ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2420 studies

161–180 of 2,420 studies

E3 PreliminaryBehavioralPEM unclearObservational

The Psychological Benefits of Forest Bathing in Individuals with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A Pilot Study.

Serrat, Mayte, Royuela-Colomer, Estíbaliz, Alonso-Marsol, Sandra et al.·Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)·2025

This study looked at whether spending time walking quietly in a forest could help people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia feel better. Forty-four participants took a 3-hour guided walk through a Mediterranean forest, and researchers measured their pain, fatigue, anxiety, and mood before and after. Most symptoms improved after the walk, especially anxiety and negative feelings, though pain levels didn't change significantly.

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 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Corticosteroids with low glucocorticoid activity as a potential therapeutic strategy for post-COVID-19 myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome in patients with bipolar affective disorder: A case report.

Nakajima, Kan, Ayani, Nobutaka, Matsuoka, Teruyuki et al.·PCN reports : psychiatry and clinical neurosciences·2025

This case report describes one patient with bipolar disorder who developed ME/CFS after COVID-19 and was treated with different types of steroid medications. Strong steroids (betamethasone and prednisolone) triggered a severe manic episode requiring hospitalization, but a weaker steroid (hydrocortisone) improved her fatigue without worsening her mood. The findings suggest that choosing the right type of steroid may be important for ME/CFS patients who also have mood disorders.

Endocrine Disruption

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM not requiredMethods-Paper

Rasch analysis of the hospital anxiety and depression scale in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Bartholomew, Emerson J, Medvedev, Oleg N, Petrie, Keith J et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2025

This study tested whether a common questionnaire called the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) accurately measures anxiety and depression in people with ME/CFS. Researchers analyzed responses from 286 ME/CFS patients and found that the questionnaire works reasonably well, but they discovered that converting the scores into a different format makes the results more precise and reliable for clinical use.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Exploring the anti-fatigue properties of ginseng stem and leaf saponins: Using UHPLC-MS metabolomics and neurotransmitter analysis.

Zhang, Meng, Liu, Rui, Zhou, Ting et al.·Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology·2025

Researchers tested whether ginseng stem and leaf saponins (a compound from ginseng plants) could help treat chronic fatigue syndrome in mice. They found that this compound improved swimming endurance, protected the liver and brain from damage, reduced harmful substances in the body, and restored balance to brain chemicals that are often abnormal in fatigue conditions.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Post-COVID-19 Vaccination (or Long Vax) Syndrome: Putative Manifestation, Pathophysiology, and Therapeutic Options.

Yong, Shin Jie, Kenny, Tiff-Annie, Halim, Alice et al.·Reviews in medical virology·2025

This review describes a condition called post-COVID-19 vaccination syndrome (PCVS), where some people develop long-lasting symptoms similar to long COVID after receiving a vaccine. Symptoms typically start within days to weeks after vaccination and can last for months or years, including fatigue, brain fog, and nerve tingling. The study examines what might cause PCVS and discusses possible treatments, though researchers emphasize that much remains unknown about this condition.

Immune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Metabolic adaptation and fragility in healthy 3Din vitroskeletal muscle tissues exposed to chronic fatigue syndrome and Long COVID-19 sera.

Mughal, Sheeza, Andújar-Sánchez, Félix, Sabater-Arcis, Maria et al.·Biofabrication·2025

Researchers grew human muscle tissue in the laboratory and exposed it to blood from ME/CFS and Long COVID patients to see what happens. They found that muscle exposed to patient blood initially tries to work harder by burning more fuel, but over time the muscle becomes weak and fragile. The mitochondria (the energy-producing structures in cells) also change shape and stop working properly, suggesting the muscle is struggling under stress.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Direct effects of prolonged TNF-α and IL-6 exposure on neural activity in human iPSC-derived neuron-astrocyte co-cultures.

Goshi, Noah, Lam, Doris, Bogguri, Chandrakumar et al.·Frontiers in cellular neuroscience·2025

This study looked at how two inflammatory chemicals (TNF-α and IL-6) that are elevated in ME/CFS and long-COVID patients affect brain cells. Researchers grew human brain cells in the lab and exposed them to these chemicals for several days. They found that these inflammatory chemicals changed how the brain cells communicate with each other, which could help explain why patients experience cognitive problems like brain fog and difficulty concentrating.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM requiredObservational

Two-day cardiopulmonary exercise testing in long COVID post-exertional malaise diagnosis.

Gattoni, Chiara, Abbasi, Asghar, Ferguson, Carrie et al.·Respiratory physiology & neurobiology·2025

This study tested whether Long COVID patients experience a measurable drop in exercise capacity after 24 hours, which would suggest their bodies aren't recovering properly from exercise. Researchers had 15 Long COVID patients do exercise tests on two consecutive days and found no significant difference in performance between day 1 and day 2. Surprisingly, this was true even though 80% of patients reported post-exertional malaise (PEM) symptoms over the previous six months.

Post-Exertional Malaise

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 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 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Monitoring of cardiorespiratory vagal desynchrony using novel biomarkers derived from smartwatch electrocardiograms in a patient recovering from long COVID: case report.

Kranck, Gustaf, Ståhlberg, Marcus, Andersson, Ulf et al.·European heart journal. Case reports·2025

Researchers tracked one long COVID patient over time using a smartwatch to record heart activity while he was sitting and standing. They noticed that when his fatigue improved, his heart's electrical patterns also normalized, suggesting smartwatch recordings could help monitor autonomic dysfunction (when the nervous system struggles to control heart rate and blood pressure). This simple at-home method may offer a practical way for patients to track their own recovery.

