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Ständer S, Schmelz M. Skin Innervation. J Invest Dermatol 2024:S0022-202X(24)00085-X. [PMID: 38402477 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.10.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
All layers and appendages of the skin are densely innervated by afferent and efferent neurons providing sensory information and controlling skin perfusion and sweating. In mice, neuronal functions have been comprehensively linked to unique single-cell expression patterns and to characteristic arborization of nerve endings in skin and dorsal horn, whereas for humans, specific molecular markers for functional classes of afferent neurons are still lacking. Moreover, bidirectional communication between sensory neurons and local skin cells has become of particular interest, resulting in a broader physiological understanding of sensory function but also of trophic functions and immunomodulation in disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Ständer
- Department of Dermatology and Center for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Schmelz
- Department of Experimental Pain Research, Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.
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2
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Casas-Barragán A, Muñoz-Revilla A, Tapia-Haro RM, Molina F, Correa-Rodríguez M, Aguilar-Ferrándiz ME. Vasodilatory Peripheral Response and Pain Levels following Radiofrequency Stressor Application in Women with Fibromyalgia. Biomedicines 2024; 12:142. [PMID: 38255247 PMCID: PMC10813501 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome of unknown pathogenesis that presents, among other symptoms, chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain. This study aims to analyze the effects of radiofrequency on core body temperature and the peripheral temperature of the dorsal surfaces and palms of the hands and its association with pain levels in patients with FM. A case-control observational study was conducted with a total of twenty-nine women diagnosed with FM and seventeen healthy women. Capacitive monopolar radiofrequency was applied to the palms of the hands using the Biotronic Advance Develops device. Peripheral hand temperature was analyzed using a thermographic camera, and core body temperature was analyzed with an infrared scanner. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and electrical pain were recorded with an algometer and a Pain Matcher device, respectively. A significant decrease was observed in women with FM in pain electrical threshold (95% CI [0.01-3.56], p = 0.049), electrical pain (95% CI [2.87-10.43], p = 0.002), dominant supraspinatus PPT (95% CI [0.04-0.52], p = 0.023), non-dominant supraspinatus PPT (95% CI [0.03-0.60], p = 0.029), and non-dominant tibial PPT (95% CI [0.05-0.89], p = 0.031). Women with FM have increased hypersensitivity to pain as well as increased peripheral temperature after exposure to a thermal stimulus, such as radiofrequency, which could indicate disorders of their neurovascular response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Casas-Barragán
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), 18016 Granada, Spain; (A.C.-B.); (R.M.T.-H.); (F.M.); (M.E.A.-F.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Alba Muñoz-Revilla
- Biomedicine Program, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), 18071 Granada, Spain;
| | - Rosa María Tapia-Haro
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), 18016 Granada, Spain; (A.C.-B.); (R.M.T.-H.); (F.M.); (M.E.A.-F.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco Molina
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), 18016 Granada, Spain; (A.C.-B.); (R.M.T.-H.); (F.M.); (M.E.A.-F.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - María Correa-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), Ave. de la Ilustración, 60, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - María Encarnación Aguilar-Ferrándiz
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), 18016 Granada, Spain; (A.C.-B.); (R.M.T.-H.); (F.M.); (M.E.A.-F.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
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3
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Fetell M, Sendel M, Li T, Marinelli L, Vollert J, Ruggerio E, Houk G, Dockum M, Albrecht PJ, Rice FL, Baron R. Cutaneous nerve fiber and peripheral Nav1.7 assessment in a large cohort of patients with postherpetic neuralgia. Pain 2023; 164:2435-2446. [PMID: 37366590 PMCID: PMC10578423 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002950] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The mechanisms of pain in postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) are still unclear, with some studies showing loss of cutaneous sensory nerve fibers that seemed to correlate with pain level. We report results of skin biopsies and correlations with baseline pain scores, mechanical hyperalgesia, and the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI) in 294 patients who participated in a clinical trial of TV-45070, a topical semiselective sodium 1.7 channel (Nav1.7) blocker. Intraepidermal nerve fibers and subepidermal Nav1.7 immunolabeled fibers were quantified in skin punch biopsies from the area of maximal PHN pain, as well as from the contralateral, homologous (mirror image) region. Across the entire study population, a 20% reduction in nerve fibers on the PHN-affected side compared with that in the contralateral side was noted; however, the reduction was much higher in older individuals, approaching 40% in those aged 70 years or older. There was a decrease in contralateral fiber counts as well, also noted in prior biopsy studies, the mechanism of which is not fully clear. Nav1.7-positive immunolabeling was present in approximately one-third of subepidermal nerve fibers and did not differ on the PHN-affected vs contralateral sides. Using cluster analysis, 2 groups could be identified, with the first cluster showing higher baseline pain, higher NPSI scores for squeezing and cold-induced pain, higher nerve fiber density, and higher Nav1.7 expression. While Nav1.7 varies from patient to patient, it does not seem to be a key pathophysiological driver of PHN pain. Individual differences in Nav1.7 expression, however, may determine the intensity and sensory aspects of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manon Sendel
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany
| | - Thomas Li
- Teva Pharmaceuticals, West Chester, PA, United States
| | | | - Jan Vollert
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany
- Pain Research, MSk Lab, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurophysiology, Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience MCTN, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht Karls University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | | | - George Houk
- Integrated Tissue Dynamics LLC, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | - Marilyn Dockum
- Integrated Tissue Dynamics LLC, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | | | - Frank L. Rice
- Integrated Tissue Dynamics LLC, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | - Ralf Baron
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany
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4
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Marwaha B. Role of Tau protein in long COVID and potential therapeutic targets. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1280600. [PMID: 37953801 PMCID: PMC10634420 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1280600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Long COVID is an emerging public health burden and has been defined as a syndrome with common symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction, and others impacting day-to-day life, fluctuating or relapsing over, occurring for at least two months in patients with a history of probable or confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection; usually three months from the onset of illness and cannot be explained by an alternate diagnosis. The actual prevalence of long-term COVID-19 is unknown, but it is believed that more than 17 million patients in Europe may have suffered from it during pandemic. Pathophysiology Currently, there is limited understanding of the pathophysiology of this syndrome, and multiple hypotheses have been proposed. Our literature review has shown studies reporting tau deposits in tissue samples of the brain from autopsies of COVID-19 patients compared to the control group, and the in-vitro human brain organoid model has shown aberrant phosphorylation of tau protein in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Tauopathies, a group of neurodegenerative disorders with the salient features of tau deposits, can manifest different symptoms based on the anatomical region of brain involvement and have been shown to affect the peripheral nervous system as well and explained even in rat model studies. Long COVID has more than 203 symptoms, with predominant symptoms of fatigue, dyspnea, and cognitive dysfunction, which tauopathy-induced CNS and peripheral nervous system dysfunction can explain. There have been no studies up till now to reveal the pathophysiology of long COVID. Based on our literature review, aberrant tau phosphorylation is a promising hypothesis that can be explored in future studies. Therapeutic approaches for tauopathies have multidimensional aspects, including targeting post-translational modifications, tau aggregation, and tau clearance through the autophagy process with the help of lysosomes, which can be potential targets for developing therapeutic interventions for the long COVID. In addition, future studies can attempt to find the tau proteins in CSF and use those as biomarkers for the long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharat Marwaha
- Department of Cardiology, Adena Health System, Chillicothe, OH, United States
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5
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Tapia-Haro RM, Molina F, Rus A, Casas-Barragán A, Correa-Rodríguez M, Aguilar-Ferrándiz ME. Serum VEGF and CGRP Biomarkers: Relationships with Pain Intensity, Electric Pain, Pressure Pain Threshold, and Clinical Symptoms in Fibromyalgia-An Observational Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15533. [PMID: 37958517 PMCID: PMC10649295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a multifactorial syndrome, mainly characterized by chronic widespread pain, whose physiopathology is yet to be determined. Reliable biomarkers for FM and how they are associated with the symptomatology have not yet been identified. We aimed to examine the relationships among serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) levels with clinical manifestations and pain-related variables in women with FM. We conducted an observational case study with forty-seven women diagnosed with FM. Serum VEGF and CGRP levels were spectrophotometrically analyzed. We used questionnaires to measure the impact of FM and the degree of central sensitization, fatigue, and anxiety. We also assessed pain intensity, electric pain threshold and magnitude, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) in tender points. The linear regression analysis adjusting for age, menopause status, and body mass index showed that serum VEGF levels were significantly associated with the PPTs of non-dominant trapezius (β = 153.418; p = 0.033), non-dominant second metacarpal (β = 174.676; p = 0.008) and dominant tibialis anterior (β = 115.080; p = 0.049) in women with FM. We found no association between serum CGRP levels and the variables measured (p ≥ 0.152). Our results suggest that VEGF may be related to pain processing in patients with FM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Mª Tapia-Haro
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), 18016 Granada, Spain; (R.M.T.-H.); (F.M.); (A.C.-B.); (M.E.A.-F.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain;
| | - Francisco Molina
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), 18016 Granada, Spain; (R.M.T.-H.); (F.M.); (A.C.-B.); (M.E.A.-F.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain;
| | - Alma Rus
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain;
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Antonio Casas-Barragán
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), 18016 Granada, Spain; (R.M.T.-H.); (F.M.); (A.C.-B.); (M.E.A.-F.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain;
| | - María Correa-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain;
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), Ave. de la Ilustración, 60, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Mª Encarnación Aguilar-Ferrándiz
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), 18016 Granada, Spain; (R.M.T.-H.); (F.M.); (A.C.-B.); (M.E.A.-F.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain;
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Yu H, Usoskin D, Nagi SS, Hu Y, Kupari J, Bouchatta O, Cranfill SL, Gautam M, Su Y, Lu Y, Wymer J, Glanz M, Albrecht P, Song H, Ming GL, Prouty S, Seykora J, Wu H, Ma M, Rice FL, Olausson H, Ernfors P, Luo W. Single-Soma Deep RNA sequencing of Human DRG Neurons Reveals Novel Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Underlying Somatosensation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.17.533207. [PMID: 36993480 PMCID: PMC10055202 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.17.533207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The versatility of somatosensation arises from heterogeneous dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. However, soma transcriptomes of individual human DRG (hDRG) neurons-critical in-formation to decipher their functions-are lacking due to technical difficulties. Here, we developed a novel approach to isolate individual hDRG neuron somas for deep RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). On average, >9,000 unique genes per neuron were detected, and 16 neuronal types were identified. Cross-species analyses revealed remarkable divergence among pain-sensing neurons and the existence of human-specific nociceptor types. Our deep RNA-seq dataset was especially powerful for providing insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying human somatosensation and identifying high potential novel drug targets. Our dataset also guided the selection of molecular markers to visualize different types of human afferents and the discovery of novel functional properties using single-cell in vivo electrophysiological recordings. In summary, by employing a novel soma sequencing method, we generated an unprecedented hDRG neuron atlas, providing new insights into human somatosensation, establishing a critical foundation for translational work, and clarifying human species-species properties.
