ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2420 studies

421–440 of 2,420 studies

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Neurochemical abnormalities in chronic fatigue syndrome: a pilot magnetic resonance spectroscopy study at 7 Tesla.

Godlewska, Beata R, Williams, Stephen, Emir, Uzay E et al.·Psychopharmacology·2022

Researchers used a powerful brain scanning technique to measure chemicals in the brains of people with ME/CFS and compared them to healthy people. They found that people with ME/CFS had lower levels of three important brain chemicals: glutathione (which helps protect against cell damage), creatine (which helps produce energy), and myo-inositol (which is important for brain cell function). These findings suggest that ME/CFS may involve problems with energy production and cell damage in the brain.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Phenotypic characteristics of peripheral immune cells of Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome via transmission electron microscopy: A pilot study.

Jahanbani, Fereshteh, Maynard, Rajan D, Sing, Justin Cyril et al.·PloS one·2022

Researchers used a powerful microscope to examine immune cells from people with ME/CFS and found several abnormalities. They observed that immune cells from ME/CFS patients died more frequently when activated, had swollen energy-producing structures (mitochondria), and in one severely ill patient, contained unusual fat-like accumulations. These cellular changes suggest that ME/CFS involves real, measurable damage to immune system function.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Stellate ganglion block reduces symptoms of Long COVID: A case series.

Liu, Luke D, Duricka, Deborah L·Journal of neuroimmunology·2022

This small study looked at a procedure called a stellate ganglion block, which uses local anesthetic to temporarily quiet the nerve signals in the neck that control your 'fight or flight' response. Two Long COVID patients received this procedure, and their symptoms—including fatigue, brain fog, and dizziness upon standing—improved. The authors suggest that an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system (the system that controls automatic body functions) may be contributing to Long COVID symptoms.

Neuroinflammation

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Dyspnea in Post-COVID Syndrome following Mild Acute COVID-19 Infections: Potential Causes and Consequences for a Therapeutic Approach.

Wirth, Klaus J, Scheibenbogen, Carmen·Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)·2022

Many people with post-COVID syndrome experience shortness of breath and chest pain, even though their lungs and heart are typically healthy. This study proposes that the problem may stem from overbreathing (hyperventilation) during exercise, combined with problems in how the body regulates breathing and uses energy in muscles. The authors suggest that overbreathing creates a harmful cascade inside cells—disrupting sodium and calcium balance—which worsens fatigue and breathing difficulties. Preventing overbreathing might be a way to help these patients recover.

Energy MetabolismPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

[Stress, asthenia and cognitive disorders].

Vasenina, E E, Gankina, O A, Levin, O S·Zhurnal nevrologii i psikhiatrii imeni S.S. Korsakova·2022

This article examines how extreme tiredness (asthenia) relates to ME/CFS and other conditions affecting mood and thinking. The authors explain that severe fatigue can start as the body's warning signal that energy is running out, but it can develop into a serious, disabling disease on its own. They discuss how fatigue often occurs together with depression, anxiety, and problems with memory or concentration, which can make it harder for doctors to figure out what's really causing a patient's symptoms.

Cognitive Impairment

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM unclearMethods-Paper

Identification of transient receptor potential melastatin 3 proteotypic peptides employing an efficient membrane protein extraction method for natural killer cells.

Magawa, Chandi T, Eaton-Fitch, Natalie, Balinas, Cassandra et al.·Frontiers in physiology·2022

Researchers developed a better way to extract and study proteins from immune cells called natural killer cells in ME/CFS patients. They focused on a specific protein channel called TRPM3, which may play a role in ME/CFS. This study shows they can now reliably detect this protein, which opens the door for future research to understand how it might be different in ME/CFS.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Molecular Mechanisms of Neuroinflammation in ME/CFS and Long COVID to Sustain Disease and Promote Relapses.

Tate, Warren, Walker, Max, Sweetman, Eiren et al.·Frontiers in neurology·2022

This study explores why ME/CFS and Long COVID symptoms persist and come and go in cycles. The researchers propose that after an initial trigger—like a viral infection, chemical exposure, or major stress—inflammation spreads to the brain through damaged blood vessels, causing ongoing brain inflammation that keeps the illness cycling. They suggest that similar mechanisms may explain why both ME/CFS (from various causes) and Long COVID (from COVID-19) produce remarkably similar symptoms despite different starting triggers.

NeuroinflammationImmune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

[Fatigue Doesn't Always have to be caused by SARS-CoV-2: Case Report].

Howanietz, Helmuth, Graf, Ulrike, Kainz, Theresa·Padiatrie und Padologie·2022

This case report describes a 17-year-old girl who experienced severe fatigue caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, commonly known as infectious mononucleosis. The authors highlight that fatigue in young people can come from many different causes, not just COVID-19, and that it's important to identify the correct cause. Notably, about 13.5% of people who have EBV infection go on to develop ME/CFS, making proper diagnosis essential.

