ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2423 studies

41–60 of 2,423 studies

From fatigue to physiology: Submaximal 2-day cardiopulmonary exercise test and emerging standards in long COVID.

Risbano, Michael G·Experimental physiology·2026

This study examines how a special two-day exercise test can help doctors understand the physical changes that happen in long COVID and ME/CFS patients. Instead of pushing patients to their maximum effort, researchers used a gentler approach to measure heart and lung function, which may be safer and more revealing for people with these conditions. The study aims to create new standard ways of testing that better capture what's happening in patients' bodies.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Pathophysiological mechanisms of fatigue and multidisciplinary management strategies (Review).

Zhou, Hong, Yu, Wenwen, Lei, Jiaming et al.·Experimental and therapeutic medicine·2026

This review examines why people feel extreme fatigue and how doctors can better manage it. The authors explain that fatigue involves problems with how the body makes energy, stress chemicals in the body, and the immune system. They discuss how new technologies and teamwork between different medical specialists—plus telemedicine—can help patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and other conditions feel better.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Gradual proactive regulation of body state by reinforcement learning of homeostasis.

Fujiwara, Mana, Naoki, Honda·Neuroscience research·2026

Your body naturally tries to keep things like temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar steady through a process called homeostasis. This study created a computer model showing how your body learns to anticipate and prepare for challenges based on past experience—like how you might shiver before getting cold. The model also shows how problems can cascade through your body when different systems share the same control signals, which may help explain why ME/CFS patients often experience multiple symptoms affecting different body systems at the same time.

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM requiredCase-Control

The Effect on Quality of Life of Therapeutic Plasmapheresis and Intravenous Immunoglobulins on a Population of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients with Elevated β-Adrenergic and M3-Muscarinic Receptor Antibodies-A Pilot Study.

Oesch-Régeni, Boglárka, Germann, Nicolas, Hafer, Georg et al.·Journal of clinical medicine·2025

This small pilot study looked at seven ME/CFS patients who had high levels of specific antibodies (proteins the immune system makes) that may harm certain nerve and heart functions. The researchers gave these patients two types of blood-cleaning treatments—plasmapheresis (which filters antibodies out of blood) and immunoglobulins (healthy antibodies)—and tracked their symptoms and quality of life. They found that patients with higher levels of these harmful antibodies tended to report worse quality of life, and the treatments appeared to help reduce both the antibodies and improve how patients felt.

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM requiredMethods-Paper

Stress-Induced Changes in Immune Signatures in ME/CFS Patients Determined by Transcriptome Analysis.

Gamer, Jackson, Van Booven, Derek, Zarnowski, Oskar et al.·Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)·2025

Researchers studied how the immune system of ME/CFS patients responds to exercise by examining blood cells before, during, and after a physical challenge. They compared these responses in ME/CFS patients to healthy people using advanced genetic testing. This study is part of ongoing efforts to understand what makes ME/CFS different at a biological level and why exercise can make symptoms worse.

Immune SystemPost-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 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 PreliminaryMechanismPEM requiredCase-Control

Large-scale investigation confirms TRPM3 ion channel dysfunction in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Sasso, Etianne Martini, Er, Teagan S, Eaton-Fitch, Natalie et al.·Frontiers in medicine·2025

This study examined a specific ion channel called TRPM3 in immune cells from people with ME/CFS compared to healthy individuals. Researchers at two different laboratories found that TRPM3 channels work differently in ME/CFS patients—they're less active than in healthy people. Because both labs got the same results independently, this suggests TRPM3 dysfunction could be a reliable biological marker for ME/CFS.

Immune System

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 not requiredObservational

Epstein-Barr virus and the origin of frailty and fatigue: A two-sample multivariable bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

Li, Jie, Chen, Tailin·Experimental gerontology·2025

This study used genetic data to investigate whether past Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection might cause frailty and fatigue. Researchers found that certain antibodies produced in response to EBV were associated with increased frailty and fatigue symptoms in a way that suggests the virus may play a causal role. These findings suggest EBV's connection to these conditions may be worth exploring further for treatment options.

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 unclearObservational

Effects of recumbent isometric yoga on the orthostatic cardiovascular response of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Oka, Takakazu, Lkhagvasuren, Battuvshin·BioPsychoSocial medicine·2025

This small study looked at whether a gentle yoga practice done while lying down could help ME/CFS patients who experience dizziness or fast heartbeats when standing up (a condition called POTS). Ten women with ME/CFS practiced this special yoga for 12 weeks, and the researchers measured their blood pressure and heart rate before and after standing. The two patients who had POTS at the start showed improvement and had normal responses after the yoga practice.

Autonomic Nervous System

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 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 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 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM unclearMethods-Paper

Mitochondrial Measures in Primary Cells Isolated from Patients with ME/CFS.

Allan, Claire Y, Katsaros, Tina, Missailidis, Daniel et al.·Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)·2025

This study describes laboratory methods to test how well the mitochondria (the energy factories in our cells) are working in people with ME/CFS. Researchers took two types of cells from ME/CFS patients—fibroblasts (skin cells) and immune cells from the blood—and used special dyes and measurements to check if these cells have problems with energy production, cellular damage, or stress responses. These techniques could help scientists understand whether mitochondrial problems contribute to ME/CFS symptoms.

Energy Metabolism

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 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 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Jingfang Granule promotes the tricarboxylic acid cycle to improve chronic fatigue syndrome by increasing the expression of Idh1 and Idh2.

Wang, Kun, Shen, Mengmeng, Tang, Hongguang et al.·Journal of ethnopharmacology·2025

Researchers tested a traditional Chinese medicine called Jingfang Granule (JFG) in mice with chronic fatigue syndrome. The treatment improved fatigue symptoms, helped mice recover weight and exercise capacity, and reduced harmful inflammation and oxidative stress in their bodies. The medicine appeared to work by boosting how efficiently cells produce energy through a key metabolic pathway.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryPEM required

Managing Energy, and Shaping Care: Insights from Adults with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Through Co-Production Workshops.

Thornton, Eleanor J, Hayes, Lawrence D, Goodwin, Dawn S et al.·The American journal of medicine·2025

This study asked people with ME/CFS and healthcare providers what they think about managing energy and daily activities. The researchers held online workshops where patients shared their experiences and suggestions for better care. Participants stressed that doctors need better training about ME/CFS, patients should be involved in their own care planning, and new tools like apps and sleep management could help improve how people manage their energy.

Post-Exertional Malaise

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Evidence Atlas

Evidence browser

From fatigue to physiology: Submaximal 2-day cardiopulmonary exercise test and emerging standards in long COVID.

Pathophysiological mechanisms of fatigue and multidisciplinary management strategies (Review).

Gradual proactive regulation of body state by reinforcement learning of homeostasis.

The Effect on Quality of Life of Therapeutic Plasmapheresis and Intravenous Immunoglobulins on a Population of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients with Elevated β-Adrenergic and M3-Muscarinic Receptor Antibodies-A Pilot Study.

Stress-Induced Changes in Immune Signatures in ME/CFS Patients Determined by Transcriptome Analysis.

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

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

Large-scale investigation confirms TRPM3 ion channel dysfunction in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

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

Epstein-Barr virus and the origin of frailty and fatigue: A two-sample multivariable bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

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

Effects of recumbent isometric yoga on the orthostatic cardiovascular response of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

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

Management of Fibromyalgia: Novel Nutraceutical Therapies Beyond Traditional Pharmaceuticals.

Review of Neuroimaging Methods in ME/CFS.

Mitochondrial Measures in Primary Cells Isolated from Patients with ME/CFS.

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

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

Jingfang Granule promotes the tricarboxylic acid cycle to improve chronic fatigue syndrome by increasing the expression of Idh1 and Idh2.

Managing Energy, and Shaping Care: Insights from Adults with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Through Co-Production Workshops.

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