Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Abstract

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating multisystem disorder of unclear etiology that affects many individuals world-wide. One of its hallmark symptoms is prolonged fatigue following exertion, a feature also observed in long COVID, suggesting an underlying dysfunction in energy production in both conditions. Here, mitochondrial dysfunction and its potential pathogenetic role in these disorders are reviewed.