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LLedó Boyer A, López-Roig S, Pastor-Mira MÁ, Terol Cantero MC, Martín-Aragón M. Exploring Biopsychosocial Stress Markers in Women With Fibromyalgia. Pain Manag Nurs 2024; 25:e336-e345. [PMID: 38862334 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2024.05.008] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of fibromyalgia has been a challenge for healthcare professionals due to the lack of a clinical biomarker. A well-supported integrative hypothesis holds that this condition is a chronic pain problem partly caused by long-term dysregulation of stress response. Therefore, stress assessment from a biopsychosocial perspective may be a useful approach to recognizing fibromyalgia. PURPOSE A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted to explore stress markers from a multidimensional perspective, including heart rate variability (as a biomarker of stress) as well as psychological distress and social stress. METHODS Forty-seven women with fibromyalgia were recruited from support groups and another 47 were recruited as matched pain-free controls. Comparison and discriminant function analyses were performed. RESULTS The data support the goodness of biopsychosocial stress markers in women with fibromyalgia, resulting in the identification of between 70% and 74.5% of fibromyalgia cases (sensitivity) and 85%-87% pain-free controls (specificity), with medium-high levels of fit (λ = 0.58 and λ = 0.59; p < .00). Women with fibromyalgia were characterized by high levels of psychological distress, social stress (disorder levels), and autonomic dysregulation. Although distress and social stress had a greater weight in discriminant functions, dysregulation in terms of low parasympathetic activity and high sympathetic activity at rest was also relevant. CONCLUSIONS A biopsychosocial approach to stress with an objective biomarker such as heart rate variability may be a useful tool to identify and manage FM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana LLedó Boyer
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Sofía López-Roig
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain
| | | | | | - Maite Martín-Aragón
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health, Miguel Hernández University, Alicante, Spain
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Samy EM, Radwan RR, Mosallam FM, Mohamed HA. Nano-pregabalin effectively mitigates Glut, CGRP and NE neurotransmitters abnormalities in the brain of gamma irradiated rats with reserpine-induced fibromyalgia model: Behavioral and neurochemical studies. Neuropharmacology 2024; 261:110162. [PMID: 39299572 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Fibromyalgia (FM) is an idiopathic syndrome with painful burdensome symptoms. Radiotherapy is one of the main therapeutic modalities for treating various malignancies and there is a probable association between FM exacerbation and exposure to ionizing radiation. Based on that nanomedicines progressively being explored for their promising applications in medicine, the aim of the current study is to assess the possible therapeutic benefits of nanoform of pregabalin (N-PG) in managing FM symptoms during being exposed to ionizing radiation. MAIN METHODS Rats were allocated into four groups. First group served as control, the other three groups received gamma radiation (2 Gy/day) after one hour of reserpine administration (1 ml/kg per day, s.c.) to induce FM for three successive days. On the next day, third and fourth groups received (30 mg/kg, p.o.) of PG and N-PG, respectively once daily for ten consecutive days. Tail flick test was performed and von Frey filaments were used to assess mechanical allodynia/hyperalgesia, and then rats were sacrificed to obtain brains. KEY FINDINGS N-PG effectively replenished reserpine effects and treated both allodynia and hyperalgesia, improved thermal allodynia, effectively recovered all neurotransmitters near to normal baseline, inhibited oxidative stress status via decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA), increasing glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), it had strong anti-inflammatory effect as verified by reducing both cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) in addition to inhibition of intrinsic apoptosis through caspase-3 (casp-3) decrease and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) increase. Histopathological and immunohistochemical results confirmed the biochemical findings. SIGNIFICANCE N-PG could be a promising drug for treating FM especially when there is urgent need to expose patient to ionizing radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esraa M Samy
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Rasha R Radwan
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Farag M Mosallam
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Heba A Mohamed
- Drug Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, Egypt
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Meerschman I, D'haeseleer E, Vanderhasselt MA, Claeys S, Vonck K, Vergauwe R, Van Nuffelen G, Desuter G, Roy N, Van Lierde K. Exploring autonomic dysfunction in functional dysphonia: A protocol for a case-control study and a randomized controlled trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2024. [PMID: 39254146 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.13111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although psychological factors have been implicated in patients with functional dysphonia (FD), conventional voice therapy (CVT) typically targets the aberrant voice symptoms exclusively. Yet, CVT is not always successful, and in view of the significant adverse quality of life impact combined with the financial burden on the healthcare system and society, research is needed to elucidate the underlying psychophysiology of FD and improve treatment outcomes. OBJECTIVES The first objective of this research project is to compare the occurrence and frequency of symptoms and/or disorders related to autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction in patients with FD with gender- and age-matched vocally healthy controls, using a case-control study. The second objective is to compare the effects of a novel therapy for FD based on ANS regulation (i.e., ANS therapy: heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback) on both autonomic function and voice function versus CVT alone or in combination with ANS therapy (i.e., ANS therapy + CVT), using a randomized controlled trial (RCT). METHODS Case-control study: Autonomic (dys)function of patients with FD will be compared with gender- and age-matched vocally healthy controls, using both physiological measures (e.g., HRV, skin conductance level) and psychological patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs, e.g., Neuroception of Psychological Safety Scale, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale). RCT: The FD group will be randomly assigned to the innovative ANS therapy group, the CVT group or the ANS therapy + CVT group. All patients received 1 month of treatment with 20 min of daily practice. Both the autonomic assessment and the voice assessment will be performed pretherapy and immediately after therapy by assessors blinded to group allocation and study phase. EXPECTED RESULTS Higher occurrences of symptoms and/or disorders related to autonomic dysfunction are expected in patients with FD compared with vocally healthy controls. Physiological outcomes: lower HRV, lower cardiac pre-ejection period, higher respiration rate and higher skin conductance level are hypothesized in patients with FD compared with vocally healthy controls. Psychological PROMs: higher self-report of feelings/symptoms related to autonomic dysfunction (e.g., perceived stress, anxiety) is expected in patients with FD compared with vocally healthy controls. The autonomic function is hypothesized to improve more after the ANS therapy and the ANS therapy + CVT compared with the CVT only. Voice function is expected to improve more after the ANS therapy + CVT compared with the ANS therapy and the CVT alone. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on the subject Autonomic dysfunction is well recognized in the field of psychology but remains understudied in the area of voice. Given that the vagus nerve, innervating the larynx, also helps to regulate the ANS, and psychological symptoms commonly observed in patients with FD may reflect ANS dysregulation, research in this area is needed. There is some preliminary evidence that autonomic dysfunction might indeed be associated with FD. However, physiological ANS measures are needed, as well as validated psychological PROMs. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge The first objective of this study is to investigate the occurrence and frequency of symptoms and/or disorders related to autonomic dysfunction in patients with FD as compared with a gender- and age-matched vocally healthy control group. Autonomic (dys)function will be determined by employing both physiological measures (e.g., HRV, skin conductance level) and psychological PROMs (e.g., Neuroception of Psychological Safety Scale, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale). The second objective is to compare the effects of a novel therapy for FD based on ANS regulation (HRV biofeedback) versus CVT alone or in combination with ANS therapy. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Success rates of symptomatic CVT for FD are highly variable. This study is expected to lead to innovative results related to the pathogenesis and psychophysiology of FD, a prevalent voice disorder associated with a significant adverse quality of life impact and a substantial financial burden on the healthcare system and society. The results of this study will lead to crucial new insights into both the diagnosis and treatment of FD, contributing to evidence-based practice in the field of voice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Meerschman
- Centre for Speech and Language Sciences (CESLAS), Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Evelien D'haeseleer
- Centre for Speech and Language Sciences (CESLAS), Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Royal Conservatory Brussels, Musical Department, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie-Anne Vanderhasselt
- Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sofie Claeys
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kristl Vonck
- Department of Neurology, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Riet Vergauwe
- Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gwen Van Nuffelen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Rehabilitation Center for Communication Disorders, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Gauthier Desuter
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Rehabilitation Center for Communication Disorders, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nelson Roy
- Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Kristiane Van Lierde
- Centre for Speech and Language Sciences (CESLAS), Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Faculty of Humanities, Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Farrell G, Chapple C, Kennedy E, Reily-Bell M, Sampath K, Gisselman AS, Cook C, Katare R, Tumilty S. Autonomic nervous system and endocrine system response to upper or lower cervical spine mobilization in males with persistent post-concussion symptoms: a proof-of-concept trial. J Man Manip Ther 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38904298 DOI: 10.1080/10669817.2024.2363018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The peripheral stress response, consisting of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and hypothalamic pituitary adrenal-axis (HPA-axis), functions to maintain homeostasis in response to stressors. Cervical spine manual therapy has been shown to differentially modulate the stress response in healthy populations. No study has investigated whether cervical spine mobilizations can differentially modulate the stress response in individuals with persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS), a population characterized by a dysfunctional stress response. METHODS A randomized, controlled, parallel design trial was performed to investigate whether upper or lower cervical spine mobilization can differentially modulate components of the stress response in individuals with PPCS. The outcomes were salivary cortisol (sCOR) concentration (primary) and the HRV metric, rMSSD, measured with a smartphone application (secondary). Nineteen males diagnosed with PPCS, aged 19-35, were included. Participants were randomly assigned into either intervention group, upper (n = 10) or lower (n = 9) cervical spine mobilization. Each outcome was collected at different time points, pre- and post-intervention. Statistical analyses were performed using the Friedman's Two-Way ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U test, and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. RESULTS There was a statistically significant within-group reduction in sCOR concentration 30 minutes following lower cervical spine mobilizations and statistically significant within-group increase in rMSSD 30 minutes following upper cervical spine mobilizations. CONCLUSION The results of this trial provide preliminary evidence for cervical spine mobilizations to differentially modulate components of the stress response at specific time points. Understanding the mechanisms of the effect of cervical spine mobilizations on the stress response provides a novel rationale for selecting cervical spine mobilizations to rehabilitate individuals with PPCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Farrell
- Centre for Health, Activity, and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Cathy Chapple
- Centre for Health, Activity, and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Ewan Kennedy
- Centre for Health, Activity, and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Matthew Reily-Bell
- Department of Physiology, HeartOtago, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Kesava Sampath
- Centre for Health and Social Practice, Waikato Institute of Technology-Rotokauri Campus, Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand
| | | | - Chad Cook
- Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Rajesh Katare
- Department of Physiology, HeartOtago, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Steve Tumilty
- Centre for Health, Activity, and Rehabilitation Research, School of Physiotherapy, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Nakamura Y, Shibata M, Morisaki Y, Hirabayashi N, Higashioka M, Hata J, Hosoi M, Sudo N, Yamaura K, Ninomiya T. Autonomic nervous system function assessed by heart rate variability and the presence of symptoms affecting activities of daily living in community-dwelling residents with chronic pain: The Hisayama Study. Eur J Pain 2024; 28:831-844. [PMID: 38102889 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2224] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autonomic nervous system dysfunction has been reported to be associated with impaired activities of daily living (ADL) among patients with chronic pain, but the association has not been fully addressed in general populations. This study cross-sectionally investigated the association between autonomic nervous system function and the presence of subjective symptoms affecting ADL in community-dwelling residents with chronic pain. METHODS A total of 888 residents with chronic pain, aged 40-79 years, who underwent a health examination in 2017-2018 were included. Based on heart rate variability measured by fingertip pulse wave, the standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive RR interval differences (RMSSD), low frequency (LF) power, and high frequency (HF) power were calculated. Symptoms affecting ADL were defined as those scoring ≥1 on the modified Rankin Scale. Odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for symptoms affecting ADL were estimated using a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The overall prevalence of symptoms affecting ADL was 39.4%. The ORs for symptoms affecting ADL increased significantly per 1-standard-deviation decrement in log-transformed SDNN (OR 1.23 [95% CI 1.06-1.44]), RMSSD (1.25 [1.08-1.45]), LF power (1.29 [1.11-1.52]), and HF power (1.29 [1.11-1.51]) after adjusting for age, sex, education, hypertension, diabetes, serum total cholesterol level, body mass index, past medical history, current smoking, current drinking, exercise, depressive symptoms, and pain intensity. CONCLUSIONS Decreased heart rate variability was associated with the presence of symptoms affecting ADL among individuals with chronic pain in a Japanese community. SIGNIFICANCE Decrease in heart rate variability was associated with the presence of symptoms affecting ADL among individuals with chronic pain in a Japanese community. This article could help scientists understand the significance of autonomic nervous system dysfunction in the pathology of chronic pain. Approaches that target autonomic nervous system dysfunction may be an option to relieve or prevent symptoms affecting ADL for chronic pain sufferers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Nakamura
