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Demori I, Losacco S, Giordano G, Mucci V, Blanchini F, Burlando B. Fibromyalgia pathogenesis explained by a neuroendocrine multistable model. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303573. [PMID: 38990866 PMCID: PMC11238986 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303573] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a central disorder characterized by chronic pain, fatigue, insomnia, depression, and other minor symptoms. Knowledge about pathogenesis is lacking, diagnosis difficult, clinical approach puzzling, and patient management disappointing. We conducted a theoretical study based on literature data and computational analysis, aimed at developing a comprehensive model of FM pathogenesis and addressing suitable therapeutic targets. We started from the evidence that FM must involve a dysregulation of central pain processing, is female prevalent, suggesting a role for the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, and is stress-related, suggesting a role for the HP-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. Central pathogenesis was supposed to involve a pain processing loop system including the thalamic ventroposterolateral nucleus (VPL), the primary somatosensory cortex (SSC), and the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN). For decreasing GABAergic and/or increasing glutamatergic transmission, the loop system crosses a bifurcation point, switching from monostable to bistable, and converging on a high-firing-rate steady state supposed to be the pathogenic condition. Thereafter, we showed that GABAergic transmission is positively correlated with gonadal-hormone-derived neurosteroids, notably allopregnanolone, whereas glutamatergic transmission is positively correlated with stress-induced glucocorticoids, notably cortisol. Finally, we built a dynamic model describing a multistable, double-inhibitory loop between HPG and HPA axes. This system has a high-HPA/low-HPG steady state, allegedly reached in females under combined premenstrual/postpartum brain allopregnanolone withdrawal and stress condition, driving the thalamocortical loop to the high-firing-rate steady state, and explaining the connection between endocrine and neural mechanisms in FM pathogenesis. Our model accounts for FM female prevalence and stress correlation, suggesting the use of neurosteroid drugs as a possible solution to currently unsolved problems in the clinical treatment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Demori
- Department of Pharmacy, DIFAR, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Serena Losacco
- Department of Pharmacy, DIFAR, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Giulia Giordano
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, (TN), Italy
- Delft Center for Systems and Control, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Viviana Mucci
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Franco Blanchini
- Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Bruno Burlando
- Department of Pharmacy, DIFAR, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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Lim M, Kim DJ, Nascimento TD, DaSilva AF. High-definition tDCS over primary motor cortex modulates brain signal variability and functional connectivity in episodic migraine. Clin Neurophysiol 2024; 161:101-111. [PMID: 38460220 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2024.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated how high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) affects brain signal variability and functional connectivity in the trigeminal pain pathway, and their association with changes in migraine attacks. METHODS Twenty-five episodic migraine patients were randomized for ten daily sessions of active or sham M1 HD-tDCS. Resting-state blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) signal variability and seed-based functional connectivity were assessed pre- and post-treatment. A mediation analysis was performed to test whether BOLD signal variability mediates the relationship between treatment group and moderate-to-severe headache days. RESULTS The active M1 HD-tDCS group showed reduced BOLD variability in the spinal trigeminal nucleus (SpV) and thalamus, but increased variability in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) compared to the sham group. Connectivity decreased between medial pulvinar-temporal pole, medial dorsal-precuneus, and the ventral posterior medial nucleus-SpV, but increased between the rACC-amygdala, and the periaqueductal gray-parahippocampal gyrus. Changes in medial pulvinar variability mediated the reduction in moderate-to-severe headache days at one-month post-treatment. CONCLUSIONS M1 HD-tDCS alters BOLD signal variability and connectivity in the trigeminal somatosensory and modulatory pain system, potentially alleviating migraine headache attacks. SIGNIFICANCE M1 HD-tDCS realigns brain signal variability and connectivity in migraineurs closer to healthy control levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manyoel Lim
- Food Processing Research Group, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do 55365, Republic of Korea; Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Dajung J Kim
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Thiago D Nascimento
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Alexandre F DaSilva
- Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Kong Q, Li T, Reddy S, Hodges S, Kong J. Brain stimulation targets for chronic pain: Insights from meta-analysis, functional connectivity and literature review. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00297. [PMID: 38237403 PMCID: PMC10903102 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2023.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques have demonstrated their potential for chronic pain management, yet their efficacy exhibits variability across studies. Refining stimulation targets and exploring additional targets offer a possible solution to this challenge. This study aimed to identify potential brain surface targets for NIBS in treating chronic pain disorders by integrating literature review, neuroimaging meta-analysis, and functional connectivity analysis on 90 chronic low back pain patients. Our results showed that the primary motor cortex (M1) (C3/C4, 10-20 EEG system) and prefrontal cortex (F3/F4/Fz) were the most used brain stimulation targets for chronic pain treatment according to the literature review. The bilateral precentral gyrus (M1), supplementary motor area, Rolandic operculum, and temporoparietal junction, were all identified as common potential NIBS targets through both a meta-analysis sourced from Neurosynth and functional connectivity analysis. This study presents a comprehensive summary of the current literature and refines the existing NIBS targets through a combination of imaging meta-analysis and functional connectivity analysis for chronic pain conditions. The derived coordinates (with integration of the international electroencephalography (EEG) 10/20 electrode placement system) within the above brain regions may further facilitate the localization of these targets for NIBS application. Our findings may have the potential to expand NIBS target selection beyond current clinical trials and improve chronic pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Kong
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Sveta Reddy
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Sierra Hodges
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Jian Kong
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.
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Moshfeghinia R, Shekouh D, Mostafavi S, Hosseinzadeh M, Bahadori AR, Abdollahifard S, Razmkon A. The effects of transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) on pain intensity of patients with fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:395. [PMID: 37919664 PMCID: PMC10621179 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03445-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has shown promise as a potential treatment for FM by modulating pain perception and reducing symptoms, such as fatigue and depression. We aimed to systematically review studies that assess the effect of tDCS on pain reduction in FM patients. METHODS Seven electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane, and CINAHL Complete) were searched for records in English. Studies that measured the effect of tDCS on pain intensity in FM patients were included. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. A random-effect model was preferred, and statistical analysis was performed by Stata software version 17. RESULTS Twenty studies were included for qualitative, and eleven for quantitative analysis. Out of 664 patients included in the study, 443 were in the stimulation group. The left M1 area was the most common stimulation target (n = 12), and 2 mA was the most common stimulation amplitude (n = 19). The analysis showed that active tDCS significantly reduced pain intensity in FM patients in comparison to the sham group (SMD= -1.55; 95% CI -2.10, -0.99); also, no publication bias was noted. CONCLUSION Our systematic review highlights the potential effect of tDCS on the reduction of pain intensity in FM patients. Additionally, this current evidence could suggest that tDCS applied at an intensity of 2mA to the left M1 is the most effective strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Moshfeghinia
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Research Center for Neuromodulation and Pain, 4th floor, Boghrat building, Zand Street, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Dorsa Shekouh
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Research Center for Neuromodulation and Pain, 4th floor, Boghrat building, Zand Street, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sara Mostafavi
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Research Center for Neuromodulation and Pain, 4th floor, Boghrat building, Zand Street, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Hosseinzadeh
- Fasa Neuroscience Circle (FNC), Student Research Committee, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Bahadori
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Research Center for Neuromodulation and Pain, 4th floor, Boghrat building, Zand Street, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeed Abdollahifard
- Research Center for Neuromodulation and Pain, 4th floor, Boghrat building, Zand Street, Shiraz, Iran
- School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Razmkon
- Research Center for Neuromodulation and Pain, 4th floor, Boghrat building, Zand Street, Shiraz, Iran.
