ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

4961–4980 of 6,164 studies

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM unclearEditorial

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF): two "fatigue" syndromes with overlapping symptoms and possibly related aetiologies.

Rovigatti, Ugo·Neuromuscular disorders : NMD·2012

This article compares two types of unexplained fatigue: ME/CFS and cancer-related fatigue. The author reviews evidence suggesting that both conditions may be triggered or worsened by viral infections. While a virus once thought to be connected to ME/CFS turned out to be a laboratory error, the author argues that finding the actual infectious agent responsible remains an important research goal.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM unclearMethods-Paper

Comparison of two quantitative assays for xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus.

Sato, Eiji, Yoshikawa, Rokusuke, Miyazawa, Takayuki·The Journal of veterinary medical science·2012

Researchers developed two new laboratory tests to detect and measure XMRV, a virus that was discovered in some people with chronic fatigue syndrome and prostate cancer. They compared a newer, simpler test called a 'focus assay' with an older test called a 'LacZ marker rescue assay' and found that both tests detected the virus equally well, though the newer test was easier to use.

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM not requiredEditorial

Recombinant origin, contamination, and de-discovery of XMRV.

Delviks-Frankenberry, Krista, Cingöz, Oya, Coffin, John M et al.·Current opinion in virology·2012

In the mid-2000s, scientists announced they found a virus called XMRV in people with ME/CFS, which raised hope for a breakthrough. However, after thorough testing by laboratories around the world, this discovery was proven wrong—the virus wasn't actually present in ME/CFS patients. The original findings were due to accidental contamination from mouse DNA and laboratory materials, and XMRV turned out to be a virus created accidentally in the lab decades earlier, not a natural infection in humans.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

The role of antipsychotics in the management of fibromyalgia.

Calandre, Elena P, Rico-Villademoros, Fernando·CNS drugs·2012

This review examines whether antipsychotic medications—drugs typically used to treat psychiatric conditions—might also help people with fibromyalgia manage pain, sleep problems, fatigue, and mood disturbances. The authors found that some antipsychotics, particularly quetiapine, have shown promise in small studies and case reports, though most research is preliminary and more rigorous testing is needed.

Pain and SensitizationSleep

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Lack of evidence for a role of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer and/or chronic fatigue syndrome.

Hong, Ping, Li, Jinming·Virus research·2012

A virus called XMRV was once thought to possibly cause ME/CFS and prostate cancer, but this review found no solid evidence supporting that connection. The authors looked at multiple studies and concluded that most positive findings were likely due to contamination in lab samples, not actual infection. This virus does not appear to play a role in causing ME/CFS.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

The relationship between muscle pain and fatigue.

Mastaglia, Frank L·Neuromuscular disorders : NMD·2012

When muscles work hard, pain and fatigue often happen together and can make it harder to exercise. This review examines how pain and tiredness are connected in people with muscle disorders, and explores whether brain stimulation techniques might help reduce both symptoms. Researchers used special magnetic brain stimulation tools to study how the brain controls muscles during exhausting activity.

Post-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Temporomandibular disorders and functional somatic syndromes: deliberations for the dentist.

Suma, S, Veerendra Kumar, B·Indian journal of dental research : official publication of Indian Society for Dental Research·2012

This paper discusses jaw and joint problems (temporomandibular disorders) that commonly occur alongside conditions like ME/CFS and fibromyalgia. It explains that these jaw problems are often overlooked because they stem from increased pain sensitivity related to stress and psychological factors, rather than just physical damage. The authors argue that dentists need to recognize these connections and adjust their treatment approach for patients with these overlapping conditions.

Pain and Sensitization

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Peripheral and central mechanisms of fatigue in inflammatory and noninflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Staud, Roland·Current rheumatology reports·2012

Fatigue in rheumatic diseases like ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and lupus comes from both physical body problems and mental/central nervous system factors, not just one or the other. Doctors can measure physical fatigue through muscle tests and mental fatigue through questionnaires. Importantly, pain and mood problems are often stronger predictors of fatigue than the disease activity itself, and treatments for both medication and lifestyle changes can help.

