ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2420 studies

1201–1220 of 2,420 studies

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 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

Xpr1 is an atypical G-protein-coupled receptor that mediates xenotropic and polytropic murine retrovirus neurotoxicity.

Vaughan, Andrew E, Mendoza, Ramon, Aranda, Ramona et al.·Journal of virology·2012

This study explored how a virus called XMRV might damage nerve cells in people with ME/CFS. Researchers found that when this virus enters cells, it blocks an important communication system (called cAMP signaling) that normally keeps cells healthy, leading them to die. However, it's now known that XMRV detection in human samples was likely due to contamination rather than actual infection.

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 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 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 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredObservational

Cervical neuro-muscular syndrome: discovery of a new disease group caused by abnormalities in the cervical muscles.

Matsui, Takayoshi, Ii, Kunio, Hojo, Shuntaro et al.·Neurologia medico-chirurgica·2012

This study suggests that problems in the neck muscles may cause or contribute to a range of symptoms including headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and autonomic problems (issues with automatic body functions like heart rate and blood pressure). The researchers treated patients with neck muscle abnormalities and reported that most patients improved significantly, with success rates ranging from 84-88% depending on the symptom.

Autonomic Nervous System

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM unclearEditorial

Fatigue and disrupted sleep-wake patterns in patients with cancer: a shared mechanism.

Wu, Horng-Shiuann, Davis, Jean E, Natavio, Teofanes·Clinical journal of oncology nursing·2012

Cancer patients often experience severe tiredness and sleep problems at the same time, suggesting they may share a common cause. This paper proposes that stress hormones—particularly those controlled by a system called the HPA axis—may be disrupted in ways that trigger both fatigue and poor sleep. Because ME/CFS patients have similar symptoms and similar HPA axis problems, studying cancer-related fatigue might help us understand ME/CFS better.

Sleep

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Validation of the three-factor model of the PSQI in a large sample of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients.

Mariman, An, Vogelaers, Dirk, Hanoulle, Ignace et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2012

This study tested whether a sleep questionnaire commonly used in research works properly for people with ME/CFS. Researchers asked 413 patients with ME/CFS to fill out the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), which measures sleep problems. They found that the questionnaire best divides sleep issues into three separate categories: sleep efficiency (how much time you actually sleep), perceived sleep quality (how good your sleep feels), and daily disturbances (how tiredness affects daytime functioning).

Sleep

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Peripheral and central mechanisms of fatigue in inflammatory and noninflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Staud, Roland·Current rheumatology reports·2012

Fatigue in rheumatic diseases like ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and lupus comes from both physical body problems and mental/central nervous system factors, not just one or the other. Doctors can measure physical fatigue through muscle tests and mental fatigue through questionnaires. Importantly, pain and mood problems are often stronger predictors of fatigue than the disease activity itself, and treatments for both medication and lifestyle changes can help.

Pain and Sensitization

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Evidence browser

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

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

Xpr1 is an atypical G-protein-coupled receptor that mediates xenotropic and polytropic murine retrovirus neurotoxicity.

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

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

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

Cervical neuro-muscular syndrome: discovery of a new disease group caused by abnormalities in the cervical muscles.

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

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

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

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

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.

Subjective concepts of chronically ill patients using distant healing.

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

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

Zinc-finger antiviral protein inhibits XMRV infection.

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

Fatigue and disrupted sleep-wake patterns in patients with cancer: a shared mechanism.

Validation of the three-factor model of the PSQI in a large sample of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients.

Peripheral and central mechanisms of fatigue in inflammatory and noninflammatory rheumatic diseases.

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