INTRODUCTION

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ME-CFS Methylation (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis-Chronic Fatigue Syndrome [and] Methylation) is an informational discussion forum for those interested in protocols designed to restore the function of the methylation cycle— a basic and pivotal biochemical, cellular cycle. Several researchers in the field have developed working hypotheses, verified by clinical data, showing that this function is partially blocked in the majority of those with this syndrome.

This block in methylation has been shown to lead to a cascade of symptoms and biochemical anomalies which are typical of ME-CFS. Furthermore, methylation treatment protocols have been demonstrated (in both a limited, open-label treatment study and in the anecdotal reports of physicians working with these protocols), to significantly relieve symptoms and restore relevant lab values to their normal ranges in approximately 75% of patients following this protocol over an extended period of time.

The available data, while clearly demonstrating that a partial block in methylation is fundamental to the pathophysiology of ME-CFS, does not yet cover a long enough treatment period to provide conclusive guidelines for clinicians and patients about the degree of recovery that can be achieved. Thus, one of the purposes of this forum is to share on-going research, clinical data, and continuing patient experience. We hope that our discussions will provide a significant tool to further this knowledge.

The range of our discussions includes all the expressions of this syndrome, yet discussed in their specific relation to methylation function. Thus issues encountered by patients (not limited to but including) the protocol itself, detoxification, safe methods of chelation, thyroid function, adrenal function, mold toxicity, Lyme disease, herbal, vitamin, and other supplemental aids, pharmaceuticals, etc., will be considered “On Topic”—yet only when addressed in relation to methylation protocols.

This distinguishes us from other experimental forums for ME-CFS in that these issues will be explored within the framework of a specific hypothesis and protocol. When linked to the known issues and biochemical anomalies that occur with a partial methylation block, such discussions take on different parameters.

Like the protocol itself, this forum will remain “under construction” in order to reflect new research and clinician and patient experience.