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mao Shibata
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Center for Cohort Studies, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yukiko Morisaki
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Naoki Hirabayashi
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mayu Higashioka
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Diabetes and Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan
| | - Jun Hata
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Center for Cohort Studies, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masako Hosoi
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Sudo
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ken Yamaura
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toshiharu Ninomiya
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Center for Cohort Studies, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Tenti M, Raffaeli W, Fontemaggi A, Gremigni P. The relationship between metacognition, anger, and pain intensity among fibromyalgia patients: a serial mediation model. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2024; 29:791-808. [PMID: 37436407 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2023.2235741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia is a burdensome pain causing patients a very negative emotional state that can worsen their clinical profile, perceived disability, and treatment outcomes. In particular, anger can negatively affect pain and patient adjustment to the disease. Recent studies suggest that metacognitions and anger rumination can negatively affect anger, which in turn can amplify the intensity of pain. This study aims to investigate whether anger rumination and state anger serially mediate the relationship between metacognitions and the intensity of pain. The study included 446 subjects who: declared having received a fibromyalgia diagnosis by a rheumatologist/pain physician; completed measures of metacognitions, anger rumination, state-anger, and pain intensity. The serial mediation analysis was conducted using Hayes' PROCESS macro (Model 6). Negative beliefs about worry and beliefs about the need to control thoughts indirectly influenced the intensity of pain through two significant mediating pathways: state-anger and anger rumination to state-anger. Cognitive self-consciousness affected pain intensity directly (β = .11, p < .05) and indirectly through two significant mediating pathways: state-anger and anger rumination to state-anger. This study highlights the role of serial mediation of anger rumination and state-anger in the relationship between metacognitions and pain intensity in the field of fibromyalgia. Our work introduces new targets for anger management interventions for patients with fibromyalgia. Such interventions could be effectively addressed with a metacognitive approach considering its specific focus on dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs and repetitive negative thinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Tenti
- ISAL Foundation, Institute for Research on Pain, Rimini, Italy
- "Studi Cognitivi", Cognitive Psychotherapy School and Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - W Raffaeli
- ISAL Foundation, Institute for Research on Pain, Rimini, Italy
| | - A Fontemaggi
- "Studi Cognitivi", Cognitive Psychotherapy School and Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - P Gremigni
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Kaplan MH, Zhou CH, Carroll E, Weinberg AD, Clauw DJ, Ngô TT, Tassiulas I. Pain relief in refractory fibromyalgia after vestibulocortical stimulation: an open-label pilot trial. PAIN MEDICINE (MALDEN, MASS.) 2024; 25:252-254. [PMID: 37930036 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnad145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael H Kaplan
- Division of Rheumatology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY 10019, United States
| | - Celine H Zhou
- Division of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15232, United States
| | - Emily Carroll
- Division of Rheumatology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY 10019, United States
| | - Alan D Weinberg
- Population Health Science & Policy, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY 10019, United States
| | - Daniel J Clauw
- Chronic Pain & Fatigue Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-5737, United States
| | - Trung Thành Ngô
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland and Surgical, Treatment & Rehabilitation Service (STARS), Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Ioannis Tassiulas
- Division of Rheumatology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY 10019, United States
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González-González MA, Conde SV, Latorre R, Thébault SC, Pratelli M, Spitzer NC, Verkhratsky A, Tremblay MÈ, Akcora CG, Hernández-Reynoso AG, Ecker M, Coates J, Vincent KL, Ma B. Bioelectronic Medicine: a multidisciplinary roadmap from biophysics to precision therapies. Front Integr Neurosci 2024; 18:1321872. [PMID: 38440417 PMCID: PMC10911101 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2024.1321872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioelectronic Medicine stands as an emerging field that rapidly evolves and offers distinctive clinical benefits, alongside unique challenges. It consists of the modulation of the nervous system by precise delivery of electrical current for the treatment of clinical conditions, such as post-stroke movement recovery or drug-resistant disorders. The unquestionable clinical impact of Bioelectronic Medicine is underscored by the successful translation to humans in the last decades, and the long list of preclinical studies. Given the emergency of accelerating the progress in new neuromodulation treatments (i.e., drug-resistant hypertension, autoimmune and degenerative diseases), collaboration between multiple fields is imperative. This work intends to foster multidisciplinary work and bring together different fields to provide the fundamental basis underlying Bioelectronic Medicine. In this review we will go from the biophysics of the cell membrane, which we consider the inner core of neuromodulation, to patient care. We will discuss the recently discovered mechanism of neurotransmission switching and how it will impact neuromodulation design, and we will provide an update on neuronal and glial basis in health and disease. The advances in biomedical technology have facilitated the collection of large amounts of data, thereby introducing new challenges in data analysis. We will discuss the current approaches and challenges in high throughput data analysis, encompassing big data, networks, artificial intelligence, and internet of things. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the electrochemical properties of neural interfaces, along with the integration of biocompatible and reliable materials and compliance with biomedical regulations for translational applications. Preclinical validation is foundational to the translational process, and we will discuss the critical aspects of such animal studies. Finally, we will focus on the patient point-of-care and challenges in neuromodulation as the ultimate goal of bioelectronic medicine. This review is a call to scientists from different fields to work together with a common endeavor: accelerate the decoding and modulation of the nervous system in a new era of therapeutic possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Alejandra González-González