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Wang J, Liu G, Xu K, Ai K, Huang W, Zhang J. The role of neurotransmitters in mediating the relationship between brain alterations and depressive symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Hum Brain Mapp 2023; 44:5357-5371. [PMID: 37530546 PMCID: PMC10543356 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence from neuroimaging studies suggests that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with functional and structural alterations in the central nervous system and that it has a potential link to emotional symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. However, the neurochemical underpinnings of depression symptoms in IBD remain unclear. We hypothesized that changes in cortical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA+) and glutamine (Glx) concentrations are related to cortical thickness and resting-state functional connectivity in IBD as compared to healthy controls. To test this, we measured whole-brain cortical thickness and functional connectivity within the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), as well as the concentrations of neurotransmitters in the same brain region. We used the edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) with the MEGA-PRESS sequence at a 3 T scanner to quantitate the neurotransmitter levels in the mPFC. Subjects with IBD (N = 37) and healthy control subjects (N = 32) were enrolled in the study. Compared with healthy controls, there were significantly decreased GABA+ and Glx concentrations in the mPFC of patients with IBD. The cortical thickness of patients with IBD was thin in two clusters that included the right medial orbitofrontal cortex and the right posterior cingulate cortex. A seed-based functional connectivity analysis indicated that there was higher connectivity of the mPFC with the left precuneus cortex (PC) and the posterior cingulate cortex, and conversely, lower connectivity in the left frontal pole was observed. The functional connectivity between the mPFC and the left PC was negatively correlated with the IBD questionnaire score (r = -0.388, p = 0.018). GABA+ concentrations had a negative correlation with the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) score (r = -0.497, p = 0.002). Glx concentration was negatively correlated with the HAMD score (r = -0.496, p = 0.002) and positively correlated with the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire score (r = 0.330, p = 0.046, uncorrected). There was a significant positive correlation between the ratio of Glx to GABA+ and the HAMD score (r = 0.428, p = 0.008). Mediation analysis revealed that GABA+ significantly mediated the main effect of the relationship between the structural and functional alterations and the severity of depression in patients with IBD. Our study provides initial evidence of neurochemistry that can be used to identify potential mechanisms underlying the modulatory effects of GABA+ on the development of depression in patients with IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Department of Magnetic ResonanceLanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouChina
- Second Clinical SchoolLanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular ImagingLanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouChina
| | - Guangyao Liu
- Department of Magnetic ResonanceLanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouChina
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular ImagingLanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouChina
| | - Kun Xu
- Department of Magnetic ResonanceLanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouChina
- Second Clinical SchoolLanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular ImagingLanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouChina
| | - Kai Ai
- Deparment of Clinical and Technical Support, Philips HealthcareXi'anChina
| | - Wenjing Huang
- Department of Magnetic ResonanceLanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouChina
- Second Clinical SchoolLanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular ImagingLanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouChina
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Magnetic ResonanceLanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouChina
- Second Clinical SchoolLanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular ImagingLanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhouChina
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Zhang JH, Liang J, Yang ZW. Non-invasive brain stimulation for fibromyalgia: current trends and future perspectives. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1288765. [PMID: 37928733 PMCID: PMC10620708 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1288765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia, a common and enduring pain disorder, ranks as the second most prevalent rheumatic disease after osteoarthritis. Recent years have witnessed successful treatment using non-invasive brain stimulation. Transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and electroconvulsion therapy have shown promise in treating chronic pain. This article reviews the literature concerning non-invasive stimulation for fibromyalgia treatment, its mechanisms, and establishes a scientific basis for rehabilitation, and discusses the future directions for research and development prospects of these techniques are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Hao Zhang
- Laboratory of Laser Sports Medicine, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Liang
- Laboratory of Sports Rehabilitation, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhong-Wei Yang
- Laboratory of Sports Rehabilitation, School of Physical Education and Sports Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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Garcia-Larrea L. Non-invasive cortical stimulation for drug-resistant pain. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2023; 17:142-149. [PMID: 37339516 DOI: 10.1097/spc.0000000000000654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Neuromodulation techniques are being increasingly used to alleviate pain and enhance quality of life. Non-invasive cortical stimulation was originally intended to predict the efficacy of invasive (neurosurgical) techniques, but has now gained a place as an analgesic procedure in its own right. RECENT FINDINGS Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS): Evidence from 14 randomised, placebo-controlled trials (~750 patients) supports a significant analgesic effect of high-frequency motor cortex rTMS in neuropathic pain. Dorsolateral frontal stimulation has not proven efficacious so far. The posterior operculo-insular cortex is an attractive target but evidence remains insufficient. Short-term efficacy can be achieved with NNT (numbers needed to treat) ~2-3, but long-lasting efficacy remains a challenge.Like rTMS, transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) induces activity changes in distributed brain networks and can influence various aspects of pain. Lower cost relative to rTMS, few safety issues and availability of home-based protocols are practical advantages. The limited quality of many published reports lowers the level of evidence, which will remain uncertain until more prospective controlled studies are available. SUMMARY Both rTMS and tDCS act preferentially upon abnormal hyperexcitable states of pain, rather than acute or experimental pain. For both techniques, M1 appears to be the best target for chronic pain relief, and repeated sessions over relatively long periods of time may be required to obtain clinically significant benefits. Patients responsive to tDCS may differ from those improved by rTMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Garcia-Larrea
- Central Integration of Pain (NeuroPain) Lab, Lyon Centre for Neuroscience (CRNL), INSERM U1028, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne
- University Hospital Pain Centre (CETD), Neurological Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
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Lim M, Kim DJ, Nascimento TD, Ichesco E, Kaplan C, Harris RE, DaSilva AF. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Signal Variability Is Associated With Neuromodulation in Fibromyalgia. Neuromodulation 2023; 26:999-1008. [PMID: 34309138 PMCID: PMC8789944 DOI: 10.1111/ner.13512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although primary motor cortex (M1) transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has an analgesic effect in fibromyalgia (FM), its neural mechanism remains elusive. We investigated whether M1-tDCS modulates a regional temporal variability of blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) signals, an indicator of the brain's flexibility and efficiency and if this change is associated with pain improvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a within-subjects cross-over design, 12 female FM patients underwent sham and active tDCS on five consecutive days, respectively. Each session was performed with an anode placed on the left M1 and a cathode on the contralateral supraorbital region. The subjects also participated in resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at baseline and after sham and active tDCS. We compared the BOLD signal variability (SDBOLD), defined as the standard deviation of the BOLD time-series, between the tDCS conditions. Baseline SDBOLD was compared to 15 healthy female controls. RESULTS At baseline, FM patients showed reduced SDBOLD in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), lateral PFC, and anterior insula and increased SDBOLD in the posterior insula compared to healthy controls. After active tDCS, compared to sham, we found an increased SDBOLD in the left rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC), lateral PFC, and thalamus. After sham tDCS, compared to baseline, we found a decreased SDBOLD in the dorsomedial PFC and posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus. Interestingly, after active tDCS compared to sham, pain reduction was correlated with an increased SDBOLD in the rACC/vmPFC but with a decreased SDBOLD in the posterior insula. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that M1-tDCS might revert temporal variability of fMRI signals in the rACC/vmPFC and posterior insula linked to FM pain. Changes in neural variability would be part of the mechanisms underlying repetitive M1-tDCS analgesia in FM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manyoel Lim
- Headache and Orofacial Pain Effort (H.O.P.E.), Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dajung J Kim
- Headache and Orofacial Pain Effort (H.O.P.E.), Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Thiago D Nascimento
- Headache and Orofacial Pain Effort (H.O.P.E.), Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Eric Ichesco
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Chelsea Kaplan
- 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
| | - Alexandre F DaSilva
- Headache and Orofacial Pain Effort (H.O.P.E.), Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences & Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Treating fibromyalgia with electrical neuromodulation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Neurophysiol 2023; 148:17-28. [PMID: 36774784 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2023.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several types of electrical neuromodulation (such as transcranial direct current stimulation, tDCS; transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) have been applied in the treatment of fibromyalgia. These trials had different outcome measurements, such as subjective pain, pain threshold, depression, anxiety, and functioning. We intended to integrate data from different trials into a meta-analysis to clearly present the clinical value of electrical neuromodulation in fibromyalgia. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing the effect of all types of electrical neuromodulation in patients with fibromyalgia was conducted. The main outcome was subjective pain; the secondary outcomes included depression, anxiety, and functioning. RESULTS Twenty-five studies and 1061 fibromyalgia patients were included in the quantitative analysis. Active electrical neuromodulation and active tDCS both showed significant effects on subjective pain, depression, and functioning. For different anode tDCS electrode positions, only F3-F4 revealed a significant effect on depression. Meta-regression tDCS effects on depression were significantly associated with age. CONCLUSIONS Electrical neuromodulation is significantly effective in treating pain, depression, and functioning in patients with fibromyalgia. SIGNIFICANCE The results may help clinicians to arrange effective treatment plans for patients with fibromyalgia, especially in those patients who reveal limited response to pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy.
