ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

4501–4520 of 6,188 studies

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearObservational

Modification of Immunological Parameters, Oxidative Stress Markers, Mood Symptoms, and Well-Being Status in CFS Patients after Probiotic Intake: Observations from a Pilot Study.

Venturini, Letizia, Bacchi, Sara, Capelli, Enrica et al.·Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity·2019

This study tested whether taking a specific combination of probiotic supplements (beneficial bacteria) could help people with ME/CFS. Researchers measured changes in immune function, inflammation markers, oxidative stress, and mood before and after patients took probiotics. The results showed improvements in well-being and reductions in inflammatory markers, though one patient experienced a temporary worsening of fatigue symptoms.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Leveraging Prior Knowledge of Endocrine Immune Regulation in the Therapeutically Relevant Phenotyping of Women With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Morris, Matthew C, Cooney, Katherine E, Sedghamiz, Hooman et al.·Clinical therapeutics·2019

This study used computer modeling to understand how hormones and immune system chemicals become unbalanced in ME/CFS. Researchers measured 17 immune markers in women with ME/CFS before, during, and after exercise, then created detailed mathematical models to predict what other hormones and chemicals might also be out of balance. The models suggested that two existing drugs (rintatolimod and rituximab) might help different subgroups of patients, depending on their specific hormone and immune profiles.

Immune System

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 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 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

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 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Neurasthenia: Modern Malady or Historical Relic?

Overholser, James C, Beale, Eleanor E·The Journal of nervous and mental disease·2019

This article looks back at a condition called neurasthenia that doctors diagnosed frequently between 1869 and 1930, then largely abandoned. The authors found that many symptoms people with neurasthenia experienced—like exhaustion, mental fog, and physical weakness—are still seen today in conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and fibromyalgia. By understanding neurasthenia's history, modern doctors may better recognize and treat these conditions and improve how they listen to their patients.

Diagnostics

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM unclearMethods-Paper

Establishment and evaluation of prediction model for multiple disease classification based on gut microbial data.

Bang, Sohyun, Yoo, DongAhn, Kim, Soo-Jin et al.·Scientific reports·2019

Researchers used artificial intelligence to analyze bacteria in the gut of patients with six different diseases, including ME/CFS, to see if gut bacteria patterns could help identify which disease a person has. They tested different computer learning methods and found that looking at bacteria at the genus level (a specific classification of microorganisms) worked best, and they identified certain bacterial groups that might serve as disease markers.

BiomarkersGut Microbiome

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM unclearMethods-Paper

The development of a short form of the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire.

Sunnquist, Madison, Lazarus, Savitri, Jason, Leonard A·Rehabilitation psychology·2019

Researchers created a shorter version of a commonly used questionnaire that measures ME/CFS symptoms. Instead of 99 questions, the new version has only 14 questions that capture the most important symptoms. This shorter form works well at identifying people with ME/CFS and can be easier for patients to complete, especially those with fatigue and thinking difficulties.

Diagnostics

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

[From neurasthenia to post-exertion disease: Evolution of the diagnostic criteria of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis].

Murga, Íñigo, Lafuente, José-Vicente·Atencion primaria·2019

This study traces how ME/CFS has been named and diagnosed over the past 150+ years, from 'neurasthenia' in the 1800s to today's 'post-exertional malaise.' The researchers reviewed medical literature to show how our understanding of this disease has evolved, and highlight that doctors still diagnose it mainly by symptoms and by ruling out other conditions, since no single biological marker has been found.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Hope, disappointment and perseverance: Reflections of people with Myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Multiple Sclerosis participating in biomedical research. A qualitative focus group study.

Lacerda, Eliana M, McDermott, Clare, Kingdon, Caroline C et al.·Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy·2019

Researchers asked people with ME/CFS and MS about their experiences participating in a major study that collected blood samples and health information. Patients shared their hopes and frustrations about research, what they want scientists to study next, and how they'd like findings to be shared with them. The participants felt that research progress is like slowly putting together a puzzle, and they emphasized how important collaboration and persistence are.

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclear

Severe posterior hypometabolism but normal perfusion in a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis revealed by PET/MRI.

Sahbai, S, Kauv, P, Abrivard, M et al.·European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging·2019

This study examined a single ME/CFS patient's brain using advanced imaging technology (PET/MRI) that can show both brain activity and blood flow simultaneously. The researchers found that certain areas in the back of the patient's brain showed significantly lower metabolic activity (meaning cells were using less energy), but blood flow to those same areas appeared normal. This unusual pattern suggests that ME/CFS may involve a specific type of brain dysfunction that current standard brain scans might miss.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Myalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome following immunization: macrophagic myofasciitis and animal studies support linkage to aluminum adjuvant persistency and diffusion in the immune system.

Gherardi, Romain K, Crépeaux, Guillemette, Authier, François-Jérome·Autoimmunity reviews·2019

This review examines whether ME/CFS could be triggered by aluminum-containing substances in certain vaccines. The authors present evidence that aluminum particles may persist in immune cells and travel to the brain, potentially causing the cognitive problems, muscle pain, and fatigue seen in ME/CFS. They argue this condition represents a broader category of vaccine-related adverse effects called ASIA.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Neuroinflammation disorders exacerbated by environmental stressors.

