A possible role for mitochondrial-derived peptides humanin and MOTS-c in patients with Q fever fatigue syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Raijmakers RPH, Jansen AFM, Keijmel SP, Ter Horst R, Roerink ME, Novakovic B, Joosten LAB, van der Meer JWM, Netea MG, Bleeker-Rovers CP

Journal of translational medicine14 May 2019Cited by 24 (Europe PMC)

PMID31088495PMCIDPMC6518812DOI10.1186/s12967-019-1906-3PepBankPUB-31088495

Download PDF PubMedAsk about this study

Jump to 9 results

Summary

BackgroundQ fever fatigue syndrome (QFS) is a well-documented state of prolonged fatigue following around 20% of acute Q fever infections. It has been hypothesized that low grade inflammation plays a role in its aetiology. In this study, we aimed to identify transcriptome profiles that could aid to better understand the pathophysiology of QFS.MethodsRNA of monocytes was collected from QFS patients (n = 10), chronic fatigue syndrome patients (CFS, n = 10), Q fever seropositive controls (n = 10), and healthy controls (n = 10) who were age- (± 5 years) and sex-matched. Transcriptome analysis was performed using RNA sequencing.ResultsMitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP)-coding genes MT-RNR2 (humanin) and MT-RNR1 (MOTS-c) were differentially expressed when comparing QFS (- 4.8 log2-fold-change P = 2.19 × 10^-9 and - 4.9 log2-fold-change P = 4.69 × 10^-8), CFS (- 5.2 log2-fold-change, P = 3.49 × 10^-11 - 4.4 log2-fold-change, P = 2.71 × 10^-9), and Q fever seropositive control (- 3.7 log2-fold-change P = 1.78 × 10^-6 and - 3.2 log2-fold-change P = 1.12 × 10^-5) groups with healthy controls, resulting in a decreased median production of humanin in QFS patients (371 pg/mL; Interquartile range, IQR, 325-384), CFS patients (364 pg/mL; IQR 316-387), and asymptomatic Q fever seropositive controls (354 pg/mL; 292-393).ConclusionsExpression of MDP-coding genes MT-RNR1 (MOTS-c) and MT-RNR2 (humanin) is decreased in CFS, QFS, and, to a lesser extent, in Q fever seropositive controls, resulting in a decreased production of humanin. These novel peptides might indeed be important in the pathophysiology of both QFS and CFS.

CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study9

No result from this study comes from a test of the peptide.

Natural levels measured9

These results measure the body's own peptide. Nobody was given the peptide. They are not evidence about taking it. They are left out of key results, evidence counts and charts.

