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Harris CS, Miaskowski CA, Conley YP, Hammer MJ, Dunn LB, Dhruva AA, Levine JD, Olshen AB, Kober KM. Epigenetic Regulation of Inflammatory Mechanisms and a Psychological Symptom Cluster in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy. Nurs Res 2023; 72:200-210. [PMID: 36929768 PMCID: PMC10121746 DOI: 10.1097/nnr.0000000000000643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A psychological symptom cluster is the most common cluster identified in oncology patients. Although inflammatory mechanisms are hypothesized to underlie this cluster, epigenetic contributions are unknown. OBJECTIVES This study's purpose was to evaluate associations between the occurrence of a psychological symptom cluster and levels of DNA methylation for inflammatory genes in a heterogeneous sample of patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. METHODS Prior to their second or third cycle of chemotherapy, 1,071 patients reported the occurrence of 38 symptoms using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale. A psychological cluster was identified using exploratory factor analysis. Differential methylation analyses were performed in two independent samples using Illumina Infinium 450K and EPIC microarrays. Expression-associated CpG (eCpG) loci in the promoter region of 114 inflammatory genes on the 450K and 112 genes on the EPIC microarray were evaluated for associations with the psychological cluster. Robust rank aggregation was used to identify differentially methylated genes across both samples. Significance was assessed using a false discovery rate of 0.05 under the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure. RESULTS Cluster of differentiation 40 ( CD40 ) was differentially methylated across both samples. All six promoter eCpGs for CD40 that were identified across both samples were hypomethylated in the psychological cluster group. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to suggest associations between a psychological symptom cluster and differential DNA methylation of a gene involved in tissue inflammation and cell-mediated immunity. Our findings suggest that increased CD40 expression through hypomethylation of promoter eCpG loci is involved in the occurrence of a psychological symptom cluster in patients receiving chemotherapy. These findings suggest a direction for mechanistic studies.
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Shin J, Oppegaard K, Calvo-Schimmel A, Harris C, Cooper BA, Paul SM, Conley YP, Hammer MJ, Cartwright F, Kober KM, Levine JD, Miaskowski C. Distinct Worst Pain Profiles in Oncology Outpatients Undergoing Chemotherapy. Cancer Nurs 2023; 46:176-188. [PMID: 35439202 PMCID: PMC9554042 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While pain is a significant problem for oncology patients, little is known about interindividual variability in pain characteristics. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to identify subgroups of patients with distinct worst pain severity profiles and evaluate for differences among these subgroups in demographic, clinical, and pain characteristics and stress and symptom scores. METHODS Patients (n = 934) completed questionnaires 6 times over 2 chemotherapy cycles. Worst pain intensity was assessed using a 0- to 10-point numeric rating scale. Brief Pain Inventory was used to assess various pain characteristics. Latent profile analysis was used to identify subgroups of patients with distinct pain profiles. RESULTS Three worst pain profiles were identified (low [17.5%], moderate [39.9%], severe [42.6%]). Compared with the other 2 classes, severe class was more likely to be single and unemployed and had a lower annual household income, a higher body mass index, a higher level of comorbidity, and a poorer functional status. Severe class was more likely to have both cancer and noncancer pain, a higher number of pain locations, higher frequency and duration of pain, worse pain quality scores, and higher pain interference scores. Compared with the other 2 classes, severe class reported lower satisfaction with pain management and higher global, disease-specific, and cumulative life stress, as well as higher anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive dysfunction scores. CONCLUSIONS Unrelieved pain is a significant problem for more than 80% of outpatients. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Clinicians need to perform comprehensive pain assessments; prescribe pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions; and initiate referrals for pain management and psychological services.
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Sheng Y, Carpenter JS, Smith BJ, Paul SM, Melisko M, Moslehi J, Levine JD, Conley YP, Kober KM, Miaskowski C. A Pilot Study of Associations Between the Occurrence of Palpitations and Cytokine Gene Variations in Women Prior to Breast Cancer Surgery. Biol Res Nurs 2023; 25:289-299. [PMID: 36255356 PMCID: PMC10236444 DOI: 10.1177/10998004221134684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Palpitations are common and have a negative impact on women's quality of life. While evidence suggests that inflammatory mechanisms may play a role in the development of palpitations, no studies have evaluated for this association in patients with breast cancer who report palpitations prior to surgery. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate for associations between the occurrence of palpitations and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes for pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, their receptors, and transcriptional regulators. METHODS Patients were recruited prior to surgery and completed a self-report questionnaire on the occurrence of palpitations. Genotyping of SNPs in cytokine genes was performed using a custom array. Multiple logistic regression analyses were done to identify associations between the occurrence of palpitations and SNPs in fifteen candidate genes. RESULTS Of the 82 SNPs evaluated in the bivariate analyses, eleven SNPs in 6 genes were associated with the occurrence of palpitations. After controlling for functional status, the occurrence of back pain, and self-reported and genomic estimates of race/ethnicity, 3 SNPs in 3 different genes (i.e., interleukin (IL) 1-beta (IL1B) rs1143643, IL10 rs3024505, IL13 rs1295686) were associated with the occurrence of palpitations prior to surgery (all p ≤ .038). CONCLUSIONS While these preliminary findings warrant replication, they suggest that inflammatory mechanisms may contribute to the subjective sensation of palpitations in women prior to breast cancer surgery.
