ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

4021–4040 of 6,188 studies

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Developing a clinical-pathological framework of long COVID-related fatigue applied to public safety workers.

Lofrano-Porto, Adriana, D'Isabel, Susanne, Smith, Denise L·Frontiers in medicine·2024

This article reviews what we know about long COVID fatigue, especially in firefighters and other public safety workers. The authors explain why fatigue after COVID is so hard to diagnose and treat, since patients often look healthy on the outside even though they feel extremely tired. They describe possible biological reasons for this fatigue and discuss why it matters for workers whose jobs require them to be physically and mentally alert.

DiagnosticsLong COVID Overlap

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM unclearMethods-Paper

SEMIPARAMETRIC BIVARIATE HIERARCHICAL STATE SPACE MODEL WITH APPLICATION TO HORMONE CIRCADIAN RELATIONSHIP.

You, Mengying, Guo, Wensheng·The annals of applied statistics·2024

This study looked at two stress hormones—ACTH and cortisol—in people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia compared to healthy controls. Using a new mathematical method to track these hormones over time, researchers found that healthy people show a normal daily rhythm in how these hormones work together, while patients with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia show an irregular, unpredictable pattern instead.

Endocrine Disruption

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM requiredMethods-Paper

Assessing Functional Capacity in Myalgic Encephalopathy/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Patient-Informed Questionnaire.

Sommerfelt, Kristian, Schei, Trude, Seton, Katharine A et al.·Journal of clinical medicine·2024

Researchers created a new questionnaire called FUNCAP to measure how much people with ME/CFS can actually do in their daily lives. The tool has two versions: a longer one with 55 questions (for doctors and disability assessments) and a shorter one with 27 questions (for regular check-ups). After testing it with thousands of patients from Norway and around the world, they found it works reliably and accurately captures the impact of ME/CFS on real-life activities.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

'We have no services for you… so you have to make the best out of it': A qualitative study of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients' dissatisfaction with healthcare services.

Melby, Line, Nair, Roshan das·Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy·2024

This study interviewed 48 people (patients and family members) in Norway about their frustrations with healthcare for ME/CFS. Researchers found that patients struggle with four main problems: services that don't exist for their condition, services that aren't tailored to their individual needs, services that come too late to help, and services that are wrong for ME/CFS altogether. The study suggests that doctors' lack of knowledge about ME/CFS and sometimes disbelief in the condition itself are major reasons why patients feel let down by healthcare.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

The potential role of ocular and otolaryngological mucus proteins in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Huitsing, Kaylin, Tritsch, Tara, Arias, Francisco Javier Carrera et al.·Molecular medicine (Cambridge, Mass.)·2024

This study explores why people with ME/CFS often experience dry eyes, sore throats, and stuffy noses. Researchers investigated whether problems with mucin proteins—substances that create protective layers in your mouth, nose, and eyes—might contribute to ME/CFS symptoms. Using computer analysis and genetic data, they hypothesized that weakened mucus membranes could lead to chronic inflammation in these areas, potentially worsening the condition.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

A Narrative Review on Gut Microbiome Disturbances and Microbial Preparations in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Implications for Long COVID.

Jurek, Joanna Michalina, Castro-Marrero, Jesus·Nutrients·2024

This review examines how changes in gut bacteria may contribute to ME/CFS and long COVID symptoms, and whether taking probiotics or similar microbial preparations might help. The authors looked at existing research to understand the connection between gut health and the brain-immune system, and whether restoring healthy gut bacteria could reduce fatigue, inflammation, and other symptoms in these conditions.

NeuroinflammationImmune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Dysregulation of the Kynurenine Pathway, Cytokine Expression Pattern, and Proteomics Profile Link to Symptomology in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).

Kavyani, Bahar, Ahn, Seong Beom, Missailidis, Daniel et al.·Molecular neurobiology·2024

This study found that ME/CFS patients have imbalances in a particular chemical pathway in their body (the kynurenine pathway) that appears connected to inflammation and symptom severity. The researchers discovered that higher levels of one early chemical in this pathway correlated with worse symptoms, while lower levels of later chemicals in the pathway might affect how cells produce energy. Interestingly, they also found that five of the most significantly changed proteins in ME/CFS patients are involved in gut health, suggesting the gut microbiome may play an important role in the disease.

BiomarkersGut MicrobiomeEnergy MetabolismImmune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

[Therapeutic effect and mechanism of Jingfang Granules on chronic fatigue syndrome based on intestinal flora and metabolomics].

