ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2423 studies

1181–1200 of 2,423 studies

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

A neuro-immune model of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic fatigue syndrome.

Morris, Gerwyn, Maes, Michael·Metabolic brain disease·2013

This study proposes a theory about how ME/CFS develops and persists. The researchers suggest that an initial infection triggers the immune system, which then gets stuck in an overactive state even after the infection is cleared. This causes ongoing inflammation, energy problems in cells, and damage to the nervous system, leading to the characteristic symptoms including post-exertional malaise (feeling worse after activity).

NeuroinflammationAutonomic Nervous SystemImmune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryPEM unclearRegistry-Resource

Worst Cases Reported to the NAFKAM International Registry of Exceptional Courses of Disease.

Fønnebø, Vinjar, Drageset, Brit J, Salamonsen, Anita·Global advances in health and medicine·2012

This study reviewed detailed case reports from a registry that documented the most severe cases of ME/CFS—patients whose illness followed unusual or particularly debilitating courses. The researchers examined these exceptional cases to better understand the range and severity of disease progression in ME/CFS. By studying the worst-case scenarios, the team aimed to identify patterns that might help doctors recognize and support the most severely affected patients.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Pain in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: time for specific pain treatment?

Nijs, Jo, Crombez, Geert, Meeus, Mira et al.·Pain physician·2012

This review found that pain in ME/CFS is not caused by damaged muscles or joints, but rather comes from how the nervous system processes pain signals—a condition called central sensitization. The study suggests that education about how pain works in ME/CFS, along with cognitive behavioral therapy focused on fatigue, may help patients manage their pain better.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM unclearEditorial

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF): two "fatigue" syndromes with overlapping symptoms and possibly related aetiologies.

Rovigatti, Ugo·Neuromuscular disorders : NMD·2012

This article compares two types of unexplained fatigue: ME/CFS and cancer-related fatigue. The author reviews evidence suggesting that both conditions may be triggered or worsened by viral infections. While a virus once thought to be connected to ME/CFS turned out to be a laboratory error, the author argues that finding the actual infectious agent responsible remains an important research goal.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Carnitine derivatives: clinical usefulness.

Malaguarnera, Mariano·Current opinion in gastroenterology·2012

This review article discusses carnitine and its chemical cousins (acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine), which are natural substances your body uses to convert food into energy. The authors explain that these compounds may help with various conditions including chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, memory problems, and heart disease, and appear to be safe with few side effects.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Biological underpinnings of the commonalities in depression, somatization, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Anderson, George, Maes, Michael, Berk, Michael·Medical hypotheses·2012

This review examines why people with ME/CFS, depression, and somatization (a condition involving unexplained body symptoms) often experience similar physical symptoms like fatigue, pain, and autonomic problems. The researchers found evidence that these symptoms arise from real biological changes in the body, including immune system activation and changes in how the body processes an amino acid called tryptophan. This suggests these seemingly different conditions may share common biological pathways rather than being purely psychological.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Metacognitive factors in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Maher-Edwards, Lorraine, Fernie, Bruce A, Murphy, Gabrielle et al.·Clinical psychology & psychotherapy·2012

This study explored how ME/CFS patients think about their thinking—specifically, their beliefs about analyzing and solving problems related to their symptoms. Researchers found that patients have both helpful and unhelpful thoughts about trying to understand their illness, and they often focus on either distracting themselves or monitoring their symptoms closely. The study suggests that these thought patterns may play a role in how ME/CFS symptoms develop or persist.

Cognitive Impairment

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Adult presentation of arterial tortuosity syndrome in a 51-year-old woman with a novel homozygous c.1411+1G>A mutation in the SLC2A10 gene.

Castori, Marco, Ritelli, Marco, Zoppi, Nicoletta et al.·American journal of medical genetics. Part A·2012

This case describes a 51-year-old woman diagnosed with arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS), a rare genetic condition affecting blood vessel structure and strength. She presented with chronic pain, fatigue, joint problems, and heart valve issues. Genetic testing found a new mutation in the SLC2A10 gene responsible for this condition, which is usually diagnosed in children but was discovered here in an adult.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Linking disease symptoms and subtypes with personalized systems-based phenotypes: a proof of concept study.