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Morse L, Paul SM, Cooper BA, Oppegaard K, Shin J, Calvo-Schimmel A, Harris C, Hammer M, Conley Y, Wright F, Levine JD, Kober KM, Miaskowski C. Higher Stress in Oncology Patients is Associated With Cognitive and Evening Physical Fatigue Severity. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:203-215. [PMID: 36423801 PMCID: PMC11189665 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Cognitive and physical fatigue are common symptoms experienced by oncology patients. Exposure to stressful life events (SLE), cancer-related stressors, coping styles, and levels of resilience may influence the severity of both dimensions of fatigue. OBJECTIVES Evaluate for differences in global, cancer-specific, and cumulative life stress, as well as resilience and coping in oncology patients (n=1332) with distinct cognitive fatigue AND evening physical fatigue profiles. METHODS Latent profile analysis, which combined the two symptom scores, identified three subgroups of patients with distinct cognitive fatigue AND evening physical fatigue profiles (i.e., Low, Moderate, High). Patients completed measures of global, cancer-specific, and cumulative life stress as well measures of resilience and coping. Differences among the latent classes in the various measures were evaluated using parametric and nonparametric tests. RESULTS Compared to Low class, the other two classes reported higher global and cancer-specific stress. In addition, they reported higher occurrence rates for sexual harassment and being forced to touch prior to 16 years of age. Compared to the other two classes, High class reported lower resilience scores and higher use of denial, substance use, and behavioral disengagement. CONCLUSION To decrease both cognitive and evening physical fatigue, clinicians need to assess for relevant stressors and initiate interventions to increase resilience and the use of engagement coping strategies. Additional research is warranted on the relative contribution of various social determinants of health to both cognitive and physical fatigue in oncology patients receiving chemotherapy.
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Singh K, Pituch K, Zhu Q, Gu H, Ernst B, Tofthagen C, Brewer M, Kober KM, Cooper BA, Paul SM, Conley YP, Hammer M, Levine JD, Miaskowski C. Distinct Nausea Profiles Are Associated With Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Oncology Patients Receiving Chemotherapy. Cancer Nurs 2023; 46:92-102. [PMID: 35671438 PMCID: PMC9437145 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unrelieved chemotherapy-induced nausea (CIN) occurs 48% of patients undergoing chemotherapy and is one of the most debilitating symptoms that patients report. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to identify subgroups of patients with distinct CIN profiles and determine how these subgroups differed on demographic and clinical characteristics; severity, frequency, and distress of CIN; and the co-occurrence of common gastrointestinal symptoms. METHODS Patients (n = 1343) completed demographic questionnaire and Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale 6 times over 2 cycles of chemotherapy. Latent class analysis was used to identify subgroups of patients with distinct CIN profiles. Differences among these subgroups were evaluated using parametric and nonparametric statistics. RESULTS Four distinct CIN profiles were identified: none (40.8%), increasing-decreasing (21.5%), decreasing (8.9%), and high (28.8%). Compared with the none class, patients in the high class were younger, had a lower annual household income, had child care responsibilities, had a lower Karnofsky Performance Status score and a higher Self-administered Comorbidity Questionnaire score, and were more likely to have received chemotherapy on a 14-day cycle and a highly emetogenic chemotherapy regimen. In addition, patients in the high class reported high occurrence rates for dry mouth, feeling bloated, diarrhea, lack of appetite, abdominal cramps, difficulty swallowing, mouth sores, weight loss, and change in the way food tastes. CONCLUSIONS That 60% of the patients reported moderate to high CIN occurrence rates confirms that this unrelieved symptom is a significant clinical problem. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Nurses need to evaluate patients' level of adherence to their antiemetic regimen and make appropriate referrals for physical therapy, psychological services, and dietary counseling.
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Shin J, Kober KM, Wong ML, Yates P, Cooper BA, Paul SM, Hammer M, Conley Y, Levine JD, Miaskowski C. Distinct Shortness of Breath Profiles in Oncology Outpatients Undergoing Chemotherapy. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:242-255. [PMID: 36423799 PMCID: PMC11195533 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Shortness of breath is a distressing symptom that occurs in 10% to 70% of oncology patients. Despite this broad range in its occurrence, little is known about inter-individual variability in shortness of breath and associated risk factors among patients receiving chemotherapy. OBJECTIVES Identify subgroups of patients with distinct shortness of breath profiles; evaluate for differences among these subgroups in demographic and clinical characteristics; evaluate for differences among symptom dimensions of shortness of breath, and evaluate for differences in quality of life outcomes. METHODS Outpatients (n=1338) completed questionnaires six times over two chemotherapy cycles. Occurrence of shortness of breath was assessed using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale. Latent class analysis was used to identify subgroups of patients with distinct shortness of breath profiles. RESULTS Four distinct shortness of breath profiles were identified (None [70.5%], Decreasing [8.2%], Increasing [7.8%], High [13.5%]). Risk factors for membership in High class included: history of smoking, self-reported diagnosis of lung disease, having lung cancer, and receipt of a higher number of cancer treatments. Compared to the None class, High class reported poorer physical, psychological, and social functioning. CONCLUSIONS Almost 14% of patients with heterogeneous types of cancer receiving chemotherapy had persistently high occurrence rates of shortness of breath for almost two months. In addition, compared to the Decreasing and Increasing classes, the High class' episodes of shortness of breath were more frequent and more severe. Clinicians need to assess all oncology patients for shortness of breath and provide targeted interventions.
