ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

4461–4480 of 6,188 studies

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Determination by ICP-MS and multivariate data analysis of elemental urine excretion profile during the EDTA chelation therapy: A case study.

Robotti, Elisa, Quasso, Fabio, Manfredi, Marcello et al.·Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS)·2020

This study looked at one patient with ME/CFS symptoms who may have had heavy metal poisoning. The doctors gave the patient a chelation therapy treatment (a medicine designed to bind to and remove heavy metals from the body) every two weeks for 17 months, and measured how much metal came out in the urine. The study found that most heavy metals were eliminated in the first 24 hours after treatment, but the effect wore off quickly—suggesting more frequent treatments might work better.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not required

The effect of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) severity on cellular bioenergetic function.

Tomas, Cara, Elson, Joanna L, Strassheim, Victoria et al.·PloS one·2020

This study looked at how well the energy-producing parts of cells (mitochondria) work in people with ME/CFS compared to healthy people. Researchers found that both people with moderate and severe ME/CFS had problems with how their cells produce energy, but severely affected patients had additional problems with how their cells break down glucose for energy. This suggests that severe ME/CFS involves more widespread energy problems than moderate ME/CFS.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Fungal Dysbiosis Correlates with the Development of Tumor-Induced Cachexia in Mice.

Jabes, Daniela L, de Maria, Yara N L F, Aciole Barbosa, David et al.·Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)·2020

This study looked at how fungi (different from bacteria) in the gut change when cancer causes severe weight loss and muscle wasting called cachexia. Researchers compared mice with cancer-induced cachexia to healthy mice and found significant differences in their fungal populations. Interestingly, some of these fungal changes are similar to those seen in other conditions, including ME/CFS, suggesting a common gut-related mechanism across different diseases.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

An Adrenalectomy Mouse Model Reflecting Clinical Features for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Lee, Jin-Seok, Jeon, Yoo-Jin, Park, Samuel-Young et al.·Biomolecules·2020

Researchers tested three different mouse models to find the best one for studying ME/CFS. They found that removing the adrenal glands (small organs that produce stress hormones) in mice created fatigue and pain symptoms most similar to ME/CFS, while other common models mainly produced depression-like behaviors. The adrenal-removed mice also showed specific brain changes involving inflammation and stress hormone pathways.

Neuroinflammation

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Low-dose naltrexone as a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Bolton, Monica Jane, Chapman, Bryan Paul, Van Marwijk, Harm·BMJ case reports·2020

This study describes three people with ME/CFS who tried taking low-dose naltrexone (LDN), a medication sometimes used off-label for immune-related conditions. The patients experienced different results—some reported major improvements in their quality of life, while others noticed only modest reductions in specific symptoms like pain or fatigue. The doses used were quite small (4-12 mg), and the authors suggest that larger clinical trials might be worth doing to properly test whether LDN could help ME/CFS patients.

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM not requiredMethods-Paper

Development of a conceptual framework to underpin a health-related quality of life outcome measure in paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalopathy (CFS/ME): prioritisation through card ranking.

Parslow, Roxanne M, Anderson, Nina, Byrne, Danielle et al.·Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation·2020

Researchers asked young people with ME/CFS and their parents what aspects of their health and daily life matter most to them. Using a card-ranking game, 21 young people (ages 12-17) and their parents identified and discussed the outcomes that would be most important to improve. The study found that symptoms, tiredness, 'payback' (crashing after activity), and hobbies were ranked as most important by both groups, though young people prioritized school more and parents worried more about mood.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Early Growth Response Gene Upregulation in Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-Associated Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).

Kerr, Jonathan·Biomolecules·2020

This study looked at specific genes called EGR genes that turn on in response to stress and infection. Researchers found that these genes were abnormally active in blood samples from some ME/CFS patients, and this activity matched up with signs of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation. This suggests that in some people with ME/CFS, a dormant virus may be waking up and triggering an ongoing immune response.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Successful Treatment of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with Chronic Febricula Using the Traditional Japanese Medicine Shosaikoto.

Numata, Takehiro, Miura, Kazuki, Akaishi, Tetsuya et al.·Internal medicine (Tokyo, Japan)·2020

A 14-year-old girl with ME/CFS who had experienced severe tiredness, low-grade fevers, and school absence for 20 months was treated with shosaikoto, a traditional Japanese herbal medicine. Within several weeks, her symptoms improved dramatically and she was able to return to school. This case suggests that shosaikoto may help some ME/CFS patients, particularly those with persistent low fevers.

E3 PreliminaryGuidelinePEM not requiredGuideline

International expert consensus on the management of allergic rhinitis (AR) aggravated by air pollutants: Impact of air pollution on patients with AR: Current knowledge and future strategies.