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Molero-Chamizo A, Nitsche MA, Barroso RTA, Bailén JRA, Palomeque JCG, Rivera-Urbina GN. Non-Invasive Electric and Magnetic Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030954. [PMID: 36979932 PMCID: PMC10046115 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Although fibromyalgia is defined by its core muscular nociceptive component, it also includes multiple dysfunctions that involve the musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, immune, endocrine, as well as the central and peripheral nervous systems, amongst others. The pathogenic involvement of the nervous system and the numerous neurological and neuroinflammatory symptoms of this disease may benefit from neuromodulatory stimulation techniques that have been shown to be effective and safe in diverse nervous system pathologies. In this systematic review, we outline current evidence showing the potential of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as therapeutic strategies in fibromyalgia. In addition, we evaluate the contribution of these tools to the exploration of the neurophysiological characteristics of fibromyalgia. Considering that the pathogenesis of this disease is unknown, these approaches do not aim to causally treat this syndrome, but to significantly reduce a range of key symptoms and thus improve the quality of life of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Molero-Chamizo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology, University of Huelva, Campus El Carmen, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - Michael A Nitsche
- Department of Psychology and Neurosciences, Leibniz Research Center for Working Environment and Human Factors, 44139 Dortmund, Germany
- University Clinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and University Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Protestant Hospital of Bethel Foundation, University Hospital OWL, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | | | - José R Alameda Bailén
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology, University of Huelva, Campus El Carmen, 21071 Huelva, Spain
| | - Jesús Carlos García Palomeque
- Histology Department, School of Medicine, Cadiz University, 11001 Cádiz, Spain
- Cadiz Bahia Sur District, Andalusian Health Service, 11006 Cádiz, Spain
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Loreti EH, Freire AM, Alexandre da Silva A, Kakuta E, Martins Neto UR, Konkiewitz EC. Effects of Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on the Primary Motor Cortex in Women With Fibromyalgia: A Randomized, Triple-Blind Clinical Trial. Neuromodulation 2023:S1094-7159(22)01370-8. [PMID: 36702675 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2022.11.007] [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: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of ten sessions of active transcranial direct current stimulation transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) (2 mA) with 13:20:13 stimulation at M1 in women with fibromyalgia (FM). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first article that uses this protocol in patients with FM. The main hypothesis is that the protocol would be effective in decreasing pain and that the results would last for up to 90 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was a randomized clinical trial with 35 women with FM divided into two groups, active tDCS group and sham tDCS group. A conventional tDCS device was used to deliver 2 mA for 13 minutes, with a 20-minute break followed by a further 13 minutes of stimulation for ten sessions. The anodal stimulus was in the left primary motor cortex M1 region. The primary outcome was a change in the visual analog scale and the Survey of Pain Attitudes pain score at the end of treatment, after 30 days, and 90 days after the end of treatment. Secondary outcomes included changes in the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, World Health Organization's Quality of Life Questionnaire, and Fatigue Assessment Scale. The Research Ethics Committee of the Centro Universitário da Grande Dourados under registration number Certificado de Apresentação de Apreciação Ética approved this research: 36444920.5.0000.5159. The study was registered in The Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials with the identifier RBR-8wc8rjq. RESULTS The active tDCS group showed improvement in pain after ten sessions (p < 0.001), after 30 days (p < 0.01), and after 90 days (p < 0.001) compared with sham tDCS. In addition, improvement in quality of life (QoL) and fatigue was observed in the active tDCS group. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that active tDCS with an intensity of 2 mA for ten sessions was effective in decreasing pain and fatigue and improving QoL in patients with FM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ariana Mendes Freire
- Department of Physiotherapy, Grande Dourados University Center, Dourados, Brazil
| | | | - Elaine Kakuta
- Department of Health Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Brazil
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Ramasawmy P, Khalid S, Petzke F, Antal A. Pain reduction in fibromyalgia syndrome through pairing transcranial direct current stimulation and mindfulness meditation: A randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled pilot clinical trial. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:908133. [PMID: 36314032 PMCID: PMC9596988 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.908133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This double-blinded, randomized and sham-controlled pilot clinical trial aimed to investigate the preliminary clinical efficacy and feasibility of combining mindfulness meditation (MM) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for pain and associated symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Methods Included FMS patients (age: 33 to 70) were randomized to three different groups to receive either ten daily sessions of anodal tDCS over the left primary motor cortex paired with MM for 20 min (active + MM, n = 10), sham tDCS combined with MM (sham + MM, n = 10) or no intervention (NoT, n = 10). Patients in the bimodal therapy groups received a week of training in MM prior to the stimulation. Participants reported pain intensity, the primary outcome, by filling in a pain diary daily throughout the whole study. They were also evaluated for quality of life, pressure pain sensitivity, psychological wellbeing, sleep quality and sleep quantity. Assessments were performed at three time points (baseline, immediately after treatment and one-month follow-up). Results Participants in the active + MM group did not exhibit reduced pain intensity following the bimodal therapy compared to controls. Patients in active group demonstrated clinically meaningful and significantly higher quality of life following the therapeutic intervention than other groups. There was no significant difference among groups regarding pressure pain sensitivity, sleep parameters and psychological scales. The combined treatment was well tolerated among participants, with no serious adverse effects. Conclusion This study was the first to pair these two effective non-pharmacological therapies for pain management in FMS. In the light of an underpowered sample size, repetitive anodal tDCS combined with MM did not improve pain or FMS-associated symptoms. However, patients in the active + MM group reported higher quality of life than the control groups. Studies with more participants and longer follow-ups are required to confirm our findings. Clinical trial registration [www.drks.de], identifier [DRKS00023490].
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Affiliation(s)
- Perianen Ramasawmy
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sarah Khalid
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Frank Petzke
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andrea Antal
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
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Thalamocortical bistable switch as a theoretical model of fibromyalgia pathogenesis inferred from a literature survey. J Comput Neurosci 2022; 50:471-484. [PMID: 35816263 PMCID: PMC9666334 DOI: 10.1007/s10827-022-00826-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is an unsolved central pain processing disturbance. We aim to provide a unifying model for FM pathogenesis based on a loop network involving thalamocortical regions, i.e., the ventroposterior lateral thalamus (VPL), the somatosensory cortex (SC), and the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN). The dynamics of the loop have been described by three differential equations having neuron mean firing rates as variables and containing Hill functions to model mutual interactions among the loop elements. A computational analysis conducted with MATLAB has shown a transition from monostability to bistability of the loop behavior for a weakening of GABAergic transmission between TRN and VPL. This involves the appearance of a high-firing-rate steady state, which becomes dominant and is assumed to represent pathogenic pain processing giving rise to chronic pain. Our model is consistent with a bulk of literature evidence, such as neuroimaging and pharmacological data collected on FM patients, and with correlations between FM and immunoendocrine conditions, such as stress, perimenopause, chronic inflammation, obesity, and chronic dizziness. The model suggests that critical targets for FM treatment are to be found among immunoendocrine pathways leading to GABA/glutamate imbalance having an impact on the thalamocortical system.
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Samartin-Veiga N, Pidal-Miranda M, González-Villar AJ, Bradley C, Garcia-Larrea L, O'Brien AT, Carrillo-de-la-Peña MT. Transcranial direct current stimulation of 3 cortical targets is no more effective than placebo as treatment for fibromyalgia: a double-blind sham-controlled clinical trial. Pain 2022; 163:e850-e861. [PMID: 34561393 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex seem to improve pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia (FM), although the evidence on the effectiveness of tDCS and the optimal stimulation target is not robust enough. Our main objective was to establish the optimal area of stimulation, comparing the 2 classical targets and a novel pain-related area, the operculo-insular cortex, in a sham-controlled trial. Using a double-blind design, we randomly assigned 130 women with FM to 4 treatment groups (M1, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, operculo-insular cortex, and sham), each receiving fifteen 20-minute sessions of 2 mA anodal tDCS over the left hemisphere. Our primary outcome was pain intensity. The secondary outcomes were the other core symptoms of FM (fatigue, mood, cognitive and sleep disorders, and hyperalgesia measured by the pressure pain threshold). We performed the assessment at 3 time points (before, immediately after treatment, and at 6 months follow-up). The linear mixed-model analysis of variances showed significant treatment effects across time for clinical pain and for fatigue, cognitive and sleep disturbances, and experimental pain, irrespective of the group. In mood, the 3 active tDCS groups showed a significantly larger improvement in anxiety and depression than sham. Our findings provide evidence of a placebo effect, support the use of tDCS for the treatment of affective symptoms, and challenge the effectiveness of tDCS as treatment of FM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Samartin-Veiga
- Brain and Pain (BaP) Lab, Departamento de Psicoloxía Clínica y Psicobioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Marina Pidal-Miranda
- Brain and Pain (BaP) Lab, Departamento de Psicoloxía Clínica y Psicobioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Alberto J González-Villar
- Department of Basic Psychology, Psychological Neuroscience Lab, Research Center in Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Claire Bradley
- Inserm U 1028, NeuroPain Team, Neuroscience Research Center of Lyon (CRNL), Lyon-1 University, Bron, France
- Pain Unit, Pierre Wertheimer Neurological Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
- Queensland Brain Institute, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Luis Garcia-Larrea
- Inserm U 1028, NeuroPain Team, Neuroscience Research Center of Lyon (CRNL), Lyon-1 University, Bron, France
- Pain Unit, Pierre Wertheimer Neurological Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | | | - María T Carrillo-de-la-Peña
- Brain and Pain (BaP) Lab, Departamento de Psicoloxía Clínica y Psicobioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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15
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Gloor Y, Matthey A, Sobo K, Mouterde M, Kosek E, Pickering G, Poloni ES, Cedraschi C, Ehret G, Desmeules JA. Uncovering a Genetic Polymorphism Located in Huntingtin Associated Protein 1 in Modulation of Central Pain Sensitization Signaling Pathways. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:807773. [PMID: 35837121 PMCID: PMC9274135 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.807773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterized by widespread pain and increased sensitivity to nociceptive stimulus or tenderness. While familial aggregation could suggest a potential hereditary component in FMS development, isolation of genetic determinants has proven difficult due to the multi-factorial nature and complexity of the syndrome. Central sensitization is thought to be one of the key mechanisms leading to FMS in a subset of patients. Enhanced central pain signaling can be measured using the Nociceptive Flexion Reflex (NFR) or RIII threshold. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using an array to genotype 258,756 human genetic polymorphisms in 225 FMS patients and 77 healthy volunteers and searched for genetic variants associated with a lowered NFR threshold. We have identified a potential association between a single nucleotide polymorphism resulting in a common non-synonymous coding mutation in the Huntingtin associated protein 1 (HAP1) gene (rs4796604, MAF = 0.5) and the NFR threshold (p = 4.78E−06). The Hap1 protein is involved in trafficking and is particularly enriched in neurons. Our results suggest a possible involvement of the neuronal trafficking protein HAP1 in modulating pain signaling pathways and thus participate in the establishment of the NFR threshold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Gloor
