ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

61–80 of 179 studies

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Proteomic signatures in cerebrospinal fluid and their clinical associations in patients with ME/CFS.

Bragée, Björn, Li, Peng, Meadows, Danielle et al.·Scientific reports·2026

Researchers analyzed fluid from the spinal cords of 31 ME/CFS patients to study 902 different proteins and understand what might be happening in their bodies. They found that patients with certain heart-related symptoms (POTS) had different protein patterns, and those with more severe ME/CFS had changes in immune system and blood clotting proteins. These protein patterns suggest several biological processes may be involved in ME/CFS, providing clues for future research.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

[Post-COVID neurological sequelae, proposed mechanisms and therapeutic approaches].

Slama Schwok, Anny·Medecine sciences : M/S·2026

This review examines the long-term neurological effects that some people experience after COVID-19 infection, affecting about 5% of patients. The symptoms include brain fog, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, and nerve inflammation, which significantly impact daily life. The authors examine the underlying biological mechanisms—such as brain inflammation, disrupted brain chemistry, immune dysfunction, and blood vessel problems—that may cause these symptoms to help guide future treatments.

Neuroinflammation

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Chronic fatigue syndrome induced by environmental toxic exposure: Effects of polyhexamethyleneguanidine phosphate exposure on mitochondrial function and neural health.

Yang, Hyo-Seon, Lee, Jin-Seok, Kang, Mi-Hyun et al.·Environmental research·2026

This study found that exposure to humidifier disinfectants—cleaning chemicals used in humidifiers—may trigger ME/CFS by damaging the energy-producing structures (mitochondria) inside our cells and disrupting communication in the brain. Researchers compared patients with ME/CFS who had been exposed to these chemicals to laboratory mice exposed to the same chemicals, and both showed similar problems with mitochondrial function and brain health. The findings suggest that environmental toxins could be a trigger for ME/CFS in some people.

Neuroinflammation

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Immunosenescence-Driven Hemodynamic Dysregulation and Cognitive Impairment in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An Integrative Perspective.

Xu, Huimin, Luo, Yingzhe, Wu, Xi·Comprehensive Physiology·2026

This review examines how ME/CFS may involve aging of the immune system that affects blood flow to the brain, causing cognitive problems like 'brain fog.' The researchers propose that this immune aging triggers chronic inflammation, reduces oxygen delivery to brain cells, and damages the protective barrier around the brain, leading to memory and thinking difficulties. The authors suggest that treatments targeting inflammation, improving blood vessel function, and modulating immune responses could help improve cognition in ME/CFS patients.

Neuroinflammation

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Immunomodulatory and locomotor regulations via Diosgenin treatment in lipopolysaccharide-induced chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/ depressive despair symptom: an in vivo assessment.

Shirole, Rahul Lotan, Khalane, Mohan Rajendra, Nage, Vijayeta Pralhad et al.·Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology·2026

This study tested a natural compound called diosgenin (found in fenugreek) to see if it could help with fatigue and depression-like symptoms in mice given a substance that triggered an immune response similar to what happens in ME/CFS. Mice treated with diosgenin showed improvements in activity levels, reduced fatigue-like behavior, and their brains had less inflammation and stress. The results suggest diosgenin might be worth investigating further as a potential treatment.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM unclearEditorial

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long COVID as Neuroimmune Disorders.

Blitshteyn, Svetlana, Doherty, Taylor A, Steinman, Lawrence·ImmunoTargets and therapy·2026

This editorial argues that three related conditions—POTS, ME/CFS, and Long COVID—should be understood and studied together as disorders affecting both the nervous system and immune system. The authors identify several common problems in these conditions, including heart rate abnormalities when standing, immune system dysfunction, and reduced blood flow to the brain. They believe treating these as a single category of disease could improve how doctors train, research, and care for patients with these serious illnesses.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E3 PreliminaryCommentaryPEM not requiredEditorial

Post infectious fatigue and circadian rhythm disruption in long-COVID and other infections: a need for further research.

Livieratos, Achilleas, Lockley, Steven W, Tsiodras, Sotirios·EClinicalMedicine·2025

This article discusses how infections like COVID-19 can disrupt the body's internal 24-hour clock, leading to persistent fatigue and sleep problems. The authors explain that viral infections may damage the genes and cellular machinery that control our daily rhythms, trigger inflammation in the brain, and harm energy-producing structures in our cells. Understanding these mechanisms could help doctors develop better treatments for Long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Neuroinflammation

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

PKM2 accelerated the progression of chronic fatigue syndrome via promoting the H4K12la/ NF-κB induced neuroinflammation and mitochondrial damage.

Sun, Meng, Zhang, Xinwen, Feng, Xinli et al.·Scientific reports·2025

This study in mice explored how a protein called PKM2 may contribute to ME/CFS by increasing inflammation in the brain and damaging energy-producing structures inside cells (mitochondria). Researchers found that when PKM2 levels increased, cognitive problems worsened and brain cells showed more damage, while reducing PKM2 improved these outcomes. The mechanism involves lactate buildup and activation of inflammatory pathways in the brain.

