Research areas
This section of the ME/CFS Research Register (beta version) provides an overview of research areas in the field of ME/CFS. By clicking on one of the items in the list or visual view below, you will be directed to a separate page with a more detailed description. There you will find research projects, networks, and types, as well as working groups, people, publications and event items connected with the research area.
A description of the current scope of the ME/CFS Research Register (beta) can be found on the starting page (Home).
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91 of 91 research areas
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Acid-base disruption
Description:
Acidosis and alkalosis viewed collectively. Acidosis is a pathologic condition of acid accumulation or depletion of base in the body. Alkalosis is a pathological condition that removes acid or adds base to the body fluids.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
2
Anaerobic respiration
Description:
Anaerobic respiration is the type of respiration through which cells can break down sugars to generate energy in the absence of oxygen.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
1
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)
Description:
A transmembrane glycoprotein with an extracellular catalytic domain which functions as a carboxypeptidase. ACE2 is also a functional receptor for the spike glycoprotein of the SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and HCOV-NL63 viruses.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
2
Autoantibodies
Description:
Antibodies that react with self-antigens (autoantigens) of the organism that produced them.
Research projects:
15
Publications:
33
Autoimmune comorbidities
Description:
The presence of more than one autoimmune condition in the same organism.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
5
Autoimmunity
Description:
Autoimmune disorders are characterised by the production of antibodies that react with host tissues or immune effector cells that are autoreactive to endogenous peptides.
Research projects:
21
Publications:
40
Autonomic dysfunction
Description:
Diseases of the parasympathetic or sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system, which has components located in the central nervous systems and peripheral nervous system.
Research projects:
2
Publications:
14
Bacterial infections
Description:
Infections by bacteria, general or unspecified.
Research projects:
2
Publications:
1
Biobank
Description:
Biobanks are large collections of human biological materials linked to relevant personal and health information that are held predominantly for use in health and medical research.
Research projects:
11
Publications:
3
Blood cell alterations
Description:
Changes in the appearance and functionality of blood cells. Includes alterations to the morphology as well as deformability of red blood cells.
Research projects:
2
Publications:
0
Brain
Description:
Diseases of the of the central nervous system pertain to any component of the brain (including the cerebral hemispheres, diencephalon, brain stem, and cerebellum) or the spinal cord.
Research projects:
13
Publications:
6
Brain imaging
Description:
Non-invasive methods of visualising the central nervous system, especially the brain, by various imaging modalities.
Research projects:
4
Publications:
1
Capillary rarification
Description:
Rarification of the minute vessels that connect arterioles and venules.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
2
Cardiovascular system dysfunction
Description:
Cardiovascular diseases describe pathological conditions involving the cardiovascular system, including the heart, blood vessels or the pericardium.
Research projects:
25
Publications:
57
Cell-mediated autoimmunity
Description:
Autoimmune conditions characterised by a specific cell mediated response to the body's own tissues.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
4
Central nervous system dysfunction
Description:
Diseases of any component of the brain (including the cerebral hemispheres, diencephalon, brain stem, andcerebellum) or the spinal cord.
Research projects:
13
Publications:
5
Cerebral perfusion
Description:
Cerebrovascular circulation describes the circulation of blood through the blood vessels of the brain.
Research projects:
6
Publications:
4
Coagulation abnormalities
Description:
Blood coagulation disorders describe hemorrhagic and thrombotic disorders that occur as a consequence of abnormalities in blood coagulation due to a variety of factors.
Research projects:
3
Publications:
2
Cognitive dysfunction
Description:
Cognitive dysfunction pertains to diminished or impaired mental and/or intellectual function.
Research projects:
4
Publications:
3
Coronaviruses
Description:
Members of Coronaviridae which cause respiratory or gastrointestinal disease in a variety of vertebrates.
Research projects:
3
Publications:
6
Cross-reactive autoantibodies
Description:
Cross-reactive autoantibodies are a form of autoantibodies that bind to a pathogenic structure but also to molecular patterns of the host.
