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Bárdos G. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): could we decide what is behind? Biol Futur 2024; 75:61-71. [PMID: 38386191 DOI: 10.1007/s42977-024-00205-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Functional visceral problems are frequently present nowadays in the medical practice probably due to the significant mental and emotional load on people. Although physicians and psychophysiologists are active on the field, still we are far from a complete knowledge, despite the fact that scientists like the Hungarian Professor György Ádám already had initiated a new approach called visceral psychophysiology already a long time ago. In this article, we commemorate Professor Ádám by analyzing one of the most frequent functional disorders, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), calling psychophysiology for help. First, we try to give a definition, then show the general descriptions and characteristics of IBS. Factors like stress, gender, and gastrointestinal pain are followed by the potential role of the immune system and the neuronal factors as well as the supposed brain mechanisms. We hope that this overview of the IBS-history would show how significant scientists can be decisive in certain fields of the science and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- György Bárdos
- Institute of Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Education and Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
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2
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Lactobacillus ruteri compared with placebo as an adjuvant in quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Arab J Gastroenterol 2023; 24:40-44. [PMID: 36372695 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of probiotic as an adjuvant in quadruple therapy for H. pylori eradication compared with placebo. PATIENTS AND METHODS This randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was conducted on 450 patients with confirmed H. pylori infection. We randomly allocated patients (1:1) to receive probiotic (Lactobacillus ruteri, 100 mg) or placebo as an adjuvant in quadruple therapy with bismuth subcitrate 240 mg, pantoprazole 40 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg and clarithromycin 500 mg all twice daily for 14 days. The primary outcome of the study was the H. pylori eradication rate at eight weeks after the end of treatment using 14C-urea breath test. The secondary endpoint of study was patient-reported side effects of drugs. The study protocol was approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20080901001155N32). RESULTS H. pylori eradication rates were higher in the probiotic group, compared to placebo, but this difference was not statistically significant, according to both intention-to-treat (78.7 % (95 % CI; 71.24-86.16) versus 72 % (95 % CI; 64.9-79.1), respectively) and per-protocol (80.1 % (95 % CI; 73.7 - 86.5) versus 75.2 %(95 % CI; 68.4 - 82), respectively). About 69.7 % of patients in the probiotic group experience side effects compared to 98.6 % in the placebo group that was statistically significant (P-value < 0.001). Headache and all gastrointestinal adverse events except constipation were significantly lower in the probiotic group compared to placebo (P-value < 0.001). CONCLUSION Adding Lactobacillus ruteri to quadruple therapy did not significantly improve the eradication of H. pylori. However it reduced the frequency of drug-associated side effects.
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Kamal SM, Elhusseini NM, Sedik MF, Mohamad MF, Khedr EM, Kotb HI. Effect of transcranial direct current brain stimulation of the motor cortex on chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting in female patients with breast cancer. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 23:571-578. [PMID: 34677609 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a negative impact associated to chemotherapy and its management still challenging. This study aimed to research the additive impact of single-session tDCS (2 mA) over the motor cortex for 20 minutes before chemotherapy to antiemetic on CINV in female patients suffers from breast cancer who obtained highly emetogenic chemotherapy. STUDY LAYOUT Prospective randomized double-blind Sham-controlled study. SETTING Academic medical center. METHOD Sixty breast cancer patients prepared for chemotherapy treatment were selected and allocated randomly into two equal groups: a real and a sham group; tDCS became implemented over the primary motor area (M1) (2 mA) for 20 minutes. Patients' nausea was measured by cumulative index of nausea and visual analog scale for nausea (VAS-N), and vomiting by cumulative index of episodes of vomiting, and Edmonton symptoms Assessment Scale (ESAS) to assess symptoms like pain, malaise, and sense of well-being. Evaluation was done prestimulation and every 24 h for 72 h after end of infusion of chemotherapy. RESULTS Real tDCS group showed reduction of cumulative index of nausea (P < 0.001, F = 50), VAS-N (P < 0.001, F = 52) and for ESAS in malaise score (P < 0.001, F = 37.6) and sense of wellbeing score (P < 0.001, F = 25) than sham group. Six patients (20%) in the real group required rescue antiemtic therapy vs. 14 patients (46.7%) in the Sham group (P < 0.028). CONCLUSION Single session of real M1 tDCS could be suggested as an effective adjuvant maneuver in control of CINV in female patients suffers from breast cancer who obtained highly emetogenic chemotherapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trials.gov trial registry (identifier: NCT03405324).
