Effects of vitamin D optimization on quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial

The effect of vitamin D treatment on quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia

BACKGROUND

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome characterized by chronic widespread pain accompanied by fatigue, disrupted sleep quality, cognitive impairments, subjective soft tissue swelling, and somatic symptoms. There are conflicting results in the literature regarding the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in fibromyalgia patients and the reduction of symptoms after supplementation.

AIMS

Our study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of vitamin D supplementation in patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

METHODS

In our cross-sectional clinical study, 180 female patients aged 18 to 65 diagnosed with fibromyalgia according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology Diagnostic Criteria were included. Oral vitamin D3 replacement of 50,000 IU was administered for 12 weeks. Patients' Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ)and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores were evaluated before and after the study.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed in the FIQ scores of the 180 fibromyalgia patients before and after vitamin D supplementation (p < 0.05). There was also a significant improvement in VAS scores (p < 0.01). A negative correlation between vitamin D and VAS as well as FIQ scores was found in the study.

CONCLUSION

We determined that vitamin D deficiency is significantly more prevalent in patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Vitamin D supplementation was observed to have a positive effect on quality of life and reduction of pain.

Diet and Lifestyle Modifications for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex, widespread pain disorder characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, sleep deprivation, mental fog, mood swings, and headaches. Currently, there are only three FDA-approved medications for FM patients: duloxetine, milnacipran, and pregabalin, with outcomes frequently being inadequate. This research team aims to investigate the effects of diet and lifestyle modifications on FM, with emphasis on anti-inflammatory diet, antioxidants, and gluten-free diets, as well as supplementation with Magnesium, CQ10, and Vitamin D, microbiome, sleep, exercise, and cognitive behavioral therapy. We reviewed the pathophysiology of certain foods that can be proinflammatory with the release of cytokines leading to activation of pain, fatigue and aggravation of the majority of Fibromyalgia symptoms. A literature review was performed by identifying FM articles published between 1994 and 2022 via PubMed and EMBASE databases, with particular emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analysis, and evidence-based treatment guidelines. This review article was completed by a comprehensive narrative review process, in which our team systematically examined relevant scientific literature to provide a comprehensive overview of the significant role that diet and other lifestyle modifications play in mediating symptoms of Fibromyalgia. We propose that diet modifications and lifestyle changes, such as sleep, exercise, and weight loss, can be important steps in managing FM.

How durable are the effects of cognitive-behavioural therapy‎ in controlling fibromyalgia symptoms? A prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is widely used for the treatment of fibromyalgia. However, there is no consensus on the durability of its effects on these patients. In this study, we evaluated how durable are the effects of CBT in controlling fibromyalgia symptoms.

METHODS

Forty-eight fibromyalgia patients treated with traditional face-to-face CBT were included. CBT was performed in 20 consecutive group sessions. To evaluate the durability of treatment, the effects of CBT on fibromyalgia symptoms were checked at five time-points: before the CBT, immediately after the CBT, 3 months after the CBT, 6 months after the CBT, and 12 months after the CBT. Outcome measures were the Fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) and widespread pain index (WPI).

RESULTS

The mean FIQ score of the patients was 68.3 ± 18.8 before the CBT and 50.5 ± 14.1 1 week after the CBT (p < 0.001). The mean post-CBT FIQ score did not significantly change three and 6 months after the CBT (p = 0.11 and p = 0.09, respectively) while the positive effects of CBT significantly diminished after 12 months (p < 0.001). The mean WPI was 10.4 ± 3.6 before the CBT and 8.6 ± 3.1 1 week after the end of CBT (p < 0.001). The mean WPI of three and 6 months was not statistically different from that immediately after the CBT (p = 0.18 and p = 0.15, respectively), while after 12 months, it significantly worsened (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

CBT's beneficial effects for fibromyalgia patients are durable for 6 months. Complementary CBT sessions could be implemented to boost the CBT effect after this period.

Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Fibromyalgia: Current Evidence and Preventive Approaches

Fibromyalgia is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by multifocal pain, fatigue, and cognitive impairment [...].