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Sheng Y, Carpenter JS, Paul SM, Cooper BA, Conley YP, Kober KM, Levine JD, Miaskowski C. Palpitations and Co-Occurring Menopausal Symptoms in Women Prior to Breast Cancer Surgery. Oncol Nurs Forum 2023; 50:215-228. [PMID: 37677805 DOI: 10.1188/23.onf.215-228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the occurrence rate of palpitations in women prior to breast cancer surgery and evaluate for differences in demographic and clinical characteristics and menopausal symptoms in patients with and without palpitations. SAMPLE & SETTING Presurgery data on palpitations and menopausal symptoms from 398 patients who underwent breast cancer surgery were analyzed. METHODS & VARIABLES The Menopausal Symptoms Scale was used to evaluate the occurrence, severity, and distress of 46 symptoms, including palpitations. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used to evaluate for differences between patients with and without palpitations. RESULTS Women with palpitations had lower annual income, lower functional status, higher comorbidity burden, and higher rates of back pain than women without palpitations. Women with palpitations had twice the number of menopausal symptoms and had higher occurrence rates for 39 of the 45 menopausal symptoms. They reported significantly higher severity scores for difficulty concentrating, dizziness, swollen hands/feet, and wake during the night, and higher distress scores for anxiety, hot flashes, swollen hands/feet, and wake during the night. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Clinicians should perform routine assessments of palpitations and make appropriate referrals to a cardiologist.
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Miaskowski C, Mastick J, Paul S, Wallhagen M, Abrams G, Levine JD. Associations among hearing loss, multiple co-occurring symptoms, and quality of life outcomes in cancer survivors. J Cancer Surviv 2023; 17:59-68. [PMID: 36454519 PMCID: PMC9714406 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-022-01301-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Evaluate for differences in demographic and clinical characteristics, occurrence of common symptoms, symptom severity scores, and quality of life (QOL) outcomes in survivors with (n = 155) and without (n = 118) audiometrically confirmed hearing loss. METHODS Survivors, who were recruited from throughout the San Francisco Bay area, completed the self-report questionnaires to obtain the information of demographic and clinical characteristics; the occurrence and severity of depression, anxiety, fatigue, decrements in energy, sleep disturbance, pain, and cognitive impairment; and the general and cancer-specific QOL outcomes. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used to evaluate for differences between the two survivor groups. RESULTS Survivors with audiometrically confirmed hearing loss were older, more likely to be male, were more likely to be unemployed, report a lower annual household income, and had a higher comorbidity burden. Except for the severity of worst pain, no between-group differences were found in the occurrence rates for or severity of any of the symptoms. Survivors with hearing loss reported worse physical function and general health scores. CONCLUSIONS While no between-group differences in symptom occurrence rates and severity scores were found, across the total sample, a relatively high percentage of survivors who were over 6 years from their cancer diagnosis reported clinically meaningful levels of depression (25%), anxiety (50%), fatigue (40%), decrements in energy (70%), sleep disturbance (58%), cognitive impairment (57%), and pain (60%). IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Clinicians need to perform routine assessments of hearing loss, as well as common co-occurring symptoms and initiate individualized symptom management interventions.
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Stacker T, Kober KM, Dunn L, Viele C, Paul SM, Hammer M, Conley YP, Levine JD, Miaskowski C. Associations Between Demographic, Clinical, and Symptom Characteristics and Stress in Oncology Patients Receiving Chemotherapy. Cancer Nurs 2023; 46:E62-E69. [PMID: 35671412 PMCID: PMC9437148 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients undergoing cancer treatment experience global stress and cancer-specific stress. Both types of stress are associated with a higher symptom burden. OBJECTIVE In this cross-sectional study, we used a comprehensive set of demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics to evaluate their relative contribution to the severity of global and cancer-specific stress. METHODS Patients (N = 941) completed study questionnaires before their second or third cycle of chemotherapy. RESULTS Consistent with our a priori hypothesis, we found both common and distinct characteristics associated with higher levels of global stress and cancer-specific stress. A significant proportion of our patients had scores on the Impact of Event Scale-Revised suggestive of subsyndromal (29.4%) or probable (13.9%) posttraumatic stress disorder. Four of the 5 stepwise linear regression analyses for the various stress scales explained between 41.6% and 54.5% of the total variance. Compared with various demographic and clinical characteristics, many of the common symptoms associated with cancer and its treatments uniquely explained a higher percentage of the variance in the various stress scales. Symptoms of depression made the largest unique contribution to the percentage of total explained variance across all 5 scales. CONCLUSION Clinicians need to assess for global stress, cancer-specific stress, and depression in patients receiving chemotherapy. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Patients may benefit from integrative interventions (eg, mindfulness-based stress reduction, cognitive behavioral therapy, acupuncture) that simultaneously address stress and symptoms commonly associated with cancer and its treatments.
