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Tsamou M, Kremers FAC, Samaritakis KA, Roggen EL. Identifying microRNAs Possibly Implicated in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9551. [PMID: 39273498 PMCID: PMC11395538 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179551] [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: 07/09/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM) are chronic syndromes of unknown etiology, accompanied by numerous symptoms affecting neurological and physical conditions. Despite frequent revisions of the diagnostic criteria, clinical practice guidelines are often outdated, leading to underdiagnosis and ineffective treatment. Our aim was to identify microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers implicated in pathological mechanisms underlying these diseases. A comprehensive literature review using publicly accessible databases was conducted. Interesting miRNAs were extracted from relevant publications on ME/CFS and/or FM, and were then linked to pathophysiological processes possibly manifesting these chronic diseases. Dysregulated miRNAs in ME/CFS and FM may serve as promising biomarkers for these diseases. Key identified miRNAs, such as miR-29c, miR-99b, miR-128, miR-374b, and miR-766, were frequently mentioned for their roles in immune response, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and central sensitization, while miR-23a, miR-103, miR-152, and miR-320 were implicated in multiple crucial pathological processes for FM and/or ME/CFS. In summary, both ME/CFS and FM seem to share many dysregulated biological or molecular processes, which may contribute to their commonly shared symptoms. This miRNA-based approach offers new angles for discovering molecular markers urgently needed for early diagnosis or therapeutics to tackle the pathology of these medically unexplained chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tsamou
- ToxGenSolutions (TGS), 6229 EV Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Erwin L Roggen
- ToxGenSolutions (TGS), 6229 EV Maastricht, The Netherlands
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2
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Polli A, Nijs J. Exploring biological mechanisms of lifestyle and environmental factors in humans: Current challenges and future directions. Invited comment on: "Environmental factors and their impact on chronic pain development and maintenance", by Sant'Anna et al. Phys Life Rev 2024; 50:43-45. [PMID: 38905875 DOI: 10.1016/j.plrev.2024.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Polli
- Pain in Motion (PAIN) research group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology, and Anatomy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Research Foundation, Flanders (FWO), Belgium.
| | - Jo Nijs
- Pain in Motion (PAIN) research group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology, and Anatomy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Health and Rehabilitation, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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3
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Li L, Ding Z, Ma F, Zhang K, Lu D, Wang H, Yang K. Spinal nerve transection-induced upregulation of KDM4A in the dorsal root ganglia contributes to the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain via promoting CCL2 expression in rats. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 60:5169-5188. [PMID: 39136140 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16491] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024]
Abstract
Studies indicate that the lysine-specific demethylase 4A (KDM4A), acts as a key player in neuropathic pain, driving the process through its involvement in promoting neuroinflammation. Emerging evidence reveals that C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2 (CCL2) participates in neuroinflammation, which plays an important role in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. However, it remains unclear if KDM4A plays a role in regulating CCL2 in neuropathic pain. This study found that following spinal nerve transection (SNT) of the lumbar 5 nerve root in rats, the expression of KDM4A and CCL2 increased in the ipsilateral L4/5 dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Injecting KDM4A siRNA into the DRGs of rats post-SNT resulted in a higher paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw-withdrawal latency (PWL) compared to the KDM4A scRNA group. In addition, prior microinjection of AAV-EGFP-KDM4A shRNA also alleviates the decrease in PWT and PWL caused by SNT. Correspondingly, microinjection of AAV-EGFP-KDM4A shRNA subsequent to SNT reduced the established mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Furthermore, AAV-EGFP-KDM4A shRNA injection decreased the expression of CCL2 in DRGs. ChIP-PCR analysis revealed that increased binding of p-STAT1 with the CCL2 promoter induced by SNT was inhibited by AAV-EGFP-KDM4A shRNA treatment. These findings suggest that KDM4A potentially influences neuropathic pain by regulating CCL2 expression in DRGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liren Li
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zheng Ding
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fang Ma
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dan Lu
- Department of Respiratory Intensive Care, Zhengzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongmin Wang
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kangli Yang
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Luo S, Liu Z, Zhang J, Chen Y, Lei Y, Gao X, Liu C, Chen Y, Liu C, Yan P, Chen Y, Li H, Zhao C, Wang H, Wang K, Wang C, Tian R, Yang P. Three-gene signature revealing the dynamics of lymphocyte infiltration in subchondral bone during osteoarthritis progression. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 137:112431. [PMID: 38897125 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112431] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disorder, has an unclear immune infiltration mechanism in subchondral bone (SCB). Thus, this study aims to discern immune infiltration variations in SCB between early- and late-stages of OA and identify pertinent biomarkers. Utilizing the GSE515188 bulk-seq profile from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, we performed single-sample gene-set enrichment analysis alongside weighted gene co-expression network analysis to identify key cells and immune-related genes (IRGs) involved in SCB at both stages. At the meanwhile, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the same dataset and intersected with IRGs to find IR-DEGs. Protein-protein interaction network and enrichment analyses and further gene filtering using LASSO regression led to the discovery of potential biomarkers, which were then validated by ROC curve analysis, single-cell RNA sequencing, qRT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence. ScRNA-seq analysis using GSE196678, qRT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence results confirmed the upregulation of their expression levels in early-stage OA SCB samples. Our comprehensive analysis revealed lymphocytes infiltration as a major feature in early OA SCB. A total of 13 IR-DEGs were identified, showing significant enrichment in T- or B-cell activation pathways. Three of them (CD247, POU2AF1, and TNFRSF13B) were selected via the LASSO regression analysis, and results from the ROC curve analyses indicated the diagnostic efficacy of these 3 genes as biomarkers. These findings may aid in investigating the mechanisms of SCB immune infiltration in OA, stratifying OA progression, and identifying relevant therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Luo
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zeyu Liu
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiewen Zhang
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yutian Lei
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xu Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - ChengYan Liu
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yutao Chen
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chenkun Liu
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Peng Yan
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Heng Li
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chuanchuan Zhao
- Department of Operating Room, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haifan Wang
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kunzheng Wang
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chunsheng Wang
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Run Tian
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Pei Yang
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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Yuming T, Ying Z, Jiani S, Weiyan Y, Duowu Z. Serum Exosomal MicroRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for Centrally Mediated Abdominal Pain Syndrome. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024:104616. [PMID: 38936748 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.104616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Centrally mediated abdominal pain syndrome (CAPS) has generated a heavy disease burden worldwide. This study aimed to explore the serum exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential diagnostic biomarkers for CAPS. From September 2022 to October 2023, 97 patients with CAPS and 96 healthy subjects were enrolled. Differentially expressed serum exosomal miRNAs between patients with CAPS and healthy controls were identified by high-throughput sequencing and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The receiver operating characteristic curves and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the diagnostic value of the serum exosomal miRNAs. MiR-6850-5p, miR-194-5p, miR-199a-3p, and miR-4525 were significantly downregulated in serum exomes of CAPS patients compared with healthy controls, which yielded the area under curve (AUC) values of .914 (95% confidence interval (CI), .873-.954), .767 (95% CI, .695-.839), .617 (95% CI, .527-.708), and .561 (95% CI, .465-.656), respectively, to distinguish CAPS patients from healthy subjects. And AUC of the integration of the above 4 miRNAs was .931 (95% CI, .896-.966). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that hsa-miR-6850-5p (odds ratio (OR) = .046, P < .001), anxiety (OR = 7.670, P = .025), and depression (OR = 22.967, P = .008) were the independent predictors of CAPS. Serum exosomal miR-6850-5p is a promising diagnostic biomarker for CAPS. PERSPECTIVE: This study may be the first to explore serum exosomal miRNAs as new diagnostic biomarkers for CAPS, and the findings may help clinicians to access comprehensive understanding and accurate diagnosis of CAPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tang Yuming
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhu Ying
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Song Jiani
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Weiyan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Zou Duowu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China.
