ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

4241–4260 of 6,209 studies

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Late-Onset Hypogonadism in a Male Patient with Long COVID Diagnosed by Exclusion of ME/CFS.

Soejima, Yoshiaki, Otsuka, Yuki, Tokumasu, Kazuki et al.·Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)·2022

This case report describes a 36-year-old man who had persistent fatigue after COVID-19 infection. Doctors discovered he had abnormally low testosterone levels and pituitary gland problems, which can cause fatigue and other symptoms. After treatment with traditional herbal medicine, his fatigue improved along with his hormone levels and gland function.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

The Pathobiology of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Case for Neuroglial Failure.

Renz-Polster, Herbert, Tremblay, Marie-Eve, Bienzle, Dorothee et al.·Frontiers in cellular neuroscience·2022

This study suggests that ME/CFS might be caused by problems with certain support cells in the brain called glia, which help protect and maintain nerve cells. The researchers reviewed existing research on two key ME/CFS symptoms—feeling worse after activity and reduced blood flow to the brain—and found evidence that brain cell dysfunction could explain many of the different problems seen in ME/CFS.

NeuroinflammationPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Unexplained post-acute infection syndromes.

Choutka, Jan, Jansari, Viraj, Hornig, Mady et al.·Nature medicine·2022

This review explains that several different infections—not just COVID-19—can sometimes cause long-lasting illness in some people who recover from the initial infection. These post-infection conditions share similar symptoms and overlap with ME/CFS, suggesting they might have common underlying causes that scientists don't yet understand. The authors argue that researchers need to invest more effort in understanding why and how these mysterious long-term illnesses develop.

Long COVID Overlap

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Proposed subtypes of post-COVID-19 syndrome (or long-COVID) and their respective potential therapies.

Yong, Shin Jie, Liu, Shiliang·Reviews in medical virology·2022

This review examines long COVID (persistent symptoms lasting months after COVID-19 infection) and proposes that it comes in six different subtypes, one of which is ME/CFS-like illness. The authors describe the symptoms and potential treatments for each subtype, helping doctors and patients better understand which type of long COVID a person might have. This framework could help lead to more targeted treatments since different subtypes may need different approaches.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Chronic post-COVID-19 syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome: Is there a role for extracorporeal apheresis?

Bornstein, Stefan R, Voit-Bak, Karin, Donate, Timo et al.·Molecular psychiatry·2022

Some people who had COVID-19 continue to experience fatigue and breathing problems long after recovering from the infection, a condition called long-COVID. This pattern of ongoing symptoms looks similar to ME/CFS, another condition that causes persistent fatigue. Researchers found that both conditions may involve the body producing antibodies (immune proteins) that attack certain nerve receptors. A treatment called extracorporeal apheresis, which filters blood to remove these harmful antibodies, showed promise in improving symptoms in ME/CFS patients and might also help those with long-COVID.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM unclearMethods-Paper

Ensuring the Voice of the Very Severely Affected Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patient Is Heard in Research-A Research Model.

Baxter, Helen·Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)·2022

Most ME/CFS research has only included patients well enough to visit clinics, which means the most severely affected patients—those who are housebound or bedbound—have been left out. This study showed that very severely affected patients can participate in research if researchers make practical adjustments, like allowing phone or text responses instead of requiring in-person visits. By reaching out directly to these patients, researchers were able to gather their important experiences and insights.

Severe ME

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Experiences of pain in paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a single-centre qualitative study.

Serafimova, Teona, Ascough, Caitlin, Parslow, Roxanne Morin et al.·BMJ paediatrics open·2022

This study explored how children with ME/CFS experience pain by interviewing 13 young people (average age 15). Researchers found that pain is very common, highly varied, and significantly impacts daily life—affecting physical activity, eating, schooling, and mental health. Most importantly, the children reported that current treatments don't work well, highlighting an urgent need for better pain management options.

Pain and Sensitization

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM requiredMechanistic

Exosome-associated mitochondrial DNA from patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome stimulates human microglia to release IL-1β.

Tsilioni, Irene, Natelson, Benjamin, Theoharides, Theoharis C·The European journal of neuroscience·2022

This study found that after exercise, patients with ME/CFS have more pieces of DNA from their mitochondria (the energy-producing parts of cells) floating in their blood inside tiny particles called exosomes. When researchers tested these exosomes on immune cells in the lab, they triggered the release of IL-1β, a chemical that causes inflammation in the brain. This suggests that exercise might trigger a chain reaction involving these DNA-carrying particles that could contribute to ME/CFS symptoms.

NeuroinflammationImmune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearObservational

Clinical effects of wasabi extract containing 6-MSITC on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an open-label trial.

