ME/CFS Evidence Browser — Classified Studies on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

881–900 of 1,198 studies

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

An unusual presentation of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease.

Van den Bergh, Magali, Bauer, Frank A, Posteraro, Anthony F et al.·Connecticut medicine·2014

This report describes one patient with a rare condition called Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), which causes swollen lymph nodes and fever. What makes this case unusual is that the patient also had fibromyalgia and ME/CFS, and her lymph node swelling was in an atypical location. The patient improved with steroid treatment, though her symptoms returned a few months later and responded well to treatment again.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

A role for homeostatic drive in the perpetuation of complex chronic illness: Gulf War Illness and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Craddock, Travis J A, Fritsch, Paul, Rice, Mark A et al.·PloS one·2014

This study explored how the body's stress-response system (the HPA axis) may become stuck in a dysfunctional state in ME/CFS and Gulf War Illness, interacting with sex hormones and immune function. Using computer models based on known biology, researchers found that men with Gulf War Illness showed a pattern of high cortisol and low testosterone, while women with ME/CFS showed low cortisol and high estradiol—suggesting the body gets trapped in alternate 'stuck' settings. These findings suggest that treatments might work by helping the body escape these abnormal states.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

Isoflavones inhibit poly(I:C)-induced serum, brain, and skin inflammatory mediators - relevance to chronic fatigue syndrome.

Vasiadi, Magdalini, Newman, Jennifer, Theoharides, Theoharis C·Journal of neuroinflammation·2014

This study tested whether isoflavones (plant compounds found in soy) could reduce inflammation and fatigue-like symptoms in mice exposed to immune triggers and stress. Mice given a high-isoflavone diet showed less activity loss and lower inflammation markers in their blood, brain, and skin compared to mice on regular diet. The findings suggest isoflavones might help reduce some ME/CFS symptoms by calming the body's immune response.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearCross-Sectional

DNA methylation modifications associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.

de Vega, Wilfred C, Vernon, Suzanne D, McGowan, Patrick O·PloS one·2014

This study looked at chemical tags attached to DNA (called methylation) in the blood cells of people with ME/CFS compared to healthy people. The researchers found that people with ME/CFS have differences in these chemical tags on genes related to immune function, energy production, and cell signaling. These differences might help explain why the immune system and energy systems aren't working properly in ME/CFS.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

The gut microbiome and the brain.

Galland, Leo·Journal of medicinal food·2014

Your gut bacteria can communicate with your brain in several ways: they produce substances that trigger your immune system, create chemicals that affect your mood and sleep, and send signals directly to your brain through a major nerve called the vagus nerve. When the balance of gut bacteria is disrupted, this communication can go wrong and may contribute to problems like chronic fatigue, brain fog, and mood changes.

NeuroinflammationGut MicrobiomeImmune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

The glutathione system: a new drug target in neuroimmune disorders.

Morris, Gerwyn, Anderson, George, Dean, Olivia et al.·Molecular neurobiology·2014

This review examines glutathione (GSH), a naturally occurring substance in our cells that protects against damage and helps our immune system work properly. When glutathione levels drop, cells become more stressed and inflamed, which may contribute to ME/CFS and other conditions affecting the brain and immune system. The authors suggest several potential treatments—including supplements like N-acetyl cysteine and natural compounds like curcumin—that might help restore glutathione levels.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

Metals as a common trigger of inflammation resulting in non-specific symptoms: diagnosis and treatment.

Stejskal, Vera·The Israel Medical Association journal : IMAJ·2014

This small study looked at whether metal allergies might trigger or worsen ME/CFS and fibromyalgia symptoms. Researchers tested 5 patients (3 with ME/CFS, 2 with fibromyalgia) who suspected metals were making them sick, and found that most had immune reactions to metals in dental fillings or surgical implants. When these metal sources were removed, patients reported long-term improvement in their symptoms.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Mitochondrial dysfunctions in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome explained by activated immuno-inflammatory, oxidative and nitrosative stress pathways.

Morris, Gerwyn, Maes, Michael·Metabolic brain disease·2014

This study explains how ME/CFS may damage the mitochondria—the energy-producing units inside our cells. The researchers found that inflammation, immune system overactivity, and harmful molecules called oxidative stress can interfere with how mitochondria produce energy (ATP), which is why ME/CFS patients experience extreme fatigue and post-exertional malaise. Low levels of protective vitamins and minerals also make this problem worse.

