their website which includes an overview, news repository, research
team, and FAQ's.
http://www.wpinstitute.org/xmrv/index.html
***************************
(press release)
Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009
2 p.m. EDT
Frankie Vigil
R&R Partners
775-336-4555
frankie.vigil@rrpartners.com
'Whittemore Peterson Institute Scientists Discover Significant link
between XMRV and ME/CFS'
RENO, NV =96 A recently identified retrovirus called XMRV has been
linked to a debilitating neuroimmune disease that affects more than
one million people in the United States. Scientists from the
Whittemore Peterson Institute (WPI), located at the University of
Nevada, Reno, and their collaborators from the National Cancer
Institute and the Cleveland Clinic, have discovered a retroviral link
to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). They
recently published their groundbreaking findings in the journal,
Science, one of the world=92s leading journals of original scientific
research, global news and commentary. The paper, entitled =93Detection
of Infectious Retrovirus, XMRV, in the Blood Cells of CFS Patients,=94
is a major breakthrough in understanding the origins of this disease.
=93Since the original Science paper was submitted, we have continued to
refine our test for XMRV and have surprisingly found that 95 percent
ME/CFS samples tested positive for XMRV antibodies in the plasma. This
finding clearly points to the retrovirus as a significant contributing
factor in this illness,=94 said Judy Mikovits, Ph.D., director of
research for WPI and leader of the team that discovered this
association.
This landmark study was the first to isolate XMRV particles from the
blood, and show that it can be transmitted between blood cells. XMRV
was originally discovered in prostate cancer tissue of men with a
specific genetic immune system defect by Dr. Robert H. Silverman of
the Cleveland Clinic. A similar immune system defect in patients with
ME/CFS led researchers to look for the virus in banked blood samples
donated from several medical practices throughout the United States.
Other retroviruses, such as HIV and HTLV-1, are known to cause cancer
and immune deficiencies in humans. This study showed XMRV can be found
in human blood cells and is infectious. Researchers have confirmed
that this retrovirus is transmitted through body fluids and is not
airborne.
WPI researchers have continued their in-depth studies of XMRV to
clarify its effects on the human immune system. Scientists at WPI are
clinically validating a blood test for the detection of XMRV in ME/CFS
and other human diseases. X associated neuro-immune disease, or XAND,
a new disease entity encompassing ME/CFS, will require additional
research funding to find effective treatments for patients. With
anticipated funding, WPI will begin the work of determining if any
currently approved drugs can suppress XMRV, followed closely by human
clinical trials to advance the most effective patient treatments.
=93This is the breakthrough that we have been hoping for. Now we have
scientific proof that this infectious agent is a significant factor in
ME/CFS,=94 said Annette Whittemore, founder and president of WPI and
mother of a ME/CFS patient. =93Patients and their doctors will soon have
a blood test to verify their diagnosis and provide the answers that
they=92ve been seeking.=94
Daniel Peterson, M.D., medical director of WPI added, =93Patients with
ME/CFS (XAND) deal with a myriad of health issues as their quality of
life declines. I=92m excited about the possibility of providing patients
who are positive for XMRV a definitive diagnosis, and hopefully very
soon, a range of effective treatments options.=94
Information relating to XMRV associated neuroimmune disease can be
found at www.wpinstitute.org. Those with XAND (ME/CFS) and/or
fibromyalgia, interested in participating in research studies to
further the development of diagnostic tests, should complete the
questionnaire available at www.wpinstitute.org.
The Center for Molecular Medicine, now under construction, at the
University of Nevada School of Medicine in Reno, is the future home of
the Whittemore Peterson Institute.
=93We=92re excited about the opening of our new facility next summer,
which will not only add thousands of square feet to our existing
laboratory space, but will also provide new space for comprehensive
patient care,=94 added Whittemore.
-###-
Whittemore Peterson Institute
The Whittemore Peterson Institute for Neuro-Immune Disease exists to
bring discovery, knowledge, and effective treatments to patients with
illnesses that are caused by acquired dysregulation of both the immune
system and the nervous system, often results in lifelong disease and
disability. The WPI is the first institute in the world dedicated to X
associated neuro-immune disease (XAND), and other X associated
diseases, integrating patient treatment, basic and clinical research
and medical education
---------------------------------------------
Send posts to CO-CURE@listserv.nodak.edu
Unsubscribe at http://www.co-cure.org/unsub.htm
---------------------------------------------
Co-Cure's purpose is to provide information from across the spectrum of
opinion concerning medical, research and political aspects of ME/CFS and/or
FMS. We take no position on the validity of any specific scientific or
political opinion expressed in Co-Cure posts, and we urge readers to
research the various opinions available before assuming any one
interpretation is definitive. The Co-Cure website <www.co-cure.org> has a
link to our complete archive of posts as well as articles of central
importance to the issues of our community.
---------------------------------------------