Pain and Sensitization

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Membrane fusion and cell entry of XMRV are pH-independent and modulated by the envelope glycoprotein's cytoplasmic tail.

Côté, Marceline, Zheng, Yi-Min, Liu, Shan-Lu·PloS one·2012

This study examined how XMRV, a virus once suspected to be linked to ME/CFS, enters human cells. Researchers found that XMRV enters cells differently than many other viruses—it doesn't require acidic conditions inside the cell. They also discovered that a small tail-like structure on the virus's outer coating controls whether the virus can fuse with and infect cells.

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not required

Chronic fatigue syndrome after Giardia enteritis: clinical characteristics, disability and long-term sickness absence.

Naess, Halvor, Nyland, Morten, Hausken, Trygve et al.·BMC gastroenterology·2012

After a water contamination outbreak in Norway caused a bacterial infection (giardiasis), some patients developed long-lasting severe fatigue similar to ME/CFS. This study looked at 58 patients who met the official diagnostic criteria for CFS following this infection. Most patients reported their condition was getting worse over time, and all of them had to take extended time off work or school due to their fatigue and reduced ability to function.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclear

In-depth investigation of archival and prospectively collected samples reveals no evidence for XMRV infection in prostate cancer.

Lee, Deanna, Das Gupta, Jaydip, Gaughan, Christina et al.·PloS one·2012

Scientists investigated whether a virus called XMRV could cause chronic fatigue syndrome or prostate cancer. Even though an earlier study claimed to find this virus in some patients, many follow-up studies couldn't confirm it. This research tested blood and tissue samples from 39 prostate cancer patients using multiple methods and found no sign of XMRV infection, suggesting the virus doesn't naturally infect humans—it likely came from contamination in laboratory experiments.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Effects of a Chinese traditional formula Kai Xin San (KXS) on chronic fatigue syndrome mice induced by forced wheel running.

Cao, Yin, Hu, Yuan, Liu, Ping et al.·Journal of ethnopharmacology·2012

Researchers tested a traditional Chinese herbal formula called Kai Xin San (KXS) on mice that had been made fatigued through forced exercise. Mice treated with KXS showed improvements in physical recovery markers, better immune cell activity, and reduced signs of exhaustion compared to untreated fatigued mice. The results suggest this herbal combination may help reduce fatigue by affecting the body's energy metabolism and immune system.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredObservational

Increasing orthostatic stress impairs neurocognitive functioning in chronic fatigue syndrome with postural tachycardia syndrome.

Ocon, Anthony J, Messer, Zachary R, Medow, Marvin S et al.·Clinical science (London, England : 1979)·2012

This study tested whether standing at increasing angles on a tilt table—a procedure that stresses the body's ability to maintain blood flow while upright—makes 'brain fog' worse in people with ME/CFS who also have POTS (a condition causing rapid heartbeat when standing). Researchers found that when people with CFS/POTS stood at steeper angles while doing concentration and memory tests, their performance got worse compared to healthy people, suggesting that orthostatic stress (the challenge of staying upright) does interfere with thinking and memory.

Autonomic Nervous SystemCognitive Impairment

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Loss of stress response as a consequence of viral infection: implications for disease and therapy.

Hooper, Philip L, Hightower, Lawrence E, Hooper, Paul L·Cell stress & chaperones·2012

This paper suggests that viral infections may damage the body's ability to handle stress at the cellular level, making tissues more vulnerable to injury. Rather than looking for one specific virus causing ME/CFS, the authors propose that ME/CFS might result from a general, nonspecific cellular damage response that occurs after many types of viral infections. Understanding this mechanism could open new treatment possibilities for conditions that have not responded well to existing therapies.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Carnitine derivatives: clinical usefulness.

Malaguarnera, Mariano·Current opinion in gastroenterology·2012

This review article discusses carnitine and its chemical cousins (acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine), which are natural substances your body uses to convert food into energy. The authors explain that these compounds may help with various conditions including chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, memory problems, and heart disease, and appear to be safe with few side effects.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Characterization, mapping, and distribution of the two XMRV parental proviruses.