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Jmel H, Boukhalfa W, Gouiza I, Seghaier RO, Dallali H, Kefi R. Pharmacogenetic landscape of pain management variants among Mediterranean populations. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1380613. [PMID: 38813106 PMCID: PMC11134176 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1380613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic pain is a major socioeconomic burden in the Mediterranean region. However, we noticed an under-representation of these populations in the pharmacogenetics of pain management studies. In this context, we aimed 1) to decipher the pharmacogenetic variant landscape among Mediterranean populations compared to worldwide populations in order to identify therapeutic biomarkers for personalized pain management and 2) to better understand the biological process of pain management through in silico investigation of pharmacogenes pathways. Materials and Methods We collected genes and variants implicated in pain response using the Prisma guidelines from literature and PharmGK database. Next, we extracted these genes from genotyping data of 829 individuals. Then, we determined the variant distribution among the studied populations using multivariate (MDS) and admixture analysis with R and STRUCTURE software. We conducted a Chi2 test to compare the interethnic frequencies of the identified variants. We used SNPinfo web server, miRdSNP database to identify miRNA-binding sites. In addition, we investigated the functions of the identified genes and variants using pathway enrichment analysis and annotation tools. Finally, we performed docking analysis to assess the impact of variations on drug interactions. Results We identified 63 variants implicated in pain management. MDS analysis revealed that Mediterranean populations are genetically similar to Mexican populations and divergent from other populations. STRUCTURE analysis showed that Mediterranean populations are mainly composed of European ancestry. We highlighted differences in the minor allele frequencies of three variants (rs633, rs4680, and rs165728) located in the COMT gene. Moreover, variant annotation revealed ten variants with potential miRNA-binding sites. Finally, protein structure and docking analysis revealed that two missense variants (rs4680 and rs6267) induced a decrease in COMT protein activity and affinity for dopamine. Conclusion Our findings revealed that Mediterranean populations diverge from other ethnic groups. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of pain-related pathways and miRNAs to better implement these markers as predictors of analgesic responses in the Mediterranean region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifa Jmel
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Genetic Typing Service, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Wided Boukhalfa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Genetic Typing Service, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ismail Gouiza
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Genetic Typing Service, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- MitoLab Team, Unité MitoVasc, Unité Mixte de Recherche Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1083, SFR ICAT, University of Angers, Angers, France
| | - Roua Ouled Seghaier
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hamza Dallali
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Genetic Typing Service, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Rym Kefi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- Genetic Typing Service, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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7
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Behroozi Z, Kookli K, Ghadaksaz A, Motavaf M, Fazeli SM, Nezhad AM, Ramezani F, Janzadeh A. Evaluation of epigenetic (HDAC, DNMT) and pain (Gad65, TGF) factors following photobiomodulation therapy in a neuropathic pain model. Photochem Photobiol 2024; 100:233-243. [PMID: 37332186 DOI: 10.1111/php.13824] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is converted to the most common analgesic treatment before the whole mechanism is yet to be discovered. This study for the first time was designed to investigate alternations of epigenetic factors after pain and PBMT. The CCI model was chosen to induce pain. Pain evaluation tests including plantar, acetone, von Frey, and pinch were done weekly. Then spinal cord tissue was isolated for evaluating mRNA expression of DNMT3a, HDAC1, and NRSF using RT-qPCR method, and protein expression factors of HDAC2 and DNMT3a using western blotting. GAD65 and TGF-β proteins were assessed by the IHC method. PBMT increased the pain threshold up to the point where it roughly met the pain threshold of the control group. After three weeks of treatment, both PBMT protocols demonstrated a reduction in allodynia and hyperalgesia. While some molecules, such as TGF-β and Gad65, increased following PBMT, we observed no inhibition of NRSF, HDAC1, and DNMT3a expression despite implementing two different protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Behroozi
- The Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Keihan Kookli
- International Campus, Medical School, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Occupational Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Ghadaksaz
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Mahsa Motavaf
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Neurosurgical Comprehensive Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedalireza Moghaddas Fazeli
- International Campus, Medical School, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Motamed Nezhad
- Cancer Control Research Center, Cancer Control Foundation, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ramezani
- Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atousa Janzadeh
- Radiation Biology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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8
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Mehta D, de Boer I, Sutherland HG, Pijpers JA, Bron C, Bainomugisa C, Haupt LM, van den Maagdenberg AMJM, Griffiths LR, Nyholt DR, Terwindt GM. Alterations in DNA methylation associate with reduced migraine and headache days after medication withdrawal treatment in chronic migraine patients: a longitudinal study. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:190. [PMID: 38087366 PMCID: PMC10717674 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01604-8] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic migraine, a highly disabling migraine subtype, affects nearly 2% of the general population. Understanding migraine chronification is vital for developing better treatment and prevention strategies. An important factor in the chronification of migraine is the overuse of acute headache medication. However, the mechanisms behind the transformation of episodic migraine to chronic migraine and vice versa have not yet been elucidated. We performed a longitudinal epigenome-wide association study to identify DNA methylation (DNAm) changes associated with treatment response in patients with chronic migraine and medication overuse as part of the Chronification and Reversibility of Migraine clinical trial. Blood was taken from patients with chronic migraine (n = 98) at baseline and after a 12-week medication withdrawal period. Treatment responders, patients with ≥ 50% reduction in monthly headache days (MHD), were compared with non-responders to identify DNAm changes associated with treatment response. Similarly, patients with ≥ 50% versus < 50% reduction in monthly migraine days (MMD) were compared. RESULTS At the epigenome-wide significant level (p < 9.42 × 10-8), a longitudinal reduction in DNAm at an intronic CpG site (cg14377273) within the HDAC4 gene was associated with MHD response following the withdrawal of acute medication. HDAC4 is highly expressed in the brain, plays a major role in synaptic plasticity, and modulates the expression and release of several neuroinflammation markers which have been implicated in migraine pathophysiology. Investigating whether baseline DNAm associated with treatment response, we identified lower baseline DNAm at a CpG site (cg15205829) within MARK3 that was significantly associated with MMD response at 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Our findings of a longitudinal reduction in HDAC4 DNAm status associated with treatment response and baseline MARK3 DNAm status as an early biomarker for treatment response, provide support for a role of pathways related to chromatin structure and synaptic plasticity in headache chronification and introduce HDAC4 and MARK3 as novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Mehta
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia
- Centre for Data Science, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Irene de Boer
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Heidi G Sutherland
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Judith A Pijpers
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Charlene Bron
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Charlotte Bainomugisa
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia
- Centre for Data Science, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Larisa M Haupt
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia
| | - Arn M J M van den Maagdenberg
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lyn R Griffiths
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Dale R Nyholt
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Brisbane, QLD, 4059, Australia.
- Centre for Data Science, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia.
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD, 4000, Australia.
| | - Gisela M Terwindt
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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9
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Tao Y, Zhang Y, Jin X, Hua N, Liu H, Qi R, Huang Z, Sun Y, Jiang D, Snutch TP, Jiang X, Tao J. Epigenetic regulation of beta-endorphin synthesis in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus neurons modulates neuropathic pain in a rodent pain model. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7234. [PMID: 37945654 PMCID: PMC10636187 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43022-7] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Although beta-endorphinergic neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) synthesize beta-endorphin (β-EP) to alleviate nociceptive behaviors, the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we elucidated an epigenetic pathway driven by microRNA regulation of β-EP synthesis in ARC neurons to control neuropathic pain. In pain-injured rats miR-203a-3p was the most highly upregulated miRNA in the ARC. A similar increase was identified in the cerebrospinal fluid of trigeminal neuralgia patients. Mechanistically, we found histone deacetylase 9 was downregulated following nerve injury, which decreased deacetylation of histone H3 lysine-18, facilitating the binding of NR4A2 transcription factor to the miR-203a-3p gene promoter, thereby upregulating miR-203a-3p expression. Further, increased miR-203a-3p was found to maintain neuropathic pain by targeting proprotein convertase 1, an endopeptidase necessary for the cleavage of proopiomelanocortin, the precursor of β-EP. The identified mechanism may provide an avenue for the development of new therapeutic targets for neuropathic pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tao
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics & Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, PR China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Xiaohong Jin
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, PR China
| | - Nan Hua
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, PR China
| | - Renfei Qi
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Zitong Huang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Yufang Sun
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Dongsheng Jiang
- Institute of Regenerative Biology and Medicine, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Terrance P Snutch
- Michael Smith Laboratories and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Xinghong Jiang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Jin Tao
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China.
