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Weerasekera A, Knight PC, Alshelh Z, Morrissey EJ, Kim M, Zhang Y, Napadow V, Anzolin A, Torrado-Carvajal A, Edwards RR, Ratai EM, Loggia ML. Thalamic neurometabolite alterations in chronic low back pain: a common phenomenon across musculoskeletal pain conditions? Pain 2024; 165:126-134. [PMID: 37578456 PMCID: PMC10841327 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Recently, we showed that patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) demonstrate alterations in the thalamic concentrations of several metabolites compared with healthy controls: higher myo-inositol (mIns), lower N-acetylaspartate (NAA), and lower choline (Cho). Here, we evaluated whether these metabolite alterations are specific to KOA or could also be observed in patients with a different musculoskeletal condition, such as chronic low back pain (cLBP). Thirty-six patients with cLBP and 20 healthy controls were scanned using 1 H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and a PRESS (Point RESolved Spectroscopy) sequence with voxel placement in the left thalamus. Compared with healthy controls, patients with cLBP demonstrated lower absolute concentrations of NAA ( P = 0.0005) and Cho ( P < 0.05) and higher absolute concentrations of mIns ( P = 0.01) when controlling for age, as predicted by our previous work in KOA. In contrast to our KOA study, mIns levels in this population did not significantly correlate with pain measures (eg, pain severity or duration). However, exploratory analyses revealed that NAA levels in patients were negatively correlated with the severity of sleep disturbance ( P < 0.01), which was higher in patients compared with healthy controls ( P < 0.001). Additionally, also in patients, both Cho and mIns levels were positively correlated with age ( P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Altogether, these results suggest that thalamic metabolite changes may be common across etiologically different musculoskeletal chronic pain conditions, including cLBP and KOA, and may relate to symptoms often comorbid with chronic pain, such as sleep disturbance. The functional and clinical significance of these brain changes remains to be fully understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akila Weerasekera
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paulina C. Knight
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Zeynab Alshelh
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erin J. Morrissey
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Minhae Kim
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vitaly Napadow
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alessandra Anzolin
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Angel Torrado-Carvajal
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Medical Image Analysis and Biometry Laboratory, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Robert R. Edwards
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eva-Maria Ratai
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marco L. Loggia
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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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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Favretti M, Iannuccelli C, Di Franco M. Pain Biomarkers in Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Current Understanding and Future Directions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10443. [PMID: 37445618 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia is a complex and heterogeneous clinical syndrome, mainly characterized by the presence of widespread pain, possibly associated with a variety of other symptoms. Fibromyalgia can have an extremely negative impact on the psychological, physical and social lives of people affected, sometimes causing patients to experience dramatically impaired quality of life. Nowadays, the diagnosis of fibromyalgia is still clinical, thus favoring diagnostic uncertainties and making its clear identification challenging to establish, especially in primary care centers. These difficulties lead patients to undergo innumerable clinical visits, investigations and specialist consultations, thus increasing their stress, frustration and even dissatisfaction. Unfortunately, research over the last 25 years regarding a specific biomarker for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia has been fruitless. The discovery of a reliable biomarker for fibromyalgia syndrome would be a critical step towards the early identification of this condition, not only reducing patient healthcare utilization and diagnostic test execution but also providing early intervention with guideline-based treatments. This narrative article reviews different metabolite alterations proposed as possible biomarkers for fibromyalgia, focusing on their associations with clinical evidence of pain, and highlights some new, promising areas of research in this context. Nevertheless, none of the analyzed metabolites emerge as sufficiently reliable to be validated as a diagnostic biomarker. Given the complexity of this syndrome, in the future, a panel of biomarkers, including subtype-specific biomarkers, could be considered as an interesting alternative research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Favretti
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Clinical, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Iannuccelli
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Clinical, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Di Franco
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Clinical, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Widerström-Noga E. Neuropathic Pain and Spinal Cord Injury: Management, Phenotypes, and Biomarkers. Drugs 2023:10.1007/s40265-023-01903-7. [PMID: 37326804 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01903-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Chronic neuropathic pain after a spinal cord injury (SCI) continues to be a complex condition that is difficult to manage due to multiple underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and the association with psychosocial factors. Determining the individual contribution of each of these factors is currently not a realistic goal; however, focusing on the primary mechanisms may be more feasible. One approach used to uncover underlying mechanisms includes phenotyping using pain symptoms and somatosensory function. However, this approach does not consider cognitive and psychosocial mechanisms that may also significantly contribute to the pain experience and impact treatment outcomes. Indeed, clinical experience supports that a combination of self-management, non-pharmacological, and pharmacological approaches is needed to optimally manage pain in this population. This article will provide a broad updated summary integrating the clinical aspects of SCI-related neuropathic pain, potential pain mechanisms, evidence-based treatment recommendations, neuropathic pain phenotypes and brain biomarkers, psychosocial factors, and progress regarding how defining neuropathic pain phenotypes and other surrogate measures in the neuropathic pain field may lead to targeted treatments for neuropathic pain after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Widerström-Noga
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, 1611 NW 12th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
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5
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Atta AA, Ibrahim WW, Mohamed AF, Abdelkader NF. Microglia polarization in nociplastic pain: mechanisms and perspectives. Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:1053-1067. [PMID: 37069462 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01216-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Nociplastic pain is the third classification of pain as described by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), in addition to the neuropathic and nociceptive pain classes. The main pathophysiological mechanism for developing nociplastic pain is central sensitization (CS) in which pain amplification and hypersensitivity occur. Fibromyalgia is the prototypical nociplastic pain disorder, characterized by allodynia and hyperalgesia. Much scientific data suggest that classical activation of microglia in the spinal cord mediates neuroinflammation which plays an essential role in developing CS. In this review article, we discuss the impact of microglia activation and M1/M2 polarization on developing neuroinflammation and nociplastic pain, besides the molecular mechanisms engaged in this process. In addition, we mention the impact of microglial modulators on M1/M2 microglial polarization that offers a novel therapeutic alternative for the management of nociplastic pain disorders. Illustrating the mechanisms underlying microglia activation in central sensitization and nociplastic pain. LPS lipopolysaccharide, TNF-α tumor necrosis factor-α, INF-γ Interferon gamma, ATP adenosine triphosphate, 49 P2Y12/13R purinergic P2Y 12/13 receptor, P2X4/7R purinergic P2X 4/7 receptor, SP Substance P, NK-1R Neurokinin 1 receptor, CCL2 CC motif ligand 2, CCR2 CC motif ligand 2 receptor, CSF-1 colony-stimulating factor 1, CSF-1R colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor, CX3CL1 CX3C motif ligand 1, CX3XR1 CX3C motif ligand 1 receptor, TLR toll-like receptor, MAPK mitogen-activated protein kinases, JNK jun N-terminal kinase, ERK extracellular signal-regulated kinase, iNOS Inducible nitric oxide synthase, IL-1β interleukin-1β, IL-6 interleukin-6, BDNF brain-derived neurotrophic factor, GABA γ-Aminobutyric acid, GABAR γ-Aminobutyric acid receptor, NMDAR N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, AMPAR α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropi-onic acid receptor, IL-4 interleukin-4, IL-13 interleukin-13, IL-10 interleukin-10, Arg-1 Arginase 1, FGF fibroblast growth factor, GDNF glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor, IGF-1 insulin-like growth factor-1, NGF nerve growth factor, CD Cluster of differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahd A Atta
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt.
