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Mountford R, Adler BL, Andersson D, Bashford-Rogers R, Berwick R, Bevan S, Caro X, Chung TH, Clark JD, Dawes JM, Dong X, Helyes Z, Kingery W, van Middendorp JJ, Neiland H, Maurer M, Scheibenbogen C, Schmack K, Schreiner T, Svensson CI, Tékus V, Goebel A. Antibody-mediated autoimmunity in symptom-based disorders: position statement and proceedings from an international workshop. Pain Rep 2024; 9:e1167. [PMID: 38873615 PMCID: PMC11175924 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000001167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
A 2-day closed workshop was held in Liverpool, United Kingdom, to discuss the results of research concerning symptom-based disorders (SBDs) caused by autoantibodies, share technical knowledge, and consider future plans. Twenty-two speakers and 14 additional participants attended. This workshop set out to consolidate knowledge about the contribution of autoantibodies to SBDs. Persuasive evidence for a causative role of autoantibodies in disease often derives from experimental "passive transfer" approaches, as first established in neurological research. Here, serum immunoglobulin (IgM or IgG) is purified from donated blood and transferred to rodents, either systemically or intrathecally. Rodents are then assessed for the expression of phenotypes resembling the human condition; successful phenotype transfer is considered supportive of or proof for autoimmune pathology. Workshop participants discussed passive transfer models and wider evidence for autoantibody contribution to a range of SBDs. Clinical trials testing autoantibody reduction were presented. Cornerstones of both experimental approaches and clinical trial parameters in this field were distilled and presented in this article. Mounting evidence suggests that immunoglobulin transfer from patient donors often induces the respective SBD phenotype in rodents. Understanding antibody binding epitopes and downstream mechanisms will require substantial research efforts, but treatments to reduce antibody titres can already now be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Mountford
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Brittany L. Adler
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - David Andersson
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Richard Berwick
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart Bevan
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Xavier Caro
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Tae Hwan Chung
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - J. David Clark
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - John M. Dawes
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Xinzhong Dong
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Zsuzsanna Helyes
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Wade Kingery
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Harvey Neiland
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Margot Maurer
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Katharina Schmack
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Schreiner
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Valéria Tékus
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Goebel
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Taub DG, Woolf CJ. Age-dependent small fiber neuropathy: Mechanistic insights from animal models. Exp Neurol 2024; 377:114811. [PMID: 38723859 PMCID: PMC11131160 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114811] [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] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a common and debilitating disease in which the terminals of small diameter sensory axons degenerate, producing sensory loss, and in many patients neuropathic pain. While a substantial number of cases are attributable to diabetes, almost 50% are idiopathic. An underappreciated aspect of the disease is its late onset in most patients. Animal models of human genetic mutations that produce SFN also display age-dependent phenotypes suggesting that aging is an important contributor to the risk of development of the disease. In this review we define how particular sensory neurons are affected in SFN and discuss how aging may drive the disease. We also evaluate how animal models of SFN can define disease mechanisms that will provide insight into early risk detection and suggest novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Taub
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center and Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Clifford J Woolf
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center and Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Kaplan CM, Kelleher E, Irani A, Schrepf A, Clauw DJ, Harte SE. Deciphering nociplastic pain: clinical features, risk factors and potential mechanisms. Nat Rev Neurol 2024; 20:347-363. [PMID: 38755449 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-024-00966-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Nociplastic pain is a mechanistic term used to describe pain that arises or is sustained by altered nociception, despite the absence of tissue damage. Although nociplastic pain has distinct pathophysiology from nociceptive and neuropathic pain, these pain mechanisms often coincide within individuals, which contributes to the intractability of chronic pain. Key symptoms of nociplastic pain include pain in multiple body regions, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive dysfunction, depression and anxiety. Individuals with nociplastic pain are often diffusely tender - indicative of hyperalgesia and/or allodynia - and are often more sensitive than others to non-painful sensory stimuli such as lights, odours and noises. This Review summarizes the risk factors, clinical presentation and treatment of nociplastic pain, and describes how alterations in brain function and structure, immune processing and peripheral factors might contribute to the nociplastic pain phenotype. This article concludes with a discussion of two proposed subtypes of nociplastic pain that reflect distinct neurobiological features and treatment responsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea M Kaplan
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Eoin Kelleher
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Anushka Irani
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Andrew Schrepf
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Daniel J Clauw
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Steven E Harte
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Ammendola E, Quitadamo SG, Ladisa E, Tancredi G, Silvestri A, Lombardi R, Lauria G, de Tommaso M. YAP Ultralate Laser-Evoked Responses in Fibromyalgia: A Pilot Study in Patients with Small Fiber Pathology. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3078. [PMID: 38892789 PMCID: PMC11173050 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113078] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The investigation of C-fiber-evoked ultralow-level responses (ULEPs) at somatic sites is difficult in clinical practice but may be useful in patients with small fiber neuropathy. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate changes in LEPs and ULEPs in patients with fibromyalgia affected or not by abnormal intraepidermal innervation. Methods: We recorded LEPs and ULEPs of the hand, thigh and foot in 13 FM patients with a normal skin biopsy (NFM), 13 patients with a reduced intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) (AFM) and 13 age-matched controls. We used a YAP laser, changing the energy and spot size at the pain threshold for LEPs and at the heat threshold for ULEPs. Results: ULEPs occurred at a small number of sites in both the NFM and AFM groups compared to control subjects. The absence of ULEPs during foot stimulation was characteristic of AFM patients. The amplitude of LEPs and ULEPs was reduced in patients with AFM at the three stimulation sites, and a slight reduction was also observed in the NFM group. Conclusions: The present preliminary results confirmed the reliability of LEPs in detecting small fiber impairments. The complete absence of ULEPs in the upper and lower limbs, including the distal areas, could confirm the results of LEPs in patients with small fiber impairments. Further prospective studies in larger case series could confirm the present findings on the sensitivity of LEP amplitude and ULEP imaging in detecting small fiber impairments and the development of IENFD in FM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ammendola
- Neurophysiopathology Unit, DiBrain Department, Aldo Moro University, 70124 Bari, Italy; (E.A.); (S.G.Q.); (E.L.); (G.T.); (A.S.)
| | - Silvia Giovanna Quitadamo
- Neurophysiopathology Unit, DiBrain Department, Aldo Moro University, 70124 Bari, Italy; (E.A.); (S.G.Q.); (E.L.); (G.T.); (A.S.)
| | - Emmanuella Ladisa
- Neurophysiopathology Unit, DiBrain Department, Aldo Moro University, 70124 Bari, Italy; (E.A.); (S.G.Q.); (E.L.); (G.T.); (A.S.)
| | - Giusy Tancredi
- Neurophysiopathology Unit, DiBrain Department, Aldo Moro University, 70124 Bari, Italy; (E.A.); (S.G.Q.); (E.L.); (G.T.); (A.S.)
| | - Adelchi Silvestri
- Neurophysiopathology Unit, DiBrain Department, Aldo Moro University, 70124 Bari, Italy; (E.A.); (S.G.Q.); (E.L.); (G.T.); (A.S.)
| | - Raffaella Lombardi
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (R.L.); (G.L.)
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- Neuroalgology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy; (R.L.); (G.L.)
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marina de Tommaso
- Neurophysiopathology Unit, DiBrain Department, Aldo Moro University, 70124 Bari, Italy; (E.A.); (S.G.Q.); (E.L.); (G.T.); (A.S.)
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Augière T, Simoneau M, Mercier C. Visuotactile integration in individuals with fibromyalgia. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1390609. [PMID: 38826615 PMCID: PMC11140151 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1390609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Our brain constantly integrates afferent information, such as visual and tactile information, to perceive the world around us. According to the maximum-likelihood estimation (MLE) model, imprecise information will be weighted less than precise, making the multisensory percept as precise as possible. Individuals with fibromyalgia (FM), a chronic pain syndrome, show alterations in the integration of tactile information. This could lead to a decrease in their weight in a multisensory percept or a general disruption of multisensory integration, making it less beneficial. To assess multisensory integration, 15 participants with FM and 18 pain-free controls performed a temporal-order judgment task in which they received pairs of sequential visual, tactile (unisensory conditions), or visuotactile (multisensory condition) stimulations on the index and the thumb of the non-dominant hand and had to determine which finger was stimulated first. The task enabled us to measure the precision and accuracy of the percept in each condition. Results indicate an increase in precision in the visuotactile condition compared to the unimodal conditions in controls only, although we found no intergroup differences. The observed visuotactile precision was correlated to the precision predicted by the MLE model in both groups, suggesting an optimal integration. Finally, the weights of the sensory information were not different between the groups; however, in the group with FM, higher pain intensity was associated with smaller tactile weight. This study shows no alterations of the visuotactile integration in individuals with FM, though pain may influence tactile weight in these participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Augière
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (Cirris), CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, QC, Canada
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Martin Simoneau
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (Cirris), CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine Mercier
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (Cirris), CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, QC, Canada
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