Psychological Outcomes and Quality of Life of Fibromyalgia Patients with Vitamin D Supplementation-A Meta-Analysis

The efficacy of current pharmaceutical treatments for fibromyalgia are limited. Vitamin D has shown promise in relieving pain. However, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis of psychological outcomes with vitamin D supplementation in fibromyalgia. This study aimed to investigate the impact of vitamin D supplementation on psychological outcomes and quality of life in fibromyalgia patients, given the unmet clinical need for effective treatment options. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing vitamin D to placebo and prospective studies examining changes before and after vitamin D supplementation for patients with fibromyalgia was conducted to evaluate the effects of vitamin D on psychological outcomes, quality of life, and pain scores in patients with fibromyalgia. Databases were searched for relevant articles published from earliest available date to October 31, 2022. (PROSPERO number, CRD42022369889). We included 8 trials with a total of 694 participants and found that vitamin D supplementation had significant positive effects on physical function (standard mean differences (SMD) = 0.44, 95% CI = [0.10, 0.77 ]), role limitations due to emotional health (SMD = 0.57, 95% CI = [0.32, 0.82]), social function (SMD = 0.50, 95% CI = [0.08, 0.93]), and general health (SMD = 0.36, 95% CI = [0.11, 0.61]). Improvement of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) scores was noted (SMD = -0.414, 95% CI = [-0.808, -0.021]), but not on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (SMD = -0.15, 95% CI = [-0.771, 0.471]) and the Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) scores (SMD = -0.456, 95% CI = [-1.27, 0.30]). In conclusion, vitamin D supplementation might be an alternative option for improvement of psychological outcomes and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia.

Efficacy of nonpharmacological interventions for individual features of fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

ABSTRACT

Fibromyalgia is a highly heterogeneous condition, but the most common symptoms are widespread pain, fatigue, poor sleep, and low mood. Nonpharmacological interventions are recommended as first-line treatment of fibromyalgia. However which interventions are effective for the different symptoms is not well understood. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of nonpharmacological interventions on symptoms and disease-specific quality of life. Seven databases were searched from their inception until June 1, 2020. Randomised controlled trials comparing any nonpharmacological intervention to usual care, waiting list, or placebo in people with fibromyalgia aged >16 years were included without language restriction. Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was the primary outcome measure. Standardised mean difference and 95% confidence interval were calculated using random effects model. The risk of bias was evaluated using the modified Cochrane tool. Of the 16,251 studies identified, 167 randomised controlled trials (n = 11,012) assessing 22 nonpharmacological interventions were included. Exercise, psychological treatments, multidisciplinary modality, balneotherapy, and massage improved FIQ. Subgroup analysis of different exercise interventions found that all forms of exercise improved pain (effect size [ES] -0.72 to -0.96) and depression (ES -0.35 to -1.22) except for flexibility exercise. Mind-body and strengthening exercises improved fatigue (ES -0.77 to -1.00), whereas aerobic and strengthening exercises improved sleep (ES -0.74 to -1.33). Psychological treatments including cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness improved FIQ, pain, sleep, and depression (ES -0.35 to -0.55) but not fatigue. The findings of this study suggest that nonpharmacological interventions for fibromyalgia should be individualised according to the predominant symptom.

The Efficacy of Vitamin D Supplementation in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain (CMP) are diffuse suffering syndromes that interfere with normal activities. Controversy exists over the role of vitamin D in the treatment of these diseases. We carried out a systematic literature review of randomized controlled trials (RCT) to establish whether vitamin D (25OHD) deficiency is more prevalent in CMP patients and to assess the effects of vitamin D supplementation in pain management in these individuals. We searched PubMed, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for RCTs published in English from 1 January 1990 to 10 July 2022. A total of 434 studies were accessed, of which 14 satisfied the eligibility criteria. In our review three studies, of which two had the best-quality evidence, a correlation between diffuse muscle pain and 25OHD deficiency was confirmed. Six studies, of which four had the best-quality evidence, demonstrated that appropriate supplementation may have beneficial effects in patients with established blood 25OHD deficiency. Eight studies, of which six had the best-quality evidence, demonstrated that 25OHD supplementation results in pain reduction. Our results suggest a possible role of vitamin D supplementation in alleviating the pain associated with FMS and CMP, especially in vitamin D-deficient individuals.

Can the Combination of Rehabilitation and Vitamin D Supplementation Improve Fibromyalgia Symptoms at All Ages?