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Shin J, Kober KM, Harris C, Oppegaard K, Calvo-Schimmel A, Paul SM, Cooper BA, Olshen A, Dokiparthi V, Conley YP, Hammer M, Levine JD, Miaskowski C. Perturbations in Neuroinflammatory Pathways Are Associated With a Worst Pain Profile in Oncology Patients Receiving Chemotherapy. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:84-97. [PMID: 36115520 PMCID: PMC11186595 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2022.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Unrelieved pain occurs in 55% of cancer patients. Identification of molecular mechanisms for pain may provide insights into therapeutic targets. Purpose was to evaluate for perturbations in neuroinflammatory pathways between oncology patients with and without severe pain. Worst pain severity was rated using a 0 to 10 numeric rating scale six times over two cycles of chemotherapy. Latent profile analysis was used to identify subgroups of patients with distinct pain profiles. Pathway impact analyses were performed in two independent samples using gene expression data obtained from RNA sequencing (n = 192) and microarray (n = 197) technologies. Fisher's combined probability test was used to identify significantly perturbed pathways between None versus the Severe pain classes. In the RNA sequencing and microarray samples, 62.5% and 56.3% of patients were in the Severe pain class, respectively. Nine perturbed pathways were related to neuroinflammatory mechanisms (i.e., retrograde endocannabinoid signaling, gamma-aminobutyric acid synapse, glutamatergic synapse, Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling, phagosome, complement and coagulation cascades, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, chemokine signaling, calcium signaling). First study to identify perturbations in neuroinflammatory pathways associated with severe pain in oncology outpatients. Findings suggest that complex neuroimmune interactions are involved in the maintenance of chronic pain conditions. Perspective: In this study that compared oncology patients with none versus severe pain, nine perturbed neuroinflammatory pathways were identified. Findings suggest that complex neuroimmune interactions are involved in the maintenance of persistent pain conditions.
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Calvo-Schimmel A, Kober KM, Paul SM, Cooper BA, Harris C, Shin J, Hammer MJ, Conley YP, Dokiparthi V, Olshen A, Levine JD, Miaskowski C. Sleep disturbance is associated with perturbations in immune-inflammatory pathways in oncology outpatients undergoing chemotherapy. Sleep Med 2023; 101:305-315. [PMID: 36470166 PMCID: PMC11200329 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2022.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND Sleep disturbance is a common problem in patients receiving chemotherapy. Purpose was to evaluate for perturbations in immune-inflammatory pathways between oncology patients with low versus very high levels of sleep disturbance. PATIENTS/METHODS Sleep disturbance was evaluated using the General Sleep Disturbance Scale six times over two cycles of chemotherapy. Latent profile analysis was used to identify subgroups of patients with distinct sleep disturbance profiles. Pathway impact analyses were performed in two independent samples using gene expression data obtained from RNA sequencing (n = 198) and microarray (n = 162) technologies. Fisher's combined probability test was used to identify significantly perturbed pathways between Low versus Very High sleep disturbance classes. RESULTS In the RNA sequencing and microarray samples, 59.1% and 51.9% of patients were in the Very High sleep disturbance class, respectively. Thirteen perturbed pathways were related to immune-inflammatory mechanisms (i.e., endocytosis, phagosome, antigen processing and presentation, natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, apoptosis, neutrophil extracellular trap formation, nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor signaling, Th17 cell differentiation, intestinal immune network for immunoglobulin A production, T-cell receptor signaling, complement and coagulation cascades, and tumor necrosis factor signaling). CONCLUSIONS First study to identify perturbations in immune-inflammatory pathways associated with very high levels of sleep disturbance in oncology outpatients. Findings suggest that complex immune-inflammatory interactions underlie sleep disturbance.
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Haas ND, Viele C, Paul SM, Abrams G, Smoot B, Melisko M, Levine JD, Miaskowski C, Kober KM. Polymorphisms in Cytokine Receptor and Regulator Genes are Associated with Levels of Exercise in Women Prior to Breast Cancer Surgery. Biol Res Nurs 2023; 25:76-87. [PMID: 36036249 DOI: 10.1177/10998004221120091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background: Little is known about the genetic characteristics associated with exercise in women undergoing breast cancer surgery. Purpose: In a sample of women who were evaluated prior to breast cancer surgery (n = 310), we evaluated for differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between patients who did and did not exercise on a regular basis and evaluated for associations between polymorphisms in genes for pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, their receptors, and their transcriptional regulators. Methods: Patients completed an investigator-developed exercise questionnaire. Based on the recommended level of exercise (≥150 minutes/week), survivors were classified into no exercise (NoEx), less exercise (LessEx), or recommended exercise (RecEx) groups. Candidate gene analyses were done to identify relationships between polymorphisms and exercise group membership (i.e., NoEx vs. RecEx). Only 23.5% of the total sample met the recommendations for regular exercise. Results: Compared to the RecEx group (n = 78), patients in the NoEx group (n = 120) had less education; were less likely to report being White or Asia/Pacific Islander; more likely to report a lower household income; had a higher body mass index (BMI), had a poorer functional status; had a higher comorbidity burden; were more likely to self-report high blood pressure; and were more likely to have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Polymorphisms in IFNGR1 and NFKB1 were associated with membership in the NoEx group. Conclusions: While they warrant replication, our findings suggest that variations in cytokine-related genes may play a role in exercise behavior, and that clinicians need to assess for barriers to regular exercise and educate patients on its benefits.