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Yvonne Gloor,
| | - Alain Matthey
- Clinical Investigation Unit, Clinical Research Center (CRC), Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Komla Sobo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Specialties of Internal Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Médéric Mouterde
- Anthropology Unit, Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eva Kosek
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gisèle Pickering
- Clinical Investigation Center, Inserm 1405, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Clinical Investigation Center, Inserm 1405, University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Estella S. Poloni
- Anthropology Unit, Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christine Cedraschi
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Georg Ehret
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Specialties of Internal Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jules A. Desmeules
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
- Clinical Investigation Unit, Clinical Research Center (CRC), Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
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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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Garcia-Larrea L, Quesada C. Cortical stimulation for chronic pain: from anecdote to evidence. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 2022; 58:290-305. [PMID: 35343176 PMCID: PMC9980528 DOI: 10.23736/s1973-9087.22.07411-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Epidural stimulation of the motor cortex (eMCS) was devised in the 1990's, and has now largely supplanted thalamic stimulation for neuropathic pain relief. Its mechanisms of action involve activation of multiple cortico-subcortical areas initiated in the thalamus, with involvement of endogenous opioids and descending inhibition toward the spinal cord. Evidence for clinical efficacy is now supported by at least seven RCTs; benefits may persist up to 10 years, and can be reasonably predicted by preoperative use of non-invasive repetitive magnetic stimulation (rTMS). rTMS first developed as a means of predicting the efficacy of epidural procedures, then as an analgesic method on its own right. Reasonable evidence from at least six well-conducted RCTs favors a significant analgesic effect of high-frequency rTMS of the motor cortex in neuropathic pain (NP), and less consistently in widespread/fibromyalgic pain. Stimulation of the dorsolateral frontal cortex (DLPFC) has not proven efficacious for pain, so far. The posterior operculo-insular cortex is a new and attractive target but evidence remains inconsistent. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is applied upon similar targets as rTMS and eMCS; it does not elicit action potentials but modulates the neuronal resting membrane state. tDCS presents practical advantages including low cost, few safety issues, and possibility of home-based protocols; however, the limited quality of most published reports entails a low level of evidence. Patients responsive to tDCS may differ from those improved by rTMS, and in both cases repeated sessions over a long time may be required to achieve clinically significant relief. Both invasive and non-invasive procedures exert their effects through multiple distributed brain networks influencing the sensory, affective and cognitive aspects of chronic pain. Their effects are mainly exerted upon abnormally sensitized pathways, rather than on acute physiological pain. Extending the duration of long-term benefits remains a challenge, for which different strategies are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Garcia-Larrea
- Central Integration of Pain (NeuroPain) Lab, Lyon Center for Neuroscience (CRNL), INSERM U1028, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France - .,University Hospital Pain Center (CETD), Neurological Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France -
| | - Charles Quesada
- Central Integration of Pain (NeuroPain) Lab, Lyon Center for Neuroscience (CRNL), INSERM U1028, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France.,Department of Physiotherapy, Sciences of Rehabilitation Institute (ISTR), University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
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18
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Kim M, Harris RE, DaSilva AF, Lee U. Explosive Synchronization-Based Brain Modulation Reduces Hypersensitivity in the Brain Network: A Computational Model Study. Front Comput Neurosci 2022; 16:815099. [PMID: 35311218 PMCID: PMC8927545 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2022.815099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition that is characterized by hypersensitivity to multimodal sensory stimuli, widespread pain, and fatigue. We have previously proposed explosive synchronization (ES), a phenomenon wherein a small perturbation to a network can lead to an abrupt state transition, as a potential mechanism of the hypersensitive FM brain. Therefore, we hypothesized that converting a brain network from ES to general synchronization (GS) may reduce the hypersensitivity of FM brain. To find an effective brain network modulation to convert ES into GS, we constructed a large-scale brain network model near criticality (i.e., an optimally balanced state between order and disorders), which reflects brain dynamics in conscious wakefulness, and adjusted two parameters: local structural connectivity and signal randomness of target brain regions. The network sensitivity to global stimuli was compared between the brain networks before and after the modulation. We found that only increasing the local connectivity of hubs (nodes with intense connections) changes ES to GS, reducing the sensitivity, whereas other types of modulation such as decreasing local connectivity, increasing and decreasing signal randomness are not effective. This study would help to develop a network mechanism-based brain modulation method to reduce the hypersensitivity in FM.
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Affiliation(s)
- MinKyung Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Richard E. Harris
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Alexandre F. DaSilva
- Headache & Orofacial Pain Effort Laboratory, Biologic & Materials Sciences Department, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - UnCheol Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Center for Consciousness Science, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: UnCheol Lee,
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Serine, N-acetylaspartate differentiate adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis compared with healthy controls: a metabolomics cross-sectional study. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2022; 20:12. [PMID: 35144633 PMCID: PMC8832851 DOI: 10.1186/s12969-022-00672-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In comparison with the general population, adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are at higher risk for morbidity and mortality. However, limited evidence is available about this condition's underlying metabolic profile in adolescents with JIA relative to healthy controls. In this untargeted, cross-sectional metabolomics study, we explore the plasma metabolites in this population. METHODS A sample of 20 adolescents with JIA and 20 controls aged 13-17 years were recruited to complete surveys, provide medical histories and biospecimens, and undergo assessments. Fasting morning plasma samples were processed with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Data were centered, scaled, and analyzed using generalized linear models accounting for age, sex, and medications (p-values adjusted for multiple comparisons using the Holm method). Spearman's correlations were used to evaluate relationships among metabolites, time since diagnosis, and disease severity. RESULTS Of 72 metabolites identified in the samples, 55 were common to both groups. After adjustments, 6 metabolites remained significantly different between groups. Alpha-glucose, alpha-ketoglutarate, serine, and N-acetylaspartate were significantly lower in the JIA group than in controls; glycine and cystine were higher. Seven additional metabolites were detected only in the JIA group; 10 additional metabolites were detected only in the control group. Metabolites were unrelated to disease severity or time since diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS The metabolic signature of adolescents with JIA relative to controls reflects a disruption in oxidative stress; neurological health; and amino acid, caffeine, and energy metabolism pathways. Serine and N-acetylaspartate were promising potential biomarkers, and their metabolic pathways are linked to both JIA and cardiovascular disease risk. The pathways may be a source of new diagnostic, treatment, or prevention options. This study's findings contribute new knowledge for systems biology and precision health approaches to JIA research. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings in a larger sample.
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DaSilva AF, Datta A, Swami J, Kim DJ, Patil PG, Bikson M. The Concept, Development, and Application of a Home-Based High-Definition tDCS for Bilateral Motor Cortex Modulation in Migraine and Pain. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 3:798056. [PMID: 35295794 PMCID: PMC8915734 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2022.798056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Whereas, many debilitating chronic pain disorders are dominantly bilateral (e.g., fibromyalgia, chronic migraine), non-invasive and invasive cortical neuromodulation therapies predominantly apply unilateral stimulation. The development of excitatory stimulation targeting bilateral primary motor (M1) cortices could potentially expand its therapeutic effect to more global pain relief. However, this is hampered by increased procedural and technical complexity. For example, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and 4 × 1/2 × 2 high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (4 × 1/2 × 2 HD-tDCS) are largely center-based, with unilateral-target focus—bilateral excitation would require two rTMS/4 × 1 HD-tDCS systems. We developed a system that allows for focal, non-invasive, self-applied, and simultaneous bilateral excitatory M1 stimulation, supporting long-term home-based treatment with a well-tolerated wearable battery-powered device. Here, we overviewed the most employed M1 neuromodulation methods, from invasive techniques to non-invasive TMS and tDCS. The evaluation extended from non-invasive diffuse asymmetric bilateral (M1-supraorbital [SO] tDCS), non-invasive and invasive unilateral focal (4 × 1/2 × 2 HD-tDCS, rTMS, MCS), to non-invasive and invasive bilateral bipolar (M1-M1 tDCS, MCS), before outlining our proposal for a neuromodulatory system with unique features. Computational models were applied to compare brain current flow for current laboratory-based unilateral M11 and bilateral M12 HD-tDCS models with a functional home-based M11−2 HD-tDCS prototype. We concluded the study by discussing the promising concept of bilateral excitatory M1 stimulation for more global pain relief, which is also non-invasive, focal, and home-based.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre F. DaSilva
- Headache and Orofacial Pain Effort Lab, Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences and Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Alexandre F. DaSilva
| | | | - Jaiti Swami
- Neural Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Dajung J. Kim
- Headache and Orofacial Pain Effort Lab, Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences and Prosthodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Parag G. Patil
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Marom Bikson
- Neural Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The City College of New York, New York, NY, United States
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21
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Kamal SM, Elhusseini NM, Sedik MF, Mohamad MF, Khedr EM, Kotb HI. Effect of transcranial direct current brain stimulation of the motor cortex on chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting in female patients with breast cancer. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 23:571-578. [PMID: 34677609 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a negative impact associated to chemotherapy and its management still challenging. This study aimed to research the additive impact of single-session tDCS (2 mA) over the motor cortex for 20 minutes before chemotherapy to antiemetic on CINV in female patients suffers from breast cancer who obtained highly emetogenic chemotherapy. STUDY LAYOUT Prospective randomized double-blind Sham-controlled study. SETTING Academic medical center. METHOD Sixty breast cancer patients prepared for chemotherapy treatment were selected and allocated randomly into two equal groups: a real and a sham group; tDCS became implemented over the primary motor area (M1) (2 mA) for 20 minutes. Patients' nausea was measured by cumulative index of nausea and visual analog scale for nausea (VAS-N), and vomiting by cumulative index of episodes of vomiting, and Edmonton symptoms Assessment Scale (ESAS) to assess symptoms like pain, malaise, and sense of well-being. Evaluation was done prestimulation and every 24 h for 72 h after end of infusion of chemotherapy. RESULTS Real tDCS group showed reduction of cumulative index of nausea (P < 0.001, F = 50), VAS-N (P < 0.001, F = 52) and for ESAS in malaise score (P < 0.001, F = 37.6) and sense of wellbeing score (P < 0.001, F = 25) than sham group. Six patients (20%) in the real group required rescue antiemtic therapy vs. 14 patients (46.7%) in the Sham group (P < 0.028). CONCLUSION Single session of real M1 tDCS could be suggested as an effective adjuvant maneuver in control of CINV in female patients suffers from breast cancer who obtained highly emetogenic chemotherapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trials.gov trial registry (identifier: NCT03405324).