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7
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Joseph P, Singh I, Oliveira R, Capone CA, Mullen MP, Cook DB, Stovall MC, Squires J, Madsen K, Waxman AB, Systrom DM. Exercise Pathophysiology in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2: More in Common Than Not? Chest 2023; 164:717-726. [PMID: 37054777 PMCID: PMC10088277 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
TOPIC IMPORTANCE Postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) is a long-term consequence of acute infection from COVID-19. Clinical overlap between PASC and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) has been observed, with shared symptoms including intractable fatigue, postexertional malaise, and orthostatic intolerance. The mechanistic underpinnings of such symptoms are poorly understood. REVIEW FINDINGS Early studies suggest deconditioning as the primary explanation for exertional intolerance in PASC. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing reveals perturbations related to systemic blood flow and ventilatory control associated with acute exercise intolerance in PASC, which are not typical of simple detraining. Hemodynamic and gas exchange derangements in PASC have substantial overlap with those observed with ME/CFS, suggestive of shared mechanisms. SUMMARY This review illustrates exercise pathophysiologic commonalities between PASC and ME/CFS that will help guide future diagnostics and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Joseph
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Inderjit Singh
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Rudolf Oliveira
- Division of Respiratory Disease, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Christine A Capone
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology Department of Pediatrics, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra, Manhasset, NY
| | - Mary P Mullen
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Dane B Cook
- Research Service, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital & Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Mary Catherine Stovall
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Johanna Squires
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kristine Madsen
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Aaron B Waxman
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - David M Systrom
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
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8
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Devigili G, Di Stefano G, Donadio V, Frattale I, Mantovani E, Nolano M, Occhipinti G, Provitera V, Quitadamo S, Tamburin S, Toscano A, Tozza S, Truini A, Valeriani M, de Tommaso M. Clinical criteria and diagnostic assessment of fibromyalgia: position statement of the Italian Society of Neurology-Neuropathic Pain Study Group. Neurol Sci 2023:10.1007/s10072-023-06836-3. [PMID: 37222872 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06836-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of central and/or peripheral nervous system dysfunction is basically fundamental in fibromyalgia. AIM The aim of this position statement on behalf of the Neuropathic Pain Study Group of the Italian Society of Neurology is to give practical guidelines for the clinical and instrumental assessment of fibromyalgia (FM) in the neurological clinical practice, taking into consideration recent studies. METHODS Criteria for study selection and consideration were original studies, case-controls design, use of standardized methodologies for clinical practice, and FM diagnosis with ACR criteria (2010, 2011, 2016). RESULTS ACR criteria were revised. For diagnostic procedure of small-fiber pathology, 47 studies were totally considered. Recent diagnostic criteria should be applied (ACR, 2016). A rheumatologic visit seems mandatory. The involvement of small fibers should request at least 2 among HRV + SSR and/or laser-evoked responses and/or skin biopsy and/or corneal confocal microscopy, eventually followed by monitoring of metabolic and/or immunological/ and or/paraneoplastic basis, to be repeated at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The correct diagnostic approach to FM could promote the exclusion of the known causes of small-fiber impairment. The research toward common genetic factors would be useful to promote a more specific therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Devigili
- UOC Neurologia IIRCCS Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - G Di Stefano
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - V Donadio
- Clinica Neurologica Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - I Frattale
- Child Neurology and Psychiatric Unit, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - E Mantovani
- Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences Department, Verona University, Verona, Italy
| | - M Nolano
- Skin Biopsy Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Instituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Telese Terme, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University Federico II of Naples, 80100, Naples, Italy
| | - G Occhipinti
- UOC Neurologia E Malattie Neuromuscolari, AUO Martino Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - V Provitera
- Skin Biopsy Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Instituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Telese Terme, Italy
| | - S Quitadamo
- Neurophysiopathology Unit, DiBraiN Department, Policlinico General Hospital, Bari Aldo Moro University, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - S Tamburin
- Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences Department, Verona University, Verona, Italy
| | - A Toscano
- EURO-ERN NMD, AOU Martino University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - S Tozza
- UOC Neurologia E Malattie Neuromuscolari, AUO Martino Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - A Truini
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - M Valeriani
- Developmental Neurology Unit, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - M de Tommaso
- Neurophysiopathology Unit, DiBraiN Department, Policlinico General Hospital, Bari Aldo Moro University, Piazza Giulio Cesare, 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
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9
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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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10
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Kumar V, Kingsley D, Perikamana SM, Mogha P, Goodwin CR, Varghese S. Self-assembled innervated vasculature-on-a-chip to study nociception. Biofabrication 2023; 15:10.1088/1758-5090/acc904. [PMID: 36996841 PMCID: PMC10152403 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/acc904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Nociceptor sensory neurons play a key role in eliciting pain. An active crosstalk between nociceptor neurons and the vascular system at the molecular and cellular level is required to sense and respond to noxious stimuli. Besides nociception, interaction between nociceptor neurons and vasculature also contributes to neurogenesis and angiogenesis.In vitromodels of innervated vasculature can greatly help delineate these roles while facilitating disease modeling and drug screening. Herein, we report the development of a microfluidic-assisted tissue model of nociception in the presence of microvasculature. The self-assembled innervated microvasculature was engineered using endothelial cells and primary dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The sensory neurons and the endothelial cells displayed distinct morphologies in presence of each other. The neurons exhibited an elevated response to capsaicin in the presence of vasculature. Concomitantly, increased transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) receptor expression was observed in the DRG neurons in presence of vascularization. Finally, we demonstrated the applicability of this platform for modeling nociception associated with tissue acidosis. While not demonstrated here, this platform could also serve as a tool to study pain resulting from vascular disorders while also paving the way towards the development of innervated microphysiological models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vardhman Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC
| | - David Kingsley
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC
| | | | - Pankaj Mogha
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC
| | - C Rory Goodwin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Spine Division, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Shyni Varghese
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham NC
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Material Science, Duke University, Durham NC
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11
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Casas-Barragán A, García-Ríos MC, Rus A, Tapia-Haro RM, Correa-Rodríguez M, Aguilar-Ferrándiz ME. Associations among serum VEGF and CGRP levels with the peripheral vascular blood flow of the skin of the hands in women with Fibromyalgia. J Therm Biol 2023; 112:103469. [PMID: 36796914 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibromyalgia (FM) is a long-term condition of unknown physiopathology, whose hallmark symptoms are diffuse musculoskeletal chronic pain and fatigue. OBJECTIVES We aimed to analyze the associations among serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) levels with the peripheral temperature of the skin of both hands and the core body temperature in patients with FM and healthy controls. METHODS We conducted a case-control observational study with fifty-three women diagnosed with FM and twenty-four healthy women. VEGF and CGRP levels were spectrophotometrically analyzed in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We used an infrared thermography camera to assess the peripheral temperature of the skin of the dorsal thumb, index, middle, ring, and pinkie fingertips and dorsal centre as well as the palm thumb, index, middle, ring, and pinkie fingertips, palm centre and thenar and hypothenar eminences of both hands and an infrared thermographic scanner to record the tympanic membrane and axillary temperature. RESULTS Linear regression analysis adjusting for age, menopause status, and body mass index showed that serum VEGF levels were positively associated with the maximum (β = 65.942, 95% CI [4.100,127.784], p = 0.037), minimum (β = 59.216, 95% CI [1.455,116.976], p = 0.045), and mean (β = 66.923, 95% CI [3.142,130.705], p = 0.040) temperature of the thenar eminence of the non-dominant hand, as well as with the maximum temperature of the hypothenar eminence of the non-dominant hand (β = 63.607, 95% CI [3.468,123.747], p = 0.039) in women diagnosed with FM. CONCLUSIONS Mild associations were observed between serum VEGF levels and the peripheral temperature of the skin in hand areas in patients with FM; therefore, it is not possible to establish a clear relationship between this vasoactive molecule and vasodilation of the hands in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Casas-Barragán
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.
| | - María Carmen García-Ríos
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.
| | - Alma Rus
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Granada (UGR), Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.
| | - Rosa María Tapia-Haro
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.
| | - María Correa-Rodríguez
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.
| | - María Encarnación Aguilar-Ferrándiz
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.
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12
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Adelugba I, Siddiqui S, Aziz A, De EJB, Wolff G. Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: What Today’s Urologist Should Know. CURRENT BLADDER DYSFUNCTION REPORTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11884-022-00676-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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13
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Central Sensitization and Small-fiber Neuropathy Are Associated in Patients With Fibromyalgia. Clin J Pain 2023; 39:8-14. [PMID: 36524768 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000001085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the prevalence of small-fiber neuropathy (SFN) in a large cohort of patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and to better characterize the subset of patients with both FM and SFN. METHODS This 1-year, retrospective, observational cohort study included 265 patients with FM. They all performed electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) using the Sudoscan device, 1 of the simplest and most reliable technique to assess the distal autonomic nerve fibers. They completed 4 self-assessment questionnaires: (1) the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), (2) the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI), and (3) the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). RESULTS Fifty-three patients (20%) had reduced ESC values. These patients had higher CSI and HADS scores, and a larger intake of analgesic drugs compared with patients with no ESC abnormalities. Central sensitization, which was extreme in 69% of the patients (CSI score ≥60), was 1 of the main determinants of ESC abnormalities and was associated with a higher NPSI score, even though these 2 factors were not correlated. CONCLUSION Over the past 10 years, studies have shown that a significant proportion of patients with FM have signs of small nerve fiber impairment. The possible involvement of SFN, in the occurrence and presentation of clinical symptoms in FM patients, remains however unclear. This is the first study that showed an association between central sensitization and both small nerve fiber impairment and neuropathic pain features in FM patients, rather than a direct association between SFN and neuropathic pain.