O'Callaghan, James P, Miller, Diane B·Metabolism: clinical and experimental·2019

This review examines how inflammation in the brain and nervous system may be involved in ME/CFS and similar conditions. The authors suggest that various environmental stressors—like infections or other physical demands—can trigger or worsen this brain inflammation, leading to symptoms like fatigue, muscle pain, and brain fog. They propose that stress affects a key hormone system in the body (the HPA axis), which may play a role in how long these symptoms persist.

Neuroinflammation

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Investigating the aetiology of adverse events following HPV vaccination with systems vaccinology.

Campbell-Tofte, Joan, Vrahatis, Aristidis, Josefsen, Knud et al.·Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS·2019

This paper proposes a research approach to investigate whether HPV vaccine can cause ME/CFS-like symptoms in some people. The authors suggest using detailed blood and immune system tests to compare vaccinated people who experienced problems with unvaccinated people who have similar symptoms, to see if the vaccine is actually responsible. This type of detailed comparison could help identify who might be at risk and provide objective evidence about vaccine safety.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 channels are overexpressed in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

Balinas, Cassandra, Cabanas, Helene, Staines, Donald et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2019

This study looked at immune cells called NK cells in people with ME/CFS, focusing on special channels on their surface called TRPM2 that control calcium flow. Researchers found that ME/CFS patients had higher levels of these TRPM2 channels compared to healthy people, and their NK cells were less effective at fighting infections. When researchers tried two different drugs to modify these channels, the drugs reduced TRPM2 levels but did not improve the cells' ability to fight infections.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Intra brainstem connectivity is impaired in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Barnden, Leighton R, Shan, Zack Y, Staines, Donald R et al.·NeuroImage. Clinical·2019

This study used brain imaging (fMRI) to compare how different parts of the brainstem communicate in people with ME/CFS versus healthy people. The brainstem is a critical control center that regulates automatic body functions like heart rate, breathing, and sleep. Researchers found that in ME/CFS patients, certain communication pathways between brainstem regions were weaker or missing, which could explain many ME/CFS symptoms like fatigue, cognitive problems, and autonomic dysfunction.

Sleep

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Induced by Repeated Forced Swimming in Mice.

Ohba, Takuya, Domoto, Shinichi, Tanaka, Miyu et al.·Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin·2019

Researchers created a mouse model of ME/CFS by repeatedly forcing mice to swim, which produced fatigue-like behaviors similar to the human condition. They found that this stress reduced the activity of an important energy-producing enzyme called PDH in muscle cells. When they treated the mice with a drug that reactivates PDH, the fatigue-like symptoms improved, suggesting this enzyme may be a target for future ME/CFS treatments.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation and therapeutic inhibitors.

Kerr, Jonathan R·Journal of clinical pathology·2019

This review examines how Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common virus that most people catch at some point in their lives, can become active again in the body—especially during stress—and may contribute to ME/CFS and other illnesses. The authors discuss ways to test for active EBV and review existing medications and supplements that might help prevent the virus from reactivating.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM requiredMethods-Paper

The DePaul Symptom Questionnaire-2: A Validation Study.

Bedree, Helen, Sunnquist, Madison, Jason, Leonard A·Fatigue : biomedicine, health & behavior·2019

Researchers improved a questionnaire called the DSQ-2 that helps doctors identify and understand ME/CFS by asking patients about their specific symptoms. They tested this updated questionnaire with 399 people who have ME or CFS and found that it works well at measuring the main symptoms of these illnesses, including post-exertional malaise (feeling worse after activity), brain fog, pain, and sleep problems. The questionnaire is now a more reliable tool for both diagnosing ME/CFS and understanding how the illness affects different people.

Post-Exertional Malaise

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Evidence browser

Modification of Immunological Parameters, Oxidative Stress Markers, Mood Symptoms, and Well-Being Status in CFS Patients after Probiotic Intake: Observations from a Pilot Study.

Leveraging Prior Knowledge of Endocrine Immune Regulation in the Therapeutically Relevant Phenotyping of Women With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

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

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

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

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

Neurasthenia: Modern Malady or Historical Relic?

Establishment and evaluation of prediction model for multiple disease classification based on gut microbial data.

The development of a short form of the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire.

[From neurasthenia to post-exertion disease: Evolution of the diagnostic criteria of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis].

Hope, disappointment and perseverance: Reflections of people with Myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Multiple Sclerosis participating in biomedical research. A qualitative focus group study.

Severe posterior hypometabolism but normal perfusion in a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis revealed by PET/MRI.

Myalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome following immunization: macrophagic myofasciitis and animal studies support linkage to aluminum adjuvant persistency and diffusion in the immune system.

Neuroinflammation disorders exacerbated by environmental stressors.

Investigating the aetiology of adverse events following HPV vaccination with systems vaccinology.

Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 channels are overexpressed in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

Intra brainstem connectivity is impaired in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Induced by Repeated Forced Swimming in Mice.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation and therapeutic inhibitors.

The DePaul Symptom Questionnaire-2: A Validation Study.

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Biomarkers

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