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Goldenberg DL. How to understand the overlap of long COVID, chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis, fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndromes. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2024; 67:152455. [PMID: 38761526 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2024.152455] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Long COVID should be limited to patients with multiple, persistent symptoms not related to well-defined organ damage. Once redefined, a focused review of long COVID demonstrates striking similarity to chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), fibromyalgia (FM) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Research in long COVID has revealed similar findings to those noted in CFS/ME and FM, characterized by central nervous system organ dysfunction. Long COVID, like CFS/ME, FM and IBS, is best understood as a bidirectional mind-body, neuroimmune illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don L Goldenberg
- Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, United States; Adjunct Faculty, Departments of Medicine and Nursing, Oregon Health Sciences University, United States.
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2
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Xiong HY, Wyns A, Campenhout JV, Hendrix J, De Bruyne E, Godderis L, Schabrun S, Nijs J, Polli A. Epigenetic Landscapes of Pain: DNA Methylation Dynamics in Chronic Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8324. [PMID: 39125894 PMCID: PMC11312850 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a prevalent condition with a multifaceted pathogenesis, where epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, might play an important role. This review delves into the intricate mechanisms by which DNA methylation and demethylation regulate genes associated with nociception and pain perception in nociceptive pathways. We explore the dynamic nature of these epigenetic processes, mediated by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes, which modulate the expression of pro- and anti-nociceptive genes. Aberrant DNA methylation profiles have been observed in patients with various chronic pain syndromes, correlating with hypersensitivity to painful stimuli, neuronal hyperexcitability, and inflammatory responses. Genome-wide analyses shed light on differentially methylated regions and genes that could serve as potential biomarkers for chronic pain in the epigenetic landscape. The transition from acute to chronic pain is marked by rapid DNA methylation reprogramming, suggesting its potential role in pain chronicity. This review highlights the importance of understanding the temporal dynamics of DNA methylation during this transition to develop targeted therapeutic interventions. Reversing pathological DNA methylation patterns through epigenetic therapies emerges as a promising strategy for pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Yu Xiong
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
| | - Arne Wyns
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
| | - Jente Van Campenhout
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
| | - Jolien Hendrix
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elke De Bruyne
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Lode Godderis
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Siobhan Schabrun
- The School of Physical Therapy, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
- The Gray Centre for Mobility and Activity, Parkwood Institute, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Jo Nijs
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
- Chronic Pain Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Brussels, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Unit of Physiotherapy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41390 Göterbog, Sweden
| | - Andrea Polli
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
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3
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Shraim MA, Massé-Alarie H, Farrell MJ, Cavaleri R, Loggia ML, Hodges PW. Neuroinflammatory activation in sensory and motor regions of the cortex is related to sensorimotor function in individuals with low back pain maintained by nociplastic mechanisms: A preliminary proof-of-concept study. Eur J Pain 2024. [PMID: 39007713 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain involves communication between neural and immune systems. Recent data suggest localization of glial (brain immune cells) activation to the sensorimotor regions of the brain cortex (S1/M1) in chronic low back pain (LBP). As glia perform diverse functions that impact neural function, activation might contribute to sensorimotor changes, particularly in LBP maintained by increased nervous system sensitivity (i.e., nociplastic pain). This preliminary proof-of-concept study aimed to: (i) compare evidence of neuroinflammatory activation in S1/M1 between individuals with and without LBP (and between nociceptive and nociplastic LBP phenotypes), and (ii) evaluate relationships between neuroinflammatory activation and sensorimotor function. METHODS Simultaneous PET-fMRI measured neuroinflammatory activation in functionally defined S1/M1 in pain-free individuals (n = 8) and individuals with chronic LBP (n = 9; nociceptive: n = 4, nociplastic: n = 5). Regions of S1/M1 related to the back were identified using fMRI during motor tasks and thermal stimuli. Sensorimotor measures included single and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and quantitative sensory testing (QST). Sleep, depression, disability and pain questionnaires were administered. RESULTS Neuroinflammatory activation was greater in the lower back cortical representation of S1/M1 of the nociplastic LBP group than both nociceptive LBP and pain-free groups. Neuroinflammatory activation in S1/M1 was positively correlated with sensitivity to hot (r = 0.52) and cold (r = 0.55) pain stimuli, poor sleep, depression, disability and BMI, and negatively correlated with intracortical facilitation (r = -0.41). CONCLUSION This preliminary proof-of-concept study suggests that neuroinflammation in back regions of S1/M1 in individuals with nociplastic LBP could plausibly explain some characteristic features of this LBP phenotype. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neuroinflammatory activation localized to sensorimotor areas of the brain in individuals with nociplastic pain might contribute to changes in sensory and motor function and aspects of central sensitization. If cause-effect relationships are established in longitudinal studies, this may direct development of therapies that target neuroinflammatory activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muath A Shraim
- The University of Queensland, School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hugo Massé-Alarie
- The University of Queensland, School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche en réadaptation et Integration Sociale (CIRRIS), Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Michael J Farrell
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rocco Cavaleri
- Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation Lab, Western Sydney University, School of Health Sciences, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marco L Loggia
- MGH/MIT/HMS Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paul W Hodges
- The University of Queensland, School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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Rosenström AH, Ahmed AS, Kultima K, Freyhult E, Berg S, Bersellini Farinotti A, Palada V, Svensson CI, Kosek E. Unraveling the neuroimmune interface in chronic pain-the association between cytokines in the cerebrospinal fluid and pain in patients with lumbar disk herniation or degenerative disk disease. Pain 2024; 165:e65-e79. [PMID: 38900144 PMCID: PMC11190896 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Recent evidence highlights the importance of the neuroimmune interface, including periphery-to-central nervous system (CNS) neuroimmune crosstalk, in chronic pain. Although neuroinflammatory processes have been implicated in central sensitization for a long time, their potential neuroprotective and analgesic effects remain relatively elusive. We have explored the relationships between cytokine expression and symptom severity, and candidates for periphery-to-CNS crosstalk. Patients with degenerative disk disease (DDD) (nociceptive pain) or patients with lumbar disk herniation (LDH) with radiculopathy (predominantly neuropathic pain) completed questionnaires regarding pain and functional disability, underwent quantitative sensory testing, and provided blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. Proximity extension assay (PEA) was used to measure the levels of 92 inflammatory proteins in the CSF and serum from a total of 160 patients and controls, and CSF/serum albumin quotients was calculated for patients with DDD and patients with LDH. We found signs of neuroimmune activation, in the absence of systemic inflammation. Regarding periphery-to-CNS neuroimmune crosstalk, there were significant associations between several cytokines and albumin quotient, despite the latter being primarily at subclinical levels. The cytokines CCL11, CD5, IL8, and MMP-10 were elevated in the CSF, had positive correlations between CSF and serum levels, and associated in a nonlinear manner with back, but not leg, pain intensity in the LDH, but not the DDD, group. In conclusion, we found evidence for neuroimmune activation in the CNS of both patient groups in the absence of systemic inflammation and signs of a communication between CSF and serum. Complex and disease-specific associations were found between cytokines in CSF and back pain intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aisha Siddiqah Ahmed
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kim Kultima
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Akademiska Sjukhuset, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Freyhult
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Svante Berg
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alex Bersellini Farinotti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vinko Palada
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Palada is now with the Department of Physiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Camilla I. Svensson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Kosek
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Akademiska Sjukhuset, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Palada is now with the Department of Physiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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VanElzakker MB, Bues HF, Brusaferri L, Kim M, Saadi D, Ratai EM, Dougherty DD, Loggia ML. Neuroinflammation in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) as assessed by [ 11C]PBR28 PET correlates with vascular disease measures. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 119:713-723. [PMID: 38642615 PMCID: PMC11225883 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has triggered a consequential public health crisis of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), sometimes referred to as long COVID. The mechanisms of the heterogeneous persistent symptoms and signs that comprise PASC are under investigation, and several studies have pointed to the central nervous and vascular systems as being potential sites of dysfunction. In the current study, we recruited individuals with PASC with diverse symptoms, and examined the relationship between neuroinflammation and circulating markers of vascular dysfunction. We used [11C]PBR28 PET neuroimaging, a marker of neuroinflammation, to compare 12 PASC individuals versus 43 normative healthy controls. We found significantly increased neuroinflammation in PASC versus controls across a wide swath of brain regions including midcingulate and anterior cingulate cortex, corpus callosum, thalamus, basal ganglia, and at the boundaries of ventricles. We also collected and analyzed peripheral blood plasma from the PASC individuals and found significant positive correlations between neuroinflammation and several circulating analytes related to vascular dysfunction. These results suggest that an interaction between neuroinflammation and vascular health may contribute to common symptoms of PASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B VanElzakker
- Division of Neurotherapeutics, Department of Psychiatry, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; PolyBio Research Foundation, Medford, MA, USA.
| | - Hannah F Bues
- Division of Neurotherapeutics, Department of Psychiatry, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ludovica Brusaferri
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Computer Science And Informatics, School of Engineering, London South Bank University, London, UK
| | - Minhae Kim
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Deena Saadi
- Division of Neurotherapeutics, Department of Psychiatry, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eva-Maria Ratai
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Darin D Dougherty
- Division of Neurotherapeutics, Department of Psychiatry, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marco L Loggia
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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6
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Kaplan CM, Kelleher E, Irani A, Schrepf A, Clauw DJ, Harte SE. Deciphering nociplastic pain: clinical features, risk factors and potential mechanisms. Nat Rev Neurol 2024; 20:347-363. [PMID: 38755449 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-024-00966-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Nociplastic pain is a mechanistic term used to describe pain that arises or is sustained by altered nociception, despite the absence of tissue damage. Although nociplastic pain has distinct pathophysiology from nociceptive and neuropathic pain, these pain mechanisms often coincide within individuals, which contributes to the intractability of chronic pain. Key symptoms of nociplastic pain include pain in multiple body regions, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive dysfunction, depression and anxiety. Individuals with nociplastic pain are often diffusely tender - indicative of hyperalgesia and/or allodynia - and are often more sensitive than others to non-painful sensory stimuli such as lights, odours and noises. This Review summarizes the risk factors, clinical presentation and treatment of nociplastic pain, and describes how alterations in brain function and structure, immune processing and peripheral factors might contribute to the nociplastic pain phenotype. This article concludes with a discussion of two proposed subtypes of nociplastic pain that reflect distinct neurobiological features and treatment responsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea M Kaplan
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Eoin Kelleher
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Anushka Irani
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Andrew Schrepf
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Daniel J Clauw
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Steven E Harte
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Sarzi-Puttini P, Giorgi V, Sirotti S, Bazzichi L, Lucini D, Di Lascio S, Pellegrino G, Fornasari D. Pharmacotherapeutic advances in fibromyalgia: what's new on the horizon? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:999-1017. [PMID: 38853631 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2365326] [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: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This review delves into Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS), a chronic pain condition demanding thorough understanding for precise diagnosis and treatment. Yet, a definitive pharmacological solution for FMS remains elusive. AREAS COVERED In this article, we systematically analyze various pharmacotherapeutic prospects for FMS treatment, organized into sections based on the stage of drug development and approval. We begin with an overview of FDA-approved drugs, discussing their efficacy in FMS treatment. Next, we delve into other medications currently used for FMS but still undergoing further study, including opioids and muscle relaxants. Further, we evaluate the evidence behind medications that are currently under study, such as cannabinoids and naltrexone. Lastly, we explore new drugs that are in phase II trials. Our research involved a thorough search on PUBMED, Google Scholar, and clinicaltrials.gov. We also discuss the action mechanisms of these drugs and their potential use in specific patient groups. EXPERT OPINION A focus on symptom-driven, combination therapy is crucial in managing FMS. There is also a need for ongoing research into drugs that target neuroinflammation, immunomodulation, and the endocannabinoid system. Bridging the gap between benchside research and clinical application is challenging, but it holds potential for more targeted and effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piercarlo Sarzi-Puttini
- Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi Sant'Ambrogio, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Giorgi
- Unità di Ricerca Clinica, Gruppo Ospedaliero Moncucco, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Sirotti
- Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi Sant'Ambrogio, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Bazzichi
- Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi Sant'Ambrogio, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Lucini
- BIOMETRA Department, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Exercise Medicine Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Di Lascio
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Greta Pellegrino
- Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi Sant'Ambrogio, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Fornasari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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8
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van der Schaaf ME, Geerligs L, Toni I, Knoop H, Oosterman JM. Disentangling pain and fatigue in chronic fatigue syndrome: a resting state connectivity study before and after cognitive behavioral therapy. Psychol Med 2024; 54:1735-1748. [PMID: 38193344 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723003690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatigue is a central feature of myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), but many ME/CFS patients also report comorbid pain symptoms. It remains unclear whether these symptoms are related to similar or dissociable brain networks. This study used resting-state fMRI to disentangle networks associated with fatigue and pain symptoms in ME/CFS patients, and to link changes in those networks to clinical improvements following cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). METHODS Relationships between pain and fatigue symptoms and cortico-cortical connectivity were assessed within ME/CFS patients at baseline (N = 72) and after CBT (N = 33) and waiting list (WL, N = 18) and compared to healthy controls (HC, N = 29). The analyses focused on four networks previously associated with pain and/or fatigue, i.e. the fronto-parietal network (FPN), premotor network (PMN), somatomotor network (SMN), and default mode network (DMN). RESULTS At baseline, variation in pain and fatigue symptoms related to partially dissociable brain networks. Fatigue was associated with higher SMN-PMN connectivity and lower SMN-DMN connectivity. Pain was associated with lower PMN-DMN connectivity. CBT improved SMN-DMN connectivity, compared to WL. Larger clinical improvements were associated with larger increases in frontal SMN-DMN connectivity. No CBT effects were observed for PMN-DMN or SMN-PMN connectivity. CONCLUSIONS These results provide insight into the dissociable neural mechanisms underlying fatigue and pain symptoms in ME/CFS and how they are affected by CBT in successfully treated patients. Further investigation of how and in whom behavioral and biomedical treatments affect these networks is warranted to improve and individualize existing or new treatments for ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke E van der Schaaf
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Radboud University, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Department of cognitive neuropsychology Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Geerligs
- Radboud University, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ivan Toni
- Radboud University, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Knoop
- Department of Medical Psychology and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joukje M Oosterman
- Radboud University, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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9
