ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

241–260 of 6,187 studies

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

A systematic review of nutraceutical interventions for mitochondrial dysfunctions in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Maksoud, Rebekah, Balinas, Cassandra, Holden, Sean et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2021

This review looked at whether special supplements that target the energy-producing parts of cells (mitochondria) might help ME/CFS patients feel less fatigued. The researchers searched for published studies testing these supplements in ME/CFS patients and found 9 studies. About two-thirds of these studies showed some improvement in fatigue, but the overall evidence isn't strong enough yet to say these supplements definitely work.

Energy Metabolism

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Coenzyme Q10: Clinical Applications beyond Cardiovascular Diseases.

Testai, Lara, Martelli, Alma, Flori, Lorenzo et al.·Nutrients·2021

This review examines how Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a natural substance found in cells that helps produce energy, might help with various conditions including chronic fatigue syndrome. CoQ10 also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may protect cells from damage. The researchers looked at studies on CoQ10's effects on migraine, neurological diseases, cancer, and muscle disorders to see if supplementation could improve patient health and quality of life.

Energy Metabolism

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.

Yin, Zi-Han, Wang, Lin-Jia, Cheng, Ying et al.·Chinese journal of integrative medicine·2021

Researchers reviewed 10 previous studies that looked at whether acupuncture helps treat ME/CFS. While the studies suggested acupuncture might be safe and helpful, the quality of the evidence was generally weak—meaning we can't be very confident in the results. The researchers found that existing reviews of acupuncture for ME/CFS need to be much better designed before we can trust their conclusions.

E0 ConsensusGuidelinePEM requiredGuideline

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Essentials of Diagnosis and Management.

Bateman, Lucinda, Bested, Alison C, Bonilla, Hector F et al.·Mayo Clinic proceedings·2021

This article brings together 21 expert doctors who specialize in ME/CFS to share the best ways to diagnose and treat this complex illness. The experts explain that most people with ME/CFS don't get properly diagnosed, and many receive treatments that can actually make them worse. They provide clear, practical guidance that general doctors can use to help ME/CFS patients feel better and improve their quality of life.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearMeta-Analysis

The SARS-CoV-2 receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A meta-analysis of public DNA methylation and gene expression data.

Malato, João, Sotzny, Franziska, Bauer, Sandra et al.·Heliyon·2021

This study looked at whether people with ME/CFS have lower levels of a protein called ACE2, which the COVID-19 virus uses to enter cells. The researchers analyzed existing genetic data from ME/CFS patients and found that ACE2 levels were indeed reduced in ME/CFS patients compared to healthy people. The authors suggest this may put ME/CFS patients at higher risk for severe COVID-19 and recommend they be prioritized for vaccination.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Systematic Review of Sleep Characteristics in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Maksoud, Rebekah, Eaton-Fitch, Natalie, Matula, Michael et al.·Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)·2021

Many ME/CFS patients report that their sleep feels unrefreshing and disturbed, even when they sleep for long hours. This review looked at 20 studies that used objective sleep monitoring equipment (like devices that measure brain waves and breathing during sleep) to understand what's actually happening with sleep in ME/CFS patients. The researchers found that the results across different studies were inconsistent, meaning there's no clear pattern yet about what makes ME/CFS sleep different from healthy sleep.

Sleep

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Cognitive symptoms after COVID-19.

Altuna, M, Sánchez-Saudinós, Mª B, Lleó, A·Neurology perspectives·2021

COVID-19 can cause cognitive problems—such as difficulty thinking, concentrating, or remembering—that sometimes last for months after infection. These cognitive symptoms can happen even in people with mild COVID cases, which is unusual compared to other viral illnesses. This review found that cognitive problems after COVID share similarities with symptoms seen in ME/CFS and can significantly affect daily life and quality of life.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

The Enterovirus Theory of Disease Etiology in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Critical Review.

