ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2420 studies

1001–1020 of 2,420 studies

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM unclearMethods-Paper

Assessing the Psychometric Properties of an Activity Pacing Questionnaire for Chronic Pain and Fatigue.

Antcliff, Deborah, Campbell, Malcolm, Woby, Steve et al.·Physical therapy·2015

This study tested a questionnaire designed to measure how well people with chronic fatigue and pain pace their activities—meaning how they balance rest and activity throughout the day. Researchers simplified the original 38-question survey down to 26 questions and identified five different ways people try to pace themselves: adjusting activities, keeping activities consistent, gradually increasing activities, planning activities, and accepting limitations. The questionnaire was found to be reliable and useful for measuring pacing strategies.

Interventions

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearObservational

B-Lymphocyte Depletion in Myalgic Encephalopathy/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. An Open-Label Phase II Study with Rituximab Maintenance Treatment.

Fluge, Øystein, Risa, Kristin, Lunde, Sigrid et al.·PloS one·2015

This study tested whether removing B-cells (immune cells) using a drug called rituximab could help ME/CFS patients. Twenty-nine patients received rituximab infusions over 15 months and were followed for 3 years. Eighteen patients (62%) showed lasting improvement in fatigue, with some staying better for over 2 years, though improvements took several months to appear.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Redefining an Illness.

Military medicine·2015

This review article examines how ME/CFS is currently defined and proposes that our understanding of the illness needs to be updated. The authors, writing in a military medicine context, suggest that the condition extends beyond what the traditional name 'Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome' captures. The paper calls for a broader perspective on how this serious illness should be recognized and understood.

Diagnostics

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

A Model of Post-Infection Fatigue Is Associated with Increased TNF and 5-HT2A Receptor Expression in Mice.

Couch, Yvonne, Xie, Qin, Lundberg, Louise et al.·PloS one·2015

This study used mice to explore how infections might trigger the fatigue and depression-like symptoms seen in ME/CFS. After exposing mice to bacterial toxins (to mimic infection), researchers found that the animals showed signs of depression and fatigue even after obvious illness symptoms disappeared. The key finding was that certain brain receptors related to serotonin became more active, suggesting that changes in how the brain processes serotonin—rather than simply low serotonin levels—might explain fatigue after infection.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Characterisation of cell functions and receptors in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME).

Hardcastle, Sharni Lee, Brenu, Ekua Weba, Johnston, Samantha et al.·BMC immunology·2015

This study examined immune system cells from people with moderate and severe ME/CFS compared to healthy controls. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS had abnormal patterns in their immune cells, including changes in markers on T cells, NK cells, and other infection-fighting cells. These differences were more pronounced in people with more severe illness, suggesting that immune dysfunction may be connected to ME/CFS severity.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM requiredMethods-Paper

Problems in defining post-exertional malaise.

Jason, Leonard A, Evans, Meredyth, So, Suzanna et al.·Journal of prevention & intervention in the community·2015

This study looked at how post-exertional malaise (PEM)—the characteristic worsening of symptoms after physical or mental effort—is measured in ME/CFS patients. Researchers asked 32 people with CFS to answer survey questions about PEM and found that small changes in how questions are worded can change whether someone is diagnosed with PEM. This suggests that the current ways of diagnosing this condition may not be reliable or consistent.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryPEM unclear

"United We Stand": Framing Myalgic Encephalomyelitis in a Virtual Symbolic Community.

Lian, Olaug S, Nettleton, Sarah·Qualitative health research·2015

This study looked at how people with ME/CFS connect and support each other on Norwegian internet forums. Researchers analyzed discussions across 14 online communities to understand what brings these groups together and how they create shared meaning around their condition. The study found that these online communities help people with ME/CFS feel less alone and may influence how society views their illness.

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Mitochondrial Myopathy in Follow-up of a Patient With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Galán, Fernando, de Lavera, Isabel, Cotán, David et al.·Journal of investigative medicine high impact case reports·2015

This case study describes a patient who was initially diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) but was later found to have a different condition called mitochondrial myopathy—a disease affecting the energy-producing structures in muscle cells. Testing showed the patient had severe deficiencies in certain components of these energy-producing structures, and genetic analysis revealed mutations inherited from the mother. The patient and family members improved significantly with high-dose vitamins B1 and B2.