Naclerio, Robert, Ansotegui, Ignacio J, Bousquet, Jean et al.·The World Allergy Organization journal·2020

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever and similar nasal allergies) affects millions of people and becomes worse when air pollution is present. This expert consensus report reviews how air pollution—both indoors and outdoors—makes allergic rhinitis symptoms worse, and discusses the best ways to manage it. The main treatment involves following standard allergy guidelines and reducing exposure to pollutants, though more research is needed on which medicines work best for people dealing with both allergies and air pollution.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM requiredMethods-Paper

Assessment of Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) in Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): A Patient-Driven Survey.

Holtzman, Carly S, Bhatia, Shaun, Cotler, Joseph et al.·Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)·2019

This study worked directly with ME/CFS patients to create a better way to measure post-exertional malaise (PEM)—the symptom where activity makes you feel significantly worse. Over 1,500 patients completed a survey to help researchers understand what aspects of PEM are most important to measure, including what triggers it, how quickly symptoms start, and how long they last. The study shows that involving patients in designing assessment tools leads to more thorough and meaningful measurements.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Changes in circulating microRNA after recumbent isometric yoga practice by patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an explorative pilot study.

Takakura, Shu, Oka, Takakazu, Sudo, Nobuyuki·BioPsychoSocial medicine·2019

This small study tested whether a gentle form of yoga (practiced lying down with adjustable resistance) could help ME/CFS patients feel less tired. Nine patients with ME/CFS who hadn't improved with standard treatment practiced this yoga for 3 months. Their fatigue scores improved significantly, and their blood showed changes in tiny molecules called microRNAs that may be related to how the yoga helped reduce their tiredness.

Biomarkers

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearObservational

Epstein-Barr Virus Induced Gene-2 Upregulation Identifies a Particular Subtype of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

Kerr, Jonathan R·Frontiers in pediatrics·2019

This study found that about 38-55% of ME/CFS patients have higher levels of a specific gene called EBI2 turned on in their immune cells. Patients with this EBI2 pattern appear to have more severe symptoms and different antibody levels compared to other ME/CFS patients. Because EBI2 is known to affect both immune function and brain function, finding this subtype could help explain why ME/CFS patients experience such different symptoms and may lead to new treatments.

BiomarkersImmune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Gulf War Illness: Unifying Hypothesis for a Continuing Health Problem.

Mawson, Anthony R, Croft, Ashley M·International journal of environmental research and public health·2019

Gulf War Illness (GWI) affects 25-32% of veterans from the 1991 Gulf War and causes chronic pain, fatigue, weakness, headaches, and thinking problems. This paper proposes that a combination of vaccinations and exposure to chemicals like an anti-nerve-agent drug (pyridostigmine bromide) may have damaged veterans' livers, causing them to release vitamin A at toxic levels into the bloodstream. This liver-based explanation could also help explain similar conditions like ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and multiple chemical sensitivities.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Neuroimmunology: What Role for Autoimmunity, Neuroinflammation, and Small Fiber Neuropathy in Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Adverse Events after Human Papillomavirus Vaccination?

Ryabkova, Varvara A, Churilov, Leonid P, Shoenfeld, Yehuda·International journal of molecular sciences·2019

This review explores three interconnected biological processes that may cause fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS): the immune system attacking the body's own tissues, inflammation in the nervous system, and damage to small nerve fibers. The authors propose that these three mechanisms work together and may explain why patients experience widespread pain, extreme fatigue, and other symptoms like brain fog and sleep problems. They also examine whether similar mechanisms might explain some adverse reactions to HPV vaccination.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM not requiredMethods-Paper

Implementing guided ICBT for chronic pain and fatigue: A qualitative evaluation among therapists and managers.

van der Vaart, Rosalie, Worm-Smeitink, Margreet, Bos, Yvonne et al.·Internet interventions·2019

This study looked at how therapists and managers can successfully set up and use internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT)—an online treatment for chronic pain and fatigue—in their clinics. Researchers interviewed staff from twelve mental health clinics to understand what helps or gets in the way when starting this new type of treatment. They found that success depends on factors like the quality of the online program, whether therapists feel confident using it, whether patients want to try online treatment, and whether the clinic has proper support and funding.

E3 PreliminaryPEM unclear

'It's like being a slave to your own body in a way': a qualitative study of adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Njølstad, Berit Widerøe, Mengshoel, Anne Marit, Sveen, Unni·Scandinavian journal of occupational therapy·2019

This study listened to seven teenagers with ME/CFS talk about how the illness changed their lives. Young people described feeling trapped in bodies that no longer worked the way they expected, missing out on activities with friends, and having to spend most of their time at home. However, the study also found that over time, many teens learned to accept their situation, adapted their daily activities, and rebuilt a sense of purpose and hope for the future.