Research projects:
3
Publications:
1
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Description:
A genus of the family Herpesviridae, subfamily Betaherpesviridae, infecting the salivary glands, liver, spleen, lungs, eyes, and other organs, in which they produce characteristically enlarged cells with intranuclear inclusions.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
4
Digestive system dysfunction
Description:
Dysfunction in any part of the gastrointestinal tract.
Research projects:
4
Publications:
5
Electrolyte dysbalance
Description:
Dysbalance to electrolytes, i.e. substances that dissociate into two or more ions, to some extent, in water.
Research projects:
1
Publications:
3
Endocrine system dysfunction
Description:
Dysfunction of the the system of glands that release their secretions (hormones) directly into the circulatory system.
Research projects:
5
Publications:
5
Endothelial dysfunction
Description:
The endothelium maintains an adequate homeostasis via its capacity to produce protective molecules. When this function is lost or damaged, endothelial dysfunction occurs, leading to a reduction in the capacity to maintain homeostasis and the development of pathological inflammatory processes and vascular disease.
Research projects:
13
Publications:
9
Epidemiology
Description:
Determination of causes, incidence, and characteristic behavior of diseases affecting human populations.
Research projects:
1
Publications:
0
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
Description:
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the type species of lymphocryptovirus, belonging to the subfamily of gammaherpesvirinae, infecting B-cells in humans.
Research projects:
9
Publications:
13
Fibronectin
Description:
Glycoproteins found on the surfaces of cells, particularly in fibrillar structures. The proteins are lost or reduced when these cells undergo viral or chemical transformation.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
1
G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) autoantibodies
Description:
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of cell surface receptors involved in signal transduction. GPCR-autoantibodies are functional autoantibodies that bind to GPCR and activate second-messenger cascades in an uncontrolled manner.
Research projects:
8
Publications:
24
General
Description:
General research that is not limited to a specific organ or body system dysfunction.
Research projects:
52
Publications:
51
Genetic risk factors
Description:
Genetic risc factors refer to the probability of an individual orgnanism carrying a specific disease-associated mutation, or of being affected with a specific genetic disorder.
Research projects:
3
Publications:
5
Gut microbiome
Description:
All of the microbial organisms that naturally exist within the gastrointestinal tract.
Research projects:
4
Publications:
4
Gut-brain axis
Description:
An interactive network between the gastrointestinal tract (gut) and the brain principally mediated through the enteric nervous system.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
2
Heart
Description:
The hollow, muscular organ that maintains the circulation of the blood.
Research projects:
2
Publications:
1
Hemic and lymphatic system dysfunction
Description:
Hemic diseases include disorders involving the formed elements (e.g., erythrocyte aggregation, intravascular) and chemical components (e.g. blood protein disorders). Lymphatic diseases include disorders relating to lymph, lymph nodes, and lymphocytes.
Research projects:
5
Publications:
1
Herpes simplexvirus 1 (HHV-1)
Description:
The type species of Simplexvirus causing most forms of non-genital herpes simplex in humans.
Research projects:
1
Publications:
4
Herpes simplexvirus 2 (HHV-2)
Description:
A species of Simplexvirus associated with genital infections (Herpes Genitalis).
Research projects:
0
Publications:
3
Herpes viruses
Description:
Viruses belonging to the family of Herpesviridae, a family of enveloped, linear, double-stranded DNA viruses infecting a wide variety of animals.
Research projects:
11
Publications:
16
Human deoxyuridine 5-triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase)
Description:
Deoxyuridine 5′-triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase) catalyses the magnesium-dependent hydrolysis of dUTP to dUMP and pyrophosphate, providing the substrate for methylation of uracil by thymidylate synthase and preventing accidental incorporation of uracil into DNA by DNA-polymerase.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
1
Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6)
Description:
Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a member of the roseolovirus genus of the Betaherpesvirales subfamily isolated from patients with AIDS and other lymphoproliferateive disorders.
