ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

4981–5000 of 6,209 studies

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredObservational

Cervical neuro-muscular syndrome: discovery of a new disease group caused by abnormalities in the cervical muscles.

Matsui, Takayoshi, Ii, Kunio, Hojo, Shuntaro et al.·Neurologia medico-chirurgica·2012

This study suggests that problems in the neck muscles may cause or contribute to a range of symptoms including headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and autonomic problems (issues with automatic body functions like heart rate and blood pressure). The researchers treated patients with neck muscle abnormalities and reported that most patients improved significantly, with success rates ranging from 84-88% depending on the symptom.

Autonomic Nervous System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

[Effect of acupuncture on serum malonaldehyde content, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in chronic fatigue syndrome rats].

Liu, Chang-Zheng, Lei, Bo·Zhen ci yan jiu = Acupuncture research·2012

This study tested whether acupuncture could help rats with chronic fatigue syndrome by reducing harmful molecules in the blood called free radicals. Researchers created a rat model of CFS using stress and cold water swimming, then treated some rats with acupuncture at specific points. The results showed that acupuncture reduced damaging molecules and restored the body's natural antioxidant defenses in the treated rats.

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Aluminium overload after 5 years in skin biopsy following post-vaccination with subcutaneous pseudolymphoma.

Guillard, Olivier, Fauconneau, Bernard, Pineau, Alain et al.·Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS)·2012

This case report describes a woman who developed a small lump under her skin at a vaccine injection site years after vaccination. Researchers tested the tissue and found very high levels of aluminum compared to control samples. The study suggests that aluminum from vaccine adjuvants might accumulate in the body and potentially cause long-term problems like chronic fatigue syndrome.

Immune System

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 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 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Postural neurocognitive and neuronal activated cerebral blood flow deficits in young chronic fatigue syndrome patients with postural tachycardia syndrome.

Stewart, Julian M, Medow, Marvin S, Messer, Zachary R et al.·American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology·2012

When people with ME/CFS try to stand upright or tilt backward, their brain doesn't get enough blood flow to think clearly, and their thinking problems get worse as their body position changes. In healthy people, brain blood flow increases during hard thinking tasks, but in ME/CFS patients, this normal response is broken—their brains don't increase blood flow when doing difficult mental tasks.

Autonomic Nervous SystemCognitive Impairment

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 PreliminaryBehavioralPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Metacognitive factors in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Maher-Edwards, Lorraine, Fernie, Bruce A, Murphy, Gabrielle et al.·Clinical psychology & psychotherapy·2012

This study explored how ME/CFS patients think about their thinking—specifically, their beliefs about analyzing and solving problems related to their symptoms. Researchers found that patients have both helpful and unhelpful thoughts about trying to understand their illness, and they often focus on either distracting themselves or monitoring their symptoms closely. The study suggests that these thought patterns may play a role in how ME/CFS symptoms develop or persist.

Cognitive Impairment

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

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 requiredObservational

Lack of endogenous pain inhibition during exercise in people with chronic whiplash associated disorders: an experimental study.

Van Oosterwijck, Jessica, Nijs, Jo, Meeus, Mira et al.·The journal of pain·2012

This study compared how the body responds to exercise in people with chronic whiplash injury versus healthy people. Researchers found that pain sensitivity actually increased (got worse) after exercise in whiplash patients, while it decreased (improved) in healthy controls. Importantly, gentle, self-paced exercise caused fewer symptom flare-ups than harder, fixed-intensity exercise, suggesting that how exercise is done matters greatly for people with this condition.

Post-Exertional Malaise

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 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Adult presentation of arterial tortuosity syndrome in a 51-year-old woman with a novel homozygous c.1411+1G>A mutation in the SLC2A10 gene.

Castori, Marco, Ritelli, Marco, Zoppi, Nicoletta et al.·American journal of medical genetics. Part A·2012

This case describes a 51-year-old woman diagnosed with arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS), a rare genetic condition affecting blood vessel structure and strength. She presented with chronic pain, fatigue, joint problems, and heart valve issues. Genetic testing found a new mutation in the SLC2A10 gene responsible for this condition, which is usually diagnosed in children but was discovered here in an adult.

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 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Zinc-finger antiviral protein inhibits XMRV infection.