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Kamal
- Associate professor in Anesthesia, intensive care and pain management department, South Egypt Cancer institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - N M Elhusseini
- Resident of anesthesiology, intensive care and pain management, South Egypt Cancer institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - M F Sedik
- Lecturer in medical oncology department, South Egypt Cancer institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - M F Mohamad
- Associate professor in Anesthesia, intensive care and pain management department, South Egypt Cancer institute, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - E M Khedr
- Professor of neurology and psychiatry, faculty of medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - H I Kotb
- Professor of anesthesiology, intensive care and pain management, Faculty of medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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Schmidt K, Kleine-Borgmann J, Holle-Lee D, Gaul C, Bingel U. Impact of a 12-week open-label placebo treatment on headache days in episodic and chronic migraine: a study protocol for a parallel-group, multicentre, randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e045969. [PMID: 34162645 PMCID: PMC8230930 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Migraine is the most common neurological disorder and one of the major causes of years lived with disability. Its treatment (especially of chronic forms) is often challenging and accompanied with adverse effects. Although new therapeutic approaches have recently emerged (eg, calcitonin gene-related peptide antibodies), these are linked to strict prescribing guidelines and therefore limited to only a minority of patients. Recently, randomised controlled trials have demonstrated that open-label placebo treatments can lead to significant and clinically relevant improvements of chronic pain conditions. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This multicentre, randomised controlled clinical trial following a parallel group between-subject design aims to systematically investigate the impact of a 12-week open-label placebo treatment on moderate to severe headache days (primary outcome) in patients with episodic and chronic migraine in addition to treatment as usual. Secondary outcomes comprise the number of migraine days, pain intensity, intake of acute medication, quality of life, disability, global impression of change, tolerability and a responder rate. To systematically address potential predictors of placebo responses in patients with migraine, this study assesses potential psychometric predictors, salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase awakening responses, catechol-o-methyltransferase Val158Met polymorphisms, as well as functional and structural brain connectivity (ie, resting state functional MRI, diffusion tensor imaging). The data analysis will be performed on basis of the general linear model considering repeated measures (mixed model). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This protocol and all corresponding documents were approved with regard to their content and compliance with ethical regulations by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty of the University Duisburg-Essen, Germany and the Ethics Committee of the Landesärztekammer Hessen. The results from this study will be actively disseminated through manuscript publications and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00021259).
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Schmidt
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Julian Kleine-Borgmann
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dagny Holle-Lee
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Charly Gaul
- Migraine and Headache Clinic Koenigstein, Königstein im Taunus, Germany
| | - Ulrike Bingel
- Department of Neurology, Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany
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Rotaru TȘ, Frățilă OC, Bărboi O, Ciortescu I, Mihai C, Anton C, Ștefănescu G, Drug V. A comparison using standardized measures for patients with irritable bowel syndrome: Trust in the gastroenterologist and reliance on the internet. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2021; 33:e13977. [PMID: 32875697 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients' use of the Internet for health information interacts with the way they trust their gastroenterologist. No standardized measure has targeted IBS patients and gastroenterologists specifically, nor their use of the Internet. The aims of this paper were as follows: the development of a scale that measures an IBS patient's trust in their gastroenterologist, the development of a scale measuring an IBS patient's reliance on Internet health information, and testing the hypothesis that IBS patients, who use the Internet for IBS-related information, trust their gastroenterologist less than those who do not. METHOD A total of 82 patients (mean age 49, SD = 14.62) diagnosed with IBS completed two questionnaires: one about trust in their gastroenterologist and the other about the reliance on Internet health information regarding IBS. The two questionnaires were built using current literature as well as our previous qualitative research. The statistical computations were performed using the SPSS 20 program. KEY RESULTS Both questionnaires proved to be reliable in measuring gastroenterologist-IBS patient trust (alpha = 0.87) and Internet information reliance (alpha = 0.88), respectively. The IBS patients who did not look for information about IBS over the Internet had significantly higher trust in their gastroenterologist compared with those who did (U = 535.5; z = -2.26; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS We developed two ready-to-use scales to measure both the gastroenterologist-IBS patient's trust and the IBS patient's reliance on the Internet. Further studies will be able to explore the interaction among all variables in IBS patients' trust.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Oana Bărboi
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy «Gr. T. Popa» Iași, Iași, Romania.,Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital St Spiridon, Iași, Romania
| | - Irina Ciortescu
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy «Gr. T. Popa» Iași, Iași, Romania.,Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital St Spiridon, Iași, Romania
| | - Cătălina Mihai
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy «Gr. T. Popa» Iași, Iași, Romania.,Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital St Spiridon, Iași, Romania