Wang, Kun, Wei, Fang-Jiao, Cui, De-Yu et al.·Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica·2024

Researchers tested a traditional Chinese herbal treatment called Jingfang Granules on mice with fatigue symptoms similar to ME/CFS. The treatment improved the mice's physical endurance, reduced markers of exhaustion and inflammation in the blood and tissues, and appeared to work by restoring healthy gut bacteria and adjusting how the body processes certain amino acids.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM requiredMechanistic

Single-cell transcriptomics of the immune system in ME/CFS at baseline and following symptom provocation.

Vu, Luyen Tien, Ahmed, Faraz, Zhu, Hongya et al.·Cell reports. Medicine·2024

Researchers used advanced technology to examine immune cells from ME/CFS patients and healthy controls, both at rest and after exercise. They found that ME/CFS patients have problems with a type of immune cell called monocytes that appear abnormal and may be moving into tissues inappropriately. After exercise, patients showed additional problems with platelets (cells involved in blood clotting), suggesting the disease involves multiple layers of immune system dysfunction.

Immune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Sex differences in vascular endothelial function related to acute and long COVID-19.

Kitselman A, Kayla, Bédard-Matteau, Jérôme, Rousseau, Simon et al.·Vascular pharmacology·2024

This review examines how COVID-19 and long COVID affect blood vessel health differently in men and women. The authors look at how the virus can damage the inner lining of blood vessels, trigger immune problems, and potentially lead to ME/CFS symptoms. They explore whether biological sex differences explain why some people recover while others develop long-term symptoms like fatigue.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM unclearMethods-Paper

Determining the societal value of a prospective drug for ME/CFS in Germany.

Gandjour, Afschin·PloS one·2024

This study examined how much money Germany should invest in developing a new ME/CFS drug to provide the greatest benefit to patients and society. Researchers calculated that an effective ME/CFS drug could improve quality of life for thousands of patients and save billions of euros, and they determined that Germany's optimal investment would be around €676 million. The study emphasizes that developing ME/CFS treatments requires countries to work together internationally because no single country can bear the full cost alone.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Mitochondria Dysfunction and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Ross, Stephanie Maxine·Holistic nursing practice·2024

This review examines how problems with mitochondria—the energy-producing parts of our cells—might contribute to ME/CFS. The study explores the theory that when mitochondria don't work properly, cells can't produce enough energy, which could explain the severe fatigue and exhaustion that ME/CFS patients experience. Understanding this connection may help researchers develop better treatments aimed at restoring cellular energy production.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Bao Yuan decoction alleviates fatigue by restraining inflammation and oxidative stress via the AMPK/CRY2/PER1 signaling pathway.

Zheng, Yuan, Ren, Xueyang, Qi, Xiaodan et al.·Journal of ethnopharmacology·2024

This study tested a traditional Chinese herbal medicine called Baoyuan Decoction (BYD) to see if it could reduce fatigue in zebrafish models. The researchers found that BYD contains 114 active compounds and appeared to reduce fatigue, inflammation, and oxidative stress by activating specific cellular pathways related to energy metabolism and the body's internal clock.

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Over-Representation of Torque Teno Mini Virus 9 in a Subgroup of Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Pilot Study.

Giménez-Orenga, Karen, Martín-Martínez, Eva, Oltra, Elisa·Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)·2024

Researchers found that a virus called Torque Teno Mini Virus 9 (TTMV9) was present at much higher levels in the blood cells of some ME/CFS patients compared to healthy people and patients with fibromyalgia. This virus could potentially be used as a biological marker to identify and categorize certain ME/CFS patients. The findings suggest that viruses may play a role in ME/CFS, though more research is needed to understand exactly how.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Novel characterization of endogenous transient receptor potential melastatin 3 ion channels from Gulf War Illness participants.

Marshall-Gradisnik, Sonya, Martini Sasso, Etianne, Eaton-Fitch, Natalie et al.·PloS one·2024

This study looked at a specific protein channel (TRPM3) in immune cells called natural killer cells from Gulf War veterans with GWI and compared them to healthy people. The researchers found that TRPM3 doesn't work properly in the Gulf War veterans' cells, whereas it functions normally in healthy people. This finding is important because the same problem with TRPM3 has been seen in ME/CFS patients, suggesting these two illnesses might share a common biological issue.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM unclearEditorial

Microvascular Capillary and Precapillary Cardiovascular Disturbances Strongly Interact to Severely Affect Tissue Perfusion and Mitochondrial Function in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Evolving from the Post COVID-19 Syndrome.