Several studies have indicated a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and widespread chronic pain syndromes, such as fibromyalgia. During this study, the effect of supplementation with vitamin D in association with physical exercise in patients with fibromyalgia was evaluated, in terms of improvement of pain, functional capacity and quality of life, also evaluating the presence of any differences in age. A single-center, observational, comparative study was conducted in 80 fibromyalgia patients. They are randomized into 2 groups: Group A, consisting of patients ≤50 years; and group B, consisting of patients >50 years. Both received weekly supplementation with 50,000 IU cholecalciferol for 3 months in association with a rehabilitation protocol. Patients were assessed at enrollment (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2) from the initial assessment with blood vitamin D dosage and administration of rating scales (NRS, FIQ, and SF-12). From the comparison between the two groups, we have seen that in young people, supplementation with high-dose vitamin D improves short-term musculoskeletal pain and long-term functional capacity. Conversely, musculoskeletal pain and long-term quality of life improve in the elderly. Supplementing with high doses of vitamin D in fibromyalgia patients improves the quality of life and pain in the elderly and also the functional capacity in the young.

The efficacy of vitamin D in treatment of fibromyalgia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have found potential benefits of vitamin D in relieving pain, while the results from randomized controlled trials of vitamin D for fibromyalgia have been promising. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin D in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched. The language used was limited to English. We selected only randomized controlled studies that reported vitamin D versus placebo-controlled cure for fibromyalgia. After extracting valid data, a meta-analysis was performed using Stata version 12.0. The major outcome in the pooled analysis was the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) changes in fibromyalgia patients before and after treatment. The pooled effects were analyzed as mean differences and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

: Five studies including 315 participants were identified. These studies found that vitamin D was effective in reducing Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire scores compared with that in the control group, with significant differences (weighted mean difference = -7.82, 95% confidence interval: -12.05 to -3.59, P < 0.001). However, there was no statistical difference in VAS between the two groups (weighted mean difference = -0.60, 95% confidence interval: -1.38 to 0.17, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Data from randomized controlled studies suggest that vitamin D supplementation may be an effective fibromyalgia therapeutic approach.

An Assessment of Naturopathic Treatments, Health Concerns, and Common Comorbid Conditions in Fibromyalgia Patients: A Retrospective Medical Record Review

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic pain, with allodynia and hyperalgesia being the most common signs. Many patients with FM explore, express interest, and use complementary and alternative medicine to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. However, little is known about the clinical recommendations provided by naturopathic doctors (NDs). Objective: To describe trends in assessment and treatment of patients with FM by NDs. Methods: Retrospectively, medical records of 200 patients with the FM ICD-10 code were reviewed from the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic. Of these records, 70 met inclusion criteria and were further analyzed. Comorbid conditions, health concerns, physical and psychological examinations, and treatment were recorded. Patients were excluded if informed consent for research was not signed. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Board of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Results: Seventy patients met criteria and were included in the current analysis. Most patients identified as female (96%). Vitamin D (57%), magnesium (54%), omega-3 fish oil (53%), acupuncture by an acupuncturist (53%) or an ND (40%), B12 orally or by injection (40%), and probiotics (40%) were highly utilized treatments. A past/current medical history of digestive complaints (64%) and depression/mental illness (63%) were common comorbidities, alongside a history of arthritic conditions (53%) and anxiety (43%). A family history of arthritic conditions (47%) was also prevalent. The Widespread Pain Index and Symptom Severity tool (43%) was used to assess pain and other symptoms. No adverse effects of treatment were readily identifiable. Conclusion: Findings from this study reveal elements of both consistency and variability in the treatment recommendations from NDs in a teaching clinic environment. Future research that assesses or compares treatment recommendations for FM in other settings may be informative to better understand health services, the nature of individualized care, and patient experiences.

