Evidence browser

[Changes on definition and diagnostic criteria of the chronic fatigue syndrome].

Qin, You, Pang, Feng-Shun, Cai, Bei-Yuan·Zhongguo Zhong xi yi jie he za zhi Zhongguo Zhongxiyi jiehe zazhi = Chinese journal of integrated traditional and Western medicine·2009

This article reviews how the definition and diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS have changed over time. The authors examine the evolution of how doctors identify and classify this condition using different diagnostic frameworks. Understanding these changes helps patients and doctors communicate more clearly about the disease.

Astragalus membranaceus flavonoids (AMF) ameliorate chronic fatigue syndrome induced by food intake restriction plus forced swimming.

Kuo, Yao-Haur, Tsai, Wei-Jern, Loke, Soy-Hwee et al.·Journal of ethnopharmacology·2009

This study tested whether a natural plant supplement called Astragalus membranaceus flavonoids (AMF) could help rats with chronic fatigue caused by stress and food restriction. The rats that received AMF showed improvements in immune function, better energy for swimming, and restored normal immune system balance compared to untreated fatigued rats.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Protective effects of antidepressants against chronic fatigue syndrome-induced behavioral changes and biochemical alterations.

Kumar, Anil, Garg, Ruchika·Fundamental & clinical pharmacology·2009

Researchers tested whether three common antidepressant medications could help reduce fatigue-like symptoms and improve mood and activity levels in mice subjected to repeated stress. All three medications tested—imipramine, desipramine, and citalopram—reduced immobility (fatigue-like behavior), improved movement and activity, decreased anxiety, and reduced markers of cellular damage caused by oxidative stress in the stressed mice.

[Functional somatic syndromes from the view of cultural anthropology].

Nakagami, Ayako, Tsujiuchi, Takuya·Nihon rinsho. Japanese journal of clinical medicine·2009

This study explains how culture and society shape the way people experience and describe illnesses like ME/CFS. The authors point out that doctors and patients often understand illness differently—doctors focus on what they can measure (disease), while patients focus on how the illness affects their daily life (illness). Understanding these different viewpoints can help doctors and patients communicate better and work together.

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearObservational

[Q Fever in Tunisia].

Kaabia, N, Letaief, A·Pathologie-biologie·2009

Q fever is an infection caused by bacteria from animals that spreads to humans, usually through breathing contaminated air. While most people infected have no symptoms or mild flu-like illness, some can develop a chronic form that includes long-term fatigue. This review examines how common Q fever is in Tunisia and why doctors there often miss or misdiagnose it.

The effects of galantamine hydrobromide treatment on dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and cortisol levels in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Turan, Tayfun, Izgi, Hasan Basri, Ozsoy, Saliha et al.·Psychiatry investigation·2009

This study tested whether a medication called galantamine, which increases a brain chemical called acetylcholine, could help ME/CFS patients by improving hormone imbalances. Researchers measured two stress hormones (cortisol and DHEAS) in 29 ME/CFS patients before and after 4 weeks of treatment, comparing them to healthy controls. They found that in patients who improved with the medication, the abnormal hormone levels shifted back toward normal, suggesting the cholinergic system may play a role in ME/CFS.

Endocrine Disruption

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.

Modulation of antigen-induced chronic fatigue in mouse model of water immersion stress by naringin, a polyphenolic antioxidant.

Vij, Garima, Gupta, Amit, Chopra, Kanwaljit·Fundamental & clinical pharmacology·2009

Researchers tested whether naringin, a natural compound found in citrus fruits, could help reduce fatigue-like symptoms in mice exposed to immune challenges and stress. Mice treated with naringin showed improvements in their activity levels, pain sensitivity, and markers of cellular damage compared to untreated mice, suggesting that reducing oxidative stress might help manage fatigue symptoms.

Immune System

NeuroinflammationImmune System

Kindling and Oxidative Stress as Contributors to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Jason, L A, Porter, N, Herrington, J et al.·Journal of behavioral and neuroscience research·2009

ME/CFS is a complex illness that often starts suddenly, sometimes after a viral infection, and affects multiple body systems including the immune system, nervous system, and heart. This study proposes that two processes—'kindling' (where repeated small stresses build up over time) and oxidative stress (cellular damage from harmful molecules)—may help explain why different ME/CFS patients have such different symptoms and test results.

