ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2422 studies

1201–1220 of 2,422 studies

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 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM not requiredEditorial

Recombinant origin, contamination, and de-discovery of XMRV.

Delviks-Frankenberry, Krista, Cingöz, Oya, Coffin, John M et al.·Current opinion in virology·2012

In the mid-2000s, scientists announced they found a virus called XMRV in people with ME/CFS, which raised hope for a breakthrough. However, after thorough testing by laboratories around the world, this discovery was proven wrong—the virus wasn't actually present in ME/CFS patients. The original findings were due to accidental contamination from mouse DNA and laboratory materials, and XMRV turned out to be a virus created accidentally in the lab decades earlier, not a natural infection in humans.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Can persistent Epstein-Barr virus infection induce chronic fatigue syndrome as a Pavlov reflex of the immune response?

Agliari, Elena, Barra, Adriano, Vidal, Kristian Gervasi et al.·Journal of biological dynamics·2012

This study proposes a theory for how ME/CFS might develop: a long-lasting Epstein-Barr virus infection could train the immune system to stay "stuck" in a highly activated state, even after the virus is controlled or cleared. Using mathematical models, researchers suggest that prolonged virus exposure creates strong connections between different immune cells, similar to how the brain forms lasting memories—a concept known as Pavlov's reflex. This could explain why ME/CFS causes persistent inflammation and exhaustion without an obvious ongoing cause.

Immune System

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 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredObservational

Lack of endogenous pain inhibition during exercise in people with chronic whiplash associated disorders: an experimental study.

Van Oosterwijck, Jessica, Nijs, Jo, Meeus, Mira et al.·The journal of pain·2012

This study compared how the body responds to exercise in people with chronic whiplash injury versus healthy people. Researchers found that pain sensitivity actually increased (got worse) after exercise in whiplash patients, while it decreased (improved) in healthy controls. Importantly, gentle, self-paced exercise caused fewer symptom flare-ups than harder, fixed-intensity exercise, suggesting that how exercise is done matters greatly for people with this condition.

Post-Exertional Malaise

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 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredObservational

Molecular signatures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells during chronic interferon-α treatment: relationship with depression and fatigue.

Felger, J C, Cole, S W, Pace, T W W et al.·Psychological medicine·2012

When patients received interferon-alpha treatment (used for hepatitis C and cancer), researchers looked at immune cell genes to understand why the treatment causes depression and fatigue. They found that one gene called OAS2, previously linked to chronic fatigue syndrome, was especially active in patients who developed depression and fatigue during treatment. This suggests that immune system changes may directly contribute to these symptoms.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Evaluation of protective effect of Aegle marmelos Corr. in an animal model of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Lalremruta, Vanphawng, Prasanna, Gurunath S·Indian journal of pharmacology·2012

Researchers tested whether an extract from the leaves of a plant called Aegle marmelos (also known as bael fruit) could help reduce fatigue-like symptoms in rats. Rats that were forced to swim daily developed fatigue-like behaviors, and when treated with the plant extract, they showed improvement in activity levels, reduced anxiety, and better stress markers in their blood compared to untreated rats.

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 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Phylogenetic and biological analysis of a laboratory-generated gammaretrovirus xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV).

Ma, Xiaochu, Zhou, Shiying, Wei, Meili et al.·Virus genes·2012

This study investigated whether XMRV, a virus previously thought to be associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, could actually infect human cells. Researchers found that XMRV is a laboratory-made virus created accidentally during experiments with mouse tissues, not a naturally occurring pathogen. Testing showed that XMRV cannot infect human immune cells, suggesting it is unlikely to cause disease in people.

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 PreliminaryGuidelinePEM not requiredGuideline

[Persistent fatigue following Q fever].

Keijmel, Stephan P, Morroy, Gabriëlla, Delsing, Corine E et al.·Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde·2012

After a bacterial infection called Q fever, about 1 in 5 patients develop long-lasting fatigue and other symptoms called Q fever fatigue syndrome (QFS). This guideline from the Netherlands helps doctors diagnose and treat QFS consistently. Many patients recover on their own within six months, but those who don't may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, a type of talk therapy that helps people manage chronic fatigue.

