ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

241–260 of 1,205 studies

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredObservational

Proteomics and cytokine analyses distinguish myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome cases from controls.

Giloteaux, Ludovic, Li, Jiayin, Hornig, Mady et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2023

Researchers studied tiny particles called extracellular vesicles found in the blood of ME/CFS patients and compared them to healthy controls. They found that ME/CFS patients had more of these particles and they contained different levels of immune chemicals, particularly one called IL2. Using computer algorithms to analyze 20 different blood proteins, they could correctly identify ME/CFS patients about 86% of the time, suggesting that blood tests might one day help diagnose this condition.

BiomarkersImmune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Association analysis between symptomology and herpesvirus IgG antibody concentrations in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and multiple sclerosis.

Domingues, Tiago Dias, Malato, João, Grabowska, Anna D et al.·Heliyon·2023

This study looked at whether past infections with common herpesviruses (like the virus that causes cold sores or chickenpox) are connected to specific symptoms in ME/CFS patients. Researchers tested blood samples from 222 ME/CFS patients and 46 MS patients to measure antibodies against six different herpesviruses, then compared these results to reported symptoms. They found some connections—particularly between a virus called HSV1 and brain fog in ME/CFS patients—but overall, herpesvirus antibodies explained symptoms better in MS patients than in ME/CFS patients.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Post-COVID sequelae effect in chronic fatigue syndrome: SARS-CoV-2 triggers latent adenovirus in the oral mucosa.

Hannestad, Ulf, Apostolou, Eirini, Sjögren, Per et al.·Frontiers in medicine·2023

This study found that people with ME/CFS who caught COVID-19 showed signs of a dormant virus (adenovirus) waking up in their mouth and throat. The researchers compared saliva samples from ME/CFS patients and healthy people, and only the ME/CFS patients showed this reactivation after COVID-19 infection. This suggests that ME/CFS patients may have a weakened immune system that cannot keep these latent viruses under control when faced with a new infection like COVID-19.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Prolonged indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-2 activity and associated cellular stress in post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Guo, Lihui, Appelman, Brent, Mooij-Kalverda, Kirsten et al.·EBioMedicine·2023

This study found that people with long-COVID have persistent activity of an enzyme called IDO2 in their blood cells and brain tissue, months or years after initial infection. This enzyme breaks down tryptophan (an amino acid) into other compounds that may trigger cellular stress and energy problems. The researchers also discovered that blocking a specific receptor (called AHR) could stop this process in laboratory tests, suggesting a potential treatment target.

Energy MetabolismImmune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

In Schizophrenia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome- and Fibromyalgia-Like Symptoms are Driven by Breakdown of the Paracellular Pathway with Increased Zonulin and Immune Activation-Associated Neurotoxicity.

Maes, Michael, Andrés-Rodríguez, Laura, Vojdani, Aristo et al.·CNS & neurological disorders drug targets·2023

This study looked at people with schizophrenia who also experience fatigue and pain symptoms similar to ME/CFS and fibromyalgia. Researchers found that these symptoms may be caused by a breakdown in the intestinal barrier (the paracellular pathway), which allows harmful substances into the bloodstream and triggers immune system activation. This immune activation then produces neurotoxic byproducts that may cause the fatigue and pain symptoms.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Low-dose naltrexone use for the management of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19.

Bonilla, Hector, Tian, Lu, Marconi, Vincent C et al.·International immunopharmacology·2023

This study looked at whether a medication called low-dose naltrexone (LDN) might help people with long COVID symptoms. Researchers reviewed 59 patients who took LDN and found that those who used it reported fewer overall symptoms, felt less fatigue and brain fog, experienced better sleep, and had improved ability to do daily activities. While these early results are encouraging, the study was not designed like a typical clinical trial, so more rigorous testing is needed to know if LDN truly works.

Immune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Cytokine network analysis in a community-based pediatric sample of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Jason, Leonard A, Gaglio, Caroline L, Furst, Jacob et al.·Chronic illness·2023

Researchers studied immune system chemicals called cytokines in children and teens with ME/CFS by comparing blood samples from sick patients and healthy controls. They found that children with ME/CFS had different patterns of these immune chemicals compared to healthy kids, with certain inflammatory markers being more active. This suggests ME/CFS involves real biological changes in how the immune system works, particularly in severe cases.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredObservational

HERV-W ENV antigenemia and correlation of increased anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin levels with post-COVID-19 symptoms.

Giménez-Orenga, Karen, Pierquin, Justine, Brunel, Joanna et al.·Frontiers in immunology·2022

This study found that a dormant virus-like element called HERV-W, which exists naturally in our DNA, may reactivate and remain active long after COVID-19 infection has cleared in people with long COVID. The researchers also discovered that people with higher levels of certain immune proteins (antibodies) against SARS-CoV-2, especially IgE antibodies, tended to have worse physical function. These findings suggest that HERV-W activation and lingering antibody responses might help explain why some people develop long-lasting COVID symptoms.

