ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

3781–3800 of 6,161 studies

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Genetic Insights into Circulating Complement Proteins in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Potential Inflammatory Subgroup.

Maya, Jessica, Unger, Elizabeth R, Lin, Jin-Mann S et al.·International journal of molecular sciences·2026

This study examined whether genes influence how the immune system's complement proteins work in ME/CFS patients. Researchers found that some ME/CFS patients carry specific genetic variations linked to problems with a particular immune pathway (the alternative complement pathway), creating a subgroup with distinctive immune patterns. This suggests that genetics may explain why ME/CFS affects people differently and could eventually help doctors identify which patients might benefit from specific treatments.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Patient experiences of remote consulting with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis and fibromyalgia: a qualitative study.

Leach, Helen, Eccles, Abi, Chew-Graham, Carolyn A et al.·BJGP open·2025

This study asked 13 people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia about their experiences using phone and video appointments with their doctors during and after 2020. Patients said the most important thing was feeling believed and listened to by their doctor. While remote appointments had some benefits (like being easier when symptoms were bad), many people found it harder to communicate without face-to-face visits, though having a trusted, familiar doctor made a big difference.

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Histone phosphorylation analysis of two main TCM syndromes of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Xu, Tingting, Gao, Shuo, Cheng, Xinxin et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2025

Researchers studied blood cells from 20 ME/CFS patients (divided into two Traditional Chinese Medicine symptom patterns) and 10 healthy controls. They found differences in how proteins were modified in the blood cells of ME/CFS patients compared to healthy people. These differences involved processes that affect how cells communicate with each other and organize their internal structures.

BiomarkersImmune System

E3 PreliminaryBehavioralPEM unclearObservational

The Psychological Benefits of Forest Bathing in Individuals with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A Pilot Study.

Serrat, Mayte, Royuela-Colomer, Estíbaliz, Alonso-Marsol, Sandra et al.·Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)·2025

This study looked at whether spending time walking quietly in a forest could help people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia feel better. Forty-four participants took a 3-hour guided walk through a Mediterranean forest, and researchers measured their pain, fatigue, anxiety, and mood before and after. Most symptoms improved after the walk, especially anxiety and negative feelings, though pain levels didn't change significantly.

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM requiredMethods-Paper

Repeated Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing of ME/CFS Patients.

Hodges, Lynette·Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)·2025

This study explains how doctors use a special exercise test done twice (24 hours apart) to measure how ME/CFS affects the body's ability to exercise. The test shows that people with ME/CFS often cannot exercise as hard the second time, and their bodies don't use oxygen or produce power the way healthy people do. This helps prove that ME/CFS causes real, measurable changes in how the body functions.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Comparing DNA Methylation Landscapes in Peripheral Blood from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long COVID Patients.

Peppercorn, Katie, Sharma, Sayan, Edgar, Christina D et al.·International journal of molecular sciences·2025

This study examined chemical markers called DNA methylation in blood cells from people with ME/CFS, Long COVID, and healthy individuals. Researchers found that while the overall patterns were similar between ME/CFS and Long COVID patients, there were specific differences in which genes were chemically marked, suggesting these two conditions may have related but distinct biological changes. The findings lay groundwork for understanding what makes these post-viral conditions work at a molecular level.

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM unclearMethods-Paper

Multifaceted evolution focused on maximal exploitation of domain knowledge for the consensus inference of Gene Regulatory Networks.

Segura-Ortiz, Adrián, Giménez-Orenga, Karen, García-Nieto, José et al.·Computers in biology and medicine·2025

Researchers created a new computer tool called BIO-INSIGHT that helps scientists better understand which genes control other genes by analyzing genetic data from patients. They tested this tool on data from people with fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, and both conditions together, and found it could identify different gene patterns specific to each illness. This could help doctors find better ways to diagnose and treat these conditions in the future.

Biomarkers

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM requiredMechanistic

Cerebrospinal fluid metabolomics, lipidomics and serine pathway dysfunction in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndroome (ME/CFS).

Baraniuk, James N·Scientific reports·2025

Researchers studied brain fluid from ME/CFS patients to understand what goes wrong with how their brains use energy. They found that ME/CFS patients have abnormal levels of certain molecules involved in energy production and brain cell function, and these problems got worse after exercise. The study suggests that ME/CFS may involve problems with how the brain processes nutrients and maintains its protective coating around nerve fibers.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

"I would love to say it's the fatigue but honestly it's not": Into Adulthood with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

Tenhave, A, Bognar, R, Sidis, A·Psychology, health & medicine·2025

This study interviewed 13 young people (ages 16-25) with ME/CFS about what it's like growing up with this illness. The researchers found that participants struggled with three main challenges: gaining independence in ways different from their healthy peers, figuring out who they are when illness changes their plans, and feeling isolated even when around other people. The study suggests that mental health support could help young people with ME/CFS build confidence, explore their identity, and stay psychologically healthy during these critical years.