Diagnostics

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Yang/Qi invigoration: an herbal therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome with yang deficiency?

Leong, Pou Kuan, Wong, Hoi Shan, Chen, Jihang et al.·Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM·2015

This study explores whether certain Chinese herbal medicines might help ME/CFS by improving how cells produce energy. The researchers suggest that traditional concepts of 'Yang' and 'Qi' deficiency in Chinese medicine may relate to mitochondrial problems (the energy-producing parts of cells) seen in ME/CFS. They propose that specific herbs like Cistanches and Schisandrae might boost mitochondrial function and help patients with fatigue.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

The Nature of Fatigue in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Olson, Karin, Zimka, Oksana, Stein, Eleanor·Qualitative health research·2015

This study asked 14 people with ME/CFS to describe their experience of fatigue in their own words. Participants identified three different types of tiredness: regular tiredness (before diagnosis), fatigue (during daily activities), and exhaustion (after overexertion). The most helpful strategies people used were pacing activities and taking extended rest periods to manage their symptoms and prevent crashes.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM unclearMethods-Paper

An overview of operationalizing criteria for ME, ME/CFS, and CFS case definitions.

Jason, Leonard A, So, Suzanna, Evans, Meredyth et al.·Journal of prevention & intervention in the community·2015

This study looks at how researchers define and identify ME/CFS using different sets of criteria. The researchers examined various diagnostic guidelines to understand how they work in practice and what makes a good case definition. This work helps ensure that when doctors diagnose ME/CFS, they're using clear, consistent standards.

Diagnostics

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM not requiredEditorial

[The theorotical basis for chronic fatigue syndrome from bladder meridian of foot-taiyang].

Yao, Fei, Zhao, Yi, Jiang, Shichao et al.·Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion·2015

This study explores traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture) theory to understand chronic fatigue syndrome. The researchers examined how the bladder meridian—a pathway used in acupuncture treatment—may relate to fatigue, sleep problems, and organ function. They propose that treating this meridian might help reduce both physical and mental exhaustion in ME/CFS patients.

Sleep

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM not requiredMethods-Paper

Effects of Time Frame on the Recall Reliability of CFS Symptoms.

Evans, Meredyth, Jason, Leonard A·Evaluation & the health professions·2015

This study looked at how accurately people with ME/CFS can remember and report their symptoms depending on how far back they think about (one week, one month, or six months). Researchers found that asking patients to recall symptoms from the past six months was most reliable for most symptoms, though joint pain was best recalled over one month. This matters because doctors need to know the best time frame to ask about when diagnosing ME/CFS.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Glyphosate, pathways to modern diseases III: Manganese, neurological diseases, and associated pathologies.

Samsel, Anthony, Seneff, Stephanie·Surgical neurology international·2015

This paper explores whether glyphosate (a common herbicide in Roundup) might deplete the body of manganese, an essential mineral needed for brain health, nerve protection, and gut bacteria balance. The authors suggest that low manganese levels could contribute to various neurological conditions and gut problems, and they propose a mechanism connecting herbicide exposure to these health issues.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM unclearEditorial

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome: management issues.

Bourke, Julius·Advances in psychosomatic medicine·2015

This article discusses how fibromyalgia and ME/CFS are common conditions that were previously dismissed or not taken seriously by doctors, causing patients significant suffering. Recent scientific discoveries have improved our understanding of how these conditions work in the body and what treatments may help. While complete recovery is not common, moderate improvements in symptoms and quality of life are achievable with proper management.

Diagnostics

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM unclearMethods-Paper

The use of mixed methods in studying a chronic illness.

Jason, Leonard A, Reed, Jordan·Health psychology and behavioral medicine·2015

This study explains how researchers can better understand ME/CFS by combining two research approaches: collecting personal stories and experiences from patients (qualitative methods) alongside measuring data with numbers and statistics (quantitative methods). When researchers used both methods together, they gained a fuller picture of ME/CFS—including how the disease spreads, what people think about the illness name, and which treatments work—than they would have using just one approach alone.

