ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

5141–5160 of 6,164 studies

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM requiredMechanistic

Transcriptional control of complement activation in an exercise model of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Sorensen, Bristol, Jones, James F, Vernon, Suzanne D et al.·Molecular medicine (Cambridge, Mass.)·2009

After exercise, people with ME/CFS show higher levels of certain immune molecules (particularly C4a) that may contribute to their post-exercise symptoms. This study looked at which genes were turned on or off in immune cells after exercise and found that people with ME/CFS activated different immune pathways than healthy people—specifically, a pathway called the lectin pathway responded differently. This suggests their immune system may be producing excess inflammatory signals after physical activity.

Immune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Pathogenic mechanisms of idiopathic nonallergic rhinitis.

Baraniuk, James N·The World Allergy Organization journal·2009

This study examines why some people develop chronic nasal symptoms like congestion and runny nose that don't have an obvious allergic cause. Researchers found that this condition may actually involve several different problems: structural issues in the nose, nerve sensitivity problems, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction—the same type of nervous system problem found in ME/CFS.

Autonomic Nervous System

E3 PreliminaryBehavioralPEM not requiredCase-Control

Fixed belief in cognitive dysfunction despite normal neuropsychological scores: neurocognitive hypochondriasis?

Boone, Kyle Brauer·The Clinical neuropsychologist·2009

Some people with ME/CFS report serious cognitive problems in their daily life, but when given standard memory and thinking tests, their scores are completely normal. This study presents one case and suggests that some patients may worry excessively about cognitive problems that aren't actually measurable on formal tests—a condition the author calls 'neurocognitive hypochondriasis.' The study notes this pattern may occur in ME/CFS and several other conditions.

Cognitive Impairment

E3 PreliminaryBehavioralPEM not requiredObservational

Can pacing self-management alter physical behavior and symptom severity in chronic fatigue syndrome? A case series.

Nijs, Jo, van Eupen, Inge, Vandecauter, Jo et al.·Journal of rehabilitation research and development·2009

This small study looked at whether a strategy called "pacing" — learning to balance activity and rest — could help people with ME/CFS feel better and do more. Seven patients received three sessions teaching pacing techniques, and researchers measured their activity levels and symptoms before and after. Patients reported improvements in their ability to do daily tasks and some symptoms like muscle weakness and concentration problems got better, though the changes were modest.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearCross-Sectional

An in vivo proton neurospectroscopy study of cerebral oxidative stress in myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome).

Puri, B K, Agour, M, Gunatilake, K D R et al.·Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids·2009

This study used brain imaging to measure levels of a protective molecule called glutathione in the brains of people with ME/CFS. Researchers had expected glutathione levels to be lower in ME/CFS patients because it was reduced in their blood, but surprisingly, the brain levels were similar between patients and healthy controls. The study found no evidence that taking glutathione supplements would help with ME/CFS brain-related symptoms.

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM not requiredMethods-Paper

A Bayesian approach to gene-gene and gene-environment interactions in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Lin, Eugene, Hsu, Sen-Yen·Pharmacogenomics·2009

Researchers used advanced statistical methods to look for interactions between genes and between genes and environmental factors (like age, sex, and weight) in ME/CFS patients. They found that a gene called NR3C1 appeared to be involved in patterns that might be related to ME/CFS, and that gender seemed to influence how this gene affected the condition. This suggests that ME/CFS likely develops from a combination of genetic and personal factors rather than from a single cause.

E3 PreliminaryBehavioralPEM unclear

Acupuncture treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Hui, Jin-Sheng·Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan·2009

This study looked at whether acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine treatment involving thin needles placed on the skin, might help people with ME/CFS. The researchers compared a group of patients who received acupuncture treatment with a control group to see if there were differences in their symptoms and fatigue levels.

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Chronic fatigue syndrome: a hormonal origin? A rare case of dysmenorrhea membranacea.

Veldman, Joan, Van Houdenhove, Boudewijn, Verguts, Jasper·Archives of gynecology and obstetrics·2009

This case describes a woman with chronic fatigue syndrome who developed a rare condition called membranous dysmenorrhea (where the uterine lining sheds in one piece) after starting a hormonal birth control pill. Interestingly, when she stopped the medication and the tissue was expelled, her fatigue symptoms completely disappeared and she was able to return to work. While this is just one patient's experience, it raises the possibility that hormone imbalances might contribute to chronic fatigue in some cases.

