ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2423 studies

581–600 of 2,423 studies

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Global survey-based assessment of lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Agarwal, Poonam, Kaushik, Abhinav, Sarkar, Sutapa et al.·PloS one·2021

This study surveyed people during the COVID-19 lockdowns to understand how the pandemic affected their daily lives, work, mental health, and social connections. Most people found ways to cope by using technology to stay connected with others, staying physically active, and spending time on hobbies. The study found that while many people faced mental health challenges from isolation and pandemic stress, most kept their jobs and lived with family or roommates, which may have provided support.

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM not requiredMethods-Paper

The Interoceptive Sensitivity and Attention Questionnaire: Evaluating Aspects of Self-Reported Interoception in Patients With Persistent Somatic Symptoms, Stress-Related Syndromes, and Healthy Controls.

Bogaerts, Katleen, Walentynowicz, Marta, Van Den Houte, Maaike et al.·Psychosomatic medicine·2021

This study tested a new questionnaire called the ISAQ that measures how aware people are of signals from their own body—like heart rate, breathing, or pain—and how much attention they pay to uncomfortable bodily sensations. Researchers compared how people with ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, panic disorder, and other conditions scored on this questionnaire compared to healthy people. They found that people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia were more sensitive to neutral body signals and paid more attention to unpleasant sensations than healthy controls.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome and the cardiovascular system: What is known?

Dixit, Neal M, Churchill, Austin, Nsair, Ali et al.·American heart journal plus : cardiology research and practice·2021

Some people who have had COVID-19 develop long-lasting symptoms weeks or months later, including chest pain and heart palpitations (feeling your heart racing). This review examines what we know about how COVID-19 affects the heart during this long-COVID period. While the virus itself rarely causes direct heart damage, it can trigger several heart-related conditions that may explain why patients experience these symptoms.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Altered endothelial dysfunction-related miRs in plasma from ME/CFS patients.

Blauensteiner, J, Bertinat, R, León, L E et al.·Scientific reports·2021

This study looked at tiny molecules called microRNAs in the blood of ME/CFS patients to understand what might be going wrong with their blood vessels. The researchers found that five specific microRNAs were higher in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy people, and these molecules are known to affect how blood vessels function. This discovery suggests that blood vessel problems might be part of what causes ME/CFS symptoms.

BiomarkersImmune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Does muscular or mental fatigue have an influence on the nociceptive flexion reflex? A randomized cross-over study in healthy people.

Dhondt, Evy, Danneels, Lieven, Rijckaert, Johan et al.·European journal of pain (London, England)·2021

This study tested whether being physically or mentally tired changes how the body's spinal cord responds to pain signals. Researchers measured a reflex that happens in the spinal cord when stimulated with electrical pulses to a nerve in the leg, both before and after participants either rested, did tiring leg exercises, or completed a difficult mental task. They found that low-to-moderate levels of fatigue—whether physical or mental—did not change this spinal reflex, suggesting the body's pain-dampening systems stay stable even when tired.

Pain and Sensitization

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Radiation exposure and mitochondrial insufficiency in chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome.

Rusin, Andrej, Li, Megan, Cocchetto, Alan et al.·Medical hypotheses·2021

This paper explores the idea that ME/CFS may be caused by damage to mitochondria—the energy-producing parts of cells—possibly triggered by radiation exposure or other environmental stressors like viruses or toxins. When mitochondria cannot produce enough energy, cells throughout the body struggle, and neighboring tissues try to compensate, which may explain why ME/CFS patients experience widespread symptoms like fatigue and immune problems.

Biomarkers

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

The Health-Promoting Properties and Clinical Applications of Rice Bran Arabinoxylan Modified with Shiitake Mushroom Enzyme-A Narrative Review.

Ooi, Soo Liang, Pak, Sok Cheon, Micalos, Peter S et al.·Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)·2021

This review examines a supplement called RBAC, made from rice bran processed with shiitake mushroom enzyme, which may have immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects. The authors found evidence that RBAC might help with several conditions including cancer, HIV, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, liver disease, and possibly chronic fatigue syndrome and the common cold. The supplement appears safe at typical doses of 2-3 grams per day, but more research is needed to confirm its benefits.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM requiredObservational

Reduced Endothelial Function in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Results From Open-Label Cyclophosphamide Intervention Study.

