ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

461–480 of 1,186 studies

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredObservational

Not in the mind of neurasthenic lazybones but in the cell nucleus: patients with chronic fatigue syndrome have increased production of nuclear factor kappa beta.

Maes, Michael, Mihaylova, Ivana, Bosmans, Eugene·Neuro endocrinology letters·2007

This study found that people with ME/CFS have higher levels of a molecule called NF-kappa-beta in their white blood cells, both at rest and when stimulated by immune signals. This molecule controls inflammation and stress responses in cells. The higher the NF-kappa-beta levels, the more severe patients' symptoms—including fatigue, muscle pain, and feeling sick—were reported to be.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredLongitudinal

Longitudinal analysis of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production in severely fatigued adolescents.

ter Wolbeek, Maike, van Doornen, Lorenz J P, Kavelaars, Annemieke et al.·Brain, behavior, and immunity·2007

This study compared immune system markers in severely fatigued teenagers, healthy teenagers, and a small group of ME/CFS patients over one year. While fatigued teenagers reported more depression, anxiety, and sleep problems similar to ME/CFS patients, their immune systems looked normal. Only the ME/CFS patients showed a distinct immune pattern with unusually high anti-inflammatory and low pro-inflammatory markers.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Not in the mind but in the cell: increased production of cyclo-oxygenase-2 and inducible NO synthase in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Maes, Michael, Mihaylova, Ivana, Kubera, Marta et al.·Neuro endocrinology letters·2007

This study found that people with ME/CFS have higher levels of two inflammatory molecules (COX-2 and iNOS) in their white blood cells compared to healthy people. The levels of these inflammatory markers were directly linked to how severe their symptoms were, including fatigue, pain, brain fog, and feeling like they have an infection. This suggests ME/CFS involves real inflammation in the body, not just psychological factors.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredObservational

Defining the occurrence and influence of alpha-delta sleep in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Van Hoof, Elke, De Becker, Pascale, Lapp, Charles et al.·The American journal of the medical sciences·2007

This study looked at sleep patterns in 48 ME/CFS patients using overnight sleep recordings. Researchers found that patients had difficulty falling asleep, spent less time in deep restorative sleep, and showed an unusual pattern of brain waves (alpha-delta intrusion) during sleep. Interestingly, this abnormal sleep pattern was linked to anxiety rather than to immune system changes.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Hematologic and urinary excretion anomalies in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Niblett, Suzanne H, King, Katrina E, Dunstan, R Hugh et al.·Experimental biology and medicine (Maywood, N.J.)·2007

Researchers compared blood and urine samples from 100 people with ME/CFS and 82 healthy controls to look for abnormalities. While standard blood tests appeared normal, closer examination found subtle differences in blood cell counts and patterns in how patients' bodies were processing and excreting amino acids (building blocks of protein) and other compounds in their urine.

Energy MetabolismImmune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Decreased expression of CD69 in chronic fatigue syndrome in relation to inflammatory markers: evidence for a severe disorder in the early activation of T lymphocytes and natural killer cells.

Mihaylova, Ivana, DeRuyter, Marcel, Rummens, Jean-Luc et al.·Neuro endocrinology letters·2007

This study looked at immune cell activation in people with ME/CFS by measuring a protein called CD69 on the surface of immune cells. Researchers found that ME/CFS patients had significantly lower levels of this activation marker on their T cells and natural killer cells compared to healthy people, even though the total number of immune cells was normal. This suggests that immune cells in ME/CFS may have trouble becoming activated properly in response to challenges.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Reduced levels of oestrogen receptor beta mRNA in Swedish patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Gräns, Hanna, Nilsson, Maria, Dahlman-Wright, Karin et al.·Journal of clinical pathology·2007

This study looked at a protein called estrogen receptor beta in immune cells from ME/CFS patients and healthy people. Researchers found that ME/CFS patients had lower levels of this protein compared to healthy controls. Since estrogen plays a role in immune function and ME/CFS affects more women than men, this finding suggests hormone-related immune problems might be involved in the disease.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM unclearObservational

Azithromycin in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), an analysis of clinical data.