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Silvia V. Conde
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NOVA University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ramon Latorre
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Stéphanie C. Thébault
- Laboratorio de Investigación Traslacional en salud visual (D-13), Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Marta Pratelli
- Neurobiology Department, Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Nicholas C. Spitzer
- Neurobiology Department, Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- International Collaborative Center on Big Science Plan for Purinergic Signaling, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Cuneyt G. Akcora
- Department of Computer Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | | | - Melanie Ecker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, United States
| | | | - Kathleen L. Vincent
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Brandy Ma
- Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
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Yu WR, Jhang JF, Kuo HC. Intravesical Botulinum Toxin Injection Plus Hydrodistention Is More Effective in Patients with Bladder Pain-Predominant Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:74. [PMID: 38393152 PMCID: PMC10891743 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16020074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Intravesical botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injections are included in the interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) treatment guidelines. However, the IC phenotype suitable for treatment with BoNT-A has not been clarified. Therefore, we identified the factors influencing treatment outcomes for intravesical BoNT-A injections in patients with non-Hunner IC/BPS (NHIC). This retrospective study included patients with NHIC who underwent 100 U BoNT-A intravesical injections over the past two decades. Six months after treatment, treatment outcomes were assessed using the Global Response Assessment (GRA). Outcome endpoints included GRA, clinical symptoms, urodynamic parameters, urine biomarkers, and the identification of factors contributing to satisfactory treatment outcomes. The study included 220 patients with NHIC (42 men, 178 women). The satisfactory group (n = 96, 44%) had significantly higher pain severity scores and IC symptoms index, larger maximum bladder capacity (MBC), and lower 8-isoprostane levels at baseline. Logistic regression revealed that larger MBC (≥760 mL) and bladder pain predominance were associated with satisfactory outcomes after BoNT-A injection. Subjective parameters and pain severity scores improved significantly in patients with bladder pain-predominant IC/BPS after BoNT-A injection. Thus, NHIC patients with bladder or pelvic pain are more likely to experience satisfactory outcomes following intravesical BoNT-A injections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Ru Yu
- Department of Nursing, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97002, Taiwan;
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
- Department of Urology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97002, Taiwan;
| | - Jia-Fong Jhang
- Department of Urology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97002, Taiwan;
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
| | - Hann-Chorng Kuo
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
- Department of Urology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien 97002, Taiwan;
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 97004, Taiwan
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10
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Seifert O, Baerwald C. Stimulation of the vagus nerve as a therapeutic principle. Z Rheumatol 2024; 83:1-7. [PMID: 37597013 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-023-01398-3] [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] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Modulation of the parasympathetic tone leads to extensive physiological reactions at several levels, including the decreased production of proinflammatory cytokines. Many studies have demonstrated that chronic inflammatory diseases are associated with reduced parasympathetic and increased sympathetic activities. Moreover, it was demonstrated that a low parasympathetic and a high sympathetic activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) predicts a poor therapeutic response to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) treatment compared to RA patients with a more balanced autonomic nervous system. The autonomic equilibrium could be restored by electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve. Considering the patients who do not sufficiently respond to the available drugs, patients for whom the effectiveness of the drugs wanes over time, or have drug-related adverse events, a nonpharmacological approach such as bioelectronics might be a useful supplement as an instrument in the successful extension of the therapeutic armamentarium for rheumatic diseases; however, there is a great need for further studies and the development of novel therapeutic strategies in the field of neuroimmunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Seifert
- MK II Rheumatologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Liebigstr. 20, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - C Baerwald
- MK II Rheumatologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Liebigstr. 20, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
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11
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Chogle A, Visnagra K, Janchoi J, Tran T, Davis R, Callas N, Ornelas E. Prospective study of the effect of auricular percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation on quality of life in children with pain related disorders of gut-brain interaction. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1223932. [PMID: 37745801 PMCID: PMC10515210 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1223932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Disorders of the Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs) account for 50% of pediatric gastrointestinal (GI) consultations. Children with DGBIs have worse quality of life (QoL) than those with organic GI disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Pediatric DGBIs patients, especially those with chronic abdominal pain (AP), have impaired QoL and increased psychological distress in the form of anxiety and depression. Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulation (PENFS) therapy has been shown to be effective in improving symptoms and functioning in children with DGBIs. The treatment's impact on these patients' QoL is unknown. Methods This prospective study evaluated changes in QoL, gastrointestinal symptoms, functional disability, somatization, global health, anxiety, and depression in patients aged 11-18 years who received PENFS therapy (IB-stim, NeurAxis, Versailles, IN) for treatment of pain related DGBIs, once a week for four consecutive weeks. Results This study included 31 patients with an average age of 15.7 years (SD = 2); 80.6% were female. After PENFS therapy, patients reported significant reductions in abdominal pain, nausea severity, functional disability, somatization, and anxiety from baseline to week 4 (p < 0.05). Parents reported significant improvement in their child's QoL regarding physical function, psychosocial function, and generic core scale scores (p < 0.05). Parents also noted reduced abdominal pain, functional disability, and somatization. Average scores on the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Health scale significantly improved based on both patient and parent reports (p < 0.05). Our patients' QoL was significantly lower than healthy controls at baseline and after treatment (p < 0.05). Conclusion Our research demonstrates that PENFS significantly enhances the QoL of children suffering from pain-related DGBIs, in addition to improvement in GI symptoms, daily functioning, somatization, global health, and psychological comorbidities. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of PENFS and its potential to alleviate the suffering of countless children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Chogle
