelson applied to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for a grant to continue this research. NIH gave his grant application a lower rating, so no funds were provided.
As patients, we know that the NIH has a terrible record of funding biologically-oriented CFIDS research.

Because of the potential importance of Dr. Natelson's research, an appeal has been made to the patient community to assist in providing funds so that the next stage of the work can be completed.

While the Mass. CFIDS/FM Association finds Dr. Natelson's research of great interest, we cannot say at this time whether this work will produce a substantial benefit for patients. If you would like to make a contribution, you can go to:
www.umdnj.edu/foundweb/gift/gift_donation.htm You can make a donation on line, or through the mail. If you do make a donation, we suggest you earmark your gift for CFIDS spinal fluid research.

Also, Mr Jeremy Bearman of South Africa is offering to match "all donations to Benjamin Natelson up to $1500." Mr. Bearman asks that you send him an e-mail to "let me know how much you contributed." His e-mail is jhbear@iafrica.com

Sources: Dr. Benjamin Natelson, Co-Cure