| | - Weam W Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Ahmed F Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Noha F Abdelkader
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt
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Schein B, Beltran G, França BR, Sanches PRS, Silva Jr DP, Torres IL, Fegni F, Caumo W. Effects of Hypnotic Analgesia and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Pain Tolerance and Corticospinal Excitability in Individuals with Fibromyalgia: A Cross-Over Randomized Clinical Trial. J Pain Res 2023; 16:187-203. [PMID: 36718400 PMCID: PMC9884000 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s384373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective We compare the effect of HAS, a-tDCS on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (l-DLPFC), and rest-testing on pain measures [(cold pressor test (CPT) (primary outcome) and heat pain threshold]. We also compare their effects on the motor evoked potential (MEP) (primary outcome), short intracortical inhibition (SICI), intracortical facilitation (ICF), and cortical silent period (CSP). Methods This randomized, blind, crossover trial included 18 women with fibromyalgia, aged from 18 to 65 years old. They received at random and in a crossover order a-tDCS over the l-DLPFC (2mA), HAS, or a rest-testing. Results HAS compared to a-tDCS increased the pain tolerance with a moderate effect size (ES) [Cohen's f=-0.78; (CI 95%; -1.48 to -0.12)]. While compared to rest-testing, HAS increased the CPT with a large ES [Cohen's f=-0.87; (CI 95%; -1.84 to -0.09)]. The a-tDCS compared to HAS increased the MEP amplitude with large ES [Cohen's f=-1.73 (CI 95%; -2.17 to -0.17)]. Likewise, its ES compared to rest-testing in the MEP size was large [Cohen's f=-1.03; (CI 95%; -2.06 to -0.08)]. Conclusion These findings revealed that HAS affects contra-regulating mechanisms involved in perception and pain tolerance, while the a-tDCS increased the excitability of the corticospinal pathways. They give a subsidy to investigate their effect as approaches to counter regulate the maladaptive neuroplasticity involved in fibromyalgia. Clinical Trial Registration www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier - NCT05066568.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Schein
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gerardo Beltran
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Institute of Neurosciences, Universidad Catolica de Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Bárbara Regina França
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Iraci Lucena Torres
- Pain and Palliative Care Service, HCPA, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Pain and Neuromodulation, Experimental Research Center, HCPA, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Felipe Fegni
- Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Physics and Rehabilitation Department, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wolnei Caumo
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Pain and Palliative Care Service, HCPA, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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7
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Ablin JN, Lang E, Catalogna M, Aloush V, Hadanny A, Doenyas-Barak K, Finci S, Polak N, Fishlev G, Korin C, Tzidky RY, Meir Genuth O, Efrati S. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy compared to pharmacological intervention in fibromyalgia patients following traumatic brain injury: A randomized, controlled trial. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282406. [PMID: 36897850 PMCID: PMC10004612 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome with unsatisfactory response to current treatments. Physical trauma, including traumatic brain Injury (TBI) is among the etiological triggers. Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an intervention that combines 100% oxygen with elevated atmospheric pressure. HBOT has been applied as a neuro-modulatory treatment in central nervous system-related conditions. The current study investigated the utility of HBOT for TBI-related fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia patients with a history of TBI were randomized to either HBOT or pharmacological intervention. HBOT protocol comprised 60 daily sessions, breathing 100% oxygen by mask at 2 absolute atmospheres (ATA) for 90 minutes. Pharmacological treatment included Pregabalin or Duloxetine. The primary outcome was subjective pain intensity on visual analogue scale (VAS); Secondary endpoints included questionnaires assessing fibromyalgia symptoms as well as Tc-99m-ECD SPECT brain imaging. Pain threshold and conditioned pain modulation (CPM) were also assessed. Results demonstrated a significant group-by-time interaction in pain intensity post-HBOT compared to the medication group (p = 0.001), with a large net effect size (d = -0.95) in pain intensity reduction following HBOT compared to medications. Fibromyalgia related symptoms and pain questionnaires demonstrated significant improvements induced by HBOT as well as improvements in quality of life and increase in pain thresholds and CPM. SPECT demonstrated significant group-by-time interactions between HBOT and medication groups in the left frontal and the right temporal cortex. In conclusion, HBOT can improve pain symptoms, quality of life, emotional and social function of patients suffering from FMS triggered by TBI. The beneficial clinical effect is correlated with increased brain activity in frontal and parietal regions, associated with executive function and emotional processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob N. Ablin
- Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel- Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- * E-mail:
| | - Erez Lang
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel- Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Be’er Ya’akov, Israel
| | - Merav Catalogna
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Be’er Ya’akov, Israel
| | - Valerie Aloush
- Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel- Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Amir Hadanny
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel- Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Be’er Ya’akov, Israel
| | - Keren Doenyas-Barak
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel- Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Be’er Ya’akov, Israel
| | - Shachar Finci
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel- Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Be’er Ya’akov, Israel
| | - Nir Polak
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel- Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Be’er Ya’akov, Israel
| | - Gregory Fishlev
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel- Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Be’er Ya’akov, Israel
| | - Calanit Korin
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel- Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Be’er Ya’akov, Israel
| | - Rachel Yehudit Tzidky
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Be’er Ya’akov, Israel
| | - Oshra Meir Genuth
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Be’er Ya’akov, Israel
| | - Shai Efrati
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel- Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Be’er Ya’akov, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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8
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Tu Y, Wang J, Xiong F, Gao F. Cortical abnormalities in patients with fibromyalgia: a pilot study of surface-based morphometry analysis. PAIN MEDICINE 2022; 23:1939-1946. [PMID: 35881694 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnac101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although neuroanatomical studies correlated to fibromyalgia (FM) are gaining increasing interest, the cortical morphology of patients are largely unknown, and data on cortical gyrification are scarce. The objective of the present study is to assess the cortical morphology in female patients with FM compared with healthy controls (HC) using surface-based morphometry (SBM) analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS T1-MRIs and clinical data of 20 FM patients and 20 HC subjects were obtained from a public databset via OpenNeuro. For each subject, surface parameters including cortical thickness, local gyrification index (LGI), sulcal depth, and fractal dimensionality were estimated using SBM analysis. These data were compared between two groups controlled by age. The correlations between regional SBM parameters showing group differences and clinical profiles were analyzed. RESULTS Compared with HC subjects, FM patients showed reduced cortical thickness in right primary motor cortex, lower LGI in right rostral anterior cingulate and higher sulcal depth in right precuneus (p < 0.05 cluster level family- wise error corrected). In FM patients, correlation analysis showed that the cortical thickness in right primary motor cortex were inversely correlated with scores of pain catastrophizing scale (r = -0.498, p = 0.030) and pain self-perception scale (r = -0.527, p = 0.020), and disease duration (r = -0.488, p = 0.034), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide evidence of neuroanatomical aberrations in FM patients, which may provide insight into the neuropathology of FM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Tu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jihong Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fei Xiong
- Department of Radiology, PLA Central Theater General Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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9
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Zheng CJ, Van Drunen S, Egorova-Brumley N. Neural correlates of co-occurring pain and depression: an activation-likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis and systematic review. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:196. [PMID: 35545623 PMCID: PMC9095719 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01949-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between pain and depression is thought to be bidirectional and the underlying neurobiology 'shared' between the two conditions. However, these claims are often based on qualitative comparisons of brain regions implicated in pain or depression, while focused quantitative studies of the neurobiology of pain-depression comorbidity are lacking. Particularly, the direction of comorbidity, i.e., pain with depression vs. depression with pain, is rarely addressed. In this systematic review (PROSPERO registration CRD42020219876), we aimed to delineate brain correlates associated with primary pain with concomitant depression, primary depression with concurrent pain, and equal pain and depression comorbidity, using activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis. Neuroimaging studies published in English until the 28th of September 2021 were evaluated using PRISMA guidelines. A total of 70 studies were included, of which 26 reported stereotactic coordinates and were analysed with ALE. All studies were assessed for quality by two authors, using the National Institute of Health Quality Assessment Tool. Our results revealed paucity of studies that directly investigated the neurobiology of pain-depression comorbidity. The ALE analysis indicated that pain with concomitant depression was associated with the right amygdala, while depression with concomitant pain was related primarily to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). We provide evidence that pain and depression have a cumulative negative effect on a specific set of brain regions, distinct for primary diagnosis of depression vs. pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Natalia Egorova-Brumley
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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10
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Terumitsu M, Takado Y, Fukuda KI, Kato E, Tanaka S. Neurometabolite Levels and Relevance to Central Sensitization in Chronic Orofacial Pain Patients: A Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study. J Pain Res 2022; 15:1421-1432. [PMID: 35599974 PMCID: PMC9122062 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s362793] [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: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Patients and Methods Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Terumitsu
- Division of Dental Anesthesiology, Department of Human Biology and Pathophysiology, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Japan
- Division of Special Needs Dentistry and Orofacial Pain, Department of Oral Health and Clinical Science, Tokyo Dental College, Tokyo, Japan
- Correspondence: Makoto Terumitsu, Division of Dental Anesthesiology, Department of Human Biology and Pathophysiology, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, 1757 Kanazawa, Tobetsu-cho, Ishikari-gun, Hokkaido, 061-0293, Japan, Tel/Fax +81 133 23 1445, Email
| | - Yuhei Takado
- Department of Functional Brain Imaging, Institute of Quantum Medical Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Fukuda
- Division of Special Needs Dentistry and Orofacial Pain, Department of Oral Health and Clinical Science, Tokyo Dental College, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eisuke Kato
- Division of Special Needs Dentistry and Orofacial Pain, Department of Oral Health and Clinical Science, Tokyo Dental College, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sei Tanaka
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tokyo Dental College, Tokyo, Japan
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11
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Fanton S, Sandström A, Tour J, Kadetoff D, Schalling M, Jensen KB, Sitnikov R, Ellerbrock I, Kosek E. The translocator protein gene is associated with endogenous pain modulation and the balance between glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid in fibromyalgia and healthy subjects: a multimodal neuroimaging study. Pain 2022; 163:274-286. [PMID: 34142769 PMCID: PMC8756347 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002309] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT A cerebral upregulation of the translocator protein (TSPO), a biomarker of glial activation, has been reported in fibromyalgia subjects (FMS). The TSPO binding affinity is genetically regulated by the Ala147Thr polymorphism in the TSPO gene (rs6971) and allows for a subject classification into high affinity binders (HABs) and mixed/low affinity binders (MLABs). The aim of the present multimodal neuroimaging study was to examine the associations of the TSPO polymorphism with: (1) conditioned pain modulation, (2) expectancy-modulated pain processing assessed during functional magnetic resonance imaging, and (3) the concentration and balance of glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex and thalamus using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in FMS (n = 83) and healthy controls (n = 43). The influence of TSPO on endogenous pain modulation presented in the form of TSPO HABs, as opposed to MLABs, displaying less efficient descending pain inhibition and expectancy-induced reduction of pain. Translocator protein HABs in both groups (FM and healthy controls) were found to have higher thalamic glutamate concentrations and exhibit a pattern of positive correlations between glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex, not seen in MLABs. Altogether, our findings point to TSPO-related mechanisms being HAB-dependent, brain region-specific, and non-FM-specific, although in FMS the disadvantage of an aberrant pain regulation combined with an HAB genetic set-up might hamper pain modulation more strongly. Our results provide evidence for an important role of TSPO in pain regulation and brain metabolism, thereby supporting the ongoing drug development targeting TSPO-associated mechanisms for pain relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Fanton
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Insitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angelica Sandström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Insitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jeanette Tour
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Insitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Diana Kadetoff
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Insitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm Spine Center, Löwenströmska Hospital, Upplands Väsby, Sweden
| | - Martin Schalling
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin B. Jensen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Insitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rouslan Sitnikov
- MRI Research Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Isabel Ellerbrock
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Insitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Kosek
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Insitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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12
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Freigang S, Lehner C, Fresnoza SM, Mahdy Ali K, Hlavka E, Eitler A, Szilagyi I, Bornemann-Cimenti H, Deutschmann H, Reishofer G, Berlec A, Kurschel-Lackner S, Valentin A, Sutter B, Zaar K, Mokry M. Comparing the Impact of Multi-Session Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal and Primary Motor Cortex Neuronavigated Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (nrTMS) on Chronic Pain Patients. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11080961. [PMID: 34439580 PMCID: PMC8391537 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11080961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial stimulation (rTMS) has been shown to produce an analgesic effect and therefore has a potential for treating chronic refractory pain. However, previous studies used various stimulation parameters (including cortical targets), and the best stimulation protocol is not yet identified. The present study investigated the effects of multi-session 20 Hz (2000 pulses) and 5 Hz (1800 pulses) rTMS stimulation of left motor cortex (M1-group) and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC-group), respectively. The M1-group (n = 9) and DLPFC-group (n = 7) completed 13 sessions of neuronavigated stimulation, while a Sham-group (n = 8) completed seven sessions of placebo stimulation. The outcome was measured using the German Pain Questionnaire (GPQ), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS), and SF-12 questionnaire. Pain perception significantly decreased in the DLPFC-group (38.17%) compared to the M1-group (56.11%) (p ≤ 0.001) on the later sessions. Health-related quality of life also improved in the DLPFC-group (40.47) compared to the Sham-group (35.06) (p = 0.016), and mental composite summary (p = 0.001) in the DLPFC-group (49.12) compared to M1-group (39.46). Stimulation of the left DLPFC resulted in pain relief, while M1 stimulation was not effective. Nonetheless, further studies are needed to identify optimal cortical target sites and stimulation parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha Freigang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.L.); (K.M.A.); (E.H.); (A.E.); (A.B.); (S.K.-L.); (B.S.); (K.Z.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-316-385-81935
| | - Christian Lehner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.L.); (K.M.A.); (E.H.); (A.E.); (A.B.); (S.K.-L.); (B.S.); (K.Z.); (M.M.)