Research projects:
3
Publications:
6
Human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7)
Description:
A species in the genus roseolovirus, of the family herpesviridae.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
1
Hypersensitivity
Description:
Altered reactivity to an antigen, which can result in pathologic reactions upon subsequent exposure to that particular antigen.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
1
Hyperventilation
Description:
A pulmonary ventilation rate faster than is metabolically necessary for the exchange of gases.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
2
Hypoperfusion
Description:
A decrease in the flow of blood through or around an organ or region of the body, including the brain.
Research projects:
8
Publications:
8
Immune system dysfunction
Description:
Diseases of the immune system are disorders caused by abnormal or absent immunologic mechanisms, whether humoral, cell-mediated, or both.
Research projects:
36
Publications:
55
Immunogenetics
Description:
A subdiscipline of genetics which deals with the genetic basis of the immune response.
Research projects:
1
Publications:
4
Infections
Description:
Invasion of the host organism by microorganisms or their toxins or by parasites that can cause pathological conditions or diseases.
Research projects:
15
Publications:
22
Inflammation
Description:
A pathological process characterised by injury or destruction of tissues caused by a variety of cytologic and chemical reactions.
Research projects:
7
Publications:
13
Influenza
Description:
Influenzavirus A is the type species and genus within the Orthomyxoviridae family causing Influenza and other diseases in humans and animals.
Research projects:
1
Publications:
0
Intestinal permeability
Description:
The role of the intestinal wall as a selective barrier defending against infiltration of bacteria and toxic molecules while allowing the passage or transport of nutrients, electrolytes, and water.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
1
Intracraniel pressure
Description:
Manometric pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid within the cranial cavity as measured by lumbar, cerebroventricular, or cisternal puncture.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
1
Ischemia
Description:
A hypoperfusion of the blood through an organ or tissue caused by a pathologic constriction or obstruction of its blood vessels, or an absence of blood circulation.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
1
Long non-coding RNA
Description:
A class of untranslated RNA molecules that are typically greater than 200 nucleotides in length and do not code for proteins.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
1
Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)
Description:
A clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of mast cell disorders in which there is aberrant release of mast cell mediators with little to no accompanying proliferation of mast cells.
Research projects:
1
Publications:
3
Mental health
Description:
Emotional, psychological, and social well-being of an individual or group.
Research projects:
5
Publications:
10
Metabolomics
Description:
The systematic identification and quantitation of all the metabolic products of a cell, tissue, organ, or organism under varying conditions.
Research projects:
4
Publications:
0
Mitochondrial dysfunction
Description:
Mitochondrial diseases are conditions caused by abnormal function of the mitochondira.
Research projects:
7
Publications:
10
Musculoskeletal system dysfunction
Description:
Disorders of the muscles, bones, and cartilage of the body.
Research projects:
10
Publications:
12
Nervous system dysfunction
Description:
Diseases of the nervous system include diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system. This includes disorders of the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, nerve roots, autonomic nervous system, neuromuscular junction, and muscle.
Research projects:
15
Publications:
20
Neuroendocrine dysfunction
Description:
A system of neurons that has the specialised function to produce and secrete hormones and that constitutes, in whole or in part, an endocrine system or organ.
Research projects:
6
Publications:
2
Neuroinflammation
Description:
Diseases characterised by inflammation of the nervous tissue.
Research projects:
1
Publications:
1
Neuronal damage
Description:
Damage to the basic cellular units of nervous tissue.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
5
Nutritional and metabolic system dysfunction
Description:
A collective term for nutritional disorders resulting from poor absorption or nutritional imbalance, and metabolic disorders resulting from defects in biosynthesis (anabolism) or breakdown (catabolism) of endogenous substances.
Research projects:
13
Publications:
18
Orthostatic hypotension
Description:
Orthostatic hypotension is specifically defined by a drop in blood pressure upon standing.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
2
Orthostatic intolerance
Description:
Symptoms of cerebral hypoperfusion or autonomic overaction which develop while the subject is standing, but are relieved on recumbency.
Research projects:
1
Publications:
28
Other
Description:
Specific research that is not attributable to a specific organ or body system dysfunction.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
4
Parvovirus B19
Description:
The type species of erythrovirus and the etiological agent of erythema infectiosum, a disease most commonly seen in school-age children.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
1
Patient care
Description:
Research and recommendations on the provision of the full range of personal health services for diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and rehabilitation of patients.