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Kamal
- Associate professor in Anesthesia, intensive care and pain management department, South Egypt Cancer institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - N M Elhusseini
- Resident of anesthesiology, intensive care and pain management, South Egypt Cancer institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - M F Sedik
- Lecturer in medical oncology department, South Egypt Cancer institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - M F Mohamad
- Associate professor in Anesthesia, intensive care and pain management department, South Egypt Cancer institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - E M Khedr
- Professor of neurology and psychiatry, faculty of medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - H I Kotb
- Professor of anesthesiology, intensive care and pain management, Faculty of medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on in-vivo assessed neuro-metabolites through magnetic resonance spectroscopy: a systematic review. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2021; 33:242-253. [PMID: 33926587 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2021.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous studies have examined the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the in-vivo concentrations of neuro-metabolites assessed through magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in neurological and psychiatry disorders. This review aims to systematically evaluate the data on the effect of tDCS on MRS findings and thereby attempt to understand the potential mechanism of tDCS on neuro-metabolites. METHODS The relevant literature was obtained through PubMed and cross-reference (search till June 2020). Thirty-four studies were reviewed, of which 22 reported results from healthy controls and 12 were from patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders. RESULTS The evidence converges to highlight that tDCS modulates the neuro-metabolite levels at the site of stimulation, which, in turn, translates into alterations in the behavioural outcome. It also shows that the baseline level of these neuro-metabolites can, to a certain extent, predict the outcome after tDCS. However, even though tDCS has shown promising effects in alleviating symptoms of various psychiatric disorders, there are limited studies that have reported the effect of tDCS on neuro-metabolite levels. CONCLUSIONS There is a compelling need for more systematic studies examining patients with psychiatric/neurological disorders with larger samples and harmonised tDCS protocols. More studies will potentially help us to understand the tDCS mechanism of action pertinent to neuro-metabolite levels modulation. Further, studies should be conducted in psychiatric patients to understand the neurological changes in this population and potentially unravel the neuro-metabolite × tDCS interaction effect that can be translated into individualised treatment.
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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: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.3] [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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Choi CH, Iordanishvili E, Shah NJ, Binkofski F. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy with transcranial direct current stimulation to explore the underlying biochemical and physiological mechanism of the human brain: A systematic review. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 42:2642-2671. [PMID: 33634527 PMCID: PMC8090777 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A large body of molecular and neurophysiological evidence connects synaptic plasticity to specific functions and energy metabolism in particular areas of the brain. Furthermore, altered plasticity and energy regulation has been associated with a number of neuropsychiatric disorders. A favourable approach enabling the modulation of neuronal excitability and energy in humans is to stimulate the brain using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and then to observe the effect on neurometabolites using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). In this way, a well-defined modulation of brain energy and excitability can be achieved using a dedicated tDCS protocol to a predetermined brain region. This systematic review was guided by the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis and summarises recent literature studying the effect of tDCS on neurometabolites in the human brain as measured by proton or phosphorus MRS. Limitations and recommendations are discussed for future research. The findings of this review provide clear evidence for the potential of using tDCS and MRS to examine and understand the effect of neurometabolites in the in vivo human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Hoon Choi
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine - 4, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Elene Iordanishvili
- Division of Clinical Cognitive Sciences, Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - N Jon Shah
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine - 4, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine - 11, JARA, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.,JARA - BRAIN - Translational Medicine, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ferdinand Binkofski
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine - 4, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany.,Division of Clinical Cognitive Sciences, Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.,JARA - BRAIN - Translational Medicine, Aachen, Germany
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Dualé C, Macian N, Giron F, Pickering G. Non-specific analgesia during a clinical trial in fibromyalgia. Eur J Clin Invest 2020; 50:e13337. [PMID: 32585738 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND When patients suffering from fibromyalgia undergo a therapeutic trial, a non-negligible part of analgesia is not explained by the drug itself. The mechanisms of this non-specific effect need to be understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS We undertook secondary analyses of a double-blind randomized trial in fibromyalgia patients in which 100 mg/day milnacipran was not found superior to placebo. Data from 49 patients belonging to both groups were pooled. Both before treatment and one month after treatment, all patients underwent a CaNTAB® neuropsychological test (related to spatial planning, reaction time, decision-making and risk-taking, and ability to name objects), and measurements of sensation and pain thresholds to heat and cold, supraliminal heat pain threshold, punctuate mechanical pain threshold and temporal summation, mechanical allodynia to skin brushing, and response to conditioned pain modulation. We studied the baseline predictors of analgesia and the indicators of change associated to analgesia separately. A stepwise approach was used to select the factors to enter into the final ANCOVAs, in which age, body mass index, treatment group and pain at baseline were covariates. RESULTS No baseline predictor of non-specific analgesia other than pain at baseline was found to be predictive. Conversely, several neuropsychological (higher performance) or psychophysical (lower sensitivity) changes correlated with analgesia in unadjusted analyses. Multivariable analyses identified increases in warm/heat thermal thresholds and an increased ability to name objects, as factors associated with analgesia. CONCLUSIONS The changes observed concomitantly to non-specific pain analgesia might be related to mild changes in brain functioning, based on convergent literature data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Dualé
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Centre de Pharmacologie Clinique, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,INSERM, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Nicolas Macian
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Centre de Pharmacologie Clinique, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Fatiha Giron
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Centre de Pharmacologie Clinique, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Gisèle Pickering
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Centre de Pharmacologie Clinique, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,INSERM, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Université Clermont-Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Lloyd DM, Wittkopf PG, Arendsen LJ, Jones AK. Is Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Effective for the Treatment of Pain in Fibromyalgia? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2020; 21:1085-1100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Effects of add-on transcranial direct current stimulation on pain in Korean patients with fibromyalgia. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12114. [PMID: 32694653 PMCID: PMC7374102 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69131-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite promising preliminary results of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) treatment in patients with fibromyalgia (FM), several issues need to be addressed, including its limited efficacy, low response rate, and poor tolerability. We investigated the efficacy and safety of tDCS as an add-on treatment for chronic pain in Korean patients with FM. This study enrolled 46 patients who were refractory to pain medications from May 2016 to February 2017. A conventional tDCS device was used to supply 2 mA of current for 20 min on five consecutive days. The primary end-point was a change in visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score at the end of treatment; secondary end-points included changes in Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale (MOS-SS) scores. After tDCS, 46 patients showed clinical improvements in VAS pain scores on days 6, 13, and 36 compared with day 0 (p < 0.001). Improvement in FIQ was seen on day 13. The BDI decreased significantly on days 6 and 36, and BFI improved significantly on days 6 and 13. There were no significant improvements in STAI-I, STAI-II, and MOS-SS scores after tDCS. No serious adverse events were observed. Our results suggest that tDCS can result in significant pain relief in FM patients and may be an effective add-on treatment.
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Archibald J, MacMillan EL, Enzler A, Jutzeler CR, Schweinhardt P, Kramer JL. Excitatory and inhibitory responses in the brain to experimental pain: A systematic review of MR spectroscopy studies. Neuroimage 2020; 215:116794. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
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Coskun Benlidayi I. The effectiveness and safety of electrotherapy in the management of fibromyalgia. Rheumatol Int 2020; 40:1571-1580. [PMID: 32524302 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-020-04618-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Treating fibromyalgia is a challenging task for physicians. With its multifaceted features, fibromyalgia requires a comprehensive management strategy focusing on both the pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options. During the last decades, there has been growing evidence regarding the role of electrotherapy in fibromyalgia treatment. In this regard, the present article aimed to review the recent literature on the effectiveness and safety of the electrotherapy in the treatment of fibromyalgia. A literature search was conducted through PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus databases. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), non-invasive brain stimulation (transcranial direct current/magnetic stimulation), and light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (LASER) emerged as the most commonly examined electrotherapy techniques in fibromyalgia. Currently, there is growing data regarding the effectiveness of electrotherapy in the management of fibromyalgia-related pain. Besides, non-invasive electrotherapy techniques are related to no/minor side effects. Further studies are warranted to identify the optimal treatment protocols for each electrotherapy modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilke Coskun Benlidayi
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey.
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30
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Meeker TJ, Jupudi R, Lenz FA, Greenspan JD. New Developments in Non-invasive Brain Stimulation in Chronic Pain. CURRENT PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION REPORTS 2020; 8:280-292. [PMID: 33473332 DOI: 10.1007/s40141-020-00260-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The goal of this review is to present a summary of the recent literature of a non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) to alleviate pain in people with chronic pain syndromes. This article reviews the current evidence for the use of transcranial direct current (tDCS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to improve outcomes in chronic pain. Finally, we introduce the reader to novel stimulation methods that may improve therapeutic outcomes in chronic pain. Recent Findings While tDCS is approved for treatment of fibromyalgia in Canada and the European Union, no NIBS method is currently approved for chronic pain in the United States. Increasing sample sizes in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) seems the most efficient way to increase confidence in initial promising results. Trends at funding agencies reveal increased interest and support for NIBS such as recent Requests for Application from the National Institutes of Health. NIBS in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy and physical therapy may enhance outcomes in chronic pain. Novel stimulation methods, such as transcranial ultrasound stimulation, await rigorous study in chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Meeker
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Dept. of Neural and Pain Sciences, School of Dentistry, and Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, Univ. of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rithvic Jupudi
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Frederik A Lenz
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joel D Greenspan
- Dept. of Neural and Pain Sciences, School of Dentistry, and Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, Univ. of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
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An exploratory proton MRS examination of gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, and glutamine and their relationship to affective aspects of chronic pain. Neurosci Res 2020; 163:10-17. [PMID: 32171782 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2020.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Veterans experience chronic pain more frequently than civilians. Identification of neurobiological mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of chronic pain in a veteran population may aid in the development of novel treatment targets. In this pilot proof-of-concept study, veterans with chronic pain (N = 61) and no chronic pain (N = 19) completed clinical interviews, self-report questionnaires inquiring about pain history, interference of pain with daily life, and pain catastrophizing, as well as measures of depressive and anxious symptoms. Veterans also underwent single-voxel proton (1H) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) at 3 T in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) using a two-dimensional (2D) J-resolved point spectroscopy sequence. We found no group difference in neurometabolites between veterans with and without chronic pain; however, pain intensity, negative thinking about pain, and description of pain in affective terms were associated with lower GABA/Cre in the ACC. In addition, the Glu/GABA ratio in the ACC was positively associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms in veterans with chronic pain. Reductions in GABA in the ACC may contribute to increased pain intensity and greater pain catastrophizing in veterans with chronic pain. Furthermore, a disturbance in the excitatory-inhibitory balance may contribute to the anxious and depressive symptoms related to chronic pain. Given the pilot nature of the study, these findings must be considered preliminary.