Autonomic Nervous System

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 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 PreliminaryPEM unclear

Wearable Devices Enable Long COVID Patients to Decrease Symptom Severity: A Case Series From Pilot User Testing.

Goosen, Andrea, Foster-Bonds, Romina, Vogel, Julia Moore·Cardiopulmonary physical therapy journal·2025

This small study looked at whether fitness trackers (Garmin watches) could help Long COVID patients manage their symptoms through pacing—carefully controlling activity levels to avoid overexertion. Eleven patients received a tracker, educational materials about pacing, and were asked about their experience. Most participants found the information helpful for managing their symptoms, and none had difficulty using the device, even those who had never used a wearable before.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

The emerging role of exosomal LncRNAs in chronic fatigue syndrome: from intercellular communication to disease biomarkers.

Wang, Lei, Xu, Yujia, Zhong, Xiang et al.·Frontiers in molecular biosciences·2025

This review examines tiny packages called exosomes that cells release into the body, which contain special molecules called long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). These molecules may help cells communicate with each other and could be involved in ME/CFS. The researchers explored whether these lncRNAs could potentially be used as biological markers to help doctors identify and diagnose ME/CFS earlier.

E3 PreliminaryBehavioralPEM unclearObservational

Cognitive behavioural therapy for severe fatigue following COVID-19 in adolescents: a serial single-case observational study of five consecutively referred patients.

Kuut, Tanja A, Müller, Fabiola, Braamse, Annemarie M J et al.·Behavioural and cognitive psychotherapy·2025

This study tested whether cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—a type of talk therapy that helps people change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors—could help teenagers with severe fatigue after COVID-19. Five teenagers received CBT over 12 weeks. By the end, all five were no longer severely fatigued, most felt less physically limited, and all were able to return to school without absences.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

Tetrahydrobiopterin in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Friend or Foe?

Rahman, A F M Towheedur, Benko, Anna, Bulbule, Sarojini et al.·Biomolecules·2025

This review article examines a molecule called tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) and its possible role in ME/CFS, particularly in patients who experience orthostatic intolerance (dizziness or fainting when standing up). The researchers found that BH4 metabolism—the way the body processes this molecule—is not working properly in ME/CFS patients with these symptoms. By understanding how BH4 goes wrong, scientists hope to explain why ME/CFS patients have problems with blood flow to the brain.

BiomarkersPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Upregulation of olfactory receptors and neuronal-associated genes highlights complex immune and neuronal dysregulation in Long COVID patients.

Shahbaz, Shima, Rezaeifar, Maryam, Syed, Hussein et al.·Brain, behavior, and immunity·2025

Researchers studied blood samples from Long COVID patients with ME/CFS-like symptoms and compared them to healthy controls. They found that certain genes related to immune function and brain health were turned on in the patients, while others were turned off. The study also discovered unusual activation of smell-related genes and changes in immune cell types, suggesting the body remains in a state of ongoing inflammation and stress.

NeuroinflammationBiomarkersImmune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

The origin of autoimmune diseases: is there a role for ancestral HLA-II haplotypes in immune hyperactivity.

Ruiz-Pablos, Manuel, Paiva, Bruno, Zabaleta, Aintzane·Frontiers in immunology·2025

This review examines how certain genes related to immune system recognition (HLA genes) might make some people more susceptible to autoimmune diseases and conditions like ME/CFS. These genes were originally helpful in protecting our ancestors from infections, but in today's environment they may cause the immune system to overreact. The authors suggest that modern stressors like infections, vaccines, and obesity might trigger this hyperactive immune response in people carrying these genes.

Immune System

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The Psychological Benefits of Forest Bathing in Individuals with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A Pilot Study.

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

Corticosteroids with low glucocorticoid activity as a potential therapeutic strategy for post-COVID-19 myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome in patients with bipolar affective disorder: A case report.

Rasch analysis of the hospital anxiety and depression scale in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Exploring the anti-fatigue properties of ginseng stem and leaf saponins: Using UHPLC-MS metabolomics and neurotransmitter analysis.

Post-COVID-19 Vaccination (or Long Vax) Syndrome: Putative Manifestation, Pathophysiology, and Therapeutic Options.

Metabolic adaptation and fragility in healthy 3Din vitroskeletal muscle tissues exposed to chronic fatigue syndrome and Long COVID-19 sera.

Direct effects of prolonged TNF-α and IL-6 exposure on neural activity in human iPSC-derived neuron-astrocyte co-cultures.

Two-day cardiopulmonary exercise testing in long COVID post-exertional malaise diagnosis.

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

Review of Neuroimaging Methods in ME/CFS.

Monitoring of cardiorespiratory vagal desynchrony using novel biomarkers derived from smartwatch electrocardiograms in a patient recovering from long COVID: case report.

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

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

Wearable Devices Enable Long COVID Patients to Decrease Symptom Severity: A Case Series From Pilot User Testing.

The emerging role of exosomal LncRNAs in chronic fatigue syndrome: from intercellular communication to disease biomarkers.

Cognitive behavioural therapy for severe fatigue following COVID-19 in adolescents: a serial single-case observational study of five consecutively referred patients.

Tetrahydrobiopterin in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Friend or Foe?

Upregulation of olfactory receptors and neuronal-associated genes highlights complex immune and neuronal dysregulation in Long COVID patients.

The origin of autoimmune diseases: is there a role for ancestral HLA-II haplotypes in immune hyperactivity.

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