Renegade Research

White and blue graphic from the research paper linked in this post. Two examples of triggering events for Mechanical Basis models are depicted: acute infection and mechanical trauma such as whiplash. A flow chart directs acute infection to cause matrix metalloproteins (MMPs) and mast cell activation increases. This then causes connective tissue degradation. That leads to damage to structures that physically support neural tissue, such as the brainstem. This results in brainstem deformative stress. Mechanical trauma flow chart causes the same cascade of events. Brainstem deformative stress leads to Disrupted brainstem nuclei. This leads to Autonomic nervous system dysregulation, Sickness response, Gastrointestinal dysfunction, Hypometabolic state, and Immune dysregulation plus Systemic inflammation/ neuroinflammation. These last two feed back into matrix metalloproteins (MMPs) and mast cell activation increasing, to propel the cycle further. Systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation, mediated by vagal signaling and the CNST, initiate a feedback loop that could further degrade the connective tissue. Disrupted brainstem nuclei cause dysregulation of the multiple systems that are affected in ME/CFS. Icons of graphics of each bodily component of this cycle are depicted to better explain how these processes occur.

More highlights:

- Illness won't abate when brainstem deformative stress is present

- immune, autonomic, gastrointestinal dysfunction plus hypometabolic states, sickness response result

- The model suggests research avenues, diagnostics, interventions

www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

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White and blue graphic from the research paper linked in this post. Two examples of triggering events for Mechanical Basis models are depicted: acute infection and mechanical trauma such as whiplash. A flow chart directs acute infection to cause matrix metalloproteins (MMPs) and mast cell activation increases. This then causes connective tissue degradation. That leads to damage to structures that physically support neural tissue, such as the brainstem. This results in brainstem deformative stress. Mechanical trauma flow chart causes the same cascade of events. Brainstem deformative stress leads to Disrupted brainstem nuclei. This leads to Autonomic nervous system dysregulation, Sickness response, Gastrointestinal dysfunction, Hypometabolic state, and Immune dysregulation plus Systemic inflammation/ neuroinflammation. These last two feed back into matrix metalloproteins (MMPs) and mast cell activation increasing, to propel the cycle further. Systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation, mediated by vagal signaling and the CNST, initiate a feedback loop that could further degrade the connective tissue. Disrupted brainstem nuclei cause dysregulation of the multiple systems that are affected in ME/CFS. Icons of graphics of each bodily component of this cycle are depicted to better explain how these processes occur.

Research highlights:

- The multi-systemic presentation of #MECFS suggests brainstem dysfunction

- Connective tissue remodeling during infection may become pathological

- Damaged connective tissue results in mechanical forces acting on the brainstem

www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

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YouTube video by Renegade Research Part 3: Mechanical, Brainstem, & Molecular Mechanisms. CDR Inhibits Salugenesis. R. Naviaux. Jan '25

Our third presentation on Mechanical Basis issues: youtu.be/MwtUgX5HQrE?...

Other issues include tethered cord and occult tethered cord, intracranial hypertension, Chiari Malformation, craniocervical instability, atlantoaxial instability, veinous congestion issues, cerebrospinal leaks, more

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YouTube video by Renegade Research Part 2: Mechanical Basis Model + Brainstem, Keys to Understanding MECFS? Part 2. Nov 1, 2024.

Mechanical Basis findings are integral to #EDS, #Marfans and other connective tissue disorder and disease patients - and issues like #MCAS and mast cell disorders, dysautonomias like #POTS and #OrthostaticIntolerance

Our second presentation on Mechanical Basis issues: youtu.be/lIK7-mBA7Pc?...

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YouTube video by Renegade Research Part 1: Mechanical Basis Model and Brainstem Keys to Understanding ME/CFS Roundtable. Oct 4, 2024.

Ideas in this paper were first introduced by Jeff Wood in 2018, and have helped many people in #MECFS and #LongCovid communities

This open access published paper in a peer-reviewed journal will create a wider impact!

Our first presentation on Mechanical Basis issues:

youtu.be/3ZapHZ9XcKU?...

2/6

Brainstem dysfunction as a potential etiology of ME/CFS and long COVID: A mechanical basis The underlying mechanism of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) remains poorly understood. Given the dramatic increase in case…

We just got published! 🥳

"Brainstem dysfunction as a potential etiology of #MECFS and #LongCovid: A mechanical basis” by Jeff Wood, @thosvarley.bsky.social @hiimjakekthx.bsky.social @artasemita.bsky.social @tessfalor.bsky.social @kaufmanmd.bsky.social

www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

1/6 🧵

Nonprofit fundraising structures have cratered in 2025, limiting the amount of available staff, volunteers, research, projects

Renegade Research is one of a handful of nonprofits doing research, care and education in post-infectious and post-immune event conditions — donate ⬇️

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Accelerate research and care for ME/CFS & Long COVID Renegade Research (RR) is a non-profit, 501c3 decentralized organization pioneering patient and caregiver-led research with a focus on ME/CFS, Long COVID (LC) and other infection associated chronic il...

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2. Your contributions, big and small, help us bring patients to the forefront of research and care. You can make a one time contribution or a monthly donation. Please share, and help us reach others who can contribute. #GivingTuesday2025

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Discounts & Affiliate Links | Renegade Research Tests and supplements available at a discount using either a code or special link. Affiliate links to help us fund our mission.

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Discounts & Affiliate Links | Renegade Research Tests and supplements available at a discount using either a code or special link. Affiliate links to help us fund our mission.

The rest of this thread will contain our affiliate and/or discount information by vendor.

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Accelerate research and care for ME/CFS & Long COVID Renegade Research (RR) is a non-profit, 501c3 decentralized organization pioneering patient and caregiver-led research with a focus on ME/CFS, Long COVID (LC) and other infection associated chronic il...

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YouTube video by Renegade Research 31 Marker & RNA Sequencing Tests for M.E. & LC with Amatica's Nick Boyd-Gibbins & Jack Hadfield

Our clinician's roundtable with @jackamatica.bsky.social and Nick Boyd-Gibbins from @amaticahealth.bsky.social about their 31 Marker and RNA Sequencing Tests for #MECFS #pwME and #LongCovid is now posted to our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfjO...