ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

2121–2140 of 6,188 studies

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Genetic evaluation of AMPD1, CPT2, and PGYM metabolic enzymes in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Maltese, P E, Venturini, L, Poplavskaya, E et al.·Genetics and molecular research : GMR·2016

This study looked at three genes that help muscles produce energy during physical activity. The researchers compared these genes in 17 patients with ME/CFS and 50 healthy people to see if differences in these genes might explain why ME/CFS patients experience severe fatigue after exertion. The study found no significant genetic differences between the two groups, suggesting these particular genes are not responsible for causing ME/CFS.

Energy Metabolism

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Psychological wellbeing and quality-of-life among siblings of paediatric CFS/ME patients: A mixed-methods study.

Velleman, Sophie, Collin, Simon M, Beasant, Lucy et al.·Clinical child psychology and psychiatry·2016

This study looked at how having a brother or sister with ME/CFS affects the healthy siblings in the family. Researchers asked 34 siblings to answer questions about their mood, anxiety, and quality of life, and found that siblings had higher anxiety levels than other young people their age. When researchers talked in detail with nine of these siblings, they learned that the condition creates stress on family life, leaves siblings confused about what's happening, and can make them feel socially isolated—but good communication and family support can help.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Effect of melatonin supplementation on plasma lipid hydroperoxides, homocysteine concentration and chronic fatigue syndrome in multiple sclerosis patients treated with interferons-beta and mitoxantrone.

Adamczyk-Sowa, M, Sowa, P, Adamczyk, J et al.·Journal of physiology and pharmacology : an official journal of the Polish Physiological Society·2016

This study looked at whether melatonin (a natural hormone that helps regulate sleep) could help reduce fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis. The researchers measured certain markers in the blood related to oxidative stress (cellular damage) and found that melatonin supplementation for 90 days lowered these harmful markers in all MS patient groups studied.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Chronic fatigue syndrome in women assessed with combined cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Olimulder, M A G M, Galjee, M A, Wagenaar, L J et al.·Netherlands heart journal : monthly journal of the Netherlands Society of Cardiology and the Netherlands Heart Foundation·2016

This study used advanced heart imaging (MRI scans) to examine the hearts of 12 women with ME/CFS and compared them to 36 healthy women. The researchers found that women with ME/CFS had smaller hearts and mildly weaker heart function than the healthy controls. Some ME/CFS patients also showed signs of scarring in the heart muscle, which was not seen in any of the healthy controls.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Reduced diversity and altered composition of the gut microbiome in individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Giloteaux, Ludovic, Goodrich, Julia K, Walters, William A et al.·Microbiome·2016

This study found that people with ME/CFS have different gut bacteria compared to healthy people. The bacteria in ME/CFS patients showed less diversity and included more potentially harmful species while having fewer beneficial ones. Additionally, researchers detected signs in the blood suggesting that bacteria or bacterial components may be leaking through the gut lining, which could contribute to inflammation and symptoms.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Mitochondrial DNA variants correlate with symptoms in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Billing-Ross, Paul, Germain, Arnaud, Ye, Kaixiong et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2016

This study examined whether differences in mitochondrial DNA (the genetic instructions inside the energy-producing parts of our cells) are linked to ME/CFS symptoms. Researchers compared DNA from 193 ME/CFS patients and 196 healthy people and found that while certain mitochondrial DNA patterns were associated with specific symptoms like neurological problems, pain, and digestive issues, they were not linked to whether someone actually develops ME/CFS. This suggests mitochondrial DNA variations may influence how severe certain symptoms are, rather than causing the disease itself.

Energy Metabolism

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM unclearLongitudinal

Enhanced psychological flexibility and improved quality of life in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Densham, Sarah, Williams, Deborah, Johnson, Anne et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2016

This study tested whether learning to accept and adapt to difficult experiences—a skill called psychological flexibility—could help ME/CFS patients improve their quality of life. Over 165 patients attended a six-week group treatment program and were measured before, immediately after, and six months later. The program helped improve both psychological flexibility and quality of life, with the benefits lasting at least six months.

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredLongitudinal

Subjective but Not Actigraphy-Defined Sleep Predicts Next-Day Fatigue in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Prospective Daily Diary Study.

