Yes, I think they are as well as other research that is being done regarding Mast T cells. I believe it boils down to inflammation, possibly childhood trauma and the bodies reaction to many things. I am curious to know the numbers of people with Chronic fatigue and/or LC in other areas of the world. All people experience some type of trauma, but add that to the food we eat (mostly processed here in America) and other stressors, pollution, water that tastes like chlorine, pesticides, and many other factors, I believe that the mind, heart, stomach (gut) are all linked, not just in a physical sense; an emotional link as well. I do not know the answers. I know that there are people doing research and finding correlations. I wish, for all of us with LC (most of who suffer with PEM/CFS) that a day comes when we have answers and ways to be healthy.