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Klein T, Grüner J, Breyer M, Schlegel J, Schottmann NM, Hofmann L, Gauss K, Mease R, Erbacher C, Finke L, Klein A, Klug K, Karl-Schöller F, Vignolo B, Reinhard S, Schneider T, Günther K, Fink J, Dudek J, Maack C, Klopocki E, Seibel J, Edenhofer F, Wischmeyer E, Sauer M, Üçeyler N. Small fibre neuropathy in Fabry disease: a human-derived neuronal in vitro disease model and pilot data. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae095. [PMID: 38638148 PMCID: PMC11024803 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Acral burning pain triggered by fever, thermal hyposensitivity and skin denervation are hallmarks of small fibre neuropathy in Fabry disease, a life-threatening X-linked lysosomal storage disorder. Variants in the gene encoding alpha-galactosidase A may lead to impaired enzyme activity with cellular accumulation of globotriaosylceramide. To study the underlying pathomechanism of Fabry-associated small fibre neuropathy, we generated a neuronal in vitro disease model using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells from three Fabry patients and one healthy control. We further generated an isogenic control line via gene editing. We subjected induced pluripotent stem cells to targeted peripheral neuronal differentiation and observed intra-lysosomal globotriaosylceramide accumulations in somas and neurites of Fabry sensory neurons using super-resolution microscopy. At functional level, patch-clamp analysis revealed a hyperpolarizing shift of voltage-gated sodium channel steady-state inactivation kinetics in isogenic control neurons compared with healthy control neurons (P < 0.001). Moreover, we demonstrate a drastic increase in Fabry sensory neuron calcium levels at 39°C mimicking clinical fever (P < 0.001). This pathophysiological phenotype was accompanied by thinning of neurite calibres in sensory neurons differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells derived from Fabry patients compared with healthy control cells (P < 0.001). Linear-nonlinear cascade models fit to spiking responses revealed that Fabry cell lines exhibit altered single neuron encoding properties relative to control. We further observed mitochondrial aggregation at sphingolipid accumulations within Fabry sensory neurites utilizing a click chemistry approach together with mitochondrial dysmorphism compared with healthy control cells. We pioneer pilot insights into the cellular mechanisms contributing to pain, thermal hyposensitivity and denervation in Fabry small fibre neuropathy and pave the way for further mechanistic in vitro studies in Fabry disease and the development of novel treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Klein
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Grüner
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Breyer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan Schlegel
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Lukas Hofmann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kevin Gauss
- Medical Biophysics, Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rebecca Mease
- Medical Biophysics, Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Erbacher
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Laura Finke
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Klein
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Klug
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Bettina Vignolo
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Reinhard
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tamara Schneider
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Günther
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julian Fink
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan Dudek
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center CHFC, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Maack
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center CHFC, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eva Klopocki
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Seibel
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Frank Edenhofer
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Erhard Wischmeyer
- Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Sauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nurcan Üçeyler
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Würzburg Fabry Center for Interdisciplinary Therapy (FAZIT), University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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7
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Gemignani F. The diagnostic assessment of fibromyalgia and the role of small fiber pathology. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:1789-1790. [PMID: 37991641 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07207-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
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8
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Marshall A, Rapteas L, Burgess J, Riley D, Anson M, Matsumoto K, Bennett A, Kaye S, Marshall A, Dunham J, Fallon N, Zhao SS, Pritchard A, Goodson N, Malik RA, Goebel A, Frank B, Alam U. Small fibre pathology, small fibre symptoms and pain in fibromyalgia syndrome. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3947. [PMID: 38365860 PMCID: PMC10873371 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54365-6] [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] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
A proportion of people with fibromyalgia demonstrate small fibre pathology (SFP). However, it is unclear how SFP directly relates to pain phenomenology. Thirty-three individuals with FMS and ten healthy volunteers underwent assessment of SFP and sensory phenotyping using corneal confocal microscopy, validated questionnaires and quantitative sensory testing (QST). Corneal nerve fibre length was used to stratify participants with fibromyalgia into with SFP [SFP+] and without SFP [SFP-]. SFP was detected in 50% of the fibromyalgia cohort. Current pain score and QST parameters did not differ between SFP+ and SFP-. Mechanical pain sensitivity (MPS) demonstrated a significant gain-of-function in the SFP- cohort compared to healthy-volunteers (p = 0.014, F = 4.806, η2 = 0.22). Further stratification revealed a cohort without structural SFP but with symptoms compatible with small fibre neuropathy symptoms and a significant gain in function in MPS (p = 0.020 Chi-square). Additionally, this cohort reported higher scores for both depression (p = 0.039, H = 8.483, η2 = 0.312) and anxiety (p = 0.022, F = 3.587, η2 = 0.293). This study confirms that SFP is present in a proportion of people with fibromyalgia. We also show that in a proportion of people with fibromyalgia, small fibre neuropathy symptoms are present in the absence of structural SFP. Greater mechanical pain sensitivity, depression and anxiety are seen in these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Marshall
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Leandros Rapteas
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jamie Burgess
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - David Riley
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Aintree Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Matthew Anson
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Aintree Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kohei Matsumoto
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Aintree Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Amanda Bennett
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Aintree Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Stephen Kaye
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Andrew Marshall
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - James Dunham
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Nicholas Fallon
- Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sizheng S Zhao
- Faculty of Biological Medicine and Health, Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Anne Pritchard
- Fibromates, North West Fibromyalgia Support Group, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nicola Goodson
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Aintree Hospital, Liverpool, UK
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Research Division, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, 24144, Doha, Qatar
| | - Andreas Goebel
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Bernhard Frank
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Uazman Alam
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Aintree Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
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9
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Zirpoli GR, Farhad K, Klein MC, Downs S, Klein MM, Oaklander AL. Initial validation of the Mass. General Neuropathy Exam Tool (MAGNET) for evaluation of distal small-fiber neuropathy. Muscle Nerve 2024; 69:185-198. [PMID: 38112169 PMCID: PMC10842781 DOI: 10.1002/mus.28013] [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] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Diagnosis of small-fiber neuropathy (SFN) is hampered by its subjective symptoms and signs. Confirmatory testing is insufficiently available and expensive, so predictive examinations have value. However, few support the 2020 SFN consensus-case-definition requirements or were validated for non-diabetes neuropathies. Thus we developed the Massachusetts General Hospital Neuropathy Exam Tool (MAGNET) and measured diagnostic performance in 160 symptomatic patients evaluated for length-dependent SFN from any cause and 37 healthy volunteers. METHODS We compared prevalences of abnormalities (vital signs, pupil responses, lower-limb appearance, pin, light touch, vibration and position sensitivity, great-toe strength, muscle stretch reflexes), and validated diagnostic performance against objective SFN tests: lower-leg skin-biopsy epidermal neurite densities and autonomic function testing (AFT). Sensitivity/specificity, feasibility, test-retest and inter-rater reliability, and convergence with the Utah Early Neuropathy Scale were calculated. RESULTS Patients' ages averaged 48.5 ± 14.7 years and 70.6% were female. Causes of neuropathy varied, remaining unknown in 59.5%. Among the 46 with abnormal skin biopsies, the most prevalent abnormality was reduced pin sharpness at the toes (71.7%). Inter-rater reliability, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity excelled (range = 91.3-95.6%). Receiver operating characteristics comparing all symptomatic patients versus healthy controls indicated that a MAGNET threshold score of 14 maximized predictive accuracy for skin biopsies (0.74) and a 30 cut-off maximized accuracy for predicting AFT (0.60). Analyzing patients with any abnormal neuropathy-test results identified areas-under-the-curves of 0.87-0.89 for predicting a diagnostic result, accuracy = 0.80-0.89, and Youden's index = 0.62. Overall, MAGNET was 80%-85% accurate for stratifying patients with abnormal versus normal neuropathy test results. DISCUSSION MAGNET quickly generates research-quality metrics during clinical examinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary R. Zirpoli
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Khosro Farhad
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Madeleine C. Klein
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sean Downs
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Max M. Klein
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anne Louise Oaklander
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology (Neuropathology), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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10
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Tilbor E, Hadar A, Portnoy V, Ganor O, Braw Y, Amital H, Ablin J, Dror C, Bloch Y, Nitzan U. TMS in combination with a pain directed intervention for the treatment of fibromyalgia - A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 170:167-173. [PMID: 38150768 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a highly prevalent condition, that causes chronic pain and severe reduction in quality of life and productivity, as well as social isolation. Despite the significant morbidity and economic burden of FMS, current treatments are scarce. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether stimulation of ACC -mPFC activity by dTMS enhances a pain-directed psychotherapeutic intervention. METHODS 19 FMS patients were randomised to receive either 20 sessions of dTMS or sham stimulation, each followed by a pain-directed psychotherapeutic intervention. With the H7 HAC coil or sham stimulation, we targeted the ACC -mPFC; specific brain areas that play a central role in pain processing. Clinical response to treatment was assessed with the McGill Pain Questionnaire Short Form (SF-MPQ), the Visual Analogue Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, the Brief Pain Inventory questionnaire, and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. RESULTS DTMS treatment was safe and well tolerated by FMS patients. A significant decrease in the combined sensory and affective pain dimensions was specifically demonstrated in the dTMS cohort, as measured by the SF-MPQ (Significant group × time interaction [F(2, 32) = 3.51, p < .05,ηp2 = 0.18]; No significant changes were found in depressive symptoms in both the dTMS and sham groups. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that a course of dTMS combined with a pain-directed psychotherapeutic intervention can alleviate pain symptoms in FMS patients. Beyond clinical possibilities, future studies are needed to substantiate the innovative hypothesis that it is not dTMS alone, but rather dTMS-induced plasticity of pain-related networks, that enables the efficacy of pain-directed psychotherapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einat Tilbor
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, 13th Aliyat- Hanoar Street, Hod Hasharon, Israel; Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
| | - Aviad Hadar
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, 13th Aliyat- Hanoar Street, Hod Hasharon, Israel; Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
| | - Victor Portnoy
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, 13th Aliyat- Hanoar Street, Hod Hasharon, Israel.
| | - Ori Ganor
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, 13th Aliyat- Hanoar Street, Hod Hasharon, Israel; Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
| | - Yoram Braw
- Ariel University, Department of Psychology, 65 Ramat HaGolan Street, Ari'el, Israel.
| | - Howard Amital
- Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel; Sheba Medical Center Hospital, Tel Hashomer, 52621, Ramat Gan, Israel.
| | - Jacob Ablin
- Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel; Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, Tel Aviv, 6423906, Israel.