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14
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Berwick RJ, Andersson DA, Goebel A, Marshall A. After-Sensations and Lingering Pain following Examination in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome. PAIN MEDICINE 2022; 23:1928-1938. [PMID: 35652761 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnac089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic widespread pain condition with mixed peripheral and central contributions. Patients display hypersensitivities to a spectrum of stimuli. Patients' blunt pressure pain thresholds are typically reduced, and sometimes (∼15%) gentle brushstroke induces allodynia. However, after-sensations following these stimuli have not, to our knowledge, been reported. We examined the perception of blunt pressure and 'pleasant touch' in FMS. Patients were first interviewed and completed standard psychometric questionnaires. We then measured their sensitivity to blunt pressure and perception of pleasant touch including after-sensations; patients were followed for five days evaluating lingering pain from blunt pressure. We recruited 51 FMS patients and 16 pain-free controls (HC) at a UK Pain Management Centre. Forty-four patients completed the after-sensation protocol. Most patients reported pain after application of less mechanical pressure than HCs; median arm and leg thresholds were 167 kPa and 233 kPa. Eighty-four percent (31/37) of patients reported ongoing pain at the site of pressure application one day after testing, and 49% (18/37) still perceived pain at five days. After-sensations following brushstroke were common in the FMS group, reported by 77% (34/44) compared to 25% (4/16) of HCs; 34% (15/44) patients, but no HCs, perceived these after-sensations as uncomfortable. For FMS patients who experienced after-sensations, brushstroke-pleasantness ratings were reduced, and skin was often an important site of pain. Pain after blunt pressure assessment typically lingers for several days. After-sensations following brushstroke stimulation is a previously unreported FMS phenomenon. They are associated with tactile anhedonia and may identify a clinically distinct subgroup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Berwick
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, UK.,Walton Centre, Longmore Lane, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Andreas Goebel
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, UK.,Walton Centre, Longmore Lane, Liverpool, UK
| | - Andrew Marshall
- Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool, UK.,Walton Centre, Longmore Lane, Liverpool, UK
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15
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Joseph P, Pari R, Miller S, Warren A, Stovall MC, Squires J, Chang CJ, Xiao W, Waxman AB, Systrom DM. Neurovascular Dysregulation and Acute Exercise Intolerance in ME/CFS: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Pyridostigmine. Chest 2022; 162:1116-1126. [PMID: 35526605 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2022.04.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is characterized by intractable fatigue, postexertional malaise, and orthostatic intolerance, but its pathophysiology is poorly understood. Pharmacologic cholinergic stimulation was used to test the hypothesis that neurovascular dysregulation underlies exercise intolerance in ME/CFS. RESEARCH QUESTION Does neurovascular dysregulation contribute to exercise intolerance in ME/CFS, and can its treatment improve exercise capacity? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Forty-five subjects with ME/CFS were enrolled in a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Subjects were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive a 60-mg dose of oral pyridostigmine or placebo after an invasive cardiopulmonary exercise test (iCPET). A second iCPET was performed 50 min later. The primary end point was the difference in peak exercise oxygen uptake (Vo2). Secondary end points included exercise pulmonary and systemic hemodynamics and gas exchange. RESULTS Twenty-three subjects were assigned to receive pyridostigmine and 22 to receive placebo. The peak Vo2 increased after pyridostigmine but decreased after placebo (13.3 ± 13.4 mL/min vs -40.2 ± 21.3 mL/min; P < .05). The treatment effect of pyridostigmine was 53.6 mL/min (95% CI, -105.2 to -2.0). Peak vs rest Vo2 (25.9 ± 15.3 mL/min vs -60.8 ± 25.6 mL/min; P < .01), cardiac output (-0.2 ± 0.6 L/min vs -1.9 ± 0.6 L/min; P < .05), and right atrial pressure (1.0 ± 0.5 mm Hg vs -0.6 ± 0.5 mm Hg; P < .05) were greater in the pyridostigmine group compared with placebo. INTERPRETATION Pyridostigmine improves peak Vo2 in ME/CFS by increasing cardiac output and right ventricular filling pressures. Worsening peak exercise Vo2, cardiac output, and right atrial pressure following placebo may signal the onset of postexertional malaise. We suggest that treatable neurovascular dysregulation underlies acute exercise intolerance in ME/CFS. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT03674541; URL: www. CLINICALTRIALS gov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Joseph
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Rosa Pari
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Sarah Miller
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Arabella Warren
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Mary Catherine Stovall
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Johanna Squires
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Chia-Jung Chang
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Wenzhong Xiao
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Aaron B Waxman
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - David M Systrom
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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16
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Galosi E, Truini A, Di Stefano G. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence of Small Fibre Impairment in Patients with Fibromyalgia. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12051135. [PMID: 35626288 PMCID: PMC9139885 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12051135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Converging evidence shows that patients with fibromyalgia syndrome have signs of small fibre impairment, possibly leading to pain and autonomic symptoms, with a frequency that has not yet been systematically evaluated. To fill this gap, our review aims to define the frequency of somatic and autonomic small fibre damage in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome, as assessed by objective small fibre-related testing. We found 360 articles on somatic and autonomic small fibre assessment in patients with fibromyalgia. Out of the 88 articles assessed for eligibility, 20 were included in the meta-analysis, involving 903 patients with fibromyalgia. The estimated prevalence of somatic small fibre impairment, as assessed with skin biopsy, corneal confocal microscopy, and microneurography, was 49% (95% confidence interval (CI): 39–60%, I2 = 89%), whereas the estimated prevalence of autonomic small fibre impairment, as assessed with heart rate variability, sympathetic skin response, skin conductance, and tilt testing, was 45% (95% CI: 25–65%, I2 = 91%). Our study shows that a considerable proportion of patients with fibromyalgia have somatic and autonomic small fibre impairment, as assessed by extensive small fibre-related testing. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity and inconsistencies across studies challenge the exact role of small fibre impairment in fibromyalgia symptoms.
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17
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Possibility of Embolic Treatment for Medial Epicondylitis. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2022; 45:205-206. [PMID: 35001149 DOI: 10.1007/s00270-021-03008-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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18
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Albrecht PJ, Houk G, Ruggiero E, Dockum M, Czerwinski M, Betts J, Wymer JP, Argoff CE, Rice FL. Keratinocyte Biomarkers Distinguish Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Patients and Correlate With Topical Lidocaine Responsiveness. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2021; 2:790524. [PMID: 35295428 PMCID: PMC8915676 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2021.790524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated quantifiable measures of cutaneous innervation and algesic keratinocyte biomarkers to determine correlations with clinical measures of patient pain perception, with the intent to better discriminate between diabetic patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN) compared to patients with low-pain diabetic peripheral neuropathy (lpDPN) or healthy control subjects. A secondary objective was to determine if topical treatment with a 5% lidocaine patch resulted in correlative changes among the quantifiable biomarkers and clinical measures of pain perception, indicative of potential PDPN pain relief. This open-label proof-of-principle clinical research study consisted of a pre-treatment skin biopsy, a 4-week topical 5% lidocaine patch treatment regimen for all patients and controls, and a post-treatment skin biopsy. Clinical measures of pain and functional interference were used to monitor patient symptoms and response for correlation with quantitative skin biopsy biomarkers of innervation (PGP9.5 and CGRP), and epidermal keratinocyte biomarkers (Nav1.6, Nav1.7, CGRP). Importantly, comparable significant losses of epidermal neural innervation (intraepidermal nerve fibers; IENF) and dermal innervation were observed among PDPN and lpDPN patients compared with control subjects, indicating that innervation loss alone may not be the driver of pain in diabetic neuropathy. In pre-treatment biopsies, keratinocyte Nav1.6, Nav1.7, and CGRP immunolabeling were all significantly increased among PDPN patients compared with control subjects. Importantly, no keratinocyte biomarkers were significantly increased among the lpDPN group compared with control. In post-treatment biopsies, the keratinocyte Nav1.6, Nav1.7, and CGRP immunolabeling intensities were no longer different between control, lpDPN, or PDPN cohorts, indicating that lidocaine treatment modified the PDPN-related keratinocyte increases. Analysis of the PDPN responder population demonstrated that increased pretreatment keratinocyte biomarker immunolabeling for Nav1.6, Nav1.7, and CGRP correlated with positive outcomes to topical lidocaine treatment. Epidermal keratinocytes modulate the signaling of IENF, and several analgesic and algesic signaling systems have been identified. These results further implicate epidermal signaling mechanisms as modulators of neuropathic pain conditions, highlight a novel potential mode of action for topical treatments, and demonstrate the utility of comprehensive skin biopsy evaluation to identify novel biomarkers in clinical pain studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip J. Albrecht
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Group, Integrated Tissue Dynamics, LLC, Rensselaer, NY, United States
- Division of Health Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Phillip J. Albrecht
| | - George Houk
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Group, Integrated Tissue Dynamics, LLC, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | - Elizabeth Ruggiero
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Group, Integrated Tissue Dynamics, LLC, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | - Marilyn Dockum
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Group, Integrated Tissue Dynamics, LLC, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | | | - Joseph Betts
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Group, Integrated Tissue Dynamics, LLC, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | - James P. Wymer
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Charles E. Argoff
- Department of Neurology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Frank L. Rice
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Group, Integrated Tissue Dynamics, LLC, Rensselaer, NY, United States
- Division of Health Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY, United States
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19
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Morelli C, Castaldi L, Brown SJ, Streich LL, Websdale A, Taberner FJ, Cerreti B, Barenghi A, Blum KM, Sawitzke J, Frank T, Steffens LK, Doleschall B, Serrao J, Ferrarini D, Lechner SG, Prevedel R, Heppenstall PA. Identification of a population of peripheral sensory neurons that regulates blood pressure. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109191. [PMID: 34077727 PMCID: PMC8187988 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The vasculature is innervated by a network of peripheral afferents that sense and regulate blood flow. Here, we describe a system of non-peptidergic sensory neurons with cell bodies in the spinal ganglia that regulate vascular tone in the distal arteries. We identify a population of mechanosensitive neurons, marked by tropomyosin receptor kinase C (TrkC) and tyrosine hydroxylase in the dorsal root ganglia, which projects to blood vessels. Local stimulation of TrkC neurons decreases vessel diameter and blood flow, whereas systemic activation increases systolic blood pressure and heart rate variability via the sympathetic nervous system. Ablation of the neurons provokes variability in local blood flow, leading to a reduction in systolic blood pressure, increased heart rate variability, and ultimately lethality within 48 h. Thus, a population of TrkC+ sensory neurons forms part of a sensory-feedback mechanism that maintains cardiovascular homeostasis through the autonomic nervous system. TrkC+/Th+ DRG neurons project to blood vessels Local stimulation of TrkC+ DRG neurons decreases vessel diameter and blood flow Systemic activation of TrkC+ DRG neurons increases blood pressure and heart rate Ablation of TrkC+ neurons dysregulates cardiovascular homeostasis and is lethal
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Morelli
- EMBL Rome, Via Ramarini 32, Monterotondo 00015, Italy; Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg, Germany; Collaboration for joint PhD degree between EMBL Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany, and Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Laura Castaldi
- EMBL Rome, Via Ramarini 32, Monterotondo 00015, Italy; Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sam J Brown
- EMBL Rome, Via Ramarini 32, Monterotondo 00015, Italy
| | - Lina L Streich
- Collaboration for joint PhD degree between EMBL Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany, and Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg, Germany; Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Francisco J Taberner
- EMBL Rome, Via Ramarini 32, Monterotondo 00015, Italy; Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Kevin M Blum
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Tessa Frank
- EMBL Rome, Via Ramarini 32, Monterotondo 00015, Italy
| | - Laura K Steffens
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Joana Serrao
- EMBL Rome, Via Ramarini 32, Monterotondo 00015, Italy
| | | | - Stefan G Lechner
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Robert Prevedel
- EMBL Rome, Via Ramarini 32, Monterotondo 00015, Italy; Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany; Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Paul A Heppenstall
- EMBL Rome, Via Ramarini 32, Monterotondo 00015, Italy; Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg, Germany.