01HumanEndogenous levelObservational studyOther
In monocytes of patients with Q fever fatigue syndrome, expression of the MOTS‑c gene MT-RNR1 was lower than in healthy controls.
In plain wordsIn people with Q fever fatigue syndrome, activity of the gene for the body's own MOTS‑c was lower than in healthy people.
Peptide
MOTS-c
Outcome
DecreaseMT-RNR1 (MOTS-c) gene expression in monocytes of QFS patients
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Healthy controls
Outcome group
Immune response · Immune and inflammation
Measurements
Log2 fold change
−4.9 log2-fold-change
QFS vs healthy controls
Source sentences
Summary
comparing QFS (- 4.8 log2-fold-change P = 2.19 × 10^-9 and - 4.9 log2-fold-change P = 4.69 × 10^-8)
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP)-coding genes MT-RNR2 (humanin) and MT-RNR1 (MOTS-c)
Summary · context
RNA of monocytes was collected from QFS patients (n = 10), chronic fatigue syndrome patients (CFS, n = 10), Q fever seropositive controls (n = 10), and healthy controls (n = 10) who were age- (± 5 years) and sex-matched.
This result measures the body's own MOTS-c. Nobody was given the peptide. It is not evidence about taking it.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3108849501
02HumanEndogenous levelObservational studyOther
In monocytes of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, expression of the MOTS‑c gene MT-RNR1 was lower than in healthy controls.
In plain wordsIn people with chronic fatigue syndrome, activity of the gene for the body's own MOTS‑c was lower than in healthy people.
Peptide
MOTS-c
Outcome
DecreaseMT-RNR1 (MOTS-c) gene expression in monocytes of CFS patients
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Healthy controls
Outcome group
Immune response · Immune and inflammation
Measurements
Log2 fold change
−4.4 log2-fold-change
CFS vs healthy controls
Source sentences
Summary
CFS (- 5.2 log2-fold-change, P = 3.49 × 10^-11 - 4.4 log2-fold-change, P = 2.71 × 10^-9)
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP)-coding genes MT-RNR2 (humanin) and MT-RNR1 (MOTS-c)
Summary · context
RNA of monocytes was collected from QFS patients (n = 10), chronic fatigue syndrome patients (CFS, n = 10), Q fever seropositive controls (n = 10), and healthy controls (n = 10) who were age- (± 5 years) and sex-matched.
This result measures the body's own MOTS-c. Nobody was given the peptide. It is not evidence about taking it.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3108849502
03HumanEndogenous levelObservational studyOther
In monocytes of Q fever seropositive controls, expression of the MOTS‑c gene MT-RNR1 was lower than in healthy controls.
In plain wordsIn people with past Q fever exposure and no symptoms, activity of the gene for the body's own MOTS‑c was lower than in healthy people.
Peptide
MOTS-c
Outcome
DecreaseMT-RNR1 (MOTS-c) gene expression in monocytes of Q fever seropositive controls
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Healthy controls
Outcome group
Immune response · Immune and inflammation
Measurements
Log2 fold change
−3.2 log2-fold-change
Q fever seropositive controls vs healthy controls
Source sentences
Summary
Q fever seropositive control (- 3.7 log2-fold-change P = 1.78 × 10^-6 and - 3.2 log2-fold-change P = 1.12 × 10^-5)
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP)-coding genes MT-RNR2 (humanin) and MT-RNR1 (MOTS-c)
Summary · context
RNA of monocytes was collected from QFS patients (n = 10), chronic fatigue syndrome patients (CFS, n = 10), Q fever seropositive controls (n = 10), and healthy controls (n = 10) who were age- (± 5 years) and sex-matched.
This result measures the body's own MOTS-c. Nobody was given the peptide. It is not evidence about taking it.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3108849503
04HumanEndogenous levelObservational studyOther
In patients with Q fever fatigue syndrome, expression of the humanin-coding gene MT-RNR2 was decreased compared with healthy controls.
In plain wordsIn people with Q fever fatigue syndrome, the gene for the body's own humanin was less active than in healthy controls.
Peptide
Humanin
Outcome
DecreaseMT-RNR2 (humanin) expression, QFS versus healthy controls
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Healthy controls
Outcome group
Mitochondrial function · Whole body
Measurements
log2 fold change
−4.8 log2-fold-change
QFS vs healthy controls
Source sentences
Summary
MT-RNR2 (humanin) and MT-RNR1 (MOTS-c) were differentially expressed when comparing QFS (- 4.8 log2-fold-change P = 2.19 × 10^-9
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
RNA of monocytes was collected from QFS patients (n = 10), chronic fatigue syndrome patients (CFS, n = 10), Q fever seropositive controls (n = 10), and healthy controls (n = 10) who were age- (± 5 years) and sex-matched.
This result measures the body's own Humanin. Nobody was given the peptide. It is not evidence about taking it.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3108849504
05HumanEndogenous levelObservational studyOther
In patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, expression of the humanin-coding gene MT-RNR2 was decreased compared with healthy controls.
In plain wordsIn people with chronic fatigue syndrome, the gene for the body's own humanin was less active than in healthy controls.
Peptide
Humanin
Outcome
DecreaseMT-RNR2 (humanin) expression, CFS versus healthy controls
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Healthy controls
Outcome group
Mitochondrial function · Whole body
Measurements
log2 fold change