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10
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Bouhassira D, Attal N. Personalized treatment of neuropathic pain: Where are we now? Eur J Pain 2023; 27:1084-1098. [PMID: 37114461 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2120] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of neuropathic pain remains a major unmet need that the development of personalized and refined treatment strategies may contribute to address. DATABASE In this narrative review, we summarize the various approaches based on objective biomarkers or clinical markers that could be used. RESULTS In principle, the validation of objective biomarkers would be the most robust approach. However, although promising results have been reported demonstrating a potential value of genomics, anatomical or functional markers, the clinical validation of these markers has only just begun. Thus, most of the strategies documented to date have been based on the development of clinical markers. In particular, many studies have suggested that the identification of specific subgroups of patients presenting with specific combinations of symptoms and signs would be a relevant approach. Two main approaches have been used to identify relevant sensory profiles: quantitative sensory testing and specific patients reported outcomes based on description of pain qualities. CONCLUSION We discuss here the advantages and limitations of these approaches, which are not mutually exclusive. SIGNIFICANCE Recent data indicate that various new treatment strategies based on predictive biological and/or clinical markers could be helpful to better personalized and therefore improve the management of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didier Bouhassira
- Inserm U987, UVSQ-Paris-Saclay University, Ambroise Pare Hospital, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Nadine Attal
- Inserm U987, UVSQ-Paris-Saclay University, Ambroise Pare Hospital, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
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11
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Philippe S, Delay M, Macian N, Morel V, Pickering ME. Common miRNAs of Osteoporosis and Fibromyalgia: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13513. [PMID: 37686318 PMCID: PMC10488272 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713513] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A significant clinical association between osteoporosis (OP) and fibromyalgia (FM) has been shown in the literature. Given the need for specific biomarkers to improve OP and FM management, common miRNAs might provide promising tracks for future prevention and treatment. The aim of this review is to identify miRNAs described in OP and FM, and dysregulated in the same direction in both pathologies. The PubMed database was searched until June 2023, with a clear mention of OP, FM, and miRNA expression. Clinical trials, case-control, and cross-sectional studies were included. Gray literature was not searched. Out of the 184 miRNAs found in our research, 23 are shared by OP and FM: 7 common miRNAs are dysregulated in the same direction for both pathologies (3 up-, 4 downregulated). The majority of these common miRNAs are involved in the Wnt pathway and the cholinergic system and a possible link has been highlighted. Further studies are needed to explore this relationship. Moreover, the harmonization of technical methods is necessary to confirm miRNAs shared between OP and FM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soline Philippe
- Platform of Clinical Investigation Department, Inserm CIC 1405, University Hospital Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (S.P.); (M.D.); (N.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Marine Delay
- Platform of Clinical Investigation Department, Inserm CIC 1405, University Hospital Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (S.P.); (M.D.); (N.M.); (V.M.)
- Inserm 1107, Neuro-Dol, University Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Nicolas Macian
- Platform of Clinical Investigation Department, Inserm CIC 1405, University Hospital Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (S.P.); (M.D.); (N.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Véronique Morel
- Platform of Clinical Investigation Department, Inserm CIC 1405, University Hospital Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; (S.P.); (M.D.); (N.M.); (V.M.)
| | - Marie-Eva Pickering
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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12
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Kurtović Z, Sandor K, ter Heegde F, Rudjito R, Svensson CI, Palada V. circRNA landscape in dorsal root ganglia from mice with collagen antibody-induced arthritis. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2023; 14:100142. [PMID: 38099281 PMCID: PMC10719524 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2023.100142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNAs are a novel class of RNA molecules that are covalently closed into a ring structure. They are an epigenetic regulatory mechanism, and their best-studied function is regulation of microRNA activity. As such circular RNAs may be involved in the switch from acute to chronic pain. They have previously been studied in the context of neuropathic pain models, but their importance in inflammation-induced chronic pain models is unexplored. Microarray analysis of dorsal root ganglia collected in the late phase of collagen antibody-induced arthritis (day 59) were used to elucidate the relevance of circular RNAs in the mechanical hypersensitivity caused by this model. 120 circular RNA genes were found to be significantly differentially regulated in female BALB/c mice with collagen antibody-induced arthritis. Six genes were chosen for RT-qPCR analysis in the late (day 54-60) as well as the inflammatory (day 11-12) phase of this model. This validated an increase in circNufip1 expression in the late phase of collagen antibody-induced arthritis. Additionally, it was found that circVps13 and circMicall1 are upregulated in the inflammatory phase. Interestingly, no changes were found in dorsal root ganglia from mice injected with Freund's Complete Adjuvant (day 3) nor mice with spared nerve injury (day 20), despite their similarities to inflammatory and late phase collagen antibody-induced arthritis, respectively. This study provides evidence that mild circular RNA changes occur in dorsal root ganglia of mice with collagen antibody-induced arthritis that are, bioinformatically, predicated to be involved in processes relevant to sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zerina Kurtović
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- Kancera AB, Karolinska Institutet Science Park, Solna, Sweden
| | - Katalin Sandor
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Freija ter Heegde
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Resti Rudjito
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Camilla I. Svensson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Vinko Palada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
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13
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O'Hagan ET, Wallwork SB, Callander E, Stanton TR, Mychasiuk R. The Foundations for Chronic Low Back Pain Management may Start in Early Life. Exploring the Role of Caregiver Parental Leave on Future Low Back Pain in the Offspring. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:939-945. [PMID: 36646402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.01.008] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Chronic low back pain is difficult to treat and despite increased spending on health services, clinical outcomes for people with low back pain have not improved. Innovative, large scale initiatives seem necessary to stem the cost of low back pain. Psychological health contributes to the development and persistence of chronic low back pain and psychological interventions are important in the management of low back pain. Given the contribution of psychological health to low back pain development and management, it raises the question; can we support psychological health in later life by bolstering emotional development in early life, and reduce the burden of this common condition? Positive early life experiences, including those induced by extended paid parental leave, could bolster emotional development and support the psychological health necessary to manage low back pain in later life. We present the current state of evidence demonstrating the potential value of increasing support for parent-child relationships in early life to reduce the burden of low back pain in future generations. The current evidence is limited to cross-sectional associations, but strong preclinical data clearly shows the potential negative impacts of maternal separation on rodent pup health that compels consideration in human populations. PERSPECTIVE: The benefits stemming from enhanced child development include stable emotional foundations, possibly improving psychological health and low back pain management in the future. This perspective raises questions for future studies - within the context of low back pain, what ingredients bolster stable psychological health? And are these ingredients influenced by parental leave?
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Affiliation(s)
- Edel T O'Hagan
- Westmead Applied Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Sarah B Wallwork
- IIMPACT in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emily Callander
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Tasha R Stanton
- IIMPACT in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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14
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Wyns A, Hendrix J, Lahousse A, De Bruyne E, Nijs J, Godderis L, Polli A. The Biology of Stress Intolerance in Patients with Chronic Pain—State of the Art and Future Directions. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12062245. [PMID: 36983246 PMCID: PMC10057496 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12062245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress has been consistently linked to negative impacts on physical and mental health. More specifically, patients with chronic pain experience stress intolerance, which is an exacerbation or occurrence of symptoms in response to any type of stress. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unsolved. In this state-of-the-art paper, we summarised the role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the two major stress response systems in stress intolerance. We provided insights into such mechanisms based on evidence from clinical studies in both patients with chronic pain, showing dysregulated stress systems, and healthy controls supported by preclinical studies, highlighting the link between these systems and symptoms of stress intolerance. Furthermore, we explored the possible regulating role for (epi)genetic mechanisms influencing the ANS and HPA axis. The link between stress and chronic pain has become an important area of research as it has the potential to inform the development of interventions to improve the quality of life for individuals living with chronic pain. As stress has become a prevalent concern in modern society, understanding the connection between stress, HPA axis, ANS, and chronic health conditions such as chronic pain is crucial to improve public health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Wyns
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.W.); (A.L.); (J.N.); (A.P.)
| | - Jolien Hendrix
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.W.); (A.L.); (J.N.); (A.P.)
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Flanders Research Foundation-FWO, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence:
| | - Astrid Lahousse
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.W.); (A.L.); (J.N.); (A.P.)
- Flanders Research Foundation-FWO, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Chronic Pain Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Rehabilitation Research (RERE) Research Group, Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy (KIMA), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elke De Bruyne
- Department of Hematology and Immunology-Myeloma Center Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Jo Nijs
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.W.); (A.L.); (J.N.); (A.P.)