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Nwaroh C, Giuffre A, Cole L, Bell T, Carlson HL, MacMaster FP, Kirton A, Harris AD. Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on GABA and Glx in Children: A pilot study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0222620. [PMID: 31910218 PMCID: PMC6946135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a form of non-invasive brain stimulation that safely modulates brain excitability and has therapeutic potential for many conditions. Several studies have shown that anodal tDCS of the primary motor cortex (M1) facilitates motor learning and plasticity, but there is little information about the underlying mechanisms. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), it has been shown that tDCS can affect local levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and Glx (a measure of glutamate and glutamine combined) in adults, both of which are known to be associated with skill acquisition and plasticity; however this has yet to be studied in children and adolescents. This study examined GABA and Glx in response to conventional anodal tDCS (a-tDCS) and high definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) targeting the M1 in a pediatric population. Twenty-four typically developing, right-handed children ages 12-18 years participated in five consecutive days of tDCS intervention (sham, a-tDCS or HD-tDCS) targeting the right M1 while training in a fine motor task (Purdue Pegboard Task) with their left hand. Glx and GABA were measured before and after the protocol (at day 5 and 6 weeks) using a PRESS and GABA-edited MEGA-PRESS MRS sequence in the sensorimotor cortices. Glx measured in the left sensorimotor cortex was higher in the HD-tDCS group compared to a-tDCS and sham at 6 weeks (p = 0.001). No changes in GABA were observed in either sensorimotor cortex at any time. These results suggest that neither a-tDCS or HD-tDCS locally affect GABA and Glx in the developing brain and therefore it may demonstrate different responses in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chidera Nwaroh
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACHRI), Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Child and Adolescent Imaging Research (CAIR) Program, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Adrianna Giuffre
- Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACHRI), Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lauran Cole
- Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACHRI), Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Tiffany Bell
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACHRI), Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Child and Adolescent Imaging Research (CAIR) Program, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Helen L. Carlson
- Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACHRI), Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Frank P. MacMaster
- Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACHRI), Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Child and Adolescent Imaging Research (CAIR) Program, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- The Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Addictions and Mental Health Strategic Clinical Network, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Adam Kirton
- Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACHRI), Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ashley D. Harris
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACHRI), Calgary, AB, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Child and Adolescent Imaging Research (CAIR) Program, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Kortteenniemi A, Ortega-Alonso A, Javadi AH, Tolmunen T, Ali-Sisto T, Kotilainen T, Wikgren J, Karhunen L, Velagapudi V, Lehto SM. Anodal tDCS Over the Left Prefrontal Cortex Does Not Cause Clinically Significant Changes in Circulating Metabolites. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:403. [PMID: 32458831 PMCID: PMC7221177 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a putative treatment for depression, has been proposed to affect peripheral metabolism. Metabolic products from brain tissue may also cross the blood-brain barrier, reflecting the conditions in the brain. However, there are no previous data regarding the effect of tDCS on circulating metabolites. OBJECTIVE To determine whether five daily sessions of tDCS modulate peripheral metabolites in healthy adult men. METHODS This double-blind, randomized controlled trial involved 79 healthy males (aged 20-40 years) divided into two groups, one receiving tDCS (2 mA) and the other sham stimulated. The anode was placed over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the cathode over the corresponding contralateral area. Venous blood samples were obtained before and after the first stimulation session, and after the fifth stimulation session. Serum levels of 102 metabolites were determined by mass spectrometry. The results were analysed with generalised estimating equations corrected for the family-wise error rate. In addition, we performed power calculations estimating sample sizes necessary for future research. RESULTS TDCS-related variation in serum metabolite levels was extremely small and statistically non-significant. Power calculations indicated that for the observed variation to be deemed significant, samples sizes of up to 11,000 subjects per group would be required, depending on the metabolite of interest. CONCLUSION Our study found that five sessions of tDCS induced no major effects on peripheral metabolites among healthy men. These observations support the view of tDCS as a safe treatment that does not induce significant changes in the measured peripheral metabolites in healthy male subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Kortteenniemi
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Alfredo Ortega-Alonso
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Public Health Solutions, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Amir-Homayoun Javadi
- School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom.,Department of Experimental Psychology, Institute of Behavioural Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tommi Tolmunen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Institute of Clinical Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Toni Ali-Sisto
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tuukka Kotilainen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jan Wikgren
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Brain Research, Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Leila Karhunen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Vidya Velagapudi
- Metabolomics Unit, Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Soili M Lehto
- Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Zhang Y, Qu M, Yi X, Zhuo P, Tang J, Chen X, Zhou G, Hu P, Qiu T, Xing W, Mao Y, Chen BT, Wu J, Zhang Y, Liao W. Sensorimotor and pain-related alterations of the gray matter and white matter in Type 2 diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy. Hum Brain Mapp 2019; 41:710-725. [PMID: 31663232 PMCID: PMC7268085 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) has long been considered a disease of the peripheral nervous system, recent neuroimaging studies have shown that alterations in the central nervous system may play a crucial role in its pathogenesis. Here, we used surface‐based morphometry (SBM) and tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS) to investigate gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) differences between patients with DPN (n = 67, 44 painless and 23 painful) and healthy controls (HCs; n = 88). Compared with HCs, patients with DPN exhibited GM abnormalities in the pre‐ and postcentral gyrus and in several deep GM nuclei (caudate, putamen, medial pallidum, thalamus, and ventral nuclear). They also exhibited altered WM tracts (corticospinal tract, spinothalamic tract, and thalamocortical projecting fibers). These findings suggest impaired motor and somatosensory pathways in DPN. Further, patients with DPN (particularly painful DPN) exhibited morphological differences in the cingulate, insula, prefrontal cortex, and thalamus, as well as impaired WM integrity in periaqueductal WM and internal and external capsules. This suggests pain‐perception/modulation pathways are altered in painful DPN. Intermodal correlation analyses found that the morphological indices of the brain regions identified by the SBM analysis were significantly correlated with the fractional anisotropy of brain regions identified by the TBSS analysis, suggesting that the GM and WM alterations were tightly coupled. Overall, our study showed sensorimotor and pain‐related GM and WM alterations in patients with DPN, which might be involved in the development of DPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youming Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Minli Qu
- Department of Endocrinology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoping Yi
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Postdoctoral Research Workstation of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Pei Zhuo
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jingyi Tang
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Gaofeng Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ping Hu
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ting Qiu
- Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Wu Xing
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yitao Mao
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bihong T Chen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuanchao Zhang
- Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Weihua Liao
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Lefaucheur JP, Wendling F. Mechanisms of action of tDCS: A brief and practical overview. Neurophysiol Clin 2019; 49:269-275. [PMID: 31350060 DOI: 10.1016/j.neucli.2019.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pascal Lefaucheur
- Unité de neurophysiologie clinique, EA4391, Henri-Mondor Hospital, Paris-Est Créteil University,, 94000 Créteil, France.
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Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Hub topology is altered in fibromyalgia, and disruption of the excitatory tone within the insula influences hub status and is associated with clinical pain intensity. A critical component of brain network architecture is a robust hub structure, wherein hub regions facilitate efficient information integration by occupying highly connected and functionally central roles in the network. Across a wide range of neurological disorders, hub brain regions seem to be disrupted, and the character of this disruption can yield insights into the pathophysiology of these disorders. We applied a brain network–based approach to examine hub topology in fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition with prominent central nervous system involvement. Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 40 fibromyalgia patients and 46 healthy volunteers, and a small validation cohort of 11 fibromyalgia patients, were analyzed using graph theoretical techniques to model connections between 264 brain regions. In fibromyalgia, the anterior insulae functioned as hubs and were members of the rich club, a highly interconnected nexus of hubs. In fibromyalgia, rich-club membership varied with the intensity of clinical pain: the posterior insula, primary somatosensory, and motor cortices belonged to the rich club only in patients with the highest pain intensity. Furthermore, the eigenvector centrality (a measure of how connected a region is to other highly connected regions) of the posterior insula positively correlated with clinical pain and mediated the relationship between glutamate + glutamine (assessed by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy) within this structure and the patient's clinical pain report. Together, these findings reveal altered hub topology in fibromyalgia and demonstrate, for the first time to our knowledge, a neurochemical basis for altered hub strength and its relationship to the perception of pain.