Vitamin D Supplementation and Sleep: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Intervention Studies

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with sleep disorders and poor sleep quality. Whether vitamin D supplementation (VDS) helps resolve these problems remains unclear. Objective: To systematically review the effect of VDS on sleep quantity, quality, and disorders, and perform a meta-analysis of available data. Methods: The reporting of this review followed the PRISMA statement. VDS human interventions studies that reported on sleep quality, quantity, or disorders were included. Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycInfo, the Cochrane Library, Clinicaltrials.gov, and the ICTRP were searched, in addition to the references of the included articles and previous relevant reviews, without language or time restrictions. Included studies were critically appraised, findings were narratively synthesized, and a meta-analysis was conducted. Furthermore, the overall certainty of the evidence was assessed. Results: A total of 19 studies were included (13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 1 opportunistic addition to an RCT, 4 pre−post studies, and 1 pre−post study analyzed as a case series); 3 RCTs were meta-analyses. The risk of bias was generally low. Pre−post studies showed a significant improvement in sleep quality with VDS. Similarly, the results of the meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant decrease in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index with VDS compared with placebo (mean difference, −2.33 (95% CI, −3.09, −1.57); p < 0.001; I2 = 0%), with a moderate certainty of evidence. The results regarding the effect of VDS on sleep-related impairment, difficulty, and disorders, as well as sleepiness and restless legs syndrome, were not unanimous. Conclusions: VDS is promising in improving sleep quality; however, its effect on sleep quantity and disorders needs to be further investigated.

The Role of Nutrient Supplementation in the Management of Chronic Pain in Fibromyalgia: A Narrative Review

INTRODUCTION

The multifaceted clinical presentation of fibromyalgia (FM) supports the modern understanding of the disorder as a more global condition than one simply affecting pain sensation. The main pharmacologic therapies used clinically include anti-epileptics and anti-depressants. Conservative treatment options include exercise, myofascial release, psychotherapy, and nutrient supplementation.

METHODS

Narrative review.

RESULTS

Nutrient supplementation is a broadly investigated treatment modality as numerous deficiencies have been linked to FM. Additionally, a proposed link between gut microbiome patterns and chronic pain syndromes has led to studies investigating probiotics as a possible treatment. Despite positive results, much of the current evidence regarding this topic is of poor quality, with variable study designs, limited sample sizes, and lack of control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The etiology of FM is complex, and has shown to be multi-factorial with genetics and environmental exposures lending influence into its development. Preliminary results are promising, however, much of the existing evidence regarding diet supplementation is of poor quality. Further, more robust studies are needed to fully elucidate the potential of this alternative therapeutic option.

Association of Serum Vitamin D with Serum Cytokine Profile in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

The role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) is not well understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of serum vitamin D with the serum cytokine profile in patients with primary knee OA.

DESIGN

In a cross-sectional study, 116 patients with radiologic diagnosis of grade I to III knee OA were included. The study population included 79 (75.9%) females and 25 (24.1%) males with a mean age of 55.1 ± 9.6 years. The serum concentration of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, and vitamin D were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) was used for the assessment of patient's reported disability associated with knee OA.

RESULTS

Serum vitamin D status was deficient, insufficient, and sufficient in 18 (15.5%), 63 (54.3%), 35 (30.2%) patients, respectively. Higher levels of serum IL-6 were observed in patients with vitamin D deficiency (P = 0.022). The mean serum vitamin D level was not associated with OA grade (P = 0.88) and WOMAC scores of the patients (P = 0.67). Serum IL-6 level was significantly associated with both OA grade and WOMAC scores of the patients (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). The vitamin D status was not significantly associated with the serum levels of other evaluated cytokines.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D deficiency in knee OA seems to be associated with a higher release of IL-6. Therefore, vitamin D supplementation could reduce the disease burden by controlling the IL-6 release.

The Role of Vitamin D in the Management of Chronic Pain in Fibromyalgia: A Narrative Review

INTRODUCTION

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex disorder characterized primarily by chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of three medications to treat FM: pregabalin, duloxetine, and milnacipran. The pharmaceutical intervention has lacked consistent pain relief among all patients. Therefore, the investigation into alternative treatment options has grown in interest. This narrative review aims to evaluate the evidence regarding vitamin D for the treatment of FM.

METHODS

Narrative review.

RESULTS

Low serum vitamin D has been linked to various chronic pain states. An association between vitamin D deficiency and FM has been reported but is controversial in the literature. Some studies have documented the beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation on reducing pain symptoms and improving the overall quality of life in those with FM. Despite these positive findings, many of the studies regarding this topic lack adequate power to make substantial conclusions about the effects of vitamin D on FM.

