RNase L levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells: 37-kilodalton/83-kilodalton isoform ratio is a potential test for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Abstract

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder characterized by debilitating fatigue associated with immunological abnormalities. The etiology remains unclear. A low-molecular-mass (37 kDa) isoform of RNase L has been described in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) extracts, and the ratio of two isoforms of RNase L (37 kDa/83 kDa) has been proposed as a potential biochemical marker of CFS. In a prospective case-control study, we tested whether the RNase L 37-kDa/83-kDa ratio could discriminate a SFC population. We compared the ratio of RNase L isoforms in PBMCs from 11 patients with CFS (6 women and 5 men; mean age +/- standard deviation, 43.2 +/- 13.8 years) and PBMCs from 14 healthy well-matched volunteers (10 women and 4 men; age, 39.1 +/- 11.6 years). A ratio of RNase L of 0.4 used as a threshold allowed diagnosis of CFS with high sensitivity (91%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 57 to 99%) and specificity (71%; 95% CI, 41 to 90%). The positive and negative prognostic values were 71% (95% CI, 41 to 90%) and 91% (95% CI, 57 to 99%), respectively. In the absence of acute infection or chronic inflammation, a high RNase L ratio could distinguish CFS patients from healthy volunteers. Additional large studies and follow-up studies are required to confirm the stability of this high ratio of RNase L isoforms in a CFS group.

• Authors: Kiet Phong Tiev, Edith Demettre, Philippe Ercolano, Lionel Bastide, Bernard Lebleu, Jean Cabane
• Journal: Clinical and diagnostic laboratory immunology (Clin Diagn Lab Immunol) Vol. 10 Issue 2 Pg. 315-6 (Mar 2003) ISSN: 1071-412X [Print] United States
• PMID: 12626460 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Endoribonucleases
• 2-5A-dependent ribonuclease

Topics

• Adult
• Case-Control Studies
• Endoribonucleases (analysis, chemistry)
• Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic (diagnosis, immunology)
• Female
• Humans
• Leukocytes, Mononuclear (physiology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Molecular Weight
• Prospective Studies
• Sensitivity and Specificity