BiomarkersImmune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Survey of Anti-Pathogen Antibody Levels in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

O'Neal, Adam J, Glass, Katherine A, Emig, Christopher J et al.·Proteomes·2022

Researchers tested blood samples from ME/CFS patients to look for antibodies against 122 different germs that might trigger the illness. They compared the results to healthy people of similar age, sex, and weight. While they found differences in how men and women with ME/CFS respond to infections, they couldn't identify one specific germ as the culprit.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Saliva antibody-fingerprint of reactivated latent viruses after mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 is unique in patients with myalgic-encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Apostolou, Eirini, Rizwan, Muhammad, Moustardas, Petros et al.·Frontiers in immunology·2022

This study found that people with ME/CFS have a different immune response to COVID-19 compared to healthy people, even when the COVID infection is mild. Specifically, the researchers discovered that after COVID-19, dormant viruses (like EBV and others) reactivate more strongly in people with ME/CFS, as shown by antibody patterns in saliva. This suggests that COVID-19 may trigger hidden virus reactivation that could contribute to fatigue symptoms in ME/CFS patients.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Autoimmune gene expression profiling of fingerstick whole blood in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Wang, Zheng, Waldman, Michelle F, Basavanhally, Tara J et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2022

Researchers tested blood samples from 166 ME/CFS patients and 83 healthy people to look for immune system clues that might explain the disease. They found that six specific genes related to immune function were more active in patients with severe, bedridden ME/CFS compared to those with milder disease. The study suggests these genes could potentially be used as biomarkers to identify how severe someone's ME/CFS is and might point toward new treatments.

BiomarkersImmune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Systemic antibody responses against human microbiota flagellins are overrepresented in chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

Vogl, Thomas, Kalka, Iris N, Klompus, Shelley et al.·Science advances·2022

Researchers found that people with severe ME/CFS have different immune responses against bacteria in their gut compared to healthy people. Specifically, their blood contains more antibodies (immune proteins) that target flagella, which are whip-like structures used by certain gut bacteria to move. This immune signature was so distinctive that a computer algorithm could use it to help identify ME/CFS patients.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Long COVID: Association of Functional Autoantibodies against G-Protein-Coupled Receptors with an Impaired Retinal Microcirculation.

Szewczykowski, Charlotte, Mardin, Christian, Lucio, Marianna et al.·International journal of molecular sciences·2022

Some people with Long COVID have abnormal immune proteins called autoantibodies that attack blood vessel control systems in their bodies. This study found that patients with these specific autoantibodies had reduced blood flow in the tiny vessels at the back of the eye, which may reflect similar problems throughout their whole body and could explain some of their symptoms.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Pre-illness data reveals differences in multiple metabolites and metabolic pathways in those who do and do not recover from infectious mononucleosis.

Jason, Leonard A, Conroy, Karl E, Furst, Jacob et al.·Molecular omics·2022

This study looked at blood samples taken from college students before they got sick to see if certain chemical markers could predict who would recover from mononucleosis and who would develop ME/CFS instead. Researchers found that people who later developed ME/CFS had different levels of certain chemicals in their blood before they even got sick, particularly those involved in energy production and immune function. Using a computer model based on these chemical differences, they could correctly predict with 97% accuracy which people would recover and which would develop ME/CFS.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Intersections between pneumonia, lowered oxygen saturation percentage and immune activation mediate depression, anxiety, and chronic fatigue syndrome-like symptoms due to COVID-19: A nomothetic network approach.

Al-Jassas, Hawraa Kadhem, Al-Hakeim, Hussein Kadhem, Maes, Michael·Journal of affective disorders·2022

This study examined 60 COVID-19 patients and 30 healthy controls to understand why some people develop depression, anxiety, and fatigue-like symptoms after COVID-19 infection. The researchers found that lung damage (seen on CT scans), low oxygen levels, and an overactive immune response are connected to these mental health and fatigue symptoms. Essentially, the physical damage to the lungs may trigger immune system activation, which then leads to depression, anxiety, and fatigue.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM requiredObservational

A prospective observational study of post-COVID-19 chronic fatigue syndrome following the first pandemic wave in Germany and biomarkers associated with symptom severity.

Kedor, Claudia, Freitag, Helma, Meyer-Arndt, Lil et al.·Nature communications·2022

This study followed 42 people with long-lasting fatigue after COVID-19 infection for six months and compared them to people with similar chronic fatigue from other causes. Most participants experienced moderate to severe fatigue that interfered with daily life. The researchers found that many of these post-COVID patients had reduced hand grip strength and blood markers suggesting possible inflammation and poor blood flow, which may help explain why their bodies struggle to recover.