Russell, Charlotte, Wearden, Alison J, Fairclough, Gillian et al.·Sleep·2016

This study found that how people with ME/CFS feel about their sleep quality matters more for next-day fatigue than what sleep monitors actually measure. When patients reported poor sleep quality or felt their sleep wasn't refreshing, they experienced worse fatigue the following day. Interestingly, people who worried or felt anxious before bed reported worse sleep, and waking up in a bad mood partly explained why poor sleep led to more fatigue.

Sleep

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredObservational

[The influence of physical load on the propriate immune and physiological parameters.].

Milicková, M, Zákovská, A, Chlíbková, D·Ceskoslovenska fysiologie·2016

This study looked at how intense physical exercise affects the immune system by measuring antibodies (immune proteins) in ultramarathon runners before and after a race. The researchers found that two types of antibodies—IgA and IgG—increased after the race, suggesting that extreme physical stress temporarily changes how the immune system works. Understanding these changes may help explain why some people develop chronic fatigue after intense exercise.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Experiences of general practitioner continuity among women with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a cross-sectional study.

Hansen, Anne Helen, Lian, Olaug S·BMC health services research·2016

This study asked Norwegian women with ME/CFS about their experiences with their general practitioners across three areas: whether doctors shared information with them, whether their care was well-coordinated, and whether they felt their doctor understood them personally. Most women (about two-thirds) reported positive experiences in all three areas, though information-sharing and care coordination could be improved. The study found that longer relationships with the same GP and better communication were linked to more positive experiences.

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM not requiredObservational

Cognitive behaviour therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome: Differences in treatment outcome between a tertiary treatment centre in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

Worm-Smeitink, M, Nikolaus, S, Goldsmith, K et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2016

This study compared how well cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) worked for ME/CFS patients at two different treatment centers—one in the Netherlands and one in the UK. Both centers used CBT but with slightly different approaches. The Dutch center saw larger improvements in fatigue, physical functioning, and ability to work or socialize compared to the UK center. The researchers found that differences in how patients were treated, rather than differences in the patients themselves, likely explained why one center had better results.

Interventions

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

A Preliminary Comparative Assessment of the Role of CD8+ T Cells in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Multiple Sclerosis.

Brenu, Ekua W, Broadley, Simon, Nguyen, Thao et al.·Journal of immunology research·2016

This study looked at specific immune cells called CD8+ T cells in people with ME/CFS and compared them to people with multiple sclerosis and healthy controls. Researchers found that ME/CFS patients had lower levels of certain proteins on their CD8+ T cells that help these immune cells function properly. These findings suggest that ME/CFS may involve problems with how immune cells are working, similar to but different from what happens in multiple sclerosis.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredCross-Sectional

Epidemiological characteristics of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis in Australian patients.

Johnston, Samantha C, Staines, Donald R, Marshall-Gradisnik, Sonya M·Clinical epidemiology·2016

This study looked at 535 Australian patients with ME/CFS to understand who gets the disease and what symptoms they experience. Researchers found that ME/CFS mainly affects middle-aged women who are well-educated, and often starts after infections like the flu or gut illnesses, or during stressful periods. The most common symptoms included extreme fatigue, brain fog, poor sleep, headaches, muscle and joint pain, and sensitivity to temperature changes.

Diagnostics

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Index markers of chronic fatigue syndrome with dysfunction of TCA and urea cycles.

Yamano, Emi, Sugimoto, Masahiro, Hirayama, Akiyoshi et al.·Scientific reports·2016

Researchers analyzed blood samples from ME/CFS patients and healthy people to look for chemical markers that could help diagnose the disease. They found that certain metabolites—molecules involved in energy production and waste removal—were abnormal in ME/CFS patients. Two specific chemical ratios in the blood showed promise as potential diagnostic tools, correctly identifying CFS patients about 75-80% of the time.

BiomarkersEnergy Metabolism

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredCross-Sectional

Case definitions integrating empiric and consensus perspectives.

Jason, Leonard A, McManimen, Stephanie, Sunnquist, Madison et al.·Fatigue : biomedicine, health & behavior·2016

This study looked at 556 ME/CFS patients from three countries to understand how doctors should diagnose this condition. The researchers found that patients fall into different groups based on their symptoms: some have chronic fatigue alone, some have fatigue with other medical reasons, and some have ME/CFS with additional symptoms like problems with exercise recovery, brain fog, and sleep issues. The groups with more specific ME/CFS symptoms were significantly more disabled than those with just general fatigue.

SleepPost-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Abnormal Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Results of Seed and Data-Driven Analyses.