Oka, Takakazu, Yamada, Yu, Lkhagvasuren, Battuvshin et al.·BioPsychoSocial medicine·2022

Researchers tested whether wasabi extract—specifically a compound called 6-MSITC that has anti-inflammatory properties—could help people with ME/CFS. Fifteen patients took the supplement daily for 12 weeks, and many reported improvements in headaches, muscle pain, brain fog, and cognitive problems like word-finding difficulties. The study found measurable improvements in pain sensitivity and thinking speed, though overall fatigue scores did not change significantly.

Pain and SensitizationCognitive Impairment

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Elevated ATG13 in serum of patients with ME/CFS stimulates oxidative stress response in microglial cells via activation of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE).

Gottschalk, Gunnar, Peterson, Daniel, Knox, Konstance et al.·Molecular and cellular neurosciences·2022

Researchers found that people with ME/CFS have higher levels of a protein called ATG13 in their blood compared to healthy people. When they tested this protein on brain immune cells in the lab, it triggered the production of harmful molecules called free radicals (oxidative stress). This suggests that a breakdown in the body's cellular recycling system (autophagy) might contribute to the inflammation and stress response seen in ME/CFS.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearLongitudinal

Dynamic Epigenetic Changes during a Relapse and Recovery Cycle in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Helliwell, Amber M, Stockwell, Peter A, Edgar, Christina D et al.·International journal of molecular sciences·2022

This study looked at how a person's DNA changes during ME/CFS relapses by examining two patients' genetic material multiple times over several months as they experienced a relapse and recovery. The researchers found that during relapses, the patients' DNA showed much larger changes in a process called methylation (a chemical marking system that controls which genes are active) compared to healthy people. These changes affected genes involved in metabolism, immune function, and inflammation—processes that are important in ME/CFS.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

[Long COVID: Is it really myalgic encephalomyelitis? Bibliographic review and considerations].

Espinosa Rodríguez, P, Martínez Aguilar, A, Ripoll Muñoz, M P et al.·Semergen·2022

This review examines whether long COVID (prolonged symptoms after COVID-19 infection) might actually be myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS). The authors found striking similarities between long COVID symptoms and the diagnostic criteria used to identify ME/CFS. They recommend that patients with ongoing symptoms after COVID-19 receive blood tests, chest imaging, and long-term medical follow-up to monitor for potential chronic illness development.

Diagnostics

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Sciatic-Vagal Nerve Stimulation by Electroacupuncture Alleviates Inflammatory Arthritis in Lyme Disease-Susceptible C3H Mice.

Akoolo, Lavoisier, Djokic, Vitomir, Rocha, Sandra C et al.·Frontiers in immunology·2022

This study tested whether electroacupuncture (a needle-based treatment that uses electrical stimulation) could reduce joint inflammation and symptoms in mice with Lyme disease. The researchers found that electroacupuncture reduced inflammation markers and immune cells in the joints, even though it didn't eliminate the Lyme bacteria itself. The anti-inflammatory effects lasted even after treatment stopped, suggesting this approach might help people with long-lasting Lyme disease symptoms.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Muscle sodium content in patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Petter, Elisabeth, Scheibenbogen, Carmen, Linz, Peter et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2022

Researchers used a special type of MRI scan to measure sodium levels in the leg muscles of ME/CFS patients and healthy people. They found that ME/CFS patients had higher sodium buildup in their muscles both at rest and after exercise, and this sodium overload was linked to weaker grip strength. This suggests that muscles in ME/CFS may not be handling sodium properly, which could contribute to fatigue and muscle pain.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Mucosal Immunity and the Gut-Microbiota-Brain-Axis in Neuroimmune Disease.

Sterling, Kathryn G, Dodd, Griffin Kutler, Alhamdi, Shatha et al.·International journal of molecular sciences·2022

This review article examines the connection between gut bacteria, immunity, and the brain in diseases like ME/CFS. The authors explain that the bacteria in our gut can communicate with our brain through chemical signals and nerves, but this communication can be disrupted in certain illnesses. They focus on how the immune system in the gut lining controls which bacteria thrive there, and how changes in these bacterial communities might contribute to neuroimmune diseases.

NeuroinflammationGut MicrobiomeImmune System

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclear

Living with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: Experiences of occupational disruption for adults in Australia.

Bartlett, Chelsea, Hughes, Julie L, Miller, Laura·The British journal of occupational therapy·2022

This Australian study interviewed five people with ME/CFS about how the illness affected their ability to work and participate in daily activities. Participants described losing the ability to do the things that mattered to them—first hobbies and leisure activities, then work, and eventually basic self-care tasks. They also faced challenges from lack of understanding about ME/CFS, financial difficulties, and limited healthcare support.

