Summary
| Direction in ME/CFS | ↓ Reduced — lower than in the comparison group |
|---|---|
| Category | Mitochondrial |
| Also described as | ΔΨm |
| Compared against | HC (healthy controls) |
| Associated symptoms | Mitochondrial dysfunction |
| Test type | Blood test (serum / plasma / whole blood) |
| Source | Holden et al. 2020 — doi:10.1186/s12967-020-02477-4 |
| Condition atlas | ME/CFS Biomarker Atlas |
Trials, interventions and tests
In clinical-trial registrations this marker maps to the outcome term Change from baseline in hemodynamic response over time (1 registered trials use a matching outcome measure).
Clinical trials using Mitochondrial membrane potential as an outcome
- NCT05823896: ImPROving Quality of LIFe in the Long COVID Patient (Completed)
Outcome measure: Change from baseline in hemodynamic response over time
Related Mitochondrial markers in ME/CFS
Full list: ME/CFS Biomarker Atlas.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mitochondrial membrane potential high or low in ME/CFS?
Reduced. Studies summarised in the OSMF atlas report lower Mitochondrial membrane potential in ME/CFS than in healthy controls. Source: Holden et al. 2020.
What symptoms is Mitochondrial membrane potential associated with in ME/CFS?
The cited literature associates this marker with Mitochondrial dysfunction. These are population-level associations and do not mean the marker causes the symptoms.
Which test measures Mitochondrial membrane potential?
It is measured as a blood test (serum / plasma / whole blood). Many of the cited studies used research-grade assays, so clinical availability may vary.
Is one abnormal Mitochondrial membrane potential result diagnostic of ME/CFS?
No. No single biomarker is diagnostic of ME/CFS. Mitochondrial membrane potential findings come from group comparisons, overlap considerably between patients and controls, and vary with study design, timing and comparison group. A result should be interpreted by a clinician alongside symptoms, history and other tests.
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Last reviewed: 2026-06-29 · Page generated from me-cfs.json · Browse: ME/CFS atlas · Biomarker Index · All marker pages
Disclaimer: This page is an educational synthesis of published, peer-reviewed research and is not medical advice. Biomarker findings vary across studies with case definitions, comparison groups, timing and assay methods. Direction of change reflects the predominant finding in the cited source and does not establish a diagnostic threshold. Discuss any test result with a qualified clinician.