−5.2 log2-fold-change
CFS vs healthy controls
Source sentences
Summary
CFS (- 5.2 log2-fold-change, P = 3.49 × 10^-11
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
RNA of monocytes was collected from QFS patients (n = 10), chronic fatigue syndrome patients (CFS, n = 10), Q fever seropositive controls (n = 10), and healthy controls (n = 10) who were age- (± 5 years) and sex-matched.
This result measures the body's own Humanin. Nobody was given the peptide. It is not evidence about taking it.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3108849505
06HumanEndogenous levelObservational studyOther
In asymptomatic Q fever seropositive controls, expression of the humanin-coding gene MT-RNR2 was decreased compared with healthy controls.
In plain wordsIn people with past Q fever infection and no symptoms, the gene for the body's own humanin was less active than in healthy controls.
Peptide
Humanin
Outcome
DecreaseMT-RNR2 (humanin) expression, Q fever seropositive controls versus healthy controls
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Healthy controls
Outcome group
Mitochondrial function · Whole body
Measurements
log2 fold change
−3.7 log2-fold-change
Q fever seropositive vs healthy controls
Source sentences
Summary
Q fever seropositive control (- 3.7 log2-fold-change P = 1.78 × 10^-6
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
RNA of monocytes was collected from QFS patients (n = 10), chronic fatigue syndrome patients (CFS, n = 10), Q fever seropositive controls (n = 10), and healthy controls (n = 10) who were age- (± 5 years) and sex-matched.
This result measures the body's own Humanin. Nobody was given the peptide. It is not evidence about taking it.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3108849506
07HumanEndogenous levelObservational studyOther
Median humanin production was decreased in patients with Q fever fatigue syndrome (371 pg/mL).
In plain wordsIn people with Q fever fatigue syndrome, the body's own humanin production was lower, at a median of 371 pg/mL.
Peptide
Humanin
Outcome
DecreaseMedian humanin production in QFS patients
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Healthy controls
Outcome group
Mitochondrial function · Whole body
Measurements
Median humanin
371 pg/mL
QFS patients
Source sentences
Summary
resulting in a decreased median production of humanin in QFS patients (371 pg/mL; Interquartile range, IQR, 325-384)
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
RNA of monocytes was collected from QFS patients (n = 10), chronic fatigue syndrome patients (CFS, n = 10), Q fever seropositive controls (n = 10), and healthy controls (n = 10) who were age- (± 5 years) and sex-matched.
This result measures the body's own Humanin. Nobody was given the peptide. It is not evidence about taking it.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3108849507
08HumanEndogenous levelObservational studyOther
Median humanin production was decreased in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (364 pg/mL).
In plain wordsIn people with chronic fatigue syndrome, the body's own humanin production was lower, at a median of 364 pg/mL.
Peptide
Humanin
Outcome
DecreaseMedian humanin production in CFS patients
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Healthy controls
Outcome group
Mitochondrial function · Whole body
Measurements
Median humanin
364 pg/mL
CFS patients
Source sentences
Summary
CFS patients (364 pg/mL; IQR 316-387)
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
RNA of monocytes was collected from QFS patients (n = 10), chronic fatigue syndrome patients (CFS, n = 10), Q fever seropositive controls (n = 10), and healthy controls (n = 10) who were age- (± 5 years) and sex-matched.
This result measures the body's own Humanin. Nobody was given the peptide. It is not evidence about taking it.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3108849508
09HumanEndogenous levelObservational studyOther
Median humanin production was decreased in asymptomatic Q fever seropositive controls (354 pg/mL).
In plain wordsIn people with past Q fever infection and no symptoms, the body's own humanin production was lower, at a median of 354 pg/mL.
Peptide
Humanin
Outcome
DecreaseMedian humanin production in Q fever seropositive controls
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Healthy controls
Outcome group
Mitochondrial function · Whole body
Measurements
Median humanin
354 pg/mL
Q fever seropositive controls
Source sentences
Summary
asymptomatic Q fever seropositive controls (354 pg/mL; 292-393)
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
RNA of monocytes was collected from QFS patients (n = 10), chronic fatigue syndrome patients (CFS, n = 10), Q fever seropositive controls (n = 10), and healthy controls (n = 10) who were age- (± 5 years) and sex-matched.
This result measures the body's own Humanin. Nobody was given the peptide. It is not evidence about taking it.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3108849509

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

Versions 4 to 18Current
28 Oct 2026, 02:02 UTC
The same notice was added 15 times, first on 13 Oct 2026, 21:44 UTC. The status did not change between them.
Study results updated
Version 3
13 Oct 2026, 16:31 UTC
Study data updated · source update from Europe PMC
Version 2
10 Oct 2026, 08:19 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
9 Oct 2026, 02:47 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

Subjects

Terms as the source lists them.

PepBank is a research reference. Talk to a doctor before you use any peptide.