ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2420 studies

141–160 of 2,420 studies

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 requiredMechanistic

Exertional Exhaustion (Post-Exertional Malaise, PEM) Evaluated by the Effects of Exercise on Cerebrospinal Fluid Metabolomics-Lipidomics and Serine Pathway in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Baraniuk, James N·International journal of molecular sciences·2025

This study examined fluid from around the brain and spinal cord in ME/CFS patients and healthy controls, measuring chemical substances before and after exercise. Researchers found that ME/CFS patients have abnormal levels of certain chemicals related to energy production and brain function, especially after exercise. The study suggests that exercise may trigger harmful changes in brain chemistry in ME/CFS patients that don't happen in healthy people, which could explain post-exertional malaise (the worsening of symptoms after activity).

Post-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 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 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Management of Fibromyalgia: Novel Nutraceutical Therapies Beyond Traditional Pharmaceuticals.

Antonelli, Antonella, Bianchi, Marzia, Fear, Elizabeth Jane et al.·Nutrients·2025

This review examines how natural plant-based compounds, particularly polyphenols, might help manage fibromyalgia pain without the side effects of traditional medications. Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS are related conditions that involve abnormal pain signaling in the nervous system, persistent fatigue, and sleep problems. The authors suggest that natural products could be safer alternatives to current drugs like antidepressants and anticonvulsants, which can cause dependence and tolerance over time.

Neuroinflammation

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 PreliminaryMechanismPEM requiredMechanistic

Precision Medicine Study of Post-Exertional Malaise Epigenetic Changes in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Patients During Exercise.

Sharma, Sayan, Hodges, Lynette D, Peppercorn, Katie et al.·International journal of molecular sciences·2025

This study looked at how exercise affects the chemical switches on our genes (epigenetics) in ME/CFS patients, particularly during post-exertional malaise (PEM)—the exhaustion that worsens after physical activity. Researchers took blood samples from five ME/CFS patients before, immediately after, and 24-48 hours after an exercise test, and found distinct patterns of genetic changes that were specific to ME/CFS patients and not seen in healthy controls. These changes affected genes related to immune function, inflammation, and blood vessel health, suggesting the body's response to exercise in ME/CFS is fundamentally different at the molecular level.

BiomarkersImmune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

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 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 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 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

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 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

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

[Exploration on the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome with acupuncture and moxibustion based on the "body-qi-mind trinity life view"].

Xie, Shuolin, Deng, Fei, Fang, Fang et al.·Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion·2025

This paper presents a traditional Chinese medicine approach to treating ME/CFS that combines acupuncture and moxibustion (heat therapy). The authors propose that ME/CFS involves imbalances in the body's physical health, energy circulation, and mental state, and suggest specific acupuncture points and techniques designed to address each of these areas. The recommended treatment focuses on relieving muscle pain, improving energy flow, and calming the mind.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclear

Unwilling or unable? Interpreting effort task performance in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Kirvin-Quamme, Andrew, Kirke, Karen D, Junge, Oscar et al.·Frontiers in psychology·2025

This study examined how people with ME/CFS perform on effort-based tasks and what their performance reveals about the condition. Researchers investigated whether people with ME/CFS struggle with these tasks because they are unable to exert effort (due to physical limitations) or unwilling to do so (due to motivation or other psychological factors). Understanding this distinction is important for interpreting test results and designing appropriate treatments.

E3 PreliminaryGuidelinePEM requiredGuideline

Multidisciplinary collaborative guidance on the assessment and treatment of patients with Long COVID: A compendium statement.

Cheng, Abby L, Herman, Eric, Abramoff, Benjamin et al.·PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation·2025

This is a comprehensive clinical guide created by over 40 Long COVID treatment centers to help doctors evaluate and care for Long COVID patients. The guide covers how to assess symptoms, manage common problems like fatigue and brain fog, and help patients return to work or daily activities. It emphasizes that Long COVID is real, takes it seriously, and recommends treatments based on what doctors currently know while acknowledging many unknowns remain.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Diagnostic overshadowing in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): A qualitative study.

Harwood, Rupert, Wincup, Chris, D'Cruz, David et al.·Lupus·2025

This study looked at why people with lupus (SLE) often wait a long time to get diagnosed. Researchers found that doctors sometimes overlook or misinterpret lupus symptoms, attributing them instead to other causes like mental health problems, ME/CFS, or fibromyalgia. This "diagnostic overshadowing" can add years to someone's diagnostic journey and delay the treatment they need.

Diagnostics

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Cerebral Blood Flow in Orthostatic Intolerance.

Exertional Exhaustion (Post-Exertional Malaise, PEM) Evaluated by the Effects of Exercise on Cerebrospinal Fluid Metabolomics-Lipidomics and Serine Pathway in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

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

Review of Neuroimaging Methods in ME/CFS.

Management of Fibromyalgia: Novel Nutraceutical Therapies Beyond Traditional Pharmaceuticals.

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

Precision Medicine Study of Post-Exertional Malaise Epigenetic Changes in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Patients During Exercise.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

[Exploration on the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome with acupuncture and moxibustion based on the "body-qi-mind trinity life view"].

Unwilling or unable? Interpreting effort task performance in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Multidisciplinary collaborative guidance on the assessment and treatment of patients with Long COVID: A compendium statement.

Diagnostic overshadowing in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): A qualitative study.

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Biomarkers

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