ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2420 studies

1–20 of 2,420 studies

Sorted by evidence level and year

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM not requiredMethods-Paper

Pipeline-optimized machine learning for chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosis: A lightweight, interpretable model using blood biochemical and metabolomic data.

Li, Junrong, Cao, Hanyu, Zhu, Zirun et al.·Computational biology and chemistry·2026

Researchers developed a computer program that uses blood tests to help diagnose ME/CFS more accurately and quickly. The program was trained on data from over 1,100 people with ME/CFS and nearly 67,000 control participants, and it correctly identified ME/CFS in about 94% of cases. This tool could help doctors catch the condition earlier and tailor treatment to individual patients.

Biomarkers

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM not requiredEditorial

An Overview of Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

Vink, Mark, Vink-Niese, Alexandra·Journal of clinical medicine·2026

This article reviews what we know about severe ME/CFS, a serious illness that can leave people completely bedbound and dependent on caregivers. Currently, there is no blood test or scan that can diagnose ME/CFS, though a special two-day exercise test can help document the problem. The authors emphasize that severe ME/CFS is a major medical condition that has received very little research funding, and there are currently no proven treatments available.

Severe MEPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Gulf War Illness: A Historical Review and Considerations of a Post-Viral Syndrome.

Bast, Elizabeth, Jester, Dylan J, Palacio, Ana et al.·Military medicine·2026

Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic condition affecting 30-40% of veterans deployed during the 1990-1991 Gulf War, causing fatigue, pain, memory problems, digestive issues, and other symptoms similar to ME/CFS and long COVID. This review examines whether GWI might be caused by a viral infection, similar to how long COVID develops after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The authors suggest that veterans may have been exposed to a coronavirus related to MERS during their deployment, and they call for more research to explore this possibility.

Long COVID Overlap

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Proteomic signatures in cerebrospinal fluid and their clinical associations in patients with ME/CFS.

Bragée, Björn, Li, Peng, Meadows, Danielle et al.·Scientific reports·2026

Researchers analyzed fluid from the spinal cords of 31 ME/CFS patients to study 902 different proteins and understand what might be happening in their bodies. They found that patients with certain heart-related symptoms (POTS) had different protein patterns, and those with more severe ME/CFS had changes in immune system and blood clotting proteins. These protein patterns suggest several biological processes may be involved in ME/CFS, providing clues for future research.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

Lactate, Capnia, and Fat Oxidation as Therapeutic Axes for SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein-Induced Sequelae.

Gracidas, Carlos, Levy, Rakeem, Varon, Joseph et al.·Hormone and metabolic research = Hormon- und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones et metabolisme·2026

This review suggests that ME/CFS and long COVID symptoms—including exhaustion, brain fog, and crashing after activity—may be caused by problems with how the body's energy-producing structures (mitochondria) work. The authors propose that treatments targeting three areas could help: improving the body's ability to handle lactate (a byproduct of exertion), increasing oxygen delivery to tissues, and helping the body burn fat for energy more efficiently, similar to how endurance athletes train.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Aberrant recruitment of the striatum and insula is associated with recalling and suppressing fatigue- and anger-related memories in people with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Rimes, Katharine A, Giampietro, Vincent, Chalder, Trudie et al.·Brain communications·2026

This brain imaging study compared how people with ME/CFS and healthy people process memories related to fatigue and anger. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS use different brain regions—particularly areas called the striatum and insula—when recalling or trying to suppress these emotional memories. These findings suggest that ME/CFS may involve changes in how the brain handles emotions and memories, which could help explain some experiences people with ME/CFS report.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Molecular hydrogen as a treatment for ME/CFS: a mini-review of clinical evidence and mechanistic rationale.

Friedberg, Fred, LeBaron, Tyler W·Frontiers in medicine·2026

This review examines whether hydrogen-rich water might help ME/CFS patients. Hydrogen is a simple molecule that may reduce inflammation and improve energy production in cells—two problems linked to ME/CFS. Early studies show it may help reduce fatigue and improve daily functioning with few side effects, though the research is still very limited.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Immunoglobulin G complexes from post-infectious ME/CFS, including post-COVID ME/CFS disrupt cellular energetics and alter inflammatory marker secretion.

Liu, Zheng, Hollmann, Claudia, Kalanidhi, Sharada et al.·Brain, behavior, & immunity - health·2026

This study found that antibodies (immune proteins) from ME/CFS patients can damage the mitochondria—the energy-producing parts of cells—and change how cells function. Researchers isolated antibodies from ME/CFS patients and added them to healthy cells in the lab, discovering that these antibodies caused changes in cell energy production and inflammation. This suggests that abnormal antibodies may be part of what makes ME/CFS patients feel exhausted and unwell.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM unclearEditorial

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long COVID as Neuroimmune Disorders.

