ME Research UK
Encyclopedia
ME Research UK is a medical research charity
based in the United Kingdom
with the principal aim of commissioning and funding scientific (biomedical) investigation into the causes, consequences and treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome
(CFS), which in the United Kingdom is frequently referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), one of the recognised alternative names for chronic fatigue syndrome. The issue of nomenclature is highly controversial in this field of medicine, and the charity itself refers to the condition as ME/CFS. It is a debilitating illness which affects between 120,000 and 240,000 people in the United Kingdom, but which is not well understood nor, in many cases, properly recognised.
The organisation (charity number SC036942) was formed in 2000 under the name Myalgic Encepalomyelitis Research Group for Education and Support (MERGE), with an official opening in May 2001. Its headquarters are in Perth, Scotland
.
Ongoing research projects currently funded by ME Research UK include a Swedish study to provide an independent investigation into the link between xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) and CFS, an investigation into autonomic dysfunction (dysautonomia
) in CFS, research to identify key single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with CFS, and a study of the relationship between vitamin D
status and cardiovascular function in CFS.
In addition to funding research into biomedical aspects of CFS, the charity produces reviews and reports, organises and presents research at professional meetings and conferences, and was instrumental in forming a cross party group on the condition at the Scottish Parliament
.
Most of its funds come from private and corporate donations, and the Friends of ME Research UK Friends scheme has been set up to support the charity and help with fundraising.
Charitable organization
A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization . It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization (NPO). It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A...
based in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
with the principal aim of commissioning and funding scientific (biomedical) investigation into the causes, consequences and treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome is the most common name used to designate a significantly debilitating medical disorder or group of disorders generally defined by persistent fatigue accompanied by other specific symptoms for a minimum of six months, not due to ongoing exertion, not substantially...
(CFS), which in the United Kingdom is frequently referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), one of the recognised alternative names for chronic fatigue syndrome. The issue of nomenclature is highly controversial in this field of medicine, and the charity itself refers to the condition as ME/CFS. It is a debilitating illness which affects between 120,000 and 240,000 people in the United Kingdom, but which is not well understood nor, in many cases, properly recognised.
The organisation (charity number SC036942) was formed in 2000 under the name Myalgic Encepalomyelitis Research Group for Education and Support (MERGE), with an official opening in May 2001. Its headquarters are in Perth, Scotland
Perth, Scotland
Perth is a town and former city and royal burgh in central Scotland. Located on the banks of the River Tay, it is the administrative centre of Perth and Kinross council area and the historic county town of Perthshire...
.
Ongoing research projects currently funded by ME Research UK include a Swedish study to provide an independent investigation into the link between xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) and CFS, an investigation into autonomic dysfunction (dysautonomia
Dysautonomia
Dysautonomia is a broad term that describes any disease or malfunction of the autonomic nervous system. This includes postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome , inappropriate sinus tachycardia , vasovagal syncope, mitral valve prolapse dysautonomia, pure autonomic failure, neurocardiogenic...
) in CFS, research to identify key single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with CFS, and a study of the relationship between vitamin D
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble secosteroids. In humans, vitamin D is unique both because it functions as a prohormone and because the body can synthesize it when sun exposure is adequate ....
status and cardiovascular function in CFS.
In addition to funding research into biomedical aspects of CFS, the charity produces reviews and reports, organises and presents research at professional meetings and conferences, and was instrumental in forming a cross party group on the condition at the Scottish Parliament
Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament is the devolved national, unicameral legislature of Scotland, located in the Holyrood area of the capital, Edinburgh. The Parliament, informally referred to as "Holyrood", is a democratically elected body comprising 129 members known as Members of the Scottish Parliament...
.
Most of its funds come from private and corporate donations, and the Friends of ME Research UK Friends scheme has been set up to support the charity and help with fundraising.