- Chronic Pain Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Unit of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lode Godderis
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, IDEWE, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Andrea Polli
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.W.); (A.L.); (J.N.); (A.P.)
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Flanders Research Foundation-FWO, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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15
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Farrell SF, Kho PF, Lundberg M, Campos AI, Rentería ME, de Zoete RMJ, Sterling M, Ngo TT, Cuéllar-Partida G. A Shared Genetic Signature for Common Chronic Pain Conditions and its Impact on Biopsychosocial Traits. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:369-386. [PMID: 36252619 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The multiple comorbidities & dimensions of chronic pain present a formidable challenge in disentangling its aetiology. Here, we performed genome-wide association studies of 8 chronic pain types using UK Biobank data (N =4,037-79,089 cases; N = 239,125 controls), followed by bivariate linkage disequilibrium-score regression and latent causal variable analyses to determine (respectively) their genetic correlations and genetic causal proportion (GCP) parameters with 1,492 other complex traits. We report evidence of a shared genetic signature across chronic pain types as their genetic correlations and GCP directions were broadly consistent across an array of biopsychosocial traits. Across 5,942 significant genetic correlations, 570 trait pairs could be explained by a causal association (|GCP| >0.6; 5% false discovery rate), including 82 traits affected by pain while 410 contributed to an increased risk of chronic pain (cf. 78 with a decreased risk) such as certain somatic pathologies (eg, musculoskeletal), psychiatric traits (eg, depression), socioeconomic factors (eg, occupation) and medical comorbidities (eg, cardiovascular disease). This data-driven phenome-wide association analysis has demonstrated a novel and efficient strategy for identifying genetically supported risk & protective traits to enhance the design of interventional trials targeting underlying causal factors and accelerate the development of more effective treatments with broader clinical utility. PERSPECTIVE: Through large-scale phenome-wide association analyses of >1,400 biopsychosocial traits, this article provides evidence for a shared genetic signature across 8 common chronic pain types. It lays the foundation for further translational studies focused on identifying causal genetic variants and pathophysiological pathways to develop novel diagnostic & therapeutic technologies and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott F Farrell
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia; NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence: Better Health Outcomes for Compensable Injury, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia; Tess Cramond Pain & Research Centre, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Pik-Fang Kho
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Molecular Cancer Epidemiology Laboratory, Population Health Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mischa Lundberg
- UQ Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland & Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia; Transformational Bioinformatics, CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adrián I Campos
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia; Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory, Mental Health & Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Miguel E Rentería
- Genetic Epidemiology Laboratory, Mental Health & Neuroscience Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rutger M J de Zoete
- School of Allied Health Science and Practice, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michele Sterling
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia; NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence: Better Health Outcomes for Compensable Injury, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Trung Thanh Ngo
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gabriel Cuéllar-Partida
- UQ Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland & Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
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16
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Giordano R, Gerra MC, Okutani H, Lo Vecchio S, Stensballe A, Petersen KKS, Arendt-Nielsen L. The temporal expression of circulating microRNAs after acute experimental pain in humans. Eur J Pain 2023; 27:366-377. [PMID: 36453122 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2062] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can modulate several biological systems, including the pain system. This study aimed to evaluate the temporal expression of circulating miRNAs in the plasma of healthy volunteers as a marker for epigenetic changes before and after an acute, experimental, pain provocation by intramuscular hypertonic saline injection. METHODS Twenty volunteers were randomly allocated into two groups and received either hypertonic (pain) or isotonic (control) saline injection in the first dorsal interosseous muscle of their dominant hand. Pain intensity was continuously recorded for 20 minutes after injection on a VAS scale from 0 to 100 (0 indicates no pain and 100 the worst imaginable pain). Blood samples were taken at baseline, 30 minutes, 3 hours, and 24 hours post-injection, and plasma was separated. MiRNA extracts were used for RNA sequencing with the Illumina NextSeq platform. MiRNA transcripts were compared between the pain and the no-pain, control group at every time point. Significant differences were considered when folds were >2 and the False Discovery Rate was p < 0.05. RESULTS After 30 minutes, 4 miRNAs were significantly altered in the pain group compared to controls, which increased to 24 after 3 hours and to 42 after 24 hours from baseline (p < 0.0001). Two miRNAs were consistently upregulated throughout the experiment. Enrichment analysis showed significant miRNAs involved in brain perception of pain, brain signalling and response to stimuli. CONCLUSIONS This exploratory study is the first to report on the temporal expression of circulating miRNAs after an acute, human experimental muscle pain model. SIGNIFICANCE This exploratory study evaluated the temporal profile of circulating miRNAs in the plasma of healthy subjects after acute experimental pain. Several miRNAs were altered in subjects at the times of follow-up after the acute pain model when compared to controls. MiRNAs previously associated with pain processes were altered in the pain group. Our results, by showing the fast and prolonged modifications of miRNA elicited by the acute experimental pain model, add new perspectives to the topic of epigenetics and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocco Giordano
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI, Aalborg University, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Maria Carla Gerra
- Department of Chemistry, Life science, and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Hiroai Okutani
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI, Aalborg University, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Silvia Lo Vecchio
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI, Aalborg University, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Allan Stensballe
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Kristian Kjaer-Staal Petersen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI, Aalborg University, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg, Denmark
- Center for Mathematical Modeling of Knee Osteoarthritis (MathKOA), Aalborg University, Department of Material and Production, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI, Aalborg University, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, (Mech-Sense), Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
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17
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Tang Y, Song J, Zhu Y, Chen H, Yao W, Zou D. Analysis of clinical characteristics of centrally mediated abdominal pain syndrome, exploration of diagnostic markers and its relationship with the efficacy of duloxetine treatment. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e32134. [PMID: 36482519 PMCID: PMC9726388 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Centrally mediated abdominal pain syndrome (CAPS) is characterized by severe abdominal pain. Diagnosis of CAPS is still an exclusionary diagnosis, there remain no effective diagnostic biomarkers so far. Duloxetine is the major pharmacotherapy of CAPS, while some CAPS patients do not respond to duloxetine treatment. However, there is a lack of molecular markers to predict the efficacy of duloxetine. In our pilot study, we have found differential expression profiles of serum miRNAs between CAPS patients and healthy controls. Our study aims to explore the clinical characteristics, specific miRNAs in serum as diagnostic biomarkers of CAPS and predictive biomarkers of the efficacy of duloxetine. METHODS/DESIGN In this prospective cohort study, we plan to enroll 430 participants including 215 CAPS patients and 215 healthy controls. The CAPS group takes duloxetine 30 mg per day as an initial dose. Patients will have 24-week medication period and follow up at week 0, 4, 12, 24 and 36. Blood samples will be obtained from patients at every visits and health controls at the initial visit and a series of questionnaires will be completed by the participants. The primary end points are: The differential expression of miRNAs between CAPS groups and healthy control groups at baseline. The changes in abdominal pain scores before and after duloxetine treatment in patients with CAPS and their relationship with the changes in miRNAs. The secondary end point is the changes in scores of depression, anxiety, sleep quality and quality of life before and after duloxetine treatment in patients with CAPS and their relationship with changes in miRNAs. DISCUSSION Findings of study will provide the reliable basis for diagnosis and the predictor of duloxetine efficacy of CAPS. Importantly, findings grant patients a chance to benefit from treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuming Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiani Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Hefeng Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiyan Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Duowu Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
- * Correspondence: Duowu Zou, Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, 197 Ruijin Second Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200025, China (e-mail: )
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18