Vermeulen, Ruud C W, Scholte, Hans R·Journal of translational medicine·2006

This study looked at whether azithromycin, an antibiotic with immune-modulating properties, could help ME/CFS patients. Researchers reviewed medical records from 99 patients who tried azithromycin after other treatments weren't sufficient. About 58 patients (roughly 59%) reported feeling better, and these responders had lower levels of a substance called acetylcarnitine in their blood.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

A first study of cytokine genomic polymorphisms in CFS: Positive association of TNF-857 and IFNgamma 874 rare alleles.

Carlo-Stella, N, Badulli, C, De Silvestri, A et al.·Clinical and experimental rheumatology·2006

This study looked at genetic variations in immune system genes among Italian ME/CFS patients to see if certain genetic patterns might make some people more prone to developing the condition. Researchers found that patients with ME/CFS were more likely to carry specific genetic variants in two genes (TNF and IFNgamma) that are involved in controlling inflammation. These findings suggest that genetic differences might influence how a person's immune system responds and could play a role in ME/CFS development.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Impaired natural immunity, cognitive dysfunction, and physical symptoms in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: preliminary evidence for a subgroup?

Siegel, Scott D, Antoni, Michael H, Fletcher, Mary Ann et al.·Journal of psychosomatic research·2006

This study looked at whether a specific immune system measure called natural killer cell activity (NKCA) could help identify different subgroups of ME/CFS patients. Researchers compared 41 women with ME/CFS who had low NKCA levels to those with normal levels, measuring their cognitive ability and symptoms. They found that patients with low NKCA reported worse cognitive problems, more daytime dysfunction, and performed worse on thinking tests compared to those with normal NKCA levels.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Lower serum zinc in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): relationships to immune dysfunctions and relevance for the oxidative stress status in CFS.

Maes, Michael, Mihaylova, Ivana, De Ruyter, Marcel·Journal of affective disorders·2006

This study found that people with ME/CFS have lower levels of zinc in their blood compared to healthy people. The lower the zinc level, the worse some symptoms were, especially feelings of infection. Zinc helps protect the body from harmful molecules called free radicals, so low zinc may be one reason why ME/CFS involves increased stress and damage in the body.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Activation of human herpesviruses 6 and 7 in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chapenko, S, Krumina, A, Kozireva, S et al.·Journal of clinical virology : the official publication of the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology·2006

This study looked at whether two common viruses (HHV-6 and HHV-7) that usually stay dormant in the body might be reactivating in people with ME/CFS. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS were more likely to have both viruses active at the same time, and when both were active, their immune cells showed signs of stress. This suggests these viruses might play a role in ME/CFS, though the study cannot prove they cause the disease.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

[Prevalence of atopy in chronic fatigue syndrome].

Ferré Ybarz, L, Cardona Dahl, V, Cadahía García, A et al.·Allergologia et immunopathologia·2005

Researchers compared allergies and allergic sensitivity in 25 people with ME/CFS to 20 healthy controls. While patients with ME/CFS reported slightly more respiratory symptoms and drug allergies, the study found no significant difference in overall allergic sensitization between the two groups. This suggests that allergies may not be a core feature of ME/CFS, though some patients do experience them.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Decreased dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate but normal insulin-like growth factor in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): relevance for the inflammatory response in CFS.

Maes, Michael, Mihaylova, Ivana, De Ruyter, Marcel·Neuro endocrinology letters·2005

This study compared hormone levels in people with ME/CFS to healthy controls. Researchers found that ME/CFS patients had significantly lower levels of DHEAS (a hormone made by the adrenal glands), but normal levels of another hormone called IGF1. The low DHEAS was closely linked to markers of immune system activation and inflammation, suggesting this hormone imbalance may contribute to ME/CFS symptoms.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Stress-induced changes in LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Gaab, Jens, Rohleder, Nicolas, Heitz, Vera et al.·Psychoneuroendocrinology·2005

This study tested how ME/CFS patients' immune systems respond to stress compared to healthy people. Researchers gave both groups a stressful public speaking task, then exposed their blood samples to a bacterial substance to measure immune response. Unlike healthy controls whose immune response increased after stress, ME/CFS patients showed a decreased immune response, suggesting their bodies may not mobilize infection-fighting chemicals normally during stress.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Lymphocyte subset differences in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis and major depression.