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, CHOC Children’s, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Kaajal Visnagra
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Jamie Janchoi
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, CHOC Children’s, Orange, CA, United States
- Research Institute, CHOC Children’s, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Tammy Tran
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, CHOC Children’s, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Rachel Davis
- Research Institute, CHOC Children’s, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Nicole Callas
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, CHOC Children’s, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Elisa Ornelas
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, CHOC Children’s, Orange, CA, United States
- Research Institute, CHOC Children’s, Orange, CA, United States
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12
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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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13
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Seifert O, Baerwald C. [Stimulation of the vagus nerve as a therapeutic principle. German Version]. Z Rheumatol 2023:10.1007/s00393-023-01390-x. [PMID: 37490129 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-023-01390-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Modulation of the parasympathetic tone leads to extensive physiological reactions at several levels, including the decreased production of proinflammatory cytokines. Many studies have demonstrated that chronic inflammatory diseases are associated with reduced parasympathetic and increased sympathetic activities. Moreover, it was demonstrated that a low parasympathetic and a high sympathetic activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) predicts a poor therapeutic response to anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) treatment compared to RA patients with a more balanced autonomic nervous system. The autonomic equilibrium could be restored by electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve. Considering the patients who do not sufficiently respond to the available drugs, patients for whom the effectiveness of the drugs wanes over time, or have drug-related adverse events, a nonpharmacological approach such as bioelectronics might be a useful supplement as an instrument in the successful extension of the therapeutic armamentarium for rheumatic diseases; however, there is a great need for further studies and the development of novel therapeutic strategies in the field of neuroimmunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Seifert
- MK II Rheumatologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Liebigstr. 20, 04103, Leipzig, Deutschland.
| | - C Baerwald
- MK II Rheumatologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Liebigstr. 20, 04103, Leipzig, Deutschland
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14
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Konakoğlu G, Özden AV, Solmaz H, Bildik C. The effect of auricular vagus nerve stimulation on electroencephalography and electromyography measurements in healthy persons. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1215757. [PMID: 37528897 PMCID: PMC10390310 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1215757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Auricular vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a non-invasive treatment modality. Opinions that it can be used in the treatment of various clinical problems have gained importance in recent years. In this study, it was aimed to lay the groundwork for the use of the auricular VNS in different ears. Methods: Healthy individuals (n = 90) were divided into three groups: unilateral left (n = 30), unilateral right (n = 30), and bilateral (n = 30) auricular VNS. Electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) measurements were performed before and after auricular VNS (10 Hz, 300 µs, 20 min) for a single session. Results: An increase in wrist extensor muscles activation was detected on the contralateral side of the auricular VNS application side. It has been observed that there is a general decrease in the power of high-frequency waves and an increase in the power of lower-medium frequency waves in various parts of the brain. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the projection of the auricular VNS in the central nervous system may also affect the corticospinal tracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülşah Konakoğlu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Gelisim University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Ali Veysel Özden
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Hakan Solmaz
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Biomedical Engineering Department, Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul, Türkiye
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15
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Pinto AM, Luís M, Geenen R, Palavra F, Lumley MA, Ablin JN, Amris K, Branco J, Buskila D, Castelhano J, Castelo-Branco M, Crofford LJ, Fitzcharles MA, Häuser W, Kosek E, López-Solà M, Mease P, Marques TR, Jacobs JWG, Castilho P, da Silva JAP. Neurophysiological and Psychosocial Mechanisms of Fibromyalgia: A Comprehensive Review and Call for An Integrative Model. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023:105235. [PMID: 37207842 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Research into the neurobiological and psychosocial mechanisms involved in fibromyalgia has progressed remarkably in recent years. Despite this, current accounts of fibromyalgia fail to capture the complex, dynamic, and mutual crosstalk between neurophysiological and psychosocial domains. We conducted a comprehensive review of the existing literature in order to: a) synthesize current knowledge on fibromyalgia; b) explore and highlight multi-level links and pathways between different systems; and c) build bridges connecting disparate perspectives. An extensive panel of international experts in neurophysiological and psychosocial aspects of fibromyalgia discussed the collected evidence and progressively refined and conceptualized its interpretation. This work constitutes an essential step towards the development of a model capable of integrating the main factors implicated in fibromyalgia into a single, unified construct which appears indispensable to foster the understanding, assessment, and intervention for fibromyalgia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Pinto
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Rua do Colégio Novo, s/n, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, University Clinic of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga - FMUC, Pólo I - Edifício Central, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Psychological Medicine Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga - FMUC, Pólo I - Edifício Central, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Mariana Luís
- Rheumatology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Rinie Geenen
- Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, Martinus J. Langeveldgebouw, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands; Altrecht Psychosomatic Medicine Eikenboom, Vrijbaan 2, 3705 WC Zeist, the Netherlands.
