@article {10.3844/ajisp.2013.120.129, article_type = {journal}, title = {Effects of Gc-Macrophage Activating Factor in Human Neurons; Implications for Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome}, author = {Smith, Rodney and Thyer, Lynda and Ward, Emma and Meacci, Elisabetta and Branca, Jacopo J.V. and Morucci, Gabriele and Gulisano, Massimo and Ruggiero, Marco and Pacini, Alessandra and Paternostro, Ferdinando and Lorenzo, Di Cesare Mannelli and Noakes, David J. and Pacini, Stefania}, volume = {9}, year = {2013}, month = {Nov}, pages = {120-129}, doi = {10.3844/ajisp.2013.120.129}, url = {https://thescipub.com/abstract/ajisp.2013.120.129}, abstract = {Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating disease of multifactorial aetiology characterized by immune system dysfunction, widespread inflammation, multisystemic neuropathology and persistent pain. Given the central role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of the syndrome, we studied the effects of a potent modulator of the immune system in in vitro and in vivo models that could help clarifying its role and indications in ME/CFS treatment. To this end, we studied the effects of vitamin D-binding protein-derived macrophage activating factor (also designated as Gc-Macrophage Activating Factor or (GcMAF)) on human neuronal cells (SH-SY5Y) and on the persistent pain induced by osteoarticular damage in rats. GcMAF at pM concentration increased neuronal cell viability and metabolism through increased mitochondrial enzyme activity. These effects were accompanied by cAMP formation and by morphological changes that were representative of neuronal differentiation. We hypothesize that these effects are to be ascribed to the interconnection between the GcMAF and Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) signalling pathways. The results presented here confirm at the experimental level the therapeutic effects of GcMAF in ME/CFS and elucidate the mechanisms of action through which GcMAF might be responsible for such therapeutic effects.}, journal = {American Journal of Immunology}, publisher = {Science Publications} }