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20
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Kelley MA, Hackshaw KV. Intraepidermal Nerve Fiber Density as Measured by Skin Punch Biopsy as a Marker for Small Fiber Neuropathy: Application in Patients with Fibromyalgia. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:536. [PMID: 33802768 PMCID: PMC8002511 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11030536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is a type of peripheral neuropathy that occurs from damage to the small A-delta and C nerve fibers that results in the clinical condition known as SFN. This pathology may be the result of metabolic, toxic, immune-mediated, and/or genetic factors. Small fiber symptoms can be variable and inconsistent and therefore require an objective biomarker confirmation. Small fiber dysfunction is not typically captured by diagnostic tests for large-fiber neuropathy (nerve conduction and electromyographic study). Therefore, skin biopsies stained with PGP 9.5 are the universally recommended objective test for SFN, with quantitative sensory tests, autonomic function testing, and corneal confocal imaging as secondary or adjunctive choices. Fibromyalgia (FM) is a heterogenous syndrome that has many symptoms that overlap with those found in SFN. A growing body of research has shown approximately 40-60% of patients carrying a diagnosis of FM have evidence of SFN on skin punch biopsy. There is currently no clearly defined phenotype in FM at this time to suggest whom may or may not have SFN, though research suggests it may correlate with severe cases. The skin punch biopsy provides an objective tool for use in quantifying small fiber pathology in FM. Skin punch biopsy may also be repeated for surveillance of the disease as well as measuring response to treatments. Evaluation of SFN in FM allows for better classification of FM and guidance for patient care as well as validation for their symptoms, leading to better use of resources and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary A. Kelley
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Kevin V. Hackshaw
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity St, Austin, TX 78712, USA;
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21
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Casas-Barragán A, Molina F, Tapia-Haro RM, García-Ríos MC, Correa-Rodríguez M, Aguilar-Ferrándiz ME. Association of core body temperature and peripheral blood flow of the hands with pain intensity, pressure pain hypersensitivity, central sensitization, and fibromyalgia symptoms. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2021; 12:2040622321997253. [PMID: 33747428 PMCID: PMC7940732 DOI: 10.1177/2040622321997253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Our aim was to analyse body core temperature and peripheral vascular microcirculation at skin hypothenar eminence of the hands and its relationship to symptoms in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). A total of 80 FMS women and 80 healthy women, matched on weight, were enrolled in this case-control study. Thermography and infrared thermometer were used for evaluating the hypothenar regions and core body temperature, respectively. The main outcome measures were pain pressure thresholds (PPTs) and clinical questionnaires. Significant associations were observed between overall impact [β = 0.033; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 0.003, 0.062; p = 0.030], daytime dysfunction (β = 0.203; 95%CI = 0.011, 0.395; p = 0.039) and reduced activity (β = 0.045; 95%CI = 0.005, 0.085; p = 0.029) and core body temperature in FMS women. PPTs including greater trochanter dominant (β = 0.254; 95%CI = 0.003, 0.504; p = 0.047), greater trochanter non-dominant (β = 0.650; 95%CI = 0.141, 1.159; p = 0.013), as well as sleeping medication (β = -0.242; 95%CI = -0.471, -0.013; p = 0.039) were also associated with hypothenar eminence temperature. Data highlighted that FMS women showed correlations among body core temperature and hand temperature with the clinical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Casas-Barragán
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Rosa María Tapia-Haro
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - María Carmen García-Ríos
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - María Correa-Rodríguez
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs. GRANADA, University of Granada, Ave. de la Ilustración, 60, Granada 18016, Spain
| | - María Encarnación Aguilar-Ferrándiz
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Joseph P, Arevalo C, Oliveira RKF, Faria-Urbina M, Felsenstein D, Oaklander AL, Systrom DM. Insights From Invasive Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing of Patients With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Chest 2021; 160:642-651. [PMID: 33577778 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2021.01.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) affects tens of millions worldwide; the causes of exertional intolerance are poorly understood. The ME/CFS label overlaps with postural orthostatic tachycardia (POTS) and fibromyalgia, and objective evidence of small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is reported in approximately 50% of POTS and fibromyalgia patients. RESEARCH QUESTION Can invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing (iCPET) and PGP9.5-immunolabeled lower-leg skin biopsies inform the pathophysiology of ME/CFS exertional intolerance and potential relationships with SFN? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS We analyzed 1,516 upright invasive iCPETs performed to investigate exertional intolerance. After excluding patients with intrinsic heart or lung disease and selecting those with right atrial pressures (RAP) <6.5 mm Hg, results from 160 patients meeting ME/CFS criteria who had skin biopsy test results were compared with 36 control subjects. Rest-to-peak changes in cardiac output (Qc) were compared with oxygen uptake (Qc/VO2 slope) to identify participants with low, normal, or high pulmonary blood flow by Qc/VO2 tertiles. RESULTS During exercise, the 160 ME/CFS patients averaged lower RAP (1.9 ± 2 vs 8.3 ± 1.5; P < .0001) and peak VO2 (80% ± 21% vs 101.4% ± 17%; P < .0001) than control subjects. The low-flow tertile had lower peak Qc than the normal and high-flow tertiles (88.4% ± 19% vs 99.5% ± 23.8% vs 99.9% ± 19.5% predicted; P < .01). In contrast, systemic oxygen extraction was impaired in high-flow vs low- and normal-flow participants (0.74% ± 0.1% vs 0.88 ± 0.11 vs 0.86 ± 0.1; P < .0001) in association with peripheral left-to-right shunting. Among the 160 ME/CFS patient biopsies, 31% were consistent with SFN (epidermal innervation ≤5.0% of predicted; P < .0001). Denervation severity did not correlate with exertional measures. INTERPRETATION These results identify two types of peripheral neurovascular dysregulation that are biologically plausible contributors to ME/CFS exertional intolerance-depressed Qc from impaired venous return, and impaired peripheral oxygen extraction. In patients with small-fiber pathology, neuropathic dysregulation causing microvascular dilation may limit exertion by shunting oxygenated blood from capillary beds and reducing cardiac return.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Joseph
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University, New Haven, CT.
| | - Carlo Arevalo
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Rudolf K F Oliveira
- Division of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana Faria-Urbina
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Donna Felsenstein
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Anne Louise Oaklander
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Department of Pathology (Neuropathology), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - David M Systrom
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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23
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Livshits G, Kalinkovich A. Specialized, pro-resolving mediators as potential therapeutic agents for alleviating fibromyalgia symptomatology. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 23:977-990. [PMID: 33565588 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To present a hypothesis on a novel strategy in the treatment of fibromyalgia (FM). DESIGN A narrative review. SETTING FM as a disease remains a challenging concept for numerous reasons, including undefined etiopathogenesis, unclear triggers and unsuccessful treatment modalities. We hypothesize that the inflammatome, the entire set of molecules involved in inflammation, acting as a common pathophysiological instrument of gut dysbiosis, sarcopenia, and neuroinflammation, is one of the major mechanisms underlying FM pathogenesis. In this setup, dysbiosis is proposed as the primary trigger of the inflammatome, sarcopenia as the peripheral nociceptive source, and neuroinflammation as the central mechanism of pain sensitization, transmission and symptomatology of FM. Whereas neuroinflammation is highly-considered as a critical deleterious element in FM pathogenesis, the presumed pathogenic roles of sarcopenia and systemic inflammation remain controversial. Nevertheless, sarcopenia-associated processes and dysbiosis have been recently detected in FM individuals. The prevalence of pro-inflammatory factors in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood has been repeatedly observed in FM individuals, supporting an idea on the role of inflammatome in FM pathogenesis. As such, failed inflammation resolution might be one of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. In accordance, the application of specialized, inflammation pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) seems most suitable for this goal. CONCLUSIONS The capability of various SPMs to prevent and attenuate pain has been repeatedly demonstrated in laboratory animal experiments. Since SPMs suppress inflammation in a manner that does not compromise host defense, they could be attractive and safe candidates for the alleviation of FM symptomatology, probably in combination with anti-dysbiotic medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Livshits
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.,Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Alexander Kalinkovich
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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A Systematic Review Into the Influence of Temperature on Fibromyalgia Pain: Meteorological Studies and Quantitative Sensory Testing. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2021; 22:473-486. [PMID: 33421589 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic widespread pain condition of unknown aetiology. The role of temperature in FMS pain has not been reviewed systematically. The goal of this study was to review the influences of temperature on pain in FMS, from meteorological and quantitative sensory testing (QST) studies. The review was registered with Prospero: ID-CRD42020167687, and followed PRISMA guidance. Databases interrogated were: MEDLINE (via OVID), EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, and ProQuest (Feb'20). Exclusion criteria were: age <18, animal studies, non-English, and noncontrolled articles. Thirteen studies pertaining to ambient temperature and FMS pain were identified; 9 of these found no uniform relationship. Thirty-five QST studies were identified, 17 of which assessed cold pain thresholds (CPTs). All studies showed numerically reduced CPTs in patients, ranging from 10.9°C to 26.3°C versus 5.9°C to 13.5°C in controls; this was statistically significant in 14/17. Other thermal thresholds were often abnormal. We conclude that the literature provides consistent evidence for an abnormal sensitization of FMS patients' temperature-sensation systems. Additional work is required to elucidate the factors that determine why a subgroup of patients perceive low ambient temperatures as painful, and to characterize that group. PERSPECTIVE: Patients often report increased pain with changes in ambient temperature; even disabling, extreme temperature sensitivity in winter. Understanding this phenomenon may help clinicians provide reassurance and advice to patients and may guide research into the everyday impact of such hypersensitivity, whilst directing future work into the pathophysiology of FMS.