Blitshteyn, Svetlana, Doherty, Taylor A, Steinman, Lawrence·ImmunoTargets and therapy·2026

This editorial argues that three related conditions—POTS, ME/CFS, and Long COVID—should be understood and studied together as disorders affecting both the nervous system and immune system. The authors identify several common problems in these conditions, including heart rate abnormalities when standing, immune system dysfunction, and reduced blood flow to the brain. They believe treating these as a single category of disease could improve how doctors train, research, and care for patients with these serious illnesses.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Reduced Adenosine Triphosphate-to-Phosphocreatine Ratios in Neuropsychiatric Post-COVID Condition: Evidence From 31P Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.

Weber-Fahr, Wolfgang, Dommke, Sandra, Sack, Markus et al.·Biological psychiatry·2026

This study looked at how the brain produces and uses energy in people with long COVID and cognitive problems. Using a special brain imaging scan, researchers found that people with long COVID have lower energy levels in a part of their brain called the cingulate cortex, and this energy shortage is linked to thinking and memory problems. The findings suggest that problems with how brain cells produce energy may be a key reason why some people experience cognitive difficulties after COVID-19.

Cognitive Impairment

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclear

The lingering shadow of epidemics: post-acute sequelae across history.

Miller, Christine M, Moen, Janna K, Iwasaki, Akiko·Trends in immunology·2026

This review examines how infections throughout history have sometimes led to lasting illnesses similar to Long COVID, including conditions like ME/CFS. The authors show that post-infection syndromes have occurred for over 100 years after various infections (flu, EBV, Lyme disease, and others), suggesting this is not a new phenomenon. They argue that modern tools and technology now give us a better opportunity to understand why some infections trigger these chronic conditions.

Long COVID Overlap

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

[Effect of warming needle moxibustion on mitochondrial autophagy in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome based on AMPK/ULK1 signaling pathway].

Yuan, Yi-Na, Liu, Di, Liu, Jun-Wei et al.·Zhen ci yan jiu = Acupuncture research·2026

This study tested whether a traditional acupuncture technique called warming needle moxibustion could help rats with chronic fatigue syndrome by improving how their muscle cells produce energy. Researchers found that the treatment improved the rats' activity levels and physical strength, and appeared to work by activating cellular pathways that help damaged mitochondria (the cell's energy factories) clean themselves up and function better.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM requiredMechanistic

Deficient TRPM3-linked mitochondrial Ca2+ influx in natural killer cells associated with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Magawa, Chandi Tabeth, Eaton-Fitch, Natalie, Muraki, Katsuhiko et al.·BMC immunology·2026

Researchers compared immune cells called natural killer cells from people with ME/CFS and healthy controls, focusing on how calcium moves in and out of these cells. They observed that calcium entry into cells was reduced in ME/CFS, but calcium accumulation in the energy-producing part of the cell (mitochondria) was higher. This is a preliminary finding from a small study that may help explain some immune dysfunction in ME/CFS, but much more research is needed before drawing conclusions about what this means for patients.

BiomarkersImmune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Genetic Insights into Circulating Complement Proteins in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Potential Inflammatory Subgroup.

Maya, Jessica, Unger, Elizabeth R, Lin, Jin-Mann S et al.·International journal of molecular sciences·2026

This study examined whether genes influence how the immune system's complement proteins work in ME/CFS patients. Researchers found that some ME/CFS patients carry specific genetic variations linked to problems with a particular immune pathway (the alternative complement pathway), creating a subgroup with distinctive immune patterns. This suggests that genetics may explain why ME/CFS affects people differently and could eventually help doctors identify which patients might benefit from specific treatments.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Immunosenescence-Driven Hemodynamic Dysregulation and Cognitive Impairment in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An Integrative Perspective.

Xu, Huimin, Luo, Yingzhe, Wu, Xi·Comprehensive Physiology·2026

This review examines how ME/CFS may involve aging of the immune system that affects blood flow to the brain, causing cognitive problems like 'brain fog.' The researchers propose that this immune aging triggers chronic inflammation, reduces oxygen delivery to brain cells, and damages the protective barrier around the brain, leading to memory and thinking difficulties. The authors suggest that treatments targeting inflammation, improving blood vessel function, and modulating immune responses could help improve cognition in ME/CFS patients.

Neuroinflammation

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Contested and neglected: Social and medical marginalization in severe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Nezamdoust, Bita, Ruel, Erin·Social science & medicine (1982)·2026

This study listened to people with severe ME/CFS and their caregivers through their social media posts to understand how their condition affects their lives. The researchers found that people with severe ME/CFS face major challenges: they are often not believed by doctors and society, they experience deep isolation, and they struggle to access care and disability support. The study shows that this illness is neglected and that urgent changes are needed to recognize and help this population.