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Shedden-Mora MC, Jessen B, Schmidt-Lauber C, Löwe B, Rösch M, Dannemeyer H, Gloy J, Van den Bergh O, Huber TB. Predictors of somatic symptom persistence in patients with chronic kidney disease (SOMA.CK): study protocol for a mixed-methods cohort study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e067821. [PMID: 36396319 PMCID: PMC9677007 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Seven of 10 patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience burdensome persistent somatic symptoms (PSS). Despite the high prevalence and relevance for quality of life, disease progression and mortality, the pathogenesis of PSS in CKD remains poorly understood. The SOMA.CK study aims to investigate biopsychosocial predictors and their interactions for PSS in non-dialysis CKD and to develop a multivariate prognostic prediction model for PSS in CKD. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The study is a mixed-methods cohort study with assessments at baseline, 6 and 12 months. It aims to include 330 patients with CKD stages G2-4 (eGFR=15-89 mL/min/1.73 m2). Primary outcome is the CKD-specific somatic symptom burden assessed with the CKD Symptom Burden Index. Secondary outcomes include quality of life, general somatic symptom burden and functioning. The interplay of biomedical (eg, biomarkers, epigenetics), treatment-related (eg, therapies and medication) and psychosocial variables (eg, negative affectivity, expectations) will be investigated to develop a prognostic prediction model for PSS. In an embedded mixed-methods approach, an experimental study in 100 patients using an affective picture paradigm will test the effect of negative affect induction on symptom perception. An embedded longitudinal qualitative study in 40-50 newly diagnosed patients will use thematic analysis to explore mechanisms of symptom development after receiving a CKD diagnosis. SOMA.CK is part of the interdisciplinary research unit 'Persistent SOMAtic Symptoms ACROSS Diseases'. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Hamburg Medical Association (2020-10195-BO-ff). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, scientific conferences, the involvement of our patient advisory board and the lay public. Focusing on subjective symptom burden instead of objective disease markers will fundamentally broaden the understanding of PSS in CKD and pave the path for the development of mechanism-based tailored interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN16137374.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike C Shedden-Mora
- Department of Psychology, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Birte Jessen
- Department of Psychology, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Bernd Löwe
- Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Joachim Gloy
- Nephrocare Hamburg-Suederelbe GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Omer Van den Bergh
- Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tobias B Huber
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Chen WC, Zhang LH, Bai YY, Liu YB, Liang JW, He HF. Nomogram prediction of chronic postsurgical pain in patients with lung adenocarcinoma after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: A prospective study. Front Surg 2022; 9:1004205. [PMID: 36439523 PMCID: PMC9681821 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.1004205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic postsurgery pain (CPSP) refers to persistent or repeated pain around the incision after surgery. Different from acute postoperative pain, the persistence of CPSP seriously affects the quality of life of patients. CPSP has a considerable global impact due to large surgical volumes. Although the development of video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) has reduced the risk of CPSP, it still seriously affects patients' quality of life. Clinical recognition of CPSP at an early stage is limited; therefore, we aimed to develop and validate a nomogram to identify the significant predictive factors associated with CPSP after VATS in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. We screened 137 patients with invasive adenocarcinoma of the lung from among 312 patients undergoing VATS. In this prospective study, patients were divided into the CPSP (n = 52) and non-CPSP (n = 85) groups according to the occurrence of CPSP. Relevant information was collected 1 day before surgery and 1-3 days after surgery, and the occurrence of CPSP was followed up by telephone at 3 months after surgery. Data on clinical characteristics and peripheral blood leukocyte miRNAs were used to establish a nomogram for predicting CPSP using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression methods. The area under curve (AUC) was used to determine the recognition ability of the nomograms. The model was subjected to correction and decision curve analyses. Four variables-body mass index (BMI), history of chronic pain, miR 550a-3p, and visual analog scale (VAS) score on postoperative day 2 (VAS2d)-were selected according to LASSO regression to build the nomogram. The nomogram demonstrated adequate calibration and discrimination in the prediction model, with an AUC of 0.767 (95% confidence interval: 0.679-0.856). The calibration plot showed the best fit between model predictions and practical observations, suggesting that the use of the proposed nomogram to predict CPSP is beneficial. A nomogram consisting of BMI, history of chronic pain, miR 550a-3p, and VAS2d predicted the risk of CPSP after VATS in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jin-wei Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - He-fan He
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
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20
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Giordano R, Kjær-Staal Petersen K, Arendt-Nielsen L. The link between epigenetics, pain sensitivity and chronic pain. Scand J Pain 2022; 22:664-666. [PMID: 36149940 DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2022-0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests an association between gene expression and clinical pain. Epigenetic modifications are the main modulators of gene expression or protein translation in response to environmental stimuli and pathophysiological conditions. Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that epigenetic modifications could also impact the development of pain, the transition from acute to chronic pain, and the maintenance hereof.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocco Giordano
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Kristian Kjær-Staal Petersen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Center for Mathematical Modeling of Knee Osteoarthritis (MathKOA), Department of Material and Production, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Center for Mathematical Modeling of Knee Osteoarthritis (MathKOA), Department of Material and Production, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Mech-Sense, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
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21
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Borgonetti V, Meacci E, Pierucci F, Romanelli MN, Galeotti N. Dual HDAC/BRD4 Inhibitors Relieves Neuropathic Pain by Attenuating Inflammatory Response in Microglia After Spared Nerve Injury. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1634-1648. [PMID: 35501470 PMCID: PMC9606187 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01243-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the effort on developing new treatments, therapy for neuropathic pain is still a clinical challenge and combination therapy regimes of two or more drugs are often needed to improve efficacy. Accumulating evidence shows an altered expression and activity of histone acetylation enzymes in chronic pain conditions and restoration of these aberrant epigenetic modifications promotes pain-relieving activity. Recent studies showed a synergistic activity in neuropathic pain models by combination of histone deacetylases (HDACs) and bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitors. On these premises, the present study investigated the pharmacological profile of new dual HDAC/BRD4 inhibitors, named SUM52 and SUM35, in the spared nerve injury (SNI) model in mice as innovative strategy to simultaneously inhibit HDACs and BETs. Intranasal administration of SUM52 and SUM35 attenuated thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity in the absence of locomotor side effects. Both dual inhibitors showed a preferential interaction with BRD4-BD2 domain, and SUM52 resulted the most active compound. SUM52 reduced microglia-mediated spinal neuroinflammation in spinal cord sections of SNI mice as showed by reduction of IBA1 immunostaining, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, p65 nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and p38 MAPK over-phosphorylation. A robust decrease of the spinal proinflammatory cytokines content (IL-6, IL-1ß) was also observed after SUM52 treatment. Present results, showing the pain-relieving activity of HDAC/BRD4 dual inhibitors, indicate that the simultaneous modulation of BET and HDAC activity by a single molecule acting as multi-target agent might represent a promise for neuropathic pain relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Borgonetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Meacci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, "Mario Serio"-Unit of Biochemical Sciences and Molecular Biology, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Federica Pierucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, "Mario Serio"-Unit of Biochemical Sciences and Molecular Biology, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Novella Romanelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Galeotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
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22
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Sabina S, Panico A, Mincarone P, Leo CG, Garbarino S, Grassi T, Bagordo F, De Donno A, Scoditti E, Tumolo MR. Expression and Biological Functions of miRNAs in Chronic Pain: A Review on Human Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116016. [PMID: 35682695 PMCID: PMC9181121 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a major public health problem and an economic burden worldwide. However, its underlying pathological mechanisms remain unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression and serve key roles in physiological and pathological processes. This review aims to synthesize the human studies examining miRNA expression in the pathogenesis of chronic primary pain and chronic secondary pain. Additionally, to understand the potential pathophysiological impact of miRNAs in these conditions, an in silico analysis was performed to reveal the target genes and pathways involved in primary and secondary pain and their differential regulation in the different types of chronic pain. The findings, methodological issues and challenges of miRNA research in the pathophysiology of chronic pain are discussed. The available evidence suggests the potential role of miRNA in disease pathogenesis and possibly the pain process, eventually enabling this role to be exploited for pain monitoring and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saverio Sabina
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (S.S.); (C.G.L.); (M.R.T.)
| | - Alessandra Panico
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.P.); (T.G.); (A.D.D.)
| | - Pierpaolo Mincarone
- Institute for Research on Population and Social Policies, National Research Council, c/o ex Osp. Di Summa, Piazza Di Summa, 72100 Brindisi, Italy;
| | - Carlo Giacomo Leo
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (S.S.); (C.G.L.); (M.R.T.)
| | - Sergio Garbarino
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal/Child Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Tiziana Grassi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.P.); (T.G.); (A.D.D.)
| | - Francesco Bagordo
- Department of Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Science, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70126 Bari, Italy;
| | - Antonella De Donno
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.P.); (T.G.); (A.D.D.)
| | - Egeria Scoditti
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (S.S.); (C.G.L.); (M.R.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-(08)-3229-8860
| | - Maria Rosaria Tumolo
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (S.S.); (C.G.L.); (M.R.T.)