Aschbacher, Kirstin, Adam, Emma K, Crofford, Leslie J et al.·Brain, behavior, and immunity·2012

This study examined how the body's stress-response system (the HPA axis) works differently in people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia compared to healthy people. Researchers measured stress hormones (cortisol and ACTH) every 10 minutes for 24 hours and used computer modeling to understand each person's unique hormone patterns. They found that nighttime hormone patterns were different in patients versus healthy controls, and these patterns were linked to symptoms like pain, fatigue, and poor sleep.

Sleep

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM not requiredMethods-Paper

Development and application of a high-throughput microneutralization assay: lack of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus and/or murine leukemia virus detection in blood donors.

Zhou, Yanchen, Steffen, Imke, Montalvo, Leilani et al.·Transfusion·2012

Researchers developed a new test to look for viruses called XMRV and related MLVs in blood donors, since these viruses had been suggested as possible causes of ME/CFS. They tested 354 blood samples and found that about 6.5% showed some ability to block the virus in the lab, but when they did more detailed testing, they found no actual virus or antibodies against it—suggesting the blocking was likely due to something other than a real infection.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM unclearMethods-Paper

Sensitivity of PCR assays for murine gammaretroviruses and mouse contamination in human blood samples.

Lee, Li Ling, Lin, Lin, Bell, David S et al.·PloS one·2012

Researchers tested blood samples from ME/CFS patients and healthy people to see if they contained a virus called MLV (murine leukemia virus). They used sensitive detection methods to look for viral genetic material, but found that when they did detect it, they couldn't be sure it actually came from the patient's blood rather than from contamination during testing.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Inflammatory fatigue and sickness behaviour - lessons for the diagnosis and management of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Arnett, S V, Clark, I A·Journal of affective disorders·2012

This review examines how inflammation in the body can cause extreme tiredness and sickness-like symptoms similar to those seen in ME/CFS. The authors looked at how inflammatory chemicals in the brain trigger the body's sickness response—similar to how you feel when fighting an infection—and found that this same process may be happening in ME/CFS patients. They suggest that understanding this connection could help doctors diagnose and treat ME/CFS more effectively.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM unclearMethods-Paper

Comparison of two quantitative assays for xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus.

Sato, Eiji, Yoshikawa, Rokusuke, Miyazawa, Takayuki·The Journal of veterinary medical science·2012

Researchers developed two new laboratory tests to detect and measure XMRV, a virus that was discovered in some people with chronic fatigue syndrome and prostate cancer. They compared a newer, simpler test called a 'focus assay' with an older test called a 'LacZ marker rescue assay' and found that both tests detected the virus equally well, though the newer test was easier to use.

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM not requiredMethods-Paper

Developing resources to support the diagnosis and management of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalitis (CFS/ME) in primary care: a qualitative study.

Hannon, Kerin, Peters, Sarah, Fisher, Louise et al.·BMC family practice·2012

This study asked patients, carers, and doctors in North West England what would help them better diagnose and manage ME/CFS in general practice. The researchers found that patients want to be believed and taken seriously, while doctors said they need better training and support. Based on everyone's feedback, the team created practical tools including a DVD for patients, information leaflets, and online training for doctors.

Diagnostics

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Improved chronic fatigue symptoms after removal of mercury in patient with increased mercury concentration in hair toxic mineral assay: a case.

Shin, Sae-Ron, Han, A-Lum·Korean journal of family medicine·2012

This case report describes one patient whose chronic fatigue symptoms improved after receiving treatment to remove mercury from their body. The patient had eaten large amounts of raw tuna, which can contain mercury, and testing showed mercury levels in their hair that were higher than normal but below what's considered poisoning. After mercury removal therapy, the patient's fatigue got better.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Reduction of [11C](+)3-MPB binding in brain of chronic fatigue syndrome with serum autoantibody against muscarinic cholinergic receptor.

Yamamoto, Shigeyuki, Ouchi, Yasuomi, Nakatsuka, Daisaku et al.·PloS one·2012

Some people with ME/CFS have antibodies in their blood that target a chemical receptor in the brain called the muscarinic cholinergic receptor. This study used brain imaging (PET scans) to compare the brains of ME/CFS patients with and without these antibodies. Patients with these antibodies showed lower levels of these receptors in their brains, but this difference did not affect their thinking or memory performance.