CONCLUSION

Existing studies provide promising results. However, additional high-quality data on vitamin D supplementation is needed before recommendations for pain management can be made. Vitamin D supplementation is inexpensive, has minimal side effects, and can benefit FM patients regardless of its efficacy in pain control. Additionally, high-quality studies are warranted to fully elucidate the potential of vitamin D to manage chronic pain in FM.

Impacts of serum vitamin D levels on sleep and daytime sleepiness according to working conditions

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Low serum vitamin D levels are known to be associated with working conditions and poor sleep, but precedent studies on this issue were limited by the absence of objective sleep measurements or clear distinction between daytime and night shift work. Hence, we aimed to examine serum vitamin D levels and sleep in daytime and night-shift workers using actigraphy.

METHODS

A total of 412 night-shift and 432 daytime workers at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital was recruited. All participants completed questionnaires regarding demographic and clinical characteristics. They underwent blood tests for serum vitamin D levels. Objective sleep data were obtained from 150 night-shift workers and 203 daytime workers using actigraphy.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in serum vitamin D levels between night-shift and daytime workers after controlling for possible confounders. In daytime workers, vitamin D deficiency was closely related to shorter duration of total sleep time (odds ratio [OR]: 3.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51-6.26, P = .002) and higher risk of excessive daytime sleepiness (OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.30-3.74, P = .003). Deficient vitamin D was also associated with life quality impairment regarding psychological health (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.07-3.29, P = .028) and social relationship (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.10-2.88, P = .020). However, in night-shift workers, no significant association was observed between serum vitamin D level and sleep parameters, depressive/anxiety symptoms, or quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

The modest adverse impact of poor vitamin D status on sleep could be attenuated by substantial shift work-related sleep disturbances in night-shift workers. Further studies might be needed to clarify the beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation for improving sleep and daytime sleepiness in workers with various working conditions.

Fibromyalgia Symptom Severity and Psychosocial Outcomes in Fibromyalgia Patients with Hypovitaminosis D: A Prospective Questionnaire Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between hypovitaminosis D and outcomes of symptom severity, mood disorders, fatigue, and quality of life in fibromyalgia (FM) patients.

METHODS

Five hundred ninety-three FM patients were surveyed from May 2012 to November 2013. Patients with serum vitamin D <25 ng/mL were considered to have hypovitaminosis D. The primary outcome was FM symptom severity (FIQ-R questionnaire). Secondary outcomes included quality of life (SF-36), fatigue (MFI-20), anxiety (GAD-7), and depression (PHQ-9). Independent t tests and chi-square tests were performed for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Regression analysis was performed adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, ethnicity, and season. A post hoc analysis examined for correlation between outcomes and serum vitamin D (ng/mL) as a continuous variable.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-two patients (20.6%) had hypovitaminosis D. In our adjusted regression analysis, the total FIQ-R score in patients with hypovitaminosis D was higher compared with control patients with adequate serum vitamin D (57.85 ± 18.09 vs 62.79 ± 18.10, P = 0.04). Adjusted regression analysis revealed higher total GAD-7 (P = 0.01) and higher total PHQ-9 scores (P = 0.04) in patients with hypovitaminosis D compared with control patients. There were no differences based on severity of depression or anxiety. No differences in fatigue or quality of life were identified. Unadjusted post hoc analysis revealed that as serum vitamin D increased, there was an association with lower total FIQ-R (β coefficient = -0.11, P = 0.02) and lower SF-36 subscale scores of role-physical (β coefficient = -0.10, P = 0.03). Adjusted post hoc analysis revealed no significant associations.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypovitaminosis D may be a risk factor for worse symptom severity, anxiety, and depression in FM patients.

Efficacy and safety of weekly vitamin D3 in patients with fibromyalgia: 12-week, double-blind, randomized, controlled placebo trial

INTRODUCTION

FM is a chronic musculoskeletal disorder characterized by the presence of generalized pain. There are contradictory results regarding the prevalence and supplementation effect of vitamin D deficiency on FM patients. We aim to determine the safety and efficacy of a 12-week vitamin D supplementation on FM patients.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. We included female participants of 18 years old or older, who met 1990 or 2010 ACR criteria for fibromyalgia. The Spanish validated FIQ and the VAS of pain were applied at baseline. The participants were then randomized to receive placebo or 50,000 IU of Vitamin D₃ PO, weekly for 12 weeks.