| | - Shane M. Fresnoza
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
- BioTechMed, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Kariem Mahdy Ali
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.L.); (K.M.A.); (E.H.); (A.E.); (A.B.); (S.K.-L.); (B.S.); (K.Z.); (M.M.)
| | - Elisabeth Hlavka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.L.); (K.M.A.); (E.H.); (A.E.); (A.B.); (S.K.-L.); (B.S.); (K.Z.); (M.M.)
| | - Annika Eitler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.L.); (K.M.A.); (E.H.); (A.E.); (A.B.); (S.K.-L.); (B.S.); (K.Z.); (M.M.)
| | - Istvan Szilagyi
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Helmar Bornemann-Cimenti
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Hannes Deutschmann
- Department of Radiology, Clinical Division of Neuroradiology, Vascular and Interventionial Radiology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (H.D.); (G.R.)
| | - Gernot Reishofer
- Department of Radiology, Clinical Division of Neuroradiology, Vascular and Interventionial Radiology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (H.D.); (G.R.)
| | - Anže Berlec
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.L.); (K.M.A.); (E.H.); (A.E.); (A.B.); (S.K.-L.); (B.S.); (K.Z.); (M.M.)
| | - Senta Kurschel-Lackner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.L.); (K.M.A.); (E.H.); (A.E.); (A.B.); (S.K.-L.); (B.S.); (K.Z.); (M.M.)
| | - Antonio Valentin
- Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 9RT, UK;
| | - Bernhard Sutter
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.L.); (K.M.A.); (E.H.); (A.E.); (A.B.); (S.K.-L.); (B.S.); (K.Z.); (M.M.)
| | - Karla Zaar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.L.); (K.M.A.); (E.H.); (A.E.); (A.B.); (S.K.-L.); (B.S.); (K.Z.); (M.M.)
| | - Michael Mokry
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (C.L.); (K.M.A.); (E.H.); (A.E.); (A.B.); (S.K.-L.); (B.S.); (K.Z.); (M.M.)
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13
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Lee J, Andronesi OC, Torrado-Carvajal A, Ratai EM, Loggia ML, Weerasekera A, Berry MP, Ellingsen DM, Isaro L, Lazaridou A, Paschali M, Grahl A, Wasan AD, Edwards RR, Napadow V. 3D magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging reveals links between brain metabolites and multidimensional pain features in fibromyalgia. Eur J Pain 2021; 25:2050-2064. [PMID: 34102707 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibromyalgia is a centralized multidimensional chronic pain syndrome, but its pathophysiology is not fully understood. METHODS We applied 3D magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI), covering multiple cortical and subcortical brain regions, to investigate the association between neuro-metabolite (e.g. combined glutamate and glutamine, Glx; myo-inositol, mIno; and combined (total) N-acetylaspartate and N-acetylaspartylglutamate, tNAA) levels and multidimensional clinical/behavioural variables (e.g. pain catastrophizing, clinical pain severity and evoked pain sensitivity) in women with fibromyalgia (N = 87). RESULTS Pain catastrophizing scores were positively correlated with Glx and tNAA levels in insular cortex, and negatively correlated with mIno levels in posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). Clinical pain severity was positively correlated with Glx levels in insula and PCC, and with tNAA levels in anterior midcingulate cortex (aMCC), but negatively correlated with mIno levels in aMCC and thalamus. Evoked pain sensitivity was negatively correlated with levels of tNAA in insular cortex, MCC, PCC and thalamus. CONCLUSIONS These findings support single voxel placement targeting nociceptive processing areas in prior 1 H-MRS studies, but also highlight other areas not as commonly targeted, such as PCC, as important for chronic pain pathophysiology. Identifying target brain regions linked to multidimensional symptoms of fibromyalgia (e.g. negative cognitive/affective response to pain, clinical pain, evoked pain sensitivity) may aid the development of neuromodulatory and individualized therapies. Furthermore, efficient multi-region sampling with 3D MRSI could reduce the burden of lengthy scan time for clinical research applications of molecular brain-based mechanisms supporting multidimensional aspects of fibromyalgia. SIGNIFICANCE This large N study linked brain metabolites and pain features in fibromyalgia patients, with a better spatial resolution and brain coverage, to understand a molecular mechanism underlying pain catastrophizing and other aspects of pain transmission. Metabolite levels in self-referential cognitive processing area as well as pain-processing regions were associated with pain outcomes. These results could help the understanding of its pathophysiology and treatment strategies for clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeungchan Lee
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Ovidiu C Andronesi
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Angel Torrado-Carvajal
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA.,Medical Image Analysis and Biometry Laboratory, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva-Maria Ratai
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Marco L Loggia
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Akila Weerasekera
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Michael P Berry
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Dan-Mikael Ellingsen
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Laura Isaro
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Asimina Lazaridou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Myrella Paschali
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Arvina Grahl
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Ajay D Wasan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Center for Innovation in Pain Care, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert R Edwards
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vitaly Napadow
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Tang J, Bair M, Descalzi G. Reactive Astrocytes: Critical Players in the Development of Chronic Pain. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:682056. [PMID: 34122194 PMCID: PMC8192827 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.682056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is associated with long term plasticity of nociceptive pathways in the central nervous system. Astrocytes can profoundly affect synaptic function and increasing evidence has highlighted how altered astrocyte activity may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic pain. In response to injury, astrocytes undergo a shift in form and function known as reactive astrogliosis, which affects their release of cytokines and gliotransmitters. These neuromodulatory substances have been implicated in driving the persistent changes in central nociceptive activity. Astrocytes also release lactate which neurons can use to produce energy during synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, recent research has provided insight into lactate's emerging role as a signaling molecule in the central nervous system, which may be involved in directly modulating neuronal and astrocytic activity. In this review, we present evidence for the involvement of astrocyte-derived tumor necrosis factor alpha in pain-associated plasticity, in addition to research suggesting the potential involvement of gliotransmitters D-serine and adenosine-5'-triphosphate. We also discuss work implicating astrocyte-neuron metabolic coupling, and the possible role of lactate, which has been sparsely studied in the context of chronic pain, in supporting pathological changes in central nociceptive activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giannina Descalzi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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15
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Wang X, Ali N, Lin CLG. Emerging role of glutamate in the pathophysiology and therapeutics of Gulf War illness. Life Sci 2021; 280:119609. [PMID: 33991547 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Gulf War illness (GWI) is a chronic and multi-symptomatic disorder affecting veterans who served in the Gulf War. The commonly reported symptoms in GWI veterans include mood problems, cognitive impairment, muscle and joint pain, migraine/headache, chronic fatigue, gastrointestinal complaints, skin rashes, and respiratory problems. Neuroimaging studies have revealed significant brain structure alterations in GWI veterans, including subcortical atrophy, decreased volume of the hippocampus, reduced total grey and white matter, and increased brain white matter axial diffusivity. These brain changes may contribute to or increase the severities of the GWI-related symptoms. Epidemiological studies have revealed that neurotoxic exposures and stress may be significant contributors to the development of GWI. However, the mechanism underlying how the exposure and stress could contribute to the multi-symptomatic disorder of GWI remains unclear. We and others have demonstrated that rodent models exposed to GW-related agents and stress exhibited higher extracellular glutamate levels, as well as impaired structure and function of glutamatergic synapses. Restoration of the glutamatergic synapses ameliorated the GWI-related pathological and behavioral deficits. Moreover, recent studies showed that a low-glutamate diet reduced multiple symptoms in GWI veterans, suggesting an important role of the glutamatergic system in GWI. Currently, growing evidence has indicated that abnormal glutamate neurotransmission may contribute to the GWI symptoms. This review summarizes the potential roles of glutamate dyshomeostasis and dysfunction of the glutamatergic system in linking the initial cause to the multi-symptomatic outcomes in GWI and suggests the glutamatergic system as a therapeutic target for GWI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqin Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Noor Ali
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Chien-Liang Glenn Lin
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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16
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Ellerbrock I, Sandström A, Tour J, Fanton S, Kadetoff D, Schalling M, Jensen KB, Sitnikov R, Kosek E. Serotonergic gene-to-gene interaction is associated with mood and GABA concentrations but not with pain-related cerebral processing in fibromyalgia subjects and healthy controls. Mol Brain 2021; 14:81. [PMID: 33980291 PMCID: PMC8117625 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00789-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotransmitter serotonin, involved in the regulation of pain and emotion, is critically regulated by the 5‐HT1A autoreceptor and the serotonin transporter (5-HTT). Polymorphisms of these genes affect mood and endogenous pain modulation, both demonstrated to be altered in fibromyalgia subjects (FMS). Here, we tested the effects of genetic variants of the 5‐HT1A receptor (CC/G-carriers) and 5-HTT (high/intermediate/low expression) on mood, pain sensitivity, cerebral processing of evoked pain (functional MRI) and concentrations of GABA and glutamate (MR spectroscopy) in rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) and thalamus in FMS and healthy controls (HC). Interactions between serotonin-relevant genes were found in affective characteristics, with genetically inferred high serotonergic signalling (5-HT1A CC/5-HTThigh genotypes) being more favourable across groups. Additionally, 5‐HT1A CC homozygotes displayed higher pain thresholds than G-carriers in HC but not in FMS. Cerebral processing of evoked pressure pain differed between groups in thalamus with HC showing more deactivation than FMS, but was not influenced by serotonin-relevant genotypes. In thalamus, we observed a 5‐HT1A-by-5-HTT and group-by-5-HTT interaction in GABA concentrations, with the 5-HTT high expressing genotype differing between groups and 5‐HT1A genotypes. No significant effects were seen for glutamate or in rACC. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this serotonergic gene-to-gene interaction associated with mood, both among FMS (depression) and across groups (anxiety). Additionally, our findings provide evidence of an association between the serotonergic system and thalamic GABA concentrations, with individuals possessing genetically inferred high serotonergic signalling exhibiting the highest GABA concentrations, possibly enhancing GABAergic inhibitory effects via 5-HT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Ellerbrock
