ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

861–880 of 1,198 studies

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearObservational

B-Lymphocyte Depletion in Myalgic Encephalopathy/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. An Open-Label Phase II Study with Rituximab Maintenance Treatment.

Fluge, Øystein, Risa, Kristin, Lunde, Sigrid et al.·PloS one·2015

This study tested whether removing B-cells (immune cells) using a drug called rituximab could help ME/CFS patients. Twenty-nine patients received rituximab infusions over 15 months and were followed for 3 years. Eighteen patients (62%) showed lasting improvement in fatigue, with some staying better for over 2 years, though improvements took several months to appear.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Central pathways causing fatigue in neuro-inflammatory and autoimmune illnesses.

Morris, Gerwyn, Berk, Michael, Walder, Ken et al.·BMC medicine·2015

This review proposes that ME/CFS fatigue may be caused by ongoing inflammation and immune system activation in the body, which then damages the brain's support cells (astrocytes) and energy-producing structures (mitochondria). The authors suggest that ME/CFS shares similar biological mechanisms with other inflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis and lupus, and recommend that ME/CFS patients be tested for immune activation and receive specific brain imaging to look for evidence of inflammation.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearCross-Sectional

Characterisation of cell functions and receptors in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME).

Hardcastle, Sharni Lee, Brenu, Ekua Weba, Johnston, Samantha et al.·BMC immunology·2015

This study examined immune system cells from people with moderate and severe ME/CFS compared to healthy controls. Researchers found that people with ME/CFS had abnormal patterns in their immune cells, including changes in markers on T cells, NK cells, and other infection-fighting cells. These differences were more pronounced in people with more severe illness, suggesting that immune dysfunction may be connected to ME/CFS severity.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Mitoprotective dietary approaches for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Caloric restriction, fasting, and ketogenic diets.

Craig, Courtney·Medical hypotheses·2015

This study explores whether certain dietary approaches—like eating fewer calories, fasting, or following a ketogenic (low-carb, high-fat) diet—might help ME/CFS symptoms by protecting the mitochondria, which are the energy-producing parts of our cells. The authors review evidence suggesting that ME/CFS involves problems with mitochondrial function and immune activation that exhausts these cellular power plants. They propose that these three dietary strategies may help restore mitochondrial health and reduce symptoms, though they note that more research is needed to test this in actual ME/CFS patients.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Chronic Physical Stress Does Not Interact with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-Encoded Dutpase to Alter the Sickness Response.

Aubrecht, Taryn G, Weil, Zachary M, Abi Salloum, Bachir et al.·Journal of behavioral and brain science·2015

Scientists studied whether physical stress (swimming) could make the sickness response worse when combined with a protein from the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common virus that some researchers think might play a role in ME/CFS. They gave mice either the virus protein or a placebo, with some mice also swimming daily for two weeks. They found that the virus protein alone caused some sickness behaviors, but adding the swimming stress did not make the response worse.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Immunomodulating and antioxidant effects of polysaccharide conjugates from the fruits of Ziziphus Jujube on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome rats.

Chi, Aiping, Kang, Chenzhe, Zhang, Yan et al.·Carbohydrate polymers·2015

Researchers tested whether jujube fruit extract could help rats with an artificially induced chronic fatigue condition. The extract appeared to reduce oxidative stress (cellular damage) and boost immune function in these rats, including improving the activity of natural killer cells that help fight infections. While these results are encouraging, this is animal research and much more work is needed to determine if similar benefits would occur in people with ME/CFS.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

[Research progress of fecal microbiota transplantation].

Dai, Ting, Tang, Tongyu·Zhonghua wei chang wai ke za zhi = Chinese journal of gastrointestinal surgery·2015

This review discusses fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), a procedure where healthy bacteria from donor stool are transferred to patients to restore a damaged gut microbiome. The gut bacteria can be damaged by antibiotics or disease, leading to infections and other health problems. Researchers are exploring whether FMT might help treat several conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), but it is not yet standard medical treatment because many doctors and patients are hesitant about the approach.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

A Model of Post-Infection Fatigue Is Associated with Increased TNF and 5-HT2A Receptor Expression in Mice.