Diagnostics

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

The Role of Neuro-Immune Interaction in Chronic Pain Conditions; Functional Somatic Syndrome, Neurogenic Inflammation, and Peripheral Neuropathy.

Meade, Elaine, Garvey, Mary·International journal of molecular sciences·2022

This review article examines how the nervous and immune systems interact to cause chronic pain and fatigue in conditions like ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and IBS. The authors explain that childhood trauma and ongoing stress can permanently change how the body's stress response system works, leading to long-term symptoms. They discuss how these systems become dysregulated and contribute to the wide range of symptoms people with these conditions experience.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Sciatic-Vagal Nerve Stimulation by Electroacupuncture Alleviates Inflammatory Arthritis in Lyme Disease-Susceptible C3H Mice.

Akoolo, Lavoisier, Djokic, Vitomir, Rocha, Sandra C et al.·Frontiers in immunology·2022

This study tested whether electroacupuncture (a needle-based treatment that uses electrical stimulation) could reduce joint inflammation and symptoms in mice with Lyme disease. The researchers found that electroacupuncture reduced inflammation markers and immune cells in the joints, even though it didn't eliminate the Lyme bacteria itself. The anti-inflammatory effects lasted even after treatment stopped, suggesting this approach might help people with long-lasting Lyme disease symptoms.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearObservational

Clinical effects of wasabi extract containing 6-MSITC on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an open-label trial.

Oka, Takakazu, Yamada, Yu, Lkhagvasuren, Battuvshin et al.·BioPsychoSocial medicine·2022

Researchers tested whether wasabi extract—specifically a compound called 6-MSITC that has anti-inflammatory properties—could help people with ME/CFS. Fifteen patients took the supplement daily for 12 weeks, and many reported improvements in headaches, muscle pain, brain fog, and cognitive problems like word-finding difficulties. The study found measurable improvements in pain sensitivity and thinking speed, though overall fatigue scores did not change significantly.

Pain and SensitizationCognitive Impairment

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Can l-carnitine reduce post-COVID-19 fatigue?

Vaziri-Harami, Roya, Delkash, Parisa·Annals of medicine and surgery (2012)·2022

Some people develop long-lasting fatigue after COVID-19 infection, similar to ME/CFS, and this fatigue can last for months. This article suggests that L-carnitine, a natural substance that helps cells produce energy, might help reduce this type of fatigue based on its success in treating fatigue caused by other diseases like cancer and multiple sclerosis. The authors recommend testing L-carnitine in clinical trials to see if it actually works and is safe for people with post-COVID fatigue.

Interventions

E3 PreliminaryPEM not required

An Unexpected Journey: The Lived Experiences of Patients with Long-Term Cognitive Sequelae After Recovering from COVID-19.

Loft, Mia I, Foged, Eva M, Koreska, Mai·Qualitative health research·2022

This study listened to people who experienced long-lasting thinking and memory problems after recovering from COVID-19. Patients described how these cognitive symptoms disrupted their daily lives, work, and relationships, and left them feeling anxious and uncertain about their future. The researchers suggest that doctors and researchers could learn from how people with similar conditions—like ME/CFS—manage their symptoms while waiting for treatments.

Cognitive Impairment

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Tissue specific signature of HHV-6 infection in ME/CFS.

Kasimir, Francesca, Toomey, Danny, Liu, Zheng et al.·Frontiers in molecular biosciences·2022

This study looked for signs of active HHV-6 virus (a common herpesvirus) in brain and spinal cord tissue from ME/CFS patients after death, compared to people without ME/CFS. Using a special detection technique, researchers found markers of active viral infection in the nervous tissue of ME/CFS patients but not in the control group. This suggests that HHV-6 may be reactivating specifically in the brain and nervous system in ME/CFS, rather than in the blood where it's usually tested.

Neuroinflammation

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

No Signs of Neuroinflammation in Women With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Q Fever Fatigue Syndrome Using the TSPO Ligand [11C]-PK11195.

Raijmakers, Ruud, Roerink, Megan, Keijmel, Stephan et al.·Neurology(R) neuroimmunology & neuroinflammation·2022

Researchers used a specialized brain scan to look for signs of inflammation in the brains of women with ME/CFS and Q fever fatigue syndrome, compared to healthy women. The scan didn't find evidence of the type of brain inflammation they were looking for, which contradicts some earlier research suggesting inflammation might play a role in these conditions.

NeuroinflammationBiomarkersImmune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

A central role for amyloid fibrin microclots in long COVID/PASC: origins and therapeutic implications.