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Insitutet, Nobels väg 9, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Angelica Sandström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Insitutet, Nobels väg 9, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jeanette Tour
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Insitutet, Nobels väg 9, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Oncology, Blekinge Hospital, Karlskrona, Sweden
| | - Silvia Fanton
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Insitutet, Nobels väg 9, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Diana Kadetoff
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Insitutet, Nobels väg 9, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Stockholm Spine Center, Löwenströmska Hospital, Upplands Väsby, Sweden
| | - Martin Schalling
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin B Jensen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Insitutet, Nobels väg 9, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rouslan Sitnikov
- MRI Research Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Kosek
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Insitutet, Nobels väg 9, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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17
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Fibromyalgia: Pathogenesis, Mechanisms, Diagnosis and Treatment Options Update. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083891. [PMID: 33918736 PMCID: PMC8068842 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic and widespread musculoskeletal pain, often accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue, intestinal disorders and alterations in sleep and mood. It is estimated that two to eight percent of the world population is affected by fibromyalgia. From a medical point of view, this pathology still presents inexplicable aspects. It is known that fibromyalgia is caused by a central sensitization phenomenon characterized by the dysfunction of neuro-circuits, which involves the perception, transmission and processing of afferent nociceptive stimuli, with the prevalent manifestation of pain at the level of the locomotor system. In recent years, the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia has also been linked to other factors, such as inflammatory, immune, endocrine, genetic and psychosocial factors. A rheumatologist typically makes a diagnosis of fibromyalgia when the patient describes a history of pain spreading in all quadrants of the body for at least three months and when pain is caused by digital pressure in at least 11 out of 18 allogenic points, called tender points. Fibromyalgia does not involve organic damage, and several diagnostic approaches have been developed in recent years, including the analysis of genetic, epigenetic and serological biomarkers. Symptoms often begin after physical or emotional trauma, but in many cases, there appears to be no obvious trigger. Women are more prone to developing the disease than men. Unfortunately, the conventional medical therapies that target this pathology produce limited benefits. They remain largely pharmacological in nature and tend to treat the symptomatic aspects of various disorders reported by the patient. The statistics, however, highlight the fact that 90% of people with fibromyalgia also turn to complementary medicine to manage their symptoms.
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Jung YH, Kim H, Lee D, Lee JY, Lee WJ, Moon JY, Choi SH, Kang DH. Abnormal neurometabolites in fibromyalgia patients: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy study. Mol Pain 2021; 17:1744806921990946. [PMID: 33573464 PMCID: PMC7887674 DOI: 10.1177/1744806921990946] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate distinct neurometabolites in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), right and left thalamus, and insula of patients with fibromyalgia (FM) compared with healthy controls using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Levels of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG), total NAA (tNAA = NAA + NAAG), myo-inositol (ml), glutamine (Gln), glutamate (Glu), Glx (Glu + Gln), glycerophosphocholine (GPC), total choline (tCho = GPC + phosphocholine) and glutathione (GSH) levels relative to total creatine (tCr) levels including creatine (Cr) and phosphocreatine (PCr) and relative to Cr levels were determined in the ACC, right and left thalamus, and insula in 12 patients with FM and 13 healthy controls using MRS. In the ACC, NAA/tCr (P = 0.028) and tCho/tCr (P = 0.047) were higher in patients with FM. In the right and left insula, tNAA/tCr (P = 0.019, P = 0.007, respectively) was lower in patients with FM. Patients with FM showed lower levels of ml/Cr (P = 0.037) in the right insula than healthy controls. These findings are paramount to understand decisive pathophysiological mechanisms related to abnormal features in the brain and parasympathetic nervous systems in FM. We suggest that the results presented herein may be essential to understand hidden pathological mechanisms and also life system potential as protective and recovering metabolic strategies in patients with FM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Ha Jung
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyeonjin Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dasom Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Yeon Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won Joon Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jee Youn Moon
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo-Hee Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, SNU-MRC, Seoul, Korea
| | - Do-Hyung Kang
- Emotional Information and Communication Technology Association, Seoul, Korea
- Do-Hyung Kang, Emotional Information and Communication Technology Association, 508, Samseong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea.
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McCarberg B, Peppin J. Pain Pathways and Nervous System Plasticity: Learning and Memory in Pain. PAIN MEDICINE 2020; 20:2421-2437. [PMID: 30865778 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnz017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Objective This article reviews the structural and functional changes in pain chronification and explores the association between memory and the development of chronic pain. Methods PubMed was searched using the terms "chronic pain," "central sensitization," "learning," "memory," "long-term potentiation," "long-term depression," and "pain memory." Relevant findings were synthesized into a narrative of the processes affecting pain chronification. Results Pain pathways represent a complex sensory system with cognitive, emotional, and behavioral influences. Anatomically, the hippocampus, amygdala, and anterior cortex-central to the encoding and consolidation of memory-are also implicated in experiential aspects of pain. Common neurotransmitters and similar mechanisms of neural plasticity (eg, central sensitization, long-term potentiation) suggest a mechanistic overlap between chronic pain and memory. These anatomic and mechanistic correlates indicate that chronic pain and memory intimately interact on several levels. Longitudinal imaging studies suggest that spatiotemporal reorganization of brain activity accompanies the transition to chronic pain, during which the representation of pain gradually shifts from sensory to emotional and limbic structures. Conclusions The chronification of pain can be conceptualized as activity-induced plasticity of the limbic-cortical circuitry resulting in reorganization of the neocortex. The state of the limbic-cortical network determines whether nociceptive signals are transient or chronic by extinguishing pathways or amplifying signals that intensify the emotional component of nociceptive inputs. Thus, chronic pain can be seen as the persistence of the memory of pain and/or the inability to extinguish painful memories. Ideally, pharmacologic, physical, and/or psychological approaches should reverse the reorganization accompanying chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bill McCarberg
- Chronic Pain Management Program, Kaiser Permanente, San Diego, California; †University of California, San Diego, California; ‡Neighborhood Health, San Diego, California; §College of Osteopathic Medicine, Marian University, Indianapolis, Indiana; ¶John F. Peppin, DO, LLC, Hamden, Connecticut
| | - John Peppin
- Chronic Pain Management Program, Kaiser Permanente, San Diego, California; †University of California, San Diego, California; ‡Neighborhood Health, San Diego, California; §College of Osteopathic Medicine, Marian University, Indianapolis, Indiana; ¶John F. Peppin, DO, LLC, Hamden, Connecticut
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Holschneider DP, Wang Z, Chang H, Zhang R, Gao Y, Guo Y, Mao J, Rodriguez LV. Ceftriaxone inhibits stress-induced bladder hyperalgesia and alters cerebral micturition and nociceptive circuits in the rat: A multidisciplinary approach to the study of urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome research network study. Neurourol Urodyn 2020; 39:1628-1643. [PMID: 32578247 DOI: 10.1002/nau.24424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Emotional stress plays a role in the exacerbation and development of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). Given the significant overlap of brain circuits involved in stress, anxiety, and micturition, and the documented role of glutamate in their regulation, we examined the effects of an increase in glutamate transport on central amplification of stress-induced bladder hyperalgesia, a core feature of IC/BPS. METHODS Wistar-Kyoto rats were exposed to water avoidance stress (WAS, 1 hour/day x 10 days) or sham stress, with subgroups receiving daily administration of ceftriaxone (CTX), an activator of glutamate transport. Thereafter, cystometrograms were obtained during bladder infusion with visceromotor responses (VMR) recorded simultaneously. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) mapping was performed by intravenous injection of [14 C]-iodoantipyrine during passive bladder distension. Regional CBF was quantified in autoradiographs of brain slices and analyzed in three dimensional reconstructed brains with statistical parametric mapping. RESULTS WAS elicited visceral hypersensitivity during bladder filling as demonstrated by a decreased pressure threshold and VMR threshold triggering the voiding phase. Brain maps revealed stress effects in regions noted to be responsive to bladder filling. CTX diminished visceral hypersensitivity and attenuated many stress-related cerebral activations within the supraspinal micturition circuit and in overlapping limbic and nociceptive regions, including the posterior midline cortex (posterior cingulate/anterior retrosplenium), somatosensory cortex, and anterior thalamus. CONCLUSIONS CTX diminished bladder hyspersensitivity and attenuated regions of the brain that contribute to nociceptive and micturition circuits, show stress effects, and have been reported to demonstrated altered functionality in patients with IC/BPS. Glutamatergic pharmacologic strategies modulating stress-related bladder dysfunction may be a novel approach to the treatment of IC/BPS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Los Angeles, California
| | - Huiyi Chang
- Department of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,Reeve-Irvine Research Center, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yunliang Gao
- Department of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yumei Guo
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jackie Mao
- Department of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Larissa V Rodriguez
- Department of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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21