Severe ME

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM requiredEditorial

Expert perspectives on Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome - Insights from the 3rd International Conference of the Charité Fatigue Center.

Fehrer, Annick, Windzio, Lara, Schoening, Simon et al.·Autoimmunity reviews·2026

Nearly 4,000 ME/CFS researchers and experts gathered at an international conference in May 2025 to share the latest discoveries about this serious illness. They discussed how ME/CFS develops, better ways to diagnose it, and new treatments being tested. The conference highlighted that while COVID-19 has brought more attention and funding to ME/CFS research, the disease is still not well understood and needs much more study.

Energy MetabolismImmune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM requiredCase-Control

Resolution of Long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms following kanshoho, a low-pressure muscle relaxation technique: A case report.

Amitani, Haruka, Sakato, Takashi, Asakawa, Akihiro·Explore (New York, N.Y.)·2026

A woman with Long COVID and ME/CFS who had severe fatigue, pain, brain fog, and sleep problems tried a gentle hands-on relaxation technique called kanshoho along with activity pacing advice. After 10 treatment sessions over 2.5 months, her symptoms completely resolved, and she was able to stop her antidepressant medication without symptom worsening. While this is just one person's experience, it suggests this low-pressure approach might help some ME/CFS patients who cannot tolerate exercise-based treatments.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Gradual proactive regulation of body state by reinforcement learning of homeostasis.

Fujiwara, Mana, Naoki, Honda·Neuroscience research·2026

Your body naturally tries to keep things like temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar steady through a process called homeostasis. This study created a computer model showing how your body learns to anticipate and prepare for challenges based on past experience—like how you might shiver before getting cold. The model also shows how problems can cascade through your body when different systems share the same control signals, which may help explain why ME/CFS patients often experience multiple symptoms affecting different body systems at the same time.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Indistinguishable mitochondrial phenotypes after exposure of healthy myoblasts to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome or control serum.

Ryback, Audrey A, Hillier, Charles B, Loureiro, Camila M et al.·PloS one·2026

Researchers wanted to test whether something in the blood of people with ME/CFS could damage the energy-producing parts of cells (mitochondria) when added to healthy cells in the lab. They tested blood from 67 people with ME/CFS and 53 healthy people on cultured muscle cells and measured how well the cells could use oxygen. Unlike a previous smaller study, they found no difference between the ME/CFS blood and healthy blood samples.

BiomarkersEnergy Metabolism

Next 20 studies →

Or browse by topic

PEM Immune Neuro Metabolic Biomarkers Severe ME Long COVID Cognitive

Evidence Atlas

Evidence browser

Pipeline-optimized machine learning for chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosis: A lightweight, interpretable model using blood biochemical and metabolomic data.

An Overview of Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

Gulf War Illness: A Historical Review and Considerations of a Post-Viral Syndrome.

Proteomic signatures in cerebrospinal fluid and their clinical associations in patients with ME/CFS.

Lactate, Capnia, and Fat Oxidation as Therapeutic Axes for SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein-Induced Sequelae.

Aberrant recruitment of the striatum and insula is associated with recalling and suppressing fatigue- and anger-related memories in people with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Molecular hydrogen as a treatment for ME/CFS: a mini-review of clinical evidence and mechanistic rationale.

Immunoglobulin G complexes from post-infectious ME/CFS, including post-COVID ME/CFS disrupt cellular energetics and alter inflammatory marker secretion.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long COVID as Neuroimmune Disorders.

Reduced Adenosine Triphosphate-to-Phosphocreatine Ratios in Neuropsychiatric Post-COVID Condition: Evidence From 31P Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.

The lingering shadow of epidemics: post-acute sequelae across history.

[Effect of warming needle moxibustion on mitochondrial autophagy in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome based on AMPK/ULK1 signaling pathway].

Deficient TRPM3-linked mitochondrial Ca2+ influx in natural killer cells associated with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Genetic Insights into Circulating Complement Proteins in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Potential Inflammatory Subgroup.

Immunosenescence-Driven Hemodynamic Dysregulation and Cognitive Impairment in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An Integrative Perspective.

Contested and neglected: Social and medical marginalization in severe Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Expert perspectives on Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome - Insights from the 3rd International Conference of the Charité Fatigue Center.

Resolution of Long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms following kanshoho, a low-pressure muscle relaxation technique: A case report.

Gradual proactive regulation of body state by reinforcement learning of homeostasis.

Indistinguishable mitochondrial phenotypes after exposure of healthy myoblasts to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome or control serum.

Curated Collections

Neuroinflammation Evidence

Metabolism & Mitochondria

Biomarkers

PEM-Specific Research