Neuroinflammation

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

The Gut-Brain-Immune Axis in Environmental Sensitivity Illnesses: Microbiome-Centered Narrative Review of Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

Watai, Kentaro, Taniguchi, Masami, Azuma, Kenichi·International journal of molecular sciences·2025

This review examines how changes in gut bacteria may contribute to ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, and multiple chemical sensitivity—three conditions that share similar symptoms like fatigue, pain, and sensitivity to environmental triggers. The researchers found that people with these conditions tend to have fewer helpful bacteria and more harmful bacteria in their gut, which may affect how their immune system and brain work. The review suggests that treatments targeting the microbiome—such as probiotics or other interventions—might help, though more research is needed to confirm this.

NeuroinflammationEnergy MetabolismImmune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

From Fork to Brain: The Role of AGE-RAGE Signaling and the Western Diet in Neurodegenerative Disease.

Pomroy, Haylie J, Mote, Arjun, Mathew, Simeon et al.·NeuroSci·2025

This review examines how certain compounds called AGEs (advanced glycation end products) form in food and in our bodies, and how they may contribute to brain damage and disease. AGEs are created when food is cooked at high temperatures or processed, and when they build up in the body, they can trigger inflammation and harm cells. The authors suggest that limiting AGEs in the diet might help prevent or slow down brain diseases, though more research is needed to confirm this.

Neuroinflammation

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

Mechanistic Insights Into Long Covid: Viral Persistence, Immune Dysregulation, and Multi-Organ Dysfunction.

Gupta, Gautam, Buonsenso, Danilo, Wood, John et al.·Comprehensive Physiology·2025

This review examines how Long Covid causes persistent symptoms affecting multiple body systems. The research suggests that SARS-CoV-2 virus may hide in body tissues, trigger ongoing immune problems, and damage how cells produce energy, which could explain fatigue and post-exertion crashes. These mechanisms appear similar to ME/CFS, suggesting the two conditions may share common biological pathways.

NeuroinflammationImmune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Upregulation of olfactory receptors and neuronal-associated genes highlights complex immune and neuronal dysregulation in Long COVID patients.

Shahbaz, Shima, Rezaeifar, Maryam, Syed, Hussein et al.·Brain, behavior, and immunity·2025

Researchers studied blood samples from Long COVID patients with ME/CFS-like symptoms and compared them to healthy controls. They found that certain genes related to immune function and brain health were turned on in the patients, while others were turned off. The study also discovered unusual activation of smell-related genes and changes in immune cell types, suggesting the body remains in a state of ongoing inflammation and stress.

NeuroinflammationBiomarkersImmune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM requiredMechanistic

Inactivation of ATG13 stimulates chronic demyelinating pathologies in muscle-serving nerves and spinal cord.

Drosen, Molly E, Bulbule, Sarojini, Gottschalk, Gunnar et al.·Immunologic research·2025

Researchers gave mice a drug that overactivates a protein called mTOR and found it triggered muscle weakness, nerve damage, and worsening fatigue after exercise—similar to post-exertional malaise (PEM) in ME/CFS. The drug blocked a cellular cleanup system called autophagy, which led to inflammation and damage to the nerves controlling muscles. Mice engineered to have impaired autophagy showed similar problems, suggesting that broken autophagy may be involved in ME/CFS fatigue and exercise intolerance.

NeuroinflammationPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Proposed Mechanistic Axis of Infections and mTOR Hyperactivation: A Multidisciplinary Review of Immune, Rheumatologic, and Psychiatric Links.

Fronticelli Baldelli, Giovanni, Buonsenso, Danilo·Children (Basel, Switzerland)·2025

This review proposes that a protein called mTOR may be the key link between infections and the long-lasting symptoms seen in ME/CFS and similar post-infection illnesses. The authors suggest that when mTOR stays overactive after an infection, it can damage the barrier that protects the brain, allow immune cells to enter brain tissue, and cause ongoing inflammation that affects how the brain works. They outline a step-by-step pathway explaining how this might happen and suggest that targeting mTOR could be a new treatment approach.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Management of Fibromyalgia: Novel Nutraceutical Therapies Beyond Traditional Pharmaceuticals.

Antonelli, Antonella, Bianchi, Marzia, Fear, Elizabeth Jane et al.·Nutrients·2025

This review examines how natural plant-based compounds, particularly polyphenols, might help manage fibromyalgia pain without the side effects of traditional medications. Fibromyalgia and ME/CFS are related conditions that involve abnormal pain signaling in the nervous system, persistent fatigue, and sleep problems. The authors suggest that natural products could be safer alternatives to current drugs like antidepressants and anticonvulsants, which can cause dependence and tolerance over time.

Neuroinflammation

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

A Narrative Review on Gut Microbiome Disturbances and Microbial Preparations in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Implications for Long COVID.