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Emvalomenos GM, Kang JWM, Jupp B, Mychasiuk R, Keay KA, Henderson LA. Recent developments and challenges in positron emission tomography imaging of gliosis in chronic neuropathic pain. Pain 2024:00006396-990000000-00597. [PMID: 38713812 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Understanding the mechanisms that underpin the transition from acute to chronic pain is critical for the development of more effective and targeted treatments. There is growing interest in the contribution of glial cells to this process, with cross-sectional preclinical studies demonstrating specific changes in these cell types capturing targeted timepoints from the acute phase and the chronic phase. In vivo longitudinal assessment of the development and evolution of these changes in experimental animals and humans has presented a significant challenge. Recent technological advances in preclinical and clinical positron emission tomography, including the development of specific radiotracers for gliosis, offer great promise for the field. These advances now permit tracking of glial changes over time and provide the ability to relate these changes to pain-relevant symptomology, comorbid psychiatric conditions, and treatment outcomes at both a group and an individual level. In this article, we summarize evidence for gliosis in the transition from acute to chronic pain and provide an overview of the specific radiotracers available to measure this process, highlighting their potential, particularly when combined with ex vivo/in vitro techniques, to understand the pathophysiology of chronic neuropathic pain. These complementary investigations can be used to bridge the existing gap in the field concerning the contribution of gliosis to neuropathic pain and identify potential targets for interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaelle M Emvalomenos
- School of Medical Sciences [Neuroscience], and the Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - James W M Kang
- School of Medical Sciences [Neuroscience], and the Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bianca Jupp
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kevin A Keay
- School of Medical Sciences [Neuroscience], and the Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Luke A Henderson
- School of Medical Sciences [Neuroscience], and the Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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10
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Sandström A, Torrado-Carvajal A, Morrissey EJ, Kim M, Alshelh Z, Zhu Y, Li MD, Chang CY, Jarraya M, Akeju O, Schrepf A, Harris RE, Kwon YM, Bedair H, Chen AF, Mercaldo ND, Kettner N, Napadow V, Toschi N, Edwards RR, Loggia ML. [ 11 C]-PBR28 positron emission tomography signal as an imaging marker of joint inflammation in knee osteoarthritis. Pain 2024; 165:1121-1130. [PMID: 38015622 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003114] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Although inflammation is known to play a role in knee osteoarthritis (KOA), inflammation-specific imaging is not routinely performed. In this article, we evaluate the role of joint inflammation, measured using [ 11 C]-PBR28, a radioligand for the inflammatory marker 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO), in KOA. Twenty-one KOA patients and 11 healthy controls (HC) underwent positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) knee imaging with the TSPO ligand [ 11 C]-PBR28. Standardized uptake values were extracted from regions-of-interest (ROIs) semiautomatically segmented from MRI data, and compared across groups (HC, KOA) and subgroups (unilateral/bilateral KOA symptoms), across knees (most vs least painful), and against clinical variables (eg, pain and Kellgren-Lawrence [KL] grades). Overall, KOA patients demonstrated elevated [ 11 C]-PBR28 binding across all knee ROIs, compared with HC (all P 's < 0.005). Specifically, PET signal was significantly elevated in both knees in patients with bilateral KOA symptoms (both P 's < 0.01), and in the symptomatic knee ( P < 0.05), but not the asymptomatic knee ( P = 0.95) of patients with unilateral KOA symptoms. Positron emission tomography signal was higher in the most vs least painful knee ( P < 0.001), and the difference in pain ratings across knees was proportional to the difference in PET signal ( r = 0.74, P < 0.001). Kellgren-Lawrence grades neither correlated with PET signal (left knee r = 0.32, P = 0.19; right knee r = 0.18, P = 0.45) nor pain ( r = 0.39, P = 0.07). The current results support further exploration of [ 11 C]-PBR28 PET signal as an imaging marker candidate for KOA and a link between joint inflammation and osteoarthritis-related pain severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Sandström
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Angel Torrado-Carvajal
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Medical Image Analysis and Biometry Laboratory, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Erin J Morrissey
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Minhae Kim
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Zeynab Alshelh
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yehui Zhu
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Matthew D Li
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Connie Y Chang
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mohamed Jarraya
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Oluwaseun Akeju
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Andrew Schrepf
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Richard E Harris
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, School of Medicine, University of California at Irvine, Irvine CA, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, School of Medicine, University of California at Irvine, Irvine CA, United States
- Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Young-Min Kwon
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hany Bedair
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Antonia F Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Nathaniel D Mercaldo
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Norman Kettner
- Department of Radiology, Logan University, Chesterfield, MO, United States
| | - Vitaly Napadow
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Nicola Toschi
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome, "Tor Vergata," Rome, Italy
| | - Robert R Edwards
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marco L Loggia
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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11
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Mazzitelli M, Ponomareva O, Presto P, John J, Neugebauer V. Impaired amygdala astrocytic signaling worsens neuropathic pain-associated neuronal functions and behaviors. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1368634. [PMID: 38576475 PMCID: PMC10991799 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1368634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Pain is a clinically relevant health care issue with limited therapeutic options, creating the need for new and improved analgesic strategies. The amygdala is a limbic brain region critically involved in the regulation of emotional-affective components of pain and in pain modulation. The central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) serves major output functions and receives nociceptive information via the external lateral parabrachial nucleus (PB). While amygdala neuroplasticity has been linked causally to pain behaviors, non-neuronal pain mechanisms in this region remain to be explored. As an essential part of the neuroimmune system, astrocytes that represent about 40-50% of glia cells within the central nervous system, are required for physiological neuronal functions, but their role in the amygdala remains to be determined for pain conditions. In this study, we measured time-specific astrocyte activation in the CeA in a neuropathic pain model (spinal nerve ligation, SNL) and assessed the effects of astrocyte inhibition on amygdala neuroplasticity and pain-like behaviors in the pain condition. Methods and Results: Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, astrocytic marker) immunoreactivity and mRNA expression were increased at the chronic (4 weeks post-SNL), but not acute (1 week post-SNL), stage of neuropathic pain. In order to determine the contribution of astrocytes to amygdala pain-mechanisms, we used fluorocitric acid (FCA), a selective inhibitor of astrocyte metabolism. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were performed from neurons in the laterocapsular division of the CeA (CeLC) obtained from chronic neuropathic rats. Pre-incubation of brain slices with FCA (100 µM, 1 h), increased excitability through altered hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih) functions, without significantly affecting synaptic responses at the PB-CeLC synapse. Intra-CeA injection of FCA (100 µM) had facilitatory effects on mechanical withdrawal thresholds (von Frey and paw pressure tests) and emotional-affective behaviors (evoked vocalizations), but not on facial grimace score and anxiety-like behaviors (open field test), in chronic neuropathic rats. Selective inhibition of astrocytes by FCA was confirmed with immunohistochemical analyses showing decreased astrocytic GFAP, but not NeuN, signal in the CeA. Discussion: Overall, these results suggest a complex modulation of amygdala pain functions by astrocytes and provide evidence for beneficial functions of astrocytes in CeA in chronic neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariacristina Mazzitelli
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Olga Ponomareva
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Peyton Presto
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Julia John
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Volker Neugebauer
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Garrison Institute on Aging, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
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12
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Calzavara-Pinton P, Tonon F, Calzavara-Pinton I. Sun pain and solar dysesthesia: A new challenge in clinical practice. PHOTODERMATOLOGY, PHOTOIMMUNOLOGY & PHOTOMEDICINE 2024; 40:e12955. [PMID: 38361492 DOI: 10.1111/phpp.12955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A few patients report intense pain and other unpleasant sensations, such as burning, dysesthesia and hyperalgesia, after even brief exposure to the sun and in the absence of any skin lesion. Sometimes they also develop systemic symptoms, such as mild fever, fatigue, faintness and fainting. As a result, these patients carefully avoid even short-term sun exposure with a consequent severe negative impact on their lives. METHODS We have reviewed the clinical findings and the results of photobiological investigations of 10 patients who presented this clinical picture. Six of these patients were previously described by our group with the diagnosis of sun pain. We have reviewed the similarities with other previously described disorders such as solar dysesthesia and PUVA pain and have evaluated possible pathogenetic mechanisms. RESULTS During phototesting our patients experienced intense pain in the exposed area and in the surrounding skin, without any visible lesion, even with very low sub-erythemal doses. At follow-up, five patients were diagnosed with fibromyalgia, three with a major depressive disorder, one with bipolar syndrome and one with a conversion disorder. The pathogenesis remains unclear, but the use of a psychopharmacological treatment with antidepressants improved both the neuropsychiatric symptoms and sensitivity to the sun in most subjects. CONCLUSION For patients with pain and other severe symptoms in the absence of skin lesions and clinical and laboratory manifestations of known photodermatoses, a neuropsychiatric evaluation should be suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesco Tonon
- Dermatology Unit, ASST Spedali Civili and University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Irene Calzavara-Pinton
- Department of Mental Health and Addictions, ASST Spedali Civili and University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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13
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Rivera J, Molina-Collada J, Martínez-Barrio J, Serrano-Benavente B, Castrejón I, Vallejo MA, Álvaro-Gracia JM. Opioids and fibromyalgia: frequency of use and factors associated with increased consumption in patients remitted to a tertiary care center. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2024; 25:121. [PMID: 38336629 PMCID: PMC10854187 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07263-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioids are not recommended for fibromyalgia. OBJECTIVE To investigate the frequency of opioid use in a large cohort of fibromyalgia patients and to identify factors associated with opioid consumption. METHODS A retrospective, observational study of a large fibromyalgia cohort in a tertiary care center. We assessed fibromyalgia severity, functional capacity, anxiety, depression, drugs consumption and the patient's impression of change. We compared strong opioid consumers (SOC) and non-SOC. Inferential statistical and logistic regression analysis were used to identify factors associated with opioid consumption, and ANOVA for repeated measurements. RESULTS We found a prevalence of 9.2% of SOC (100 patients) among 1087 patients in the cohort. During the last four years there was a significant increase on the incidence of SOC up to 12.8% (p = 0.004). There were no differences in demographic variables between SOC and non-SOC. Clinical variables were significantly more severe in SOC, and they consumed more non-opioid drugs (p < 0.0001). Opioid consumption was independently associated with other non-opioid drugs (Odds ratio 1.25, CI: 1.13-1.38), but not with the fibromyalgia severity. At three months, 62% of the patients had opioid withdrawal. There were no statistical differences in the fibromyalgia severity at the initial evaluation, or the patient's impression of change compared with those patients who continued opioids. Coping strategies were better in those patients who withdrew opioids (p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS We observed an increase in opioid prescriptions during the last four years. Opioid consumption was associated with concomitant use of non-opioid drugs, but it was not associated with fibromyalgia severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Rivera
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Calle Dr. Esquerdo, 46, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Juan Molina-Collada
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Calle Dr. Esquerdo, 46, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julia Martínez-Barrio
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Calle Dr. Esquerdo, 46, Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén Serrano-Benavente
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Calle Dr. Esquerdo, 46, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Castrejón
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Calle Dr. Esquerdo, 46, Madrid, Spain
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Vallejo
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose María Álvaro-Gracia
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Calle Dr. Esquerdo, 46, Madrid, Spain
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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14
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Brusaferri L, Alshelh Z, Schnieders JH, Sandström A, Mohammadian M, Morrissey EJ, Kim M, Chane CA, Grmek GC, Murphy JP, Bialobrzewski J, DiPietro A, Klinke J, Zhang Y, Torrado-Carvajal A, Mercaldo N, Akeju O, Wu O, Rosen BR, Napadow V, Hadjikhani N, Loggia ML. Neuroimmune activation and increased brain aging in chronic pain patients after the COVID-19 pandemic onset. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 116:259-266. [PMID: 38081435 PMCID: PMC10872439 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted a global impact on both physical and mental health, and clinical populations have been disproportionally affected. To date, however, the mechanisms underlying the deleterious effects of the pandemic on pre-existing clinical conditions remain unclear. Here we investigated whether the onset of the pandemic was associated with an increase in brain/blood levels of inflammatory markers and MRI-estimated brain age in patients with chronic low back pain (cLBP), irrespective of their infection history. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 56 adult participants with cLBP (28 'Pre-Pandemic', 28 'Pandemic') using integrated Positron Emission Tomography/ Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PET/MRI) and the radioligand [11C]PBR28, which binds to the neuroinflammatory marker 18 kDa Translocator Protein (TSPO). Image data were collected between November 2017 and January 2020 ('Pre-Pandemic' cLBP) or between August 2020 and May 2022 ('Pandemic' cLBP). Compared to the Pre-Pandemic group, the Pandemic patients demonstrated widespread and statistically significant elevations in brain TSPO levels (P =.05, cluster corrected). PET signal elevations in the Pandemic group were also observed when 1) excluding 3 Pandemic subjects with a known history of COVID infection, or 2) using secondary outcome measures (volume of distribution -VT- and VT ratio - DVR) in a smaller subset of participants. Pandemic subjects also exhibited elevated serum levels of inflammatory markers (IL-16; P <.05) and estimated BA (P <.0001), which were positively correlated with [11C]PBR28 SUVR (r's ≥ 0.35; P's < 0.05). The pain interference scores, which were elevated in the Pandemic group (P <.05), were negatively correlated with [11C]PBR28 SUVR in the amygdala (r = -0.46; P<.05). This work suggests that the pandemic outbreak may have been accompanied by neuroinflammation and increased brain age in cLBP patients, as measured by multimodal imaging and serum testing. This study underscores the broad impact of the pandemic on human health, which extends beyond the morbidity solely mediated by the virus itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Brusaferri
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Computer Science and Informatics, School of Engineering, London South Bank University, London, UK
| | - Zeynab Alshelh
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jack H Schnieders
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Angelica Sandström
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mehrbod Mohammadian
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erin J Morrissey
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Minhae Kim
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Courtney A Chane
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Grace C Grmek
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer P Murphy
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julia Bialobrzewski
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexa DiPietro
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julie Klinke
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Angel Torrado-Carvajal
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Medical Image Analysis and Biometry Laboratory, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nathaniel Mercaldo
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Oluwaseun Akeju
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ona Wu
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bruce R Rosen
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Nouchine Hadjikhani
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marco L Loggia
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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15
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Tilbor E, Hadar A, Portnoy V, Ganor O, Braw Y, Amital H, Ablin J, Dror C, Bloch Y, Nitzan U. TMS in combination with a pain directed intervention for the treatment of fibromyalgia - A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 170:167-173. [PMID: 38150768 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a highly prevalent condition, that causes chronic pain and severe reduction in quality of life and productivity, as well as social isolation. Despite the significant morbidity and economic burden of FMS, current treatments are scarce. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether stimulation of ACC -mPFC activity by dTMS enhances a pain-directed psychotherapeutic intervention. METHODS 19 FMS patients were randomised to receive either 20 sessions of dTMS or sham stimulation, each followed by a pain-directed psychotherapeutic intervention. With the H7 HAC coil or sham stimulation, we targeted the ACC -mPFC; specific brain areas that play a central role in pain processing. Clinical response to treatment was assessed with the McGill Pain Questionnaire Short Form (SF-MPQ), the Visual Analogue Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, the Brief Pain Inventory questionnaire, and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. RESULTS DTMS treatment was safe and well tolerated by FMS patients. A significant decrease in the combined sensory and affective pain dimensions was specifically demonstrated in the dTMS cohort, as measured by the SF-MPQ (Significant group × time interaction [F(2, 32) = 3.51, p < .05,ηp2 = 0.18]; No significant changes were found in depressive symptoms in both the dTMS and sham groups. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that a course of dTMS combined with a pain-directed psychotherapeutic intervention can alleviate pain symptoms in FMS patients. Beyond clinical possibilities, future studies are needed to substantiate the innovative hypothesis that it is not dTMS alone, but rather dTMS-induced plasticity of pain-related networks, that enables the efficacy of pain-directed psychotherapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einat Tilbor
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, 13th Aliyat- Hanoar Street, Hod Hasharon, Israel; Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
| | - Aviad Hadar
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, 13th Aliyat- Hanoar Street, Hod Hasharon, Israel; Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
| | - Victor Portnoy
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, 13th Aliyat- Hanoar Street, Hod Hasharon, Israel.
