ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2422 studies

141–160 of 2,422 studies

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Identifying potential biomarkers in the hippocampus of chronic fatigue syndrome rats treated with moxibustion at Zusanli (ST36): a proteomics study.

Chuwen, Feng, Chaoran, L I, Yan, Yang et al.·Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan·2025

This study tested whether moxibustion—a traditional Chinese medicine technique involving gentle heat applied to a specific acupuncture point on the leg—could help rats with chronic fatigue syndrome. Researchers found that moxibustion improved the rats' activity levels, memory, and reduced damage to a brain region involved in learning and emotion. The treatment appeared to work by restoring balance to specific proteins in the brain that were abnormal in the fatigued rats.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM requiredPreprintPreprint

Dissecting the genetic complexity of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome via deep learning-powered genome analysis.

Zhang, Sai, Jahanbani, Fereshteh, Chander, Varuna et al.·medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences·2025

Researchers used advanced artificial intelligence to analyze the genes of ME/CFS patients and discovered 115 genes that may contribute to the disease. They found that people with ME/CFS have lower levels of these risk genes active in their immune cells and nervous system. This genetic analysis could eventually help doctors diagnose ME/CFS more accurately and identify new treatment targets.

BiomarkersImmune SystemCognitive ImpairmentPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

A new anchor point for gut microbiome to regulate complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: oxidative stress.

Bai, Wenxuan, Jiang, Tiebin, Tang, Lanlan et al.·Experimental hematology·2025

This review examines how bone marrow stem cell transplants can cause complications through a process called oxidative stress (cellular damage from harmful molecules). The authors explain how gut bacteria and their chemical byproducts may help protect the body by reducing this oxidative stress, potentially preventing or lessening serious complications like infections, fatigue, and organ damage that can occur after transplantation.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Cerebral Blood Flow in Orthostatic Intolerance.

Khan, Muhammad Shahzeb, Miller, Amanda J, Ejaz, Arooba et al.·Journal of the American Heart Association·2025

When you stand up, your body normally adjusts blood flow to keep your brain supplied with oxygen. Some people have problems with this adjustment, causing dizziness, fatigue, or fainting—a condition called orthostatic intolerance. This review explains that many ME/CFS and long COVID patients have reduced blood flow to the brain when standing, even though their heart rate and blood pressure look normal on standard tests. The authors review different tools doctors can use to actually measure brain blood flow, rather than just relying on heart rate and blood pressure readings.

Autonomic Nervous System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM requiredPreprintPreprint

Heightened innate immunity may trigger chronic inflammation, fatigue and post-exertional malaise in ME/CFS.

Che, Xiaoyu, Ranjan, Amit, Guo, Cheng et al.·medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences·2025

This study found that people with ME/CFS may have an overactive immune system that responds too strongly to germs and infections. The research showed problems with how the body produces energy and manages inflammation, and these problems got worse after exercise in ME/CFS patients but not in healthy people. The findings suggest multiple biological systems are working abnormally in ME/CFS, which could help doctors develop better treatments.

Energy MetabolismImmune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM requiredMethods-Paper

Repeated Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing of ME/CFS Patients.

Hodges, Lynette·Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)·2025

This study explains how doctors use a special exercise test done twice (24 hours apart) to measure how ME/CFS affects the body's ability to exercise. The test shows that people with ME/CFS often cannot exercise as hard the second time, and their bodies don't use oxygen or produce power the way healthy people do. This helps prove that ME/CFS causes real, measurable changes in how the body functions.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Review of Neuroimaging Methods in ME/CFS.

Thapaliya, Kiran, Inderyas, Maira, Barnden, Leighton·Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)·2025

This review examines different brain imaging techniques that have been used to study ME/CFS and detect changes in the brain. Researchers have used three main types of imaging: MRI (which takes detailed pictures of brain structure), PET and SPECT (which show how brain activity and chemicals function). These studies have found subtle but measurable differences in the brains of people with ME/CFS compared to healthy controls.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM requiredMechanistic

Extracellular vesicle proteomics uncovers energy metabolism, complement system, and endoplasmic reticulum stress response dysregulation postexercise in males with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Glass, Katherine A, Giloteaux, Ludovic, Zhang, Sheng et al.·Clinical and translational medicine·2025

Researchers studied tiny particles called extracellular vesicles in the blood of ME/CFS patients before and after exercise. They found that in people with ME/CFS, these particles show signs of energy problems, immune overactivity, and cellular stress after exertion—changes that were linked to post-exertional malaise (the worsening of symptoms after activity). These findings suggest new targets for treatment that could help improve recovery and energy in ME/CFS.

BiomarkersPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

HERV Dysregulation in a Case of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Multiple Sclerosis Responsive to Rituximab.

Martín-Martínez, Eva, Gil-Perotin, Sara, Giménez-Orenga, Karen et al.·International journal of molecular sciences·2025

This study describes one patient who had ME/CFS and was later diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Doctors discovered that his blood had unusual patterns of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs)—ancient viral-like sequences in our DNA that can sometimes affect immune function. Importantly, this patient improved significantly after receiving rituximab, a treatment that modifies the immune system, even though standard treatments had not worked for him.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Myopraktikk (NO): A Narrative Review and Conceptual Hypothesis on Intrafasciomembranal Fluid Pressure, Biotensegrity, and Immediate Remote Myofascial Responses.

Hopen, Stig Runar, Mjøen, Tor Arne·Cureus·2025

This article proposes a new theory about muscle pain and stiffness called Myopraktikk, which focuses on fluid pressure building up in the spaces around muscles. The authors suggest that when fluid pressure increases in these areas, it can cause muscles to feel tight, knotted, and painful—similar to what happens in conditions like ME/CFS and fibromyalgia. According to their hypothesis, releasing this pressure through manual treatment may help reduce symptoms in both the treated area and elsewhere in the body.

Pain and Sensitization

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Hesperidin in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An Integrated Analysis of Traditional Pharmacology and Machine Learning-Based Therapeutic Predictions.

El-Shiekh, Riham A, Mohamed, Ahmed F, Mandour, Asmaa A et al.·Chemistry & biodiversity·2025

This review examines hesperidin, a natural compound found in citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, and explores whether it might help people with ME/CFS. The authors describe hesperidin's known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, then use computer algorithms to predict how well it might work for chronic fatigue. They suggest hesperidin could be a promising natural supplement worth studying further.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

A network medicine approach to investigating ME/CFS pathogenesis in severely ill patients: a pilot study.

Hung, Li-Yuan, Wu, Chan-Shuo, Chang, Chia-Jung et al.·Frontiers in human neuroscience·2025

Researchers used advanced computer analysis to examine genetic information from people with severe ME/CFS, looking for patterns in how genes work together. They found that ME/CFS involves multiple body systems working incorrectly, particularly the immune and nervous systems, and discovered connections to viral infections like EBV and COVID-19. The study also found clues about why more women than men develop ME/CFS, relating to how estrogen affects the body.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM unclearEditorial

Reframing Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): Biological Basis of Disease and Recommendations for Supporting Patients.

Agarwal, Priya, Friedman, Kenneth J·Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)·2025

This article is a special essay about ME/CFS that was written by a medical student and selected as the best submission in a scholarship competition. It explains what we currently know about how ME/CFS affects the body and offers practical advice for doctors on how to better care for ME/CFS patients. The essay highlights that ME/CFS is a serious, worldwide health problem affecting millions of people, many of whom haven't been properly diagnosed.

E3 PreliminaryBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Mixed methods study of views and experience of non-hospitalised individuals with long COVID of using pacing interventions.

McMullan, Christel, Haroon, Shamil, Turner, Grace et al.·Scientific reports·2025

This study asked people with Long COVID about their experiences using 'pacing'—a strategy to manage energy by balancing activity and rest. Researchers gave questionnaires to 28 people and interviewed 19 of them. Most participants found pacing helpful for planning activities and staying motivated, though some found it complicated and difficult to follow without clearer guidance.

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM unclearEditorial

Chronic Fatigue in Cancer Survivorship: Psychiatry Versus Oncology or Psychiatry with Oncology?

Kafetzopoulos, Vasilios, Pittaka, Maria, Ioannidis, Georgios et al.·Current oncology reports·2025

This review examines fatigue in breast cancer survivors and how it's treated. The authors found that non-drug treatments like exercise, talk therapy, and mindfulness work best for cancer-related fatigue. They point out that cancer doctors and psychiatrists approach fatigue differently, and suggest that a combined team approach—mixing cancer care with mental health support—would help patients most.

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM unclearMethods-Paper

Application of DNA Methylome Analysis to Patients with ME/CFS.

Peppercorn, Katie, Edgar, Christina D, Al Momani, Suzan et al.·Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)·2025

This study describes a technique called RRBS that examines how chemical tags on our DNA (called methylation) are different in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy people. These tags act like switches that turn genes on or off, and abnormal patterns might help explain why ME/CFS causes such severe symptoms. The researchers show how this method can be used to identify patterns that could eventually lead to better diagnostic tests or ways to track how the illness changes over time.