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Memory and attention problems in children with chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalopathy.

Haig-Ferguson, A, Tucker, P, Eaton, N et al.·Archives of disease in childhood·2009

This study looked at 20 children with ME/CFS who had memory and attention problems. Researchers asked the children, their parents, and teachers about these difficulties, and then gave the children a series of tests to measure how well they could focus, remember things, and process information. The children's test scores showed they had real difficulties with attention and memory compared to healthy children their age.

Cognitive Impairment

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Curcumin, a polyphenolic antioxidant, attenuates chronic fatigue syndrome in murine water immersion stress model.

Gupta, Amit, Vij, Garima, Sharma, Sameer et al.·Immunobiology·2009

This study tested whether curcumin, a natural compound found in turmeric, could help reduce fatigue in mice infected with bacteria-like substances. Mice treated with curcumin showed less fatigue behavior and had lower levels of inflammation markers compared to untreated mice. The results suggest curcumin might be worth exploring as a potential treatment for ME/CFS.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

[Cellular and molecular mechanisms of interaction between the neuroendocrine and immune systems under chronic fatigue syndrome in experiment].

Rybakina, E G, Shanin, S N, Fomicheva, E E et al.·Rossiiskii fiziologicheskii zhurnal imeni I.M. Sechenova·2009

This study used laboratory rats to understand how ME/CFS might develop by triggering an immune response with a synthetic molecule. Researchers found that during this fatigue-like state, immune cells became less active, brain cell communication pathways were dampened, and the body's stress-response system (which normally helps us cope) became less effective. These findings suggest ME/CFS involves problems in how the immune system and brain communicate with each other.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Autoantibodies to lens epithelium-derived growth factor/transcription co-activator P75 (LEDGF/P75) in children with chronic nonspecific complaints and with positive antinuclear antibodies.

Kuwabara, Natsuko, Itoh, Yasuhiko, Igarshi, Tohru et al.·Autoimmunity·2009

This study found that a specific antibody called anti-Sa, detected in people with chronic fatigue and positive autoimmune markers, is actually targeting a protein called LEDGF/p75. Researchers developed a simple blood test (ELISA) to detect this antibody more accurately than previous methods. This new test could help doctors identify which patients with chronic fatigue may have an autoimmune component to their illness.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Fibromyalgia: pathogenetic, diagnostic and therapeutic concerns.

Podolecki, Tomasz, Podolecki, Andrzej, Hrycek, Antoni·Polskie Archiwum Medycyny Wewnetrznej·2009

Fibromyalgia is a condition causing widespread muscle and joint pain that affects many people worldwide. This review examines what we know about fibromyalgia's causes, how doctors diagnose it, and how it can be treated. The authors note that fibromyalgia likely results from multiple factors involving the nervous system, brain chemistry, and immune function, and that treatment typically involves antidepressants, therapy, and other approaches.

Pain and SensitizationDiagnostics

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM not requiredMethods-Paper

Continuing medical education challenges in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Brimmer, Dana J, McCleary, K Kimberly, Lupton, Teresa A et al.·BMC medical education·2009

Most doctors don't know much about ME/CFS, which means many patients don't get diagnosed or treated. Researchers created an educational program to teach healthcare providers about ME/CFS between 2000 and 2006. They found that online courses were much more popular than printed materials, and that targeting specific audiences at smaller conferences was most effective at spreading information.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Postulated vasoactive neuropeptide immunopathology affecting the blood-brain/blood-spinal barrier in certain neuropsychiatric fatigue-related conditions: A role for phosphodiesterase inhibitors in treatment?

Staines, Donald R, Brenu, Ekua W, Marshall-Gradisnik, Sonya·Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment·2009

This paper proposes that ME/CFS, along with MS, Parkinson's disease, and ALS, may involve immune system problems affecting the protective barriers around the brain and spinal cord. Specifically, the authors suggest that certain signaling molecules called PACAP and VIP, which normally help maintain these barriers, may become targets of autoimmune attack. They propose that a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase inhibitors might help restore normal function by boosting protective immune responses.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredObservational

When a parent is chronically ill: chronic fatigue syndrome.