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Aguilar-Ferrándiz ME, Casas-Barragán A, Tapia-Haro RM, Rus A, Molina F, Correa-Rodríguez M. Evaluation of sympathetic adrenergic branch of cutaneous neural control throughout thermography and its relationship to nitric oxide levels in patients with fibromyalgia. J Therm Biol 2020; 95:102813. [PMID: 33454042 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2020.102813] [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: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibromyalgia syndrome is defined as a complex disease, characterized by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain and other symptoms. The factors underlying physiopathology of fibromyalgia are not well understood, complicating its diagnosis and management. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the peripheral vascular blood flow of the skin of the hands and the core body temperature as indirect measures of sympathetic adrenergic activity of the nervous system and its relationship to nitric oxide levels (NO) in women with fibromyalgia compared with healthy controls. METHODS Forty-two women with fibromyalgia and 52 healthy women were enrolled in this observational pilot study. We used infrared thermography of the hands and an infrared dermal thermometer to evaluate the peripheral vascular blood flow and tympanic and axillary core body temperature, respectively. We measured NO levels using the ozone chemiluminescence-based method. RESULTS Two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed that the tympanic (P=0.002) and hand temperatures were significantly higher in the patients with fibromyalgia than in the controls (P≤0.001). Significant associations were also found between serum NO levels and minimum temperatures at the dorsal center of the dominant hand (β=-3.501; 95% confidence interval [CI] -6.805, ‑0.198; P= 0.038), maximum temperature (β=-5.594; 95% CI ‑10.106, ‑1.081; P=0.016), minimum temperature (β=-4.090; 95% CI ‑7.905, ‑0.275; P=0.036), and mean temperature (β=-5.519; 95% CI ‑9.933, ‑1.106; P=0.015) of the center of the palm of the non-dominant hand, maximum temperature at the thenar eminence of the dominant hand (β=-5.800; 95% CI ‑10.508, ‑1.092; P=0.017), and tympanic temperature (β=-9.321; 95% CI ‑17.974, ‑0.669; P=0.035) in the controls. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that the women with fibromyalgia showed higher tympanic core body and hand temperature than the healthy controls. Moreover, there were negative associations between hand peripheral vasodilation and NO in the healthy women but not in those with fibromyalgia, suggesting a dysfunction of sympathetic cutaneous neural control.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Encarnación Aguilar-Ferrándiz
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), Spain.
| | - Antonio Casas-Barragán
- PhD Student of the Biomedicine Program of the University of Granada (UGR), Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA. Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), Spain.
| | - Rosa Maria Tapia-Haro
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA. Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), Spain.
| | - Alma Rus
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA. Department of Cell Biology, University of Granada (UGR), Spain.
| | - Francisco Molina
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaén, Spain.
| | - María Correa-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA. Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), Spain.
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26
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Reyes del Paso GA, de la Coba P. Reduced activity, reactivity and functionality of the sympathetic nervous system in fibromyalgia: An electrodermal study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241154. [PMID: 33119628 PMCID: PMC7595305 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in autonomic activity are well established in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Previous studies found reduced parasympathetic activity and sympathetic reactivity to physical and stress manipulations. However, sympathetic activity at rest has not been well studied in FMS. Sweating is exclusively controlled by sympathetic mechanisms. In this study, skin conductance (SC), as an indirect measure of sweating, was analyzed in 45 women with FMS and 38 healthy women. Tonic SC levels were recorded during a 4-minute rest period, and a breathing maneuver consisting of deep breathing with posterior breath holding was used to evoke SC responses. Associations of tonic SC with state anxiety and body temperature, measured in the hand, were explored to determine sweat functionality. The results showed reduced tonic SC levels, with a less marked decrease in SC during the recording period, and blunted SC reactivity to the breathing manipulation in FMS patients relative to healthy participants. Positive associations of SC with state anxiety and body temperature were observed in healthy participants, but these associations were absent in FMS patients. These results indicate alterations of sweating in FMS, suggesting reduced tonic and reactivity sympathetic influences. Furthermore, the absence of associations between SC levels and state anxiety and body temperature in the patient sample suggested a loss of functionality of the autonomic nervous system in FMS. Diminished autonomic regulation in FMS would reduce the ability to cope with environmental demands, thus favoring increases in stress and pain levels. Finally, the observed reduction in sweating is in accordance with evidence of small nerve fiber neuropathy in FMS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pablo de la Coba
- Department of Psychology, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain
- * E-mail:
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27
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Shibuya M, Sugihara E, Miyazaki K, Yamamoto M, Fujiwara K, Okuno Y. Effects of Transcatheter Arterial Microembolization on Persistent Trapezius Myalgia Refractory to Conservative Treatment. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2020; 44:102-109. [PMID: 33083854 DOI: 10.1007/s00270-020-02670-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial microembolization for patients with trapezius myalgia. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively evaluated the prospectively collected data of patients with trapezius myalgia for > 6 months who were refractory to conservative treatment and were treated by transcatheter arterial microembolization between October 2017 and January 2019. Transcatheter arterial microembolization was performed using imipenem/cilastatin on the vessels of the transverse cervical artery, suprascapular artery, and circumflex scapular artery according to the region of pain. RESULTS Forty-two patients were treated by transcatheter arterial microembolization and followed up for 6 months. No major adverse events occurred related to the procedures. The brief pain inventory worst pain scores significantly improved at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after transcatheter arterial microembolization (8.6 ± 1.3 (before procedure) vs. 5.1 ± 2.9, 4.4 ± 2.9, 4.1 ± 2.8, and 3.9 ± 2.9, respectively, P < 0.001). The brief pain inventory pain interference scores, including general activity, mood, walking ability, normal work, relations with others, sleep, and enjoyment of life, also significantly decreased at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after transcatheter arterial microembolization compared to those at baseline (all P < 0.01). The clinical success rate at 6 months after transcatheter arterial microembolization was 71.4% (95% confidence interval, 55.4-84.3%). CONCLUSION Transcatheter arterial microembolization is a safe and effective treatment for persistent trapezius myalgia. Further evaluation with a control group is needed to confirm the effects of transcatheter arterial microembolization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 4, Case Series.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiko Shibuya
- Musculoskeletal Intervention Center, Okuno Clinic, 36-6 Hotel Atlas 2F, Chigasaki Chu-o, Tsuzukiku, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Eiji Sugihara
- Musculoskeletal Intervention Center, Okuno Clinic, 36-6 Hotel Atlas 2F, Chigasaki Chu-o, Tsuzukiku, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Koichi Miyazaki
- Musculoskeletal Intervention Center, Okuno Clinic, 36-6 Hotel Atlas 2F, Chigasaki Chu-o, Tsuzukiku, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Yamamoto
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Teikyo University, Itabashi, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keishi Fujiwara
- Musculoskeletal Intervention Center, Okuno Clinic, 36-6 Hotel Atlas 2F, Chigasaki Chu-o, Tsuzukiku, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuji Okuno
- Musculoskeletal Intervention Center, Okuno Clinic, 36-6 Hotel Atlas 2F, Chigasaki Chu-o, Tsuzukiku, Kanagawa, Japan.
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28
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Valente NF, Cardoso EDS, Rezende JADS, Santos JA. Impact of Acupuncture Intervention on the Pain Intensity of Patients Treated at a Tertiary Hospital in Brazil. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2020; 13:147-151. [PMID: 33049398 DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2020.10.002] [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: 07/01/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nowadays, in western societies, acupuncture is widely used over the control of pain and this analgesic approach is still the most studied aspect of acupuncture. Several studies have shown that most patients go through a significant pain decrease soon after the first sessions of acupuncture. OBJECTIVES This research has as a goal the evaluation on the effect of acupuncture treatment regarding the relief of pain intensity of different etiologies, through the visual analog scale. METHODS This research constitutes a retrospective, descriptive study, carried out with 449 patients attended in the Institute Hospital de Base of the Federal District, in Brasilia city- Brazil. Every data was gathered from our own form, with detailed clinical history which included age, marital status, work activity, reason for referral to acupuncture, main and secondary complaints, pain intensity evaluated by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), number of sessions completed and drug therapy. All data was organized in the Microsoft Excel and processed in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 20.0. RESULTS Regarding the main complaint, the mean pain decreased from 7.3 (initial VAS) to 3.2 (final VAS), a reduction that meant more than 50% relief in pain intensity. This 50% reduction in initial pain was also observed in secondary complaints (initial VAS = 6.5 and final VAS = 3.1). CONCLUSIONS The results of this research suggest that acupuncture treatment was effective in relieving pain intensity, providing a 50% reduction on the visual analogue scale, in relation to painful complaints of different etiologies.
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29
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Ahmed S, Lawrence A. PATHOGENESIS OF FIBROMYALGIA IN PATIENTS WITH AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES: SCOPING REVIEW FOR HYPOTHESIS GENERATION. CENTRAL ASIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HYPOTHESES AND ETHICS 2020. [DOI: 10.47316/cajmhe.2020.1.1.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Fibromyalgia (FM) prevalence is much higher in patients with other rheumatic diseases than in the general population. This leads to increase in the perceived disease activity scores and prevents patients from reaching remission. Elucidating the pathogenesis of such “secondary” FM can help alleviate some unmet needs in these diseases.
Methods: MEDLINE and Scopus databases were searched for a scoping review for hypothesis generation regarding the genesis of secondary FM.
Results: FM has been postulated to be due to cytokine dysfunction, neurogenic neuroinflammation, stress, including social defeat, sleep disturbances, sympathetic overactivity, and small fibre neuropathy. These factors increase in most autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. Further the evidence for the role of these factors in the pathogenesis of FM is seems strong. Metabolic syndrome and mitochondrial dysfunction are also associated with FM, but it is difficult to distinguish between cause and effect.
Conclusion: FM is the common phenotype arising from the amalgamation of various aetiologies. Recruitment or amplification of the above 6 factors by various rheumatic diseases may thus lead precipitation of secondary FM in susceptible individuals.