| | - Ori Ganor
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, 13th Aliyat- Hanoar Street, Hod Hasharon, Israel; Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
| | - Yoram Braw
- Ariel University, Department of Psychology, 65 Ramat HaGolan Street, Ari'el, Israel.
| | - Howard Amital
- Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel; Sheba Medical Center Hospital, Tel Hashomer, 52621, Ramat Gan, Israel.
| | - Jacob Ablin
- Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel; Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, Tel Aviv, 6423906, Israel.
| | - Chen Dror
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, 13th Aliyat- Hanoar Street, Hod Hasharon, Israel; Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
| | - Yuval Bloch
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, 13th Aliyat- Hanoar Street, Hod Hasharon, Israel; Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
| | - Uri Nitzan
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, 13th Aliyat- Hanoar Street, Hod Hasharon, Israel; Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
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16
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Balducci T, Garza-Villarreal EA, Valencia A, Aleman A, van Tol MJ. Abnormal functional neurocircuitry underpinning emotional processing in fibromyalgia. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024; 274:151-164. [PMID: 36961564 PMCID: PMC10786973 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01578-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by chronic pain, is frequently accompanied by emotional disturbances. Here we aimed to study brain activation and functional connectivity (FC) during processing of emotional stimuli in fibromyalgia. Thirty female patients with fibromyalgia and 31 female healthy controls (HC) were included. Psychometric tests were administered to measure alexithymia, affective state, and severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Next, participants performed an emotion processing and regulation task during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We performed a 2 × 2 ANCOVA to analyze main effects and interactions of the stimuli valence (positive or negative) and group (fibromyalgia or HC) on brain activation. Generalized psychophysiological interaction analysis was used to assess task-dependent FC of brain regions previously associated with emotion processing and fibromyalgia (i.e., hippocampus, amygdala, anterior insula, and pregenual anterior cingulate cortex [pACC]). The left superior lateral occipital cortex showed more activation in fibromyalgia during emotion processing than in HC, irrespective of valence. Moreover, we found an interaction effect (valence x group) in the FC between the left pACC and the precentral and postcentral cortex, and central operculum, and premotor cortex. These results suggest abnormal brain activation and connectivity underlying emotion processing in fibromyalgia, which could help explain the high prevalence of psychopathological symptoms in this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thania Balducci
- Postgraduate Studies Division of the School of Medicine, Medical, Dental and Health Sciences Program, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico city, Mexico
| | - Eduardo A Garza-Villarreal
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Campus Juriquilla, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, C.P. 76230, Querétaro, QRO, Mexico.
| | - Alely Valencia
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, MOR, Mexico
| | - André Aleman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, Cognitive Neuroscience Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Neuroscience, Center for Brain Disorders and Cognitive Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Marie-José van Tol
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, Cognitive Neuroscience Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Nijs J, Malfliet A, Roose E, Lahousse A, Van Bogaert W, Johansson E, Runge N, Goossens Z, Labie C, Bilterys T, Van Campenhout J, Polli A, Wyns A, Hendrix J, Xiong HY, Ahmed I, De Baets L, Huysmans E. Personalized Multimodal Lifestyle Intervention as the Best-Evidenced Treatment for Chronic Pain: State-of-the-Art Clinical Perspective. J Clin Med 2024; 13:644. [PMID: 38337338 PMCID: PMC10855981 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13030644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is the most prevalent disease worldwide, leading to substantial disability and socioeconomic burden. Therefore, it can be regarded as a public health disease and major challenge to scientists, clinicians and affected individuals. Behavioral lifestyle factors, such as, physical (in)activity, stress, poor sleep and an unhealthy diet are increasingly recognized as perpetuating factors for chronic pain. Yet, current management options for patients with chronic pain often do not address lifestyle factors in a personalized multimodal fashion. This state-of-the-art clinical perspective aims to address this gap by discussing how clinicians can simultaneously incorporate various lifestyle factors into a personalized multimodal lifestyle intervention for individuals with chronic pain. To do so the available evidence on (multimodal) lifestyle interventions targeting physical (in)activity, stress, sleep and nutritional factors, specifically, was reviewed and synthetized from a clinical point of view. First, advise is provided on how to design a personalized multimodal lifestyle approach for a specific patient. Subsequently, best-evidence recommendations on how to integrate physical (in)activity, stress, sleep and nutritional factors as treatment targets into a personalized multimodal lifestyle approach are outlined. Evidence supporting such a personalized multimodal lifestyle approach is growing, but further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Nijs
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.M.); (E.R.); (A.L.); (W.V.B.); (E.J.); (N.R.); (Z.G.); (C.L.); (T.B.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.); (A.W.); (J.H.); (H.-Y.X.); (I.A.); (L.D.B.); (E.H.)
- Chronic Pain Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Brussels, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Unit of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Goteborg, Sweden
| | - Anneleen Malfliet
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.M.); (E.R.); (A.L.); (W.V.B.); (E.J.); (N.R.); (Z.G.); (C.L.); (T.B.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.); (A.W.); (J.H.); (H.-Y.X.); (I.A.); (L.D.B.); (E.H.)
- Chronic Pain Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Brussels, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eva Roose
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.M.); (E.R.); (A.L.); (W.V.B.); (E.J.); (N.R.); (Z.G.); (C.L.); (T.B.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.); (A.W.); (J.H.); (H.-Y.X.); (I.A.); (L.D.B.); (E.H.)
- Chronic Pain Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Brussels, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- REVAL, Universiteit Hasselt, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Astrid Lahousse
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.M.); (E.R.); (A.L.); (W.V.B.); (E.J.); (N.R.); (Z.G.); (C.L.); (T.B.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.); (A.W.); (J.H.); (H.-Y.X.); (I.A.); (L.D.B.); (E.H.)
- Chronic Pain Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Brussels, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wouter Van Bogaert
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.M.); (E.R.); (A.L.); (W.V.B.); (E.J.); (N.R.); (Z.G.); (C.L.); (T.B.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.); (A.W.); (J.H.); (H.-Y.X.); (I.A.); (L.D.B.); (E.H.)
- Chronic Pain Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Brussels, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Interuniversity Centre for Health Economics Research (I-CHER), Department of Public Health (GEWE), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elin Johansson
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.M.); (E.R.); (A.L.); (W.V.B.); (E.J.); (N.R.); (Z.G.); (C.L.); (T.B.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.); (A.W.); (J.H.); (H.-Y.X.); (I.A.); (L.D.B.); (E.H.)
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory for Brain-Gut Axis Studies (LaBGAS), Translational Research in Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nils Runge
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.M.); (E.R.); (A.L.); (W.V.B.); (E.J.); (N.R.); (Z.G.); (C.L.); (T.B.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.); (A.W.); (J.H.); (H.-Y.X.); (I.A.); (L.D.B.); (E.H.)
- Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zosia Goossens
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.M.); (E.R.); (A.L.); (W.V.B.); (E.J.); (N.R.); (Z.G.); (C.L.); (T.B.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.); (A.W.); (J.H.); (H.-Y.X.); (I.A.); (L.D.B.); (E.H.)
- Brain, Body and Cognition (BBCO), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Céline Labie
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.M.); (E.R.); (A.L.); (W.V.B.); (E.J.); (N.R.); (Z.G.); (C.L.); (T.B.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.); (A.W.); (J.H.); (H.-Y.X.); (I.A.); (L.D.B.); (E.H.)
- Division of Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Bilterys
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.M.); (E.R.); (A.L.); (W.V.B.); (E.J.); (N.R.); (Z.G.); (C.L.); (T.B.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.); (A.W.); (J.H.); (H.-Y.X.); (I.A.); (L.D.B.); (E.H.)
- Institute of Advanced Study, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Jente Van Campenhout
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.M.); (E.R.); (A.L.); (W.V.B.); (E.J.); (N.R.); (Z.G.); (C.L.); (T.B.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.); (A.W.); (J.H.); (H.-Y.X.); (I.A.); (L.D.B.); (E.H.)
| | - Andrea Polli
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.M.); (E.R.); (A.L.); (W.V.B.); (E.J.); (N.R.); (Z.G.); (C.L.); (T.B.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.); (A.W.); (J.H.); (H.-Y.X.); (I.A.); (L.D.B.); (E.H.)
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment and Health, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Arne Wyns
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.M.); (E.R.); (A.L.); (W.V.B.); (E.J.); (N.R.); (Z.G.); (C.L.); (T.B.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.); (A.W.); (J.H.); (H.-Y.X.); (I.A.); (L.D.B.); (E.H.)
| | - Jolien Hendrix
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.M.); (E.R.); (A.L.); (W.V.B.); (E.J.); (N.R.); (Z.G.); (C.L.); (T.B.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.); (A.W.); (J.H.); (H.-Y.X.); (I.A.); (L.D.B.); (E.H.)
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment and Health, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Huan-Yu Xiong
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.M.); (E.R.); (A.L.); (W.V.B.); (E.J.); (N.R.); (Z.G.); (C.L.); (T.B.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.); (A.W.); (J.H.); (H.-Y.X.); (I.A.); (L.D.B.); (E.H.)
| | - Ishtiaq Ahmed
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.M.); (E.R.); (A.L.); (W.V.B.); (E.J.); (N.R.); (Z.G.); (C.L.); (T.B.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.); (A.W.); (J.H.); (H.-Y.X.); (I.A.); (L.D.B.); (E.H.)
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Liesbet De Baets
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.M.); (E.R.); (A.L.); (W.V.B.); (E.J.); (N.R.); (Z.G.); (C.L.); (T.B.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.); (A.W.); (J.H.); (H.-Y.X.); (I.A.); (L.D.B.); (E.H.)
| | - Eva Huysmans
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.M.); (E.R.); (A.L.); (W.V.B.); (E.J.); (N.R.); (Z.G.); (C.L.); (T.B.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.); (A.W.); (J.H.); (H.-Y.X.); (I.A.); (L.D.B.); (E.H.)
