ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2422 studies

1461–1480 of 2,422 studies

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Chronic fatigue syndrome and the central nervous system.

Chen, R, Liang, F X, Moriya, J et al.·The Journal of international medical research·2008

This review examined brain imaging studies and blood tests in ME/CFS patients to understand how the illness affects the brain and nervous system. Researchers found evidence that ME/CFS patients show structural and functional differences in their brains, and that certain brain chemicals and immune molecules are abnormal. The authors suggest that future ME/CFS research should focus more on understanding how the central nervous system is involved in this illness.

Endocrine Disruption

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM not requiredMethods-Paper

Integrated weighted gene co-expression network analysis with an application to chronic fatigue syndrome.

Presson, Angela P, Sobel, Eric M, Papp, Jeanette C et al.·BMC systems biology·2008

Researchers used a computer-based approach to analyze genes from ME/CFS patients to understand which genes are involved in the illness and how severely they affect people. They identified a group of 299 genes that work together and are linked to how severe someone's ME/CFS symptoms are. By using genetic information alongside gene activity data, they were able to figure out which genes might actually be causing the problem versus just responding to it.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

[Sub-health state and chronic fatigue syndrome].

Wang, Tian-Fang, Xue, Xiao-Lin·Zhongguo Zhong xi yi jie he za zhi Zhongguo Zhongxiyi jiehe zazhi = Chinese journal of integrated traditional and Western medicine·2008

This study clarifies that 'sub-health'—a state of feeling unwell that falls short of diagnosed disease—is different from ME/CFS. The authors explain what fatigue, chronic fatigue, and ME/CFS actually are, and discuss how doctors can tell them apart using established diagnostic criteria. Understanding these differences helps ensure people with ME/CFS receive appropriate diagnosis and care.

Diagnostics

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Chronic fatigue syndrome: characteristics and possible causes for its pathogenesis.

Bassi, Nicola, Amital, Daniela, Amital, Howard et al.·The Israel Medical Association journal : IMAJ·2008

This review examines multiple biological abnormalities that might explain ME/CFS symptoms. Researchers found evidence that the immune system may not work properly in ME/CFS patients, with potential problems in natural killer cells, antibody levels, and inflammatory markers. The study also suggests that certain autoantibodies and problems with chemical messengers in the nervous system might contribute to fatigue, brain fog, and muscle pain.

Immune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredObservational

Self within a climate of contention: Experiences of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Travers, Michele Kerry, Lawler, Jocalyn·Social science & medicine (1982)·2008

This study explored how people with ME/CFS experience their illness and how they cope with it, based on interviews with 19 Australian adults (including 3 who recovered). Researchers found that people with ME/CFS often feel their sense of self is damaged by the illness, and they use two main strategies to manage this: protecting themselves (the Guardian Response) and rebuilding their lives with new meaning (the Reconstructing Response). The study shows that living with ME/CFS involves an ongoing struggle as people balance these coping strategies depending on how severe their symptoms are at any given time.

Interventions

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Clinical neurophysiology of fatigue.

Zwarts, M J, Bleijenberg, G, van Engelen, B G M·Clinical neurophysiology : official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology·2008

This review explains what fatigue is and how doctors can measure it in patients with nerve and muscle disorders. Fatigue has both physical and mental components, and scientists can assess it using muscle tests, electrical measurements, and questionnaires. The study found that in many neurological conditions, fatigue comes mainly from problems with how the brain activates muscles, rather than from the muscles themselves.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Evidence of inflammatory immune signaling in chronic fatigue syndrome: A pilot study of gene expression in peripheral blood.

Aspler, Anne L, Bolshin, Carly, Vernon, Suzanne D et al.·Behavioral and brain functions : BBF·2008

This study looked at blood samples from 111 women to see if people with ME/CFS have different patterns of immune cell activity compared to healthy controls. Researchers found that certain immune cells—particularly B cells and neutrophils—showed unusual patterns of communication with each other in ME/CFS patients. These findings suggest the body's immune system is stuck in an activated state, which could explain why people with ME/CFS experience persistent fatigue and symptoms.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Neuroendocrine and immune network re-modeling in chronic fatigue syndrome: an exploratory analysis.