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30
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Nolano M, Provitera V. Vascular bed and nerve vessels in the skin biopsy: Beyond intraepidermal nerve fibers. Muscle Nerve 2020; 62:427-429. [PMID: 32657423 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Nolano
- Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care - IRCCS, Maugeri Scientific Clinical Institutes, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Provitera
- Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care - IRCCS, Maugeri Scientific Clinical Institutes, Pavia, Italy
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31
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Sohn E, Suh BC, Wang N, Freeman R, Gibbons CH. A novel method to quantify cutaneous vascular innervation. Muscle Nerve 2020; 62:492-501. [PMID: 32270499 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To develop a new method to quantify the density of nerves, vessels, and the neurovascular contacts, we studied skin biopsies in diabetes and control subjects. METHODS Skin biopsies with dual immunofluorescent staining were used to visualize nerves and blood vessels. The density of nerves, vessels, and their neurovascular contacts were quantified with unbiased stereology. Results were compared with examination findings, validated questionnaires, and autonomic function. RESULTS In tissue from 19 controls and 20 patients with diabetes, inter-rater and intra-rater intraclass correlation coefficients were high (>0.85; P < .001) for all quantitative methods. In diabetes, the nerve densities (P < .05), vessel densities (P < .01), and the neurovascular densities (P < .01) were lower compared with 20 controls. Results correlated with autonomic function, examination and symptom scores. DISCUSSION We report an unbiased, stereological method to quantify the cutaneous nerve, vessel and neurovascular density and offer new avenues of investigation into cutaneous neurovascular innervation in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunhee Sohn
- Department of Neurology, Chungnam University Hospital, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Bum Chun Suh
- Department of Neurology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ningshan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roy Freeman
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher H Gibbons
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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32
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Tapia-Haro RM, Guisado-Barrilao R, García-Ríos MDC, Raya-Álvarez E, Pérez-Mármol JM, Aguilar-Ferrándiz ME. Pain Intensity, Pressure Pain Hypersensitivity, Central Sensitization, and Pain Catastrophizing Related to Vascular Alterations in Raynaud's Phenomenon: A Preliminary Case-Control Study. PAIN MEDICINE 2020; 21:891-901. [PMID: 30986311 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnz089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate pain intensity, widespread pressure pain, central sensitization (CS), and catastrophizing between subjects with primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and healthy controls and to compare the relationships between vascular impairment and pain perception. METHODS A preliminary case-control study was performed with a total sample of 57 participants (37 with RP). Sociodemographic data, clinical/vascular data, and pain variables (pain intensity, pressure pain sensitivity, pain magnitude and threshold, CS, and catastrophizing) were registered. Results were analyzed by analysis of covariance and Pearson correlation. RESULTS Participants with RP had a lower basal temperature (more vasoconstriction) in their hands (P ≤ 0.012), higher pain intensity (P ≤ 0.001), higher electrical pain magnitude (P < 0.001), and lower pressure pain (P ≤ 0.05) and electrical pain (P < 0.001) thresholds in comparison with healthy controls. Secondary RP participants showed a significantly higher level of CS compared with controls and primary RP participants (P = 0.001). Catastrophizing was higher in the primary and secondary RP (P ≤ 0.001) groups than in controls. No correlations were observed between severity of vasoconstriction and pain variables. CONCLUSIONS RP participants showed bilateral hypersensitivity to pressure pain. However, the severity of vascular alterations seems not to be related to central pain experiences. Additional mechanisms such as catastrophizing may influence pain in RP; nevertheless, central sensitization only appears to be involved in the secondary form of RP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Enrique Raya-Álvarez
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science.,Rheumatology Division, University Hospital "San Cecilio," Granada, Spain
| | - José Manuel Pérez-Mármol
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Granada, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - María Encarnación Aguilar-Ferrándiz
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Granada, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Effects of Monopolar Dielectric Radiofrequency Signals on the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17072465. [PMID: 32260313 PMCID: PMC7177294 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17072465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Monopolar dielectric radiofrequency (MDR) is a non-invasive treatment for pain based on the local application of electromagnetic signals. The study’s goal was to analyze the effects of MDR on the symptoms of fibromyalgia. For this aim, a randomized controlled trial was conducted on 66 female participants (aged 47 ± 17.7) diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Participants were randomly allocated to either an experimental group (n = 23), which received eight 20-minute sessions of MDR; a sham group, which received the same number of sessions of a sham MDR therapy (n = 22); or a control group (n = 21), which received usual care. The outcome variables included pain measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS), score on the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) and quality of life measured by the combined index of fibromyalgia severity (ICAF). A large effect size was observed for the local pain (R2 = 0.46), total ICAF (R2 = 0.42) and ICAF physical factor scores (R2 = 0.38). Significant mean differences were found for the local pain (p = 0.025) and ICAF physical factor (p = 0.031) scores of the experimental group in comparison with the sham group. No statistically significant differences between groups were found in HADS. In conclusion, MDR is more effective than either sham treatment or usual care in the short-term improvement of pain and the physical wellbeing of participants with fibromyalgia.
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Kelley MA, Oaklander AL. Association of small-fiber polyneuropathy with three previously unassociated rare missense SCN9A variants. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PAIN-REVUE CANADIENNE DE LA DOULEUR 2020; 4:19-29. [PMID: 32719824 PMCID: PMC7384751 DOI: 10.1080/24740527.2020.1712652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Small fiber polyneuropathy (SFN) involves ectopic firing and degeneration of small-diameter, somatic/autonomic peripheral axons. Causes include diabetes, inflammation and rare pathogenic mutations, including in SCN9-11 genes that encode small fiber sodium channels. Aims: The aim of this study is to associate a new phenotype—immunotherapy-responsive SFN—with rare amino acid–substituting SCN9A variants and present potential explanations. Methods: A retrospective chart review of two Caucasians with skin biopsy confirmed SFN and rare SCN9A single nucleotide polymorphisms not previously reported in neuropathy. Results: A 47-year-old with 4 years of disabling widespread neuropathic pain and exertional intolerance had nerve- and skin biopsy–confirmed SFN, with blood tests revealing only high-titer antinuclear antibodies and low complement C4 consistent with B cell dysimmunity. Six years of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy markedly improved sensory and autonomic symptoms and normalized his neurite density. After whole exome sequencing revealed a potentially pathogenic SCN9A-A3734G variant, sodium channel blockers were tried. Herpes zoster left a 32-year-old with disabling exertional intolerance (“chronic fatigue syndrome”), postural syncope and tachycardia, arm and leg paresthesias, reduced sweating, and distal hairloss. Screening revealed antinuclear and potassium channel autoantibodies, so prednisone and then IVIg were prescribed with great benefit. During 4 years of immunotherapy, his symptoms and function improved, and all abnormal biomarkers (autonomic testing and skin biopsies) normalized. Whole exome sequencing then revealed two nearby compound heterozygous SCN9A variants that were computer-predicted to be deleterious. Conclusions: These cases newly associate three novel amino acid–substituting SCN9A variants with immunotherapy-responsive neuropathy. Only larger studies can determine whether these are contributory or coincidental, but they associate new variants with moderate or high likelihood of pathogenicity with a new highly related phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary A Kelley
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School at the University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Anne Louise Oaklander
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pathology (Neuropathology), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Evdokimov D, Dinkel P, Frank J, Sommer C, Üçeyler N. Characterization of dermal skin innervation in fibromyalgia syndrome. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227674. [PMID: 31929578 PMCID: PMC6957156 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction We characterized dermal innervation in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) as potential contribution to small fiber pathology. Methods Skin biopsies of the calf were collected (86 FMS patients, 35 healthy controls). Skin was immunoreacted with antibodies against protein gene product 9.5, calcitonine gene-related peptide, substance P, CD31, and neurofilament 200 for small fiber subtypes. We assessed two skin sections per patient; on each skin section, two dermal areas (150 x 700 μm each) were investigated for dermal nerve fiber length (DNFL). Results In FMS patients we found reduced DNFL of fibers with vessel contact compared to healthy controls (p<0.05). There were no differences for the other nerve fiber subtypes. Discussion We found less dermal nerve fibers in contact with blood vessels in FMS patients than in controls. The pathophysiological relevance of this finding is unclear, but we suggest the possibility of a relationship with impaired thermal tolerance commonly reported by FMS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philine Dinkel
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Johanna Frank
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Sommer
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nurcan Üçeyler
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Oaklander AL, Nolano M. Scientific Advances in and Clinical Approaches to Small-Fiber Polyneuropathy: A Review. JAMA Neurol 2019; 76:1240-1251. [PMID: 31498378 PMCID: PMC10021074 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2019.2917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Small-fiber polyneuropathy involves preferential damage to the thinly myelinated A-delta fibers, unmyelinated C sensory fibers, or autonomic or trophic fibers. Although this condition is common, most patients still remain undiagnosed and untreated because of lagging medical and public awareness of research advances. Chronic bilateral neuropathic pain, fatigue, and nausea are cardinal symptoms that can cause disability and dependence, including pain medication dependence. OBSERVATIONS Biomarker confirmation is recommended, given the nonspecificity of symptoms. The standard test involves measuring epidermal neurite density within a 3-mm protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5)-immunolabeled lower-leg skin biopsy. Biopsies and autonomic function testing confirm that small-fiber neuropathy not uncommonly affects otherwise healthy children and young adults, in whom it is often associated with inflammation or dysimmunity. A recent meta-analysis concluded that small-fiber neuropathy underlies 49% of illnesses labeled as fibromyalgia. Initially, patients with idiopathic small-fiber disorders should be screened by medical history and blood tests for potentially treatable causes, which are identifiable in one-third to one-half of patients. Then, secondary genetic testing is particularly important for familial and childhood cases. Treatable genetic causes include Fabry disease, transthyretin and primary systemic amyloidosis, hereditary sensory autonomic neuropathy-1, and ion-channel mutations. Immunohistopathologic evidence suggests that small-fiber dysfunction and denervation, especially of blood vessels, contributes to diverse symptoms, including postexertional malaise, postural orthostatic tachycardia, and functional gastrointestinal distress. Preliminary evidence implicates acute or chronic autoreactivity in some cases, particularly in female patients and otherwise healthy children and young adults. Different temporal patterns akin to Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy have been described; here, corticosteroids and immunoglobulins, which are often efficacious for inflammatory neuropathic conditions, are increasingly considered. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Because small fibers normally grow throughout life, improving contributory conditions may permit regrowth, slow progression, and prevent permanent damage. The prognosis is often hopeful for improving quality of life and sometimes for abatement or resolution, particularly in the young and otherwise healthy individuals. Examples include diabetic, infectious, toxic, genetic, and inflammatory causes. The current standard of care requires prompt diagnosis and treatment, particularly in children and young adults, to restore life trajectory. Consensus diagnostic and tracking metrics should be established to facilitate treatment trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Louise Oaklander
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston.,Department of Pathology (Neuropathology), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Maria Nolano
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University "Federico II" of Naples, Naples, Italy.,Skin Biopsy Laboratory, Department of Neurology, IRCCS, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, SpA SB, Telese Terme, Italy
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Chen A, De E, Argoff C. Small Fiber Polyneuropathy Is Prevalent in Patients Experiencing Complex Chronic Pelvic Pain. PAIN MEDICINE 2019; 20:521-527. [PMID: 29447372 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pny001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To demonstrate the prevalence of small fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN) in patients with refractory chronic pelvic pain (CPP). DESIGN Retrospective study of prospective database. SUBJECTS Participants were complex CPP patients recruited from subspecity referral clinics defined as those who were refractory to initial treatment and/or exhibited comorbid pain syndromes at initial presentation. METHODS Comprehensive treatment history for CPP was obtained, and participants referred as above; 3-mm punch biopsies were obtained of the lower extremity and sent to diagnostic reference labs to evaluate for SFPN. The reported lab sensitivity and specificity for SFPN are 78-92% and 65-90%, respectively. RESULTS Twenty-five of 39 patients (64%) were positive for SFPN. Comorbid conditions noted in our population included gastroesophageal reflux disease (46%), migraine (38%), irritable bowel syndrome (33%), lower back pain (33%), fibromyalgia (38%), endometriosis (15%), interstitial cystitis (18%), vulvodynia (5%), and other chronic pain syndromes (36%). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of SFPN in our specialty referral patients with complex CPP is remarkably high vs published general population prevalence data (53/100,000). Identification of SFPN in this complex population shifts the focus from undefined syndromes to symptom complexes with linked potentially treatable mechanisms (e.g., SFPN, central sensitization). Most CPP patients with SFPN are undiagnosed. Considering the diagnosis may expand treatment options beyond conventional or so-called adjuvant analgesics. Treatment may expand to therapies such as IV lidocaine, IVIG, or other immunomodulatory options. In addition, the value to the patient of receiving a diagnosis for a multisystem or refractory pain syndrome, often attributed to negative psychologic factors, cannot be underestimated. Identifying SFPN should be contemplated in CPP patients who present with multisystem pain or who have not responded to initial evaluation and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Chen
- Department of Urology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York
| | - Elise De
- Department of Urology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Charles Argoff
- Department of Neurology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York, USA
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The evolution and multi-molecular properties of NF1 cutaneous neurofibromas originating from C-fiber sensory endings and terminal Schwann cells at normal sites of sensory terminations in the skin. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216527. [PMID: 31107888 PMCID: PMC6527217 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to large plexiform neurofibromas (pNF), NF1 patients are frequently disfigured by cutaneous neurofibromas (cNF) and are often afflicted with chronic pain and itch even from seemingly normal skin areas. Both pNFs and cNF consist primarily of benign hyperproliferating nonmyelinating Schwann cells (nSC). While pNF clearly arise within deep nerves and plexuses, the role of cutaneous innervation in the origin of cNF and in chronic itch and pain is unknown. First, we conducted a comprehensive, multi-molecular, immunofluorescence (IF) analyses on 3mm punch biopsies from three separate locations in normal appearing, cNF-free skin in 19 NF1 patients and skin of 16 normal subjects. At least one biopsy in 17 NF1 patients had previously undescribed micro-lesions consisting of a small, dense cluster of nonpeptidergic C-fiber endings and the affiliated nSC consistently adjoining adnexal structures—dermal papillae, hair follicles, sweat glands, sweat ducts, and arterioles—where C-fiber endings normally terminate. Similar micro-lesions were detected in hind paw skin of mice with conditionally-induced SC Nf1-/- mutations. Hypothesizing that these microlesions were pre-cNF origins of cNF, we subsequently analyzed numerous overt, small cNF (s-cNF, 3–6 mm) and discovered that each had an adnexal structure at the epicenter of vastly increased nonpeptidergic C-fiber terminals, accompanied by excessive nSC. The IF and functional genomics assays indicated that neurturin (NTRN) and artemin (ARTN) signaling through cRET kinase and GFRα2 and GFRα3 co-receptors on the aberrant C-fiber endings and nSC may mutually promote the onset of pre-cNF and their evolution to s-cNF. Moreover, TrpA1 and TrpV1 receptors may, respectively, mediate symptoms of chronic itch and pain. These newly discovered molecular characteristics might be targeted to suppress the development of cNF and to treat chronic itch and pain symptoms in NF1 patients.