Immune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM not requiredMechanistic

[Effect of manual acupuncture stimulation of "Baihui" (GV 20), etc. on serum IFN-gamma and IL-4 contents in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome].

Wang, Chao, Xie, Wen-juan, Liu, Mi et al.·Zhen ci yan jiu = Acupuncture research·2014

Researchers tested whether acupuncture could help rats with fatigue by measuring immune system markers called IFN-gamma and IL-4. Rats that received acupuncture showed improved balance in these immune markers compared to untreated rats with fatigue, suggesting acupuncture may help restore immune function in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

[Conditions, controversies and contradictions between Central Sensitivity Syndrome and Depressive Disorders].

Maresca, Tomás, Covini, Elvira, Mato, Andrea Márquez López·Vertex (Buenos Aires, Argentina)·2013

This review article explains Central Sensitivity Syndrome (CSS), a condition where the nervous system becomes overly sensitive to pain and other stimuli, and how it relates to ME/CFS and fibromyalgia. The authors describe how CSS differs from depression, even though people with CSS often experience depression as well, by comparing how the body's stress hormones, sleep patterns, and immune systems function differently in each condition.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Psychobiotics: a novel class of psychotropic.

Dinan, Timothy G, Stanton, Catherine, Cryan, John F·Biological psychiatry·2013

This review examines 'psychobiotics'—beneficial bacteria that may help with mood and mental health by producing brain chemicals like serotonin. These bacteria communicate with the brain through the gut-brain connection. Early research in animals and some patient studies suggests they might reduce depression, anxiety, and fatigue symptoms, possibly by lowering inflammation and stress hormone levels.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells in the duodenum of individuals diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis are uniquely immunoreactive to antibodies to human endogenous retroviral proteins.

De Meirleir, Kenny L, Khaiboullina, Svetlana F, Frémont, Marc et al.·In vivo (Athens, Greece)·2013

Researchers found that a specific type of immune cell in the gut (called plasmacytoid dendritic cells) reacts to remnants of ancient viral DNA in 8 out of 12 ME/CFS patients, but not in healthy controls. These cells appear to be displaying signs of viral proteins on their surface, which suggests the gut may be involved in triggering immune problems seen in ME/CFS.

NeuroinflammationImmune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM requiredReview-Narrative

A neuro-immune model of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic fatigue syndrome.

Morris, Gerwyn, Maes, Michael·Metabolic brain disease·2013

This study proposes a theory about how ME/CFS develops and persists. The researchers suggest that an initial infection triggers the immune system, which then gets stuck in an overactive state even after the infection is cleared. This causes ongoing inflammation, energy problems in cells, and damage to the nervous system, leading to the characteristic symptoms including post-exertional malaise (feeling worse after activity).

NeuroinflammationAutonomic Nervous SystemImmune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM unclearCase-Control

A multidisciplinary approach to study a couple of monozygotic twins discordant for the chronic fatigue syndrome: a focus on potential salivary biomarkers.

Ciregia, Federica, Giusti, Laura, Da Valle, Ylenia et al.·Journal of translational medicine·2013

Researchers studied saliva samples from identical twins—one with ME/CFS and one healthy—to look for protein differences that might help diagnose the disease. They found 13 proteins that were expressed differently in the sick twin compared to the healthy twin, with many of these proteins linked to inflammation and immune system function. This suggests that a simple saliva test might one day help doctors diagnose ME/CFS more reliably.

BiomarkersImmune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Exercise and sleep deprivation do not change cytokine expression levels in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Nakamura, Toru, Schwander, Stephan, Donnelly, Robert et al.·Clinical and vaccine immunology : CVI·2013

Researchers tested whether exercise and sleep loss could trigger increased inflammatory markers in the blood of ME/CFS patients, since many people report that physical activity and poor sleep make their symptoms worse. They found that neither exercise nor sleep deprivation caused the expected increases in inflammatory proteins in people with ME/CFS compared to healthy controls. This suggests that immune activation from these stressors may not be the main reason symptoms worsen with exertion or sleep loss.

Immune SystemPost-Exertional Malaise

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Role of the Toll Like receptor (TLR) radical cycle in chronic inflammation: possible treatments targeting the TLR4 pathway.