Sørland, Kari, Sandvik, Miriam Kristine, Rekeland, Ingrid Gurvin et al.·Frontiers in medicine·2021

This study found that blood vessels in people with ME/CFS don't work as well as they do in healthy people. The researchers measured how blood vessels widen and respond to changes in blood flow, and found these responses were reduced in ME/CFS patients. Interestingly, when patients received a strong immune-suppressing drug called cyclophosphamide, improvements in symptoms didn't match up with improvements in blood vessel function.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Acute Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Receptor Type 2 Agonism Results in Sustained Symptom Improvement in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Pereira, Gerard, Gillies, Hunter, Chanda, Sanjay et al.·Frontiers in systems neuroscience·2021

Researchers tested a new drug called CT38s that targets a receptor in the brain called CRFR2, which they believe may be overactive in ME/CFS. Fourteen ME/CFS patients received a single infusion of this drug, and most experienced symptom improvement that lasted at least 28 days. Side effects were mild and similar to typical ME/CFS symptoms, suggesting the drug was working on systems related to the disease.

Endocrine Disruption

E3 PreliminaryGuidelinePEM unclearGuideline

European Network on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (EUROMENE): Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis, Service Provision, and Care of People with ME/CFS in Europe.

Nacul, Luis, Authier, François Jérôme, Scheibenbogen, Carmen et al.·Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)·2021

This study brings together ME/CFS experts from 22 European countries to agree on how to diagnose the illness and provide better care for patients. The researchers and healthcare professionals worked together with people who have ME/CFS to create recommendations that can help doctors recognize and treat the condition more consistently across Europe. Their goal was to improve diagnosis and healthcare services for ME/CFS patients everywhere.

Diagnostics

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

In-Depth Analysis of the Plasma Proteome in ME/CFS Exposes Disrupted Ephrin-Eph and Immune System Signaling.

Germain, Arnaud, Levine, Susan M, Hanson, Maureen R·Proteomes·2021

Researchers measured 4,790 different proteins in the blood of 20 ME/CFS patients and 20 healthy people to look for differences that might explain the disease. They found that 19 proteins were significantly different between the two groups, particularly involving pathways related to immune function and cell communication. Using these protein patterns, they were able to distinguish ME/CFS patients from healthy controls with high accuracy, suggesting proteins in blood could potentially help diagnose ME/CFS.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Immunologic contrasts and connective tissue comparisons.

Islam, Mareesa, Chang, Christopher, Gershwin, M Eric·Journal of translational autoimmunity·2021

This review article explains Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a group of inherited disorders that affect connective tissue in the body, causing symptoms like loose, stretchy skin and flexible joints. The authors describe the 13 different types of EDS, how doctors diagnose them, and how they're treated. While some forms of EDS involve inflammation, the exact mechanisms causing the disease are not fully understood.

Diagnostics

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis in children aged 5 to 11 years: A qualitative study.

Brigden, Amberly, Shaw, Alison, Anderson, Emma et al.·Clinical child psychology and psychiatry·2021

This study looked at how ME/CFS affects younger children (ages 5-11) and what their families experience. Researchers interviewed children and parents to understand how the illness impacts daily life and what kind of support they need. The study found that children over 8 years old can better understand and manage their illness compared to younger children, and that parents of very young children need more support from healthcare providers.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

[Electroacupuncture improves cognitive function by inhibiting NF-κB activity in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome].

Feng, Chu-Wen, Qu, Yuan-Yuan, Sun, Zhong-Ren et al.·Zhen ci yan jiu = Acupuncture research·2021

This study tested whether electroacupuncture (a form of acupuncture with electrical stimulation) could help rats with chronic fatigue syndrome recover cognitive abilities like memory and learning. The researchers found that electroacupuncture reduced inflammation in the brain's memory center (hippocampus) and improved the rats' ability to learn and remember, likely by blocking a inflammatory protein called NF-κB.

Neuroinflammation

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Cardiovascular Disease: JACC State-of-the-Art Review.

Natelson, Benjamin H, Brunjes, Danielle L, Mancini, Donna·Journal of the American College of Cardiology·2021

This review examines how ME/CFS affects the heart and blood vessels. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS often have hearts that pump less blood than healthy people, and their blood pressure drops at night. Many also experience rapid heartbeat when standing up. These heart changes may be connected to why people feel worse after physical or mental activity (postexertional malaise).

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Bioenergetic and Proteomic Profiling of Immune Cells in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients: An Exploratory Study.

Fernandez-Guerra, Paula, Gonzalez-Ebsen, Ana C, Boonen, Susanne E et al.·Biomolecules·2021

This study looked at how cells in ME/CFS patients produce and use energy differently than in healthy people. Researchers examined immune cells from six ME/CFS patients and found that these cells have lower efficiency in their mitochondria (the 'power plants' of cells) and struggle to produce enough energy to meet their needs. This energy shortage in cells may help explain why ME/CFS patients experience severe fatigue.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM unclearEditorial

Dorsal root ganglia: fibromyalgia pain factory?