E3 PreliminaryPEM unclear

Wearable Devices Enable Long COVID Patients to Decrease Symptom Severity: A Case Series From Pilot User Testing.

Goosen, Andrea, Foster-Bonds, Romina, Vogel, Julia Moore·Cardiopulmonary physical therapy journal·2025

This small study looked at whether fitness trackers (Garmin watches) could help Long COVID patients manage their symptoms through pacing—carefully controlling activity levels to avoid overexertion. Eleven patients received a tracker, educational materials about pacing, and were asked about their experience. Most participants found the information helpful for managing their symptoms, and none had difficulty using the device, even those who had never used a wearable before.

E3 PreliminaryPEM unclear

Static and Kinetic Disequilibrium are Central Neural Signs in Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Therapeutic Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

Miwa, Kunihisa·Journal of integrative neuroscience·2025

This study found that nearly half of ME/CFS patients experience balance problems—either when standing still (static disequilibrium) or when walking (kinetic disequilibrium). These balance issues were linked to difficulty standing upright and limitations in daily activities. When researchers used a brain stimulation treatment called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on specific brain regions, most patients' balance problems improved, suggesting the root cause is in the central nervous system rather than the inner ear alone.

Autonomic Nervous System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Pulling Back the Curtains.

The Neuroscientist : a review journal bringing neurobiology, neurology and psychiatry·2025

This is an editorial piece that reviews what we currently know about ME/CFS and calls for better understanding of the condition. The authors argue that ME/CFS is a real biological illness that deserves serious scientific attention. The piece highlights the need to move past outdated thinking and focus on the actual physical mechanisms causing the disease.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

The Gut-Brain-Immune Axis in Environmental Sensitivity Illnesses: Microbiome-Centered Narrative Review of Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

Watai, Kentaro, Taniguchi, Masami, Azuma, Kenichi·International journal of molecular sciences·2025

This review examines how changes in gut bacteria may contribute to ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and multiple chemical sensitivity—three conditions that share similar symptoms like fatigue, pain, and sensitivity to environmental triggers. The researchers found that people with these conditions tend to have fewer helpful bacteria and more harmful bacteria in their gut, which may affect how their immune system and brain work. The review suggests that treatments targeting the microbiome—such as probiotics or other interventions—might help, though more research is needed to confirm this.

NeuroinflammationEnergy MetabolismImmune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM requiredMechanistic

Gulf War Illness Induced Sex-Specific Transcriptional Differences Under Stressful Conditions.

Frank, Joshua, Tehrani, Lily, Gamer, Jackson et al.·International journal of molecular sciences·2025

Researchers studied how the immune system responds to physical stress in Gulf War veterans with Gulf War Illness (GWI), a condition similar to ME/CFS with fatigue, brain fog, and exhaustion. They found that men and women with GWI have different patterns of immune system activation during and after exercise, suggesting their bodies handle stress differently. These differences could help doctors develop better tests and treatments tailored to each person's sex.

BiomarkersImmune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Identifying potential biomarkers in the hippocampus of chronic fatigue syndrome rats treated with moxibustion at Zusanli (ST36): a proteomics study.

Chuwen, Feng, Chaoran, L I, Yan, Yang et al.·Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan·2025

This study tested whether moxibustion—a traditional Chinese medicine technique involving gentle heat applied to a specific acupuncture point on the leg—could help rats with chronic fatigue syndrome. Researchers found that moxibustion improved the rats' activity levels, memory, and reduced damage to a brain region involved in learning and emotion. The treatment appeared to work by restoring balance to specific proteins in the brain that were abnormal in the fatigued rats.

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Clinically Meaningful Improvements in Long COVID Symptoms Following Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy Combined with Lifestyle Interventions-A Clinical Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Colgan, Dana Dharmakaya, Stadler, Diane D, Hope, Aluko A et al.·Case reports in clinical medicine·2025

This study describes one patient with Long COVID who experienced significant improvements in their symptoms after following a special diet (ketogenic diet) combined with lifestyle changes including exercise, better sleep schedules, and stress-reduction practices delivered remotely. The authors reviewed existing research suggesting this combined approach might help address underlying problems in Long COVID and support the body's ability to handle stress.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Proposed Mechanistic Axis of Infections and mTOR Hyperactivation: A Multidisciplinary Review of Immune, Rheumatologic, and Psychiatric Links.