Gay, Charles W, Robinson, Michael E, Lai, Song et al.·Brain connectivity·2016

This study used brain imaging (MRI) to examine how different regions of the brain communicate with each other in people with ME/CFS compared to healthy people. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS have weaker communication between certain brain regions, particularly in areas involved in attention and movement. These abnormal communication patterns were directly linked to how severe patients' fatigue symptoms were.

E2 ModerateMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Single nucleotide polymorphisms and genotypes of transient receptor potential ion channel and acetylcholine receptor genes from isolated B lymphocytes in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

Marshall-Gradisnik, Sonya, Johnston, Samantha, Chacko, Anu et al.·The Journal of international medical research·2016

This small study looked at genetic differences in immune cells (B cells) from ME/CFS patients compared to healthy people. Researchers found that ME/CFS patients had more variations in genes controlling calcium flow and acetylcholine signaling—two processes important for immune cell communication. Some of these genetic variations were much more common in patients with ME/CFS, suggesting they might play a role in the disease.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Factors facilitating patient satisfaction among women with medically unexplained long-term fatigue: A relational perspective.

Lian, Olaug S, Hansen, Anne Helen·Health (London, England : 1997)·2016

This study surveyed 431 women with ME/CFS about their experiences with doctors in Norway. The researchers found that patients were most satisfied when their doctor understood their illness, saw them regularly, and referred them to specialists. The most important factor was feeling like an equal partner with their doctor rather than just being told what to do.

Diagnostics

E2 ModeratePEM unclearRegistry-Resource

Comorbidities treated in primary care in children with chronic fatigue syndrome / myalgic encephalomyelitis: A nationwide registry linkage study from Norway.

Bakken, Inger J, Tveito, Kari, Aaberg, Kari M et al.·BMC family practice·2016

This large Norwegian study looked at health problems that children with ME/CFS commonly experience in primary care compared to other children. Children with ME/CFS were much more likely to have records of extreme tiredness, depression, anxiety, migraines, and muscle pain. Interestingly, many children with ME/CFS had a recent infection (especially infectious mononucleosis) before their diagnosis, suggesting infections might play a role in developing the condition.

Diagnostics

E2 ModerateBehavioralPEM unclear

Group Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Illegems, Jela, Moorkens, Greta, Van Den Eede, Filip·Psychotherapy and psychosomatics·2016

This study looked at whether group cognitive behaviour therapy (a type of talk therapy that helps people change unhelpful thinking patterns) could help people with ME/CFS. The researchers observed patients receiving this therapy together in groups. The study provides insights into how this type of psychological treatment is delivered and received by ME/CFS patients in a clinical setting.

Interventions

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Genetic evaluation of AMPD1, CPT2, and PGYM metabolic enzymes in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Psychological wellbeing and quality-of-life among siblings of paediatric CFS/ME patients: A mixed-methods study.

Effect of melatonin supplementation on plasma lipid hydroperoxides, homocysteine concentration and chronic fatigue syndrome in multiple sclerosis patients treated with interferons-beta and mitoxantrone.

Chronic fatigue syndrome in women assessed with combined cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Reduced diversity and altered composition of the gut microbiome in individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Mitochondrial DNA variants correlate with symptoms in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Enhanced psychological flexibility and improved quality of life in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Subjective but Not Actigraphy-Defined Sleep Predicts Next-Day Fatigue in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Prospective Daily Diary Study.

[The influence of physical load on the propriate immune and physiological parameters.].

Experiences of general practitioner continuity among women with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a cross-sectional study.

Cognitive behaviour therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome: Differences in treatment outcome between a tertiary treatment centre in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

A Preliminary Comparative Assessment of the Role of CD8+ T Cells in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Multiple Sclerosis.

Epidemiological characteristics of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis in Australian patients.

Index markers of chronic fatigue syndrome with dysfunction of TCA and urea cycles.

Case definitions integrating empiric and consensus perspectives.

Abnormal Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Results of Seed and Data-Driven Analyses.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms and genotypes of transient receptor potential ion channel and acetylcholine receptor genes from isolated B lymphocytes in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

Factors facilitating patient satisfaction among women with medically unexplained long-term fatigue: A relational perspective.

Comorbidities treated in primary care in children with chronic fatigue syndrome / myalgic encephalomyelitis: A nationwide registry linkage study from Norway.

Group Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

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