Jurek, Joanna Michalina, Castro-Marrero, Jesus·Nutrients·2024

This review examines how changes in gut bacteria may contribute to ME/CFS and long COVID symptoms, and whether taking probiotics or similar microbial preparations might help. The authors looked at existing research to understand the connection between gut health and the brain-immune system, and whether restoring healthy gut bacteria could reduce fatigue, inflammation, and other symptoms in these conditions.

NeuroinflammationImmune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

The molecular fingerprint of neuroinflammation in COVID-19: A comprehensive discussion on molecular mechanisms of neuroinflammation due to SARS-COV2 antigens.

Zayeri, Zeinab Deris, Torabizadeh, Mehdi, Kargar, Masoud et al.·Behavioural brain research·2024

This study explains how COVID-19 can damage the brain and nervous system, causing inflammation and injury. The researchers found that about half of people recovering from COVID-19 develop ME/CFS symptoms, and brain scans show reduced activity in key areas that control memory, movement, and mood. The study focuses on the biological mechanisms—essentially how viruses trigger harmful immune responses in the brain that can lead to long-term neurological problems.

Neuroinflammation

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Effect of electroacupuncture on behavior and hippocampal inflammatory factors in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Qu, Yuan-Yuan, Feng, Chu-Wen, Sun, Zhong-Ren et al.·Zhen ci yan jiu = Acupuncture research·2024

Researchers tested whether electroacupuncture—a traditional needle-based treatment—could help rats with experimentally-induced fatigue syndrome. The treated rats showed improved physical endurance, better memory, and reduced anxiety compared to untreated sick rats. The researchers also found that treatment reduced inflammatory markers in the brain and blood that were elevated in sick rats.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Conceptual foundations of acetylcarnitine supplementation in neuropsychiatric long COVID syndrome: a narrative review.

Helbing, Dario Lucas, Dommaschk, Eva-Maria, Danyeli, Lena Vera et al.·European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience·2024

This review examines whether a natural supplement called acetylcarnitine might help treat long COVID symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and depression. Acetylcarnitine is a substance your body normally makes that helps cells produce energy. The authors looked at research showing this supplement has helped some people with similar illnesses like ME/CFS and depression, and they propose studying whether it could help long COVID patients too.

Neuroinflammation

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Current update on the neurological manifestations of long COVID: more questions than answers.

Stefanou, Maria-Ioanna, Panagiotopoulos, Evangelos, Palaiodimou, Lina et al.·EXCLI journal·2024

This review examines the nerve and brain-related symptoms that can persist after COVID-19 infection, which doctors call long COVID. About one-third of COVID-19 survivors experience lasting neurological problems such as fatigue, brain fog, sleep issues, and problems with smell or taste that can last at least 12 months. The authors discuss what we currently know about why these symptoms happen and what treatments might help.

NeuroinflammationPost-Exertional Malaise

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Evidence Atlas

Evidence browser

Proteomic signatures in cerebrospinal fluid and their clinical associations in patients with ME/CFS.

[Post-COVID neurological sequelae, proposed mechanisms and therapeutic approaches].

Chronic fatigue syndrome induced by environmental toxic exposure: Effects of polyhexamethyleneguanidine phosphate exposure on mitochondrial function and neural health.

Immunosenescence-Driven Hemodynamic Dysregulation and Cognitive Impairment in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: An Integrative Perspective.

Immunomodulatory and locomotor regulations via Diosgenin treatment in lipopolysaccharide-induced chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)/ depressive despair symptom: an in vivo assessment.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long COVID as Neuroimmune Disorders.

Post infectious fatigue and circadian rhythm disruption in long-COVID and other infections: a need for further research.

PKM2 accelerated the progression of chronic fatigue syndrome via promoting the H4K12la/ NF-κB induced neuroinflammation and mitochondrial damage.

The Gut-Brain-Immune Axis in Environmental Sensitivity Illnesses: Microbiome-Centered Narrative Review of Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

From Fork to Brain: The Role of AGE-RAGE Signaling and the Western Diet in Neurodegenerative Disease.

Mechanistic Insights Into Long Covid: Viral Persistence, Immune Dysregulation, and Multi-Organ Dysfunction.

Upregulation of olfactory receptors and neuronal-associated genes highlights complex immune and neuronal dysregulation in Long COVID patients.

Inactivation of ATG13 stimulates chronic demyelinating pathologies in muscle-serving nerves and spinal cord.

Proposed Mechanistic Axis of Infections and mTOR Hyperactivation: A Multidisciplinary Review of Immune, Rheumatologic, and Psychiatric Links.

Management of Fibromyalgia: Novel Nutraceutical Therapies Beyond Traditional Pharmaceuticals.

A Narrative Review on Gut Microbiome Disturbances and Microbial Preparations in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Implications for Long COVID.

The molecular fingerprint of neuroinflammation in COVID-19: A comprehensive discussion on molecular mechanisms of neuroinflammation due to SARS-COV2 antigens.

Effect of electroacupuncture on behavior and hippocampal inflammatory factors in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Conceptual foundations of acetylcarnitine supplementation in neuropsychiatric long COVID syndrome: a narrative review.

Current update on the neurological manifestations of long COVID: more questions than answers.

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