- Chronic Pain Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Brussels, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
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Gerdle B, Dahlqvist Leinhard O, Lund E, Lundberg P, Forsgren MF, Ghafouri B. Pain and the biochemistry of fibromyalgia: patterns of peripheral cytokines and chemokines contribute to the differentiation between fibromyalgia and controls and are associated with pain, fat infiltration and content. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2024; 5:1288024. [PMID: 38304854 PMCID: PMC10830731 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2024.1288024] [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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives This explorative study analyses interrelationships between peripheral compounds in saliva, plasma, and muscles together with body composition variables in healthy subjects and in fibromyalgia patients (FM). There is a need to better understand the extent cytokines and chemokines are associated with body composition and which cytokines and chemokines differentiate FM from healthy controls. Methods Here, 32 female FM patients and 30 age-matched female healthy controls underwent a clinical examination that included blood sample, saliva samples, and pain threshold tests. In addition, the subjects completed a health questionnaire. From these blood and saliva samples, a panel of 68 mainly cytokines and chemokines were determined. Microdialysis of trapezius and erector spinae muscles, phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy of erector spinae muscle, and whole-body magnetic resonance imaging for determination of body composition (BC)-i.e., muscle volume, fat content and infiltration-were also performed. Results After standardizing BC measurements to remove the confounding effect of Body Mass Index, fat infiltration and content are generally increased, and fat-free muscle volume is decreased in FM. Mainly saliva proteins differentiated FM from controls. When including all investigated compounds and BC variables, fat infiltration and content variables were most important, followed by muscle compounds and cytokines and chemokines from saliva and plasma. Various plasma proteins correlated positively with pain intensity in FM and negatively with pain thresholds in all subjects taken together. A mix of increased plasma cytokines and chemokines correlated with an index covering fat infiltration and content in different tissues. When muscle compounds were included in the analysis, several of these were identified as the most important regressors, although many plasma and saliva proteins remained significant. Discussion Peripheral factors were important for group differentiation between FM and controls. In saliva (but not plasma), cytokines and chemokines were significantly associated with group membership as saliva compounds were increased in FM. The importance of peripheral factors for group differentiation increased when muscle compounds and body composition variables were also included. Plasma proteins were important for pain intensity and sensitivity. Cytokines and chemokines mainly from plasma were also significantly and positively associated with a fat infiltration and content index. Conclusion Our findings of associations between cytokines and chemokines and fat infiltration and content in different tissues confirm that inflammation and immune factors are secreted from adipose tissue. FM is clearly characterized by complex interactions between peripheral tissues and the peripheral and central nervous systems, including nociceptive, immune, and neuroendocrine processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Gerdle
- Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping, Sweden
| | - Olof Dahlqvist Leinhard
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping, Sweden
- Radiation Physics, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- AMRA Medical AB, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Eva Lund
- Radiation Physics, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Peter Lundberg
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Radiation Physics, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Mikael Fredrik Forsgren
- Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping, Sweden
- Radiation Physics, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- AMRA Medical AB, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Bijar Ghafouri
- Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Xiong HY, Hendrix J, Schabrun S, Wyns A, Campenhout JV, Nijs J, Polli A. The Role of the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Chronic Pain: Links to Central Sensitization and Neuroinflammation. Biomolecules 2024; 14:71. [PMID: 38254671 PMCID: PMC10813479 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010071] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is sustained, in part, through the intricate process of central sensitization (CS), marked by maladaptive neuroplasticity and neuronal hyperexcitability within central pain pathways. Accumulating evidence suggests that CS is also driven by neuroinflammation in the peripheral and central nervous system. In any chronic disease, the search for perpetuating factors is crucial in identifying therapeutic targets and developing primary preventive strategies. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) emerges as a critical regulator of synaptic plasticity, serving as both a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator. Mounting evidence supports BDNF's pro-nociceptive role, spanning from its pain-sensitizing capacity across multiple levels of nociceptive pathways to its intricate involvement in CS and neuroinflammation. Moreover, consistently elevated BDNF levels are observed in various chronic pain disorders. To comprehensively understand the profound impact of BDNF in chronic pain, we delve into its key characteristics, focusing on its role in underlying molecular mechanisms contributing to chronic pain. Additionally, we also explore the potential utility of BDNF as an objective biomarker for chronic pain. This discussion encompasses emerging therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating BDNF expression, offering insights into addressing the intricate complexities of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Yu Xiong
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Jolien Hendrix
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.)
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Siobhan Schabrun
- The School of Physical Therapy, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
- The Gray Centre for Mobility and Activity, Parkwood Institute, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Arne Wyns
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Jente Van Campenhout
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Jo Nijs
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.)
- Chronic Pain Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Brussels, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Unit of Physiotherapy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41390 Göterbog, Sweden
| | - Andrea Polli
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.)
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
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Beach SR, Luccarelli J, Praschan N, Fusunyan M, Fricchione GL. Molecular and immunological origins of catatonia. Schizophr Res 2024; 263:169-177. [PMID: 36966063 PMCID: PMC10517087 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Catatonia occurs secondary to both primary psychiatric and neuromedical etiologies. Emerging evidence suggests possible linkages between causes of catatonia and neuroinflammation. These include obvious infectious and inflammatory etiologies, common neuromedical illnesses such as delirium, and psychiatric entities such as depression and autism-spectrum disorders. Symptoms of sickness behavior, thought to be a downstream effect of the cytokine response, are common in many of these etiologies and overlap significantly with symptoms of catatonia. Furthermore, there are syndromes that overlap with catatonia that some would consider variants, including neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and akinetic mutism, which may also have neuroinflammatory underpinnings. Low serum iron, a common finding in NMS and malignant catatonia, may be caused by the acute phase response. Cellular hits involving either pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMP) danger signals or the damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMP) danger signals of severe psychosocial stress may set the stage for a common pathway immunoactivation state that could lower the threshold for a catatonic state in susceptible individuals. Immunoactivation leading to dysfunction in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)/mid-cingulate cortex (MCC)/medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)/paralimbic cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuit, involved in motivation and movement, may be particularly important in generating the motor and behavioral symptoms of catatonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott R Beach
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - James Luccarelli
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nathan Praschan
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark Fusunyan
- Department of Psychiatry, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - Gregory L Fricchione
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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21
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Curatolo M. Central Sensitization and Pain: Pathophysiologic and Clinical Insights. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:15-22. [PMID: 36237158 PMCID: PMC10716881 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666221012112725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Central sensitization is an increased responsiveness of nociceptive neurons in the central nervous system to their normal or subthreshold afferent input. AIM To explain how the notion of central sensitization has changed our understanding of pain conditions, discuss how this knowledge can be used to improve the management of pain, and highlight knowledge gaps that future research needs to address. METHODS Overview of definitions, assessment methods, and clinical implications. RESULTS Human pain models, and functional and molecular imaging have provided converging evidence that central sensitization occurs and is clinically relevant. Measures to assess central sensitization in patients are available; however, their ability to discriminate sensitization of central from peripheral neurons is unclear. Treatments that attenuate central sensitization are available, but the limited understanding of molecular and functional mechanisms hampers the development of target-specific treatments. The origin of central sensitization in human pain conditions that are not associated with tissue damage remains unclear. CONCLUSION The knowledge of central sensitization has revolutionized our neurobiological understanding of pain. Despite the limitations of clinical assessment in identifying central sensitization, it is appropriate to use the available tools to guide clinical decisions towards treatments that attenuate central sensitization. Future research that elucidates the causes, molecular and functional mechanisms of central sensitization would provide crucial progress towards the development of treatments that target specific mechanisms of central sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Curatolo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- The University of Washington Clinical Learning, Evidence and Research (CLEAR), University of Washington, WAI, USA
- Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction, University of Aalborg, Aalborg, Denmark
- Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders, Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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22
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Fricchione G. Brain evolution and the meaning of catatonia - An update. Schizophr Res 2024; 263:139-150. [PMID: 36754715 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Back in 2004, in a chapter titled "Brain Evolution and the Meaning of Catatonia", a case was made that the syndrome's core meaning is embedded in millions of years of vertebrate brain evolution. (Fricchione, 2004) In this update, advances over the last almost 20 years, in catatonia theory and research in particular, and pertinent neuropsychiatry in general, will be applied to this question of meaning. The approach will rely heavily on a number of thought leaders, including Nicos Tinbergen, Paul MacLean, John Bowlby, M. Marsel Mesulam, Bruce McEwen and Karl Friston. Their guidance will be supplemented with a selected survey of 21sty century neuropsychiatry, neurophysiology, molecular biology, neuroimaging and neurotherapeutics as applied to the catatonic syndrome. In an attempt to address the question of the meaning of the catatonic syndrome in human life, we will employ two conceptual networks representing the intersubjectivity of the quantitative conceptual network of physical terms and the subjectivity of the qualitative conceptual network of mental and spiritual terms. In the process, a common referent providing extensional identity may emerge (Goodman, 1991). The goal of this exercise is to enhance our attunement with the experience of patients suffering with catatonia. A deeper understanding of catatonia's origins in brain evolution and of the challenges of individual epigenetic development in the setting of environmental events coupled with appreciation of what has been described as the most painful mammalian condition, that of separation, has the potential to foster greater efforts on the part of clinicians to diagnose and treat patients who present with catatonia. In addition, in this ancient and extreme tactic, evolved to provide safety from extreme survival threat, one can speculate what is at the core of human fear and the challenge it presents to all of us. And when the biology, psychology and sociology of catatonia are examined, the nature of solutions to the challenge may emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Fricchione
- Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine Division of Psychiatry and Medicine Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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23
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Cho HR, Lee GK, Lee JY. Increased Risk of Optic Neuritis in Patients With Fibromyalgia: Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study in South Korea. Am J Ophthalmol 2024; 257:76-83. [PMID: 37634609 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2023.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To estimate the risk of incidence of optic neuritis and identify the high-risk group among patients with fibromyalgia (FM). DESIGN Population-based cohort study. METHODS A nationwide, population-based study was conducted using data from the Korean National Health Claims database from 2012 to 2021. This study included all the patients with FM from the entire South Korean population aged 20-79 years (FM group). Moreover, those with pain but not diagnosed with FM were considered as the non-FM group. A cohort was established by classifying it into the FM and non-FM groups during the recruitment period. A log-rank analysis was used to compare the risk of optic neuritis incidence between the FM group and non-FM group. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to calculate the adjusted hazard ratio (HR). The cohort was analyzed by stratifying according to age and sex. RESULTS The FM and non-FM groups included 479,892 and 479,892 participants, respectively. The incidence rate of optic neuritis was 35.65/100,000 person-years in the FM group; the HR was significantly higher in the FM group than in the non-FM group (HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.84-2.41; P < .001). The mean interval between the onset of FM and incident optic neuritis was 2.4 ± 1.8 years. The risk increased significantly in men aged 60-79 years (HR 3.37, 95% CI 2.54-4.48) and in women aged 20-39 years (HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.38-3.22). CONCLUSION We quantified the risk of optic neuritis through a long-term follow-up, which could contribute to understanding the pathophysiology and estimating the general health care burden associated with FM in a practical setting. Great attention should be paid to its risk in older men and younger women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Rae Cho
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Myongji hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine (H.R.C., G.K.L.), Goyang
| | - Geung Kyu Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Myongji hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine (H.R.C., G.K.L.), Goyang
| | - Ju-Yeun Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Myongji hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine (J.-Y.L.), Goyang; Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine (J.-Y.L.), Seoul; Integrated Major in Innovative Medical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine (J.-Y.L.), Seoul, South Korea.