| | - Carmen Anton
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy «Gr. T. Popa» Iași, Iași, Romania.,Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital St Spiridon, Iași, Romania
| | - Gabriela Ștefănescu
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy «Gr. T. Popa» Iași, Iași, Romania.,Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital St Spiridon, Iași, Romania
| | - Vasile Drug
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy «Gr. T. Popa» Iași, Iași, Romania.,Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital St Spiridon, Iași, Romania
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Meissner K, Lutter D, von Toerne C, Haile A, Woods SC, Hoffmann V, Ohmayer U, Hauck SM, Tschoep MH. Molecular classification of the placebo effect in nausea. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238533. [PMID: 32966280 PMCID: PMC7511022 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this proof-of-concept study, we tested whether placebo effects can be monitored and predicted by plasma proteins. In a randomized controlled design, 90 participants were exposed to a nauseating stimulus on two separate days and were randomly allocated to placebo treatment or no treatment on the second day. Significant placebo effects on nausea, motion sickness, and (in females) gastric activity could be verified. Using label-free tandem mass spectrometry, 74 differentially regulated proteins were identified as correlates of the placebo effect. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analyses identified acute-phase proteins and microinflammatory proteins to be involved, and the identified GO signatures predicted day-adjusted scores of nausea indices in the placebo group. We also performed GO enrichment analyses of specific plasma proteins predictable by the experimental factors or their interactions and identified 'grooming behavior' as a prominent hit. Finally, Receiver Operator Characteristics (ROC) allowed to identify plasma proteins differentiating placebo responders from non-responders, comprising immunoglobulins and proteins involved in oxidation reduction processes and complement activation. Plasma proteomics is a promising tool to identify molecular correlates and predictors of the placebo effect in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Meissner
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Division of Health Promotion, Coburg University of Applied Sciences, Coburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Lutter
- Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Christine von Toerne
- Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Anja Haile
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephen C. Woods
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Metabolic Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Verena Hoffmann
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Uli Ohmayer
- Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie M. Hauck
- Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Matthias H. Tschoep
- Institute of Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Ibrahim NM, Abdelhameed KM, Kamal SMM, Khedr EMH, Kotb HIM. Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Motor Cortex on Visceral Pain in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. PAIN MEDICINE 2019; 19:550-560. [PMID: 28605527 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnx087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is frequently associated with visceral pain. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been proven to reduce chronic pain; however, its effectiveness in malignant visceral pain is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of tDCS in patients with visceral pain due to HCC. Design This is a randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind, prospective study. Forty patients with visceral pain due to HCC were enrolled and randomly assigned into two groups: a real and a sham group; tDCS was applied over the primary motor area (M1) for 10 consecutive days (2 mA, 30 minutes). Patient's pain was evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) and verbal descriptor scale (VDS) and for depression by Hamilton rating scale (HAM-D). Evaluation was done at prestimulation, after the first, fifth, and 10th sessions, and one month after the end of stimulation sessions. Results Real tDCS showed a reduction of VDS (P = 0.001, F = 4.01) and VAS (P = 0.001, F = 6.817) for HAM-D (P = 0.012, F = 5,077); the effect started from the fifth session and continued to one month after stimulation, while in the sham group the effect persisted for five days only. Percentage reduction in all scales in the real group after the 10th session was as follows: VDS P = 0.008, VAS P = 0.001, HAM-D = 0.001; for one month after the end of stimulation, it was as follows: VDS P = 0.001, VAS P = 0.037, HAM-D = 0.002. Conclusions tDCS proved to be an effective and clinically relevant therapeutic strategy for visceral pain due to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagwa Mostafa Ibrahim
- Faculty of Medicine, Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Assiut Universiy, Assiut, Egypt
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Blasini M, Movsas S, Colloca L. Placebo hypoalgesic effects in pain: Potential applications in dental and orofacial pain management. Semin Orthod 2018; 24:259-268. [PMID: 31354227 PMCID: PMC6660159 DOI: 10.1053/j.sodo.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Placebo and nocebo effects are present within every treatment and intervention, and can be purposefully enhanced and reduced, respectively, in order to improve patients' clinical outcomes. A plethora of research has been conducted on the mechanisms of placebo hypoalgesia and nocebo hyperalgesia in experimental and clinical settings. However, its implications in particular clinical settings such as orthodontic pain management remain underexplored. We conducted a search of the literature regarding placebo analgesia, orthodontic pain management, and orofacial and dental pain. Articles were qualitatively assessed and selected based on the scope of this narrative review. Although no studies investigating the extent of the implications of the placebo and nocebo phenomena in the orthodontic clinical setting were found, we herein present a comprehensive review on the influences of placebo and nocebo effects in experimental and clinical pain management, as well as on the potential for engaging placebo-related endogenous pain modulation for orthodontic pain management. Ethical considerations for the clinical application of placebos are discussed, and future research directions are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxie Blasini