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Peek AL, Rebbeck T, Puts NAJ, Watson J, Aguila MER, Leaver AM. Brain GABA and glutamate levels across pain conditions: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of 1H-MRS studies using the MRS-Q quality assessment tool. Neuroimage 2020; 210:116532. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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Erdrich S, Hawrelak JA, Myers SP, Harnett JE. Determining the association between fibromyalgia, the gut microbiome and its biomarkers: A systematic review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2020; 21:181. [PMID: 32192466 PMCID: PMC7083062 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-020-03201-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome is well-established. Alterations in the composition and diversity of the gut microbiome in irritable bowel syndrome have been reported, however, this association is poorly understood in fibromyalgia. Our aim was to summarise the research reporting on the gastrointestinal microbiome and its biomarkers in people with fibromyalgia. METHODS A systematic review of published original research reporting on the gastrointestinal microbiota and its biomarkers in adults with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia was undertaken. RESULTS From 4771 studies, 11 met our inclusion criteria and were separated into four main groups: papers reporting Helicobacter pylori; other gut bacterial markers; metabolomics and other biomarkers, which included intestinal permeability and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. CONCLUSION The results suggest there is a paucity of quality research in this area, with indications that the gut microbiota may play a role in fibromyalgia within the emerging field of the gut-musculoskeletal axis. Further investigations into the relationship between the gut microbiota, gut dysfunction and fibromyalgia are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Erdrich
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Jason A Hawrelak
- College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Stephen P Myers
- NatMed Research Unit, Division of Research, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joanna E Harnett
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Levins KJ, Drago T, Roman E, Martin A, King R, Murphy P, Gallagher H, Barry D, O'Hanlon E, Roddy DW. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy across chronic pain disorders: a systematic review protocol synthesising anatomical and metabolite findings in chronic pain patients. Syst Rev 2019; 8:338. [PMID: 31882014 PMCID: PMC6935150 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-019-1256-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain is pain greater than 3 months duration that may result from disease, trauma, surgery, or unknown origin. The overlap between the psychological, behavioural, and management aspects of pain suggest that limbic brain neurochemistry plays a role in chronic pain pathology. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) can evaluate in vivo brain metabolites including creatine, N-acetylaspartate, myo-inositol, choline, glutamate, glutamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid in chronic pain; however, a comprehensive systemic review of metabolite expression patterns across all brain areas has yet to be performed. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Online databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, OVID, and PsycINFO will be searched for articles relating to 1H-MRS and chronic pain. Study inclusion criteria will include ages of between 18 and 65 years with a definite diagnosis of chronic pain, no comorbidities, clearly stated brain volumes of interest, and imaging protocols, with comparisons to healthy controls. Two reviewers will extract data relating to volumes of interest, metabolites, study participant demographics, diagnostic method and pain scores, treatments and duration of treatment, scanner information, 1H-MRS acquisition protocols, and spectral processing software. Where possible, volumes of interest will be reassigned as regions of interest consistent with known regional anatomical and functional properties to increase the power and relevance of the analysis. Statistical analyses will then be conducted using STATA. A central common pathway may exist for chronic pain due to the behavioural manifestations and management similarities between its different types. The goal of this systemic review is to generate a comprehensive neurochemical theory of chronic pain in different brain compartments. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION This study is registered with PROSPERO CRD42018112640.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk J Levins
- Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Thomas Drago
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Lloyd Building, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Elena Roman
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Lloyd Building, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Anna Martin
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Lloyd Building, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Roisin King
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Lloyd Building, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Paul Murphy
- Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Hugh Gallagher
- Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Denis Barry
- Department of Anatomy, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Erik O'Hanlon
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Lloyd Building, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Darren William Roddy
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Lloyd Building, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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Fayed N, Oliván B, Lopez del Hoyo Y, Andrés E, Perez-Yus MC, Fayed A, Angel LF, Serrano-Blanco A, Roca M, Garcia Campayo J. Changes in metabolites in the brain of patients with fibromyalgia after treatment with an NMDA receptor antagonist. Neuroradiol J 2019; 32:408-419. [PMID: 31215319 PMCID: PMC6856999 DOI: 10.1177/1971400919857544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The aims of this work were to evaluate whether the treatment of patients with fibromyalgia with memantine is associated with significant changes in metabolite concentrations in the brain, and to explore any changes in clinical outcome measures. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed of the right anterior and posterior insula, both hippocampi and the posterior cingulate cortex. Questionnaires on pain, anxiety, depression, global function, quality of life and cognitive impairment were used. Ten patients were studied at baseline and after three months of treatment with memantine. Significant increases were observed in the following areas: N-acetylaspartate (4.47 at baseline vs. 4.71 at three months, p = 0.02) and N-acetylaspartate+N-acetylaspartate glutamate in the left hippocampus (5.89 vs. 5.98; p = 0.007); N-acetylaspartate+N-acetylaspartate glutamate in the right hippocampus (5.31 vs 5.79; p = 0.01) and the anterior insula (7.56 vs. 7.70; p = 0.033); glutamate+glutamine/creatine ratio in the anterior insula (2.03 vs. 2.17; p = 0.022) and the posterior insula (1.77 vs. 2.00; p = 0.004); choline/creatine ratio in the posterior cingulate (0.18 vs. 0.19; p = 0.023); and creatine in the right hippocampus (3.60 vs. 3.85; p = 0.007). At the three-month follow-up, memantine improved cognitive function assessed by the Cognition Mini-Exam (31.50, SD = 2.95 vs. 34.40, SD = 0.6; p = 0.005), depression measured by the Hamilton Depression Scale (7.70, SD = 0.81 vs. 7.56, SD = 0.68; p = 0.042) and severity of illness measured by the Clinical Global Impression severity scale (5.79, SD = 0.96 vs. 5.31, SD = 1.12; p = 0.007). Depression, clinical global impression and cognitive function showed improvement with memantine. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy could be useful in monitoring response to the pharmacological treatment of fibromyalgia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Fayed
- Department of Radiology, Quirónsalud
Hospital, Spain
| | - Barbara Oliván
- Department of Psychology and Sociology,
University of Zaragoza, Spain
- Preventative Activities and Health
Promotion Network (REDIAPP) (G06/170)
| | - Yolanda Lopez del Hoyo
- Department of Psychology and Sociology,
University of Zaragoza, Spain
- Preventative Activities and Health
Promotion Network (REDIAPP) (G06/170)
| | - Eva Andrés
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health,
Clinical Epidemiology Unit, October 12 Hospital, Spain
| | | | - Alicia Fayed
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, San
Juan de Dios Hospital, Spain
| | - Luisa F Angel
- Department of Radiology, Quirónsalud
Hospital, Spain
| | - Antoni Serrano-Blanco
- Department of Psychiatry, Parc Sanitari
St. Joan of God and the St. Joan of God Foundation, Spain
- Preventative Activities and Health
Promotion Network (REDIAPP) (G06/170)
| | - Miquel Roca
- Health Sciences Research University
Institute, Juan March Hospital, Illes Balears University, Spain
- Preventative Activities and Health
Promotion Network (REDIAPP) (G06/170)
| | - Javier Garcia Campayo
- Department of Psychiatry, Miguel Servet
Hospital and the University of Zaragoza. Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS
Aragon), Spain
- Preventative Activities and Health
Promotion Network (REDIAPP) (G06/170)
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Lesnak J, Sluka KA. Chronic non-inflammatory muscle pain: central and peripheral mediators. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 11:67-74. [PMID: 31998857 PMCID: PMC6988739 DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Conditions with chronic widespread non-inflammatory muscle pain, such as fibromyalgia, have complex etiologies with numerous proposed mechanisms for their pathophysiology of underlying chronic pain. Advancements in neuroimaging have allowed for the study of brain function and connectivity in humans with these conditions, while development of animal models have allowed for the study of both peripheral and central factors that lead to chronic pain. This article reviews the current literature surrounding the pathophysiology of chronic widespread non-inflammatory muscle pain focusing on both peripheral and central nervous system, as well as immune system, contributions to the development and maintenance of pain. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these conditions can allow for improvements in patient education, treatment and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Lesnak
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Pain Research Program, 1-242 MEB, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52252, USA
| | - Kathleen A. Sluka
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Pain Research Program, 1-242 MEB, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52252, USA
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Icenhour A, Tapper S, Bednarska O, Witt ST, Tisell A, Lundberg P, Elsenbruch S, Walter S. Elucidating the putative link between prefrontal neurotransmission, functional connectivity, and affective symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13590. [PMID: 31537890 PMCID: PMC6753205 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50024-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered neural mechanisms are well-acknowledged in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disorder of brain-gut-communication highly comorbid with anxiety and depression. As a key hub in corticolimbic inhibition, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) may be involved in disturbed emotion regulation in IBS. However, aberrant mPFC excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission potentially contributing to psychological symptoms in IBS remains unknown. Using quantitative magnetic resonance spectroscopy (qMRS), we compared mPFC glutamate + glutamine (Glx) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA+) concentrations in 64 women with IBS and 32 age-matched healthy women (HCs) and investigated their association with anxiety and depression in correlational and subgroup analyses. Applying functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we explored whether altered neurotransmission was paralleled by aberrant mPFC resting-state functional connectivity (FC). IBS patients did not differ from HCs with respect to mPFC GABA+ or Glx levels. Anxiety was positively associated with mPFC GABA+ concentrations in IBS, whereas Glx was unrelated to psychological or gastrointestinal symptoms. Subgroup comparisons of patients with high or low anxiety symptom severity and HCs revealed increased GABA+ in patients with high symptom severity, and lower mPFC FC with adjacent anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a crucial region of emotion modulation. Our findings provide novel evidence that altered prefrontal inhibitory neurotransmission may be linked to anxiety in IBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriane Icenhour
- Department of Gastroenterology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Sofie Tapper
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Olga Bednarska
- Department of Gastroenterology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Suzanne T Witt
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anders Tisell