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Ahmed S, Aggarwal A, Lawrence A. Performance of the American College of Rheumatology 2016 criteria for fibromyalgia in a referral care setting. Rheumatol Int 2019; 39:1397-1403. [DOI: 10.1007/s00296-019-04323-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Exposure to Cold Unmasks Potential Biomarkers of Fibromyalgia Syndrome Reflecting Insufficient Sympathetic Responses to Stress. Clin J Pain 2019; 35:407-419. [PMID: 30768436 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000000695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronically painful condition whose symptoms are widely reported to be exacerbated by stress. We hypothesized that female patients with FMS differ from pain-free female controls in their sympathetic responses, a fact that may unmask important biomarkers and factors that contribute to the etiology of FMS. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a pilot study, blood pressure (BP), skin temperature, thermogenic activity, circulating glucose, and pain sensitivity of 13 individuals with FMS and 11 controls at room temperature (24°C) were compared with that after exposure to cold (19°C). RESULTS When measured at 24°C, BP, skin temperature, blood glucose, and brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity, measured using F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography/computed tomography, did not differ between controls and individuals with FMS. However, after cold exposure (19°C), BP and BAT activity increased in controls but not in individuals with FMS; skin temperature on the calf and arm decreased in controls more than in individiuals with FMS; and circulating glucose was lower in individiuals with FMS than in controls. Pain sensitivity did not change during the testing interval in response to cold. DISCUSSION The convergence of the effect of cold on 4 relatively simple measures of thermogenic, cardiovascular, and metabolic activity, each regulated by sympathetic activity, strongly indicate that individuals with FMS have impaired sympathetic responses to stress that are observable and highly significant even when measured in extraordinarily small sample populations. If insufficient sympathetic responses to stress are linked to FMS, stress may unmask and maximize these potential clinical biomarkers of FMS and be related to its etiology.
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Rice FL, Castel D, Ruggiero E, Dockum M, Houk G, Sabbag I, Albrecht PJ, Meilin S. Human-like cutaneous neuropathologies associated with a porcine model of peripheral neuritis: A translational platform for neuropathic pain. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2019; 5:100021. [PMID: 31194066 PMCID: PMC6550106 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Despite enormous investment in research and development of novel treatments, there remains a lack of predictable, effective, and safe therapeutics for human chronic neuropathic pain (NP) afflictions. NP continues to increase among the population and treatments remain a major unmet public health care need. In recent years, numerous costly (time and money) failures have occurred attempting to translate successful animal pain model results, typically using rodents, to human clinical trials. These continued failures point to the essential need for better animal models of human pain conditions. To address this challenge, we have previously developed a peripheral neuritis trauma (PNT) model of chronic pain induced by a proximal sciatic nerve irritation in pigs, which have a body size, metabolism, skin structure, and cutaneous innervation more similar to humans. Here, we set out to determine the extent that the PNT model presents with cutaneous neuropathologies consistent with those associated with human chronic NP afflictions. Exactly as is performed in human skin biopsies, extensive quantitative multi-molecular immunofluorescence analyses of porcine skin biopsies were performed to assess cutaneous innervation and skin structure. ChemoMorphometric Analysis (CMA) results demonstrated a significant reduction in small caliber intraepidermal nerve fiber (IENF) innervation, altered dermal vascular innervation, and aberrant analgesic/algesic neurochemical properties among epidermal keratinocytes, which are implicated in modulating sensory innervation. These comprehensive pathologic changes very closely resemble those observed from CMA of human skin biopsies collected from NP afflictions. The results indicate that the porcine PNT model is more appropriate for translational NP research compared with commonly utilized rodent models. Because the PNT model creates cutaneous innervation and keratinocyte immunolabeling alterations consistent with human NP conditions, use of this animal model for NP testing and treatment response characteristics will likely provide more realistic results to direct successful translation to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank L. Rice
- Neuroscience & Pain Research Group, Integrated Tissue Dynamics, LLC, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
- Division of Health Sciences, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - David Castel
- The Neufeld Cardiac Research Institute, Sheba Medical Centre, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Elizabeth Ruggiero
- Neuroscience & Pain Research Group, Integrated Tissue Dynamics, LLC, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Marilyn Dockum
- Neuroscience & Pain Research Group, Integrated Tissue Dynamics, LLC, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - George Houk
- Neuroscience & Pain Research Group, Integrated Tissue Dynamics, LLC, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Itai Sabbag
- Lahav Research Institute, Kibutz Lahav, Negev 85335, Israel
| | - Phillip J. Albrecht
- Neuroscience & Pain Research Group, Integrated Tissue Dynamics, LLC, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
- Division of Health Sciences, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12144, United States
| | - Sigal Meilin
- MD Biosciences, Neurology R&D Division, Nes-Ziona 74140, Israel
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Farhad K, Oaklander AL. Fibromyalgia and small-fiber polyneuropathy: What's in a name? Muscle Nerve 2018; 58:611-613. [PMID: 29938813 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Khosro Farhad
- Nerve unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 275 Charles Street, Warren 801, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA.,Department of Neurology, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital, Dover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Anne Louise Oaklander
- Nerve unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 275 Charles Street, Warren 801, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA.,Department of Pathology (Neuropathology), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Grayston R, Czanner G, Elhadd K, Goebel A, Frank B, Üçeyler N, Malik RA, Alam U. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of small fiber pathology in fibromyalgia: Implications for a new paradigm in fibromyalgia etiopathogenesis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2018; 48:933-940. [PMID: 30314675 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fibromyalgia is a condition which exhibits chronic widespread pain with neuropathic pain features and has a major impact on health-related quality of life. The pathophysiology remains unclear, however, there is increasing evidence for involvement of the peripheral nervous system with a high prevalence of small fiber pathology (SFP). The aim of this systematic literature review is to establish the prevalence of SFP in fibromyalgia. METHODS An electronic literature search was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library databases. Published full-text, English language articles that provide SFP prevalence data in studies of fibromyalgia of patients over 18years old were included. All articles were screened by two independent reviewers using a priori criteria. Methodological quality and risk of bias were evaluated using the critical appraisal tool by Munn et al. Overall and subgroup pooled prevalence were calculated by random-effects meta-analysis with 95% CI. RESULTS Database searches found 935 studies; 45 articles were screened of which 8 full text articles satisfied the inclusion criteria, providing data from 222 participants. The meta-analysis demonstrated the pooled prevalence of SFP in fibromyalgia is 49% (95% CI: 38-60%) with a moderate degree of heterogeneity, (I2 = 68%). The prevalence estimate attained by a skin biopsy was 45% (95% CI: 32-59%, I2 = 70%) and for corneal confocal microscopy it was 59% (95% CI: 40-78%, I2 = 51%). CONCLUSION There is a high prevalence of SFP in fibromyalgia. This study provides compelling evidence of a distinct phenotype involving SFP in fibromyalgia. Identifying SFP will aid in determining its relationship to pain and potentially facilitate the development of future interventions and pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Grayston
- Department of Eye & Vision Sciences, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool and Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Gabriela Czanner
- Department of Eye & Vision Sciences, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool and Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK; Department of Biostatistics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kareim Elhadd
- The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Andreas Goebel
- The Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool and The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Bernhard Frank
- The Pain Research Institute, University of Liverpool and The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nurcan Üçeyler
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Uazman Alam
- Department of Eye & Vision Sciences, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool and Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK; Diabetes & Endocrinology Research & Pain Research Institute, Department of Eye & Vision Sciences, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool and Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK; Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University NHS Hospital Trust, Liverpool, UK; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Gastroenterology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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Pereira Pernambuco A, de Souza Cota Carvalho L, Pereira Leite Schetino L, Cunha Polese J, de Souza Viana R, d' Ávila Reis D. Effects of a health education program on cytokines and cortisol levels in fibromyalgia patients: a randomized controlled trial. Adv Rheumatol 2018; 58:21. [PMID: 30657084 DOI: 10.1186/s42358-018-0022-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome characterized by widespread chronic pain associated to other symptoms, such as: fatigue, anxiety, depression and sleep disorders. Health education programs (HEP) have emerged as good non-pharmacological strategies to treat it. However, it is still not clear if the benefits are only subjective, or it has also objective impacts on immune and or neuroendocrine systems. METHODS Fifty-eight fibromyalgia women were randomly allocated in experimental group (n = 27) or control group (n = 31). The experimental group was submitted to HEP treatment for 11 weeks, while control group did not receive intervention at the same period. All data were collected at zero and 11th week by a blinded researcher. The statistical analysis were made in GraphPad Prism software (version 5.0) with significant level adjusted for α = 0.05. RESULTS Forty-four patients concluded the full study, 21 in the experimental group and 23 in the control group. Intragroup and intergroup analysis revealed that treatment induced significant increases of IL-4 plasma levels, anti-inflammatory cytokine/inflammatory cytokine ratio (AC/IC ratio), salivary cortisol levels, in addition to significant decreases on FIQ scores. Intergroup variation analyses revealed also significant increases of IL-10 plasma levels. CONCLUSION The results presented suggest that this kind of HEP could induce subjective and objective changes (immune and neuroendocrine), that could explain, at least in part the improvement of fibromyalgia patient's health status. (Clinical Trial Registration Number - ReBEC - RBR-5tdnbr).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Pereira Pernambuco
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 31270-901, Brazil. .,Centro Universitário de Formiga, MG. Avenida Doutor Arnaldo de Senna, 328. Água, Vermelha, Formiga, MG, CEP 35570-000, Brazil. .,Universidade de Itaúna, MG. Rodovia MG, 431 Km 45, s/n - Campus Verde, Itaúna, MG, CEP 35680-142, Brazil.