Martínez-Lavín, Manuel·Clinical rheumatology·2021

This article explores whether structures called dorsal root ganglia (DRG)—small nerve clusters along the spine—might be the main source of pain in fibromyalgia. These ganglia contain pain-sensing nerve cells and immune molecules that can become overactive. Recent evidence suggests that in some fibromyalgia patients, these nerve clusters show signs of damage and increased pain signaling.

Neuroinflammation

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearObservational

Reversible widespread brain 18F-FDG PET hypometabolism in chronic fatigue syndrome treated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Mairal, E, Barberon, B, Laine, N et al.·European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging·2021

This study used brain imaging scans (PET scans) to measure how much energy the brain was using in people with ME/CFS. The researchers found that ME/CFS patients had abnormally low brain energy use across large areas of the brain. Notably, after patients received hyperbaric oxygen therapy (breathing oxygen in a pressurized chamber), the brain scans improved and showed more normal energy levels, suggesting the brain changes may be reversible.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM requiredMechanistic

Moderate, intermittent voluntary exercise in a model of Gulf War Illness improves cognitive and mood function with alleviation of activated microglia and astrocytes, and enhanced neurogenesis in the hippocampus.

Kodali, Maheedhar, Mishra, Vikas, Hattiangady, Bharathi et al.·Brain, behavior, and immunity·2021

Researchers tested whether moderate exercise three times a week could help rats with a Gulf War Illness-like condition improve their memory, mood, and thinking skills. After 13 weeks, the exercising rats showed better memory and less anxiety, and their brains showed less inflammation and more growth of new brain cells. This suggests that gentle, part-time exercise might help people with similar conditions improve brain function.

NeuroinflammationPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Adolescent and Young Adult ME/CFS After Confirmed or Probable COVID-19.

Petracek, Lindsay S, Suskauer, Stacy J, Vickers, Rebecca F et al.·Frontiers in medicine·2021

This study describes three teenagers and young adults who developed ME/CFS after having COVID-19. All three patients experienced symptoms like dizziness when standing up early in their illness, and by 6 months, all met the clinical criteria for ME/CFS. The researchers noticed several patterns across these patients, including allergies, elevated histamine levels, reduced flexibility, and unusual nerve reflexes—findings that may help identify and treat ME/CFS after COVID-19.

Post-Exertional Malaise

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Global survey-based assessment of lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Interoceptive Sensitivity and Attention Questionnaire: Evaluating Aspects of Self-Reported Interoception in Patients With Persistent Somatic Symptoms, Stress-Related Syndromes, and Healthy Controls.

Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome and the cardiovascular system: What is known?

Altered endothelial dysfunction-related miRs in plasma from ME/CFS patients.

Does muscular or mental fatigue have an influence on the nociceptive flexion reflex? A randomized cross-over study in healthy people.

Radiation exposure and mitochondrial insufficiency in chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome.

The Health-Promoting Properties and Clinical Applications of Rice Bran Arabinoxylan Modified with Shiitake Mushroom Enzyme-A Narrative Review.

Reduced Endothelial Function in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Results From Open-Label Cyclophosphamide Intervention Study.

Acute Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Receptor Type 2 Agonism Results in Sustained Symptom Improvement in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

European Network on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (EUROMENE): Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis, Service Provision, and Care of People with ME/CFS in Europe.

In-Depth Analysis of the Plasma Proteome in ME/CFS Exposes Disrupted Ephrin-Eph and Immune System Signaling.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Immunologic contrasts and connective tissue comparisons.

Chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis in children aged 5 to 11 years: A qualitative study.

[Electroacupuncture improves cognitive function by inhibiting NF-κB activity in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome].

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Cardiovascular Disease: JACC State-of-the-Art Review.

Bioenergetic and Proteomic Profiling of Immune Cells in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients: An Exploratory Study.

Dorsal root ganglia: fibromyalgia pain factory?

Reversible widespread brain 18F-FDG PET hypometabolism in chronic fatigue syndrome treated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Moderate, intermittent voluntary exercise in a model of Gulf War Illness improves cognitive and mood function with alleviation of activated microglia and astrocytes, and enhanced neurogenesis in the hippocampus.

Adolescent and Young Adult ME/CFS After Confirmed or Probable COVID-19.

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