Study identifies shared biological pathways behind chronic fatigue in five diseases

ANBAR, Iraq — LONDON — Researchers at the University of East Anglia and Oxford Biodynamics have identified shared biological pathways underlying chronic fatigue across five long-term conditions, according to findings from a joint genomic study. The team analyzed patient data covering long COVID, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. While direct overlap in disease-associated genes was limited, the analysis showed pronounced convergence in intracellular biological networks. These shared links were concentrated in immune and inflammation regulation, mitochondrial energy production, metabolism, stress response and neuroendocrine signaling. The researchers said several key genes, including LAG3, stood out within the networks but require further validation in follow-up work. They noted the findings help explain how different triggers — such as persistent post-COVID immune responses or stress-hormone and inflammation pathways activated by psychological trauma — can intersect in disrupting energy production and immune regulation. The scientists stressed that the results do not indicate the five conditions are a single disease, but rather that overlapping biological mechanisms can produce similar symptoms across distinct illnesses.