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Harris CS, Miaskowski CA, Conley YP, Hammer MJ, Dhruva AA, Levine JD, Olshen AB, Kober KM. Gastrointestinal Symptom Cluster is Associated With Epigenetic Regulation of Lymphotoxin Beta in Oncology Patients Receiving Chemotherapy. Biol Res Nurs 2023; 25:51-64. [PMID: 35929442 PMCID: PMC9900252 DOI: 10.1177/10998004221115863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES While the gastrointestinal symptom cluster (GISC) is common in patients receiving chemotherapy, limited information is available on its underlying mechanism(s). Emerging evidence suggests a role for inflammatory processes through the actions of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. This study evaluated for associations between a GISC and levels of DNA methylation for genes within this pathway. METHODS Prior to their second or third cycle of chemotherapy, 1071 outpatients reported symptom occurrence using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale. A GISC was identified using exploratory factor analysis. Differential methylation analyses were performed in two independent samples using EPIC (n = 925) and 450K (n = 146) microarrays. Trans expression-associated CpG (eCpG) loci for 56 NF-κB signaling pathway genes were evaluated. Loci significance were assessed using an exploratory false discovery rate (FDR) of 25% for the EPIC sample. For the validation assessment using the 450K sample, significance was assessed at an unadjusted p-value of 0.05. RESULTS For the EPIC sample, the GISC was associated with increased expression of lymphotoxin beta (LTB) at one differentially methylated trans eCpG locus (cg03171795; FDR = 0.168). This association was not validated in the 450K sample. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to identify an association between a GISC and epigenetic regulation of a gene that is involved in the initiation of gastrointestinal immune responses. Findings suggest that increased LTB expression by hypermethylation of a trans eCpG locus is involved in the occurrence of this cluster in patients receiving chemotherapy. LTB may be a potential therapeutic target for this common cluster.
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Kober KM, Harris C, Conley YP, Dhruva A, Dokiparthi V, Hammer MJ, Levine JD, Oppegaard K, Paul S, Shin J, Sucher A, Wright F, Yuen B, Olshen AB, Miaskowski C. Perturbations in common and distinct inflammatory pathways associated with morning and evening fatigue in outpatients receiving chemotherapy. Cancer Med 2022; 12:7369-7380. [PMID: 36373573 PMCID: PMC10067125 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Moderate to severe fatigue occurs in up to 94% of patients with cancer. Recent evidence suggests that morning and evening fatigue are distinct dimensions of physical fatigue. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the transcriptome for common and distinct perturbed inflammatory pathways in patients receiving chemotherapy who reported low versus high levels of morning or low versus high levels of evening cancer-related fatigue. METHODS Patients completed questionnaires during the week prior to their chemotherapy treatment. Severity of morning and evening fatigue was evaluated using the Lee Fatigue Scale. Gene expression and pathway impact analyses (PIA) were performed in two independent samples using RNA-sequencing (n = 357) and microarray (n = 360). Patterns of interactions between and among these perturbed pathways were evaluated using a knowledge network (KN). RESULTS Across the PIA, nine perturbed pathways (FDR < 0.025) were common to both morning and evening fatigue, six were distinct for morning fatigue, and four were distinct for evening fatigue. KN (19 nodes, 39 edges) identified the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt pathway node (perturbed in evening fatigue) with the highest betweenness (0.255) and closeness (0.255) centrality indices. The next highest betweenness centrality indices were seen in pathways perturbed in evening fatigue (i.e., nuclear factor kappa B: 0.200, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity: 0.178, mitogen-activated protein kinase: 0.175). CONCLUSIONS This study describes perturbations in common and distinct inflammatory pathways associated with morning and/or evening fatigue. PI3K-Akt was identified as a bottleneck pathway. The analysis identified potential targets for therapeutic interventions for this common and devastating clinical problem.