Diagnostics

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Chronic fatigue syndrome, the immune system and viral infection.

Bansal, A S, Bradley, A S, Bishop, K N et al.·Brain, behavior, and immunity·2012

This review examines whether immune system problems and viral infections play a role in ME/CFS. Researchers found modest signs of increased inflammation and cytokines (immune signaling molecules) in some patients, along with weakened natural killer cells that normally fight infections. While patients don't have more herpes virus exposure than healthy people, some evidence suggests their bodies struggle to fully control and clear these viruses, which could explain why symptoms persist.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

[Effect of acupuncture on serum malonaldehyde content, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in chronic fatigue syndrome rats].

Liu, Chang-Zheng, Lei, Bo·Zhen ci yan jiu = Acupuncture research·2012

This study tested whether acupuncture could help rats with chronic fatigue syndrome by reducing harmful molecules in the blood called free radicals. Researchers created a rat model of CFS using stress and cold water swimming, then treated some rats with acupuncture at specific points. The results showed that acupuncture reduced damaging molecules and restored the body's natural antioxidant defenses in the treated rats.

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 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 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Restricted replication of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus in pigtailed macaques.

Del Prete, Gregory Q, Kearney, Mary F, Spindler, Jon et al.·Journal of virology·2012

This study tested what happens when XMRV, a virus previously linked to ME/CFS, is deliberately introduced into macaque monkeys. The virus was unable to establish a persistent infection—it briefly appeared in the bloodstream but was quickly controlled and eliminated by the immune system. The monkeys remained healthy throughout the study, suggesting that if XMRV infection occurred in humans, it would likely be similarly limited.

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 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Zinc-finger antiviral protein inhibits XMRV infection.

Wang, Xinlu, Tu, Fan, Zhu, Yiping et al.·PloS one·2012

This study investigates how a human immune protein called ZAP (zinc-finger antiviral protein) blocks a virus called XMRV from multiplying in cells. Researchers found that when cells produce more ZAP, XMRV cannot spread effectively, and when ZAP levels are reduced, cells become more vulnerable to the virus. The study shows that ZAP works by targeting and destroying the virus's genetic instructions before they can be used to make new virus particles.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Role of Lactobacillus acidophilus loaded floating beads in chronic fatigue syndrome: behavioral and biochemical evidences.

Singh, P K, Chopra, K, Kuhad, A et al.·Neurogastroenterology and motility·2012

This study tested whether a beneficial bacteria called Lactobacillus acidophilus could help reduce fatigue symptoms in rats. Researchers created extreme fatigue in rats through repeated exhausting swimming, then gave some rats either the bacteria alone or the bacteria packaged in special beads designed to survive digestion. The bacteria treatment reduced fatigue-like behavior and improved markers of inflammation and immune system stress.

Immune System

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Evidence browser

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

Recombinant origin, contamination, and de-discovery of XMRV.

Can persistent Epstein-Barr virus infection induce chronic fatigue syndrome as a Pavlov reflex of the immune response?

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

Lack of endogenous pain inhibition during exercise in people with chronic whiplash associated disorders: an experimental 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.

Molecular signatures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells during chronic interferon-α treatment: relationship with depression and fatigue.

Evaluation of protective effect of Aegle marmelos Corr. in an animal model of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Metacognitive factors in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Phylogenetic and biological analysis of a laboratory-generated gammaretrovirus xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV).

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

[Persistent fatigue following Q fever].

Chronic fatigue syndrome, the immune system and viral infection.

[Effect of acupuncture on serum malonaldehyde content, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in chronic fatigue syndrome rats].

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

Carnitine derivatives: clinical usefulness.

Restricted replication of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus in pigtailed macaques.

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

Zinc-finger antiviral protein inhibits XMRV infection.

Role of Lactobacillus acidophilus loaded floating beads in chronic fatigue syndrome: behavioral and biochemical evidences.

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