O'Neal, Adam J, Hanson, Maureen R·Frontiers in medicine·2021

This review examined whether enteroviruses—common viruses that cause colds, stomach infections, and other illnesses—might be responsible for ME/CFS. While some studies found these viruses more often in ME/CFS patients than in healthy people, the evidence has been mixed and hard to interpret. The authors argue that past research methods weren't good enough to definitively answer the question, and they call for better studies using modern technology to investigate this possibility further.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

The Gut Microbiome in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

König, Rahel S, Albrich, Werner C, Kahlert, Christian R et al.·Frontiers in immunology·2021

This review examines whether changes in gut bacteria might contribute to ME/CFS. The authors suggest that lifetime antibiotic use could alter the balance of gut microbes, which might then affect the gut barrier, brain function, and energy production in cells. They propose several potential treatment approaches like probiotics and dietary changes, but emphasize that much more research is needed to understand if gut bacteria actually cause ME/CFS or simply change as a result of the disease.

Cognitive Impairment

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Long COVID or Post-acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC): An Overview of Biological Factors That May Contribute to Persistent Symptoms.

Proal, Amy D, VanElzakker, Michael B·Frontiers in microbiology·2021

Some people who recover from COVID-19 infection continue to experience symptoms for months afterward, a condition called Long COVID or PASC. This review examines multiple biological explanations for why this happens, including organ damage, lingering virus in the body, reactivation of dormant viruses, immune system dysfunction, blood clotting problems, and the body's own immune cells attacking healthy tissues. The authors suggest that different patients likely have different underlying causes, which means different treatments may work best for different people.

Immune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearMeta-Analysis

Efficacy of Qigong Exercise for Treatment of Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Wang, Rui, Huang, Xueyan, Wu, Yeqi et al.·Frontiers in medicine·2021

Researchers reviewed 16 studies testing whether Qigong exercise (a traditional Chinese practice combining movement, breathing, and meditation) helps reduce fatigue in patients with various illnesses, including chronic fatigue syndrome. They found that people who did Qigong showed meaningful improvements in their fatigue levels compared to control groups, though the effect was modest. However, Qigong did not clearly improve overall quality of life in the studies reviewed.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearEditorial

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Human Herpesviruses Are Back!

Ariza, Maria Eugenia·Biomolecules·2021

This review examines whether certain viruses, particularly Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), may play a role in ME/CFS. Earlier research on this topic produced mixed results, leading some scientists to think viruses weren't involved. However, newer research methods have found that specific proteins made by EBV could contribute to immune system and nervous system problems in some ME/CFS patients.

BiomarkersImmune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredMeta-Analysis

Adverse outcomes in trials of graded exercise therapy for adult patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

White, P D, Etherington, J·Journal of psychosomatic research·2021

This study reviewed 10 previous trials involving 1,279 people to examine whether graded exercise therapy (GET) causes harm in ME/CFS patients. Researchers compared how many people reported feeling much worse, stopped treatment, or dropped out of follow-up appointments between those doing GET and those receiving other treatments. The study found no clear evidence that GET caused more people to report feeling worse than other treatments, though more GET participants did drop out of follow-up appointments.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Epstein-Barr Virus and the Origin of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Ruiz-Pablos, Manuel, Paiva, Bruno, Montero-Mateo, Rosario et al.·Frontiers in immunology·2021

This review examines whether Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common virus that causes mononucleosis, might play a role in causing ME/CFS in some patients. The researchers found that certain people may have genetic traits that make them more vulnerable to EBV, and in these individuals, the virus might hide from the immune system in a way that leads to ME/CFS symptoms. They suggest that antiviral treatments targeting EBV could potentially help some ME/CFS patients.