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Mussio CA, Harte SE, Borszcz GS. Regional Differences Within the Anterior Cingulate Cortex in the Generation Versus Suppression of Pain Affect in Rats. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2019; 21:121-134. [PMID: 31201992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) modulates emotional responses to pain. Whereas, the caudal ACC (cACC) promotes expression of pain affect, the rostral ACC (rACC) contributes to its suppression. Both subdivisions receive glutamatergic innervation, and the present study evaluated the contribution of N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors within these subdivisions to rats' expression of pain affect. Vocalizations that follow a brief noxious tail shock (vocalization afterdischarges, VAD) are a validated rodent model of pain affect. The threshold current for eliciting VAD was increased in a dose-dependent manner by injecting NMDA into the rACC, but performance (latency, amplitude, and duration) at threshold was not altered. Alternately, the threshold current for eliciting VAD was not altered following injection of NMDA into the cACC, but its amplitude and duration at threshold were increased in a dose-dependent manner. These effects were limited to Cg1 of the rACC and cACC, and blocked by pretreatment of the ACC with the NMDA receptor antagonist d-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate. These findings demonstrate that NMDA receptor agonism within the cACC and rACC either increases or decreases emotional responses to noxious stimulation, respectively. PERSPECTIVE: NMDA receptor activation of the rostral and caudal ACC respectively inhibited or enhanced rats' emotional response to pain. These findings mirror those obtained from human neuroimaging studies; thereby, supporting the use of this model system in evaluating the contribution of ACC to pain affect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey A Mussio
- Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Steven E Harte
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - George S Borszcz
- Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan.
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Ibrahim NM, Abdelhameed KM, Kamal SMM, Khedr EMH, Kotb HIM. Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Motor Cortex on Visceral Pain in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. PAIN MEDICINE 2019; 19:550-560. [PMID: 28605527 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnx087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is frequently associated with visceral pain. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been proven to reduce chronic pain; however, its effectiveness in malignant visceral pain is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of tDCS in patients with visceral pain due to HCC. Design This is a randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind, prospective study. Forty patients with visceral pain due to HCC were enrolled and randomly assigned into two groups: a real and a sham group; tDCS was applied over the primary motor area (M1) for 10 consecutive days (2 mA, 30 minutes). Patient's pain was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) and verbal descriptor scale (VDS) and for depression by Hamilton rating scale (HAM-D). Evaluation was done at prestimulation, after the first, fifth, and 10th sessions, and one month after the end of stimulation sessions. Results Real tDCS showed a reduction of VDS (P = 0.001, F = 4.01) and VAS (P = 0.001, F = 6.817) for HAM-D (P = 0.012, F = 5,077); the effect started from the fifth session and continued to one month after stimulation, while in the sham group the effect persisted for five days only. Percentage reduction in all scales in the real group after the 10th session was as follows: VDS P = 0.008, VAS P = 0.001, HAM-D = 0.001; for one month after the end of stimulation, it was as follows: VDS P = 0.001, VAS P = 0.037, HAM-D = 0.002. Conclusions tDCS proved to be an effective and clinically relevant therapeutic strategy for visceral pain due to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagwa Mostafa Ibrahim
- Faculty of Medicine, Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Assiut Universiy, Assiut, Egypt
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Lawson K. Kv7 channels a potential therapeutic target in fibromyalgia: A hypothesis. World J Pharmacol 2018; 7:1-9. [DOI: 10.5497/wjp.v7.i1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia is characterized by the primary symptoms of persistent diffuse pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance and cognitive dysfunction. Persistent pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, are often refractory to current available therapies. An involvement of K+ channels in the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia is emerging and supported by drug treatments for this condition exhibiting action at these molecular processes. K+ channels constitute potential novel target candidates for pain therapy offering peripheral and/or central actions. The Kv7 channel activators, flupirtine and retigabine, have exhibited pharmacological profiles compatible to the requirements needed for use as a therapeutic approach to fibromyalgia. Clinical trials to address the multidimensional challenges of fibromyalgia with flupirtine and retigabine will provide important insight to the role of K+ channels in this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Lawson
- Department of Biosciences and Chemistry, Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, United Kingdom
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Hodaj H, Payen JF, Lefaucheur JP. Therapeutic impact of motor cortex rTMS in patients with chronic neuropathic pain even in the absence of an analgesic response. A case report. Neurophysiol Clin 2018; 48:303-308. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neucli.2018.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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Thiaucourt M, Shabes P, Schloss N, Sack M, Baumgärtner U, Schmahl C, Ende G. Posterior Insular GABA Levels Inversely Correlate with the Intensity of Experimental Mechanical Pain in Healthy Subjects. Neuroscience 2018; 387:116-122. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.09.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Wang S, Cui W, Zeng M, Ren Y, Han S, Li J. The increased release of amino acid neurotransmitters of the primary somatosensory cortical area in rats contributes to remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia and its inhibition by lidocaine. J Pain Res 2018; 11:1521-1529. [PMID: 30147356 PMCID: PMC6097504 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s168008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Studies have confirmed that activation of the neurons of primary somatosensory cortex (S1) is involved in the process of remifentanil (Remi)-induced hyperalgesia (RIH), which can be suppressed by lidocaine (Lido). A total intravenous anesthesia model of rats mimicking clinical Remi-based anesthesia was set up to explore the release of amino acid neurotransmitters of S1 cortex in RIH and its inhibition by Lido in this study. Materials and methods Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following four groups: propofol (Pro), Remi, Remi combined Lido, and Lido groups. Mechanical hyperalgesia was evaluated by von Frey test; the amino acid neurotransmitters in the microdialysates of S1 area were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-fluorescence, and conventional protein kinase C (cPKC)γ levels in the whole-cell lysates and membrane lipid rafts (MLRs) were determined by Western blotting. Results The von Frey test showed that co-administration of Lido significantly inhibited a Remi-induced decrease in the threshold of the paw withdrawal response in Remi group at 2 h postinfusion. Meanwhile, the Remi-induced increases in both the excitatory and inhibitory amino acid releases in S1 were suppressed by co-administrating Lido within 5 h postinfusion. Western blotting showed that the increased cPKCγ level in the membrane lipid rafts (MLR) induced by Remi was also inhibited by Lido. Conclusion The increased release of amino acid neurotransmitters and the translocation of cPKCγ in MLR suggest the activation of S1 neurons, which may be one of the mechanisms underlying RIH. Lido reduces the release of amino acid neurotransmitters in S1 neurons and the translocation of cPKCγ in MLRs after stopping Remi, which may be one of its antihyperalgesic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China,
| | - Weihua Cui
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China,
| | - Min Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China,
| | - Yi Ren
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China,
| | - Song Han
- Department of Neurobiology, Beijing Institute for Neuroscience, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Junfa Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Beijing Institute for Neuroscience, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Pickering G, Macian N, Delage N, Picard P, Cardot JM, Sickout-Arondo S, Giron F, Dualé C, Pereira B, Marcaillou F. Milnacipran poorly modulates pain in patients suffering from fibromyalgia: a randomized double-blind controlled study. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2018; 12:2485-2496. [PMID: 30127596 PMCID: PMC6089099 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s162810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread and chronic pain, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. Milnacipran, an antidepressant, is often prescribed for fibromyalgia with a possible beneficial effect on central pain modulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate if milnacipran could modify the status of conditioned pain modulation (CPM) in patients suffering from fibromyalgia. Design and setting Randomized, double-blind controlled trial. Subjects and methods Women with fibromyalgia received milnacipran 100 mg or placebo. The primary end point was the evolution of CPM with treatments after a 30-second painful stimulus. Secondary outcomes included the predictability of milnacipran efficacy from CPM performance, evolution of global pain, mechanical sensitivity, thermal pain threshold, mechanical allodynia, cognitive function, and tolerance. Results Fifty-four women with fibromyalgia (46.7±10.6 years) were included and randomized, and 24 patients were analyzed in each group. At inclusion, CPM was dysfunctional (CPM30=-0.5±1.9), and global pain was 6.5±1.8. After treatment, there was a nonsignificant CPM difference between milnacipran and placebo (CPM30=-0.46±1.22 vs -0.69±1.43, respectively, p=0.55) and 18.8% vs 6.3% (p=0.085) patients did reactivate CPM after milnacipran vs placebo. Initial CPM was not a predictor of milnacipran efficacy. Global pain, mechanical and thermal thresholds, allodynia, cognition, and tolerance were not significantly different between both groups. Conclusion Milnacipran did not display a significant analgesic effect after 1-month treatment, but the tendency of milnacipran to reactivate CPM in a number of patients must be explored with longer treatment duration in future studies and pleads for possible subtypes of fibromyalgia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisèle Pickering
- University Clermont Auvergne Neurodol, Clermont-Ferrand, France, .,Clinical Pharmacology Department CPC/CIC Inserm 1405, University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France,
| | - Nicolas Macian
- Clinical Pharmacology Department CPC/CIC Inserm 1405, University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France,
| | - Noémie Delage
- Pain Clinic, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Pascale Picard
- Pain Clinic, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jean-Michel Cardot
- University Clermont Auvergne MEDIS, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sophia Sickout-Arondo
- Clinical Pharmacology Department CPC/CIC Inserm 1405, University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France,
| | - Fatiha Giron
- Clinical Pharmacology Department CPC/CIC Inserm 1405, University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France,
| | - Christian Dualé
- Clinical Pharmacology Department CPC/CIC Inserm 1405, University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France,
| | - Bruno Pereira
- DRCI, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Could dietary glutamate be contributing to the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder? Future Sci OA 2018; 4:FSO277. [PMID: 29568566 PMCID: PMC5859338 DOI: 10.4155/fsoa-2017-0105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A 50-year-old man who had suffered from daily obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms for 39 years, in addition to fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, was enrolled in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial to test the effects of a low-glutamate diet on fibromyalgia/irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. After 1 month on the low-glutamate diet all of his symptoms remitted, including his OCD, which had previously been nonresponsive to pharmacological treatment. This case study is limited by self-report of symptoms; however, glutamatergic neurotransmission appears to be dysregulated in OCD, suggesting biological plausibility for this observation. Future research is needed.