| | - Filipe Palavra
- Centre for Child Development, Neuropediatric Unit. Pediatric Hospital, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Avenida Afonso Romão, 3000-602 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (i.CBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Mark A Lumley
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, 5057 Woodward Ave., Suite 7908, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| | - Jacob N Ablin
- Internal Medicine H, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann Street, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Kirstine Amris
- The Parker Institute, Department of Rheumatology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Nordre Fasanvej 57, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
| | - Jaime Branco
- Rheumatology Department, Egas Moniz Hospital - Lisboa Ocidental Hospital Centre (CHLO-EPE), R. da Junqueira 126, 1349-019 Lisbon, Portugal; Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Chronic Diseases Research Centre (CEDOC), NOVA Medical School, NOVA University Lisbon (NMS/UNL), Campo Mártires da Pátria 130, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Dan Buskila
- Ben Gurion University of the Negev Beer-Sheba, Israel.
| | - João Castelhano
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), ICNAS, Edifício do ICNAS, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal, Portugal.
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), ICNAS, Edifício do ICNAS, Polo 3, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal, Portugal.
| | - Leslie J Crofford
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Mary-Ann Fitzcharles
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, McGill University, 1650 Cedar Ave, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3G 1A4.
| | - Winfried Häuser
- Department Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675 Munich, Germany.
| | - Eva Kosek
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden; Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Marina López-Solà
- Serra Hunter Programme, Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona.
| | - Philip Mease
- Swedish Medical Center/Providence St. Joseph Health, Seattle, WA, USA; University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Tiago Reis Marques
- Psychiatric Imaging Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2BU, UK; Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, UK.
| | - Johannes W G Jacobs
- Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, Netherlands.
| | - Paula Castilho
- University of Coimbra, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Rua do Colégio Novo, s/n, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - José A P da Silva
- University of Coimbra, University Clinic of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Rua Larga - FMUC, Pólo I - Edifício Central, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Rheumatology Department, Coimbra Hospital and University Centre, Praceta Mota Pinto, 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (i.CBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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Neuromodulation as a Potential Disease-Modifying Therapy for Osteoarthritis. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2023; 25:1-11. [PMID: 36435890 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-022-01094-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The following review discusses the therapeutic potential of targeting the autonomic nervous system (ANS) for osteoarthritis (OA) treatment and encourages the field to consider the candidacy of bioelectronic medicine as a novel OA treatment strategy. RECENT FINDINGS The study of OA pathogenesis has focused on changes occurring at the joint level. As such, treatments for OA have been aimed at the local joint environment, intending to resolve local inflammation and decrease pain. However, OA pathogenesis has shown to be more than joint wear and tear. Specifically, OA-related peripheral and central sensitization can prompt neuroplastic changes in the nervous system beyond the articular joint. These neuroplastic changes may alter physiologic systems, like the neuroimmune axis. In this way, OA and related comorbidities may share roots in the form of altered neuroimmune communication and autonomic dysfunction. ANS modulation may be able to modify OA pathogenesis or reduce the impact of OA comorbidities. Moreover, blocking chronic nociceptive drive from the joint may help to prevent maladaptive nervous system plasticity in OA.
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17
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Gravity and the Gut: A Hypothesis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Am J Gastroenterol 2022; 117:1933-1947. [PMID: 36455220 PMCID: PMC9722391 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-a disorder of gut-brain interaction that affects up to 10% of the world's population-remains uncertain. It is puzzling that a disorder so prevalent and archetypal among humans can be explained by disparate theories, respond to treatments with vastly different mechanisms of action, and present with a dazzling array of comorbidities. It is reasonable to question whether there is a unifying factor that binds these divergent theories and observations, and if so, what that factor might be. This article offers a testable hypothesis that seeks to accommodate the manifold theories, clinical symptoms, somatic comorbidities, neuropsychological features, and treatment outcomes of IBS by describing the syndrome in relation to a principal force of human evolution: gravity. In short, the hypothesis proposed here is that IBS may result from ineffective anatomical, physiological, and neuropsychological gravity management systems designed to optimize gastrointestinal form and function, protect somatic and visceral integrity, and maximize survival in a gravity-bound world. To explain this unconventional hypothesis of IBS pathogenesis, referred to herein as the gravity hypothesis, this article reviews the influence of gravity on human evolution; discusses how Homo sapiens imperfectly evolved to manage this universal force of attraction; and explores the mechanical, microbial, and neuropsychological consequences of gravity intolerance with a focus on explaining IBS. This article concludes by considering the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of this new hypothesis and proposes experiments to support or reject this line of inquiry. It is hoped that the ideas in this thought experiment may also help encourage new or different ways of thinking about this common disorder.