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Cannabis-induced Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Coincidence or Not?

Landa, Eric, Vigandt, Erika, Andreev, Alexander et al.·Cureus·2019

This case report describes one patient who had a heart attack (myocardial infarction) shortly after smoking marijuana. The patient was a 42-year-old man with no previous heart problems who experienced chest pain at rest about one hour after using marijuana. The authors suggest that marijuana may have triggered the heart attack, though this is considered a rare occurrence.

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM requiredEditorial

Suggested pathology of systemic exertion intolerance disease: Impairment of the E3 subunit or crossover of swinging arms of the E2 subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex decreases regeneration of cofactor dihydrolipoic acid of the E2 subunit.

Bohne, Victoria J Berdikova, Bohne, Øyvind·Medical hypotheses·2019

This paper proposes that ME/CFS might result from a problem in how the body converts fuel into energy, specifically involving a protein complex called the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. The researchers suggest that when this complex isn't working properly, it causes lactate (a byproduct of metabolism) to build up suddenly in the body, which could explain the exhaustion and post-exertional malaise (worsening after activity) that patients experience. They propose that the body isn't efficiently recycling important molecules needed for energy production, leading to low energy and fatigue.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM requiredObservational

Exercise-induce hyperalgesia, complement system and elastase activation in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - a secondary analysis of experimental comparative studies.

Polli, Andrea, Van Oosterwijck, Jessica, Meeus, Mira et al.·Scandinavian journal of pain·2019

This study explored whether exercise-triggered immune system changes in ME/CFS patients are connected to increased pain sensitivity. Researchers compared immune markers and pain thresholds in ME/CFS patients and healthy people before and after two different types of exercise. They found a link between changes in a immune protein called C4a and pain sensitivity in ME/CFS patients, but this connection was weak and only showed up in some measurements.

Immune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome: how could the illness develop?

Morris, Gerwyn, Maes, Michael, Berk, Michael et al.·Metabolic brain disease·2019

This study proposes a theory for how ME/CFS might develop, starting with an infection that triggers lasting problems in the body's immune system and stress response. The authors suggest that in genetically vulnerable people, this leads to a chain of events: increased inflammation, intestinal problems that allow bacteria-related substances to enter the bloodstream, nervous system dysfunction, and eventually a state where the immune system becomes exhausted and less able to fight back. This model tries to explain why ME/CFS patients have the specific symptoms and lab abnormalities doctors observe.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

← Previous Next 20 studies →

Or browse by topic

PEM Immune Neuro Metabolic Biomarkers Severe ME Long COVID Cognitive

Evidence Atlas

Evidence browser

Determination by ICP-MS and multivariate data analysis of elemental urine excretion profile during the EDTA chelation therapy: A case study.

The effect of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) severity on cellular bioenergetic function.

Fungal Dysbiosis Correlates with the Development of Tumor-Induced Cachexia in Mice.

An Adrenalectomy Mouse Model Reflecting Clinical Features for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Low-dose naltrexone as a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Development of a conceptual framework to underpin a health-related quality of life outcome measure in paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalopathy (CFS/ME): prioritisation through card ranking.

Early Growth Response Gene Upregulation in Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-Associated Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).

Successful Treatment of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with Chronic Febricula Using the Traditional Japanese Medicine Shosaikoto.

International expert consensus on the management of allergic rhinitis (AR) aggravated by air pollutants: Impact of air pollution on patients with AR: Current knowledge and future strategies.

Assessment of Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) in Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): A Patient-Driven Survey.

Changes in circulating microRNA after recumbent isometric yoga practice by patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: an explorative pilot study.

Epstein-Barr Virus Induced Gene-2 Upregulation Identifies a Particular Subtype of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

Gulf War Illness: Unifying Hypothesis for a Continuing Health Problem.

Neuroimmunology: What Role for Autoimmunity, Neuroinflammation, and Small Fiber Neuropathy in Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Adverse Events after Human Papillomavirus Vaccination?

Implementing guided ICBT for chronic pain and fatigue: A qualitative evaluation among therapists and managers.

'It's like being a slave to your own body in a way': a qualitative study of adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Cannabis-induced Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Coincidence or Not?

Suggested pathology of systemic exertion intolerance disease: Impairment of the E3 subunit or crossover of swinging arms of the E2 subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex decreases regeneration of cofactor dihydrolipoic acid of the E2 subunit.

Exercise-induce hyperalgesia, complement system and elastase activation in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - a secondary analysis of experimental comparative studies.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome: how could the illness develop?

Curated Collections

Neuroinflammation Evidence

Metabolism & Mitochondria

Biomarkers

PEM-Specific Research