Research reportEpigallocatechin gallate ameliorates behavioral and biochemical deficits in rat model of load-induced chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a heterogeneous disorder with unknown pathogenesis and etiology, characterized by tiredness, difficulty in concentration and memory, and concomitant skeletal and muscular pain, thus affecting both mental and physical domains. The pathogenesis of chronic fatigue syndrome is multifactorial and involves increased oxido-nitrosative stress along with generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α. In the present study chronic fatigue was produced in rats by plunging a load of 10 ± 2% body weight and subjecting them to forced swim inside a rectangular jar daily for 28 days. Endurance capacity and post-swim fatigue were assessed on 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days. EGCG was administered daily by oral gavage 30 min before forced swim session. On the 29th day, after assessment of various behavioral parameters, blood was collected through tail vein, and animals were sacrificed to harvest the brains, spleens and thymus. Chronic fatigue group exhibited significant behavioral alterations along with enhanced oxido-nitrosative stress and serum TNF-α level as compared to naive group. Chronic treatment with EGCG restored all the behavioral and biochemical alterations associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. The present study signifies the therapeutic potential of EGCG for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome.

► CFS is persistent and unexplained physical fatigue that is not improved by bed rest. ► Weight loaded animals were subjected to force swimming to produce chronic fatigue. ► EGCG, a strong antioxidant, was evaluated in experimental paradigm of chronic fatigue syndrome. ► The findings of the study strongly speculate the role of nitrodative stress in the development of chronic fatigue syndrome. ► EGCG may find a place in therapeutic armamentarium for the treatment of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.