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Radiation Physics, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Radiology, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Peter Lundberg
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Radiation Physics, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Radiology, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Sigrid Elsenbruch
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Susanna Walter
- Department of Gastroenterology and Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Can Metabolic Pathways Be Therapeutic Targets in Rheumatoid Arthritis? J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8050753. [PMID: 31137815 PMCID: PMC6572063 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8050753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The metabolic rewiring of tumor cells and immune cells has been viewed as a promising source of novel drug targets. Many of the molecular pathways implicated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) directly modify synovium metabolism and transform the resident cells, such as the fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), and the synovial tissue macrophages (STM), toward an overproduction of enzymes, which degrade cartilage and bone, and cytokines, which promote immune cell infiltration. Recent studies have shown metabolic changes in stromal and immune cells from RA patients. Metabolic disruption in the synovium provide the opportunity to use in vivo metabolism-based imaging techniques for patient stratification and to monitor treatment response. In addition, these metabolic changes may be therapeutically targetable. Thus, resetting metabolism of the synovial membrane offers additional opportunities for disease modulation and restoration of homeostasis in RA. In fact, rheumatologists already use the antimetabolite methotrexate, a chemotherapy agent, for the treatment of patients with inflammatory arthritis. Metabolic targets that do not compromise systemic homeostasis or corresponding metabolic functions in normal cells could increase the drug armamentarium in rheumatic diseases for combination therapy independent of systemic immunosuppression. This article summarizes what is known about metabolism in synovial tissue cells and highlights chemotherapies that target metabolism as potential future therapeutic strategies for RA.
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Measuring Glutamate Levels in the Brains of Fibromyalgia Patients and a Potential Role for Glutamate in the Pathophysiology of Fibromyalgia Symptoms: A Systematic Review. Clin J Pain 2018; 33:944-954. [PMID: 28033157 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000000474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature concerning proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H-MRS) measured glutamate levels in specific brain regions of fibromyalgia (FM) patients to determine if there is a correlation between raised glutamate levels and the presentation of FM. MATERIALS AND METHODS The electronic databases-MEDLINE, EMBASE Classic+Embase, PsychINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effect, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials-were searched to find original studies that used H-MRS to measure glutamate concentrations in the brains of FM patients. RESULTS Nine studies with a total of 482 participants were selected for inclusion in the review. Seven of the 8 studies that investigated an association between cerebral glutamate levels and FM, showed a positive association. Brain regions identified as having increased glutamate levels include the posterior cingulate gyrus, posterior insula, ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, and amygdala. One study reported a decrease in glutamate levels in the hippocampus of FM patients compared with healthy controls. Seven of the 8 studies that analyzed the correlations between cerebral glutamate levels and FM symptoms, found a significant positive correlation. DISCUSSION Although the cause of FM remains inconclusive, there is converging data in favor of a dysregulation of pain processing in the central nervous system of FM patients, particularly associated with an increase in cerebral glutamate levels. Furthermore, there is evidence to support an association between increased glutamate levels and an increase in FM symptoms.
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Harper DE, Ichesco E, Schrepf A, Halvorson M, Puiu T, Clauw DJ, Harris RE, Harte SE. Relationships between brain metabolite levels, functional connectivity, and negative mood in urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome patients compared to controls: A MAPP research network study. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2017; 17:570-578. [PMID: 29201643 PMCID: PMC5702874 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2017.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Until recently, the predominant pathology of chronic pelvic pain conditions was thought to reside in the peripheral tissues. However, mounting evidence from neuroimaging studies suggests an important role of the central nervous system in the pathogenesis of these conditions. In the present cross-sectional study, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) of the brain was conducted in female patients with urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS) to determine if they exhibit abnormal concentrations of brain metabolites (e.g. those indicative of heightened excitatory tone) in regions involved in the processing and modulation of pain, including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the anterior and posterior insular cortices. Compared to a group of age-matched healthy subjects, there were significantly higher levels of choline (p = 0.006, uncorrected) in the ACC of UCPPS patients. ACC choline levels were therefore compared with the region's resting functional connectivity to the rest of the brain. Higher choline was associated with greater ACC-to-limbic system connectivity in UCPPS patients, contrasted with lower connectivity in controls (i.e. an interaction). In patients, ACC choline levels were also positively correlated with negative mood. ACC γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels were lower in UCPPS patients compared with controls (p = 0.02, uncorrected), but this did not meet statistical correction for the 4 separate regional comparisons of metabolites. These results are the first to uncover abnormal GABA and choline levels in the brain of UCPPS patients compared to controls. Low GABA levels have been identified in other pain syndromes and might contribute to CNS hyper-excitability in these conditions. The relationships between increased ACC choline levels, ACC-to-limbic connectivity, and negative mood in UCPPS patients suggest that this metabolite could be related to the affective symptomatology of this syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E Harper
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Eric Ichesco
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Andrew Schrepf
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Megan Halvorson
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tudor Puiu
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Daniel J Clauw
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Richard E Harris
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Steven E Harte
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Khedr EM, Omran EA, Ismail NM, El-Hammady DH, Goma SH, Kotb H, Galal H, Osman AM, Farghaly HS, Karim AA, Ahmed GA. Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on pain, mood and serum endorphin level in the treatment of fibromyalgia: A double blinded, randomized clinical trial. Brain Stimul 2017; 10:893-901. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/17/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Prise en charge des symptômes médicalement inexpliqués en médecine interne : un paradigme de la relation médecin-malade en situation d’incertitude. Rev Med Interne 2017; 38:458-466. [DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Mansour ZM, Lepping RJ, Honea RA, Brooks WM, Yeh HW, Burns JM, Sharma NK. Structural Brain Imaging in People With Low Back Pain. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2017; 42:726-732. [PMID: 27879564 PMCID: PMC5425308 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000001915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine whether low back pain (subacute and chronic) is related to differences in brain volume. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Inconsistent findings have been reported about the effect of chronic low back pain on brain volume, and the effect of subacute low back pain on brain volume has not been sufficiently investigated. METHODS A total of 130 participants were included (23 subacute and 68 chronic low back pain; 39 healthy controls). The main outcome measure was whole and regional brain volume. Clinical outcome measures included pain duration, pain intensity, fear avoidance belief questionnaire, Oswestry Disability Index, and Beck's Depression Inventory. RESULTS Decrease in brain volume in several regions was observed in chronic low back pain when compared with health subjects; however, after correcting for multiple comparisons, no significant differences were detected between any of the three groups in whole-brain volume. Regionally, we detected less gray matter volume in two voxels in the middle frontal gyrus in chronic low back pain participants compared with healthy controls. None of the clinical outcome measures were correlated with brain volume measurements. CONCLUSION Low back pain (subacute or chronic) is not related to significant differences in brain volume after correction for multiple comparisons. The effect size was too small to detect possible subtle changes unless much larger sample sizes are examined, or it is possible that low back pain does not affect brain volume. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaid M. Mansour
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160
| | - Rebcca J. Lepping
- Hoglund Brian Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160
| | - Robyn A. Honea
- Alzheimer’s Research Disease Center, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160
| | - William M. Brooks
- Hoglund Brian Imaging Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160
| | - Hung-Wen Yeh
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160
| | - Jeffrey M. Burns
- Alzheimer’s Research Disease Center, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160
| | - Neena K. Sharma
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, Kansas, 66160
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Schubert F, Kühn S, Gallinat J, Mekle R, Ittermann B. Towards a neurochemical profile of the amygdala using short-TE 1 H magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 3 T. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2017; 30:e3685. [PMID: 28058747 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.3685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The amygdala plays a key role in emotional learning and in the processing of emotions. As disturbed amygdala function has been linked to several psychiatric conditions, a knowledge of its biochemistry, especially neurotransmitter levels, is highly desirable. The spin echo full intensity acquired localized (SPECIAL) sequence, together with a transmit/receive coil, was used to perform very short-TE magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 3 T to determine the neurochemical profile in a spectroscopic voxel containing the amygdala in 21 healthy adult subjects. For spectral analysis, advanced data processing was applied in combination with a macromolecule baseline measured in the anterior cingulate for spectral fitting. The concentrations of total N-acetylaspartate, total creatine, total choline, myo-inositol and, for the first time, glutamate were quantified with high reliability (uncertainties far below 10%). For these metabolites, the inter-individual variability, reflected by the relative standard deviations for the cohort studied, varied between 12% (glutamate) and 22% (myo-inositol). Glutamine and glutathione could also be determined, albeit with lower precision. Retest on four subjects showed good reproducibility. The devised method allows the determination of metabolite concentrations in the amygdala voxel, including glutamate, provides an estimation of glutamine and glutathione, and may help in the study of disturbed amygdala metabolism in pathologies such as anxiety disorder, autism and major depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Schubert
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Braunschweig and Berlin, Germany