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24
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Staud R, Godfrey MM, Stroman PW. Fibromyalgia is associated with hypersensitivity but not with abnormal pain modulation: evidence from QST trials and spinal fMRI. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1284103. [PMID: 38116188 PMCID: PMC10728773 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1284103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Widespread pain and hyperalgesia are characteristics of chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions, including fibromyalgia syndrome (FM). Despite mixed evidence, there is increasing consensus that these characteristics depend on abnormal pain augmentation and dysfunctional pain inhibition. Our recent investigations of pain modulation with individually adjusted nociceptive stimuli have confirmed the mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia of FM patients but failed to detect abnormalities of pain summation or descending pain inhibition. Furthermore, our functional magnetic resonance imaging evaluations of spinal and brainstem pain processing during application of sensitivity-adjusted heat stimuli demonstrated similar temporal patterns of spinal cord activation in FM and HC participants. However, detailed modeling of brainstem activation showed that BOLD activity during "pain summation" was increased in FM subjects, suggesting differences in brain stem modulation of nociceptive stimuli compared to HC. Whereas these differences in brain stem activation are likely related to the hypersensitivity of FM patients, the overall central pain modulation of FM showed no significant abnormalities. These findings suggest that FM patients are hyperalgesic but modulate nociceptive input as effectively as HC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Staud
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Melyssa M. Godfrey
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Patrick W. Stroman
- Center for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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25
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Jones C, Parkitny L, Strath L, Wagener BM, Barker A, Younger J. Altered response to Toll-like receptor 4 activation in fibromyalgia: A low-dose, human experimental endotoxemia pilot study. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 34:100707. [PMID: 38020479 PMCID: PMC10679487 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100707] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this pilot study, a human intravenous injection of low-dose endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) model was used to test if fibromyalgia is associated with altered immune responses to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation. Eight women with moderately-severe fibromyalgia and eight healthy women were administered LPS at 0.1 ng/kg in session one and 0.4 ng/kg in session two. Blood draws were collected hourly to characterize the immune response. The primary analytes of interest, leptin and fractalkine, were assayed via commercial radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits, respectively. Exploratory analyses were performed on 20 secreted cytokine assays by multiplex cytokine panels, collected hourly. Exploratory analyses were also performed on testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol levels, collected hourly. Additionally, standard clinical complete blood counts with differential (CBC-D) were collected before LPS administration and at the end of the session. The fibromyalgia group demonstrated enhanced leptin and suppressed fractalkine responses to LPS administration. In the exploratory analyses, the fibromyalgia group showed a lower release of IFN-γ, CXCL10, IL-17A, and IL-12 and higher release of IL-15, TARC, MDC, and eotaxin than the healthy group. The results of this study suggest that fibromyalgia may involve an altered immune response to TLR4 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Jones
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Luke Parkitny
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Larissa Strath
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- College of Medicine, Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Brant M. Wagener
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Andrew Barker
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jarred Younger
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
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26
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Ghavidel-Parsa B, Bidari A. The crosstalk of the pathophysiologic models in fibromyalgia. Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:3177-3187. [PMID: 37749410 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06778-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a heterogeneous condition with various mechanisms (endotype) and manifestations (phenotypes). Many worthy endeavors have been dedicated to exploring the main trajectories of FM pathogenesis, depicted as the models of FM development. The Imbalance of Threat and Soothing Systems (FITSS) model, which is an advancing psychosocial form of the "central sensitization" model, and autonomic nervous system (ANS) model, besides new discoveries of potential pathways for FM development such as autoimmunity, small fiber pathology, and gut-brain axis currently comprise all our knowledge assets about FM pathogenesis. The pathophysiology of fibromyalgia is too complex to justify with one model, one main loop of pathogenesis, and one terminator. It appears that the variable FM models could justify some phenotypes of FM. Currently, our knowledge about FM pathogenesis and trying to match the different pathways and links mimic solving a puzzle in the hands of beginners. Until unraveling many missed interconnections and formulas between numerous scrambled pieces of the FM puzzle, proposing an integrated model seems not possible. This review focuses on the main trajectories of FM pathogenesis proposed thus far and tries to illuminate the crosstalking between them. We also propose the subgrouping FM into more homogenous categories based on the endotype-phenotype characteristics. It could provide a more pragmatic approach toward understanding of the diverse network of FM pathogenesis as well as the personalized stratification of FM. Key Points • The disentangled nature of FM pathogenesis escapes from embracing under one integrated model. • There appears to be no way for formulizing FM pathogenesis except the acknowledgment of the different pathways and their crosstalk explored as yet. • Acknowledging the different endotypes/phenotypes of FM spectrum and classifying them into more homogenous groups can help to the pragmatic approach to FM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banafsheh Ghavidel-Parsa
- Rheumatology Research Center, Razi Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Sardar Jangal St, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Ali Bidari
- Department of Rheumatology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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27
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Fanton S, Menezes J, Krock E, Sandström A, Tour J, Sandor K, Jurczak A, Hunt M, Baharpoor A, Kadetoff D, Jensen KB, Fransson P, Ellerbrock I, Sitnikov R, Svensson CI, Kosek E. Anti-satellite glia cell IgG antibodies in fibromyalgia patients are related to symptom severity and to metabolite concentrations in thalamus and rostral anterior cingulate cortex. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 114:371-382. [PMID: 37683961 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent translational work has shown that fibromyalgia might be an autoimmune condition with pathogenic mechanisms mediated by a peripheral, pain-inducing action of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies binding to satellite glia cells (SGC) in the dorsal root ganglia. A first clinical assessment of the postulated autoimmunity showed that fibromyalgia subjects (FMS) had elevated levels of antibodies against SGC (termed anti-SGC IgG) compared to healthy controls and that anti-SGC IgG were associated with a more severe disease status. The overarching aim of the current study was to determine whether the role of anti-SGC IgG in driving pain is exclusively through peripheral mechanisms, as indirectly shown so far, or could be attributed also to central mechanisms. To this end, we wanted to first confirm, in a larger cohort of FMS, the relation between anti-SGC IgG and pain-related clinical measures. Secondly, we explored the associations of these autoantibodies with brain metabolite concentrations (assessed via magnetic resonance spectroscopy, MRS) and pressure-evoked cerebral pain processing (assessed via functional magnetic resonance imaging, fMRI) in FMS. Proton MRS was performed in the thalamus and rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) of FMS and concentrations of a wide spectrum of metabolites were assessed. During fMRI, FMS received individually calibrated painful pressure stimuli corresponding to low and high pain intensities. Our results confirmed a positive correlation between anti-SGC IgG and clinical measures assessing condition severity. Additionally, FMS with high anti-SGC IgG levels had higher pain intensity and a worse disease status than FMS with low anti-SGC IgG levels. Further, anti-SGC IgG levels negatively correlated with metabolites such as scyllo-inositol in thalamus and rACC as well as with total choline and macromolecule 12 in thalamus, thus linking anti-SGC IgG levels to the concentration of metabolites in the brain of FMS. However, anti-SGC IgG levels in FMS were not associated with the sensitivity to pressure pain or the cerebral processing of evoked pressure pain. Taken together, our results suggest that anti-SGC IgG might be clinically relevant for spontaneous, non-evoked pain. Our current and previous translational and clinical findings could provide a rationale to try new antibody-related treatments in FMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Fanton
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Joana Menezes
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emerson Krock
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Angelica Sandström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, A.A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeanette Tour
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katalin Sandor
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Jurczak
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matthew Hunt
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Azar Baharpoor
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Diana Kadetoff
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Stockholm Spine Center, Löwenströmska Hospital, Upplands Väsby, Sweden
| | - Karin B Jensen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Fransson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Isabel Ellerbrock
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rouslan Sitnikov
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; MRI Research Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Camilla I Svensson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Kosek
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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28
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VanElzakker MB, Bues HF, Brusaferri L, Kim M, Saadi D, Ratai EM, Dougherty DD, Loggia ML. Neuroinflammation in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) as assessed by [ 11C]PBR28 PET correlates with vascular disease measures. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.19.563117. [PMID: 37905031 PMCID: PMC10614970 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.19.563117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has triggered a consequential public health crisis of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), sometimes referred to as long COVID. The mechanisms of the heterogeneous persistent symptoms and signs that comprise PASC are under investigation, and several studies have pointed to the central nervous and vascular systems as being potential sites of dysfunction. In the current study, we recruited individuals with PASC with diverse symptoms, and examined the relationship between neuroinflammation and circulating markers of vascular dysfunction. We used [11C]PBR28 PET neuroimaging, a marker of neuroinflammation, to compare 12 PASC individuals versus 43 normative healthy controls. We found significantly increased neuroinflammation in PASC versus controls across a wide swath of brain regions including midcingulate and anterior cingulate cortex, corpus callosum, thalamus, basal ganglia, and at the boundaries of ventricles. We also collected and analyzed peripheral blood plasma from the PASC individuals and found significant positive correlations between neuroinflammation and several circulating analytes related to vascular dysfunction. These results suggest that an interaction between neuroinflammation and vascular health may contribute to common symptoms of PASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B VanElzakker
- Division of Neurotherapeutics, Department of Psychiatry, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- PolyBio Research Foundation, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Hannah F Bues
- Division of Neurotherapeutics, Department of Psychiatry, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ludovica Brusaferri
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Computer Science And Informatics, School of Engineering, London South Bank University, London, UK
| | - Minhae Kim
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Deena Saadi
- Division of Neurotherapeutics, Department of Psychiatry, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eva-Maria Ratai
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Darin D Dougherty
- Division of Neurotherapeutics, Department of Psychiatry, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marco L Loggia
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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29
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Aboushaala K, Wong AYL, Barajas JN, Lim P, Al-Harthi L, Chee A, Forsyth CB, Oh CD, Toro SJ, Williams FMK, An HS, Samartzis D. The Human Microbiome and Its Role in Musculoskeletal Disorders. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1937. [PMID: 37895286 PMCID: PMC10606932 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101937] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) are characterized as injuries and illnesses that affect the musculoskeletal system. MSDs affect every population worldwide and are associated with substantial global burden. Variations in the makeup of the gut microbiota may be related to chronic MSDs. There is growing interest in exploring potential connections between chronic MSDs and variations in the composition of gut microbiota. The human microbiota is a complex community consisting of viruses, archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes, both inside and outside of the human body. These microorganisms play crucial roles in influencing human physiology, impacting metabolic and immunological systems in health and disease. Different body areas host specific types of microorganisms, with facultative anaerobes dominating the gastrointestinal tract (able to thrive with or without oxygen), while strict aerobes prevail in the nasal cavity, respiratory tract, and skin surfaces (requiring oxygen for development). Together with the immune system, these bacteria have coevolved throughout time, forming complex biological relationships. Changes in the microbial ecology of the gut may have a big impact on health and can help illnesses develop. These changes are frequently impacted by lifestyle choices and underlying medical disorders. The potential for safety, expenses, and efficacy of microbiota-based medicines, even with occasional delivery, has attracted interest. They are, therefore, a desirable candidate for treating MSDs that are chronic and that may have variable progression patterns. As such, the following is a narrative review to address the role of the human microbiome as it relates to MSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Aboushaala
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.A.); (J.N.B.); (P.L.); (A.C.); (C.-d.O.); (S.J.T.); (H.S.A.)
- International Spine Research and Innovation Initiative, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Arnold Y. L. Wong
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China;
| | - Juan Nicolas Barajas
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.A.); (J.N.B.); (P.L.); (A.C.); (C.-d.O.); (S.J.T.); (H.S.A.)
- International Spine Research and Innovation Initiative, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Perry Lim
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.A.); (J.N.B.); (P.L.); (A.C.); (C.-d.O.); (S.J.T.); (H.S.A.)
- International Spine Research and Innovation Initiative, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Lena Al-Harthi
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Ana Chee
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.A.); (J.N.B.); (P.L.); (A.C.); (C.-d.O.); (S.J.T.); (H.S.A.)
- International Spine Research and Innovation Initiative, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Christopher B. Forsyth
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Chun-do Oh
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.A.); (J.N.B.); (P.L.); (A.C.); (C.-d.O.); (S.J.T.); (H.S.A.)
- International Spine Research and Innovation Initiative, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Sheila J. Toro
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.A.); (J.N.B.); (P.L.); (A.C.); (C.-d.O.); (S.J.T.); (H.S.A.)
- International Spine Research and Innovation Initiative, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | | | - Howard S. An
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.A.); (J.N.B.); (P.L.); (A.C.); (C.-d.O.); (S.J.T.); (H.S.A.)
- International Spine Research and Innovation Initiative, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Dino Samartzis
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (K.A.); (J.N.B.); (P.L.); (A.C.); (C.-d.O.); (S.J.T.); (H.S.A.)