Interventions

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM requiredEditorial

Reflections on the Institute of Medicine's systemic exertion intolerance disease.

Jason, Leonard A, Sunnquist, Madison, Brown, Abigail et al.·Polskie Archiwum Medycyny Wewnetrznej·2015

The Institute of Medicine proposed renaming chronic fatigue syndrome to 'systemic exertion intolerance disease' (SEID) and created new diagnostic criteria. This editorial critiques that change, noting that most patients rejected the new name and the new criteria were not tested on actual patient populations before being recommended. The new criteria may incorrectly identify more people as having the disease while missing key features that define it.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Abnormalities of AMPK activation and glucose uptake in cultured skeletal muscle cells from individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Brown, Audrey E, Jones, David E, Walker, Mark et al.·PloS one·2015

Researchers grew muscle cells from ME/CFS patients and healthy people in the lab and stimulated them electrically to mimic exercise. They found that muscle cells from ME/CFS patients didn't respond normally to this simulated exercise: they failed to activate a key energy-sensing protein (AMPK) and didn't increase glucose uptake like healthy cells did. This suggests the problem may be rooted in how the muscle cells themselves are built or programmed, not just from being inactive.

Energy MetabolismPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Immunomodulating and antioxidant effects of polysaccharide conjugates from the fruits of Ziziphus Jujube on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome rats.

Chi, Aiping, Kang, Chenzhe, Zhang, Yan et al.·Carbohydrate polymers·2015

Researchers tested whether jujube fruit extract could help rats with an artificially induced chronic fatigue condition. The extract appeared to reduce oxidative stress (cellular damage) and boost immune function in these rats, including improving the activity of natural killer cells that help fight infections. While these results are encouraging, this is animal research and much more work is needed to determine if similar benefits would occur in people with ME/CFS.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

The Metacognitions about Symptoms Control Scale: Development and Concurrent Validity.

Fernie, Bruce A, Maher-Edwards, Lorraine, Murphy, Gabrielle et al.·Clinical psychology & psychotherapy·2015

Researchers created a new questionnaire called the MaSCS to measure how people with ME/CFS think about their symptoms—specifically, how much they focus on symptoms and what they believe about controlling them. They tested this questionnaire with 124 ME/CFS patients and found it reliably measured two types of thinking: positive beliefs about symptom control and negative beliefs about symptom control. Both types of thinking were linked to how severe fatigue was, even when accounting for anxiety and depression.

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Assessing the Psychometric Properties of an Activity Pacing Questionnaire for Chronic Pain and Fatigue.

B-Lymphocyte Depletion in Myalgic Encephalopathy/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. An Open-Label Phase II Study with Rituximab Maintenance Treatment.

Beyond Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Redefining an Illness.

A Model of Post-Infection Fatigue Is Associated with Increased TNF and 5-HT2A Receptor Expression in Mice.

Characterisation of cell functions and receptors in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME).

Problems in defining post-exertional malaise.

"United We Stand": Framing Myalgic Encephalomyelitis in a Virtual Symbolic Community.

Mitochondrial Myopathy in Follow-up of a Patient With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Yang/Qi invigoration: an herbal therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome with yang deficiency?

The Nature of Fatigue in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

An overview of operationalizing criteria for ME, ME/CFS, and CFS case definitions.

[The theorotical basis for chronic fatigue syndrome from bladder meridian of foot-taiyang].

Effects of Time Frame on the Recall Reliability of CFS Symptoms.

Glyphosate, pathways to modern diseases III: Manganese, neurological diseases, and associated pathologies.

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome: management issues.

The use of mixed methods in studying a chronic illness.

Reflections on the Institute of Medicine's systemic exertion intolerance disease.

Abnormalities of AMPK activation and glucose uptake in cultured skeletal muscle cells from individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Immunomodulating and antioxidant effects of polysaccharide conjugates from the fruits of Ziziphus Jujube on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome rats.

The Metacognitions about Symptoms Control Scale: Development and Concurrent Validity.

Curated Collections

Neuroinflammation Evidence

Metabolism & Mitochondria

Biomarkers

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