| | - Chen Dror
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, 13th Aliyat- Hanoar Street, Hod Hasharon, Israel; Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
| | - Yuval Bloch
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, 13th Aliyat- Hanoar Street, Hod Hasharon, Israel; Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
| | - Uri Nitzan
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, 13th Aliyat- Hanoar Street, Hod Hasharon, Israel; Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
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11
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Erbacher C, Britz S, Dinkel P, Klein T, Sauer M, Stigloher C, Üçeyler N. Interaction of human keratinocytes and nerve fiber terminals at the neuro-cutaneous unit. eLife 2024; 13:e77761. [PMID: 38225894 PMCID: PMC10791129 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77761] [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] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, peripheral sensory neurons are assumed as the exclusive transducers of external stimuli. Current research moves epidermal keratinocytes into focus as sensors and transmitters of nociceptive and non-nociceptive sensations, tightly interacting with intraepidermal nerve fibers at the neuro-cutaneous unit. In animal models, epidermal cells establish close contacts and ensheath sensory neurites. However, ultrastructural morphological and mechanistic data examining the human keratinocyte-nerve fiber interface are sparse. We investigated this exact interface in human skin applying super-resolution array tomography, expansion microscopy, and structured illumination microscopy. We show keratinocyte ensheathment of afferents and adjacent connexin 43 contacts in native skin and have applied a pipeline based on expansion microscopy to quantify these parameter in skin sections of healthy participants versus patients with small fiber neuropathy. We further derived a fully human co-culture system, visualizing ensheathment and connexin 43 plaques in vitro. Unraveling human intraepidermal nerve fiber ensheathment and potential interaction sites advances research at the neuro-cutaneous unit. These findings are crucial on the way to decipher the mechanisms of cutaneous nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sebastian Britz
- Imaging Core Facility, Biocenter, University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Philine Dinkel
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Thomas Klein
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | - Markus Sauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
| | | | - Nurcan Üçeyler
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of WürzburgWürzburgGermany
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12
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Jänsch S, Evdokimov D, Egenolf N, Meyer zu Altenschildesche C, Kreß L, Üçeyler N. Distinguishing fibromyalgia syndrome from small fiber neuropathy: a clinical guide. Pain Rep 2024; 9:e1136. [PMID: 38283649 PMCID: PMC10811691 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000001136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and small fiber neuropathy (SFN) are distinct pain conditions that share commonalities and may be challenging as for differential diagnosis. Objective To comprehensively investigate clinical characteristics of women with FMS and SFN to determine clinically applicable parameters for differentiation. Methods We retrospectively analyzed medical records of 158 women with FMS and 53 with SFN focusing on pain-specific medical and family history, accompanying symptoms, additional diseases, and treatment. We investigated data obtained using standardized pain, depression, and anxiety questionnaires. We further analyzed test results and findings obtained in standardized small fiber tests. Results FMS patients were on average ten years younger at symptom onset, described higher pain intensities requiring frequent change of pharmaceutics, and reported generalized pain compared to SFN. Pain in FMS was accompanied by irritable bowel or sleep disturbances, and in SFN by paresthesias, numbness, and impaired glucose metabolism (P < 0.01 each). Family history was informative for chronic pain and affective disorders in FMS (P < 0.001) and for neurological disorders in SFN patients (P < 0.001). Small fiber pathology in terms of skin denervation and/or thermal sensory threshold elevation was present in 110/158 (69.7 %) FMS patients and 39/53 (73.6 %) SFN patients. FMS patients mainly showed proximally reduced skin innervation and higher corneal nerve branch densities (p<0.001) whereas SFN patients were characterized by reduced cold detection and prolonged electrical A-delta conduction latencies (P < 0.05). Conclusions Our data show that FMS and SFN differ substantially. Detailed pain, drug and family history, investigating blood glucose metabolism, and applying differential small fiber tests may help to improve diagnostic differentiation and targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jänsch
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. Meyer zu Altenschildesche is now with the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dimitar Evdokimov
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. Meyer zu Altenschildesche is now with the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nadine Egenolf
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. Meyer zu Altenschildesche is now with the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Caren Meyer zu Altenschildesche
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. Meyer zu Altenschildesche is now with the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Luisa Kreß
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. Meyer zu Altenschildesche is now with the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nurcan Üçeyler
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. Meyer zu Altenschildesche is now with the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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13
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Silsby M, Feldman EL, Dortch RD, Roth A, Haroutounian S, Rajabally YA, Vucic S, Shy ME, Oaklander AL, Simon NG. Advances in diagnosis and management of distal sensory polyneuropathies. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2023; 94:1025-1039. [PMID: 36997315 PMCID: PMC10544692 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2021-328489] [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: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP) is characterised by length-dependent, sensory-predominant symptoms and signs, including potentially disabling symmetric chronic pain, tingling and poor balance. Some patients also have or develop dysautonomia or motor involvement depending on whether large myelinated or small fibres are predominantly affected. Although highly prevalent, diagnosis and management can be challenging. While classic diabetes and toxic causes are well-recognised, there are increasingly diverse associations, including with dysimmune, rheumatological and neurodegenerative conditions. Approximately half of cases are initially considered idiopathic despite thorough evaluation, but often, the causes emerge later as new symptoms develop or testing advances, for instance with genetic approaches. Improving and standardising DSP metrics, as already accomplished for motor neuropathies, would permit in-clinic longitudinal tracking of natural history and treatment responses. Standardising phenotyping could advance research and facilitate trials of potential therapies, which lag so far. This review updates on recent advances and summarises current evidence for specific treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Silsby
- Neurology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Brain and Nerve Research Centre, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eva L Feldman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Richard D Dortch
- Division of Neuroimaging Research, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Alison Roth
- Division of Neuroimaging Research, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Simon Haroutounian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Yusuf A Rajabally
- Inflammatory Neuropathy Clinic, Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Birmingham, Aston Medical School, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Steve Vucic
- Brain and Nerve Research Centre, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael E Shy
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Anne Louise Oaklander
- Nerve Unit, Departments of Neurology and Pathology (Neuropathology), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Neil G Simon
- Northern Beaches Clinical School, Macquarie University, Frenchs Forest, New South Wales, Australia
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14
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Fanton S, Menezes J, Krock E, Sandström A, Tour J, Sandor K, Jurczak A, Hunt M, Baharpoor A, Kadetoff D, Jensen KB, Fransson P, Ellerbrock I, Sitnikov R, Svensson CI, Kosek E. Anti-satellite glia cell IgG antibodies in fibromyalgia patients are related to symptom severity and to metabolite concentrations in thalamus and rostral anterior cingulate cortex. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 114:371-382. [PMID: 37683961 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent translational work has shown that fibromyalgia might be an autoimmune condition with pathogenic mechanisms mediated by a peripheral, pain-inducing action of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies binding to satellite glia cells (SGC) in the dorsal root ganglia. A first clinical assessment of the postulated autoimmunity showed that fibromyalgia subjects (FMS) had elevated levels of antibodies against SGC (termed anti-SGC IgG) compared to healthy controls and that anti-SGC IgG were associated with a more severe disease status. The overarching aim of the current study was to determine whether the role of anti-SGC IgG in driving pain is exclusively through peripheral mechanisms, as indirectly shown so far, or could be attributed also to central mechanisms. To this end, we wanted to first confirm, in a larger cohort of FMS, the relation between anti-SGC IgG and pain-related clinical measures. Secondly, we explored the associations of these autoantibodies with brain metabolite concentrations (assessed via magnetic resonance spectroscopy, MRS) and pressure-evoked cerebral pain processing (assessed via functional magnetic resonance imaging, fMRI) in FMS. Proton MRS was performed in the thalamus and rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) of FMS and concentrations of a wide spectrum of metabolites were assessed. During fMRI, FMS received individually calibrated painful pressure stimuli corresponding to low and high pain intensities. Our results confirmed a positive correlation between anti-SGC IgG and clinical measures assessing condition severity. Additionally, FMS with high anti-SGC IgG levels had higher pain intensity and a worse disease status than FMS with low anti-SGC IgG levels. Further, anti-SGC IgG levels negatively correlated with metabolites such as scyllo-inositol in thalamus and rACC as well as with total choline and macromolecule 12 in thalamus, thus linking anti-SGC IgG levels to the concentration of metabolites in the brain of FMS. However, anti-SGC IgG levels in FMS were not associated with the sensitivity to pressure pain or the cerebral processing of evoked pressure pain. Taken together, our results suggest that anti-SGC IgG might be clinically relevant for spontaneous, non-evoked pain. Our current and previous translational and clinical findings could provide a rationale to try new antibody-related treatments in FMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Fanton
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Joana Menezes
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emerson Krock
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Angelica Sandström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, A.A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeanette Tour
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katalin Sandor
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Jurczak
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matthew Hunt
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Azar Baharpoor
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Diana Kadetoff
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Stockholm Spine Center, Löwenströmska Hospital, Upplands Väsby, Sweden
| | - Karin B Jensen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Fransson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Isabel Ellerbrock
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rouslan Sitnikov
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; MRI Research Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Camilla I Svensson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Kosek
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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15
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Bitirgen G, Kucuk A, Ergun MC, Satirtav G, Malik RA. Corneal nerve loss and increased Langerhans cells are associated with disease severity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Eye (Lond) 2023; 37:2950-2955. [PMID: 36808180 PMCID: PMC10516870 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-023-02447-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multisystem autoimmune disorder characterized by articular and extra-articular manifestations. Neuropathy is a poorly studied manifestation of RA. The aim of this study was to utilize the rapid non-invasive ophthalmic imaging technique of corneal confocal microscopy to identify whether there is evidence of small nerve fibre injury and immune cell activation in patients with RA. SUBJECTS/METHODS Fifty consecutive patients with RA and 35 healthy control participants were enrolled in this single-centre, cross-sectional study conducted at a university hospital. Disease activity was assessed with the 28-Joint Disease Activity Score and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR). Central corneal sensitivity was measured with a Cochet-Bonnet contact corneal esthesiometer. A laser scanning in vivo corneal confocal microscope was used to quantify corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD), nerve branch density (CNBD), nerve fibre length (CNFL), and Langerhans cell (LC) density. RESULTS Corneal sensitivity (P = 0.01), CNFD (P = 0.02), CNBD (P < 0.001), and CNFL (P < 0.001) were lower, and mature (P = 0.001) and immature LC densities (P = 0.011) were higher in patients with RA compared to control subjects. CNFD (P = 0.016) and CNFL (P = 0.028) were significantly lower in patients with moderate to high (DAS28-ESR > 3.2) compared to mild (DAS28-ESR ≤ 3.2) disease activity. Furthermore, the DAS28-ESR score correlated with CNFD (r = -0.425; P = 0.002), CNBD (ρ = -0.362; P = 0.010), CNFL (r = -0.464; P = 0.001), total LC density (ρ = 0.362; P = 0.010) and immature LC density (ρ = 0.343; P = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates reduced corneal sensitivity, corneal nerve fibre loss and increased LCs which were associated with the severity of disease activity in patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulfidan Bitirgen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Adem Kucuk
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Cagri Ergun
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Gunhal Satirtav
- Department of Ophthalmology, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Research Division, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiac Centre, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester and NIHR Clinical Research Facility, Manchester, UK
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16
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Bubenzer LJ, Konsolke L, Enax-Krumova E, Eberhardt F, Tegenthoff M, Höffken O, Özgül ÖS. Pain-related evoked potentials with concentric surface electrodes in patients and healthy subjects: a systematic review. Brain Struct Funct 2023; 228:1581-1594. [PMID: 37555924 PMCID: PMC10471670 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-023-02690-3] [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] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Pain-related evoked potentials with concentric surface electrodes (PREP with CE) have been increasingly used in the diagnostics of polyneuropathies as well as in pain research. However, the study results are partly inconsistent regarding their utility to distinguish between normal and abnormal findings. The present systematic review aimed to summarise and compare study results, where PREP with CE were used in healthy subjects or patients and to identify possible influencing factors. We found 36 research articles, of which 21 investigated disorders in patients compared to healthy controls, while the other 15 focussed on basic research in healthy subjects. Patients with polyneuropathies showed the most consistent PREP results with similar prolonged latencies and reduced amplitude values. Findings in other patient groups or in healthy subjects were more heterogeneous. There was evidence for an influence by age and height as well as by central effects like emotions, which should be considered in further studies. Further systematic research analysing PREP results depending on individual and disease-specific factors is needed to develop optimal normative values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Josephine Bubenzer
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil gGmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle de La Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Lena Konsolke
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil gGmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle de La Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Elena Enax-Krumova
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil gGmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle de La Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Frederic Eberhardt
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil gGmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle de La Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Martin Tegenthoff
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil gGmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle de La Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Oliver Höffken
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil gGmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle de La Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Özüm Simal Özgül
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil gGmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bürkle de La Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany.