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18
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Margalit I, Yelin D, Sagi M, Rahat MM, Sheena L, Mizrahi N, Gordin Y, Agmon H, Epstein NK, Atamna A, Tishler O, Daitch V, Babich T, Abecasis D, Yarom Y, Kazum S, Shitenberg D, Baltaxe E, Elkana O, Shapira-Lichter I, Leibovici L, Yahav D. Risk Factors and Multidimensional Assessment of Long Coronavirus Disease Fatigue: A Nested Case-Control Study. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:1688-1697. [PMID: 35403679 PMCID: PMC9383780 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatigue is the most prevalent and debilitating long-COVID (coronavirus disease) symptom; however, risk factors and pathophysiology of this condition remain unknown. We assessed risk factors for long-COVID fatigue and explored its possible pathophysiology. METHODS This was a nested case-control study in a COVID recovery clinic. Individuals with (cases) and without (controls) significant fatigue were included. We performed a multidimensional assessment evaluating various parameters, including pulmonary function tests and cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and implemented multivariable logistic regression to assess risk factors for significant long-COVID fatigue. RESULTS A total of 141 individuals were included. The mean age was 47 (SD: 13) years; 115 (82%) were recovering from mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Mean time for evaluation was 8 months following COVID-19. Sixty-six (47%) individuals were classified with significant long-COVID fatigue. They had a significantly higher number of children, lower proportion of hypothyroidism, higher proportion of sore throat during acute illness, higher proportions of long-COVID symptoms, and of physical limitation in daily activities. Individuals with long-COVID fatigue also had poorer sleep quality and higher degree of depression. They had significantly lower heart rate [153.52 (22.64) vs 163.52 (18.53); P = .038] and oxygen consumption per kilogram [27.69 (7.52) vs 30.71 (7.52); P = .036] at peak exercise. The 2 independent risk factors for fatigue identified in multivariable analysis were peak exercise heart rate (OR: .79 per 10 beats/minute; 95% CI: .65-.96; P = .019) and long-COVID memory impairment (OR: 3.76; 95% CI: 1.57-9.01; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS Long-COVID fatigue may be related to autonomic dysfunction, impaired cognition, and decreased mood. This may suggest a limbic-vagal pathophysiology. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT04851561.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ili Margalit
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
- COVID Recovery Clinic, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dana Yelin
- COVID Recovery Clinic, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Moshe Sagi
- Department of Internal Medicine F, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Maya Merav Rahat
- Department of Internal Medicine E, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Liron Sheena
- Department of Internal Medicine F, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Nadav Mizrahi
- Department of Internal Medicine B, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Yael Gordin
- The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hadar Agmon
- Department of Internal Medicine B, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Nitzan Karny Epstein
- Department of Internal Medicine B, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Alaa Atamna
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
- COVID Recovery Clinic, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ori Tishler
- COVID Recovery Clinic, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Department of Internal Medicine F, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Vered Daitch
- Department of Internal Medicine E, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Tanya Babich
- Research Authority, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Donna Abecasis
- Functional MRI Center, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Yoni Yarom
- Medix Sport Medicine Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shirit Kazum
- Department of Cardiology, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Dorit Shitenberg
- Pulmonary Institute, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Erik Baltaxe
- Pulmonary Institute, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Odelia Elkana
- Behavioral Sciences, Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Israel
| | - Irit Shapira-Lichter
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Functional MRI Center, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Leonard Leibovici
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Research Authority, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Dafna Yahav
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
- COVID Recovery Clinic, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
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19
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Gentle Touch Therapy, Pain Relief and Neuroplasticity at Baseline in Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Randomized, Multicenter Trial with Six-Month Follow-Up. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11164898. [PMID: 36013137 PMCID: PMC9410244 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11164898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is considered a stress-related disorder characterized mainly by chronic widespread pain. Its pathogenesis is unknown, but cumulative evidence points at dysfunctional transmitter systems and inflammatory biomarkers that may underlie the major symptoms of the condition. This study aimed to evaluate pain scores (primary outcome), quality of life, inflammatory biomarkers and neurotransmitter systems in women with FM (secondary outcomes) subjected to gentle touch therapy (GTT) or placebo. Methods: A total of 64 female patients with FM were randomly assigned to two groups, namely GTT (n = 32) or Placebo (n = 32). Clinical assessments were conducted at baseline and post-intervention with six-month follow-up. We measured serum catecholamines (dopamine), indolamines and intermediary metabolites (serotonin or 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA)), as well as tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), which is a cofactor for the synthesis of neurotransmitters and inflammatory biomarkers in women with FM. A group of healthy individuals with no intervention (control group) was used to compare biochemical measurements. Intervention effects were analyzed using repeated measures (RM) two-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post hoc test and mixed ANCOVA model with intention to treat. Results: Compared to placebo, the GTT group presented lower pain scores and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels without altering the quality of life of women with FM. Changes in BDNF had a mediating role in pain. Higher baseline serum BDNF and 5-HIAA or those with a history of anxiety disorder showed a higher reduction in pain scores across time. However, women with higher serum dopamine levels at baseline showed a lower effect of the intervention across the observation period revealed by an ANCOVA mixed model. Conclusions: In conclusion, lower pain scores were observed in the GTT group compared to the placebo group without altering the quality of life in women with FM. Reductions in BDNF levels could be a mechanism of FM pain status improvement. In this sense, the present study encourages the use of these GTT techniques as an integrative and complementary treatment of FM.