Donalek, Julie G·Nursing research·2009

This study interviewed 8 parents with ME/CFS and their family members to understand how the illness affects everyone at home. Families described struggling to get a diagnosis, dealing with changed roles and responsibilities, losing income, feeling isolated, and trying to maintain normal family life despite ongoing uncertainty about the illness.

E3 PreliminaryBehavioralPEM not required

Using a DVD to help people with chronic fatigue syndrome learn the technique of pacing.

Weston, Sarah, Townsend, Stella·Nursing times·2009

A specialist rehabilitation team in Shropshire created a DVD and booklet to teach people with ME/CFS about pacing—a technique that involves carefully balancing rest and activity to manage fatigue. This resource was designed to help patients better understand and practice pacing in their daily lives. The team found that these educational materials helped them support their patients more effectively.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Inflammatory and oxidative and nitrosative stress pathways underpinning chronic fatigue, somatization and psychosomatic symptoms.

Maes, Michael·Current opinion in psychiatry·2009

This review examines how inflammation and stress on cells (caused by harmful molecules) may explain ME/CFS symptoms. The authors argue that various triggers—like infections, stress, intense exercise, and a 'leaky gut'—can activate these inflammatory pathways inside cells, leading to the pain, fatigue, muscle tension, and other symptoms that ME/CFS patients experience. They suggest that treating these inflammatory pathways could help develop new medicines for ME/CFS.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

[Activity of hypotnalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis by induction of experimental chronic fatigue syndrom].

Fomicheva, E E, Filatenkova, T A, Rybakina, E G·Rossiiskii fiziologicheskii zhurnal imeni I.M. Sechenova·2009

Researchers used an animal model to study how ME/CFS might affect the stress hormone system in the body. They gave rats a substance that mimics a viral infection, then tested whether the animals' adrenal glands (which produce cortisol, the main stress hormone) still responded normally. They found that the stress hormone system became less responsive, suggesting that an infection-like trigger could disrupt how the body regulates stress hormones.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Are chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia the same? Implications for the provision of appropriate mental health intervention.

McKay, P G, Duffy, T, Martin, C R·Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing·2009

This review examines whether ME/CFS and fibromyalgia are actually the same condition or two different diseases. Both conditions cause fatigue and pain, and both often come with mental health challenges like depression or anxiety. The authors suggest that these conditions might share the same root cause, yet doctors currently treat them quite differently, which could affect the mental health support patients receive.

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Transcriptional control of complement activation in an exercise model of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Pathogenic mechanisms of idiopathic nonallergic rhinitis.

Fixed belief in cognitive dysfunction despite normal neuropsychological scores: neurocognitive hypochondriasis?

Can pacing self-management alter physical behavior and symptom severity in chronic fatigue syndrome? A case series.

An in vivo proton neurospectroscopy study of cerebral oxidative stress in myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome).

A Bayesian approach to gene-gene and gene-environment interactions in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Acupuncture treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chronic fatigue syndrome: a hormonal origin? A rare case of dysmenorrhea membranacea.

Memory and attention problems in children with chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalopathy.

Curcumin, a polyphenolic antioxidant, attenuates chronic fatigue syndrome in murine water immersion stress model.

[Cellular and molecular mechanisms of interaction between the neuroendocrine and immune systems under chronic fatigue syndrome in experiment].

Autoantibodies to lens epithelium-derived growth factor/transcription co-activator P75 (LEDGF/P75) in children with chronic nonspecific complaints and with positive antinuclear antibodies.

Fibromyalgia: pathogenetic, diagnostic and therapeutic concerns.

Continuing medical education challenges in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Postulated vasoactive neuropeptide immunopathology affecting the blood-brain/blood-spinal barrier in certain neuropsychiatric fatigue-related conditions: A role for phosphodiesterase inhibitors in treatment?

When a parent is chronically ill: chronic fatigue syndrome.

Using a DVD to help people with chronic fatigue syndrome learn the technique of pacing.

Inflammatory and oxidative and nitrosative stress pathways underpinning chronic fatigue, somatization and psychosomatic symptoms.

[Activity of hypotnalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis by induction of experimental chronic fatigue syndrom].

Are chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia the same? Implications for the provision of appropriate mental health intervention.

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