Research projects:
23
Publications:
20
Polytropic murine leukemia viruses (pMLV)
Description:
Murine leukemia viruses (MLV) are a species of gammaretroviruses, containing many well-defined strains, producing leukemia in mice.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
1
Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
Description:
A syndrome of orthostatic intolerance combined with excessive upright tachycardia, and usually without associated orthostatic hypotension.
Research projects:
1
Publications:
16
Proteomics
Description:
The systematic study of the complete complement of proteins (proteome) of organisms.
Research projects:
4
Publications:
1
Psychological comorbidities
Description:
The co-occurence of more than one disorder in the same individual.
Research projects:
1
Publications:
5
Psychology
Description:
The science dealing with the study of mental processes and behavior in humans and animals.
Research projects:
1
Publications:
4
Renin angiotensin aldosteron system (RAAS)
Description:
A blood pressure regulating system of interacting components that include renin, angiotensinogen, engiotensin, converting enzyme; angiotensin I, angiotensin II, and angiotensinase.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
2
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Description:
The type species of Pneumovirus and an important cause of lower respiratory disease in infants and young children.
Research projects:
1
Publications:
0
Risk factors
Description:
An aspect of personal behavior or lifestyle, environmental exposure, inborn or inherited characteristic, known to be associated with a health-related condition.
Research projects:
1
Publications:
2
Ross river virus
Description:
A species of alphavirus associated with epidemic exanthema and polyarthritis in Australia.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
1
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Description:
A species of betacoronavirus causing atypical respiratory disease (COVID-19) in humans.
Research projects:
4
Publications:
6
Skeletal muscle dysfunction
Description:
Musculoskeletal diseases describe conditions that affect the muscles and their associated ligaments and other connective tissue and conditions of the bones and cartilage viewed collectively.
Research projects:
10
Publications:
12
Sleep disturbances
Description:
Disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep (DIMS, insomnias), excessive somnolence (DOES), sleep–wake schedule, and dysfunctions associated with sleep, sleep stages, or partial arousals (parasomnias).
Research projects:
3
Publications:
1
Small fibre neuropathy (SFN)
Description:
Disorder of the peripheral nerves that primarily impair small nerve fibers. The affected small nerve fibers include myelinated A-delta fibers (A fibres) and unmyelinated C fibres.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
4
Small non-coding RNA
Description:
Small non-coding RNA (sncRNAs) comprise a family of noncoding RNA with sizes ranging ~ 21–34 nucleotides (nt) that play a critical role in the regulation of gene expression.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
1
Stigmatisation
Description:
The act of assigning a perceived attribute that is deeply discrediting and is considered to be a violation of social norms.
Research projects:
1
Publications:
2
Thromboinflammation
Description:
Thrombosis with associated inflammation due to crosstalk between hemostasis and innate immune responses modulated by platelets.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
1
Transcriptomics
Description:
The determination of the pattern of genes expressed at the level of genetic transcription, under specific circumstances or in a specific cell.
Research projects:
7
Publications:
1
Vaccine injury
Description:
Adverse reaction to the suspension of killed or attenuated microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa), antigenic proteins, synthetic constructs, or other bio-molecular derivatives, administered for the prevention, amelioration, or treatment of infectious and other diseases.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
3
Varicella zoster virus (VZV)
Description:
The type species of varicellovirus causing chickenpox (varicella) and herpes zoster (shingles) in humans.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
3
Vascular dysfunction
Description:
Vascular dysfunction, which includes endothelial dysfunction, microvascular dysfunction, and stiffening of large arteries, results when the homeostatic function of relaxation and contraction of blood vessels is affected.
Research projects:
6
Publications:
9
Viral infections
Description:
Minute infectious agents whose genomes are composed of DNA or RNA, but not both.
Research projects:
14
Publications:
20
Xenotropic murine leukemia virus–related virus (XMRV)
Description:
An endogenous gammaretrovirus from the germ line of mice but isolated from humans.
Research projects:
0
Publications:
2
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