E3 PreliminaryPEM not required

Obstructions for quality care experienced by patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)--a case study.

Gilje, Ann Marit, Söderlund, Atle, Malterud, Kirsti·Patient education and counseling·2008

This study asked 12 ME/CFS patients about their experiences with doctors and healthcare. Patients reported that doctors often didn't believe them, didn't listen carefully, or treated them dismissively. Many felt that doctors blamed their symptoms on psychological causes or didn't take them seriously, which was sometimes as painful as the illness itself.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Diagnostic and treatment challenges of chronic fatigue syndrome: role of immediate-release methylphenidate.

Valdizán Usón, José Ramón, Idiazábal Alecha, María Angeles·Expert review of neurotherapeutics·2008

This study explores whether a medication called methylphenidate (commonly known as Ritalin) might help people with ME/CFS who experience brain fog, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. The authors reviewed existing research, including one small study showing positive results, and discussed how this medication works in the brain to boost focus and thinking speed. They suggest methylphenidate could be a promising treatment option worth further investigation for ME/CFS patients.

Cognitive Impairment

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredCross-Sectional

Identification of marker genes for differential diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Saiki, Takuya, Kawai, Tomoko, Morita, Kyoko et al.·Molecular medicine (Cambridge, Mass.)·2008

This study looked at blood samples from ME/CFS patients and compared the activity of genes between patients and healthy people. Researchers found 9 genes that showed different activity patterns in ME/CFS patients—genes involved in energy production, immune cell function, and protein breakdown. These 9 genes were able to correctly identify ME/CFS patients about 94% of the time, suggesting they could potentially be useful as a biological test to diagnose the condition.

Biomarkers

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Intracellular immune dysfunction in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: state of the art and therapeutic implications.

Nijs, Jo, Frémont, Marc·Expert opinion on therapeutic targets·2008

This review examines how the immune system's internal functions may be broken in ME/CFS patients. Researchers found that a specific immune protein called RNase L appears to be damaged in people with this illness, and this damage may be connected to why patients have low natural killer cell function and poor exercise tolerance. The authors suggest that targeting this damaged protein pathway could be a promising new treatment approach.

Immune System

The tired teen: A review of the assessment and management of the adolescent with sleepiness and fatigue.

Findlay, Sheri M·Paediatrics & child health·2008

This review examines why teenagers feel tired and sleepy, and how doctors can help. Many teens experience sleepiness or fatigue, but the authors found that most cases are caused by not getting enough sleep rather than serious medical conditions. The review emphasizes that doctors need to thoroughly evaluate each teen's situation, as underlying medical problems are rarely discovered.

Sleep

E3 PreliminaryDiagnosticPEM not requiredMethods-Paper

Integrated weighted gene co-expression network analysis with an application to chronic fatigue syndrome.

Presson, Angela P, Sobel, Eric M, Papp, Jeanette C et al.·BMC systems biology·2008

Researchers used a computer-based approach to analyze genes from ME/CFS patients to understand which genes are involved in the illness and how severely they affect people. They identified a group of 299 genes that work together and are linked to how severe someone's ME/CFS symptoms are. By using genetic information alongside gene activity data, they were able to figure out which genes might actually be causing the problem versus just responding to it.

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Nitric oxide modulation mediates the protective effect of trazodone in a mouse model of chronic fatigue syndrome.

Kumar, Anil, Garg, Ruchika, Kumar, Puneet·Pharmacological reports : PR·2008

This study tested whether a medication called trazodone could help mice recover from fatigue caused by repeated physical stress. Researchers found that trazodone did reduce fatigue-like behavior and improved activity levels in stressed mice. The protective effect seemed to involve a chemical messenger in the body called nitric oxide, suggesting this might be one way trazodone works to improve symptoms.

[Sub-health state and chronic fatigue syndrome].

Wang, Tian-Fang, Xue, Xiao-Lin·Zhongguo Zhong xi yi jie he za zhi Zhongguo Zhongxiyi jiehe zazhi = Chinese journal of integrated traditional and Western medicine·2008

This study clarifies that 'sub-health'—a state of feeling unwell that falls short of diagnosed disease—is different from ME/CFS. The authors explain what fatigue, chronic fatigue, and ME/CFS actually are, and discuss how doctors can tell them apart using established diagnostic criteria. Understanding these differences helps ensure people with ME/CFS receive appropriate diagnosis and care.