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Bouvron B, Mackin L, Kober KM, Paul SM, Cooper BA, Conley YP, Hammer MJ, Wright F, Levine JD, Miaskowski C. Impact of worst pain severity and morning fatigue profiles on oncology outpatients’ symptom burden and quality of life. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:9929-9944. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07431-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Miaskowski C, Levine JD, Paul SM, Cooper B, Abrams G, Topp K, Cheung S, Henderson-Sabes J, Conley YP, Snowberg K, Alfaro E, Quinn M, Kober KM. Similarities in the Neuropathy Phenotype of Cancer Survivors Who Received Different Classes of Chemotherapy Drugs. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2022; 23:1604-1615. [PMID: 35533976 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
With the advent of platinum and taxane compounds used as single agents or in combination regimens, survival rates for some of the most common cancers have improved substantially. However, information on differences in the chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) phenotype among single and combination regimens is limited. Study's purposes were to evaluate for differences in demographic and clinical characteristics; subjective and objective measures of CIPN; as well as the severity of common symptoms and quality of life among survivors who received platinum- (n = 95), taxane- (n = 200), or platinum and taxane-containing (n = 131) regimens. Patients completed self-report questionnaires (ie, duration of CIPN, pain intensity, pain qualities, pain interference) and underwent a physical examination that evaluated light touch, pain, and cold sensations and balance. For most of the subjective and objective measures of CIPN, as well as symptom severity and quality of life scores, no differences were found among the 3 chemotherapy groups. In all 3 chemotherapy treatment groups, CIPN was a painful, small fiber, and length dependent neuropathy. These findings support the hypothesis that CIPN induced by different classes of chemotherapy, as single agents or in combination, produce a similar CIPN phenotype which raises the possibility that CIPN induced by diverse chemotherapy protocols has the same underlying mechanism. PERSPECTIVE: In this study, that compared patients who received only platinum, only taxane, or both platinum and taxane containing regimens, no differences were found among the 3 groups in the CIPN phenotype. Findings raise the possibility that CIPN induced by diverse chemotherapy protocols has the same underlying mechanism.
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Bonet IJM, Staurengo-Ferrari L, Araldi D, Green PG, Levine JD. Second messengers mediating high-molecular-weight hyaluronan-induced antihyperalgesia in rats with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Pain 2022; 163:1728-1739. [PMID: 34913881 PMCID: PMC9167889 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT High-molecular-weight hyaluronan (HMWH) is an agonist at cluster of differentiation (CD)44, the cognate hyaluronan receptor, on nociceptors, where it acts to induce antihyperalgesia in preclinical models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. In the present experiments, we studied the CD44 second messengers that mediate HMWH-induced attenuation of pain associated with oxaliplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). While HMWH attenuated CIPN only in male rats, after ovariectomy or intrathecal administration of an oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) antisense to G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPR30) mRNA, female rats were also sensitive to HMWH. Intrathecal administration of an ODN antisense to CD44 mRNA markedly attenuated HMWH-induced antihyperalgesia in male rats with CIPN induced by oxaliplatin or paclitaxel. Intradermal administration of inhibitors of CD44 second messengers, RhoA (member of the Rho family of GTPases), phospholipase C, and phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase gamma (PI3Kγ), attenuated HMWH-induced antihyperalgesia as does intrathecal administration of an ODN antisense to PI3Kγ. Our results demonstrated that HMWH induced antihyperalgesia in CIPN, mediated by its action at CD44 and downstream signaling by RhoA, phospholipase C, and PI3Kγ.
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Harris CS, Kober KM, Cooper B, Conley YP, Dhruva AA, Hammer MJ, Paul S, Levine JD, Miaskowski CA. Symptom clusters in outpatients with cancer using different dimensions of the symptom experience. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:6889-6899. [PMID: 35543816 PMCID: PMC10792845 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07125-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Relatively few studies have evaluated for symptom clusters across multiple dimensions. It is unknown whether the symptom dimension used to create symptom clusters influences the number and types of clusters that are identified. Study purposes were to describe ratings of occurrence, severity, and distress for 38 symptoms in a heterogeneous sample of oncology patients (n = 1329) undergoing chemotherapy; identify and compare the number and types of symptom clusters based on three dimensions (i.e., occurrence, severity, and distress); and identify common and distinct clusters. METHODS A modified version of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale was used to assess the occurrence, severity, and distress ratings of 38 symptoms in the week prior to patients' next cycle of chemotherapy. Symptom clusters for each dimension were identified using exploratory factor analysis. RESULTS Patients reported an average of 13.9 (±7.2) concurrent symptoms. Lack of energy was both the most common and severe symptom while "I don't look like myself" was the most distressing. Psychological, gastrointestinal, weight gain, respiratory, and hormonal clusters were identified across all three dimensions. Findings suggest that psychological, gastrointestinal, and weight gain clusters are common while respiratory and hormonal clusters are distinct. CONCLUSIONS Psychological, gastrointestinal, weight gain, hormonal, and respiratory clusters are stable across occurrence, severity, and distress in oncology patients receiving chemotherapy. Given the stability of these clusters and the consistency of the symptoms across dimensions, the use of a single dimension to identify these clusters may be sufficient. However, comprehensive and disease-specific inventories need to be used to identify distinct clusters.