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology, University of Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.P.); (T.G.); (A.D.D.)
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23
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Allen S. The Search for Pain Biomarkers. IEEE Pulse 2022; 13:25-29. [DOI: 10.1109/mpuls.2022.3145628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Expression of Selected microRNAs in Migraine: A New Class of Possible Biomarkers of Disease? Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9122199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Preliminary but convergent findings suggest a role for microRNAs (miRNAs) in the generation and maintenance of chronic pain and migraine. Initial observations showed that serum levels of miR-382-5p and miR-34a-5p expression were increased in serum during the migraine attack, with miR-382-5p increasing in the interictal phase as well. By contrast, miR-30a-5p levels were lower in migraine patients compared to healthy controls. Of note, antimigraine treatments proved to be capable of influencing the expression of these miRNAs. Altogether, these observations suggest that miRNAs may represent migraine biomarkers, but several points are yet to be elucidated. A major concern is that these miRNAs are altered in a broad spectrum of painful and non-painful conditions, and thus it is not possible to consider them as truly “migraine-specific” biomarkers. We feel that these miRNAs may represent useful tools to uncover and define different phenotypes across the migraine spectrum with different treatment susceptibilities and clinical features, although further studies are needed to confirm our hypothesis. In this narrative review we provide an update and a critical analysis of available data on miRNAs and migraines in order to propose possible interpretations. Our main objective is to stimulate research in an area that holds promise when it comes to providing reliable biomarkers for theoretical and practical scientific advances.
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Epigenetic signature of chronic low back pain in human T cells. Pain Rep 2021; 6:e960. [PMID: 34746619 PMCID: PMC8568391 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000000960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. This study reveals sex-specific DNA methylation signatures in human T cells that discriminate chronic low back pain participants from healthy controls. Objective: Determine if chronic low back pain (LBP) is associated with DNA methylation signatures in human T cells that will reveal novel mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets and explore the feasibility of epigenetic diagnostic markers for pain-related pathophysiology. Methods: Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of 850,000 CpG sites in women and men with chronic LBP and pain-free controls was performed. T cells were isolated (discovery cohort, n = 32) and used to identify differentially methylated CpG sites, and gene ontologies and molecular pathways were identified. A polygenic DNA methylation score for LBP was generated in both women and men. Validation was performed in an independent cohort (validation cohort, n = 63) of chronic LBP and healthy controls. Results: Analysis with the discovery cohort revealed a total of 2,496 and 419 differentially methylated CpGs in women and men, respectively. In women, most of these sites were hypomethylated and enriched in genes with functions in the extracellular matrix, in the immune system (ie, cytokines), or in epigenetic processes. In men, a unique chronic LBP DNA methylation signature was identified characterized by significant enrichment for genes from the major histocompatibility complex. Sex-specific polygenic DNA methylation scores were generated to estimate the pain status of each individual and confirmed in the validation cohort using pyrosequencing. Conclusion: This study reveals sex-specific DNA methylation signatures in human T cells that discriminates chronic LBP participants from healthy controls.
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26
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Sun S, Zheng G, Zhou D, Zhu L, He X, Zhang C, Wang C, Yuan C. Emodin Interferes With Nitroglycerin-Induced Migraine in Rats Through CGMP-PKG Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:758026. [PMID: 34744735 PMCID: PMC8563583 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.758026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to explore the effect and mechanism of emodin in interfering with nitroglycerin-induced migraine rats. We carried out behavioral research within 2 h post-nitroglycerin (NTG) injection, and blood samples were collected through the abdominal aorta for measurements of nitric oxide (NO), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels. Immunohistochemistry was adopted to detect the activation of c-Fos immunoreactive neurons in brain tissues. The number and integrated optical density (IOD) of c-Fos positive cells were measured using Image-Pro Plus. Western blotting was applied to detect the levels of PKG protein in rat brain tissues. The results showed that emodin can alleviate the pain response of migraine rats and significantly reduce the levels of NO, CGRP, SP, TNF-α and cGMP in migraine rats. In addition, emodin can significantly reduce the number of c-Fos positive cells and the IOD value. Moreover, the expression of PKG protein was significantly inhibited by emodin. Therefore, it is inferred that emodin can relieve migraine induced by NTG through the cGMP-PKG pathway, and can be used as a potential botanical medicine for the treatment of migraine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuding Sun
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guo Zheng
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Decui Zhou
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lili Zhu
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin He
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Chunfeng Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chongzhi Wang
- Tang Center of Herbal Medicine Research and Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Chunsu Yuan
- Tang Center of Herbal Medicine Research and Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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27
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Bharwani KD, Kersten AB, Stone AL, Birklein F, Bruehl S, Dirckx M, Drummond PD, Gierthmühlen J, Goebel A, Knudsen L, Huygen FJPM. Denying the Truth Does Not Change the Facts: A Systematic Analysis of Pseudoscientific Denial of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. J Pain Res 2021; 14:3359-3376. [PMID: 34737631 PMCID: PMC8558034 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s326638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Several articles have claimed that complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) does not exist. Although a minority view, it is important to understand the arguments presented in these articles. We conducted a systematic literature search to evaluate the methodological quality of articles that claim CRPS does not exist. We then examined and refuted the arguments supporting this claim using up-to-date scientific literature on CRPS. Methods A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL databases. Inclusion criteria for articles were (a) a claim made that CRPS does not exist or that CRPS is not a distinct diagnostic entity and (b) support of these claims with subsequent argument(s). The methodological quality of articles was assessed if possible. Results Nine articles were included for analysis: 4 narrative reviews, 2 personal views, 1 letter, 1 editorial and 1 case report. Seven points of controversy were used in these articles to argue that CRPS does not exist: 1) disagreement with the label “CRPS”; 2) the “unclear” pathophysiology; 3) the validity of the diagnostic criteria; 4) CRPS as a normal consequence of immobilization; 5) the role of psychological factors; 6) other identifiable causes for CRPS symptoms; and 7) the methodological quality of CRPS research. Conclusion The level of evidence for the claim that CRPS does not exist is very weak. Published accounts concluding that CRPS does not exist, in the absence of primary evidence to underpin them, can harm patients by encouraging dismissal of patients’ signs and symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- K D Bharwani
- Center for Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A B Kersten
- Center for Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A L Stone
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - F Birklein
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - S Bruehl
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - M Dirckx
- Center for Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - P D Drummond
- Discipline of Psychology, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - J Gierthmühlen
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department Neurology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - A Goebel
- Director of the Pain Research Institute Reader in Pain Medicine, University of Liverpool Honorary Consultant in Pain Medicine, Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - L Knudsen
- The National Rehabilitation Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - F J P M Huygen
- Center for Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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28
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Li L, Bai L, Yang K, Zhang J, Gao Y, Jiang M, Yang Y, Zhang X, Wang L, Wang X, Qiao Y, Xu JT. KDM6B epigenetically regulated-interleukin-6 expression in the dorsal root ganglia and spinal dorsal horn contributes to the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain following peripheral nerve injury in male rats. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 98:265-282. [PMID: 34464689 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.08.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The lysine specific demethylase 6B (KDM6B) has been implicated as a coregulator in the expression of proinflammatory mediators, and in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and arthritic pain. However, the role of KDM6B in neuropathic pain has yet to be studied. In the current study, the neuropathic pain was determined by assessing the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) following lumbar 5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in male rats. Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-PCR assays were performed to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that SNL led to a significant increase in KDM6B mRNA and protein in the ipsilateral L4/5 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and spinal dorsal horn; and this increase correlated a markedly reduction in the level of H3K27me3 methylation in the same tissue. Double immunofluorescence staining revealed that the KDM6B expressed in myelinated A- and unmyelinated C-fibers in the DRG; and located in neuronal cells, astrocytes, and microglia in the dorsal horn. Behavioral data showed that SNL-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were impaired by the treatment of prior to i.t. injection of GSK-J4, a specific inhibitor of KDM6B, or KDM6B siRNA. Both microinjection of AAV2-EGFP-KDM6B shRNA in the lumbar 5 dorsal horn and sciatic nerve, separately, alleviated the neuropathic pain following SNL. The established neuropathic pain was also partially attenuated by repeat i.t. injections of GSK-J4 or KDM6B siRNA, started on day 7 after SNL. SNL also resulted in a remarkable increased expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the DRG and dorsal horn. But this increase was dramatically inhibited by i.t. injection of GSK-J4 and KDM6B siRNA; and suppressed by prior to microinjection of AAV2-EGFP-KDM6B shRNA in the dorsal horn and sciatic nerve. Results of ChIP-PCR assay showed that SNL-induced enhanced binding of STAT3 with IL-6 promoter was inhibited by prior to i.t. injection of GSK-J4. Meanwhile, the level of H3K27me3 methylation was also decreased by the treatment. Together, our results indicate that SNL-induced upregulation of KDM6B via demethylating H3K27me3 facilitates the binding of STAT3 with IL-6 promoter, and subsequently mediated-increase in the expression of IL-6 in the DRG and dorsal horn contributes to the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Targeting KDM6B might a promising therapeutic strategy to treatment of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liren Li
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Liying Bai
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Kangli Yang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Mingjun Jiang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yin Yang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xueli Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yiming Qiao
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Ji-Tian Xu
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University, 100 Science Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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Akaslan E, Güvener O, Görür A, Çelikcan DH, Tamer L, Biçer A. The plasma microRNA levels and their relationship with the general health and functional status in female patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Arch Rheumatol 2021; 36:482-492. [PMID: 35382374 PMCID: PMC8957758 DOI: 10.46497/archrheumatol.2022.8363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the plasma level of micro-ribonucleic acid (microRNA) expressions and the relationship between plasma microRNA levels with the general health and functional status in female patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).