| | - Lucina de Souza Cota Carvalho
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 31270-901, Brazil.,Hospital Mater Dei, Avenida do Contorno, 9000 - Barro Preto, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 30110-064, Brazil
| | - Luana Pereira Leite Schetino
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 31270-901, Brazil.,Universidade Federal do Vale do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri - Campus I. Rua da Glória, n° 187 - Centro, Diamantina, MG, CEP 39100-000, Brazil
| | - Janaíne Cunha Polese
- Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Reabilitação da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Renato de Souza Viana
- Santa Casa de Caridade de Formiga, MG. Rua Doutor Teixeira Soares, 335 - Centro, Formiga, MG, CEP 35570-000, Brazil
| | - Débora d' Ávila Reis
- Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627 - Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, CEP 31270-901, Brazil
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Liu X, Treister R, Lang M, Oaklander AL. IVIg for apparently autoimmune small-fiber polyneuropathy: first analysis of efficacy and safety. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2018; 11:1756285617744484. [PMID: 29403541 PMCID: PMC5791555 DOI: 10.1177/1756285617744484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Small-fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN) has various underlying causes, including associations with systemic autoimmune conditions. We have proposed a new cause; small-fiber-targeting autoimmune diseases akin to Guillain-Barré and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). There are no treatment studies yet for this 'apparently autoimmune SFPN' (aaSFPN), but intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), first-line for Guillain-Barré and CIDP, is prescribed off-label for aaSFPN despite very high cost. This project aimed to conduct the first systematic evaluation of IVIg's effectiveness for aaSFPN. METHODS With IRB approval, we extracted all available paper and electronic medical records of qualifying patients. Inclusion required having objectively confirmed SFPN, autoimmune attribution and other potential causes excluded. IVIg needed to have been dosed at ⩾1 g/kg/4 weeks for ⩾3 months. We chose two primary outcomes - changes in composite autonomic function testing (AFT) reports of SFPN and in ratings of pain severity - to capture objective as well as patient-prioritized outcomes. RESULTS Among all 55 eligible patients, SFPN had been confirmed by 3/3 nerve biopsies, 62% of skin biopsies, and 89% of composite AFT. Evidence of autoimmunity included 27% of patients having systemic autoimmune disorders, 20% having prior organ-specific autoimmune illnesses and 80% having ⩾1/5 abnormal blood-test markers associated with autoimmunity. A total of 73% had apparent small-fiber-restricted autoimmunity. IVIg treatment duration averaged 28 ± 25 months. The proportion of AFTs interpreted as indicating SFPN dropped from 89% at baseline to 55% (p ⩽ 0.001). Sweat production normalized (p = 0.039) and the other four domains all trended toward improvement. Among patients with pre-treatment pain ⩾3/10, severity averaging 6.3 ± 1.7 dropped to 5.2 ± 2.1 (p = 0.007). Overall, 74% of patients rated themselves 'improved' and their neurologists labeled 77% as 'IVIg responders'; 16% entered remissions that were sustained after IVIg withdrawal. All adverse events were expected; most were typical infusion reactions. The two moderate complications (3.6%) were vein thromboses not requiring discontinuation. The one severe event (1.8%), hemolytic anemia, remitted after IVIg discontinuation. CONCLUSION These results provide Class IV, real-world, proof-of-concept evidence suggesting that IVIg is safe and effective for rigorously selected SFPN patients with apparent autoimmune causality. They provide rationale for prospective trials, inform trial design and indirectly support the discovery of small-fiber-targeting autoimmune/inflammatory illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Liu
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA
- Department of Neurology, Dayi Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, China
| | - Roi Treister
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA; Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Magdalena Lang
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA
| | - Anne Louise Oaklander
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 275 Charles Street/Warren Building 310, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Specific symptoms may discriminate between fibromyalgia patients with vs without objective test evidence of small-fiber polyneuropathy. Pain Rep 2017; 3:e633. [PMID: 29430562 PMCID: PMC5802321 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000000633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In patients with fibromyalgia, tingling and numbness sensations and symptoms indicative of peripheral autonomic dysfunction might be useful in predicting objective diagnosis of small-fiber polyneuropathy. Introduction: Multiple studies now confirm that ∼40% of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome meet diagnostic criteria for small-fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN) and have objective pathologic or physiologic evidence of SFPN, whereas 60% do not. Given possibilities that tens or hundreds of millions globally could have SFPN, developing screening tools becomes important. Objectives: This analysis explored whether specific symptoms might help distinguish these fibromyalgia endophenotypes. Methods: With institutional review board approval, all adults tested for SFPN by distal-leg skin biopsy or autonomic function testing at Massachusetts General Hospital in 2014 to 2015 were queried about symptoms. Inclusion required a physician's fibromyalgia syndrome diagnosis plus meeting the American College of Rheumatology 2010 Fibromyalgia Criteria. The primary outcome was the validated Small-fiber Symptom Survey, which captures severity of all known SFPN-associated symptoms. The Composite Autonomic Symptom Score-31, Short-Form Health Survey-36, and Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaires provided secondary outcomes. Results: Among the 39 participants, 14 had test-confirmed SFPN (SFPN+) and 25 did not (SFPN−). Their pain severity did not differ. Paresthesias (“tingling”) were different (worse) in the SFPN+ group (3.14 ± 0.9 vs 2.28 ± 1.1; P = 0.16). Their component subscore for dysautonomia symptoms was also worse (10.42 ± 4.0 vs 7.16 ± 4.0; P = 0.019). Receiver operating characteristic analyses revealed that each item had fair diagnostic utility in predicting SFPN, with areas under the curve of 0.729. No secondary questionnaires discriminated significantly. Conclusion: Among patients with fibromyalgia, most symptoms overlap between those with or without confirmed SFPN. Symptoms of dysautonomia and paresthesias may help predict underlying SFPN. The reason to screen for SFPN is because—unlike fibromyalgia—its medical causes can sometimes be identified and definitively treated or cured.
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Smith SM, Dworkin RH, Turk DC, Baron R, Polydefkis M, Tracey I, Borsook D, Edwards RR, Harris RE, Wager TD, Arendt-Nielsen L, Burke LB, Carr DB, Chappell A, Farrar JT, Freeman R, Gilron I, Goli V, Haeussler J, Jensen T, Katz NP, Kent J, Kopecky EA, Lee DA, Maixner W, Markman JD, McArthur JC, McDermott MP, Parvathenani L, Raja SN, Rappaport BA, Rice ASC, Rowbotham MC, Tobias JK, Wasan AD, Witter J. The Potential Role of Sensory Testing, Skin Biopsy, and Functional Brain Imaging as Biomarkers in Chronic Pain Clinical Trials: IMMPACT Considerations. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2017; 18:757-777. [PMID: 28254585 PMCID: PMC5484729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2017.02.429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Valid and reliable biomarkers can play an important role in clinical trials as indicators of biological or pathogenic processes or as a signal of treatment response. Currently, there are no biomarkers for pain qualified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the European Medicines Agency for use in clinical trials. This article summarizes an Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials meeting in which 3 potential biomarkers were discussed for use in the development of analgesic treatments: 1) sensory testing, 2) skin punch biopsy, and 3) brain imaging. The empirical evidence supporting the use of these tests is described within the context of the 4 categories of biomarkers: 1) diagnostic, 2) prognostic, 3) predictive, and 4) pharmacodynamic. Although sensory testing, skin punch biopsy, and brain imaging are promising tools for pain in clinical trials, additional evidence is needed to further support and standardize these tests for use as biomarkers in pain clinical trials. PERSPECTIVE The applicability of sensory testing, skin biopsy, and brain imaging as diagnostic, prognostic, predictive, and pharmacodynamic biomarkers for use in analgesic treatment trials is considered. Evidence in support of their use and outlining problems is presented, as well as a call for further standardization and demonstrations of validity and reliability.
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Lawson K. Emerging pharmacological strategies for the treatment of fibromyalgia. World J Pharmacol 2017; 6:1-10. [DOI: 10.5497/wjp.v6.i1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) has been described as a chronic clinical condition related to multisensory hypersensitivity presenting with a complex of symptoms dominated by chronic widespread pain associated with the existence of a range of co-morbidities, such as fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive impairment, anxiety and depression. Current treatments include drugs that target serotonin and noradrenaline levels within the central nervous system, e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, and voltage-gated calcium channel subunit ligands, e.g., gabapentin and pregabalin. Investigation of a range of novel targets, such as melatoninergic, cannabinoid, dopamine, NMDA, angiotensin, orexin and opioid receptors, and ion channels, in addition revisiting bioamine modulation and subunits has provided efficacy outcomes that improve the health status of patients with FM. Nevertheless, modest and limited efficacy is often observed reflecting the heterogeneity of FM with existence of subpopulations of patients, the contribution of peripheral and central components to the pathophysiology, and the extensive range of accompanying co-morbidities. The complexity and multidimensional nature of FM is emphasized by the diversity of pharmacological targets gaining interest. Clues to underlying mechanisms which offer themselves as novel and potential targets for new medications are being provided by advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of FM.
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