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BMBF funding for joint project VADYS-ME to research pathomechanisms in ME/CFS
The VADYS-ME research project investigates how vascular problems and circulatory disorders can trigger symptoms such as extreme fatigue and concentration problems in patients with ME/CFS. The project is led by Prof. Dr. Dr. med. Wolfram Döhner, a scientist at the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) and the German Heart Center at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. The aim is to better understand the causes and mechanisms of this stressful disease and to develop new approaches for diagnosis and treatment.
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a severe, complex chronic disease that leads to a severe reduction in physical and mental performance and is characterized by persistent fatigue and pain. Those affected often suffer from extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, pain, concentration problems and a wide range of physical symptoms. The disease occurs after infectious diseases. A significant increase in the number of people affected was observed after the COVID-19 pandemic in particular. Other viral diseases such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is responsible for mononucleosis, influenza and other respiratory infections are also associated with the development of ME/CFS.
This joint project, VADYS-ME, investigates whether and how disturbances in the regulation of the blood vessels and blood supply affect the metabolism and thus the function of tissues and organs. These in turn can contribute to typical symptoms such as muscular weakness, generalized fatigue and concentration disorders.
Innovative approaches: Imaging, biomarkers and data analysis
The researchers use imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging to investigate how well the brain, heart and muscles are supplied with blood. They also analyze the metabolism of skeletal muscles and examine blood samples from ME/CFS patients specifically for certain characteristics (“biomarkers”) of blood flow regulation.
The VADYS-ME research project is being carried out by Charité in cooperation with the Technical University of Munich (project leader Prof. Dr. med. Schmaderer) and funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) with 2.6 million euros. It brings together the expertise of five research teams from Charité, including the Berlin Institute of Health (with BCRT), the German Heart Institute Berlin, the Department of Neurology at Charité and the Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), as well as the Technical University of Munich. Patient associations (Lost Voices Foundation and the ME/CFS Research Foundation) have also been involved in the project from the outset so that the scientists can incorporate the perspective of patients and those affected into the clinical research work.
Prof. Dr. Dr. med. Wolfram Döhner, who heads the project, explains: "With VADYS-ME, we want to better understand the mechanisms of ME/CFS and look for new methods for reliable and rapid diagnosis. We also want to open up opportunities for new treatments to ultimately improve patients' quality of life."