- International Spine Research and Innovation Initiative, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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30
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Mueller C, Fang YHD, Jones C, McConathy JE, Raman F, Lapi SE, Younger JW. Evidence of neuroinflammation in fibromyalgia syndrome: a [ 18 F]DPA-714 positron emission tomography study. Pain 2023; 164:2285-2295. [PMID: 37326674 PMCID: PMC10502894 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002927] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT This observational study aimed to determine whether individuals with fibromyalgia (FM) exhibit higher levels of neuroinflammation than healthy controls (HCs), as measured with positron emission tomography using [ 18 F]DPA-714, a second-generation radioligand for the translocator protein (TSPO). Fifteen women with FM and 10 HCs underwent neuroimaging. Distribution volume (V T ) was calculated for in 28 regions of interest (ROIs) using Logan graphical analysis and compared between groups using multiple linear regressions. Group (FM vs HC) was the main predictor of interest and TSPO binding status (high- vs mixed-affinity) was added as a covariate. The FM group had higher V T in the right postcentral gyrus ( b = 0.477, P = 0.033), right occipital gray matter (GM; b = 0.438, P = 0.039), and the right temporal GM ( b = 0.466, P = 0.042). The FM group also had lower V T than HCs in the left isthmus of the cingulate gyrus ( b = -0.553, P = 0.014). In the subgroup of high-affinity binders, the FM group had higher V T in the bilateral precuneus, postcentral gyrus, parietal GM, occipital GM, and supramarginal gyrus. Group differences in the right parietal GM were associated with decreased quality of life, higher pain severity and interference, and cognitive problems. In support of our hypothesis, we found increased radioligand binding (V T ) in the FM group compared with HCs in several brain regions regardless of participants' TSPO binding status. The ROIs overlapped with prior reports of increased TSPO binding in FM. Overall, increasing evidence supports the hypothesis that FM involves microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yu-Hua D. Fang
- Radiology and Neurology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Chloe Jones
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jonathan E. McConathy
- Department of Radiology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Fabio Raman
- Department of Radiology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Suzanne E. Lapi
- Department of Radiology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jarred W. Younger
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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31
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Raizen DM, Mullington J, Anaclet C, Clarke G, Critchley H, Dantzer R, Davis R, Drew KL, Fessel J, Fuller PM, Gibson EM, Harrington M, Ian Lipkin W, Klerman EB, Klimas N, Komaroff AL, Koroshetz W, Krupp L, Kuppuswamy A, Lasselin J, Lewis LD, Magistretti PJ, Matos HY, Miaskowski C, Miller AH, Nath A, Nedergaard M, Opp MR, Ritchie MD, Rogulja D, Rolls A, Salamone JD, Saper C, Whittemore V, Wylie G, Younger J, Zee PC, Craig Heller H. Beyond the symptom: the biology of fatigue. Sleep 2023; 46:zsad069. [PMID: 37224457 PMCID: PMC10485572 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsad069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A workshop titled "Beyond the Symptom: The Biology of Fatigue" was held virtually September 27-28, 2021. It was jointly organized by the Sleep Research Society and the Neurobiology of Fatigue Working Group of the NIH Blueprint Neuroscience Research Program. For access to the presentations and video recordings, see: https://neuroscienceblueprint.nih.gov/about/event/beyond-symptom-biology-fatigue. The goals of this workshop were to bring together clinicians and scientists who use a variety of research approaches to understand fatigue in multiple conditions and to identify key gaps in our understanding of the biology of fatigue. This workshop summary distills key issues discussed in this workshop and provides a list of promising directions for future research on this topic. We do not attempt to provide a comprehensive review of the state of our understanding of fatigue, nor to provide a comprehensive reprise of the many excellent presentations. Rather, our goal is to highlight key advances and to focus on questions and future approaches to answering them.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Raizen
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Janet Mullington
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christelle Anaclet
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Gerard Clarke
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, and APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Hugo Critchley
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School Department of Neuroscience, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Robert Dantzer
- Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ronald Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Kelly L Drew
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute of Arctic Biology, Center for Transformative Research in Metabolism, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Josh Fessel
- Division of Clinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Patrick M Fuller
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Erin M Gibson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Mary Harrington
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Program, Smith College, Northampton, MA, USA
| | - W Ian Lipkin
- Center for Infection and Immunity, and Departments of Neurology and Pathology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth B Klerman
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nancy Klimas
- Department of Clinical Immunology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Anthony L Komaroff
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Walter Koroshetz
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lauren Krupp
- Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NYC, NY, USA
| | - Anna Kuppuswamy
- University College London, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, England
| | - Julie Lasselin
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura D Lewis
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pierre J Magistretti
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Heidi Y Matos
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christine Miaskowski
- Department of Physiological Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andrew H Miller
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Avindra Nath
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Mark R Opp
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Marylyn D Ritchie
- Department of Genetics, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Penn Center for Precision Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dragana Rogulja
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Asya Rolls
- Rappaport Institute for Medical Research, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - John D Salamone
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Clifford Saper
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vicky Whittemore
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Glenn Wylie
- Rocco Ortenzio Neuroimaging Center at Kessler Foundation, East Hanover, NJ, USA
| | - Jarred Younger
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Phyllis C Zee
- Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine, Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - H Craig Heller
- Department of Biology, Stanford University and Sleep Research Society, Stanford, CA, USA
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Kato J, Murase R, Minoshima R, Lu F, Toramaru T, Niki Y, Kosugi S, Morisaki H. Levels of preoperative cerebrospinal fluid pro-inflammatory mediators and chronic pain after total knee arthroplasty surgery. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2023; 67:1091-1101. [PMID: 37193632 DOI: 10.1111/aas.14278] [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: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery are at high risk of chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP). Accumulating evidence suggests an active role of neuroinflammation in chronic pain. However, its role in the progression to CPSP following TKA surgery remains unanswered. Here, we examined the associations between preoperative neuroinflammatory states and pre- and postsurgical chronic pain in TKA surgery. METHODS The data of 42 patients undergoing elective TKA surgery for chronic knee arthralgia at our hospital were analyzed in this prospective study. Patients completed the following questionnaires: brief pain inventory (BPI), hospital anxiety and depression scale, painDETECT, and pain catastrophizing scale (PCS). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected preoperatively and concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, TNF, fractalkine, and CSF-1 were measured by electrochemiluminescence multiplex immunoassay. CPSP severity was ascertained, using the BPI, 6 months postsurgery. RESULTS While no significant correlation was observed between the preoperative CSF mediator levels and preoperative pain profiles, the preoperative fractalkine level in the CSF showed a significant correlation with CPSP severity (Spearman's rho = -0.525; p = .002). Furthermore, multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the preoperative PCS score (standardized β coefficient [β]: .11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06-0.16; p < .001) and CSF fractalkine level (β: -.62; 95% CI: -1.10 to -0.15; p = .012) were independent predictors of CPSP severity 6 months after TKA surgery. CONCLUSIONS We identified the CSF fractalkine level as a potential predictor for CPSP severity following TKA surgery. In addition, our study provided novel insights into the potential role of neuroinflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of CPSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungo Kato
- Department of Anesthesiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Reiko Murase
- Department of Anesthesiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rie Minoshima
- Department of Anesthesiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fanglin Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Doctoral Program, Keio University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Toramaru
- Department of Anesthesiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuo Niki
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shizuko Kosugi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Morisaki
- Department of Anesthesiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Varrassi G, Rekatsina M, Perrot S, Bouajina E, Paladini A, Coaccioli S, Narvaez Tamayo MA, Sarzi Puttini P. Is Fibromyalgia a Fashionable Diagnosis or a Medical Mystery? Cureus 2023; 15:e44852. [PMID: 37809234 PMCID: PMC10560069 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44852] [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: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite its prevalence, there is no clear-cut diagnostic path or treatment paradigm for fibromyalgia; this can lead to a multiplicity of symptoms and comorbid conditions that complicate care. "Overlapping symptoms" describe conditions that can occur concomitantly with fibromyalgia and include migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, and pelvic pain syndromes. A variety of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments are available for fibromyalgia, but treatment is best personalized for an individual and recognizes potential comorbidities. Opioids are not the recommended front-line treatment, cannabinoids hold promise but with limitations and nonpharmacologic options, such as aerobic or resistance exercise and cognitive behavior therapy, can play a very important but often underestimated role. Amitriptyline appears to be safe and effective in treating six of the main fibromyalgia domains: pain, disturbed sleep, fatigue, affective symptoms, functional limitations, and impaired cognition ("fibro fog"). Very low-dose naltrexone (2.5-4.5 mg) may offer analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits to fibromyalgia patients, but further studies are needed. Fibromyalgia can be a devastating and debilitating condition for patients, and clinicians are challenged with its diagnosis and treatment as well. Further research as well as compassionate approaches to offering personalized care to those with fibromyalgia are required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elyse Bouajina
- Rheumatology, Farhat Hached University Hospital Center, Sousse, TUN
| | - Antonella Paladini
- Life, Health and Environmental Sciences (MESVA), University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, ITA
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Blichfeldt-Eckhardt MR, Mortensen WCP, Varnum C, Bendix L, Lauridsen JT, Jensen HI, Rasmussen LE, Nielsen HH, Toft P, Lambertsen KL, Vaegter HB. The Danish Pain Research Biobank (DANPAIN-Biobank): a collection of blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and clinical data for the study of neuroimmune and glia-related biomarkers of chronic pain. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2023; 11:343. [PMID: 37675294 PMCID: PMC10477638 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-5319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Chronic pain is a major health problem worldwide but the limited knowledge of its underlying pathophysiology impairs the opportunities for diagnostics and treatment. Biomarkers of chronic pain are greatly needed to understand the disease and develop new targets for interventions and drug treatments, and potentially introduce more precise diagnostic procedures. Much evidence points to a neuroimmune pathology for many chronic pain conditions and that important neuroimmune biomarkers exist in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with chronic pain. Systematic collection of CSF in large cohorts of chronic pain patients and healthy volunteers has proven difficult, however. We established the Danish Pain Research Biobank (DANPAIN-Biobank) with the aim of studying potential neuroimmune and glia-related biomarkers of chronic pain. In this paper, we describe the methods and the study population of the DANPAIN-Biobank. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we included (I) participants with high-impact (HI) chronic pain from a tertiary, interdisciplinary pain center; (II) participants with osteoarthritic pain scheduled for arthroplasty surgery of the hip or knee at a regional hospital; and (III) pain-free volunteers. All participants completed a questionnaire assessing pain, functional impairment, anxiety, depression, and insomnia before samples of blood and CSF were extracted. Quantitative sensory tests were performed on participants with HI chronic pain and pain-free volunteers, and postoperative outcome scores were available on participants with osteoarthritic pain. Results Of the 352 participants included, 201 had HI chronic pain (of which 71% had chronic widespread pain), 81 had chronic osteoarthritic pain, and 70 were pain-free volunteers. Samples were handled uniformly, and CSF samples were frozen within 30 minutes. Conclusions We describe the content of the DANPAIN-Biobank, which is unique in terms of the number of participants (including pain-free volunteers), extensive clinical data, and uniformity in sample handling. We believe it presents a promising new platform for the study of neuroimmune and glia-related biomarkers of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Rune Blichfeldt-Eckhardt
- Pain Research Group, Pain Center of Southern Denmark, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Claus Varnum
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Lillebaelt Hospital—Vejle, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Laila Bendix
- Pain Research Group, Pain Center of Southern Denmark, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Hanne Irene Jensen
- Department of Anesthesia, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lasse Enkebølle Rasmussen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Lillebaelt Hospital—Vejle, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Helle Hvilsted Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Palle Toft
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kate Lykke Lambertsen
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- BRIDGE, Brain Research—Inter Disciplinary Guided Excellence, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Henrik Bjarke Vaegter
- Pain Research Group, Pain Center of Southern Denmark, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Presto P, Ji G, Ponomareva O, Ponomarev I, Neugebauer V. Hmgb1 Silencing in the Amygdala Inhibits Pain-Related Behaviors in a Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11944. [PMID: 37569320 PMCID: PMC10418916 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain presents a therapeutic challenge due to the highly complex interplay of sensory, emotional-affective and cognitive factors. The mechanisms of the transition from acute to chronic pain are not well understood. We hypothesized that neuroimmune mechanisms in the amygdala, a brain region involved in the emotional-affective component of pain and pain modulation, play an important role through high motility group box 1 (Hmgb1), a pro-inflammatory molecule that has been linked to neuroimmune signaling in spinal nociception. Transcriptomic analysis revealed an upregulation of Hmgb1 mRNA in the right but not left central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) at the chronic stage of a spinal nerve ligation (SNL) rat model of neuropathic pain. Hmgb1 silencing with a stereotaxic injection of siRNA for Hmgb1 into the right CeA of adult male and female rats 1 week after (post-treatment), but not 2 weeks before (pre-treatment) SNL induction decreased mechanical hypersensitivity and emotional-affective responses, but not anxiety-like behaviors, measured 4 weeks after SNL. Immunohistochemical data suggest that neurons are a major source of Hmgb1 in the CeA. Therefore, Hmgb1 in the amygdala may contribute to the transition from acute to chronic neuropathic pain, and the inhibition of Hmgb1 at a subacute time point can mitigate neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyton Presto
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Guangchen Ji
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Olga Ponomareva
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Igor Ponomarev
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Volker Neugebauer
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
- Garrison Institute on Aging, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
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Ciaffi J, Lisi L, Mari A, Mancarella L, Brusi V, Pignatti F, Ricci S, Vitali G, Stefanelli N, Assirelli E, Neri S, Naldi S, Faldini C, Ursini F. Efficacy, safety and tolerability of very low-calorie ketogenic diet in obese women with fibromyalgia: a pilot interventional study. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1219321. [PMID: 37502721 PMCID: PMC10369071 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1219321] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Obesity can worsen fibromyalgia (FM) and very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) is a potential therapeutic option for diseases that share clinical and pathophysiological features with FM. In this pilot interventional study, we investigated the effects of VLCKD in obese women with FM. Methods Female patients with FM and a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 were eligible for VLCKD. The ketogenic phase (T0 to T8) was followed by progressive reintroduction of carbohydrates (T8 to T20). Changes in BMI, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D) and 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were evaluated. A change of 14% in FIQ was considered clinically relevant. The longitudinal association between BMI and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) was assessed using generalized estimating equations. Results Twenty women were enrolled. Two discontinued the intervention. The mean age of the 18 patients who reached T20 was 51.3 years and mean BMI was 37.2 kg/m2. All patients lost weight during the first period of VLCKD and this achievement was maintained at T20. Mean BMI decreased from 37.2 kg/m2 at T0 to 34.8 kg/m2 at T4, 33.5 kg/m2 at T8 and 32.1 kg/m2 at T20 (p < 0.001). A significant reduction of mean FIQ from 61.7 at T0 to 37.0 at T4 and to 38.7 at T8 (p < 0.001) was observed and it was maintained at T20 with a mean FIQ of 39.1 (p = 0.002). Similar results were obtained for HADS, EQ-5D and SF-36. Analysing each participant, the reduction of FIQ was clinically meaningful in 16 patients (89%) at T4, in 13 (72%) at T8 and in 14 (78%) at T20. No significant association was observed between change in BMI and improvement of the PROs over time. Adverse effects were mild and transient. No major safety concerns emerged. Conclusion These are the first data on the efficacy of VLCKD in FM. All patients achieved improvement in different domains of the disease, which was maintained also after carbohydrate reintroduction. Our results suggest that ketosis might exert beneficial effects in FM beyond the rapid weight loss. Clinical trial registration This trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT05848544.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Ciaffi
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Lisi
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Mari
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luana Mancarella
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Veronica Brusi
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Pignatti
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Susanna Ricci
- Dietetic Service, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgia Vitali
- Dietetic Service, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Assirelli
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simona Neri
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Susanna Naldi
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cesare Faldini
- 1st Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Ursini
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Dickson C, Zhou A, MacIntyre E, Hyppönen E. Do Chronic Low Back Pain and Chronic Widespread Pain differ in their association with Depression Symptoms in the 1958 British Cohort? PAIN MEDICINE (MALDEN, MASS.) 2023; 24:644-651. [PMID: 36331329 PMCID: PMC10233498 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnac170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Depression frequently coexists with chronic pain. Contemporary models suggest that these conditions share pathobiological mechanisms, prompting a need to investigate their temporal association. This investigation aimed to explore two distinctly different chronic pain conditions, and their cross-sectional and prospective associations with depression. METHODS Self-reported information was available on chronic widespread pain (CWP), chronic low back pain (CLBP) (45 years), and depression symptoms (45 and 50 years) from up to 9,377 participants in the 1958 British cohort. Depression symptom outcomes were derived by "Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised" (45 years) and "Short Form-36" (50 years). Relationships between both chronic pain conditions and depression symptoms were investigated by fitting four separate logistic regression models, each with varying levels of covariate adjustment, including depression at baseline. RESULTS CWP was associated with depression symptoms cross-sectionally (odds ratio [OR] = 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.65, 2.52; P < 0.001, n = 7,629), and prospectively when fully adjusted for baseline, sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health covariates (OR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.17, 1.80; P = < 0.001, n = 6,275). CLBP was associated with depression symptoms prospectively (full model: OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.01, 1.61; P = 0.04, n = 6,288). In fully adjusted models the prospective association of CWP with depression symptoms was more heavily influenced by our covariates than CLBP with depression symptoms. CONCLUSION Pain may be a stressor from which depression can arise. Development of depression may be differentially dependant upon the type of pain experienced. Screening for depression symptoms among individuals with both chronic pain conditions is indicated and should be repeated over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Dickson
- School of Allied Health Science and Practice, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ang Zhou
- ACPreH, Unit of Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Erin MacIntyre
- IIMPACT in Health, Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Elina Hyppönen
- ACPreH, Unit of Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Pinto AM, Luís M, Geenen R, Palavra F, Lumley MA, Ablin JN, Amris K, Branco J, Buskila D, Castelhano J, Castelo-Branco M, Crofford LJ, Fitzcharles MA, Häuser W, Kosek E, López-Solà M, Mease P, Marques TR, Jacobs JWG, Castilho P, da Silva JAP. Neurophysiological and Psychosocial Mechanisms of Fibromyalgia: A Comprehensive Review and Call for An Integrative Model. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023:105235. [PMID: 37207842 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Research into the neurobiological and psychosocial mechanisms involved in fibromyalgia has progressed remarkably in recent years. Despite this, current accounts of fibromyalgia fail to capture the complex, dynamic, and mutual crosstalk between neurophysiological and psychosocial domains. We conducted a comprehensive review of the existing literature in order to: a) synthesize current knowledge on fibromyalgia; b) explore and highlight multi-level links and pathways between different systems; and c) build bridges connecting disparate perspectives. An extensive panel of international experts in neurophysiological and psychosocial aspects of fibromyalgia discussed the collected evidence and progressively refined and conceptualized its interpretation. This work constitutes an essential step towards the development of a model capable of integrating the main factors implicated in fibromyalgia into a single, unified construct which appears indispensable to foster the understanding, assessment, and intervention for fibromyalgia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Pinto
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Rua do Colégio Novo, s/n, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, University Clinic of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga - FMUC, Pólo I - Edifício Central, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Psychological Medicine Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga - FMUC, Pólo I - Edifício Central, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Mariana Luís
- Rheumatology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Rinie Geenen
- Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, Martinus J. Langeveldgebouw, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands; Altrecht Psychosomatic Medicine Eikenboom, Vrijbaan 2, 3705 WC Zeist, the Netherlands.