RESULTS

We included 80 patients. There was no statistical difference in the initial and final FIQ between both groups. The FIQ delta also did not prove to be different at the end of the study. The increase in vitamin D levels in the intervention group was corroborated. Regarding serious adverse effects, none was reported in both groups. There was no statistical difference in minor adverse events.

CONCLUSION

In this double-blind placebo-controlled randomized study conducted to measure the efficacy and safety of vitamin D exclusively in patients with FM, we found that there is no evidence of a trend in favor of vitamin D treatment, since we did not observe improvement in the VAS of pain or FIQ.

TRIAL REGISTRY

Clinical Trials.gov number: NCT03369379 Key Points • There are conflicting results in vitamin D to treat fibromyalgia. • In this double-blind, randomized controlled trial, we did not find a difference in the VAS nor FIQ with vitamin D supplementation. • The increase in vitamin D levels in the intervention group was corroborated.

Peritraumatic Vitamin D levels predict chronic pain severity and contribute to racial differences in pain outcomes following Major Thermal Burn Injury

Major thermal burn injuries result in approximately 40,000 hospitalizations in the United States each year. Chronic pain affects up to 60% of burn survivors, Black Americans have worse chronic pain outcomes than White Americans. Mechanisms of chronic pain pathogenesis after burn injury, and accounting for these racial differences, remain poorly understood. Due to socioeconomic disadvantage and differences in skin absorption, Black Americans have an increased prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency. We hypothesized that peritraumatic Vitamin D levels predict chronic pain outcomes after burn injury and contribute to racial differences in pain outcomes. Among burn survivors (n=77, 52% White, 48% Black, 77% male), peritraumatic Vitamin D levels were more likely to be deficient in Blacks vs. Whites (27/37 (73%) vs. 14/40 (35%), p<.001). Peritraumatic Vitamin D levels were inversely associated with chronic post-burn pain outcomes across all burn injury survivors, including those who were and were not Vitamin D deficient, and accounted for approximately 1/3 of racial differences in post-burn pain outcome. Future studies are needed to evaluate potential mechanisms mediating the effect of Vitamin D on post-burn pain outcomes and the potential efficacy of Vitamin D in improving pain outcomes and reducing racial differences.

Efficacy of dietary supplements on improving sleep quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Different dietary supplements aimed at improving sleep quality are available on the market, but there has not been a comprehensive review to evaluate the efficacy of these dietary supplements on subjective sleep quality. We aimed to summarise up-to-date research evidence and to identify the types of dietary supplement that improve subjective sleep quality.

METHODS

Multiple databases (Ovid Emcare, Ovid MEDLINE (R) and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations and APA PsycInfo) were used for searching papers published until August 2020. The changes in sleep quality indices, intervention duration and sample size were extracted from every paper. To analyse the effect of dietary supplements on sleep quality, a random effects model with mean difference (MD) and 95% CI was adopted. The heterogeneity across studies was measured by I² statistics. The quality of included studies was evaluated by Cochrane's risk of bias tool.

RESULTS

Thirty-one randomised controlled trials of dietary supplements were included. Subjective sleep quality was significantly improved by supplementation of amino acids (MD -1.27, 95% CI -2.35 to -0.20; I²=0%), melatonin (MD -1.21, 95% CI -2.17 to -0.24; I²=79%) and vitamin D (MD -1.63, 95% CI -3.15 to -0.10; I²=85%). Although not all studies provided adequate data for meta-analysis, we also discussed how magnesium, zinc, resveratrol and nitrate supplementation may improve sleep quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Amino acids, vitamin D and melatonin supplements were significantly beneficial to improve sleep quality. However, high heterogeneity and wide confidence levels were observed in vitamin D and melatonin. Further research on the effect of magnesium, zinc, resveratrol and nitrate supplementation on improving sleep quality is required.