Biomarkers

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Clinically Meaningful Improvements in Long COVID Symptoms Following Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy Combined with Lifestyle Interventions-A Clinical Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Colgan, Dana Dharmakaya, Stadler, Diane D, Hope, Aluko A et al.·Case reports in clinical medicine·2025

This study describes one patient with Long COVID who experienced significant improvements in their symptoms after following a special diet (ketogenic diet) combined with lifestyle changes including exercise, better sleep schedules, and stress-reduction practices delivered remotely. The authors reviewed existing research suggesting this combined approach might help address underlying problems in Long COVID and support the body's ability to handle stress.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Metabolomics-Based Machine Learning Diagnostics of Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Cai, Ethan, Kouznetsova, Valentina L, Tsigelny, Igor F·Metabolites·2025

Researchers developed a computer program that can identify Long COVID (PASC) by analyzing chemical markers in the blood called metabolites. The program successfully distinguished Long COVID from several similar conditions like Lyme disease and POTS, but had difficulty telling Long COVID apart from fibromyalgia, suggesting these two conditions may share similar chemical patterns in the body.

Biomarkers

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM requiredCross-Sectional

Neurodevelopment Genes Encoding Olduvai Domains Link Myalgic Encephalomyelitis to Neuropsychiatric Disorders.

Arcos-Burgos, Mauricio, Arcos-Holzinger, Mauricio, Mastronardi, Claudio et al.·Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)·2025

Researchers compared DNA samples from 77 Australian ME/CFS patients with genetic databases to identify differences that might explain the disease. They found that certain genes involved in brain development—particularly those encoding special protein structures called Olduvai domains—were associated with ME/CFS. When they checked these findings in a separate U.S. patient group, they confirmed several of the same genetic associations, suggesting these genes may play a role in ME/CFS.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

Advocating the role of trained immunity in the pathogenesis of ME/CFS: a mini review.

Humer, Bart, Dik, Willem A, Versnel, Marjan A·Frontiers in immunology·2025

This review explores how a single severe infection might trigger long-term changes in the immune system that could lead to ME/CFS. After infection, immune cells can become 'trained' to overreact to future triggers, potentially causing the chronic symptoms patients experience. The researchers suggest this overactive immune response might explain why about 60% of ME/CFS patients remember getting sick before their symptoms started.

Immune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

← Previous Next 20 studies →

Or browse by topic

PEM Immune Neuro Metabolic Biomarkers Severe ME Long COVID Cognitive

Evidence Atlas

Evidence browser

Identifying potential biomarkers in the hippocampus of chronic fatigue syndrome rats treated with moxibustion at Zusanli (ST36): a proteomics study.

Dissecting the genetic complexity of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome via deep learning-powered genome analysis.

A new anchor point for gut microbiome to regulate complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: oxidative stress.

Cerebral Blood Flow in Orthostatic Intolerance.

Heightened innate immunity may trigger chronic inflammation, fatigue and post-exertional malaise in ME/CFS.

Repeated Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing of ME/CFS Patients.

Review of Neuroimaging Methods in ME/CFS.

Extracellular vesicle proteomics uncovers energy metabolism, complement system, and endoplasmic reticulum stress response dysregulation postexercise in males with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

HERV Dysregulation in a Case of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Multiple Sclerosis Responsive to Rituximab.

Myopraktikk (NO): A Narrative Review and Conceptual Hypothesis on Intrafasciomembranal Fluid Pressure, Biotensegrity, and Immediate Remote Myofascial Responses.

Hesperidin in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An Integrated Analysis of Traditional Pharmacology and Machine Learning-Based Therapeutic Predictions.

A network medicine approach to investigating ME/CFS pathogenesis in severely ill patients: a pilot study.

Reframing Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): Biological Basis of Disease and Recommendations for Supporting Patients.

Mixed methods study of views and experience of non-hospitalised individuals with long COVID of using pacing interventions.

Chronic Fatigue in Cancer Survivorship: Psychiatry Versus Oncology or Psychiatry with Oncology?

Application of DNA Methylome Analysis to Patients with ME/CFS.

Clinically Meaningful Improvements in Long COVID Symptoms Following Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy Combined with Lifestyle Interventions-A Clinical Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Metabolomics-Based Machine Learning Diagnostics of Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Neurodevelopment Genes Encoding Olduvai Domains Link Myalgic Encephalomyelitis to Neuropsychiatric Disorders.

Advocating the role of trained immunity in the pathogenesis of ME/CFS: a mini review.

Curated Collections

Neuroinflammation Evidence

Metabolism & Mitochondria

Biomarkers

PEM-Specific Research