Fuite, Jim, Vernon, Suzanne D, Broderick, Gordon·Genomics·2008

This study looked at how the nervous system, hormone-regulating glands, and immune system communicate with each other in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy people. Researchers found that these communication networks are organized differently in ME/CFS, with particular changes around the pituitary gland and thyroid. The findings suggest that immune system problems may interfere with thyroid function, and that the body's stress-response system (which normally helps manage inflammation) may not be working properly.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Chronic fatigue syndrome with autoantibodies--the result of an augmented adjuvant effect of hepatitis-B vaccine and silicone implant.

Nancy, Agmon-Levin, Shoenfeld, Yehuda·Autoimmunity reviews·2008

This report describes one woman who developed ME/CFS symptoms after receiving hepatitis-B vaccine doses, with her condition worsening after the third dose. Around the time of her vaccinations, she also discovered a silicone leak from breast implants she had received years earlier. The authors suggest that the combination of the vaccine's immune-stimulating ingredient (adjuvant) and leaking silicone may have together triggered her illness.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Pilot study of peripheral muscle function in primary biliary cirrhosis: potential implications for fatigue pathogenesis.

Hollingsworth, Kieren G, Newton, Julia L, Taylor, Roy et al.·Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association·2008

This study examined how muscles produce and use energy in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), a liver disease where the immune system attacks mitochondria—the energy factories inside cells. Using a special MRI technique, researchers measured how quickly muscles recovered after exercise and found that PBC patients had problems with this energy recovery process. The study also included people with ME/CFS and found that how quickly muscles can clear acid buildup after exercise may determine whether patients feel severely fatigued.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Seven genomic subtypes of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a detailed analysis of gene networks and clinical phenotypes.

Kerr, J R, Burke, B, Petty, R et al.·Journal of clinical pathology·2008

This study found that ME/CFS is not a single disease but actually seven different types, each with its own genetic fingerprint and specific symptoms. Researchers looked at blood samples and identified which genes were turned on or off differently in patients compared to healthy people, and then grouped patients based on these genetic patterns. Each genetic subtype had different combinations of symptoms—some people struggled mainly with brain fog, others with pain and muscle problems, and some with multiple severe issues affecting sleep, mood, and digestion.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Gene expression subtypes in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Kerr, Jonathan R, Petty, Robert, Burke, Beverley et al.·The Journal of infectious diseases·2008

Researchers analyzed blood samples from 25 ME/CFS patients and 50 healthy people to look for differences in which genes were active. They found that 88 genes behaved differently in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy controls—most were working overtime, while a few were underactive. When they studied a larger group, they discovered that ME/CFS patients could be divided into 7 distinct subtypes based on their gene activity patterns, and these subtypes differed in symptom severity and how the illness affected their daily lives.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Neuroactive steroids and fatigue severity in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and hepatitis C.

Ahboucha, S, Butterworth, R F, Pomier-Layrargues, G et al.·Neurogastroenterology and motility·2008

This study looked at whether certain brain chemicals called neuroactive steroids might explain why people with liver disease feel extremely tired. Researchers measured these chemicals in patients with two types of liver disease and compared them to healthy people. They found that patients with liver disease had higher levels of these chemicals, and those with the most fatigue had the highest levels.

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Teaching medical students about medically unexplained illnesses: a preliminary study.

Friedberg, Fred, Sohl, Stephanie J, Halperin, Peter J·Medical teacher·2008

Researchers taught 45 medical students about ME/CFS and fibromyalgia in a 90-minute class and then measured whether their attitudes changed. After the class, students had significantly more favorable views about ME/CFS—they were more likely to support research funding, believe employers should offer flexibility to patients, and recognize that ME/CFS is not primarily a psychological condition.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Chronic fatigue syndrome: implications for women and their health care providers during the childbearing years.

Allen, Peggy Rosati·Journal of midwifery & women's health·2008

This review examines what happens to women with ME/CFS when they become pregnant, give birth, and recover after having a baby. The authors looked at existing research and expert knowledge to understand how ME/CFS affects pregnancy and provide guidance for doctors and midwives caring for these women. The study highlights that very little research has been done on this important topic, even though millions of women with ME/CFS may experience pregnancy.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Possible role for early-life immune insult including developmental immunotoxicity in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).

