CFS / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

[Charlotte]

@Username   have you looked into long COVID? 

[integral]

- OpenEvidence AI

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is characterized by recurrent, multisystem symptoms triggered by low-level chemical exposures that are generally tolerated by the wider population. The evidence base for MCS includes epidemiological, clinical, neurobiological, and genetic studies, but the pathophysiology remains incompletely understood and diagnostic criteria are not universally standardized.

Epidemiological studies show that MCS is more prevalent in women, particularly in middle age, and is associated with comorbidities such as fibromyalgia, asthma, and migraine. Symptom patterns typically include hyperosmia, asthenia, dyspnea, cognitive disturbances, and neurocognitive symptoms, with airway and mucous membrane symptoms often presenting first.[1-4] The Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI) is commonly used for case identification in research and clinical settings.[2][4]

Neurobiological evidence suggests involvement of sensitization mechanisms, particularly of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels such as TRPV1 and TRPA1, and altered functioning in brain regions associated with sensory processing and affective regulation. Functional imaging and capsaicin challenge studies support these findings.[5-7] The olfactory-limbic model and neural sensitization/kindling hypotheses are prominent, positing that repeated low-level exposures may amplify central nervous system reactivity.[6-7]

Genetic studies have identified associations with variants in genes related to chemical detoxification, oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurotransmitter regulation, including the SLC gene superfamily, though findings are inconsistent and require further validation.[5][8-9] Some studies report altered antioxidant enzyme activities (e.g., catalase, glutathione-transferase) in MCS patients.[9]

Consensus statements, such as the Italian Expert Consensus, emphasize the need for standardized diagnostic and management approaches, and highlight the lack of evidence-based guidelines for treatment.[10] There is ongoing debate regarding the organic versus psychogenic origins of MCS, but recent literature increasingly supports a multifactorial, biologically plausible model involving gene-environment interactions, neuroimmune mechanisms, and psychosocial factors.[3][5][9-10]

In summary, the evidence for MCS encompasses clinical, epidemiological, neurobiological, and genetic domains, but definitive biomarkers and universally accepted diagnostic criteria remain lacking. The syndrome is best understood as a complex, multifactorial condition with both biological and psychosocial components.[1-10]

1.Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome: A Principal Component Analysis of Symptoms.

Del Casale A, Ferracuti S, Mosca A, et al.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020;17(18):E6551. doi:10.3390/ijerph17186551.

2.Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome: First Symptoms and Evolution of the Clinical Picture: Case-Control Study/­Epidemiological Case-Control Study.

Fares-Medina S, Díaz-Caro I, García-Montes R, Corral-Liria I, García-Gómez-Heras S.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022;19(23):15891. doi:10.3390/ijerph192315891.

3.Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Described in the Danish General Population: Cohort Characteristics and the Importance of Screening for Functional Somatic Syndrome Comorbidity-the DanFunD Study.

Dantoft TM, Nordin S, Andersson L, et al.

PloS One. 2021;16(2):e0246461. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0246461.

4.Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Patients Exposed to Moisture Damage at Work and in General Working-Age Population-the SAMDAW Study.

Nynäs P, Vilpas S, Kankare E, et al.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021;18(23):12296. doi:10.3390/ijerph182312296.

5.Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: It's Time to Catch Up to the Science.

Molot J, Sears M, Anisman H.

Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. 2023;151:105227. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105227.

 Leading Journal 

6.An Olfactory-Limbic Model of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome: Possible Relationships to Kindling and Affective Spectrum Disorders.

Bell IR, Miller CS, Schwartz GE.

Biological Psychiatry. 1992;32(3):218-42. doi:10.1016/0006-3223(92)90105-9.

7.Individual Differences in Neural Sensitization and the Role of Context in Illness From Low-Level Environmental Chemical Exposures.

Bell IR, Schwartz GE, Baldwin CM, et al.

Environmental Health Perspectives. 1997;105 Suppl 2:457-66. doi:10.1289/ehp.97105s2457.

8.Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and the SLC Gene Superfamily: A Case-Control Study.

Alcorta E, Gomez-Diaz C.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2025;26(13):6484. doi:10.3390/ijms26136484.

 New Research

9.The Search for Reliable Biomarkers of Disease in Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Other Environmental Intolerances.

De Luca C, Raskovic D, Pacifico V, Thai JC, Korkina L.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2011;8(7):2770-97. doi:10.3390/ijerph8072770.

10.Italian Expert Consensus on Clinical and Therapeutic Management of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).

Damiani G, Alessandrini M, Caccamo D, et al.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021;18(21):11294. doi:10.3390/ijerph182111294.

[Charlotte]

@integral it's ME/CFS not MCS

[integral]

On 9/7/2025 at 4:14 PM, Charlotte said:

ME/CFS

ME/CFS is a general diagnosis -> MCS is the cause.

What causes CFS is hormonal problems, hormones being blocked by air born chemicals (MCS).