| | - Simone Kühn
- Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Center for Lifespan Psychology, Berlin, Germany
- Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Gallinat
- Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Mekle
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Braunschweig and Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center for Stroke Research Berlin (CSB), Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernd Ittermann
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Braunschweig and Berlin, Germany
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34
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Kluger BM. Fatigue in Parkinson's Disease. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2017; 133:743-768. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Walitt B, Ceko M, Gracely JL, Gracely RH. Neuroimaging of Central Sensitivity Syndromes: Key Insights from the Scientific Literature. Curr Rheumatol Rev 2016; 12:55-87. [PMID: 26717948 DOI: 10.2174/1573397112666151231111104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Revised: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Central sensitivity syndromes are characterized by distressing symptoms, such as pain and fatigue, in the absence of clinically obvious pathology. The scientific underpinnings of these disorders are not currently known. Modern neuroimaging techniques promise new insights into mechanisms mediating these postulated syndromes. We review the results of neuroimaging applied to five central sensitivity syndromes: fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, temporomandibular joint disorder, and vulvodynia syndrome. Neuroimaging studies of basal metabolism, anatomic constitution, molecular constituents, evoked neural activity, and treatment effect are compared across all of these syndromes. Evoked sensory paradigms reveal sensory augmentation to both painful and nonpainful stimulation. This is a transformative observation for these syndromes, which were historically considered to be completely of hysterical or feigned in origin. However, whether sensory augmentation represents the cause of these syndromes, a predisposing factor, an endophenotype, or an epiphenomenon cannot be discerned from the current literature. Further, the result from cross-sectional neuroimaging studies of basal activity, anatomy, and molecular constituency are extremely heterogeneous within and between the syndromes. A defining neuroimaging "signature" cannot be discerned for any of the particular syndromes or for an over-arching central sensitization mechanism common to all of the syndromes. Several issues confound initial attempts to meaningfully measure treatment effects in these syndromes. At this time, the existence of "central sensitivity syndromes" is based more soundly on clinical and epidemiological evidence. A coherent picture of a "central sensitization" mechanism that bridges across all of these syndromes does not emerge from the existing scientific evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Walitt
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
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Grandjean J, Azzinnari D, Seuwen A, Sigrist H, Seifritz E, Pryce CR, Rudin M. Chronic psychosocial stress in mice leads to changes in brain functional connectivity and metabolite levels comparable to human depression. Neuroimage 2016; 142:544-552. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2016.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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Clark IA, Vissel B. Excess cerebral TNF causing glutamate excitotoxicity rationalizes treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and neurogenic pain by anti-TNF agents. J Neuroinflammation 2016; 13:236. [PMID: 27596607 PMCID: PMC5011997 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-016-0708-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The basic mechanism of the major neurodegenerative diseases, including neurogenic pain, needs to be agreed upon before rational treatments can be determined, but this knowledge is still in a state of flux. Most have agreed for decades that these disease states, both infectious and non-infectious, share arguments incriminating excitotoxicity induced by excessive extracellular cerebral glutamate. Excess cerebral levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are also documented in the same group of disease states. However, no agreement exists on overarching mechanism for the harmful effects of excess TNF, nor, indeed how extracellular cerebral glutamate reaches toxic levels in these conditions. Here, we link the two, collecting and arguing the evidence that, across the range of neurodegenerative diseases, excessive TNF harms the central nervous system largely through causing extracellular glutamate to accumulate to levels high enough to inhibit synaptic activity or kill neurons and therefore their associated synapses as well. TNF can be predicted from the broader literature to cause this glutamate accumulation not only by increasing glutamate production by enhancing glutaminase, but in addition simultaneously reducing glutamate clearance by inhibiting re-uptake proteins. We also discuss the effects of a TNF receptor biological fusion protein (etanercept) and the indirect anti-TNF agents dithio-thalidomides, nilotinab, and cannabinoids on these neurological conditions. The therapeutic effects of 6-diazo-5-oxo-norleucine, ceptriaxone, and riluzole, agents unrelated to TNF but which either inhibit glutaminase or enhance re-uptake proteins, but do not do both, as would anti-TNF agents, are also discussed in this context. By pointing to excess extracellular glutamate as the target, these arguments greatly strengthen the case, put now for many years, to test appropriately delivered ant-TNF agents to treat neurodegenerative diseases in randomly controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian A Clark
- Biomedical Sciences and Biochemistry, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, 0200, Australia.
| | - Bryce Vissel
- Neurodegeneration Research Group, Garvan Institute, 384 Victoria Street, Sydney, New South Wales, 2010, Australia
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Abstract
Fibromyalgia is a disorder that is part of a spectrum of syndromes that lack precise classification. It is often considered as part of the global overview of functional somatic syndromes that are otherwise medically unexplained or part of a somatization disorder. Patients with fibromyalgia share symptoms with other functional somatic problems, including issues of myalgias, arthralgias, fatigue and sleep disturbances. Indeed, there is often diagnostic and classification overlap for the case definitions of a variety of somatization disorders. Fibromyalgia, however, is a critically important syndrome for physicians and scientists to be aware of. Patients should be taken very seriously and provided optimal care. Although inflammatory, infectious, and autoimmune disorders have all been ascribed to be etiological events in the development of fibromyalgia, there is very little data to support such a thesis. Many of these disorders are associated with depression and anxiety and may even be part of what has been sometimes called affected spectrum disorders. There is no evidence that physical trauma, i.e., automobile accidents, is associated with the development or exacerbation of fibromyalgia. Treatment should be placed on education, patient support, physical therapy, nutrition, and exercise, including the use of drugs that are approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Treatment should not include opiates and patients should not become poly pharmacies in which the treatment itself can lead to significant morbidities. Patients with fibromyalgia are living and not dying of this disorder and positive outlooks and family support are key elements in the management of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea T Borchers
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, 451 Health Sciences Drive, Suite 6510, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, 451 Health Sciences Drive, Suite 6510, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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39
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Choi W, Lim M, Kim J, Chung C. Habituation deficit of auditory N100m in patients with fibromyalgia. Eur J Pain 2016; 20:1634-1643. [DOI: 10.1002/ejp.883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- W. Choi
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience; Seoul National University College of Natural Sciences; Seoul Korea
| | - M. Lim
- Neuroscience Research Institute; Seoul National University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| | - J.S. Kim
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences; Seoul National University College of Natural Sciences; Seoul Korea
| | - C.K. Chung
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience; Seoul National University College of Natural Sciences; Seoul Korea
- Neuroscience Research Institute; Seoul National University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences; Seoul National University College of Natural Sciences; Seoul Korea
- Department of Neurosurgery; Seoul National University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
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40
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Garcia-Quintanilla A, Miranzo-Navarro D. Extraintestinal manifestations of celiac disease: 33-mer gliadin binding to glutamate receptor GRINA as a new explanation. Bioessays 2016; 38:427-39. [PMID: 26990286 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201500143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We propose a biochemical mechanism for celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity that may rationalize many of the extradigestive disorders not explained by the current immunogenetic model. Our hypothesis is based on the homology between the 33-mer gliadin peptide and a component of the NMDA glutamate receptor ion channel - the human GRINA protein - using BLASTP software. Based on this homology the 33-mer may act as a natural antagonist interfering with the normal interactions of GRINA and its partners. The theory is supported by numerous independent data from the literature, and provides a mechanistic link with otherwise unrelated disorders, such as cleft lip and palate, thyroid dysfunction, restless legs syndrome, depression, ataxia, hearing loss, fibromyalgia, dermatitis herpetiformis, schizophrenia, toxoplasmosis, anemia, osteopenia, Fabry disease, Barret's adenocarcinoma, neuroblastoma, urinary incontinence, recurrent miscarriage, cardiac anomalies, reduced risk of breast cancer, stiff person syndrome, etc. The hypothesis also anticipates better animal models, and has the potential to open new avenues of research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Domingo Miranzo-Navarro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Spain
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41
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Elhewala AEI, Emerah AA, Elqresh AA, Zeid AF. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy in evaluation of cerebral chemical changes in fibromyalgia patients. EGYPTIAN RHEUMATOLOGY AND REHABILITATION 2016. [DOI: 10.4103/1110-161x.177420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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42
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Abstract
This review discusses the basic pathophysiological mechanisms that are necessary to understand the principles of diagnosis and management of fibromyalgia, and outlines a practical diagnostic approach to patients presenting with chronic widespread pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Suresh
- Senior Consultant Rheumatologist in the Department of Medicine, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Singapore 609606
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43