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Joseph P, Singh I, Oliveira R, Capone CA, Mullen MP, Cook DB, Stovall MC, Squires J, Madsen K, Waxman AB, Systrom DM. Exercise Pathophysiology in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2: More in Common Than Not? Chest 2023; 164:717-726. [PMID: 37054777 PMCID: PMC10088277 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
TOPIC IMPORTANCE Postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) is a long-term consequence of acute infection from COVID-19. Clinical overlap between PASC and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) has been observed, with shared symptoms including intractable fatigue, postexertional malaise, and orthostatic intolerance. The mechanistic underpinnings of such symptoms are poorly understood. REVIEW FINDINGS Early studies suggest deconditioning as the primary explanation for exertional intolerance in PASC. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing reveals perturbations related to systemic blood flow and ventilatory control associated with acute exercise intolerance in PASC, which are not typical of simple detraining. Hemodynamic and gas exchange derangements in PASC have substantial overlap with those observed with ME/CFS, suggestive of shared mechanisms. SUMMARY This review illustrates exercise pathophysiologic commonalities between PASC and ME/CFS that will help guide future diagnostics and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Joseph
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Inderjit Singh
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Rudolf Oliveira
- Division of Respiratory Disease, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Christine A Capone
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology Department of Pediatrics, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra, Manhasset, NY
| | - Mary P Mullen
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Dane B Cook
- Research Service, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital & Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Mary Catherine Stovall
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Johanna Squires
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kristine Madsen
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Aaron B Waxman
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - David M Systrom
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
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18
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Devigili G, Di Stefano G, Donadio V, Frattale I, Mantovani E, Nolano M, Occhipinti G, Provitera V, Quitadamo S, Tamburin S, Toscano A, Tozza S, Truini A, Valeriani M, de Tommaso M. Clinical criteria and diagnostic assessment of fibromyalgia: position statement of the Italian Society of Neurology-Neuropathic Pain Study Group. Neurol Sci 2023:10.1007/s10072-023-06836-3. [PMID: 37222872 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06836-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of central and/or peripheral nervous system dysfunction is basically fundamental in fibromyalgia. AIM The aim of this position statement on behalf of the Neuropathic Pain Study Group of the Italian Society of Neurology is to give practical guidelines for the clinical and instrumental assessment of fibromyalgia (FM) in the neurological clinical practice, taking into consideration recent studies. METHODS Criteria for study selection and consideration were original studies, case-controls design, use of standardized methodologies for clinical practice, and FM diagnosis with ACR criteria (2010, 2011, 2016). RESULTS ACR criteria were revised. For diagnostic procedure of small-fiber pathology, 47 studies were totally considered. Recent diagnostic criteria should be applied (ACR, 2016). A rheumatologic visit seems mandatory. The involvement of small fibers should request at least 2 among HRV + SSR and/or laser-evoked responses and/or skin biopsy and/or corneal confocal microscopy, eventually followed by monitoring of metabolic and/or immunological/ and or/paraneoplastic basis, to be repeated at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The correct diagnostic approach to FM could promote the exclusion of the known causes of small-fiber impairment. The research toward common genetic factors would be useful to promote a more specific therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Devigili
- UOC Neurologia IIRCCS Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - G Di Stefano
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - V Donadio
- Clinica Neurologica Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - I Frattale
- Child Neurology and Psychiatric Unit, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - E Mantovani
- Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences Department, Verona University, Verona, Italy
| | - M Nolano
- Skin Biopsy Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Instituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Telese Terme, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University Federico II of Naples, 80100, Naples, Italy
| | - G Occhipinti
- UOC Neurologia E Malattie Neuromuscolari, AUO Martino Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - V Provitera
- Skin Biopsy Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Instituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Telese Terme, Italy
| | - S Quitadamo
- Neurophysiopathology Unit, DiBraiN Department, Policlinico General Hospital, Bari Aldo Moro University, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - S Tamburin
- Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences Department, Verona University, Verona, Italy
| | - A Toscano
- EURO-ERN NMD, AOU Martino University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - S Tozza
- UOC Neurologia E Malattie Neuromuscolari, AUO Martino Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - A Truini
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - M Valeriani
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - M de Tommaso
- Neurophysiopathology Unit, DiBraiN Department, Policlinico General Hospital, Bari Aldo Moro University, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
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19
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Pinto AM, Luís M, Geenen R, Palavra F, Lumley MA, Ablin JN, Amris K, Branco J, Buskila D, Castelhano J, Castelo-Branco M, Crofford LJ, Fitzcharles MA, Häuser W, Kosek E, López-Solà M, Mease P, Marques TR, Jacobs JWG, Castilho P, da Silva JAP. Neurophysiological and Psychosocial Mechanisms of Fibromyalgia: A Comprehensive Review and Call for An Integrative Model. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023:105235. [PMID: 37207842 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Research into the neurobiological and psychosocial mechanisms involved in fibromyalgia has progressed remarkably in recent years. Despite this, current accounts of fibromyalgia fail to capture the complex, dynamic, and mutual crosstalk between neurophysiological and psychosocial domains. We conducted a comprehensive review of the existing literature in order to: a) synthesize current knowledge on fibromyalgia; b) explore and highlight multi-level links and pathways between different systems; and c) build bridges connecting disparate perspectives. An extensive panel of international experts in neurophysiological and psychosocial aspects of fibromyalgia discussed the collected evidence and progressively refined and conceptualized its interpretation. This work constitutes an essential step towards the development of a model capable of integrating the main factors implicated in fibromyalgia into a single, unified construct which appears indispensable to foster the understanding, assessment, and intervention for fibromyalgia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Pinto
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Rua do Colégio Novo, s/n, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, University Clinic of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga - FMUC, Pólo I - Edifício Central, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Psychological Medicine Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga - FMUC, Pólo I - Edifício Central, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Mariana Luís
- Rheumatology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Rinie Geenen
- Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, Martinus J. Langeveldgebouw, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands; Altrecht Psychosomatic Medicine Eikenboom, Vrijbaan 2, 3705 WC Zeist, the Netherlands.
| | - Filipe Palavra
- Centre for Child Development, Neuropediatric Unit. Pediatric Hospital, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Avenida Afonso Romão, 3000-602 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (i.CBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Mark A Lumley
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, 5057 Woodward Ave., Suite 7908, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| | - Jacob N Ablin
- Internal Medicine H, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Kirstine Amris
- The Parker Institute, Department of Rheumatology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Nordre Fasanvej 57, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Jaime Branco
- Rheumatology Department, Egas Moniz Hospital - Lisboa Ocidental Hospital Centre (CHLO-EPE), R. da Junqueira 126, 1349-019 Lisbon, Portugal; Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Chronic Diseases Research Centre (CEDOC), NOVA Medical School, NOVA University Lisbon (NMS/UNL), Campo Mártires da Pátria 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Dan Buskila
- Ben Gurion University of the Negev Beer-Sheba, Israel.
| | - João Castelhano
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), ICNAS, Edifício do ICNAS, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal, Portugal.
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), ICNAS, Edifício do ICNAS, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal, Portugal.
| | - Leslie J Crofford
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Mary-Ann Fitzcharles
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, McGill University, 1650 Cedar Ave, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3G 1A4.
| | - Winfried Häuser
- Department Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675 Munich, Germany.
| | - Eva Kosek
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden; Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Marina López-Solà
- Serra Hunter Programme, Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona.
| | - Philip Mease
- Swedish Medical Center/Providence St. Joseph Health, Seattle, WA, USA; University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Tiago Reis Marques
- Psychiatric Imaging Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2BU, UK; Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, UK.
| | - Johannes W G Jacobs
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, Netherlands.
| | - Paula Castilho
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Rua do Colégio Novo, s/n, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - José A P da Silva
- University of Coimbra, University Clinic of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga - FMUC, Pólo I - Edifício Central, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Rheumatology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (i.CBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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20
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Small Fiber Neuropathy: A Clinical and Practical Approach. J Nurse Pract 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2023.104547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
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21
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Krock E, Morado-Urbina CE, Menezes J, Hunt MA, Sandström A, Kadetoff D, Tour J, Verma V, Kultima K, Haglund L, Meloto CB, Diatchenko L, Kosek E, Svensson CI. Fibromyalgia patients with elevated levels of anti-satellite glia cell immunoglobulin G antibodies present with more severe symptoms. Pain 2023:00006396-990000000-00274. [PMID: 36943275 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Transferring fibromyalgia patient immunoglobulin G (IgG) to mice induces pain-like behaviour, and fibromyalgia IgG binds mouse and human satellite glia cells (SGCs). These findings suggest that autoantibodies could be part of fibromyalgia pathology. However, it is unknown how frequently fibromyalgia patients have anti-SGC antibodies and how anti-SGC antibodies associate with disease severity. Here, we quantified serum or plasma anti-SGC IgG levels in 2 fibromyalgia cohorts from Sweden and Canada using an indirect immunofluorescence murine cell culture assay. Fibromyalgia serum IgG binding to human SGCs in human dorsal root ganglia tissue sections was also assessed by immunofluorescence. In the cell culture assay, anti-SGC IgG levels were increased in both fibromyalgia cohorts compared with control group. Elevated anti-SGC IgG was associated with higher levels of self-reported pain in both cohorts, and higher fibromyalgia impact questionnaire scores and increased pressure sensitivity in the Swedish cohort. Anti-SGC IgG levels were not associated with fibromyalgia duration. Swedish fibromyalgia (FM) patients were clustered into FM-severe and FM-mild groups, and the FM-severe group had elevated anti-SGC IgG compared with the FM-mild group and control group. Anti-SGC IgG levels detected in culture positively correlated with increased binding to human SGCs. Moreover, the FM-severe group had elevated IgG binding to human SGCs compared with the FM-mild and control groups. These results demonstrate that a subset of fibromyalgia patients have elevated levels of anti-SGC antibodies, and the antibodies are associated with more severe fibromyalgia symptoms. Screening fibromyalgia patients for anti-SGC antibodies could provide a path to personalized treatment options that target autoantibodies and autoantibody production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emerson Krock
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carlos E Morado-Urbina
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joana Menezes
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matthew A Hunt
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angelica Sandström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Sandström is now with the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States. Tour is now with the Oncology Surgery Department, Blekinge Hospital, Karlskrona, Sweden
| | - Diana Kadetoff
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Sandström is now with the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States. Tour is now with the Oncology Surgery Department, Blekinge Hospital, Karlskrona, Sweden
| | - Jeanette Tour
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Sandström is now with the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States. Tour is now with the Oncology Surgery Department, Blekinge Hospital, Karlskrona, Sweden
| | - Vivek Verma
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, Department of Anesthesia, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kim Kultima
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lisbet Haglund
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Carolina B Meloto
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, Department of Anesthesia, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Luda Diatchenko
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, Department of Anesthesia, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Eva Kosek
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Sandström is now with the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States. Tour is now with the Oncology Surgery Department, Blekinge Hospital, Karlskrona, Sweden
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Camilla I Svensson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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22
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Verspyck E, Attal N. Diagnosing nociplastic pain in cancer survivors: a major step forward. Br J Anaesth 2023; 130:515-518. [PMID: 36890060 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2023.02.006] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Nociplastic pain syndromes include particular fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, headache, complex regional pain syndrome, and idiopathic orofacial pain. Several mechanisms have been proposed to account for nociplastic pain including central sensitisation, alterations of pain modulatory controls, epigenetic changes, and peripheral mechanisms. Importantly, nociplastic pain might also be present in patients with cancer pain, particularly those with pain related to complications of cancer treatment. Increased awareness of nociplastic pain associated with cancer should have important implications for monitoring and managing such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadine Attal
- CETD, Ambroise Pare Hospital, APHP, Boulogne-Billancourt, France; Inserm U987, UVSQ-Paris-Saclay University, Ambroise Pare Hospital, APHP, Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
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23