- Department of Pain Translational Symptom Science, School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA; Departments of Anesthesiology and Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA; Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA
| | - Shira Movsas
- Department of Pain Translational Symptom Science, School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA; Departments of Anesthesiology and Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA; Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA
| | - Luana Colloca
- Department of Pain Translational Symptom Science, School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA; Departments of Anesthesiology and Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA; Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, USA
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Holmes RD, Tiwari AK, Kennedy JL. Mechanisms of the placebo effect in pain and psychiatric disorders. THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2016; 16:491-500. [PMID: 27001122 DOI: 10.1038/tpj.2016.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Placebo effect research over the past 15 years has improved our understanding of how placebo treatments reduce patient symptoms. The expectation of symptom improvement is the primary factor underlying the placebo effect. Such expectations are shaped by past experiences, contextual cues and biological traits, which ultimately modulate one's degree of response to a placebo. The body of evidence that describes the physiology of the placebo effect has been derived from mechanistic studies primarily restricted to the setting of pain. Imaging findings support the role of endogenous opioid and dopaminergic networks in placebo analgesia in both healthy patients as well as patients with painful medical conditions. In patients with psychiatric illnesses such as anxiety disorders or depression, a vast overlap in neurological changes is observed in drug responders and placebo responders supporting the role of serotonergic networks in placebo response. Molecular techniques have been relatively underutilized in understanding the placebo effect until recently. We present an overview of the placebo responder phenotypes and genetic markers that have been associated with the placebo effect in pain, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- R D Holmes
- Neurogenetics Section, Neuroscience Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - A K Tiwari
- Neurogenetics Section, Neuroscience Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - J L Kennedy
- Neurogenetics Section, Neuroscience Department, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Probiotic supplementation does not improve eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori infection compared to placebo based on standard therapy: a meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23522. [PMID: 26997149 PMCID: PMC4800733 DOI: 10.1038/srep23522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This meta-analysis included eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with the aim of determining whether probiotic supplementation can improve H. pylori eradication rates. PUBMED, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Ovid databases were searched. We included RCTs that investigated the effect of combining probiotics, with or without a placebo, with standard therapy. A total of 21 RCTs that reported standard therapy plus probiotics were included. Compared to the placebo group, the probiotics group was 1.21(OR 1.21, 95% CI: 0.86, 1.69) and 1.28 (OR 1.28, 95% CI: 0.88, 1.86) times more likely to achieve eradication of H. pylori infection in intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis and per protocol (PP) analysis, respectively. Probiotics with triple therapy plus a 14-day course of treatment did not improve the eradication of H. pylori infection (OR 1.44, 95% CI: 0.87, 2.39) compared to the placebo. Moreover, the placebo plus standard therapy did not improve eradication rates compared to standard therapy alone (P = 0.816). However, probiotics did improve the adverse effects of diarrhea and nausea. These pooled data suggest that the use of probiotics plus standard therapy does not improve the eradication rate of H. pylori infection compared to the placebo.
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Schedlowski M, Enck P, Rief W, Bingel U. Neuro-Bio-Behavioral Mechanisms of Placebo and Nocebo Responses: Implications for Clinical Trials and Clinical Practice. Pharmacol Rev 2016; 67:697-730. [PMID: 26126649 DOI: 10.1124/pr.114.009423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The placebo effect has often been considered a nuisance in basic and particularly clinical research. This view has gradually changed in recent years due to deeper insight into the neuro-bio-behavioral mechanisms steering both the placebo and nocebo responses, the evil twin of placebo. For the neuroscientist, placebo and nocebo responses have evolved as indispensable tools to understand brain mechanisms that link cognitive and emotional factors with symptom perception as well as peripheral physiologic systems and end organ functioning. For the clinical investigator, better understanding of the mechanisms driving placebo and nocebo responses allow the control of these responses and thereby help to more precisely define the efficacy of a specific pharmacological intervention. Finally, in the clinical context, the systematic exploitation of these mechanisms will help to maximize placebo responses and minimize nocebo responses for the patient's benefit. In this review, we summarize and critically examine the neuro-bio-behavioral mechanisms underlying placebo and nocebo responses that are currently known in terms of different diseases and physiologic systems. We subsequently elaborate on the consequences of this knowledge for pharmacological treatments of patients and the implications for pharmacological research, the training of healthcare professionals, and for the health care system and future research strategies on placebo and nocebo responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Schedlowski
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology (M.S.) and Department of Neurology (U.B.), University Clinic Essen, Essen, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine VI, Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany (P.E.); and Department of Psychology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany (W.R.)
