Cellular Nitrogen and Energy Metabolism in ME/CFS

This project aims to test the nitrogen hypothesis, which is that damaging, nitrogen-containing by-products of energy metabolism accumulate more readily in the cells of ME/CFS patients.

  • Daniel Missailidis, PhD
  • Robert Phair, PhD
  • Paul Gooley, PhD
  • Sarah Annesley, PhD
  • Christopher Armstrong, PhD
  • Distinct lipid and amino acid profiles can be seen between ME/CFS and controls in lysed lymphoblasts. Paper in submission.
  • Lymphoblast experiments nearly completed.
  • Will expand to look at cells with known genetic anomalies.
STUDY HYPOTHESIS AND DESCRIPTION

ME/CFS, a condition diagnosed by symptoms like extreme tiredness after exertion (known as post-exertional malaise), ongoing fatigue, and mental cloudiness or “brain fog,” may stem from a basic problem with how energy is made and used in the body.

We hypothesize that in ME/CFS, nitrogen compounds might be mishandled in immune cells because the mitochondria (energy factories of the cell) are using amino acids (building blocks of proteins) to make energy. To explore this idea, scientists will grow immune cells from blood samples and feed them special types of sugar, fats, and amino acids that can be tracked. This will allow them to see how the metabolism of these cells in ME/CFS patients is different from people without the condition.

This study uses innovative methods to deepen our understanding of ME/CFS and possibly uncover the root causes of its symptoms.

OBJECTIVES

  1. Observe how amino acids are used by cells from ME/CFS patients compared to  healthy controls.
  2. Observe how sugars are used by cells from ME/CFS patients compared to healthy  controls.
  3. Observe how fats are used by cells from ME/CFS patients compared to healthy  controls.
  4. Observe the usage rate of sugars, fats, and amino acids in ME/CFS and controls.
  5. Test the Nitrogen Hypothesis.

!function(t,e,i,n,o,c,d,s){ t.tgbWidgetOptions={id:o,domain:n}, (d=e.createElement(i)).src=[n,"widget/script.js"].join(""), d.async=1, (s=e.getElementById(c)).parentNode.insertBefore(d,s) }(window,document,"script","https://tgbwidget.com/","1189132614","tgb-widget-script");

OMF Australia accepts donations of Cryptocurrencies

Make the most of your donation by donating your Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies directly to OMF Australia rather than selling and donating the after-tax proceeds.

  • Your tax deduction will be equal to the fair market value of the donated cryptocurrency (as determined by a qualified appraisal).
  • Donors should consult with a tax advisor for properly recording this donation on a personal tax return.


OMF Australia can accept cryptocurrency donations of any amount. 

Donating cryptocurrency is a non-taxable event, meaning you do not owe capital gains tax on the appreciated amount and can deduct it on your taxes. This makes Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency donations one of the most tax-efficient ways to support your favorite cause. If you want to learn more about how donating crypto can lower your taxes, check out thegivingblock.com/faq.

Talk to a crypto-savvy tax professional or connect with The Giving Block to get connected with one.

We accept the following cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Zcash (ZEC), Gemini Dollar (GUSD), Basic Attention Token (BAT), Chainlink (LINK), 0x (ZRX), Storj (STORJ), Dai (DAI), Amp (AMP), The Graph (GRT), UMA (UMA), 1inch (1INCH).

ATO Crypto asset investment & tax