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Adam F, Jouët P, Sabaté JM, Perrot S, Franchisseur C, Attal N, Bouhassira D. Thermal grill illusion of pain in patients with chronic pain: a clinical marker of central sensitization? Pain 2023; 164:638-644. [PMID: 35972466 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The thermal grill illusion of pain (TGIP) is a paradoxical burning pain sensation elicited by the simultaneous application of innocuous cutaneous warm and cold stimuli with a thermode ("thermal grill") consisting of interlaced heated and cooled bars. Its neurophysiological mechanisms are unclear, but TGIP may have some mechanisms in common with pathological pain, including central sensitization in particular, through the involvement of N-methyl- d -aspartate receptors. However, few studies have investigated TGIP in patients with chronic pain and its clinical relevance is uncertain. We hypothesized that the TGIP would be increased in comparison with controls in patients with fibromyalgia or irritable bowel syndrome, which are regarded as typical "nociplastic" primary pain syndromes related to changes in central pain processing. We compared the sensations elicited by a large range of combinations of temperature differentials between the warm and cold bars of a thermal grill applied to the hand between patients with fibromyalgia (n = 30) or irritable bowel syndrome (n= 30) and controls (n = 30). The percentage of TGIP responses and the intensity and unpleasantness of TGIP were significantly greater in patients than controls. Furthermore, positive correlations were found between TGIP intensity and clinical pain intensity and between TGIP intensity and the cold pain threshold measured on the hand. These results are consistent with our working hypothesis of shared mechanisms between TGIP and clinical pain mechanisms in patients with nociplastic chronic pain syndromes and suggest that TGIP might represent a clinical marker of central sensitization in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Adam
- Inserm U987, APHP, UVSQ, Paris-Saclay University, Ambroise Pare Hospital, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
- Department of Anesthesiology, Saint Joseph Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Pauline Jouët
- Inserm U987, APHP, UVSQ, Paris-Saclay University, Ambroise Pare Hospital, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Bobigny, France
| | - Jean-Marc Sabaté
- Inserm U987, APHP, UVSQ, Paris-Saclay University, Ambroise Pare Hospital, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Bobigny, France
| | - Serge Perrot
- Inserm U987, APHP, UVSQ, Paris-Saclay University, Ambroise Pare Hospital, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
- Pain Clinic, Cochin Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Claire Franchisseur
- Inserm U987, APHP, UVSQ, Paris-Saclay University, Ambroise Pare Hospital, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Nadine Attal
- Inserm U987, APHP, UVSQ, Paris-Saclay University, Ambroise Pare Hospital, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Didier Bouhassira
- Inserm U987, APHP, UVSQ, Paris-Saclay University, Ambroise Pare Hospital, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
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24
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Fialho MFP, Brum ES, Oliveira SM. Could the fibromyalgia syndrome be triggered or enhanced by COVID-19? Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:633-651. [PMID: 36849853 PMCID: PMC9970139 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01160-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex disease with an uncertain aetiology and intricate pathophysiology. Although its genesis is not fully explained, potential environmental factors, such as viral infections might trigger FM or worsen patients' clinical outcomes. The SARS-CoV-2 virus may affect central and peripheral nervous systems, leading to musculoskeletal, neurological, and psychological disturbances. These symptoms might persist at least 12 months beyond the recovery, often referred to as post-COVID syndrome, which resembles FM syndrome. In this sense, we argued the potential consequences of COVID-19 exclusively on FM syndrome. First, we have described post-COVID syndrome and its painful symptoms. Afterwards, we argued whether FM syndrome could be triggered or enhanced by COVID-19 infection or by numerous and persistent stressors imposed daily by the pandemic setting (isolation, uncertainty, depression, mental stress, generalized anxiety, and fear of the virus). In addition, we have demonstrated similarities between pathophysiological mechanisms and cardinal symptoms of FM and COVID-19, speculating that SARS-CoV-2 might represent a critical mediator of FM or an exacerbator of its symptoms once both syndromes share similar mechanisms and complaints. Therefore, pharmacologic and non-pharmacological approaches commonly used to treat FM could serve as strategic therapies to attenuate painful and neurological manifestations of post-COVID syndrome. Although it is still theoretical, clinicians and researchers should be alert of patients who develop symptoms similar to FM or those who had their FM symptoms increased post-COVID to manage them better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fernanda Pessano Fialho
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry Toxicology, Centre of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Evelyne Silva Brum
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry Toxicology, Centre of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Sara Marchesan Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry Toxicology, Centre of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Centre of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
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25
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Leone C, Galosi E, Esposito N, Falco P, Fasolino A, Di Pietro G, Di Stefano G, Camerota F, Vollert J, Truini A. Small-fibre damage is associated with distinct sensory phenotypes in patients with fibromyalgia and small-fibre neuropathy. Eur J Pain 2023; 27:163-173. [PMID: 36314856 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this clinical and psychophysical study, we aimed to verify whether patients with fibromyalgia with and without small-fibre pathology and patients with pure small-fibre neuropathy share common sensory phenotypes. METHODS Using an algorithm based on quantitative sensory testing variables, we grouped 64 consecutive patients with fibromyalgia (20 with small-fibre pathology, 44 without) and 30 patients with pure small-fibre neuropathy into different sensory phenotypes: sensory loss, thermal hyperalgesia, mechanical hyperalgesia and healthy phenotypes. RESULTS We found that the frequency of the different sensory phenotypes differed markedly between patients with fibromyalgia and patients with small-fibre neuropathy. In patients with fibromyalgia, with and without small-fibre pathology, healthy and hyperalgesia phenotypes (both thermal and mechanical) were similarly represented, whilst sensory loss and mechanical hyperalgesia phenotypes were the most frequent phenotypes in patients with small-fibre neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that small-fibre damage is associated with distinct sensory phenotypes in patients with fibromyalgia and in patients with small-fibre neuropathy. The lack of phenotype differences between patients with fibromyalgia with and without small-fibre pathology and the relatively high frequency of the healthy phenotype in these patients highlight a complex relationship between small-fibre pathology and pain in patients with fibromyalgia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Leone
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Galosi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Falco
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Filippo Camerota
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Jan Vollert
- Pain Research, Department of Surgery and Cancer (MSK), Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Andrea Truini
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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26
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Central Sensitization and Small-fiber Neuropathy Are Associated in Patients With Fibromyalgia. Clin J Pain 2023; 39:8-14. [PMID: 36524768 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000001085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the prevalence of small-fiber neuropathy (SFN) in a large cohort of patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and to better characterize the subset of patients with both FM and SFN. METHODS This 1-year, retrospective, observational cohort study included 265 patients with FM. They all performed electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) using the Sudoscan device, 1 of the simplest and most reliable technique to assess the distal autonomic nerve fibers. They completed 4 self-assessment questionnaires: (1) the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), (2) the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI), and (3) the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). RESULTS Fifty-three patients (20%) had reduced ESC values. These patients had higher CSI and HADS scores, and a larger intake of analgesic drugs compared with patients with no ESC abnormalities. Central sensitization, which was extreme in 69% of the patients (CSI score ≥60), was 1 of the main determinants of ESC abnormalities and was associated with a higher NPSI score, even though these 2 factors were not correlated. CONCLUSION Over the past 10 years, studies have shown that a significant proportion of patients with FM have signs of small nerve fiber impairment. The possible involvement of SFN, in the occurrence and presentation of clinical symptoms in FM patients, remains however unclear. This is the first study that showed an association between central sensitization and both small nerve fiber impairment and neuropathic pain features in FM patients, rather than a direct association between SFN and neuropathic pain.
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27
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Gerdle B, Wåhlén K, Gordh T, Bäckryd E, Carlsson A, Ghafouri B. Plasma proteins from several components of the immune system differentiate chronic widespread pain patients from healthy controls - an exploratory case-control study combining targeted and non-targeted protein identification. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31013. [PMID: 36401429 PMCID: PMC9678582 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic widespread pain (CWP), including fibromyalgia (FM), is characterized by generalized musculoskeletal pain and hyperalgesia. Plasma proteins from proteomics (non-targeted) and from targeted inflammatory panels (cytokines/chemokines) differentiate CWP/FM from controls. The importance of proteins obtained from these two sources, the protein-protein association network, and the biological processes involved were investigated. Plasma proteins from women with CWP (n = 15) and CON (n = 23) were analyzed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis and a multiplex proximity extension assay for analysis of cytokines/chemokines. Associations between the proteins and group were multivarietly analyzed. The protein-protein association network and the biological processes according to the Gene Ontology were investigated. Proteins from both sources were important for group differentiation; the majority from the two-dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis. 58 proteins significantly differentiated the two groups (R2 = 0.83). A significantly enriched network was found; biological processes were acute phase response, complement activation, and innate immune response. As with other studies, this study shows that plasma proteins can differentiate CWP from healthy subjects. Focusing on cytokines/chemokines is not sufficient to grasp the peripheral biological processes that maintain CWP/FM since our results show that other components of the immune and inflammation systems are also highly significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Gerdle
- Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, and Department of Health, Medicine, and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Björn Gerdle, Pain and Rehabilitation Centre and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden (e-mail: )
| | - Karin Wåhlén
- Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, and Department of Health, Medicine, and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Torsten Gordh
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emmanuel Bäckryd
- Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, and Department of Health, Medicine, and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anders Carlsson
- Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, and Department of Health, Medicine, and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Bijar Ghafouri
- Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, and Department of Health, Medicine, and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Üçeyler N, Schließer M, Evdokimov D, Radziwon J, Feulner B, Unterecker S, Rimmele F, Walter U. Reduced midbrain raphe echogenicity in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277316. [PMID: 36395116 PMCID: PMC9671316 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The pathogenesis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is unclear. Transcranial ultrasonography revealed anechoic alteration of midbrain raphe in depression and anxiety disorders, suggesting affection of the central serotonergic system. Here, we assessed midbrain raphe echogenicity in FMS. METHODS Sixty-six patients underwent transcranial sonography, of whom 53 were patients with FMS (27 women, 26 men), 13 patients with major depression and physical pain (all women), and 14 healthy controls (11 women, 3 men). Raphe echogenicity was graded visually as normal or hypoechogenic, and quantified by digitized image analysis, each by investigators blinded to the clinical diagnosis. RESULTS Quantitative midbrain raphe echogenicity was lower in patients with FMS compared to healthy controls (p<0.05), but not different from that of patients with depression and accompanying physical pain. Pain and FMS symptom burden did not correlate with midbrain raphe echogenicity as well as the presence and severity of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION We found reduced echogenicity of the midbrain raphe area in patients with FMS and in patients with depression and physical pain, independent of the presence or severity of pain, FMS, and depressive symptoms. Further exploration of this sonographic finding is necessary before this objective technique may enter diagnostic algorithms in FMS and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurcan Üçeyler
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Mira Schließer
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Jakub Radziwon
- Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Betty Feulner
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Unterecker
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Florian Rimmele
- Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Uwe Walter
- Department of Neurology, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
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Sound-Induced Flash Illusions Support Cortex Hyperexcitability in Fibromyalgia. Pain Res Manag 2022; 2022:7355102. [PMID: 36199588 PMCID: PMC9527419 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7355102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by spontaneous chronic widespread pain in combination with hyperalgesia to pressure stimuli. Sound-induced flash illusions (SIFIs) reflect cross-modal interactions between senses allowing to assess a visual cortical hoerexcitability (VCH) by evaluating the fission and fusion illusions disruption. The aims of the present study were to explore whether SIFIs are perceived differently in patients with fibromyalgia as compared to healthy controls (HCs) and how migraine affects fission and fusion illusions in fibromyalgia. Methods A single flash (F) accompanied by 0 to 4 beeps (B) was presented to induce the fission illusion while multiple flash (i.e., 2 to 4) accompanied by 0 or 1 beep was presented to induce fusion illusion. The mean number of perceived flashes in fission and fusion illusion trials was compared between the groups (i.e., FM, FM with migraine, and HCs) using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Medication history was recorded along with the administration of Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety and Depression scales. Results Twenty-four patients with FM (mean age 51, 2 ± 10, 6 years; 22 females), seventeen patients with FM and migraine without aura (mean age 47.8 ± 11.4 years; 16 females; 13 chronic, 4 episodic migraine), and forty-one age- and sex-matched HCs (mean age 47.3 ± 6.9 years; 34 females) participated in the study. Fission and fusion illusory effects were detected in all the participants. However, in FM patients, the fission illusion was reduced and almost abolished as compared to HCs (1F1B, p = 0.02; 1F2B, p < 0.0001; 1F3B, p < 0.0001; 1F4B, p = 0.0001), while there were no differences between groups in fusion trials. Migraine did not affect the fission and the fusion illusions. Conclusion Results from this study confirm that patients with FM have a VCH suggesting that the pathological changes in cortical excitability might have important roles in the pathophysiology of FM. SIFI represents a noninvasive behavioral tool for the exploration of cross-sensory functional interplay.