Wirth, Klaus Josef, Löhn, Matthias·Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)·2024

This study proposes that ME/CFS may develop from COVID-19 in some people due to problems with how blood flows through tiny vessels in the body. The researchers suggest that abnormal blood cells and clots, combined with weak heart function and overly constricted blood vessels, create a double problem that starves muscles of oxygen and damages the energy-producing structures (mitochondria) inside cells. This combination may trigger a harmful cycle that keeps the problem going.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Using time diaries to inform occupational therapy practice for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An exploratory study.

Roxburgh, Rachel, Hughes, Julie, Milgate, Wendy·The British journal of occupational therapy·2024

This Australian study looked at how nine people with ME/CFS spend their time each day using a special diary tool. Researchers found that participants spent about 58% of their waking time on leisure and relaxation activities, and their symptoms didn't seem to change much throughout the day. The study suggests that using time diaries could help occupational therapists (specialists who help people manage daily activities) understand better how ME/CFS affects what patients can do, and design better support strategies.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Effect of electroacupuncture on behavior and hippocampal inflammatory factors in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Qu, Yuan-Yuan, Feng, Chu-Wen, Sun, Zhong-Ren et al.·Zhen ci yan jiu = Acupuncture research·2024

Researchers tested whether electroacupuncture—a traditional needle-based treatment—could help rats with experimentally-induced fatigue syndrome. The treated rats showed improved physical endurance, better memory, and reduced anxiety compared to untreated sick rats. The researchers also found that treatment reduced inflammatory markers in the brain and blood that were elevated in sick rats.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM not requiredEditorial

What Makes It Tick: Exploring the Mechanisms of Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome.

Wester, Kate E, Nwokeabia, Bianca C, Hassan, Rehana et al.·Cureus·2024

This article discusses Post-treatment Lyme disease Syndrome (PTLDS), a condition where some people experience lasting fatigue, pain, and thinking problems for more than six months after being treated with antibiotics for Lyme disease. The authors suggest these symptoms may result from the body's immune system continuing to react to damage caused by the Lyme bacteria, even after the infection is gone. Currently, there is no blood test or scan to diagnose PTLDS, so doctors rely on patient symptoms and medical history.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM unclearEditorial

Long COVID: a new disease?

Mirofsky, Matias, Catalano, Hugo·Medicina·2024

This article discusses whether Long COVID should be considered a new disease and examines how medical systems can avoid overtreatment. The authors note that Long COVID shares similarities with other post-infection illnesses like ME/CFS and fibromyalgia, and they argue that careful, thoughtful medical care is important to prevent unnecessary treatments from making patients worse.

Long COVID Overlap

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Developing a clinical-pathological framework of long COVID-related fatigue applied to public safety workers.

SEMIPARAMETRIC BIVARIATE HIERARCHICAL STATE SPACE MODEL WITH APPLICATION TO HORMONE CIRCADIAN RELATIONSHIP.

Assessing Functional Capacity in Myalgic Encephalopathy/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Patient-Informed Questionnaire.

'We have no services for you… so you have to make the best out of it': A qualitative study of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients' dissatisfaction with healthcare services.

The potential role of ocular and otolaryngological mucus proteins in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

A Narrative Review on Gut Microbiome Disturbances and Microbial Preparations in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Implications for Long COVID.

Dysregulation of the Kynurenine Pathway, Cytokine Expression Pattern, and Proteomics Profile Link to Symptomology in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).

[Therapeutic effect and mechanism of Jingfang Granules on chronic fatigue syndrome based on intestinal flora and metabolomics].

Single-cell transcriptomics of the immune system in ME/CFS at baseline and following symptom provocation.

Sex differences in vascular endothelial function related to acute and long COVID-19.

Determining the societal value of a prospective drug for ME/CFS in Germany.

Mitochondria Dysfunction and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Bao Yuan decoction alleviates fatigue by restraining inflammation and oxidative stress via the AMPK/CRY2/PER1 signaling pathway.

Over-Representation of Torque Teno Mini Virus 9 in a Subgroup of Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Pilot Study.

Novel characterization of endogenous transient receptor potential melastatin 3 ion channels from Gulf War Illness participants.

Microvascular Capillary and Precapillary Cardiovascular Disturbances Strongly Interact to Severely Affect Tissue Perfusion and Mitochondrial Function in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Evolving from the Post COVID-19 Syndrome.

Using time diaries to inform occupational therapy practice for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An exploratory study.

Effect of electroacupuncture on behavior and hippocampal inflammatory factors in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome.

What Makes It Tick: Exploring the Mechanisms of Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome.

Long COVID: a new disease?

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