Lucas, Kurt, Maes, Michael·Molecular neurobiology·2013

This review examines how a part of the immune system called TLR4 may trigger ongoing inflammation in several diseases, including ME/CFS. The authors discuss environmental factors (like air pollution and certain chemicals) that can activate TLR4, and they review several drugs and natural substances that might reduce this harmful inflammation by blocking TLR4 activation.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryMechanismPEM unclearMechanistic

Immunostimulation in the treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Proal, Amy D, Albert, Paul J, Marshall, Trevor G et al.·Immunologic research·2013

This study suggests that ME/CFS may be caused by multiple germs (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) working together in the body, rather than a single pathogen. The researchers proposed that these microbes interfere with how our genes are expressed, and developed an immunostimulatory treatment that showed promise in improving both how patients feel and measurable health markers.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryCohortPEM not requiredCase-Control

α-1 antitrypsin and chronic fatigue syndrome: a case study from pathophysiology to clinical practice.

Alegre, José, Camprubí, Sandra, García-Quintana, Ana·Pain management·2013

Researchers tested whether a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), which naturally reduces inflammation in the body, could help a woman with ME/CFS. She received weekly intravenous infusions for 8 weeks. After treatment, she showed improvements in how much physical work she could do, her memory, and thinking skills, and her inflammatory markers normalized. She was eventually able to return to part-time work.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM not requiredReview-Narrative

Molecular mechanisms underpinning laser printer and photocopier induced symptoms, including chronic fatigue syndrome and respiratory tract hyperresponsiveness: pharmacological treatment with cinnamon and hydrogen.

Lucas, Kurt, Maes, Michael·Neuro endocrinology letters·2013

This review examines how emissions from laser printers and photocopiers might trigger symptoms in sensitive people, including fatigue, breathing problems, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The study suggests that particles and chemicals released during printing can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. The authors propose that two substances—cinnamon and hydrogen—might help reduce these symptoms by reducing inflammation.

Immune System

E3 PreliminaryReviewPEM unclearReview-Narrative

Assessment of intracellular cytokines and regulatory cells in patients with autoimmune diseases and primary immunodeficiencies - novel tool for diagnostics and patient follow-up.

Osnes, Liv T, Nakken, Britt, Bodolay, Edit et al.·Autoimmunity reviews·2013

This article reviews how scientists measure specific immune system molecules called cytokines and immune cells to help diagnose and monitor autoimmune diseases and immune deficiencies. By measuring both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers together, doctors can better understand what's happening in a patient's immune system and track whether treatments are working.

BiomarkersImmune System

← Previous Next 20 studies →

Or browse by topic

PEM Immune Neuro Metabolic Biomarkers Severe ME Long COVID Cognitive

Evidence Atlas

Evidence browser

An unusual presentation of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease.

A role for homeostatic drive in the perpetuation of complex chronic illness: Gulf War Illness and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Isoflavones inhibit poly(I:C)-induced serum, brain, and skin inflammatory mediators - relevance to chronic fatigue syndrome.

DNA methylation modifications associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.

The gut microbiome and the brain.

The glutathione system: a new drug target in neuroimmune disorders.

Metals as a common trigger of inflammation resulting in non-specific symptoms: diagnosis and treatment.

Mitochondrial dysfunctions in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome explained by activated immuno-inflammatory, oxidative and nitrosative stress pathways.

[Effect of manual acupuncture stimulation of "Baihui" (GV 20), etc. on serum IFN-gamma and IL-4 contents in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome].

[Conditions, controversies and contradictions between Central Sensitivity Syndrome and Depressive Disorders].

Psychobiotics: a novel class of psychotropic.

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells in the duodenum of individuals diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis are uniquely immunoreactive to antibodies to human endogenous retroviral proteins.

A neuro-immune model of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic fatigue syndrome.

A multidisciplinary approach to study a couple of monozygotic twins discordant for the chronic fatigue syndrome: a focus on potential salivary biomarkers.

Exercise and sleep deprivation do not change cytokine expression levels in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Role of the Toll Like receptor (TLR) radical cycle in chronic inflammation: possible treatments targeting the TLR4 pathway.

Immunostimulation in the treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

α-1 antitrypsin and chronic fatigue syndrome: a case study from pathophysiology to clinical practice.

Molecular mechanisms underpinning laser printer and photocopier induced symptoms, including chronic fatigue syndrome and respiratory tract hyperresponsiveness: pharmacological treatment with cinnamon and hydrogen.

Assessment of intracellular cytokines and regulatory cells in patients with autoimmune diseases and primary immunodeficiencies - novel tool for diagnostics and patient follow-up.

Curated Collections

Neuroinflammation Evidence

Metabolism & Mitochondria

Biomarkers

PEM-Specific Research