Couch, Yvonne, Xie, Qin, Lundberg, Louise et al.·PloS one·2015

This study used mice to explore how infections might trigger the fatigue and depression-like symptoms seen in ME/CFS. After exposing mice to bacterial toxins (to mimic infection), researchers found that the animals showed signs of depression and fatigue even after obvious illness symptoms disappeared. The key finding was that certain brain receptors related to serotonin became more active, suggesting that changes in how the brain processes serotonin—rather than simply low serotonin levels—might explain fatigue after infection.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredObservational

Deficient EBV-specific B- and T-cell response in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Loebel, Madlen, Strohschein, Kristin, Giannini, Carolin et al.·PloS one·2014

This study looked at how the immune system responds to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common virus that causes mono, in people with ME/CFS compared to healthy controls. Researchers found that ME/CFS patients have a weaker immune response to EBV, particularly in their B cells and T cells—the immune cells that normally fight off this virus. The findings suggest that ME/CFS patients may have difficulty controlling EBV reactivation in their bodies.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

Valacyclovir treatment of chronic fatigue in adolescents.

Henderson, Theodore A·Advances in mind-body medicine·2014

This study looked at 15 young people who were referred for treatment-resistant depression but were found to have ME/CFS instead. When treated with an antiviral medication called valacyclovir, 93% of them improved significantly, with fatigue scores dropping substantially. The study suggests that some cases of depression in teenagers may actually be undiagnosed ME/CFS caused by chronic viral infections.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

The emerging role of autoimmunity in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/cfs).

Morris, Gerwyn, Berk, Michael, Galecki, Piotr et al.·Molecular neurobiology·2014

This study explores how ME/CFS may involve the immune system attacking the body's own tissues (autoimmunity). Researchers found that up to 60% of ME/CFS patients show signs of autoimmune responses, likely triggered by a combination of stress on cells, viral infections, and problems with how the body produces energy. The study identifies several pathways that could lead to these harmful immune reactions and discusses potential treatments.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

[Biopersistence and systemic distribution of intramuscularly injected particles: what impact on long-term tolerability of alum adjuvants?].

Gherardi, Romain K, Cadusseau, Josette, Authier, François-jérôme·Bulletin de l'Academie nationale de medecine·2014

This review examines how aluminum-based vaccine adjuvants (immune-boosting ingredients) may rarely cause long-term health problems in susceptible people, including muscle pain, exhaustion, and brain fog that can last years. The researchers found that aluminum particles can travel from the injection site through the body to distant organs and the brain, and that a specific immune protein called MCP-1 may control how much this happens. For most people, aluminum adjuvants are safe, but genetic and environmental differences may make some individuals more vulnerable to prolonged effects.

Immune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia following immunization with the hepatitis B vaccine: another angle of the 'autoimmune (auto-inflammatory) syndrome induced by adjuvants' (ASIA).

Agmon-Levin, Nancy, Zafrir, Yaron, Kivity, Shaye et al.·Immunologic research·2014

This study looked at 19 people who developed chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or fibromyalgia (FM) after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine. Researchers found that most patients experienced multiple symptoms including fatigue, muscle/joint pain, and neurological problems within weeks to months of vaccination. The study suggests that in some cases, these conditions may be triggered by the vaccine's components, particularly in people with genetic predisposition to autoimmune diseases.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Identification of a novel anti-inflammatory compound, α-cubebenoate from Schisandra chinensis.

Kang, Saeromi, Lee, Kyoung-Pil, Park, Soo-Jin et al.·Journal of ethnopharmacology·2014

Researchers tested a natural compound called α-cubebenoate, found in a traditional plant called Schisandra chinensis, to see if it could reduce inflammation. In laboratory tests with immune cells and in mice, the compound successfully reduced the production of inflammatory molecules that are believed to contribute to fatigue and illness. This suggests the plant compound may have potential as a treatment for conditions involving excessive inflammation.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Induction of interleukin-1β by activated microglia is a prerequisite for immunologically induced fatigue.

Ifuku, Masataka, Hossain, Shamim M, Noda, Mami et al.·The European journal of neuroscience·2014

This study used rats to understand how an immune trigger (a synthetic viral mimic) causes prolonged fatigue. Researchers found that when this trigger activates immune cells in the brain called microglia, they release a chemical messenger called IL-1β that affects how the brain handles serotonin, leading to reduced activity and fatigue-like behavior.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Stress triggers coronary mast cells leading to cardiac events.