Immune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredSystematic-Review

The Quality of Methodological and Reporting in Network Meta-Analysis of Acupuncture and Moxibustion: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Yuan, Ting, Xiong, Jun, Wang, Xue et al.·Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM·2021

This study reviewed 29 research papers that used a statistical method called network meta-analysis to compare different acupuncture and moxibustion treatments. The researchers assessed how well these papers were designed and reported their findings. They found that most papers had medium quality, with some having significant gaps in how they explained their methods and results.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclear

Pathomechanisms and possible interventions in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

Fluge, Øystein, Tronstad, Karl J, Mella, Olav·The Journal of clinical investigation·2021

This review article examines what we know about how ME/CFS damages the body and discusses possible treatments. Researchers looked at existing scientific evidence to understand the disease mechanisms—the biological processes that cause ME/CFS symptoms—and evaluated various interventions that might help patients. The goal was to create a comprehensive overview of current scientific understanding to guide future research and treatment development.

BiomarkersImmune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM not requiredMeta-Analysis

Prevalence of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) in Korea and Japan: A Meta-Analysis.

Lim, Eun-Jin, Son, Chang-Gue·Journal of clinical medicine·2021

This study looked at how common ME/CFS is in Korea and Japan by reviewing eight existing studies. Researchers found that about 0.76-0.77% of people in these countries have ME/CFS—meaning roughly 1 in 130 people. Women were affected about twice as often as men in Korea, though this difference was smaller in Japan.

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Recovery from chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review-heterogeneity of definition limits study comparison.

Moore, Yasmin, Serafimova, Teona, Anderson, Nina et al.·Archives of disease in childhood·2021

This study looked at how often children with ME/CFS recover and what 'recovery' actually means. Researchers found that different studies define recovery in very different ways—some focus on returning to school, others on fatigue levels, and others on physical activity. Because of these differences, recovery rates ranged wildly from 4.5% to 83%, making it hard to compare studies fairly.

Diagnostics

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

The Neurological Manifestations of Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Moghimi, Narges, Di Napoli, Mario, Biller, José et al.·Current neurology and neuroscience reports·2021

This review examined what we know about how COVID-19 can affect the nervous system in people who experience long-term symptoms after infection (called PASC or long COVID). The researchers looked at published studies to understand how common these neurological problems are, who is most at risk, why they happen, and how they might be treated. They found that long COVID can range from mild to severely disabling symptoms that last weeks or longer, and that multiple factors—including lingering inflammation, immune system problems, and possible viral effects on the brain—may play a role.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E0 ConsensusReviewPEM unclearSystematic-Review

Perfectionism, depression and anxiety in chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review.

Wright, Amelia, Fisher, Peter L, Baker, Nita et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2021

This review looked at seven studies examining whether perfectionism (setting very high standards and worrying about mistakes) is connected to depression in people with ME/CFS. Researchers found strong links between perfectionism and depression, particularly worrying excessively about making mistakes. However, there's much less research on whether perfectionism is linked to anxiety in ME/CFS patients.

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A systematic review of nutraceutical interventions for mitochondrial dysfunctions in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Coenzyme Q10: Clinical Applications beyond Cardiovascular Diseases.

Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Essentials of Diagnosis and Management.

The SARS-CoV-2 receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A meta-analysis of public DNA methylation and gene expression data.

Systematic Review of Sleep Characteristics in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Cognitive symptoms after COVID-19.

The Enterovirus Theory of Disease Etiology in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Critical Review.

The Gut Microbiome in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

Long COVID or Post-acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC): An Overview of Biological Factors That May Contribute to Persistent Symptoms.

Efficacy of Qigong Exercise for Treatment of Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Human Herpesviruses Are Back!

Adverse outcomes in trials of graded exercise therapy for adult patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Epstein-Barr Virus and the Origin of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

The Quality of Methodological and Reporting in Network Meta-Analysis of Acupuncture and Moxibustion: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Pathomechanisms and possible interventions in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

Prevalence of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) in Korea and Japan: A Meta-Analysis.

Recovery from chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review-heterogeneity of definition limits study comparison.

The Neurological Manifestations of Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Perfectionism, depression and anxiety in chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review.

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