Kell, Douglas B, Laubscher, Gert Jacobus, Pretorius, Etheresia·The Biochemical journal·2022

This study suggests that Long COVID may be caused by unusual blood clots called 'fibrin amyloid microclots' that form after COVID-19 infection. These tiny clots may block small blood vessels and reduce oxygen delivery throughout the body, which could explain many Long COVID symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and breathing problems. The researchers found these microclots in Long COVID patients' blood and propose that special blood-thinning treatments might help dissolve them and relieve symptoms.

E3 PreliminaryBehavioralPEM unclear

‘The Lightning Process’ and chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Vallings, Rosamund·Journal of primary health care·2022

This study examines 'The Lightning Process,' a coaching program that some people claim can help with ME/CFS. The author, a doctor experienced in ME/CFS care, analyzed what is known about this approach and its effects on patients with this illness. The study raises concerns about whether the program is safe and effective for people with ME/CFS.

Interventions

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Unexplained post-acute infection syndromes.

Choutka, Jan, Jansari, Viraj, Hornig, Mady et al.·Nature medicine·2022

This review explains that several different infections—not just COVID-19—can sometimes cause long-lasting illness in some people who recover from the initial infection. These post-infection conditions share similar symptoms and overlap with ME/CFS, suggesting they might have common underlying causes that scientists don't yet understand. The authors argue that researchers need to invest more effort in understanding why and how these mysterious long-term illnesses develop.

Long COVID Overlap

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Orthostatic intolerance as a potential contributor to prolonged fatigue and inconsistent performance in elite swimmers.

Petracek, Lindsay S, Eastin, Ella F, Rowe, Ian R et al.·BMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation·2022

This study looked at five elite swimmers who experienced severe fatigue and couldn't perform at their usual level. The researchers tested whether orthostatic intolerance—a condition where the body struggles to maintain proper blood pressure when standing—might explain their symptoms. When the swimmers were tested with standing or tilt table tests, they all felt fatigued and other symptoms appeared. After receiving treatment with extra salt and fluids, all five swimmers felt significantly better and returned to normal performance.

Autonomic Nervous System

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Characterising DSCATT: A case series of Australian patients with debilitating symptom complexes attributed to ticks.

Schnall, Jesse, Oliver, Georgina, Braat, Sabine et al.·The Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry·2022

Researchers studied 29 Australian patients who believed their symptoms were caused by tick bites. Most had severe tiredness, headaches, and joint pain, and many had previously been diagnosed with conditions like ME/CFS or fibromyalgia. When doctors tested these patients, they found no evidence of Lyme disease or other common infections from ticks. The study suggests that tick-attributed illness in Australia remains unexplained and may overlap with other medically unexplained conditions.

Diagnostics

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Evidence Atlas

Evidence browser

Neurochemical abnormalities in chronic fatigue syndrome: a pilot magnetic resonance spectroscopy study at 7 Tesla.

Phenotypic characteristics of peripheral immune cells of Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome via transmission electron microscopy: A pilot study.

Stellate ganglion block reduces symptoms of Long COVID: A case series.

Dyspnea in Post-COVID Syndrome following Mild Acute COVID-19 Infections: Potential Causes and Consequences for a Therapeutic Approach.

[Stress, asthenia and cognitive disorders].

Identification of transient receptor potential melastatin 3 proteotypic peptides employing an efficient membrane protein extraction method for natural killer cells.

Molecular Mechanisms of Neuroinflammation in ME/CFS and Long COVID to Sustain Disease and Promote Relapses.

[Fatigue Doesn't Always have to be caused by SARS-CoV-2: Case Report].

The Role of Neuro-Immune Interaction in Chronic Pain Conditions; Functional Somatic Syndrome, Neurogenic Inflammation, and Peripheral Neuropathy.

Sciatic-Vagal Nerve Stimulation by Electroacupuncture Alleviates Inflammatory Arthritis in Lyme Disease-Susceptible C3H Mice.

Clinical effects of wasabi extract containing 6-MSITC on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an open-label trial.

Can l-carnitine reduce post-COVID-19 fatigue?

An Unexpected Journey: The Lived Experiences of Patients with Long-Term Cognitive Sequelae After Recovering from COVID-19.

Tissue specific signature of HHV-6 infection in ME/CFS.

No Signs of Neuroinflammation in Women With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Q Fever Fatigue Syndrome Using the TSPO Ligand [11C]-PK11195.

A central role for amyloid fibrin microclots in long COVID/PASC: origins and therapeutic implications.

‘The Lightning Process’ and chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Unexplained post-acute infection syndromes.

Orthostatic intolerance as a potential contributor to prolonged fatigue and inconsistent performance in elite swimmers.

Characterising DSCATT: A case series of Australian patients with debilitating symptom complexes attributed to ticks.

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Neuroinflammation Evidence

Metabolism & Mitochondria

Biomarkers

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