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Long-term effect of motor cortex stimulation in patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain: An observational study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191774. [PMID: 29381725 PMCID: PMC5790239 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Motor cortex stimulation (MCS) was introduced as a last-resort treatment for chronic neuropathic pain. Over the years, MCS has been used for the treatment of various pain syndromes but long-term follow-up is unknown. Methods This paper reports the results of MCS from 2005 until 2012 with a 3-year follow-up. Patients who suffered from chronic neuropathic pain treated with MCS were studied. The analgesic effect was determined as successful by decrease in pain-intensity on the visual analog scale (VAS) of at least 40%. The modifications in drug regimens were monitored with use of the medication quantification scale (MQS). Stimulation parameters and complications were also noted. Interference of pain with quality of life (QoL), the Quality of Life Index (QLI), was determined with use of a specific subset of questions from the MPQ-DLV score. Results Eighteen patients were included. Mean pre-operative VAS changed from 89.4 ± 11.2 to 53.1 ± 25.0 after three years of follow-up (P < 0.0001). A successful outcome was achieved in seven responders (38.9%). All patients in the responder group suffered from pain caused by a central lesion. With regard to all the patients with central pain lesions (n = 10) and peripheral lesions (n = 8), a significant difference in response to MCS was noticed (P = 0.002). MQS scores and QLI-scores diminished during the follow-up period (P = 0.210 and P = 0.007, respectively). Conclusion MCS seems a promising therapeutic option for patients with refractory pain syndromes of central origin.
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Online effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on prefrontal metabolites in gambling disorder. Neuropharmacology 2017; 131:51-57. [PMID: 29221791 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gambling disorder is characterized by persistent maladaptive gambling behaviors and is now considered among substance-related and addictive disorders. There is still unmet therapeutic need for these clinical populations, however recent advances indicate that interventions targeting the Glutamatergic/GABAergic system hold promise in reducing symptoms in substance-related and addictive disorders, including gambling disorder. There is some data indicating that transcranial direct current stimulation may hold clinical benefits in substance use disorders and modulate levels of brain metabolites including glutamate and GABA. The goal of the present work was to test whether this non-invasive neurostimulation method modulates key metabolites in gambling disorder. We conducted a sham-controlled, crossover, randomized study, blinded at two levels in order to characterize the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on neural metabolites levels in sixteen patients with gambling disorder. Metabolite levels were measured with magnetic resonance spectroscopy from the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the right striatum during active and sham stimulation. Active as compared to sham stimulation elevated prefrontal GABA levels. There were no significant changes between stimulation conditions in prefrontal glutamate + glutamine and N-acetyl Aspartate, or in striatal metabolite levels. Results also indicated positive correlations between metabolite levels during active, but not sham, stimulation and levels of risk taking, impulsivity and craving. Our findings suggest that transcranial direct current stimulation can modulate GABA levels in patients with gambling disorder which may represent an interesting future therapeutic avenue.
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Abstract
Neuroimaging studies of patients with chronic pain have shown that neurotransmitter abnormalities, including increases in glutamate and decreases in GABA, could be responsible for the cortical hyperactivity and hyperalgesia/allodynia observed in some pain conditions. These finding are particularly evident in the insula, a brain region known to play a role in both the sensory-discriminative and the affective-motivational aspects of pain processing. However, clinical studies are not entirely able to determine the directionality of these findings, nor whether they are causal or epiphenomenon. Thus, a set of animal studies was performed to determine whether alterations in glutamate and GABA are the result of injury, the cause of augmented pain processing, or both. Compared with controls, the excitatory neurotransmitters glutamate and aspartate are significantly higher in the rat insula after chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve (CCI). The CCI also produced significant increases in allodynia (mechanical and cold), thermal hyperalgesia, and nociceptive aversiveness. Unilateral microinjection of ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists restored these nociceptive behaviors to preinjury values. Increasing endogenous levels of GABA or enhancing signaling at inhibitory glycinergic receptors had similar effects as the glutamate receptor antagonists. In naive rats, increasing endogenous levels of glutamate, decreasing endogenous levels of GABA, or blocking strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors in the insula significantly increased thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia. These data support the hypothesis that an altered balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in brain regions such as the insula occurs in chronic pain states and leads to augmented central pain processing and increased pain sensitivity.
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Thibaut A, O'Brien AT, Fregni F. Strategies for replacing non-invasive brain stimulation sessions: recommendations for designing neurostimulation clinical trials. Expert Rev Med Devices 2017; 14:633-649. [PMID: 28681660 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2017.1352470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the potential impact of missed visits on the outcomes of neuromodulation treatments, it is not clear how this issue has been addressed in clinical trials. Given this gap in the literature, we reviewed articles on non-invasive brain stimulation in participants with depression or chronic pain, and investigated how missed visits were handled. Areas covered: We performed a search on PUBMED/MEDLINE using the keywords: 'tDCS', 'transcranial direct current stimulation', 'transcranial magnetic stimulation', 'depression', and 'pain'. We included studies with a minimum of five participants who were diagnosed with depression or chronic pain, who underwent a minimum of five tDCS or TMS sessions. A total of 181 studies matched our inclusion criteria, 112 on depression and 69 on chronic pain. Of these, only fifteen (8%) articles reported or had a protocol addressing missed visits. This review demonstrates that, in most of the trials, there is no reported plan to handle missed visits. Expert commentary: Based on our findings and previous studies, we developed suggestions on how to handle missed visits in neuromodulation protocols. A maximum of 20% of missing sessions should be allowed before excluding a patient and these sessions should be replaced at the end of the stimulation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Thibaut
- a Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Anthony Terrence O'Brien
- a Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Felipe Fregni
- a Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
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González-Villar AJ, Samartin-Veiga N, Arias M, Carrillo-de-la-Peña MT. Increased neural noise and impaired brain synchronization in fibromyalgia patients during cognitive interference. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5841. [PMID: 28724985 PMCID: PMC5517506 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06103-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) and other chronic pain syndromes are associated with cognitive dysfunction and attentional deficits, but the neural basis of such alterations is poorly understood. Dyscognition may be related to high levels of neural noise, understood as increased random electrical fluctuations that impair neural communication; however, this hypothesis has not yet been tested in any chronic pain condition. Here we compared electroencephalographic activity (EEG) in 18 FM patients -with high self-reported levels of cognitive dysfunction- and 22 controls during a cognitive control task. We considered the slope of the Power Spectrum Density (PSD) as an indicator of neural noise. As the PSD slope is flatter in noisier systems, we expected to see shallower slopes in the EEG of FM patients. Higher levels of neural noise should be accompanied by reduced power modulation and reduced synchronization between distant brain locations after stimulus presentation. As expected, FM patients showed flatter PSD slopes. After applying a Laplacian spatial filter, we found reduced theta and alpha power modulation and reduced midfrontal-posterior theta phase synchronization. Results suggest higher neural noise and impaired local and distant neural coordination in the patients and support the neural noise hypothesis to explain dyscognition in FM.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J González-Villar
- Departamento de Psicoloxía Clínica e Psicobioloxía, Facultade de Psicoloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - N Samartin-Veiga
- Departamento de Psicoloxía Clínica e Psicobioloxía, Facultade de Psicoloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - M Arias
- Departamento de Neurología, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - M T Carrillo-de-la-Peña
- Departamento de Psicoloxía Clínica e Psicobioloxía, Facultade de Psicoloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Yavari F, Nitsche MA, Ekhtiari H. Transcranial Electric Stimulation for Precision Medicine: A Spatiomechanistic Framework. Front Hum Neurosci 2017; 11:159. [PMID: 28450832 PMCID: PMC5390027 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2017.00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
During recent years, non-invasive brain stimulation, including transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) in general, and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in particular, have created new hopes for treatment of neurological and psychiatric diseases. Despite promising primary results in some brain disorders, a more widespread application of tES is hindered by the unsolved question of determining optimum stimulation protocols to receive meaningful therapeutic effects. tES has a large parameter space including various montages and stimulation parameters. Moreover, inter- and intra-individual differences in responding to stimulation protocols have to be taken into account. These factors contribute to the complexity of selecting potentially effective protocols for each disorder, different clusters of each disorder, and even each single patient. Expanding knowledge in different dimensions of basic and clinical neuroscience could help researchers and clinicians to select potentially effective protocols based on tES modulatory mechanisms for future clinical studies. In this article, we propose a heuristic spatiomechanistic framework which contains nine levels to address tES effects on brain functions. Three levels refer to the spatial resolution (local, small-scale networks and large-scale networks) and three levels of tES modulatory effects based on its mechanisms of action (neurochemical, neuroelectrical and oscillatory modulations). At the group level, this framework could be helpful to enable an informed and systematic exploration of various possible protocols for targeting a brain disorder or its neuroscience-based clusters. Considering recent advances in exploration of neurodiversity at the individual level with different brain mapping technologies, the proposed framework might also be used in combination with personal data to design individualized protocols for tES in the context of precision medicine in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Yavari
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human FactorsDortmund, Germany
| | - Michael A. Nitsche
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human FactorsDortmund, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Hospital BergmannsheilBochum, Germany
| | - Hamed Ekhtiari
- Neurocognitive Laboratory, Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical SciencesTehran, Iran
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS)Tehran, Iran
- Neuroimaging and Analysis Group, Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Imaging (RCMCI), Tehran University of Medical SciencesTehran, Iran
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