Fronticelli Baldelli, Giovanni, Buonsenso, Danilo·Children (Basel, Switzerland)·2025

This review proposes that a protein called mTOR may be the key link between infections and the long-lasting symptoms seen in ME/CFS and similar post-infection illnesses. The authors suggest that when mTOR stays overactive after an infection, it can damage the barrier that protects the brain, allow immune cells to enter brain tissue, and cause ongoing inflammation that affects how the brain works. They outline a step-by-step pathway explaining how this might happen and suggest that targeting mTOR could be a new treatment approach.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Metabolic adaptation and fragility in healthy 3Din vitroskeletal muscle tissues exposed to chronic fatigue syndrome and Long COVID-19 sera.

Mughal, Sheeza, Andújar-Sánchez, Félix, Sabater-Arcis, Maria et al.·Biofabrication·2025

Researchers grew human muscle tissue in the laboratory and exposed it to blood from ME/CFS and Long COVID patients to see what happens. They found that muscle exposed to patient blood initially tries to work harder by burning more fuel, but over time the muscle becomes weak and fragile. The mitochondria (the energy-producing structures in cells) also change shape and stop working properly, suggesting the muscle is struggling under stress.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Corticosteroids with low glucocorticoid activity as a potential therapeutic strategy for post-COVID-19 myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome in patients with bipolar affective disorder: A case report.

Nakajima, Kan, Ayani, Nobutaka, Matsuoka, Teruyuki et al.·PCN reports : psychiatry and clinical neurosciences·2025

This case report describes one patient with bipolar disorder who developed ME/CFS after COVID-19 and was treated with different types of steroid medications. Strong steroids (betamethasone and prednisolone) triggered a severe manic episode requiring hospitalization, but a weaker steroid (hydrocortisone) improved her fatigue without worsening her mood. The findings suggest that choosing the right type of steroid may be important for ME/CFS patients who also have mood disorders.

Endocrine Disruption

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

Mechanistic Insights Into Long Covid: Viral Persistence, Immune Dysregulation, and Multi-Organ Dysfunction.

Gupta, Gautam, Buonsenso, Danilo, Wood, John et al.·Comprehensive Physiology·2025

This review examines how Long Covid causes persistent symptoms affecting multiple body systems. The research suggests that SARS-CoV-2 virus may hide in body tissues, trigger ongoing immune problems, and damage how cells produce energy, which could explain fatigue and post-exertion crashes. These mechanisms appear similar to ME/CFS, suggesting the two conditions may share common biological pathways.

NeuroinflammationImmune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

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Genetic Insights into Circulating Complement Proteins in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Potential Inflammatory Subgroup.

Patient experiences of remote consulting with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis and fibromyalgia: a qualitative study.

Histone phosphorylation analysis of two main TCM syndromes of chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Psychological Benefits of Forest Bathing in Individuals with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A Pilot Study.

Repeated Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing of ME/CFS Patients.

Comparing DNA Methylation Landscapes in Peripheral Blood from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long COVID Patients.

Multifaceted evolution focused on maximal exploitation of domain knowledge for the consensus inference of Gene Regulatory Networks.

Cerebrospinal fluid metabolomics, lipidomics and serine pathway dysfunction in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndroome (ME/CFS).

"I would love to say it's the fatigue but honestly it's not": Into Adulthood with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

Wearable Devices Enable Long COVID Patients to Decrease Symptom Severity: A Case Series From Pilot User Testing.

Static and Kinetic Disequilibrium are Central Neural Signs in Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Therapeutic Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Pulling Back the Curtains.

The Gut-Brain-Immune Axis in Environmental Sensitivity Illnesses: Microbiome-Centered Narrative Review of Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

Gulf War Illness Induced Sex-Specific Transcriptional Differences Under Stressful Conditions.

Identifying potential biomarkers in the hippocampus of chronic fatigue syndrome rats treated with moxibustion at Zusanli (ST36): a proteomics study.

Clinically Meaningful Improvements in Long COVID Symptoms Following Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy Combined with Lifestyle Interventions-A Clinical Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Proposed Mechanistic Axis of Infections and mTOR Hyperactivation: A Multidisciplinary Review of Immune, Rheumatologic, and Psychiatric Links.

Metabolic adaptation and fragility in healthy 3Din vitroskeletal muscle tissues exposed to chronic fatigue syndrome and Long COVID-19 sera.

Corticosteroids with low glucocorticoid activity as a potential therapeutic strategy for post-COVID-19 myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome in patients with bipolar affective disorder: A case report.

Mechanistic Insights Into Long Covid: Viral Persistence, Immune Dysregulation, and Multi-Organ Dysfunction.

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