Cingöz, Oya, Paprotka, Tobias, Delviks-Frankenberry, Krista A et al.·Journal of virology·2012

This study investigated XMRV, a virus that was once thought to be linked to ME/CFS. Researchers discovered that XMRV was not created naturally in mice but instead was accidentally made in a laboratory when two different mouse viruses combined during a cancer experiment. The study shows that XMRV could not have originated in nature because its two parent viruses are found in different geographic mouse populations and have never naturally occurred together in the wild.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Restricted replication of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus in pigtailed macaques.

Del Prete, Gregory Q, Kearney, Mary F, Spindler, Jon et al.·Journal of virology·2012

This study tested what happens when XMRV, a virus previously linked to ME/CFS, is deliberately introduced into macaque monkeys. The virus was unable to establish a persistent infection—it briefly appeared in the bloodstream but was quickly controlled and eliminated by the immune system. The monkeys remained healthy throughout the study, suggesting that if XMRV infection occurred in humans, it would likely be similarly limited.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Chronic fatigue syndrome.

Tracy, Mooney·Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)·2012

This article provides an overview of chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), describing what the condition is and how it affects patients. The authors discuss the symptoms people experience, including severe tiredness that doesn't improve with rest, and other health problems that often occur alongside it. The article aims to help healthcare providers, particularly nurses, understand ME/CFS better so they can provide appropriate care and support.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Shilajit attenuates behavioral symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and mitochondrial bioenergetics in rats.

Surapaneni, Dinesh Kumar, Adapa, Sree Rama Shiva Shanker, Preeti, Kumari et al.·Journal of ethnopharmacology·2012

Researchers tested a natural substance called shilajit in rats with fatigue symptoms similar to ME/CFS. The shilajit appeared to reduce fatigue-like behaviors and anxiety, and improved how well the rats' cells produced energy. This suggests shilajit might work by helping the body's stress response system and protecting mitochondria—the 'powerhouses' inside cells.

Energy Metabolism

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM not requiredMethods-Paper

Developing resources to support the diagnosis and management of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalitis (CFS/ME) in primary care: a qualitative study.

Hannon, Kerin, Peters, Sarah, Fisher, Louise et al.·BMC family practice·2012

This study asked patients, carers, and doctors in North West England what would help them better diagnose and manage ME/CFS in general practice. The researchers found that patients want to be believed and taken seriously, while doctors said they need better training and support. Based on everyone's feedback, the team created practical tools including a DVD for patients, information leaflets, and online training for doctors.

Diagnostics

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Evidence Atlas

Evidence browser

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF): two "fatigue" syndromes with overlapping symptoms and possibly related aetiologies.

Comparison of two quantitative assays for xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus.

Recombinant origin, contamination, and de-discovery of XMRV.

The role of antipsychotics in the management of fibromyalgia.

Lack of evidence for a role of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer and/or chronic fatigue syndrome.

The relationship between muscle pain and fatigue.

Temporomandibular disorders and functional somatic syndromes: deliberations for the dentist.

Peripheral and central mechanisms of fatigue in inflammatory and noninflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Membrane fusion and cell entry of XMRV are pH-independent and modulated by the envelope glycoprotein's cytoplasmic tail.

Chronic fatigue syndrome after Giardia enteritis: clinical characteristics, disability and long-term sickness absence.

In-depth investigation of archival and prospectively collected samples reveals no evidence for XMRV infection in prostate cancer.

Effects of a Chinese traditional formula Kai Xin San (KXS) on chronic fatigue syndrome mice induced by forced wheel running.

Increasing orthostatic stress impairs neurocognitive functioning in chronic fatigue syndrome with postural tachycardia syndrome.

Loss of stress response as a consequence of viral infection: implications for disease and therapy.

Carnitine derivatives: clinical usefulness.

Characterization, mapping, and distribution of the two XMRV parental proviruses.

Restricted replication of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus in pigtailed macaques.

Chronic fatigue syndrome.

Shilajit attenuates behavioral symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and mitochondrial bioenergetics in rats.

Developing resources to support the diagnosis and management of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalitis (CFS/ME) in primary care: a qualitative study.

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