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Analgesic Medication in Fibromyalgia Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study. Pain Res Manag 2022; 2022:1217717. [PMID: 36247103 PMCID: PMC9553668 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1217717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There is no approved drug for fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in Europe. In the German S3 guideline, amitriptyline, duloxetine, and pregabalin are recommended for temporary use. The aim of this study was to cross-sectionally investigate the current practice of medication in FMS patients in Germany. We systematically interviewed 156 patients with FMS, while they were participating in a larger study. The patients had been stratified into subgroups with and without a decrease in intraepidermal nerve fiber density. The drugs most commonly used to treat FMS pain were nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (41.0% of all patients), metamizole (22.4%), and amitriptyline (12.8%). The most frequent analgesic treatment regimen was “on demand” (53.9%), during pain attacks, while 35.1% of the drugs were administered daily and the remaining in other regimens. Median pain relief as self-rated by the patients on a numerical rating scale (0–10) was 2 points for NSAIDS, 2 for metamizole, and 1 for amitriptyline. Drugs that were discontinued due to lack of efficacy rather than side effects were acetaminophen, flupirtine, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Reduction in pain severity was best achieved by NSAIDs and metamizole. Our hypothesis that a decrease in intraepidermal nerve fiber density might represent a neuropathic subtype of FMS, which would be associated with better effectiveness of drugs targeting neuropathic pain, could not be confirmed in this cohort. Many FMS patients take “on-demand” medication that is not in line with current guidelines. More randomized clinical trials are needed to assess drug effects in FMS subgroups.
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Lauria G, Faber CG, Cornblath DR. Skin biopsy and small fibre neuropathies: facts and thoughts 30 years later. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2022; 93:915-918. [PMID: 35246491 PMCID: PMC9380509 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2021-327742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lauria
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy .,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Catharina G Faber
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - David R Cornblath
- Department of Neurology, John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Meade E, Garvey M. The Role of Neuro-Immune Interaction in Chronic Pain Conditions; Functional Somatic Syndrome, Neurogenic Inflammation, and Peripheral Neuropathy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158574. [PMID: 35955708 PMCID: PMC9369187 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional somatic syndromes are increasingly diagnosed in chronically ill patients presenting with an array of symptoms not attributed to physical ailments. Conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia syndrome, or irritable bowel syndrome are common disorders that belong in this broad category. Such syndromes are characterised by the presence of one or multiple chronic symptoms including widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disorders, and abdominal pain, amongst other issues. Symptoms are believed to relate to a complex interaction of biological and psychosocial factors, where a definite aetiology has not been established. Theories suggest causative pathways between the immune and nervous systems of affected individuals with several risk factors identified in patients presenting with one or more functional syndromes. Risk factors including stress and childhood trauma are now recognised as important contributors to chronic pain conditions. Emotional, physical, and sexual abuse during childhood is considered a severe stressor having a high prevalence in functional somatic syndrome suffers. Such trauma permanently alters the biological stress response of the suffers leading to neuroexcitatory and other nerve issues associated with chronic pain in adults. Traumatic and chronic stress results in epigenetic changes in stress response genes, which ultimately leads to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, the autonomic nervous system, and the immune system manifesting in a broad array of symptoms. Importantly, these systems are known to be dysregulated in patients suffering from functional somatic syndrome. Functional somatic syndromes are also highly prevalent co-morbidities of psychiatric conditions, mood disorders, and anxiety. Consequently, this review aims to provide insight into the role of the nervous system and immune system in chronic pain disorders associated with the musculoskeletal system, and central and peripheral nervous systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Meade
- Department of Life Science, Atlantic Technological University, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland;
| | - Mary Garvey
- Department of Life Science, Atlantic Technological University, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland;
- Centre for Precision Engineering, Materials and Manufacturing Research (PEM), Atlantic Technological University, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland
- Correspondence:
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Viceconti A, Geri T, De Luca S, Maselli F, Rossettini G, Testa M. Body perception distortions correlate with neuropathic features in Italian fibromyalgic patients: Findings from a self-administered online survey. Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2022; 60:102570. [PMID: 35594609 DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies found that fibromyalgia may underly neuropathic conditions affecting the peripheral nervous system. Moreover, clinical observations and preliminary reports suggest the existence of body perceptions distortions (BPD) like "phantom" feelings of swollen hands and feet, similar to those complained by patients with other neuropathic conditions or subjected to experimental procedures affecting the peripheral nervous system. OBJECTIVES To investigate the prevalence of self-reported BPD in Italian people with fibromyalgia through an online survey administered with the help of the associations of patients distributed nationwide. DESIGN cross-sectional study. METHOD A nationwide sample of 854 patients out of 1173 subjects enrolled was analyzed after the exclusion of comorbidities and incomplete answers. We additionally performed a post-hoc analysis comparing data of patients who entirely fulfilled the Fibromyalgia Research Criteria (FRC) (2011) for epidemiological studies with respect to those only partially responding to the FRC (FM-). RESULTS Nearly 90% of subjects reported neuropathic pain, symptoms potentially indicative for small-fiber pathology, and at least 1 BPD, while 2 or more BPD was reported in 64.1% of cases. Phantom feelings of "heaviness", "constriction", and "swelling" were the most frequently self-reported perceptual distortions. BPD were significant correlated with symptoms potentially indicative for small-fiber pathology, neuropathic pain, disability, painful sites, and severity of fibromyalgia (0.20<τ-b<0.33). CONCLUSIONS Our preliminary findings highlighted that the phenomenon of self-reported BPD in patients with fibromyalgia correlated with neuropathic symptoms. If these results will be confirmed in future studies BPD may be potentially considered as part of the clinical picture of fibromyalgia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonello Viceconti
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal Infantile Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genova, Campus of Savona, SV, Italy.
| | - Tommaso Geri
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal Infantile Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genova, Campus of Savona, SV, Italy
| | - Simone De Luca
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal Infantile Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genova, Campus of Savona, SV, Italy
| | - Filippo Maselli
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal Infantile Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genova, Campus of Savona, SV, Italy
| | - Giacomo Rossettini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal Infantile Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genova, Campus of Savona, SV, Italy; School of Physiotherapy, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marco Testa
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal Infantile Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genova, Campus of Savona, SV, Italy
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Verma V, Drury GL, Parisien M, Özdağ Acarli AN, Al-Aubodah TA, Nijnik A, wen X, Tugarinov N, Verner M, Klares R, Linton A, Krock E, Morado Urbina CE, Winsvold B, Fritsche LG, Fors EA, Piccirillo C, Khoutorsky A, Svensson CI, Fitzcharles MA, Ingelmo PM, Bernard NF, Dupuy FP, Üçeyler N, Sommer C, King IL, Meloto CB, Diatchenko L. Unbiased immune profiling reveals a natural killer cell-peripheral nerve axis in fibromyalgia. Pain 2022; 163:e821-e836. [PMID: 34913882 PMCID: PMC8942876 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The pathophysiology of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) remains elusive, leading to a lack of objective diagnostic criteria and targeted treatment. We globally evaluated immune system changes in FMS by conducting multiparametric flow cytometry analyses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and identified a natural killer (NK) cell decrease in patients with FMS. Circulating NK cells in FMS were exhausted yet activated, evidenced by lower surface expression of CD16, CD96, and CD226 and more CD107a and TIGIT. These NK cells were hyperresponsive, with increased CCL4 production and expression of CD107a when co-cultured with human leukocyte antigen null target cells. Genetic and transcriptomic pathway analyses identified significant enrichment of cell activation pathways in FMS driven by NK cells. Skin biopsies showed increased expression of NK activation ligand, unique long 16-binding protein, on subepidermal nerves of patients FMS and the presence of NK cells near peripheral nerves. Collectively, our results suggest that chronic activation and redistribution of circulating NK cells to the peripheral nerves contribute to the immunopathology associated with FMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Verma
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Gillian L. Drury
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Marc Parisien
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Ayşe N. Özdağ Acarli
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tho-Alfakar Al-Aubodah
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Canada
| | - Anastasia Nijnik
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- McGill Research Centre on Complex Traits, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Xia wen
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Nicol Tugarinov
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Maria Verner
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Richie Klares
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Alexander Linton
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Emerson Krock
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carlos E. Morado Urbina
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bendik Winsvold
- Department of Research and Innovation, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- K. G. Jebsen Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars G. Fritsche
- Center for Statistical Genetics, Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Egil A. Fors
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ciriaco Piccirillo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Canada
| | - Arkady Khoutorsky
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Camilla I. Svensson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mary A. Fitzcharles
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Pablo M. Ingelmo
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Nicole F. Bernard
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Franck P. Dupuy
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Canada
| | - Nurcan Üçeyler
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Sommer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Irah L. King
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Canada
| | - Carolina B. Meloto
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Luda Diatchenko
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
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Omics approaches to discover pathophysiological pathways contributing to human pain. Pain 2022; 163:S69-S78. [PMID: 35994593 PMCID: PMC9557800 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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On AY, Tanigor G, Baydar DA. Relationships of autonomic dysfunction with disease severity and neuropathic pain features in fibromyalgia: is it really a sympathetically maintained neuropathic pain? Korean J Pain 2022; 35:327-335. [PMID: 35768988 PMCID: PMC9251392 DOI: 10.3344/kjp.2022.35.3.327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The pathophysiology of fibromyalgia (FM) involves many mechanisms including central nervous system sensitization theory, autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction, and recently small fiber neuropathy. While the small fiber neuropathy itself can cause ANS dysfunction and neuropathic pain (NP), it is still unknown whether ANS problems have an association with severity of disease and NP in patients with FM. The aim of this study was to evaluate ANS dysfunction in FM patients and to explore possible associations of ANS dysfunction with disease severity and NP. Methods Twenty-nine FM patients and 20 healthy controls were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants were tested using sympathetic skin responses (SSR) and R-R interval variation analyses for sympathetic and parasympathetic ANS dysfunction, respectively. Disease severity and somatic symptoms of patients with FM were evaluated using the ACR-2010 scales and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, and NP symptoms were evaluated using the Pain Detect Questionnaire and Douleur Neuropathique questionnaire. Results FM patients were found to have ANS dysfunction characterized by increased sympathetic response and decreased parasympathetic response. SSR amplitudes were found to be correlated with a more severe disease. Although non-significant, NP severity tended to be associated with a decrease in sympathetic and parasympathetic activities. Conclusions ANS dysfunction may play a role in the pathophysiology of FM. The trend of decreased ANS functions in FM patients exhibiting NP contradicts the notion that FM is a sympathetically maintained NP and may be explained with small fiber involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arzu Yagiz On
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Goksel Tanigor
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Dilek Aykanat Baydar
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, Van Training and Research Hospital, Van, Turkey
