Research Tracker›Biomarker Atlas›ME/CFS›Pyruvate dehydrogenase activity

Pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in ME/CFS

Pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, also described as PDH complex, belongs to the mitochondrial group of ME/CFS (ME/CFS, CFS) markers and is reported to be decreased relative to healthy controls. Symptom domains tied to this marker in the source include aerobic metabolism impairment. The finding is drawn from Holden et al. 2020; it describes group-level differences, not a threshold that classifies an individual.

↓ ReducedMitochondrial

Summary

Direction in ME/CFS↓ Reduced — lower than in the comparison group
CategoryMitochondrial
Also described asPDH complex
Compared againstHC (healthy controls)
Associated symptomsAerobic metabolism impairment
Test typeBlood test (serum / plasma / whole blood)
SourceHolden et al. 2020 — doi:10.1186/s12967-020-02477-4
Condition atlasME/CFS Biomarker Atlas

Related Mitochondrial markers in ME/CFS

Full list: ME/CFS Biomarker Atlas.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pyruvate dehydrogenase activity high or low in ME/CFS?

Reduced. Studies summarised in the OSMF atlas report lower Pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in ME/CFS than in healthy controls. Source: Holden et al. 2020.

What symptoms is Pyruvate dehydrogenase activity associated with in ME/CFS?

The cited literature associates this marker with Aerobic metabolism impairment. These are population-level associations and do not mean the marker causes the symptoms.

Which test measures Pyruvate dehydrogenase activity?

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 Pyruvate dehydrogenase activity result diagnostic of ME/CFS?

No. No single biomarker is diagnostic of ME/CFS. Pyruvate dehydrogenase activity 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.

Cite this page

Open Source Medicine Foundation. (2026). Pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in ME/CFS: direction, evidence and what it means. OSMF Research Tracker. Retrieved October 7, 2026, from https://research.opensourcemed.info/biomarkers/me-cfs/pyruvate-dehydrogenase-activity.html
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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.