Patients and methods: Thirty-five female patients (mean age: 42.0±11.8 years; range, 21 to 62 years) diagnosed as FMS and 35 sex-and age-matched healthy controls (mean age: 43.7±8.8 years; range, 21 to 56 years) were enrolled in the study. MicroRNA measurements of the participants in plasma were carried out by using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). A total of 11 plasma levels of microRNA expressions were examined in both groups. The general health and functional status of the patients and controls were assessed by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) scale.
Results: No significant difference was observed between the plasma levels of microRNA expressions in patients with FMS and healthy controls. The plasma level of miR-320a expression was found to be negatively correlated with the total FIQ score in female patients with FMS (p=0.05, r=-0.34). Negative correlations were also detected between the plasma level of miR-320a and miR-320b expressions and the subscale score of SF-36 physical function in female patients with FMS (p=0.01, r=-0.43 and p=0.01, r=-0.43, respectively). A strong positive correlation was found between miR-142-3p and the subscale score of SF-36 mental symptom score in female patients with FMS (p<0.001, r=1.00).
Conclusion: The expression levels of microRNAs in plasma between female patients with FMS and controls were not significantly different. Only plasma levels of miR-320a, miR-320b, and miR-142-3p expressions were associated with the general health, functional status, and mental symptom score in female patients with FMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erbil Akaslan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hatay State Hospital, Hatay, Turkey
| | - Orhan Güvener
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mersin University Faculty of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Ayşegül Görür
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Mersin University Faculty of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey
| | | | - Lülüfer Tamer
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Mersin University Faculty of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Ali Biçer
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mersin University Faculty of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey
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Romanelli MN, Borgonetti V, Galeotti N. Dual BET/HDAC inhibition to relieve neuropathic pain: Recent advances, perspectives, and future opportunities. Pharmacol Res 2021; 173:105901. [PMID: 34547384 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite the intense research on developing new therapies for neuropathic pain states, available treatments have limited efficacy and unfavorable safety profiles. Epigenetic alterations have a great influence on the development of cancer and neurological diseases, as well as neuropathic pain. Histone acetylation has prevailed as one of the well investigated epigenetic modifications in these diseases. Altered spinal activity of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and Bromo and Extra terminal domain (BET) have been described in neuropathic pain models and restoration of these aberrant epigenetic modifications showed pain-relieving activity. Over the last decades HDACs and BETs have been the focus of drug discovery studies, leading to the development of numerous small-molecule inhibitors. Clinical trials to evaluate their anticancer activity showed good efficacy but raised toxicity concerns that limited translation to the clinic. To maximize activity and minimize toxicity, these compounds can be applied in combination of sub-maximal doses to produce additive or synergistic interactions (combination therapy). Recently, of particular interest, dual BET/HDAC inhibitors (multi-target drugs) have been developed to assure simultaneous modulation of BET and HDAC activity by a single molecule. This review will summarize the most recent advances with these strategies, describing advantages and limitations of single drug treatment vs combination regimens. This review will also provide a focus on dual BET/HDAC drug discovery investigations as future therapeutic opportunity for human therapy of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Novella Romanelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Vittoria Borgonetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Galeotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy.
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López-Muñoz E, Mejía-Terrazas GE. Epigenetics and postsurgical pain: A scoping review. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 23:246-262. [PMID: 34314508 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Multiple factors are involved in the physiology and variability of postsurgical pain, a great part of which can be explained by genetic and environmental factors and their interaction. Epigenetics refers to the mechanism by which the environment alters the stability and expression of genes. We conducted a scoping review to examine the available evidence in both animal models and clinical studies on epigenetic mechanisms involved in regulation of postsurgical and chronic postsurgical pain. METHODS The Arksey & ÓMalley framework and the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, scoping reviews extension) guidelines were used. The PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were searched, and the original articles cited in reviews located through the search were also reviewed. English-language articles without time limits were retrieved. Articles were selected if the abstract addressed information on the epigenetic or epigenomic mechanisms, histone, or DNA methylation and microribonucleic acids involved in postsurgical and chronic postsurgical pain in animal models and clinical studies. RESULTS The initial search provided 174 articles, and 81 were used. The available studies to date, mostly in animal models, have shown that epigenetics contributes to regulation of gene expression in the pathways involved in postsurgical pain and in maintaining long-term pain. CONCLUSION Research on possible epigenetic mechanisms involved in postsurgical pain and chronic postsurgical pain in humans is scarce. In view of the evidence available in animal models, there is a need to evaluate epigenetic pain mechanisms in the context of human and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice López-Muñoz
- Medical Research Unit in Reproductive Medicine, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Hospital de Gineco Obstetricia No. 4, "Luis Castelazo Ayala", Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gabriel Enrique Mejía-Terrazas
- Medical Research Unit in Reproductive Medicine, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Hospital de Gineco Obstetricia No. 4, "Luis Castelazo Ayala", Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico.,Anaesthesiology Service and Pain Clinic, Hospital Angeles México, Mexico City, Mexico
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Maugars Y, Berthelot JM, Le Goff B, Darrieutort-Laffite C. Fibromyalgia and Associated Disorders: From Pain to Chronic Suffering, From Subjective Hypersensitivity to Hypersensitivity Syndrome. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:666914. [PMID: 34336880 PMCID: PMC8316633 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.666914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of fibromyalgia has progressed to achieve a certain consensus regarding the definition of the condition. We summarize what is known in 2020, be it in terms of diagnosis, with the criteria that have changed over the years, or at the level of the psychological profile, via the notions of "catastrophizing" and "coping" and post-traumatic syndrome. The importance of fatigue and sleep disorders is underlined, with the chronological sequence of post-traumatic syndrome, chronic fatigue, and then amplification of the pain and the onset of multiple associated symptoms. The etiopathogenic debate has been enriched thanks to neuro-imaging data to discover the start of the central neurological signature. The many associated symptoms are reanalyzed in the context of so-called sister conditions which form sometimes more or less separate entities, such as chronic fatigue syndrome or restless legs syndrome for example. What these conditions have in common is hypersensitivity, not just to pain, but also to all exteroceptive stimuli, from deep sensitivity in the neuro-vegetative system, the sense organs and certain functions of the central nervous system, to the psychological aspects and sleep control. In summary, it is possible to define fibromyalgia as a cognitive disorder of cortical integration of chronic pain, with amplification of painful and sensory nociception, decrease in the threshold for the perception of pain, and persistence of a stimulus that maintains the process in chronicity. Fibromyalgia is part of a group of chronic hypersensitivity syndromes of central origin, with a very wide range of means of expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Maugars
- Rheumatology Department, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
| | | | - Benoit Le Goff
- Rheumatology Department, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