| | - Paul Enck
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology (M.S.) and Department of Neurology (U.B.), University Clinic Essen, Essen, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine VI, Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany (P.E.); and Department of Psychology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany (W.R.)
| | - Winfried Rief
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology (M.S.) and Department of Neurology (U.B.), University Clinic Essen, Essen, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine VI, Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany (P.E.); and Department of Psychology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany (W.R.)
| | - Ulrike Bingel
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology (M.S.) and Department of Neurology (U.B.), University Clinic Essen, Essen, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine VI, Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany (P.E.); and Department of Psychology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany (W.R.)
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12
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Brietzke AP, Rozisky JR, Dussan-Sarria JA, Deitos A, Laste G, Hoppe PFT, Muller S, Torres ILS, Alvares-da-Silva MR, de Amorim RFB, Fregni F, Caumo W. Neuroplastic Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Painful Symptoms Reduction in Chronic Hepatitis C: A Phase II Randomized, Double Blind, Sham Controlled Trial. Front Neurosci 2016; 9:498. [PMID: 26793047 PMCID: PMC4707227 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Pegylated Interferon Alpha (Peg-IFN) in combination with other drugs is the standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C infection (HCV) and is related to severe painful symptoms. The aim of this study was access the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in controlling the painful symptoms related to Peg-IFN side effects. Materials and Methods: In this phase II double-blind trial, twenty eight (n = 28) HCV subjects were randomized to receive either 5 consecutive days of active tDCS (n = 14) or sham (n = 14) during 5 consecutive days with anodal stimulation over the primary motor cortex region using 2 mA for 20 min. The primary outcomes were visual analogue scale (VAS) pain and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) serum levels. Secondary outcomes were the pressure-pain threshold (PPT), the Brazilian Profile of Chronic Pain: Screen (B-PCP:S), and drug analgesics use. Results: tDCS reduced the VAS scores (P < 0.003), with a mean pain drop of 56% (p < 0.001). Furthermore, tDCS was able to enhance BDNF levels (p < 0.01). The mean increase was 37.48% in the active group. Finally, tDCS raised PPT (p < 0.001) and reduced the B-PCP:S scores and analgesic use (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Five sessions of tDCS were effective in reducing the painful symptoms in HCV patients undergoing Peg-IFN treatment. These findings support the efficacy of tDCS as a promising therapeutic tool to improve the tolerance of the side effects related to the use of Peg-IFN. Future larger studies (phase III and IV trials) are needed to confirm the clinical use of the therapeutic effects of tDCS in such condition. Trial registration: Brazilian Human Health Regulator for Research with the approval number CAAE 07802012.0.0000.5327.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline P Brietzke
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation, Department of Clinical Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Joanna R Rozisky
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation, Department of Clinical Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Jairo A Dussan-Sarria
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation, Department of Clinical Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Alicia Deitos
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation, Department of Clinical Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Laste
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation, Department of Clinical Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Priscila F T Hoppe
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation, Department of Clinical Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Suzana Muller
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation, Department of Clinical Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Iraci L S Torres
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation, Department of Clinical Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Mário R Alvares-da-Silva
- Department of Internal Medicine (Gastroenterology/Hepatology), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rivadavio F B de Amorim
- Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Physics and Rehabilitation Department, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston, MA, USA
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Physics and Rehabilitation Department, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wolnei Caumo
- Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation, Department of Clinical Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre, Brazil
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13
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MacPherson H, Hammerschlag R, Coeytaux RR, Davis RT, Harris RE, Kong JT, Langevin HM, Lao L, Milley RJ, Napadow V, Schnyer RN, Stener-Victorin E, Witt CM, Wayne PM. Unanticipated Insights into Biomedicine from the Study of Acupuncture. J Altern Complement Med 2016; 22:101-7. [PMID: 26745452 PMCID: PMC4761810 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2015.0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Research into acupuncture has had ripple effects beyond the field of acupuncture. This paper identifies five exemplars to illustrate that there is tangible evidence of the way insights gleaned from acupuncture research have informed biomedical research, practice, or policy. The first exemplar documents how early research into acupuncture analgesia has expanded into neuroimaging research, broadening physiologic understanding and treatment of chronic pain. The second describes how the acupuncture needle has become a tool to enhance biomedical knowledge of connective tissue. The third exemplar, which illustrates use of a modified acupuncture needle as a sham device, focuses on emergent understanding of placebo effects and, in turn, on insights into therapeutic encounters in treatments unrelated to acupuncture. The fourth exemplar documents that two medical devices now in widespread use were inspired by acupuncture: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators for pain control and antinausea wrist bands. The final exemplar describes how pragmatic clinical trial designs applied in acupuncture research have informed current general interest in comparative effectiveness research. In conclusion, these exemplars of unanticipated outcomes of acupuncture research comprise an additional rationale for continued support of basic and clinical research evaluating acupuncture and other under-researched therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh MacPherson