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Mancuso L, Cavuoti-Cabanillas S, Liloia D, Manuello J, Buzi G, Cauda F, Costa T. Tasks activating the default mode network map multiple functional systems. Brain Struct Funct 2022; 227:1711-1734. [PMID: 35179638 PMCID: PMC9098625 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-022-02467-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Recent developments in network neuroscience suggest reconsidering what we thought we knew about the default mode network (DMN). Although this network has always been seen as unitary and associated with the resting state, a new deconstructive line of research is pointing out that the DMN could be divided into multiple subsystems supporting different functions. By now, it is well known that the DMN is not only deactivated by tasks, but also involved in affective, mnestic, and social paradigms, among others. Nonetheless, it is starting to become clear that the array of activities in which it is involved, might also be extended to more extrinsic functions. The present meta-analytic study is meant to push this boundary a bit further. The BrainMap database was searched for all experimental paradigms activating the DMN, and their activation likelihood estimation maps were then computed. An additional map of task-induced deactivations was also created. A multidimensional scaling indicated that such maps could be arranged along an anatomo-psychological gradient, which goes from midline core activations, associated with the most internal functions, to that of lateral cortices, involved in more external tasks. Further multivariate investigations suggested that such extrinsic mode is especially related to reward, semantic, and emotional functions. However, an important finding was that the various activation maps were often different from the canonical representation of the resting-state DMN, sometimes overlapping with it only in some peripheral nodes, and including external regions such as the insula. Altogether, our findings suggest that the intrinsic-extrinsic opposition may be better understood in the form of a continuous scale, rather than a dichotomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Mancuso
- FOCUS Lab Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Giuseppe Verdi 10, 10124, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Donato Liloia
- FOCUS Lab Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Giuseppe Verdi 10, 10124, Turin, Italy
- GCS-fMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Jordi Manuello
- FOCUS Lab Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Giuseppe Verdi 10, 10124, Turin, Italy
- GCS-fMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Buzi
- FOCUS Lab Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Giuseppe Verdi 10, 10124, Turin, Italy
| | - Franco Cauda
- FOCUS Lab Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Giuseppe Verdi 10, 10124, Turin, Italy
- GCS-fMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Tommaso Costa
- FOCUS Lab Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Giuseppe Verdi 10, 10124, Turin, Italy.
- GCS-fMRI, Koelliker Hospital and Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
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Yeater TD, Cruz CJ, Cruz-Almeida Y, Allen KD. Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation and Osteoarthritis Pain: Mechanisms, Measurement, and Future Outlook. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2022; 24:175-183. [PMID: 35420372 PMCID: PMC9189055 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-022-01071-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The autonomic nervous system is an important regulator of stress responses and exhibits functional changes in chronic pain states. This review discusses potential overlap among autonomic dysregulation, osteoarthritis (OA) progression, and chronic pain. From this foundation, we then discuss preclinical to clinical research opportunities to close gaps in our knowledge of autonomic dysregulation and OA. Finally, we consider the potential to generate new therapies for OA pain via modulation of the autonomic nervous system. RECENT FINDINGS Recent reviews provide a framework for the autonomic nervous system in OA progression; however, research is still limited on the topic. In other chronic pain states, functional overlaps between the central autonomic network and pain processing centers in the brain suggest relationships between concomitant dysregulation of the two systems. Non-pharmacological therapeutics, such as vagus nerve stimulation, mindfulness-based meditation, and exercise, have shown promise in alleviating painful symptoms of joint diseases, and these interventions may be partially mediated through the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system appears to be dysregulated in OA progression, and further research on rebalancing autonomic function may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for treating OA pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor D. Yeater
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Pain Research & Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Carlos J. Cruz
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Pain Research & Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Yenisel Cruz-Almeida
- Pain Research & Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Community Dentistry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kyle D. Allen
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Pain Research & Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Distinct CholinomiR Blood Cell Signature as a Potential Modulator of the Cholinergic System in Women with Fibromyalgia Syndrome. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081276. [PMID: 35455956 PMCID: PMC9031252 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a heterogeneous chronic pain syndrome characterized by musculoskeletal pain and other key co-morbidities including fatigue and a depressed mood. FMS involves altered functioning of the central and peripheral nervous system (CNS, PNS) and immune system, but the specific molecular pathophysiology remains unclear. Anti-cholinergic treatment is effective in FMS patient subgroups, and cholinergic signaling is a strong modulator of CNS and PNS immune processes. Therefore, we used whole blood small RNA-sequencing of female FMS patients and healthy controls to profile microRNA regulators of cholinergic transcripts (CholinomiRs). We compared microRNA profiles with those from Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with pain as disease controls. We validated the sequencing results with quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and identified cholinergic targets. Further, we measured serum cholinesterase activity in FMS patients and healthy controls. Small RNA-sequencing revealed FMS-specific changes in 19 CholinomiRs compared to healthy controls and PD patients. qRT-PCR validated miR-182-5p upregulation, distinguishing FMS patients from healthy controls. mRNA targets of CholinomiRs bone morphogenic protein receptor 2 and interleukin 6 signal transducer were downregulated. Serum acetylcholinesterase levels and cholinesterase activity in FMS patients were unchanged. Our findings identified an FMS-specific CholinomiR signature in whole blood, modulating immune-related gene expression.
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