Wang, Xinlu, Tu, Fan, Zhu, Yiping et al.·PloS one·2012

This study investigates how a human immune protein called ZAP (zinc-finger antiviral protein) blocks a virus called XMRV from multiplying in cells. Researchers found that when cells produce more ZAP, XMRV cannot spread effectively, and when ZAP levels are reduced, cells become more vulnerable to the virus. The study shows that ZAP works by targeting and destroying the virus's genetic instructions before they can be used to make new virus particles.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Abnormal endogenous pain modulation is a shared characteristic of many chronic pain conditions.

Staud, Roland·Expert review of neurotherapeutics·2012

People with chronic pain often have trouble turning off pain signals in their brain and spinal cord, even when they should. This review explains that many chronic pain conditions—including ME/CFS—share a common problem: their bodies amplify pain signals instead of suppressing them. Tests can measure how well someone's natural pain-blocking system works, and these tests might help predict who will develop chronic pain.

Pain and Sensitization

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Diet and its role in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and comorbid conditions.

Friedlander, Justin I, Shorter, Barbara, Moldwin, Robert M·BJU international·2012

This review examined how food and beverages affect bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and related conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Nearly 90% of patients report that certain foods make their symptoms worse—especially acidic foods like citrus and tomatoes, caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods—while some substances like calcium and baking soda may help. The researchers recommend that patients work with their doctors to identify their personal food triggers through careful elimination diets rather than avoiding foods unnecessarily.

Interventions

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM not requiredMethods-Paper

Development and application of a high-throughput microneutralization assay: lack of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus and/or murine leukemia virus detection in blood donors.

Zhou, Yanchen, Steffen, Imke, Montalvo, Leilani et al.·Transfusion·2012

Researchers developed a new test to look for viruses called XMRV and related MLVs in blood donors, since these viruses had been suggested as possible causes of ME/CFS. They tested 354 blood samples and found that about 6.5% showed some ability to block the virus in the lab, but when they did more detailed testing, they found no actual virus or antibodies against it—suggesting the blocking was likely due to something other than a real infection.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

The tale of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus.

Groom, Harriet C T, Bishop, Kate N·The Journal of general virology·2012

In 2009, scientists announced they found a virus called XMRV in many ME/CFS patients, raising hopes for a breakthrough. However, when other researchers tried to repeat these findings, they couldn't find the virus in patient samples. By 2011, it became clear that the original samples were contaminated, meaning the virus had accidentally been introduced during testing rather than being present in patients naturally. This review explains how this scientific discovery turned out to be a false alarm.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Inflammatory fatigue and sickness behaviour - lessons for the diagnosis and management of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Arnett, S V, Clark, I A·Journal of affective disorders·2012

This review examines how inflammation in the body can cause extreme tiredness and sickness-like symptoms similar to those seen in ME/CFS. The authors looked at how inflammatory chemicals in the brain trigger the body's sickness response—similar to how you feel when fighting an infection—and found that this same process may be happening in ME/CFS patients. They suggest that understanding this connection could help doctors diagnose and treat ME/CFS more effectively.

Immune System

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Cervical neuro-muscular syndrome: discovery of a new disease group caused by abnormalities in the cervical muscles.

[Effect of acupuncture on serum malonaldehyde content, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in chronic fatigue syndrome rats].

Aluminium overload after 5 years in skin biopsy following post-vaccination with subcutaneous pseudolymphoma.

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

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

Postural neurocognitive and neuronal activated cerebral blood flow deficits in young chronic fatigue syndrome patients with postural tachycardia syndrome.

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

Metacognitive factors in chronic fatigue syndrome.

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

Chronic fatigue syndrome.

Lack of endogenous pain inhibition during exercise in people with chronic whiplash associated disorders: an experimental study.

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

Adult presentation of arterial tortuosity syndrome in a 51-year-old woman with a novel homozygous c.1411+1G>A mutation in the SLC2A10 gene.

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

Zinc-finger antiviral protein inhibits XMRV infection.

Abnormal endogenous pain modulation is a shared characteristic of many chronic pain conditions.

Diet and its role in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and comorbid conditions.

Development and application of a high-throughput microneutralization assay: lack of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus and/or murine leukemia virus detection in blood donors.

The tale of xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus.

Inflammatory fatigue and sickness behaviour - lessons for the diagnosis and management of chronic fatigue syndrome.

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