- 1 Department of Health Sciences, University of York , York, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Hammerschlag
- 2 Research Department, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine , Portland, OR.,3 The Institute for Integrative Health , Baltimore, MD
| | - Remy R Coeytaux
- 4 Duke Clinical Research Institute , Durham, NC.,5 Department of Community and Family Medicine, Duke University , Durham, NC
| | | | - Richard E Harris
- 7 Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Jiang-Ti Kong
- 8 Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, CA
| | - Helene M Langevin
- 9 Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA
| | - Lixing Lao
- 10 School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong .,11 Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland , Baltimore, MD
| | - Ryan J Milley
- 2 Research Department, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine , Portland, OR
| | - Vitaly Napadow
- 12 Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA.,13 Department of Radiology, Logan University , Chesterfield, MO.,14 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Kyunghee University , Yongin, Korea
| | | | - Elisabet Stener-Victorin
- 16 Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Claudia M Witt
- 17 Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich , Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter M Wayne
- 9 Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA
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14
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Abstract
Placebo effects in clinical trials have sparked an interest in the placebo phenomenon, both in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and in experimental gastroenterology. RCTs have demonstrated similar short-term and long-term placebo response rates in gastrointestinal compared to other medical diagnoses. Most mediators and moderators of placebo effects in gastrointestinal diseases are also of similar type and size to other medical diagnoses and not specific for gastrointestinal diagnoses. Other characteristics such as an increase in the placebo response over time and the placebo-enhancing effects of unbalanced randomization were not seen, at least in IBS. Experimental placebo and nocebo studies underscore the 'power' of expectancies and conditioning processes in shaping gastrointestinal symptoms not only at the level of self-reports, but also within the brain and along the brain-gut axis. Brain imaging studies have redressed earlier criticism that placebo effects might merely reflect a response bias. These findings raise hope that sophisticated trials and experiments designed to boost positive expectations and minimize negative expectations could pave the way for a practical and ethically sound use of placebo knowledge in daily practice. Rather than focusing on a 'personalized' choice of drugs based on biomarkers or genes, it might be the doctor-patient communication that needs to be tailored.
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15
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela J Hornby
- Janssen Research & Development, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson and Johnson, SH42-2508-A, 1400 McKean Road, Spring House, PA 19477, USA
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16
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Kuo B, Bhasin M, Jacquart J, Scult MA, Slipp L, Riklin EIK, Lepoutre V, Comosa N, Norton BA, Dassatti A, Rosenblum J, Thurler AH, Surjanhata BC, Hasheminejad NN, Kagan L, Slawsby E, Rao SR, Macklin EA, Fricchione GL, Benson H, Libermann TA, Korzenik J, Denninger JW. Genomic and clinical effects associated with a relaxation response mind-body intervention in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123861. [PMID: 25927528 PMCID: PMC4415769 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can profoundly affect quality of life and are influenced by stress and resiliency. The impact of mind-body interventions (MBIs) on IBS and IBD patients has not previously been examined. Methods Nineteen IBS and 29 IBD patients were enrolled in a 9-week relaxation response based mind-body group intervention (RR-MBI), focusing on elicitation of the RR and cognitive skill building. Symptom questionnaires and inflammatory markers were assessed pre- and post-intervention, and at short-term follow-up. Peripheral blood transcriptome analysis was performed to identify genomic correlates of the RR-MBI. Results Pain Catastrophizing Scale scores improved significantly post-intervention for IBD and at short-term follow-up for IBS and IBD. Trait Anxiety scores, IBS Quality of Life, IBS Symptom Severity Index, and IBD Questionnaire scores improved significantly post-intervention and at short-term follow-up for IBS and IBD, respectively. RR-MBI altered expression of more genes in IBD (1059 genes) than in IBS (119 genes). In IBD, reduced expression of RR-MBI response genes was most significantly linked to inflammatory response, cell growth, proliferation, and oxidative stress-related pathways. In IBS, cell cycle regulation and DNA damage related gene sets were significantly upregulated after RR-MBI. Interactive network analysis of RR-affected pathways identified TNF, AKT and NF-κB as top focus molecules in IBS, while in IBD kinases (e.g. MAPK, P38 MAPK), inflammation (e.g. VEGF-C, NF-κB) and cell cycle and proliferation (e.g. UBC, APP) related genes emerged as top focus molecules. Conclusions In this uncontrolled pilot study, participation in an RR-MBI was associated with improvements in disease-specific measures, trait anxiety, and pain catastrophizing in IBS and IBD patients. Moreover, observed gene expression changes suggest that NF-κB is a target focus molecule in both IBS and IBD—and that its regulation may contribute to counteracting the harmful effects of stress in both diseases. Larger, controlled studies are needed to confirm this preliminary finding. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.Gov NCT02136745