Cognitive Impairment

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

The potential role of ischaemia-reperfusion injury in chronic, relapsing diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Long COVID, and ME/CFS: evidence, mechanisms, and therapeutic implications.

Kell, Douglas B, Pretorius, Etheresia·The Biochemical journal·2022

This paper proposes that ME/CFS, Long COVID, and some other chronic diseases may be caused by a harmful cycle involving tiny blood clots blocking small blood vessels, followed by damage when blood flow returns. The authors suggest that this process creates harmful molecules called free radicals and triggers inflammation and other problems. They review existing evidence that treatments like antioxidants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and blood thinners might help address these underlying mechanisms.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Skeletal muscle alterations in patients with acute Covid-19 and post-acute sequelae of Covid-19.

Soares, Madu N, Eggelbusch, Moritz, Naddaf, Elie et al.·Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle·2022

Many people with COVID-19 and long COVID experience muscle weakness and tiredness, especially after physical activity. This review examines what happens inside muscle cells in these patients, including muscle fiber shrinkage, changes in how muscles use energy, and immune cell buildup. The authors suggest that severe illness, lack of activity, low oxygen levels, and poor nutrition all contribute to these problems, similar to what happens in other serious conditions.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

A central role for amyloid fibrin microclots in long COVID/PASC: origins and therapeutic implications.

Kell, Douglas B, Laubscher, Gert Jacobus, Pretorius, Etheresia·The Biochemical journal·2022

This study suggests that Long COVID may be caused by unusual blood clots called 'fibrin amyloid microclots' that form after COVID-19 infection. These tiny clots may block small blood vessels and reduce oxygen delivery throughout the body, which could explain many Long COVID symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and breathing problems. The researchers found these microclots in Long COVID patients' blood and propose that special blood-thinning treatments might help dissolve them and relieve symptoms.

E3 PreliminaryBehavioralPEM not requiredObservational

SingStrong-A singing and breathing retraining intervention for respiratory and other common symptoms of long COVID: A pilot study.

Cahalan, Roisin M, Meade, Ciara, Mockler, Sarah·Canadian journal of respiratory therapy : CJRT = Revue canadienne de la therapie respiratoire : RCTR·2022

Researchers tested a 10-week online program called SingStrong that combines breathing exercises, singing, and mindfulness to help people with long COVID. The 21 participants who completed the program reported significant improvements in breathlessness, fatigue, pain, voice quality, and ability to do daily activities. Qualitative feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants reporting better breathing and overall wellbeing.

← Previous Next 20 studies →

Or browse by topic

PEM Immune Neuro Metabolic Biomarkers Severe ME Long COVID Cognitive

Evidence Atlas

Evidence browser

Late-Onset Hypogonadism in a Male Patient with Long COVID Diagnosed by Exclusion of ME/CFS.

The Pathobiology of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Case for Neuroglial Failure.

Unexplained post-acute infection syndromes.

Proposed subtypes of post-COVID-19 syndrome (or long-COVID) and their respective potential therapies.

Chronic post-COVID-19 syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome: Is there a role for extracorporeal apheresis?

Ensuring the Voice of the Very Severely Affected Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patient Is Heard in Research-A Research Model.

Experiences of pain in paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis: a single-centre qualitative study.

Exosome-associated mitochondrial DNA from patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome stimulates human microglia to release IL-1β.

Clinical effects of wasabi extract containing 6-MSITC on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an open-label trial.

Elevated ATG13 in serum of patients with ME/CFS stimulates oxidative stress response in microglial cells via activation of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE).

Dynamic Epigenetic Changes during a Relapse and Recovery Cycle in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

[Long COVID: Is it really myalgic encephalomyelitis? Bibliographic review and considerations].

Sciatic-Vagal Nerve Stimulation by Electroacupuncture Alleviates Inflammatory Arthritis in Lyme Disease-Susceptible C3H Mice.

Muscle sodium content in patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Mucosal Immunity and the Gut-Microbiota-Brain-Axis in Neuroimmune Disease.

Living with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: Experiences of occupational disruption for adults in Australia.

The potential role of ischaemia-reperfusion injury in chronic, relapsing diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Long COVID, and ME/CFS: evidence, mechanisms, and therapeutic implications.

Skeletal muscle alterations in patients with acute Covid-19 and post-acute sequelae of Covid-19.

A central role for amyloid fibrin microclots in long COVID/PASC: origins and therapeutic implications.

SingStrong-A singing and breathing retraining intervention for respiratory and other common symptoms of long COVID: A pilot study.

Curated Collections

Neuroinflammation Evidence

Metabolism & Mitochondria

Biomarkers

PEM-Specific Research