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A key to a ‘faulty’ lock: Why Aussie researchers are excited about naltrexone for CFS
Ausdoc.com
31 July 2023
https://www.ausdoc.com.au/news/a-key-to-a-faulty-lock-why-aussie-researchers-are-excited-about-naltrexone-for-cfs/
There is no known cause of ME/CFS, but impaired functioning of natural killer (NK) cells has been shown to be a consistent feature. The ion channel receptors TRPM3 and TRPM7 — molecular ‘locks and keys’ that control the movement of calcium in and out of NK cells — malfunction in those with ME/CFS. And when they looked at patients with long COVID, they found a similar malfunction in TRPM3 receptors. The use of low-dose naltrexone improved the influx of calcium inside the cells and made the lock restored in function.
The emergence of long COVID had led to greater awareness of ME/CFS because of the clinical overlap. Trials looking at low-dose naltrexone for treating ME/CFS and long COVID will be recruiting later this year. To find out more or to see if your patients are eligible, email ncned@griffith.edu.au.