Robertson, M J, Schacterle, R S, Mackin, G A et al.·Clinical and experimental immunology·2005

This study looked at immune cells in the blood of people with ME/CFS and compared them to people with depression, multiple sclerosis, and healthy individuals. While the total numbers of major immune cell types were similar across groups, researchers found differences in specific subtypes of these cells, particularly in natural killer cells. This suggests that ME/CFS may involve changes in how the immune system is organized, even if total cell counts appear normal.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Association of chronic fatigue syndrome with human leucocyte antigen class II alleles.

Smith, J, Fritz, E L, Kerr, J R et al.·Journal of clinical pathology·2005

This study looked at whether certain genetic markers related to the immune system (called HLA types) are more common in people with ME/CFS than in healthy people. Researchers compared the genetic profiles of 49 ME/CFS patients with 102 healthy controls from the same region of England. They found that one particular genetic marker (HLA-DQA1*01) was significantly more common in ME/CFS patients, suggesting genes may play a role in who develops this illness.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Exercise capacity and immune function in male and female patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Snell, Christopher R, Vanness, J Mark, Strayer, David R et al.·In vivo (Athens, Greece)·2005

This study looked at whether a specific immune system problem affects how much exercise people with ME/CFS can do. Researchers tested 106 ME/CFS patients (35 men and 71 women) on exercise machines and found that patients with abnormal immune activity had noticeably lower exercise capacity than those with normal immune function. The difference was about the same for both men and women.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Chronic fatigue syndrome: exercise performance related to immune dysfunction.

Nijs, Jo, Meeus, Mira, McGregor, Neil R et al.·Medicine and science in sports and exercise·2005

This study looked at whether problems with the immune system might explain why people with ME/CFS feel exhausted after exercise and cannot exercise as much as healthy people. Researchers tested 16 ME/CFS patients' immune cells and had them exercise on a stationary bike while measuring their oxygen use and heart rate. They found that two specific immune markers—elastase and protein kinase R—were linked to reduced exercise capacity, suggesting immune dysfunction may play a role in abnormal exercise responses.

Immune System

E2 ModerateCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Spinal fluid abnormalities in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Natelson, Benjamin H, Weaver, Shelley A, Tseng, Chin-Lin et al.·Clinical and diagnostic laboratory immunology·2005

Researchers performed spinal taps on 44 ME/CFS patients and 13 healthy people to look for signs of brain inflammation. They found that 30% of ME/CFS patients had abnormal levels of white blood cells or proteins in their spinal fluid, compared to none in the healthy group. They also found that certain immune molecules were different in ME/CFS patients, particularly in those with sudden flu-like symptom onset. These results suggest that ME/CFS may involve real physical changes in the nervous system, not just psychological factors.

Immune SystemNeuroinflammation

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Not in the mind of neurasthenic lazybones but in the cell nucleus: patients with chronic fatigue syndrome have increased production of nuclear factor kappa beta.

Longitudinal analysis of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production in severely fatigued adolescents.

Not in the mind but in the cell: increased production of cyclo-oxygenase-2 and inducible NO synthase in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Defining the occurrence and influence of alpha-delta sleep in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Hematologic and urinary excretion anomalies in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Decreased expression of CD69 in chronic fatigue syndrome in relation to inflammatory markers: evidence for a severe disorder in the early activation of T lymphocytes and natural killer cells.

Reduced levels of oestrogen receptor beta mRNA in Swedish patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Azithromycin in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), an analysis of clinical data.

A first study of cytokine genomic polymorphisms in CFS: Positive association of TNF-857 and IFNgamma 874 rare alleles.

Impaired natural immunity, cognitive dysfunction, and physical symptoms in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: preliminary evidence for a subgroup?

Lower serum zinc in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): relationships to immune dysfunctions and relevance for the oxidative stress status in CFS.

Activation of human herpesviruses 6 and 7 in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

[Prevalence of atopy in chronic fatigue syndrome].

Decreased dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate but normal insulin-like growth factor in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): relevance for the inflammatory response in CFS.

Stress-induced changes in LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Lymphocyte subset differences in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis and major depression.

Association of chronic fatigue syndrome with human leucocyte antigen class II alleles.

Exercise capacity and immune function in male and female patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Chronic fatigue syndrome: exercise performance related to immune dysfunction.

Spinal fluid abnormalities in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

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