Research Hub

Explore the research by topic.

Browse ME/CFS research organised by domain. Each topic shows what we know, what we think, and what remains uncertain.

Featured Topics

Immune Dysregulation

28
Immunology

Abnormal immune activation, cytokine profiles, and NK cell dysfunction in ME/CFS.

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Neuroinflammation

5
Neurology

Brain inflammation and glial activation detected by PET imaging in ME/CFS patients.

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Metabolic Dysfunction

7
Metabolism

Altered energy metabolism and mitochondrial function in ME/CFS patients.

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Post-Exertional Malaise

43
Exercise PhysiologyPEM

The hallmark symptom of ME/CFS — worsening of symptoms following minimal physical or cognitive exertion.

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All Topics

Autonomic Nervous System

2
Autonomic

Dysautonomia, orthostatic intolerance, and cerebral blood flow deficits in ME/CFS.

Biomarkers

15
Biomarker

Objective biological markers that may support ME/CFS diagnosis or stratification.

Severe ME

0
Neurology

The most debilitating form of ME/CFS, characterized by profound functional impairment and bedbound status.

Long COVID Overlap

3
Immunology

ME/CFS-like illness following SARS-CoV-2 infection and parallels with post-acute sequelae.

Sleep Dysfunction

1
Neurology

Non-restorative sleep, circadian disruption, and sleep architecture abnormalities in ME/CFS.

Cognitive Impairment

6
Neurology

Brain fog, working memory deficits, and processing speed reductions in ME/CFS.

Gut Microbiome

3
Gut Microbiome

Alterations in gut bacterial composition and gut-brain axis signaling in ME/CFS.

Pain and Sensitization

0
Neurology

Central sensitization, widespread pain, and allodynia in ME/CFS patients.

Interventions

2
Treatment

Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment approaches for ME/CFS.

Diagnostics

4
Diagnostic Criteria

Clinical and biological diagnostic approaches and criteria for ME/CFS.

Endocrine Disruption

0
Endocrine

HPA axis dysfunction, thyroid abnormalities, and hormonal dysregulation in ME/CFS.

Research Collections

Curated groups of studies organised by theme or clinical question.

Neuroinflammation Evidence

2

PET imaging and other studies providing evidence for brain inflammation in ME/CFS.

Neurology

Metabolism & Mitochondria

2

Metabolomics and mitochondrial function studies revealing energy metabolism disruption.

Metabolism

Biomarkers

3

Studies identifying potential biological markers for ME/CFS diagnosis and stratification.

Biomarker

PEM-Specific Research

2

Studies specifically examining post-exertional malaise, the hallmark symptom of ME/CFS.

PEM