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Allemann-Su YY, Vetter M, Koechlin H, Paul SM, Cooper BA, Oppegaard K, Melisko M, Levine JD, Conley Y, Miaskowski C, Katapodi MC. Pre-Surgery Demographic, Clinical, and Symptom Characteristics Associated with Different Self-Reported Cognitive Processes in Patients with Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133281. [PMID: 35805053 PMCID: PMC9265628 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a common and persistent symptom in breast cancer patients. The Attentional Function Index (AFI) is a self-report measure that assesses CRCI. AFI includes three subscales, namely effective action, attentional lapses, and interpersonal effectiveness, that are based on working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. Previously, we identified three classes of patients with distinct CRCI profiles using the AFI total scores. The purpose of this study was to expand our previous work using latent class growth analysis (LCGA), to identify distinct cognitive profiles for each of the AFI subscales in the same sample (i.e., 397 women who were assessed seven times from prior to through to 6 months following breast cancer surgery). For each subscale, parametric and non-parametric statistics were used to determine differences in demographic, clinical, and pre-surgical psychological and physical symptoms among the subgroups. Three-, four-, and two-classes were identified for the effective action, attentional lapses, and interpersonal effectiveness subscales, respectively. Across all three subscales, lower functional status, higher levels of anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep disturbance, and worse decrements in energy were associated with worse cognitive performance. These and other modifiable characteristics may be potential targets for personalized interventions for CRCI.
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Hammer MJ, Cooper B, Paul SM, Kober KM, Cartwright F, Conley YP, Wright F, Levine JD, Miaskowski C. Identification of Distinct Symptom Profiles in Cancer Patients Using a Pre-Specified Symptom Cluster. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 64:17-27. [PMID: 35339613 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and depression often co-occur in oncology patients and negatively impact quality of life (QOL). OBJECTIVES Study purposes were to identify subgroups of patients with distinct symptom profiles based on their experiences with a pre-specified symptom cluster (i.e., pain, fatigue, depression, sleep disturbance) and to identify demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics and QOL outcomes associated with each distinct profile. METHODS Patients with breast, lung, gastrointestinal, and gynecologic cancers (n = 1340) were recruited from outpatient clinics during their first or second cycle of chemotherapy. They completed valid and reliable measures of pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance. depression, and QOL prior to their next dose of chemotherapy. Latent class profile analysis was used to identify the patient subgroups. Differences among the profiles were evaluated using parametric and non-parametric tests. RESULTS Three distinct profiles were identified (i.e., Low (44.0%), Moderate (45.1%), High (10.8%). Compared to Low class, Moderate and High classes were younger and more likely to be female. Compared to the other two classes, High class was less likely to be married/partnered and employed, more likely to have a lower income and childcare responsibilities, had lower functional status, a higher body mass index, and exercised less. For both QOL scales, differences in subscale and total scores followed the same pattern (Low>Moderate>High). CONCLUSIONS Over 55% of patients undergoing chemotherapy had a moderate to high symptom burden associated with these four common co-occurring symptoms. Multimodal interventions are needed to decrease symptom burden and improve QOL outcomes in these patients.
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Pozzar RA, Hammer MJ, Cooper BA, Kober KM, Chen LM, Paul SM, Conley YP, Cartwright F, Wright F, Levine JD, Miaskowski C. Stability of Symptom Clusters in Patients With Gynecologic Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy. Cancer Nurs 2022; 45:E706-E718. [PMID: 34560709 PMCID: PMC8940749 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000000988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with gynecologic cancer undergoing chemotherapy experience multiple co-occurring symptoms. Understanding how symptom clusters change over time is essential to the development of interventions that target multiple co-occurring symptoms. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the relative stability of symptom clusters across a chemotherapy cycle in patients with gynecologic cancer. METHODS This is a longitudinal, descriptive study. Eligible patients (n = 232) were English-speaking adults (≥18 years old) with gynecologic cancer. Data were collected in the week before patients' second or third cycle of chemotherapy (T1) and at 1 (T2) and 2 (T3) weeks after chemotherapy. Three dimensions of the symptom experience (occurrence, severity, and distress) were assessed using a modified version of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale. Symptom clusters for each dimension and time point were identified through exploratory factor analysis. RESULTS A 5-factor solution was selected for each exploratory factor analysis. Hormonal, respiratory, and weight change clusters were identified across all dimensions and time points. A psychological symptom cluster was identified at T1 for occurrence and severity and at T2 and T3 for all 3 dimensions. A gastrointestinal symptom cluster was identified at T1 for occurrence and at T2 and T3 for all 3 dimensions. The hormonal, respiratory, psychological, and weight change symptom clusters exhibited common symptoms across dimensions and time points. CONCLUSIONS Hormonal, respiratory, weight change, and psychological symptom clusters are relatively stable across a cycle of chemotherapy in patients with gynecologic cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Clinicians need to assess patients for multiple co-occurring symptoms and initiate multimodal interventions.