Immune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredLongitudinal

How mycobacterium tuberculosis infection could lead to the increasing risks of chronic fatigue syndrome and the potential immunological effects: a population-based retrospective cohort study.

Yang, Tse-Yen, Lin, Cheng-Li, Yao, Wei-Cheng et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2022

This study found that people who have had a tuberculosis infection are about 23% more likely to develop ME/CFS than people who have never had tuberculosis. Researchers in Taiwan tracked over 38,000 people for about 10 years and noticed that tuberculosis and ME/CFS share similar symptoms and immune system patterns. The link was especially strong in men and in people aged 65 and older.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

No difference in serum levels of B-cell activating receptor and antibodies against cytolethal distending toxin B and flagellin in post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome after Giardia infection.

Hanevik, Kurt, Saghaug, Christina, Aaland, Maren et al.·JGH open : an open access journal of gastroenterology and hepatology·2022

This study looked for three potential biological markers (BAFF, anti-CdtB, and anti-flagellin antibodies) in the blood of people who developed ME/CFS and/or IBS after a Giardia infection. Researchers compared these markers in patients to healthy controls but found no significant differences between the groups. The findings suggest these three markers are not useful for diagnosing ME/CFS or IBS.

BiomarkersImmune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Comparative Analysis of Extracellular Vesicles in Patients with Severe and Mild Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Bonilla, Hector, Hampton, Dylan, Marques de Menezes, Erika G et al.·Frontiers in immunology·2022

Researchers looked for tiny particles called extracellular vesicles in the blood of people with ME/CFS to see if they could help diagnose or understand the disease. They found that people with severe ME/CFS had higher levels of certain vesicles that come from B cells (immune cells) and platelets (blood clotting cells) compared to healthy people. While these differences were promising, they weren't strong enough to confirm they're reliable markers yet.

BiomarkersImmune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Post-COVID Syndrome: A Common Neuroimmune Ground?

Ryabkova, Varvara A, Gavrilova, Natalia Y, Fedotkina, Tamara V et al.·Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)·2022

This Russian study looked at 56 people with ME/CFS and 14 people with post-COVID syndrome to understand how their bodies function differently. The researchers found that both groups had similar patterns of immune system problems, heart rate changes when standing up, and reduced blood flow in small vessels. Importantly, fatigue severity was linked to many other ME/CFS symptoms but not to anxiety or depression.

Immune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

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Evidence browser

Proteomics and cytokine analyses distinguish myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome cases from controls.

Association analysis between symptomology and herpesvirus IgG antibody concentrations in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and multiple sclerosis.

Post-COVID sequelae effect in chronic fatigue syndrome: SARS-CoV-2 triggers latent adenovirus in the oral mucosa.

Prolonged indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase-2 activity and associated cellular stress in post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

In Schizophrenia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome- and Fibromyalgia-Like Symptoms are Driven by Breakdown of the Paracellular Pathway with Increased Zonulin and Immune Activation-Associated Neurotoxicity.

Low-dose naltrexone use for the management of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19.

Cytokine network analysis in a community-based pediatric sample of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

HERV-W ENV antigenemia and correlation of increased anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin levels with post-COVID-19 symptoms.

Survey of Anti-Pathogen Antibody Levels in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Saliva antibody-fingerprint of reactivated latent viruses after mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 is unique in patients with myalgic-encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Autoimmune gene expression profiling of fingerstick whole blood in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Systemic antibody responses against human microbiota flagellins are overrepresented in chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

Long COVID: Association of Functional Autoantibodies against G-Protein-Coupled Receptors with an Impaired Retinal Microcirculation.

Pre-illness data reveals differences in multiple metabolites and metabolic pathways in those who do and do not recover from infectious mononucleosis.

Intersections between pneumonia, lowered oxygen saturation percentage and immune activation mediate depression, anxiety, and chronic fatigue syndrome-like symptoms due to COVID-19: A nomothetic network approach.

A prospective observational study of post-COVID-19 chronic fatigue syndrome following the first pandemic wave in Germany and biomarkers associated with symptom severity.

How mycobacterium tuberculosis infection could lead to the increasing risks of chronic fatigue syndrome and the potential immunological effects: a population-based retrospective cohort study.

No difference in serum levels of B-cell activating receptor and antibodies against cytolethal distending toxin B and flagellin in post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome after Giardia infection.

Comparative Analysis of Extracellular Vesicles in Patients with Severe and Mild Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Post-COVID Syndrome: A Common Neuroimmune Ground?

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