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Towards the endotyping of the sleep-pain interaction: a topical review on multitarget strategies based on phenotypic vulnerabilities and putative pathways. Pain 2021; 162:1281-1288. [PMID: 33105436 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Jiang L, Zhou Y, Shen J, Chen Y, Ma Z, Yu Y, Chu M, Qian Q, Zhuang X, Xia S. RNA Sequencing Reveals LINC00167 as a Potential Diagnosis Biomarker for Primary Osteoarthritis: A Multi-Stage Study. Front Genet 2021; 11:539489. [PMID: 33519887 PMCID: PMC7841430 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.539489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Given the roles played by lncRNA in human diseases and the high incidence of OA, this study investigated the pivotal pathways involved in the disease and identified potential biomarkers for OA diagnosis. Methods We first performed an exploration of RNA-sequencing in peripheral blood leukocytes from six subjects (3 OA and 3 healthy controls). Promising candidate lncRNAs were evaluated in first stage validation using a GEO dataset (GSE114007) of 38 subjects (20 OA and 18 healthy controls), followed by a second stage validation using quantitative PCR analysis with 101 subjects (67 OA and 34 controls). The third stage investigated the potential value of validated lncRNA in the early diagnosis of OA in peripheral blood leukocytes from a total of 120 participants (60 cases and 60 controls). Results The dataset identified a total of 1,380 up-regulated and 719 down-regulated mRNAs and 5,743 up-regulated and 7,384 down-regulated lncRNAs. The up-regulated DEGs were mainly enriched in the extracellular matrix, while the down-regulated DEGs were mainly enriched in the IL-17 and wnt signaling pathways. 18 overlapping candidate lncRNAs survived after first-stage validation. 3 hub lncRNAs were selected for the second validation stage and qualified in an external sample, and lncRNA LINC00167 was further confirmed with a similar result (down-expressed in both stages). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that LINC00167 can distinguish OA cases from healthy controls with a high area under the curve of 0.879 (95%CI: 0.819, 0.938; P < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 80.7% and specificity of 83.5%. Conclusion The expression profile of OA was identified and critical pathways were elucidated by an integrated approach to RNA-seq from easily accessible blood. LINC00167 may serve as a potential early diagnosis marker for OA in clinical practice. The detailed mechanism of action of this lncRNA requires further elucidation in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liying Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiqin Zhou
- Department of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Huangpu, China
| | - Junjie Shen
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Huangpu, China
| | - Ziyuan Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, School of Medical, Strategically Strategic Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yuhui Yu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Minjie Chu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qirong Qian
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xun Zhuang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Shengli Xia
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Hendrix J, Nijs J, Ickmans K, Godderis L, Ghosh M, Polli A. The Interplay between Oxidative Stress, Exercise, and Pain in Health and Disease: Potential Role of Autonomic Regulation and Epigenetic Mechanisms. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:E1166. [PMID: 33238564 PMCID: PMC7700330 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9111166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress can be induced by various stimuli and altered in certain conditions, including exercise and pain. Although many studies have investigated oxidative stress in relation to either exercise or pain, the literature presents conflicting results. Therefore, this review critically discusses existing literature about this topic, aiming to provide a clear overview of known interactions between oxidative stress, exercise, and pain in healthy people as well as in people with chronic pain, and to highlight possible confounding factors to keep in mind when reflecting on these interactions. In addition, autonomic regulation and epigenetic mechanisms are proposed as potential mechanisms of action underlying the interplay between oxidative stress, exercise, and pain. This review highlights that the relation between oxidative stress, exercise, and pain is poorly understood and not straightforward, as it is dependent on the characteristics of exercise, but also on which population is investigated. To be able to compare studies on this topic, strict guidelines should be developed to limit the effect of several confounding factors. This way, the true interplay between oxidative stress, exercise, and pain, and the underlying mechanisms of action can be revealed and validated via independent studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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; (J.H.); (J.N.); (K.I.)
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.G.); (M.G.)
| | - 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; (J.H.); (J.N.); (K.I.)
- 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, 41390 Gothenburg, Sweden
- University of Gothenburg Center for Person-Centred Care (GPCC), Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41390 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kelly Ickmans
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (J.H.); (J.N.); (K.I.)
- Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Brussels, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lode Godderis
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.G.); (M.G.)
- External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work (IDEWE), 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Manosij Ghosh
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.G.); (M.G.)
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - 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; (J.H.); (J.N.); (K.I.)
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (L.G.); (M.G.)
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
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Sex-specific effects of the histone variant H2A.Z on fear memory, stress-enhanced fear learning and hypersensitivity to pain. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14331. [PMID: 32868857 PMCID: PMC7458907 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71229-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that histone variants are novel epigenetic regulators of memory, whereby histone H2A.Z suppresses fear memory. However, it is not clear if altered fear memory can also modify risk for PTSD, and whether these effects differ in males and females. Using conditional-inducible H2A.Z knockout (cKO) mice, we showed that H2A.Z binding is higher in females and that H2A.Z cKO enhanced fear memory only in males. However, H2A.Z cKO improved memory on the non-aversive object-in-place task in both sexes, suggesting that H2A.Z suppresses non-stressful memory irrespective of sex. Given that risk for fear-related disorders, such as PTSD, is biased toward females, we examined whether H2A.Z cKO also has sex-specific effects on fear sensitization in the stress-enhanced fear learning (SEFL) model of PTSD, as well as associated changes in pain sensitivity. We found that H2A.Z cKO reduced stress-induced sensitization of fear learning and pain responses preferentially in female mice, indicating that the effects of H2A.Z depend on sex and the type of task, and are influenced by history of stress. These data suggest that H2A.Z may be a sex-specific epigenetic risk factor for PTSD susceptibility, with implications for developing sex-specific therapeutic interventions.
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Zsidó BZ, Hetényi C. Molecular Structure, Binding Affinity, and Biological Activity in the Epigenome. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114134. [PMID: 32531926 PMCID: PMC7311975 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of valid structure–activity relationships (SARs) is a key to the elucidation of pathomechanisms of epigenetic diseases and the development of efficient, new drugs. The present review is based on selected methodologies and applications supplying molecular structure, binding affinity and biological activity data for the development of new SARs. An emphasis is placed on emerging trends and permanent challenges of new discoveries of SARs in the context of proteins as epigenetic drug targets. The review gives a brief overview and classification of the molecular background of epigenetic changes, and surveys both experimental and theoretical approaches in the field. Besides the results of sophisticated, cutting edge techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy, protein crystallography, and isothermal titration calorimetry, examples of frequently used assays and fast screening techniques are also selected. The review features how different experimental methods and theoretical approaches complement each other and result in valid SARs of the epigenome.
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Ovejero T, Sadones O, Sánchez-Fito T, Almenar-Pérez E, Espejo JA, Martín-Martínez E, Nathanson L, Oltra E. Activation of Transposable Elements in Immune Cells of Fibromyalgia Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1366. [PMID: 32085571 PMCID: PMC7072917 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancements in nucleic acid sequencing technology combined with an unprecedented availability of metadata have revealed that 45% of the human genome constituted by transposable elements (TEs) is not only transcriptionally active but also physiologically necessary. Dysregulation of TEs, including human retroviral endogenous sequences (HERVs) has been shown to associate with several neurologic and autoimmune diseases, including Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). However, no study has yet addressed whether abnormal expression of these sequences correlates with fibromyalgia (FM), a disease frequently comorbid with ME/CFS. The work presented here shows, for the first time, that, in fact, HERVs of the H, K and W types are overexpressed in immune cells of FM patients with or without comorbid ME/CFS. Patients with increased HERV expression (N = 14) presented increased levels of interferon (INF-β and INF-γ) but unchanged levels of TNF-α. The findings reported in this study could explain the flu-like symptoms FM patients present with in clinical practice, in the absence of concomitant infections. Future work aimed at identifying specific genomic loci differentially affected in FM and/or ME/CFS is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Ovejero
- School of Medicine, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain;
| | | | - Teresa Sánchez-Fito
- Escuela de Doctorado, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46008 Valencia, Spain; (T.S.-F.); (E.A.-P.)
| | - Eloy Almenar-Pérez
- Escuela de Doctorado, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46008 Valencia, Spain; (T.S.-F.); (E.A.-P.)
| | - José Andrés Espejo
- School of Biotechnology, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain;
| | | | - Lubov Nathanson
- Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA;
| | - Elisa Oltra
- School of Medicine, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain
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