Dietert, Rodney R, Dietert, Janice M·Toxicology·2008

This review suggests that ME/CFS may originate from immune system problems that begin early in life, possibly from exposure to harmful substances, infections, or stress during pregnancy or infancy. Just as we now understand that autism and asthma can be triggered by early-life events, the authors propose that ME/CFS might also have roots in these early developmental periods, when the immune system is particularly vulnerable.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Contact lens-related acanthamoeba keratitis in a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Jhanji, Vishal, Beltz, Jacqueline, Vajpayee, Rasik B·Eye & contact lens·2008

This case report describes a man with ME/CFS who developed a serious eye infection from improper contact lens care. Because his ME/CFS made it difficult for him to maintain proper lens hygiene, bacteria-like organisms called Acanthamoeba infected his cornea (the clear front part of his eye). He eventually needed eye surgery to restore his vision after medical treatments alone did not work.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Medication-induced mitochondrial damage and disease.

Neustadt, John, Pieczenik, Steve R·Molecular nutrition & food research·2008

Mitochondria are the energy-producing structures in our cells, and when they are damaged, they don't work properly. This review article explains that many common medications—including psychiatric drugs, cholesterol medications, and pain relievers like acetaminophen—can damage mitochondria, which may explain some of their harmful side effects. Since ME/CFS involves problems with energy production, understanding how medications damage mitochondria and how certain nutrients might help repair them could be important for patients.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryBehavioralPEM unclear

Association of chronic fatigue syndrome and acute psychotic episode: is it coincidental?

Kornreich, Charles, Szombat, Maya, Vandriette, Yun-Marie et al.·Primary care companion to the Journal of clinical psychiatry·2008

This study looked at whether ME/CFS and sudden onset of psychotic symptoms (like hallucinations or delusions) occur together by chance or if there might be a connection between them. The researchers examined case reports to explore whether patients with ME/CFS experienced psychotic episodes more often than would be expected. This small study helps raise awareness that mental health symptoms can sometimes accompany ME/CFS and deserve clinical attention.

E3 PreliminaryPEM unclear

Can exercise limits prevent post-exertional malaise in chronic fatigue syndrome? An uncontrolled clinical trial.

Nijs, Jo, Almond, Freya, De Becker, Pascale et al.·Clinical rehabilitation·2008

This study tested whether limiting both how hard and how long people with ME/CFS exercise could prevent post-exertional malaise (feeling much worse after activity). Twenty-four patients did a controlled walking test designed to stay within their personal limits. While tiredness improved within 24 hours, pain increased and didn't fully go away, and some patients reported their overall health got worse. The exercise limits helped prevent major health changes but didn't completely stop symptom flare-ups.

Post-Exertional Malaise

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Chronic fatigue syndrome and the central nervous system.

Integrated weighted gene co-expression network analysis with an application to chronic fatigue syndrome.

[Sub-health state and chronic fatigue syndrome].

Chronic fatigue syndrome: characteristics and possible causes for its pathogenesis.

Self within a climate of contention: Experiences of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Clinical neurophysiology of fatigue.

Evidence of inflammatory immune signaling in chronic fatigue syndrome: A pilot study of gene expression in peripheral blood.

Neuroendocrine and immune network re-modeling in chronic fatigue syndrome: an exploratory analysis.

Chronic fatigue syndrome with autoantibodies--the result of an augmented adjuvant effect of hepatitis-B vaccine and silicone implant.

Pilot study of peripheral muscle function in primary biliary cirrhosis: potential implications for fatigue pathogenesis.

Seven genomic subtypes of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a detailed analysis of gene networks and clinical phenotypes.

Gene expression subtypes in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Neuroactive steroids and fatigue severity in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and hepatitis C.

Teaching medical students about medically unexplained illnesses: a preliminary study.

Chronic fatigue syndrome: implications for women and their health care providers during the childbearing years.

Possible role for early-life immune insult including developmental immunotoxicity in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).

Contact lens-related acanthamoeba keratitis in a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Medication-induced mitochondrial damage and disease.

Association of chronic fatigue syndrome and acute psychotic episode: is it coincidental?

Can exercise limits prevent post-exertional malaise in chronic fatigue syndrome? An uncontrolled clinical trial.

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