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Vittersø AD, Halicka M, Buckingham G, Proulx MJ, Bultitude JH. The sensorimotor theory of pathological pain revisited. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 139:104735. [PMID: 35705110 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Harris (1999) proposed that pain can arise in the absence of tissue damage because changes in the cortical representation of the painful body part lead to incongruences between motor intention and sensory feedback. This idea, subsequently termed the sensorimotor theory of pain, has formed the basis for novel treatments for pathological pain. Here we review the evidence that people with pathological pain have changes to processes contributing to sensorimotor function: motor function, sensory feedback, cognitive representations of the body and its surrounding space, multisensory processing, and sensorimotor integration. Changes to sensorimotor processing are most evident in the form of motor deficits, sensory changes, and body representations distortions, and for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), fibromyalgia, and low back pain. Many sensorimotor changes are related to cortical processing, pain, and other clinical characteristics. However, there is very limited evidence that changes in sensorimotor processing actually lead to pain. We therefore propose that the theory is more appropriate for understanding why pain persists rather than how it arises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel D Vittersø
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom; Department of Sport & Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, Oslo New University College, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Monika Halicka
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
| | - Gavin Buckingham
- Department of Sport & Health Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J Proulx
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom; Centre for Real and Virtual Environments Augmentation Labs, Department of Computer Science, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
| | - Janet H Bultitude
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
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Berwick RJ, Andersson DA, Goebel A, Marshall A. After-Sensations and Lingering Pain following Examination in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome. PAIN MEDICINE 2022; 23:1928-1938. [PMID: 35652761 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnac089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic widespread pain condition with mixed peripheral and central contributions. Patients display hypersensitivities to a spectrum of stimuli. Patients' blunt pressure pain thresholds are typically reduced, and sometimes (∼15%) gentle brushstroke induces allodynia. However, after-sensations following these stimuli have not, to our knowledge, been reported. We examined the perception of blunt pressure and 'pleasant touch' in FMS. Patients were first interviewed and completed standard psychometric questionnaires. We then measured their sensitivity to blunt pressure and perception of pleasant touch including after-sensations; patients were followed for five days evaluating lingering pain from blunt pressure. We recruited 51 FMS patients and 16 pain-free controls (HC) at a UK Pain Management Centre. Forty-four patients completed the after-sensation protocol. Most patients reported pain after application of less mechanical pressure than HCs; median arm and leg thresholds were 167 kPa and 233 kPa. Eighty-four percent (31/37) of patients reported ongoing pain at the site of pressure application one day after testing, and 49% (18/37) still perceived pain at five days. After-sensations following brushstroke were common in the FMS group, reported by 77% (34/44) compared to 25% (4/16) of HCs; 34% (15/44) patients, but no HCs, perceived these after-sensations as uncomfortable. For FMS patients who experienced after-sensations, brushstroke-pleasantness ratings were reduced, and skin was often an important site of pain. Pain after blunt pressure assessment typically lingers for several days. After-sensations following brushstroke stimulation is a previously unreported FMS phenomenon. They are associated with tactile anhedonia and may identify a clinically distinct subgroup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Berwick
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, UK.,Walton Centre, Longmore Lane, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Andreas Goebel
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, UK.,Walton Centre, Longmore Lane, Liverpool, UK
| | - Andrew Marshall
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, UK.,Walton Centre, Longmore Lane, Liverpool, UK
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Goebel A, Andersson D, Barker C, Basu N, Bullock C, Bevan S, Bashford-Rogers RJM, Choy E, Clauw D, Dulake D, Dulake R, Flor H, Glanvill M, Helyes Z, Irani S, Kosek E, Laird J, MacFarlane G, McCullough H, Marshall A, Moots R, Perrot S, Shenker N, Sher E, Sommer C, Svensson CI, Williams A, Wood G, Dorris ER. Research Recommendations Following the Discovery of Pain Sensitizing IgG Autoantibodies in Fibromyalgia Syndrome. PAIN MEDICINE (MALDEN, MASS.) 2022; 23:1084-1094. [PMID: 34850195 PMCID: PMC9157149 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is the most common chronic widespread pain condition in rheumatology. Until recently, no clear pathophysiological mechanism for fibromyalgia had been established, resulting in management challenges. Recent research has indicated that serum immunoglobulin Gs (IgGs) may play a role in FMS. We undertook a research prioritisation exercise to identify the most pertinent research approaches that may lead to clinically implementable outputs. METHODS Research priority setting was conducted in five phases: situation analysis; design; expert group consultation; interim recommendations; consultation and revision. A dialogue model was used, and an international multi-stakeholder expert group was invited. Clinical, patient, industry, funder, and scientific expertise was represented throughout. Recommendation-consensus was determined via a voluntary closed eSurvey. Reporting guideline for priority setting of health research were employed to support implementation and maximise impact. RESULTS Arising from the expert group consultation (n = 29 participants), 39 interim recommendations were defined. A response rate of 81.5% was achieved in the consensus survey. Six recommendations were identified as high priority- and 15 as medium level priority. The recommendations range from aspects of fibromyalgia features that should be considered in future autoantibody research, to specific immunological investigations, suggestions for trial design in FMS, and therapeutic interventions that should be assessed in trials. CONCLUSIONS By applying the principles of strategic priority setting we directed research towards that which is implementable, thereby expediating the benefit to the FMS patient population. These recommendations are intended for patients, international professionals and grant-giving bodies concerned with research into causes and management of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Goebel
- Institute of Life Course and Medicine Sciences, Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, and Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - David Andersson
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Wolfson Centre for Age Related Disease, King’s College, London, UK
| | - Chris Barker
- Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Neil Basu
- Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Craig Bullock
- Versus Arthritis, Copeman House, St Mary’s Court, St Mary’s Gate, Chesterfield, UK
| | - Stuart Bevan
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Wolfson Centre for Age Related Disease, King’s College, London, UK
| | | | - Ernest Choy
- CREATE Centre, Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University, UK
| | - David Clauw
- Anesthesiology, Medicine (Rheumatology) and Psychiatry University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | | | - Herta Flor
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Zsuzsanna Helyes
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School & Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Sarosh Irani
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Eva Kosek
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jennifer Laird
- Eli Lilly and Company, Pain & Neurodegeneration Therapeutic Area, Lilly Research Centre, Windlesham, Surrey, UK
| | | | - Hayley McCullough
- Institute of Life Course and Medicine Sciences, Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Andrew Marshall
- Institute of Life Course and Medicine Sciences, Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, and Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Robert Moots
- Faculty of Health Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill University, Liverpool, UK
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Serge Perrot
- Pain Center, Cochin Hospital, Paris University, Paris, France
| | - Nick Shenker
- Rheumatology Research Unit, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emanuele Sher
- Eli Lilly and Company, Pain & Neurodegeneration Therapeutic Area, Lilly Research Centre, Windlesham, Surrey, UK
| | - Claudia Sommer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
| | - Camilla I Svensson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Amanda Williams
- Health Psychology, UCL Research Department of Clinical, Educational & Health Psychology, University College London, UK
| | - Geoff Wood
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emma R Dorris
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland
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Ballantyne JC, Sullivan MD. Is Chronic Pain a Disease? THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2022; 23:1651-1665. [PMID: 35577236 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
It was not until the twentieth century that pain was considered a disease. Before that it was managed medically as a symptom. The motivations for declaring chronic pain a disease, whether of the body or of the brain, include increasing its legitimacy as clinical problem and research focus worthy of attention from healthcare and research organizations alike. But 1 problem with disease concepts is that having a disease favors medical solutions and tends to reduce patient participation. We argue that chronic pain, particularly chronic primary pain (recently designated a first tier pain diagnosis in International Diagnostic Codes 11), is a learned state that is not intransigent even if it has biological correlates. Chronic pain is sometimes a symptom, and may sometimes be its own disease. But here we question the value of a disease focus for much of chronic pain for which patient involvement is essential, and which may need a much broader societal approach than is suggested by the disease designation. PERSPECTIVE: This article examines whether designating chronic pain a disease of the body or brain is helpful or harmful to patients. Can the disease designation help advance treatment, and is it needed to achieve future therapeutic breakthrough? Or does it make patients over-reliant on medical intervention and reduce their engagement in the process of recovery?
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane C Ballantyne
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Mark D Sullivan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
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41
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Joseph P, Pari R, Miller S, Warren A, Stovall MC, Squires J, Chang CJ, Xiao W, Waxman AB, Systrom DM. Neurovascular Dysregulation and Acute Exercise Intolerance in ME/CFS: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Pyridostigmine. Chest 2022; 162:1116-1126. [PMID: 35526605 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2022.04.146] [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: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is characterized by intractable fatigue, postexertional malaise, and orthostatic intolerance, but its pathophysiology is poorly understood. Pharmacologic cholinergic stimulation was used to test the hypothesis that neurovascular dysregulation underlies exercise intolerance in ME/CFS. RESEARCH QUESTION Does neurovascular dysregulation contribute to exercise intolerance in ME/CFS, and can its treatment improve exercise capacity? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Forty-five subjects with ME/CFS were enrolled in a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Subjects were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive a 60-mg dose of oral pyridostigmine or placebo after an invasive cardiopulmonary exercise test (iCPET). A second iCPET was performed 50 min later. The primary end point was the difference in peak exercise oxygen uptake (Vo2). Secondary end points included exercise pulmonary and systemic hemodynamics and gas exchange. RESULTS Twenty-three subjects were assigned to receive pyridostigmine and 22 to receive placebo. The peak Vo2 increased after pyridostigmine but decreased after placebo (13.3 ± 13.4 mL/min vs -40.2 ± 21.3 mL/min; P < .05). The treatment effect of pyridostigmine was 53.6 mL/min (95% CI, -105.2 to -2.0). Peak vs rest Vo2 (25.9 ± 15.3 mL/min vs -60.8 ± 25.6 mL/min; P < .01), cardiac output (-0.2 ± 0.6 L/min vs -1.9 ± 0.6 L/min; P < .05), and right atrial pressure (1.0 ± 0.5 mm Hg vs -0.6 ± 0.5 mm Hg; P < .05) were greater in the pyridostigmine group compared with placebo. INTERPRETATION Pyridostigmine improves peak Vo2 in ME/CFS by increasing cardiac output and right ventricular filling pressures. Worsening peak exercise Vo2, cardiac output, and right atrial pressure following placebo may signal the onset of postexertional malaise. We suggest that treatable neurovascular dysregulation underlies acute exercise intolerance in ME/CFS. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT03674541; URL: www. CLINICALTRIALS gov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Joseph
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Rosa Pari
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Sarah Miller
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Arabella Warren
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Mary Catherine Stovall
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Johanna Squires
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Chia-Jung Chang
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Wenzhong Xiao
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Aaron B Waxman
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - David M Systrom
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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42
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Galosi E, Truini A, Di Stefano G. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence of Small Fibre Impairment in Patients with Fibromyalgia. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12051135. [PMID: 35626288 PMCID: PMC9139885 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12051135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Converging evidence shows that patients with fibromyalgia syndrome have signs of small fibre impairment, possibly leading to pain and autonomic symptoms, with a frequency that has not yet been systematically evaluated. To fill this gap, our review aims to define the frequency of somatic and autonomic small fibre damage in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome, as assessed by objective small fibre-related testing. We found 360 articles on somatic and autonomic small fibre assessment in patients with fibromyalgia. Out of the 88 articles assessed for eligibility, 20 were included in the meta-analysis, involving 903 patients with fibromyalgia. The estimated prevalence of somatic small fibre impairment, as assessed with skin biopsy, corneal confocal microscopy, and microneurography, was 49% (95% confidence interval (CI): 39–60%, I2 = 89%), whereas the estimated prevalence of autonomic small fibre impairment, as assessed with heart rate variability, sympathetic skin response, skin conductance, and tilt testing, was 45% (95% CI: 25–65%, I2 = 91%). Our study shows that a considerable proportion of patients with fibromyalgia have somatic and autonomic small fibre impairment, as assessed by extensive small fibre-related testing. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity and inconsistencies across studies challenge the exact role of small fibre impairment in fibromyalgia symptoms.