Neuroinflammation

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Shilajit attenuates behavioral symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and mitochondrial bioenergetics in rats.

Surapaneni, Dinesh Kumar, Adapa, Sree Rama Shiva Shanker, Preeti, Kumari et al.·Journal of ethnopharmacology·2012

Researchers tested a natural substance called shilajit in rats with fatigue symptoms similar to ME/CFS. The shilajit appeared to reduce fatigue-like behaviors and anxiety, and improved how well the rats' cells produced energy. This suggests shilajit might work by helping the body's stress response system and protecting mitochondria—the 'powerhouses' inside cells.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Postural neurocognitive and neuronal activated cerebral blood flow deficits in young chronic fatigue syndrome patients with postural tachycardia syndrome.

Stewart, Julian M, Medow, Marvin S, Messer, Zachary R et al.·American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology·2012

When people with ME/CFS try to stand upright or tilt backward, their brain doesn't get enough blood flow to think clearly, and their thinking problems get worse as their body position changes. In healthy people, brain blood flow increases during hard thinking tasks, but in ME/CFS patients, this normal response is broken—their brains don't increase blood flow when doing difficult mental tasks.

Autonomic Nervous SystemCognitive Impairment

E3 PreliminaryBehavioralPEM not required

Subjective concepts of chronically ill patients using distant healing.

Güthlin, Corina, Anton, Andreas, Kruse, Jan et al.·Qualitative health research·2012

This study interviewed 17 ME/CFS and multiple chemical sensitivity patients who received distant healing (spiritual intentions or prayers) as part of a research trial. Researchers found that patients struggled with a conflict: they wanted to try distant healing for help, but felt uncertain or judged because mainstream medicine doesn't recognize it as effective. Patients often tried to justify their choice to themselves and others.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Gene expression alterations at baseline and following moderate exercise in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

Light, A R, Bateman, L, Jo, D et al.·Journal of internal medicine·2012

This study looked at how genes are turned on and off in people with ME/CFS before and after moderate exercise. Researchers found that about 71% of ME/CFS patients showed increased activity in genes related to nerve signaling and stress response after exercise, which correlated with their fatigue and pain levels. A smaller subgroup (29%) showed a different pattern, with decreased activity in one specific gene, and these patients were more likely to have orthostatic intolerance (dizziness when standing).

BiomarkersPost-Exertional Malaise

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A neuro-immune model of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic fatigue syndrome.

Worst Cases Reported to the NAFKAM International Registry of Exceptional Courses of Disease.

Pain in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: time for specific pain treatment?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF): two "fatigue" syndromes with overlapping symptoms and possibly related aetiologies.

Carnitine derivatives: clinical usefulness.

Biological underpinnings of the commonalities in depression, somatization, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Metacognitive factors in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Adult presentation of arterial tortuosity syndrome in a 51-year-old woman with a novel homozygous c.1411+1G>A mutation in the SLC2A10 gene.

Linking disease symptoms and subtypes with personalized systems-based phenotypes: a proof of concept study.

Development and application of a high-throughput microneutralization assay: lack of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus and/or murine leukemia virus detection in blood donors.

Sensitivity of PCR assays for murine gammaretroviruses and mouse contamination in human blood samples.

Inflammatory fatigue and sickness behaviour - lessons for the diagnosis and management of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Comparison of two quantitative assays for xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus.

Developing resources to support the diagnosis and management of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalitis (CFS/ME) in primary care: a qualitative study.

Improved chronic fatigue symptoms after removal of mercury in patient with increased mercury concentration in hair toxic mineral assay: a case.

Reduction of [11C](+)3-MPB binding in brain of chronic fatigue syndrome with serum autoantibody against muscarinic cholinergic receptor.

Shilajit attenuates behavioral symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and mitochondrial bioenergetics in rats.

Postural neurocognitive and neuronal activated cerebral blood flow deficits in young chronic fatigue syndrome patients with postural tachycardia syndrome.

Subjective concepts of chronically ill patients using distant healing.

Gene expression alterations at baseline and following moderate exercise in patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

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