| | - Filipe Palavra
- Centre for Child Development, Neuropediatric Unit. Pediatric Hospital, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Avenida Afonso Romão, 3000-602 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (i.CBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Mark A Lumley
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, 5057 Woodward Ave., Suite 7908, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| | - Jacob N Ablin
- Internal Medicine H, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Kirstine Amris
- The Parker Institute, Department of Rheumatology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Nordre Fasanvej 57, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Jaime Branco
- Rheumatology Department, Egas Moniz Hospital - Lisboa Ocidental Hospital Centre (CHLO-EPE), R. da Junqueira 126, 1349-019 Lisbon, Portugal; Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Chronic Diseases Research Centre (CEDOC), NOVA Medical School, NOVA University Lisbon (NMS/UNL), Campo Mártires da Pátria 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Dan Buskila
- Ben Gurion University of the Negev Beer-Sheba, Israel.
| | - João Castelhano
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), ICNAS, Edifício do ICNAS, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal, Portugal.
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), ICNAS, Edifício do ICNAS, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal, Portugal.
| | - Leslie J Crofford
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Mary-Ann Fitzcharles
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, McGill University, 1650 Cedar Ave, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3G 1A4.
| | - Winfried Häuser
- Department Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675 Munich, Germany.
| | - Eva Kosek
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden; Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Marina López-Solà
- Serra Hunter Programme, Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona.
| | - Philip Mease
- Swedish Medical Center/Providence St. Joseph Health, Seattle, WA, USA; University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Tiago Reis Marques
- Psychiatric Imaging Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2BU, UK; Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, UK.
| | - Johannes W G Jacobs
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, Netherlands.
| | - Paula Castilho
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Rua do Colégio Novo, s/n, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - José A P da Silva
- University of Coimbra, University Clinic of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga - FMUC, Pólo I - Edifício Central, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Rheumatology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (i.CBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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D'Anna L, Searle G, Harvey K, Matthews PM, Veltkamp R. Time course of neuroinflammation after human stroke - a pilot study using co-registered PET and MRI. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:193. [PMID: 37193998 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03178-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microglial activation contributes to both inflammatory damage and repair in experimental ischemic stroke. However, because of the logistical challenges, there have been few clinical imaging studies directly describing inflammatory activation and its resolution after stroke. The purpose of our pilot study was to describe the spatio-temporal profile of brain inflammation after stroke using 18kD translocator protein (TSPO) positron emission tomography (PET) with magnetic resonance (MR) co-registration in the subacute and chronic stage after stroke. METHODS Three patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and PET scans with TSPO ligand [11C]PBR28 15 ± 3 and 90 ± 7 days after an ischaemic stroke. Regions of interest (ROI) were defined on MRI images and applied to the dynamic PET data to derive regional time-activity curves. Regional uptake was quantified as standardised uptake values (SUV) over 60 to 90 min post-injection. ROI analysis was applied to identify binding in the infarct, and in frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes and cerebellum excluding the infarcted area. RESULTS The mean age of participants was 56 ± 20.4 years and mean infarct volume was 17.9 ± 18.1 ml. [11C]PBR28 showed increased tracer signal in the infarcted area compared to non-infarcted areas of the brain in the subacute phase of stroke (Patient 1 SUV 1.81; Patient 2 SUV 1.15; Patient 3 SUV 1.64). [11C]PBR28 uptake returned to the level of non-infarcted areas at 90 days Patient 1 SUV 0.99; Patient 3 SUV 0.80). No additional upregulation was detected elsewhere at either time point. CONCLUSIONS The neuroinflammatory reaction after ischaemic stroke is limited in time and circumscribed in space suggesting that post-ischaemic inflammation is tightly controlled but regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucio D'Anna
- Department of Stroke and Neuroscience, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Kirsten Harvey
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Paul M Matthews
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Roland Veltkamp
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Department of Neurology, Alfried-Krupp Krankenhaus Essen, Essen, Germany.
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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40
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Fujikawa R, Tsuda M. The Functions and Phenotypes of Microglia in Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081207. [PMID: 37190116 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease worldwide, but therapeutic strategies to slow down AD pathology and symptoms have not yet been successful. While attention has been focused on neurodegeneration in AD pathogenesis, recent decades have provided evidence of the importance of microglia, and resident immune cells in the central nervous system. In addition, new technologies, including single-cell RNA sequencing, have revealed heterogeneous cell states of microglia in AD. In this review, we systematically summarize the microglial response to amyloid-β and tau tangles, and the risk factor genes expressed in microglia. Furthermore, we discuss the characteristics of protective microglia that appear during AD pathology and the relationship between AD and microglia-induced inflammation during chronic pain. Understanding the diverse roles of microglia will help identify new therapeutic strategies for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risako Fujikawa
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Makoto Tsuda
- Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Kyushu University Institute for Advanced Study, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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41
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Jung YH, Kim H, Seo S, Lee D, Lee JY, Moon JY, Cheon GJ, Choi SH, Kang DH. Central metabolites and peripheral parameters associated neuroinflammation in fibromyalgia patients: A preliminary study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33305. [PMID: 37000093 PMCID: PMC10063264 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
To identify central metabolites and peripheral measures associated with neuroinflammation in fibromyalgia (FM), we scanned [11C]-(R)-PK11195 positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance spectroscopy in FM patients. We measured associations between neurometabolite levels measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy and the extent of neuroinflammation inferred by the distribution volume ratios of [11C]-(R)-PK11195 positron emission tomography in 12 FM patients and 13 healthy controls. We also examined the associations between peripheral parameters, such as creatinine and C-reactive protein, and neuroinflammation. In FM patients, we found negative correlations between neuroinflammation and the creatine (Cr)/total creatine (tCr; Cr + phosphocreatine) ratios in the right (r = -0.708, P = .015) and left thalamus (r = -0.718, P = .008). In FM patients, negative correlations were apparent between neuroinflammation and the glutamate/tCr ratio in the right insula (r = -0.746, P = .005). In FM patients, we found negative correlations between neuroinflammation in the left thalamus (r = -0.601, P = .039) and left insula (r = -0.598, P = .040) and the blood creatinine levels. Additionally, we found significant correlations of other peripheral measures with neuroinflammation in FM patients. Our results suggest that both central metabolites, such as Cr and glutamate, and peripheral creatinine and other parameters are associated with neuroinflammation in patients with FM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Ha Jung
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonjin Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongho Seo
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Pai Chai University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Dasom Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Yeon Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Youn Moon
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Jeong Cheon
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Hee Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, SNU-MRC, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Hyung Kang
- Seoul Chung Psychiatry Clinic, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Sall Hansson K, Lindqvist G, Stening K, Fohlman J, Wojanowski A, Ponten M, Jensen K, Gerdle B, Elmqvist C. Efficacy of mecobalamin (vitamin B 12) in the treatment of long-term pain in women diagnosed with fibromyalgia: protocol for a randomised, placebo-controlled trial. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066987. [PMID: 36997252 PMCID: PMC10069488 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fibromyalgia causes long-term pain. It affects at least 2% of the population, the majority being women. In addition, extended symptoms corresponding to vitamin B12 deficiency occur. Findings from several studies have indicated that vitamin B12 may be a possible treatment for pain in fibromyalgia. The aim of the proposed study is to evaluate whether vitamin B12 decreases pain sensitivity and the experience of pain (ie, hyperalgesia and allodynia) in women with fibromyalgia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The study is a randomised, placebo-controlled, single-blind, clinical trial with two parallel groups which are administered mecobalamin (vitamin B12) or placebo over 12 weeks. 40 Swedish women aged 20-70 years with an earlier recorded diagnosis of fibromyalgia are randomised into the placebo group or the treatment group, each consisting of 20 participants. Outcomes consist of questionnaires measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. A final re-evaluation will then follow 12 weeks after treatment ends. The primary outcome is tolerance time, maximised to 3 min, which is assessed using the cold pressor test. In order to broaden the understanding of the lived experience of participants, qualitative interviews will be conducted using a phenomenological approach on a lifeworld theoretical basis (reflective lifeworld research approach). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The protocol for the study is approved by the local ethical committee at Linkoping (EPM; 2018/294-31, appendices 2019-00347 and 2020-04482). The principles of the Helsinki Declaration are followed regarding oral and written consent to participate, confidentiality and the possibility to withdraw participation from the study at any time. The results will primarily be communicated through peer-reviewed journals and conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05008042.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Sall Hansson
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, Linnaeus University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Växjö, Sweden
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Centre of Interprofessional Cooperation within Emergency care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Lindqvist
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, Linnaeus University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Kent Stening
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, Linnaeus University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Jan Fohlman
- Department of Research and development, Region Kronoberg, Vaxjo, Sweden
| | - Anna Wojanowski
- Department of Research and development, Region Kronoberg, Vaxjo, Sweden
| | - Moa Ponten
- The Pain Neuroimagine Lab, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Jensen
- The Pain Neuroimagine Lab, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Björn Gerdle
- Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, and Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linkopings Universitet, Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Carina Elmqvist
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, Linnaeus University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Växjö, Sweden
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Centre of Interprofessional Cooperation within Emergency care (CICE), Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden
- Department of Research and development, Region Kronoberg, Vaxjo, Sweden
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Fülöp B, Hunyady Á, Bencze N, Kormos V, Szentes N, Dénes Á, Lénárt N, Borbély É, Helyes Z. IL-1 Mediates Chronic Stress-Induced Hyperalgesia Accompanied by Microglia and Astroglia Morphological Changes in Pain-Related Brain Regions in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065479. [PMID: 36982563 PMCID: PMC10052634 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress causes several pain conditions including fibromyalgia. Its pathophysiological mechanisms are unknown, and the therapy is unresolved. Since the involvement of interleukin-1 (IL-1) has been described in stress and inflammatory pain but no data are available regarding stress-induced pain, we studied its role in a chronic restraint stress (CRS) mouse model. Female and male C57Bl/6J wild-type (WT) and IL-1αβ-deficient (knock-out: IL-1 KO) mice were exposed to 6 h of immobilization/day for 4 weeks. Mechanonociception, cold tolerance, behavioral alterations, relative thymus/adrenal gland weights, microglia ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA1) and astrocyte glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) integrated density, number and morphological transformation in pain-related brain regions were determined. CRS induced 15–20% mechanical hyperalgesia after 2 weeks in WT mice in both sexes, which was significantly reduced in female but not in male IL-1 KOs. Increased IBA1+ integrated density in the central nucleus of amygdala, primary somatosensory cortex hind limb representation part, hippocampus cornu ammonis area 3 (CA3) and periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) was present, accompanied by a cell number increase in IBA1+ microglia in stressed female WTs but not in IL-1 KOs. CRS induced morphological changes of GFAP+ astrocytes in WT but not in KO mice. Stress evoked cold hypersensitivity in the stressed animals. Anxiety and depression-like behaviors, thymus and adrenal gland weight changes were detectable in all groups after 2 but not 4 weeks of CRS due to adaptation. Thus, IL-1 mediates chronic stress-induced hyperalgesia in female mice, without other major behavioral alterations, suggesting the analgesic potentials of IL-1 in blocking drugs in stress-related pain syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Fülöp
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School & Centre of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Hunyady
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School & Centre of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health, I-53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Noémi Bencze
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School & Centre of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Viktória Kormos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School & Centre of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Nikolett Szentes
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School & Centre of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ádám Dénes
- “Momentum” Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, H-1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nikolett Lénárt
- “Momentum” Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, H-1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Éva Borbély
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School & Centre of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Correspondence:
| | - Zsuzsanna Helyes
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School & Centre of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Eotvos Lorand Research Network, Chronic Pain Research Group, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
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Guha A, Husain MA, Si Y, Nabors LB, Filippova N, Promer G, Smith R, King PH. RNA regulation of inflammatory responses in glia and its potential as a therapeutic target in central nervous system disorders. Glia 2023; 71:485-508. [PMID: 36380708 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A major hallmark of neuroinflammation is the activation of microglia and astrocytes with the induction of inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOS, and IL-6. Neuroinflammation contributes to disease progression in a plethora of neurological disorders ranging from acute CNS trauma to chronic neurodegenerative disease. Posttranscriptional pathways of mRNA stability and translational efficiency are major drivers for the expression of these inflammatory mediators. A common element in this level of regulation centers around the adenine- and uridine-rich element (ARE) which is present in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the mRNAs encoding these inflammatory mediators. (ARE)-binding proteins (AUBPs) such as Human antigen R (HuR), Tristetraprolin (TTP) and KH- type splicing regulatory protein (KSRP) are key nodes for directing these posttranscriptional pathways and either promote (HuR) or suppress (TTP and KSRP) glial production of inflammatory mediators. This review will discuss basic concepts of ARE-mediated RNA regulation and its impact on glial-driven neuroinflammatory diseases. We will discuss strategies to target this novel level of gene regulation for therapeutic effect and review exciting preliminary studies that underscore its potential for treating neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Guha
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Mohammed Amir Husain
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ying Si
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Department Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - L Burt Nabors
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Natalia Filippova
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Grace Promer
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Reed Smith
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Peter H King
- Department Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Department Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Birmingham Department of Veterans Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
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Abstract
Interactions between the immune and nervous systems are of central importance in neuropathic pain, a common and debilitating form of chronic pain caused by a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system. Our understanding of neuroimmune interactions in pain research has advanced considerably. Initially considered as passive bystanders, then as culprits in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain, immune responses in the nervous system are now established to underpin not only the initiation and progression of pain but also its resolution. Indeed, immune cells and their mediators are well-established promoters of neuroinflammation at each level of the neural pain pathway that contributes to pain hypersensitivity. However, emerging evidence indicates that specific subtypes of immune cells (including antinociceptive macrophages, pain-resolving microglia and T regulatory cells) as well as immunoresolvent molecules and modulators of the gut microbiota-immune system axis can reduce the pain experience and contribute to the resolution of neuropathic pain. This Review provides an overview of the immune mechanisms responsible for the resolution of neuropathic pain, including those involved in innate, adaptive and meningeal immunity as well as interactions with the gut microbiome. Specialized pro-resolving mediators and therapeutic approaches that target these neuroimmune mechanisms are also discussed.