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43
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Aster HC, Evdokimov D, Braun A, Üçeyler N, Kampf T, Pham M, Homola GA, Sommer C. CNS imaging characteristics in fibromyalgia patients with and without peripheral nerve involvement. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6707. [PMID: 35469050 PMCID: PMC9038916 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10489-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that reduced skin innervation in fibromyalgia syndrome is associated with specific CNS changes. This prospective case–control study included 43 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome and 40 healthy controls. We further compared the fibromyalgia subgroups with reduced (n = 21) and normal (n = 22) skin innervation. Brains were analysed for cortical volume, for white matter integrity, and for functional connectivity. Compared to controls, cortical thickness was decreased in regions of the frontal, temporal and parietal cortex in the fibromyalgia group as a whole, and decreased in the bilateral pericalcarine cortices in the fibromyalgia subgroup with reduced skin innervation. Diffusion tensor imaging revealed a significant increase in fractional anisotropy in the corona radiata, the corpus callosum, cingulum and fornix in patients with fibromyalgia compared to healthy controls and decreased FA in parts of the internal capsule and thalamic radiation in the subgroup with reduced skin innervation. Using resting-state fMRI, the fibromyalgia group as a whole showed functional hypoconnectivity between the right midfrontal gyrus and the posterior cerebellum and the right crus cerebellum, respectively. The subgroup with reduced skin innervation showed hyperconnectivity between the inferior frontal gyrus, the angular gyrus and the posterior parietal gyrus. Our results suggest that the subgroup of fibromyalgia patients with pronounced pathology in the peripheral nervous system shows alterations in morphology, structural and functional connectivity also at the level of the encephalon. We propose considering these subgroups when conducting clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Christoph Aster
- Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany. .,Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Margarate-Höppel-Platz 1, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Dimitar Evdokimov
- Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Braun
- Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nurcan Üçeyler
- Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Kampf
- Institut für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Neuroradiologie, Universitätsklinikum, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mirko Pham
- Institut für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Neuroradiologie, Universitätsklinikum, Würzburg, Germany
| | - György A Homola
- Institut für Diagnostische und Interventionelle Neuroradiologie, Universitätsklinikum, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Sommer
- Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum, Josef-Schneider-Str. 11, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
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44
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Distinct CholinomiR Blood Cell Signature as a Potential Modulator of the Cholinergic System in Women with Fibromyalgia Syndrome. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081276. [PMID: 35455956 PMCID: PMC9031252 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a heterogeneous chronic pain syndrome characterized by musculoskeletal pain and other key co-morbidities including fatigue and a depressed mood. FMS involves altered functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system (CNS, PNS) and immune system, but the specific molecular pathophysiology remains unclear. Anti-cholinergic treatment is effective in FMS patient subgroups, and cholinergic signaling is a strong modulator of CNS and PNS immune processes. Therefore, we used whole blood small RNA-sequencing of female FMS patients and healthy controls to profile microRNA regulators of cholinergic transcripts (CholinomiRs). We compared microRNA profiles with those from Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with pain as disease controls. We validated the sequencing results with quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and identified cholinergic targets. Further, we measured serum cholinesterase activity in FMS patients and healthy controls. Small RNA-sequencing revealed FMS-specific changes in 19 CholinomiRs compared to healthy controls and PD patients. qRT-PCR validated miR-182-5p upregulation, distinguishing FMS patients from healthy controls. mRNA targets of CholinomiRs bone morphogenic protein receptor 2 and interleukin 6 signal transducer were downregulated. Serum acetylcholinesterase levels and cholinesterase activity in FMS patients were unchanged. Our findings identified an FMS-specific CholinomiR signature in whole blood, modulating immune-related gene expression.
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45
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Petropoulos IN, Bitirgen G, Ferdousi M, Kalteniece A, Azmi S, D'Onofrio L, Lim SH, Ponirakis G, Khan A, Gad H, Mohammed I, Mohammadi YE, Malik A, Gosal D, Kobylecki C, Silverdale M, Soran H, Alam U, Malik RA. Corneal Confocal Microscopy to Image Small Nerve Fiber Degeneration: Ophthalmology Meets Neurology. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 2:725363. [PMID: 35295436 PMCID: PMC8915697 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2021.725363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain has multiple etiologies, but a major feature is small fiber dysfunction or damage. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a rapid non-invasive ophthalmic imaging technique that can image small nerve fibers in the cornea and has been utilized to show small nerve fiber loss in patients with diabetic and other neuropathies. CCM has comparable diagnostic utility to intraepidermal nerve fiber density for diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia and amyloid neuropathy and predicts the development of diabetic neuropathy. Moreover, in clinical intervention trials of patients with diabetic and sarcoid neuropathy, corneal nerve regeneration occurs early and precedes an improvement in symptoms and neurophysiology. Corneal nerve fiber loss also occurs and is associated with disease progression in multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and dementia. We conclude that corneal confocal microscopy has good diagnostic and prognostic capability and fulfills the FDA criteria as a surrogate end point for clinical trials in peripheral and central neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gulfidan Bitirgen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Maryam Ferdousi
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alise Kalteniece
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Shazli Azmi
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Luca D'Onofrio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sze Hway Lim
- Department of Neurology, Salford Royal National Health System (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Adnan Khan
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hoda Gad
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ibrahim Mohammed
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ayesha Malik
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - David Gosal
- Department of Neurology, Salford Royal National Health System (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Kobylecki
- Department of Neurology, Salford Royal National Health System (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Monty Silverdale
- Department of Neurology, Salford Royal National Health System (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Handrean Soran
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Uazman Alam
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Clinical Sciences Centre, Pain Research Institute, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool University Hospital National Health System (NHS) Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar.,Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
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46
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Malik RA, Efron N. Corneal Confocal Microscopy and the Nervous System: Introduction to the Special Issue. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11061475. [PMID: 35329801 PMCID: PMC8953792 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11061475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rayaz A. Malik
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Research Division, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha 24144, Qatar;
| | - Nathan Efron
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
- Correspondence:
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47
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Contreras-Merino AM, Davydov DM, Galvez-Sánchez CM, Reyes del Paso GA. Blunted short-term autonomic cardiovascular reactivity to orthostatic and clinostatic challenges in fibromyalgia as an indicator of the severity of chronic pain. Int J Psychophysiol 2022; 175:61-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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48
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The puzzle of fibromyalgia between central sensitization syndrome and small fiber neuropathy: a narrative review on neurophysiological and morphological evidence. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:1667-1684. [PMID: 35028777 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-021-05806-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition characterized by chronic widespread pain whose pathogenesis is still not fully defined. Evidence based on structural and functional neuroimaging methods, electrophysiological, and morphological - skin biopsy - features demonstrated a central and peripheral nervous system involvement. A dysfunction in nociceptive inputs processing at the central level was highlighted as the primary cause of FM, but other data coming from different laboratories contributed to emphasize again the peripheral origin of FM. In fact, small fibers neuropathy (SFN) was observed in a large number of patients submitted to skin biopsy. The complex interaction between central and peripheral factors is opening a new scenario about the management of this neurological disorder. Whether proximal SFN is an initiating event leading to FM or is the consequence of stress-related insular hyper excitability remains unclear. Mild sufferance of peripheral afferents could function as a trigger for an exaggerated response of the so-called "salience matrix" in predisposed individuals. On the other side, the intriguing hypothesis rising from animal models could indicate that the cortical hyper function could cause peripheral small afferent damage. The research should go on the genetic origin of such peripheral and central abnormalities, the acquired facilitating factors, and the presence of different phenotypes in order to search for efficacious treatments, which are still lacking.
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49
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Goebel A, Andersson D, Helyes Z, Clark JD, Dulake D, Svensson C. The autoimmune aetiology of unexplained chronic pain. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103015. [PMID: 34902604 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.103015] [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: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain is the leading cause of life years lived with disability worldwide. The aetiology of most chronic pain conditions has remained poorly understood and there is a dearth of effective therapies. The WHO ICD-11 has categorised unexplained chronic pain states as 'chronic primary pains' (CPP), which are further defined by their association with significant distress and/or dysfunction. The new mechanistic term, 'nociplasticic pain' has been developed to illustrate their presumed generation by a structurally intact, but abnormally functioning nociceptive system. Recently, researchers have unravelled the surprising, ubiquitous presence of pain-sensitising autoantibodies in four investigated CPP indicating autoimmune causation. In persistent complex regional pain syndrome, fibromyalgia syndrome, chronic post-traumatic limb pain, and non-inflammatory joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, passive transfer experiments have shown that either IgG or IgM antibodies from patient-donors cause symptoms upon injection to rodents that closely resemble those of the clinical disorders. Targets of antibody-binding and downstream effects vary between conditions, and more research is needed to elucidate the molecular and cellular details. The central nervous system appears largely unaffected by antibody binding, suggesting that the clinically evident CNS symptoms associated with CPP might arise downstream of peripheral processes. In this narrative review pertinent findings are described, and it is suggested that additional symptom-based disorders might be examined for the contribution of antibody-mediated autoimmune mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Goebel
- Pain Research Institute, Institute for Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK and Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK.
| | - David Andersson
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Disease, King's College London, UK
| | - Zsuzsanna Helyes
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School & Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - J David Clark
- Anaesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, USA
| | | | - Camilla Svensson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 76, Sweden
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50
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Plaut S. Scoping review and interpretation of myofascial pain/fibromyalgia syndrome: An attempt to assemble a medical puzzle. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263087. [PMID: 35171940 PMCID: PMC8849503 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a common, overlooked, and underdiagnosed condition and has significant burden. MPS is often dismissed by clinicians while patients remain in pain for years. MPS can evolve into fibromyalgia, however, effective treatments for both are lacking due to absence of a clear mechanism. Many studies focus on central sensitization. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review is to systematically search cross-disciplinary empirical studies of MPS, focusing on mechanical aspects, and suggest an organic mechanism explaining how it might evolve into fibromyalgia. Hopefully, it will advance our understanding of this disease. METHODS Systematically searched multiple phrases in MEDLINE, EMBASE, COCHRANE, PEDro, and medRxiv, majority with no time limit. Inclusion/exclusion based on title and abstract, then full text inspection. Additional literature added on relevant side topics. Review follows PRISMA-ScR guidelines. PROSPERO yet to adapt registration for scoping reviews. FINDINGS 799 records included. Fascia can adapt to various states by reversibly changing biomechanical and physical properties. Trigger points, tension, and pain are a hallmark of MPS. Myofibroblasts play a role in sustained myofascial tension. Tension can propagate in fascia, possibly supporting a tensegrity framework. Movement and mechanical interventions treat and prevent MPS, while living sedentarily predisposes to MPS and recurrence. CONCLUSIONS MPS can be seen as a pathological state of imbalance in a natural process; manifesting from the inherent properties of the fascia, triggered by a disrupted biomechanical interplay. MPS might evolve into fibromyalgia through deranged myofibroblasts in connective tissue ("fascial armoring"). Movement is an underemployed requisite in modern lifestyle. Lifestyle is linked to pain and suffering. The mechanism of needling is suggested to be more mechanical than currently thought. A "global percutaneous needle fasciotomy" that respects tensegrity principles may treat MPS/fibromyalgia more effectively. "Functional-somatic syndromes" can be seen as one entity (myofibroblast-generated-tensegrity-tension), sharing a common rheuma-psycho-neurological mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiloh Plaut
- School of Medicine, St. George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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