Alevizos, Michail, Karagkouni, Anna, Panagiotidou, Smaro et al.·Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology·2014

When we experience stress, our body releases chemicals that can activate immune cells in the heart called mast cells. These activated mast cells release inflammatory substances that can trigger heart problems or make existing heart disease worse. This review found that stress-related activation of heart mast cells may be a key pathway connecting emotional stress to heart attacks and coronary artery disease.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Review: Vitamin D3 deficiency results in dysfunctions of immunity with severe fatigue and depression in a variety of diseases.

Höck, Anna Dorothea·In vivo (Athens, Greece)·2014

This review explains how vitamin D3 deficiency may contribute to severe fatigue and depression in conditions like ME/CFS. Vitamin D3 helps regulate the immune system, and without enough of it, the body's natural defenses become unbalanced, allowing infections and inflammation to persist. The authors suggest that vitamin D3 supplements might help prevent or improve these chronic conditions.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Current Status and Future Potentials of Emerging Biomarkers.

Fischer, David Benjamin, William, Arsani Hany, Strauss, Adam Campbell et al.·Fatigue : biomedicine, health & behavior·2014

This review examines potential blood tests and biological markers that could help doctors better understand and diagnose ME/CFS. Currently, ME/CFS is diagnosed mainly based on symptoms because we lack clear objective tests. The authors suggest that identifying specific biomarkers—measurable biological signs—could help identify different subtypes of ME/CFS, which might respond better to different treatments.

BiomarkersImmune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Spectrum of mast cell activation disorders.

Petra, Anastasia I, Panagiotidou, Smaro, Stewart, Julia M et al.·Expert review of clinical immunology·2014

Mast cells are immune cells that can become overactive and release chemicals causing symptoms like flushing, itching, dizziness, stomach problems, headaches, and brain fog. This review describes different types of mast cell activation disorders and explains how they can overlap with conditions like ME/CFS and fibromyalgia. The authors suggest these conditions exist on a spectrum and outline how doctors can test for and treat them.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress and Immune-Inflammatory Pathways in Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

Morris, Gerwyn, Maes, Michael·Current neuropharmacology·2014

This study proposes that ME/CFS involves a harmful cycle where the body's immune system becomes overactive and produces damaging molecules called oxidative stress. These problems can be triggered by infections, gut bacteria leaking into the bloodstream, or problems with the energy-producing parts of cells called mitochondria. Once started, this cycle feeds on itself, causing brain inflammation, reduced blood flow to the brain, and damage to cells throughout the body.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

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B-Lymphocyte Depletion in Myalgic Encephalopathy/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. An Open-Label Phase II Study with Rituximab Maintenance Treatment.

Central pathways causing fatigue in neuro-inflammatory and autoimmune illnesses.

Characterisation of cell functions and receptors in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME).

Mitoprotective dietary approaches for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Caloric restriction, fasting, and ketogenic diets.

Chronic Physical Stress Does Not Interact with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-Encoded Dutpase to Alter the Sickness Response.

Immunomodulating and antioxidant effects of polysaccharide conjugates from the fruits of Ziziphus Jujube on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome rats.

[Research progress of fecal microbiota transplantation].

A Model of Post-Infection Fatigue Is Associated with Increased TNF and 5-HT2A Receptor Expression in Mice.

Deficient EBV-specific B- and T-cell response in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Valacyclovir treatment of chronic fatigue in adolescents.

The emerging role of autoimmunity in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/cfs).

[Biopersistence and systemic distribution of intramuscularly injected particles: what impact on long-term tolerability of alum adjuvants?].

Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia following immunization with the hepatitis B vaccine: another angle of the 'autoimmune (auto-inflammatory) syndrome induced by adjuvants' (ASIA).

Identification of a novel anti-inflammatory compound, α-cubebenoate from Schisandra chinensis.

Induction of interleukin-1β by activated microglia is a prerequisite for immunologically induced fatigue.

Stress triggers coronary mast cells leading to cardiac events.

Review: Vitamin D3 deficiency results in dysfunctions of immunity with severe fatigue and depression in a variety of diseases.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: The Current Status and Future Potentials of Emerging Biomarkers.

Spectrum of mast cell activation disorders.

Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress and Immune-Inflammatory Pathways in Patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

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