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Oppegaard K, Shin J, Harris CS, Schimmel A, Paul SM, Cooper BA, Levine JD, Conley YP, Hammer M, Dunn L, Kober KM, Miaskowski C. Higher stress and symptom severity are associated with worse depressive symptom profiles in patients receiving chemotherapy. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2022; 58:102031. [PMID: 35397404 PMCID: PMC10788966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2021.102031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In a sample of oncology patients, identify subgroups of patients with distinct depressive symptom profiles and evaluate for differences in demographic and clinical characteristics, levels of stress and resilience, and the severity of common co-occurring symptoms. METHODS Patients (n = 1327) had a diagnosis of breast, gastrointestinal, gynecological, or lung cancer; had received chemotherapy within the preceding four weeks; and were scheduled to receive at least two additional cycles of chemotherapy. Demographic and clinical characteristics, stress, resilience, and co-occurring symptoms were evaluated at enrollment. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale a total of six times over two cycles of chemotherapy. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify subgroups of patients (i.e., latent classes) with distinct depressive symptom profiles using the six CES-D scores. RESULTS Based on the findings from the LPA, 47.3% of the patients were classified as "None"; 33.6% as "Subsyndromal"; 13.8% as "Moderate"; and 5.3% as "High". Compared to None class, patients in the Subsyndromal, Moderate, and High classes had a lower functional status, a higher comorbidity burden, and a self-reported diagnosis of depression or back pain. Those patients with higher levels of depressive symptoms reported higher levels of stress, lower levels of resilience, and increased severity of co-occurring symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Inter-individual variability in depressive symptoms was associated with demographic and clinical characteristics, multiple types of stress and levels of resilience, as well as with the increased severity of multiple co-occurring symptoms. The risk factors associated with worse depressive symptom profiles can assist clinicians to identify high risk patients and initiate more timely supportive care interventions.
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Calvo-Schimmel A, Paul SM, Cooper BA, Harris C, Shin J, Oppegaard K, Hammer MJ, Dunn LB, Conley YP, Kober KM, Levine JD, Miaskowski C. Oncology oOutpatients with wWorse dDepression and sSleep dDisturbance pProfiles aAre at iIncreased rRisk for a hHigher sSymptom bBurden and pPoorer qQuality of lLife oOutcomes. Sleep Med 2022; 95:91-104. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2022.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Langford DJ, Eaton L, Kober KM, Paul SM, Cooper BA, Hammer MJ, Conley YP, Wright F, Dunn LB, Levine JD, Miaskowski C. A high stress profile is associated with severe pain in oncology patients receiving chemotherapy. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2022; 58:102135. [PMID: 35366425 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2022.102135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Oncology patients receiving chemotherapy can experience both cancer and non-cancer pain. In addition, oncology patients face numerous stressors and their responses are highly variable. Stress and pain are intricately linked. The purpose of this study was to evaluate for differences in pain characteristics and mood disturbance among oncology patients with distinct stress profiles. METHODS From a sample of 957 patients with and without pain, latent profile analysis identified three groups of patients with distinct stress profiles (i.e., Stressed, Normative, Resilient). In the subset of 671 patients with pain, receiving chemotherapy for breast, lung, gastrointestinal, or gynecologic cancer, we evaluated for differences among the stress profiles in terms of pain characteristics (e.g., intensity, qualities, interference) and mood disturbance (anxiety, depressive symptoms). RESULTS Compared to Normative patients (n = 333; 49.6%), Stressed patients (n = 305; 45.5%) reported higher levels of pain intensity, pain interference, anxiety, and depressive symptoms and more commonly described pain as throbbing, shooting, burning, exhausting, tiring, penetrating, nagging, miserable, and unbearable. Compared to Resilient patients (n = 33; 4.9%), Stressed patients reported significantly higher mood-related pain interference scores and more severe anxiety and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS A high stress profile is common (45.5%) and is associated with more severe pain and associated symptoms. Efforts to identify and target this group for interventions may improve patient outcomes.
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Green PG, Alvarez P, Levine JD. Probiotics attenuate alcohol-induced muscle mechanical hyperalgesia: Preliminary observations. Mol Pain 2022; 18:17448069221075345. [PMID: 35189754 PMCID: PMC8874179 DOI: 10.1177/17448069221075345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major health problem that causes millions of deaths annually world-wide. AUD is considered to be a chronic pain disorder, that is exacerbated by alcohol withdrawal, contributing to a high (∼80%) relapse rate. Chronic alcohol consumption has a marked impact on the gut microbiome, recognized to have a significant effect on chronic pain. We tested the hypothesis that modulating gut microbiota through feeding rats with probiotics can attenuate alcohol-induced muscle mechanical hyperalgesia. To test this hypothesis, rats were fed alcohol (6.5%, 4 days on 3 days off) for 3 weeks, which induced skeletal muscle mechanical hyperalgesia. Following alcohol feeding, at which time nociceptive thresholds were ∼37% below pre-alcohol levels, rats received probiotics in their drinking water, either Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG (Culturelle) or De Simone Formulation (a mixture of 8 bacterial species) for 8 days; control rats received plain water to drink. When muscle mechanical nociceptive threshold was evaluated 1 day after beginning probiotic feeding, nociceptive thresholds were significantly higher than rats not receiving probiotics. Mechanical nociceptive thresholds continued to increase during probiotic feeding, with thresholds approaching pre-alcohol levels 5 days after starting probiotics; nociceptive threshold in rats not receiving probiotics remained low. After probiotics were removed from the drinking water, nociceptive thresholds gradually decreased in these two groups, although they remained higher than the group not treated with probiotic (21 days after ending alcohol feeding). These observations suggest that modification of gut microbiota through probiotic feeding has a marked effect on chronic alcohol-induced muscle mechanical hyperalgesia. Our results suggest that administration of probiotics to individuals with AUD may reduce pain associated with alcohol consumption and withdrawal, and may be a novel therapeutic intervention to reduce the high rate of relapse seen in individuals with AUD attempting to abstain from alcohol.
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