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Fialho MFP, Brum ES, Oliveira SM. Could the fibromyalgia syndrome be triggered or enhanced by COVID-19? Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:633-651. [PMID: 36849853 PMCID: PMC9970139 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01160-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex disease with an uncertain aetiology and intricate pathophysiology. Although its genesis is not fully explained, potential environmental factors, such as viral infections might trigger FM or worsen patients' clinical outcomes. The SARS-CoV-2 virus may affect central and peripheral nervous systems, leading to musculoskeletal, neurological, and psychological disturbances. These symptoms might persist at least 12 months beyond the recovery, often referred to as post-COVID syndrome, which resembles FM syndrome. In this sense, we argued the potential consequences of COVID-19 exclusively on FM syndrome. First, we have described post-COVID syndrome and its painful symptoms. Afterwards, we argued whether FM syndrome could be triggered or enhanced by COVID-19 infection or by numerous and persistent stressors imposed daily by the pandemic setting (isolation, uncertainty, depression, mental stress, generalized anxiety, and fear of the virus). In addition, we have demonstrated similarities between pathophysiological mechanisms and cardinal symptoms of FM and COVID-19, speculating that SARS-CoV-2 might represent a critical mediator of FM or an exacerbator of its symptoms once both syndromes share similar mechanisms and complaints. Therefore, pharmacologic and non-pharmacological approaches commonly used to treat FM could serve as strategic therapies to attenuate painful and neurological manifestations of post-COVID syndrome. Although it is still theoretical, clinicians and researchers should be alert of patients who develop symptoms similar to FM or those who had their FM symptoms increased post-COVID to manage them better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fernanda Pessano Fialho
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry Toxicology, Centre of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Evelyne Silva Brum
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry Toxicology, Centre of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Sara Marchesan Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry Toxicology, Centre of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Centre of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
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Peripheral Beta-2 Adrenergic Receptors Mediate the Sympathetic Efferent Activation from Central Nervous System to Splenocytes in a Mouse Model of Fibromyalgia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043465. [PMID: 36834875 PMCID: PMC9967679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043465] [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: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormalities in the peripheral immune system are involved in the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia, although their contribution to the painful symptoms remains unknown. Our previous study reported the ability of splenocytes to develop pain-like behavior and an association between the central nervous system (CNS) and splenocytes. Since the spleen is directly innervated by sympathetic nerves, this study aimed to examine whether adrenergic receptors are necessary for pain development or maintenance using an acid saline-induced generalized pain (AcGP) model (an experimental model of fibromyalgia) and whether the activation of these receptors is also essential for pain reproduction by the adoptive transfer of AcGP splenocytes. The administration of selective β2-blockers, including one with only peripheral action, prevented the development but did not reverse the maintenance of pain-like behavior in acid saline-treated C57BL/6J mice. Neither a selective α1-blocker nor an anticholinergic drug affects the development of pain-like behavior. Furthermore, β2-blockade in donor AcGP mice eliminated pain reproduction in recipient mice injected with AcGP splenocytes. These results suggest that peripheral β2-adrenergic receptors play an important role in the efferent pathway from the CNS to splenocytes in pain development.
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De la Luz-Cuellar YE, Rodríguez-Palma EJ, Franco-Enzástiga Ú, Déciga-Campos M, Mercado F, Granados-Soto V. Spinal dopaminergic D 1 and D 5 receptors contribute to reserpine-induced fibromyalgia-like pain in rats. Brain Res 2023; 1799:148167. [PMID: 36402178 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148167] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia is a complex pain syndrome without a precise etiology. Reduced monoamines levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid in fibromyalgia patients has been reported and could lead to a dysfunction of descending pain modulatory system producing the painful syndrome. This study evaluated the role of D1-like dopamine receptors in the reserpine-induced fibromyalgia-like pain model in female Wistar rats. Reserpine-treated animals were intrathecally injected with different dopamine receptors agonists and antagonists, and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) against D1 and D5 receptor subtypes. Withdrawal and muscle pressure thresholds were assessed with von Frey filaments and the Randall-Selitto test, respectively. Expression of D1-like receptors in lumbar spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion was determined using real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Reserpine induced tactile allodynia and muscle hyperalgesia. Intrathecal dopamine and D1-like receptor agonist SKF-38393 induced nociceptive hypersensitivity in naïve rats, whilst this effect was prevented by the D1-like receptor antagonist SCH-23390. Moreover, SCH-23390 induced a sex-dependent antiallodynic effect in reserpine-treated rats. Furthermore, transient silencing of D1 and D5 receptors significantly reduced reserpine-induced hypersensitivity in female rats. Reserpine slightly increased mRNA D5 receptor expression in dorsal spinal cord, but not in DRG. This work provides new insights about the involvement of the spinal dopaminergic D1/D5 receptors in reserpine-induced hypersensitivity in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erick Josué Rodríguez-Palma
- Neurobiology of Pain Laboratory, Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav, South Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Úrzula Franco-Enzástiga
- Neurobiology of Pain Laboratory, Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav, South Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Myrna Déciga-Campos
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Francisco Mercado
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Celular, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Vinicio Granados-Soto
- Neurobiology of Pain Laboratory, Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav, South Campus, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Löfgren M, Sandström A, Bileviciute-Ljungar I, Mannerkorpi K, Gerdle B, Ernberg M, Fransson P, Kosek E. The effects of a 15-week physical exercise intervention on pain modulation in fibromyalgia: Increased pain-related processing within the cortico-striatal- occipital networks, but no improvement of exercise-induced hypoalgesia. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2023; 13:100114. [PMID: 36660198 PMCID: PMC9843267 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2023.100114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunctional top-down pain modulation is a hallmark of fibromyalgia (FM) and physical exercise is a cornerstone in FM treatment. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of a 15-week intervention of strengthening exercises, twice per week, supervised by a physiotherapist, on exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) and cerebral pain processing in FM patients and healthy controls (HC). FM patients (n = 59) and HC (n = 39) who completed the exercise intervention as part of a multicenter study were examined at baseline and following the intervention. Following the exercise intervention, FM patients reported a reduction of pain intensity, fibromyalgia severity and depression. Reduced EIH was seen in FM patients compared to HC at baseline and no improvement of EIH was seen following the 15-week resistance exercise intervention in either group. Furthermore, a subsample (Stockholm site: FM n = 18; HC n = 19) was also examined with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during subjectively calibrated thumbnail pressure pain stimulations at baseline and following intervention. A significant main effect of exercise (post > pre) was observed both in FM patients and HC, in pain-related brain activation within left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and caudate, as well as increased functional connectivity between caudate and occipital lobe bordering cerebellum (driven by the FM patients). In conclusion, the results indicate that 15-week resistance exercise affect pain-related processing within the cortico-striatal-occipital networks (involved in motor control and cognition), rather than directly influencing top-down descending pain inhibition. In alignment with this, exercise-induced hypoalgesia remained unaltered.
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Key Words
- AAL, Automated Anatomical Labeling
- ACR, American College of Rheumatology
- CNS, central nervous system
- CPM, conditioned pain modulation
- EIH, exercise-induced hypoalgesia
- Exercise induced hypoalgesia
- Exercise intervention
- FD, Frame-wise displacement
- FEW, family-wise error
- FIQ, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire
- FM, fibromyalgia
- FOV, field of view
- FWHM, full-width-half-maximum
- Fibromyalgia
- Functional connectivity
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
- GLM, general linear model
- HADS, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale
- HC, healthy controls
- MNI, Montreal Neurological Institute
- MVC, maximum voluntary contraction force
- NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- P50, pressure stimuli corresponding to a pain rating of 50mm on a 100 mm VAS
- PPI, psychophysiological interaction
- PPTs, pressure pain thresholds
- Pressure pain
- RM, repetition maximum
- SM, stimulation maximum
- SPM, Statistical Parametric Mapping
- T1, longitudinal relaxation time
- T2, transverse relaxation time
- TR/TE, time repetition/time echo
- VAS, visual analogue scale
- VOI, volume of interest
- dlPFC, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
- fMRI, functional magnetic resonance imaging
- rACC, rostral anterior cingulate cortex
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Löfgren
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet and Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm SE-182 88, Sweden
| | - Angelica Sandström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE-171 77, Sweden,Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm SE-171 78, Sweden,Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Indre Bileviciute-Ljungar
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet and Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm SE-182 88, Sweden
| | - Kaisa Mannerkorpi
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy Unit, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg SE- 413 90, Sweden
| | - Björn Gerdle
- Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping SE-581 83, Sweden
| | - Malin Ernberg
- Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Scandinavian Centre for Orofacial Neurosciences, Huddinge SE-141 04, Sweden
| | - Peter Fransson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE-171 77, Sweden,Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm SE-171 78, Sweden
| | - Eva Kosek
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE-171 77, Sweden,Department of Neuroradiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm SE-171 78, Sweden,Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE- 752 36, Sweden,Corresponding author at: Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels väg 9, Stockholm SE-171 77, Sweden.
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Singh SP, Guindon J, Mody PH, Ashworth G, Kopel J, Chilakapati S, Adogwa O, Neugebauer V, Burton MD. Pain and aging: A unique challenge in neuroinflammation and behavior. Mol Pain 2023; 19:17448069231203090. [PMID: 37684099 PMCID: PMC10552461 DOI: 10.1177/17448069231203090] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is one of the most common, costly, and potentially debilitating health issues facing older adults, with attributable costs exceeding $600 billion annually. The prevalence of pain in humans increases with advancing age. Yet, the contributions of sex differences, age-related chronic inflammation, and changes in neuroplasticity to the overall experience of pain are less clear, given that opposing processes in aging interact. This review article examines and summarizes pre-clinical research and clinical data on chronic pain among older adults to identify knowledge gaps and provide the base for future research and clinical practice. We provide evidence to suggest that neurodegenerative conditions engender a loss of neural plasticity involved in pain response, whereas low-grade inflammation in aging increases CNS sensitization but decreases PNS sensitivity. Insights from preclinical studies are needed to answer mechanistic questions. However, the selection of appropriate aging models presents a challenge that has resulted in conflicting data regarding pain processing and behavioral outcomes that are difficult to translate to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shishu Pal Singh
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Josee Guindon
- Garrison Institute on Aging and Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Prapti H Mody
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Gabriela Ashworth
- Garrison Institute on Aging and Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan Kopel
- Garrison Institute on Aging and Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Sai Chilakapati
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Owoicho Adogwa
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Volker Neugebauer
- Garrison Institute on Aging and Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Michael D Burton
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
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