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Affiliation(s)
- Braden Kuo
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Manoj Bhasin
- Division of Interdisciplinary Medicine & Biotechnology, and Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jolene Jacquart
- Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Matthew A. Scult
- Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lauren Slipp
- Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Eric Isaac Kagan Riklin
- Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Veronique Lepoutre
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Nicole Comosa
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Beth-Ann Norton
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Allison Dassatti
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jessica Rosenblum
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Andrea H. Thurler
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Brian C. Surjanhata
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Nicole N. Hasheminejad
- Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Leslee Kagan
- Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ellen Slawsby
- Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sowmya R. Rao
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), Bedford VA Medical Center, Bedford, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Eric A. Macklin
- MGH Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Gregory L. Fricchione
- Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Herbert Benson
- Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Towia A. Libermann
- Division of Interdisciplinary Medicine & Biotechnology, and Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joshua Korzenik
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - John W. Denninger
- Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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17
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Krämer HH, Hofbauer LC, Szalay G, Breimhorst M, Eberle T, Zieschang K, Rauner M, Schlereth T, Schreckenberger M, Birklein F. Osteoprotegerin: a new biomarker for impaired bone metabolism in complex regional pain syndrome? Pain 2014; 155:889-895. [PMID: 24447513 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2014.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Revised: 12/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is important for bone remodeling and may contribute to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) pathophysiology. We aimed to assess the value of OPG as a biomarker for CRPS and a possible correlation with radiotracer uptake in 3-phase bone scintigraphy (TPBS). OPG levels were analyzed in 23 CRPS patients (17 women; mean age 50±9.0 years; disease duration: 12 weeks [IQR 8-24]), 10 controls (6 women; mean age 58±9.6 years) and 21 patients after uncomplicated fractures (12 women; mean age: 43±15 years; time after fracture: 15 weeks [IQR: 6-22]). The CRPS and control patients also underwent TPBS. OPG in CRPS patients was significantly increased by comparison with both control groups (P=0.001; Kruskal-Wallis test; CRPS patients: 74.1 pg/mL [IQR: 47.1-100.7]; controls: 46.7 pg/mL [IQR: 35.5-55.0]; P=0.004; fracture patients: 45.9 pg/mL [IQR: 37.5-56.7]; P=0.001). As a diagnostic test for CRPS, OPG had a sensitivity of 0.74, specificity of 0.80, positive predictive value of 68% and negative predictive value of 84%. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.80 (CI: 0.68-0.91). For the CRPS-affected hand, a significant correlation between OPG and TPBS region of interest analysis in phase III was detected (carpal bones; r=0.391; P=0.03). The persistent OPG increase in CRPS indicates enhanced osteoblastic activity shown by increased radiotracer uptake in TPBS phase III. A contribution of bone turnover to CRPS pathophysiology is likely. OPG might be useful as a biomarker for CRPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidrun H Krämer
- Department of Neurology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany Department of Neurology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany Department of Medicine III, Dresden Technical University Medical Center, Dresden, Germany Department of Trauma Surgery, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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18
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Abstract
Knowledge from placebo and nocebo research aimed at elucidating the role of treatment expectations and learning experiences in shaping the response to visceral pain fills an important research gap. First, chronic abdominal pain, such as in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), is highly prevalent, with detrimental individual and socioeconomic impact and limited effective treatment options. At the same time, IBS patients show high placebo response rates in clinical trials and benefit from placebo interventions. Second, psychological factors including emotions and cognitions in the context of visceral pain have been implicated in the pathophysiology of IBS and other conditions characterized by medically unexplained somatic symptoms. Hence, the study of nocebo and placebo effects in visceral pain constitutes a model to assess the contribution of psychological factors. Herein, the clinical relevance of visceral pain is introduced with a focus on IBS as a bio-psycho-social disorder, followed by a review of existing clinical and experimental work on placebo and nocebo effects in IBS and in clinically relevant visceral pain models. Finally, emerging research trends are highlighted along with an outlook regarding goals for ongoing and future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid Elsenbruch