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Kluger BM, Herlofson K, Chou KL, Lou JS, Goetz CG, Lang AE, Weintraub D, Friedman J. Parkinson's disease-related fatigue: A case definition and recommendations for clinical research. Mov Disord 2016; 31:625-31. [PMID: 26879133 DOI: 10.1002/mds.26511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatigue is one of the most common and disabling symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD). Since fatigue was first described as a common feature of PD 20 years ago, little progress has been made in understanding its causes or treatment. Importantly, PD patients attending the 2013 World Parkinson Congress voted fatigue as the leading symptom in need of further research. In response, the Parkinson Disease Foundation and ProjectSpark assembled an international team of experts to create recommendations for clinical research to advance this field. The working group identified several areas in which shared standards would improve research quality and foster progress including terminology, diagnostic criteria, and measurement. Terminology needs to (1) clearly distinguish fatigue from related phenomena (eg, sleepiness, apathy, depression); (2) differentiate subjective fatigue complaints from objective performance fatigability; and (3) specify domains affected by fatigue and causal factors. We propose diagnostic criteria for PD-related fatigue to guide participant selection for clinical trials and add rigor to mechanistic studies. Recommendations are made for measurement of subjective fatigue complaints, performance fatigability, and neurophysiologic changes. We also suggest areas in which future research is needed to address methodological issues and validate or optimize current practices. Many limitations in current PD-related fatigue research may be addressed by improving methodological standards, many of which are already being successfully applied in clinical fatigue research in other medical conditions (eg, cancer, multiple sclerosis). © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benzi M Kluger
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Kelvin L Chou
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jau-Shin Lou
- Department of Neurology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Science, Department of Neurology, Sanford Health, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Christopher G Goetz
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Anthony E Lang
- Morton and Gloria Shulman Movement Disorders Clinic and the Edmond J. Safra Program in Parkinson's Disease, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Weintraub
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Parkinson's Disease and Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers (PADRECC and MIRECC), Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joseph Friedman
- Department of Neurology, Butler Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Neural Plasticity in Common Forms of Chronic Headaches. Neural Plast 2015; 2015:205985. [PMID: 26366304 PMCID: PMC4558449 DOI: 10.1155/2015/205985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Headaches are universal experiences and among the most common disorders. While headache may be physiological in the acute setting, it can become a pathological and persistent condition. The mechanisms underlying the transition from episodic to chronic pain have been the subject of intense study. Using physiological and imaging methods, researchers have identified a number of different forms of neural plasticity associated with migraine and other headaches, including peripheral and central sensitization, and alterations in the endogenous mechanisms of pain modulation. While these changes have been proposed to contribute to headache and pain chronification, some findings are likely the results of repetitive noxious stimulation, such as atrophy of brain areas involved in pain perception and modulation. In this review, we provide a narrative overview of recent advances on the neuroimaging, electrophysiological and genetic aspects of neural plasticity associated with the most common forms of chronic headaches, including migraine, cluster headache, tension-type headache, and medication overuse headache.
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Napadow V, Harris RE. What has functional connectivity and chemical neuroimaging in fibromyalgia taught us about the mechanisms and management of 'centralized' pain? Arthritis Res Ther 2015; 16:425. [PMID: 25606591 PMCID: PMC4289059 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-014-0425-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Research suggests that fibromyalgia is a central, widespread pain syndrome supported by a generalized disturbance in central nervous system pain processing. Over the past decades, multiple lines of research have identified the locus for many functional, chronic pain disorders to the central nervous system, and the brain. In recent years, brain neuroimaging techniques have heralded a revolution in our understanding of chronic pain, as they have allowed researchers to non-invasively (or minimally invasively) evaluate human patients suffering from various pain disorders. While many neuroimaging techniques have been developed, growing interest in two specific imaging modalities has led to significant contributions to chronic pain research. For instance, resting functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (fcMRI) is a recent adaptation of fMRI that examines intrinsic brain connectivity - defined as synchronous oscillations of the fMRI signal that occurs in the resting basal state. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) is a non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging technique that can quantify the concentration of multiple metabolites within the human brain. This review will outline recent applications of the complementary imaging techniques - fcMRI and 1H-MRS - to improve our understanding of fibromyalgia pathophysiology and how pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies contribute to analgesia in these patients. A better understanding of the brain in chronic pain, with specific linkage as to which neural processes relate to spontaneous pain perception and hyperalgesia, will greatly improve our ability to develop novel therapeutics. Neuroimaging will play a growing role in the translational research approaches needed to make this a reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitaly Napadow
- Athinoula A Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
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46
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Abstract
Chronic pain is an important public health problem, and there is a need to understand the mechanisms that lead to pain chronification. From a neurobiological perspective, the mechanisms contributing to the transition from acute to subacute and chronic pain are heterogeneous and are thought to take place at various levels of the peripheral and central nervous system. In the past decade, brain imaging studies have shed light on neural correlates of pain perception and pain modulation, but they have also begun to disentangle neural mechanisms that underlie chronic pain. This review summarizes important and recent findings in pain research using magnetic resonance tomography. Especially new developments in functional, structural and neurochemical imaging such as resting-state connectivity and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) spectroscopy, which have advanced our understanding of chronic pain and which can potentially be integrated in clinical practice, will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Schmidt-Wilcke
- Department of Neurology, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Universitätsklinik Bergmannsheil, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
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Efficacy of memantine in the treatment of fibromyalgia: A double-blind, randomised, controlled trial with 6-month follow-up. Pain 2014; 155:2517-2525. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Revised: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Fayed N, Olivan-Blázquez B, Herrera-Mercadal P, Puebla-Guedea M, Pérez-Yus MC, Andrés E, López del Hoyo Y, Magallon R, Viguera L, Garcia-Campayo J. Changes in metabolites after treatment with memantine in fibromyalgia. A double-blind randomized controlled trial with magnetic resonance spectroscopy with a 6-month follow-up. CNS Neurosci Ther 2014; 20:999-1007. [PMID: 25230216 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the efficacy of memantine on metabolite levels in different areas of the brain and to determine whether changes in metabolite levels correlate with clinical variables in Fibromyalgia (FM) patients. METHODS Doubled-blind parallel randomized controlled trial. Twenty-five patients diagnosed with FM were enrolled in the study. Patients were administered questionnaires on pain, anxiety, depression, quality of life, and cognitive impairment, and single-voxel MRS of the brain was performed. All assessments were performed at baseline and after 6 months of treatment with memantine or placebo. RESULTS Patients treated with memantine exhibited a significant increase in the glutamate (P = 0.010), glutamate/creatine ratio (P = 0.013), combined glutamate + glutamine (P = 0.016) and total N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA+NAAG) (P = 0.034) in the posterior cingulate cortex compared with those on placebo. Furthermore, the memantine group exhibited increases in creatine (P = 0.013) and choline (Cho) (P = 0.025) in the right posterior insula and also a correlation between choline and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) in the posterior insula (P = 0.050) was observed. CONCLUSION Memantine treatment resulted in an increase in cerebral metabolism in FM patients, suggesting its utility for the treatment of the illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Fayed
- Magnetic Resonance Unit, Department of Radiology, Clinica Quiron, Zaragoza, Spain
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Gong W, Johanek LM, Sluka KA. Spinal Cord Stimulation Reduces Mechanical Hyperalgesia and Restores Physical Activity Levels in Animals with Noninflammatory Muscle Pain in a Frequency-Dependent Manner. Anesth Analg 2014; 119:186-195. [DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000000239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Simis M, Reidler JS, Duarte Macea D, Moreno Duarte I, Wang X, Lenkinski R, Petrozza JC, Fregni F. Investigation of central nervous system dysfunction in chronic pelvic pain using magnetic resonance spectroscopy and noninvasive brain stimulation. Pain Pract 2014; 15:423-32. [PMID: 24799153 DOI: 10.1111/papr.12202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies demonstrate that chronic pelvic pain is associated with altered afferent sensory input resulting in maladaptive changes in the neural circuitry of pain. To better understand the central changes associated with chronic pelvic pain, we investigated the contributions of critical pain-related neural circuits using single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). METHODS We measured concentrations of neural metabolites in 4 regions of interest (thalamus, anterior cingulate cortex, primary motor, and occipital cortex [control]) at baseline and after 10 days of active or sham tDCS in patients with chronic pelvic pain. We then compared our results to those observed in healthy controls, matched by age and gender. RESULTS We observed a significant increase in pain thresholds after active tDCS compared with sham conditions. There was a correlation between metabolite concentrations at baseline and quantitative sensory assessments. Chronic pelvic pain patients had significantly lower levels of NAA/Cr in the primary motor cortex compared with healthy patients. CONCLUSIONS tDCS increases pain thresholds in patients with chronic pelvic pain. Biochemical changes in pain-related neural circuits are associated with pain levels as measured by objective pain testing. These findings support the further investigation of targeted cortical neuromodulatory interventions for chronic pelvic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Simis
- Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, U.S.A.,Division of Neurology, Santa Casa de São Paulo Medical School, SP, Brazil.,Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Clinics Hospital of the University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Brazil
| | - Jay S Reidler
- Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, U.S.A
| | - Debora Duarte Macea
- Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, U.S.A
| | - Ingrid Moreno Duarte
- Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, U.S.A
| | - Xiaoen Wang
- Department of Radiology, Beth Israel-Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, U.S.A
| | - Robert Lenkinski
- Department of Radiology, Beth Israel-Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, U.S.A
| | - John C Petrozza
- Department of Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, U.S.A
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, U.S.A.,Berenson-Allen Center for Noninvasive Brain Stimulation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, U.S.A
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