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany,
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19
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Monach PA, Tomasson G, Specks U, Stone JH, Cuthbertson D, Krischer J, Ding L, Fervenza FC, Fessler BJ, Hoffman GS, Ikle D, Kallenberg CGM, Langford CA, Mueller M, Seo P, St Clair EW, Spiera R, Tchao N, Ytterberg SR, Gu YZ, Snyder RD, Merkel PA. Circulating markers of vascular injury and angiogenesis in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 63:3988-97. [PMID: 21953143 DOI: 10.1002/art.30615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify biomarkers that distinguish between active antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) and remission in a manner superior or complementary to established markers of systemic inflammation. METHODS Markers of vascular injury and angiogenesis were measured before and after treatment in a large clinical trial in AAV: 163 subjects enrolled in the Rituximab in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis trial were screened for the present study. Serum levels of E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule 3 matrix metalloproteinase protein 1 (MMP-1), MMP-3, MMP-9, P-selectin, thrombomodulin, and vascular endothelial growth factor were measured at study screening (time of active disease) and at month 6. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels had been measured at the time of the clinical visit. The primary outcome measure was the difference in marker level between screening and month 6 among patients whose disease was in remission (Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score for Wegener's granulomatosis [BVAS/WG] score of 0) at month 6. RESULTS All patients had severe active vasculitis at screening (mean ± SD BVAS/WG score 8.6 ± 3.2). Among the 123 patients whose disease was clinically in remission at month 6, levels of all markers except E-selectin showed significant declines. MMP-3 levels were also higher among the 23 patients with active disease at month 6 than among the 123 patients whose disease was in remission. MMP-3 levels correlated weakly with ESR and CRP levels. CONCLUSION Many markers of vascular injury and angiogenesis are elevated in severe active AAV and decline with treatment, but MMP-3 appears to distinguish active AAV from remission better than the other markers studied. Further study of MMP-3 is warranted to determine its clinical utility in combination with conventional markers of inflammation and ANCA titers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Monach
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
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20
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Ober K, Benson S, Vogelsang M, Bylica A, Günther D, Witzke O, Kribben A, Engler H, Schedlowski M. Plasma noradrenaline and state anxiety levels predict placebo response in learned immunosuppression. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2011; 91:220-6. [PMID: 22166852 DOI: 10.1038/clpt.2011.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Large interindividual differences exist in the presence and extent of placebo responses in both experimental and clinical studies, but little is known about possible predictors of these responses. We employed a behaviorally conditioned immunosuppression paradigm in healthy men to analyze predictors of learned placebo responses. During acquisition, the subjects received either the immunosuppressant cyclosporin A (n = 32) or a placebo (n = 14) (unconditioned stimuli (US)) together with a novel-tasting drink (conditioned stimulus (CS)). During evocation, the subjects were reexposed to the CS alone. In responders (n = 15), the CS alone caused a significant inhibition of interleukin (IL)-2 production by anti-CD3-stimulated peripheral blood T cells, closely mimicking the drug effect. Nonresponders (n = 17) did not show responses different from those of the controls. Multiple-regression analyses showed that baseline IL-2, plasma noradrenaline, and state anxiety predicted nearly 60% of the variance in the conditioned IL-2 response. These data provide first evidence for putative biological and psychological predictors of learned placebo responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Ober
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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21
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Kaptchuk TJ. Placebo studies and ritual theory: a comparative analysis of Navajo, acupuncture and biomedical healing. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2011; 366:1849-58. [PMID: 21576142 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2010.0385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Using a comparative analysis of Navajo healing ceremonials, acupuncture and biomedical treatment, this essay examines placebo studies and ritual theory as mutually interpenetrating disciplines. Healing rituals create a receptive person susceptible to the influences of authoritative culturally sanctioned 'powers'. The healer provides the sufferer with imaginative, emotional, sensory, moral and aesthetic input derived from the palpable symbols and procedures of the ritual process-in the process fusing the sufferer's idiosyncratic narrative unto a universal cultural mythos. Healing rituals involve a drama of evocation, enactment, embodiment and evaluation in a charged atmosphere of hope and uncertainty. Experimental research into placebo effects demonstrates that routine biomedical pharmacological and procedural interventions contain significant ritual dimensions. This research also suggests that ritual healing not only represents changes in affect, self-awareness and self-appraisal of behavioural capacities, but involves modulations of symptoms through neurobiological mechanisms. Recent scientific investigations into placebo acupuncture suggest several ways that observations from ritual studies can be verified experimentally. Placebo effects are often described as 'non-specific'; the analysis presented here suggests that placebo effects are the 'specific' effects of healing rituals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ted J Kaptchuk
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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