Nutritional Interventions in the Management of Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a multifactorial syndrome of unknown etiology, characterized by widespread chronic pain and various somatic and psychological manifestations. The management of FM requires a multidisciplinary approach combining both pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies. Among nonpharmacological strategies, growing evidence suggests a potential beneficial role for nutrition. This review summarizes the possible relationship between FM and nutrition, exploring the available evidence on the effect of dietary supplements and dietary interventions in these patients. Analysis of the literature has shown that the role of dietary supplements remains controversial, although clinical trials with vitamin D, magnesium, iron and probiotics' supplementation show promising results. With regard to dietary interventions, the administration of olive oil, the replacement diet with ancient grains, low-calorie diets, the low FODMAPs diet, the gluten-free diet, the monosodium glutamate and aspartame-free diet, vegetarian diets as well as the Mediterranean diet all appear to be effective in reducing the FM symptoms. These results may suggest that weight loss, together with the psychosomatic component of the disease, should be taken into account. Therefore, although dietary aspects appear to be a promising complementary approach to the treatment of FM, further research is needed to provide the most effective strategies for the management of FM.

Is hypovitaminosis D associated with fibromyalgia? A systematic review

CONTEXT

Recent findings have suggested a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency in fibromyalgia (FM) patients despite the lack of clinical and pathophysiological evidence.

OBJECTIVE

A systematic review was conducted to examine the association between vitamin D status and FM, including the effect of vitamin D supplementation.

DATA SOURCE

PubMed, LILACS, Scopus, SciELO, Cochrane, and EMBASE were searched, from January 2000 to July 2018, using the descriptors "Fibromyalgia" and "Vitamin D."

STUDY SELECTION

Trials including FM patients in whom vitamin D levels were assessed were eligible for inclusion.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data comprised age, gender, country, aims, bias, diagnosis criteria, cutoff point, and status of vitamin D, together with FM symptoms and vitamin D supplementation protocol.

RESULTS

A total of 26 articles were selected. Most of the studies were found to present unreliable control groups and small samples. Experimental data on vitamin D supplementation indicated improvement in certain FM symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in the FM population and the cause-effect relationship were inconclusive. Nevertheless, vitamin D supplementation may be considered as a co-adjuvant in FM therapy.

Association Between Low Vitamin D Levels and the Greater Impact of Fibromyalgia

Background

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a clinical syndrome mainly characterized by generalized chronic pain, fatigue, sleep and cognition disorders. The role played by vitamin D in the pathophysiology of painful syndromes is poorly known. Studies assessing the association between vitamin D and FM have presented conflicting results. The aims of the current study were to assess vitamin D levels in FM patients, by comparing them to healthy controls, as well as to analyze their impact on this disease.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study comprising 43 FM patients (ACR 2010 criteria) and 40 healthy individuals. All participants had their vitamin D levels measured, and FM patients also had their total calcium, albumin, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH) measured. Clinical variables capable of affecting the results were evaluated and the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) was applied.

Results

There was not statistically significant difference in global mean values of vitamin D between groups. In the total sample, only 4.8% of the individuals had vitamin D deficiency, which corresponded to the deficiency found in the group of patients; in the control, no one had vitamin deficiency; 39.8% had insufficient levels and 55.4% with sufficient levels. The mean serum vitamin D values were similar between the FM and control groups (34.8 ± 12 and 34.7 ± 12.3 ng/mL, respectively; P = 0.806). However, a significant negative correlation was found between vitamin D concentration and FIQ values, that is, patients with the greatest impact of the disease had lower concentrations of vitamin D (P = 0.018).

Conclusion

FM patients did not present higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency than healthy individuals, although low vitamin D concentrations could indicate more severe disease impacts.

The value of serum total oxidant to the antioxidant ratio as a biomarker of knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The balance between oxidants and antioxidants is known as oxidative balance, which is impaired in many disease conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA). In this study, we aimed to evaluate this balance in OA patients through the evaluation of the oxidant to the antioxidant ratio.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 62 knee OA patients and 20 age, sex, and BMI-matched healthy controls were included in this cross-sectional study. Serum total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evaluated using the oxidation-reduction colorimetric assay. The TOS to TAC ratio (TOS/TAC) was evaluated as an estimate of the oxidant to antioxidant balance.

RESULTS

The mean TOS was 14.2 ± 2 μM in the healthy controls and 23.3 ± 7 μM in the OA patients (p < 0.001). The mean TAC was 38.8 ± 6.6 μM in the healthy subjects and 35.8 ± 12 μM in the OA patients (p = 0.33). The mean TOS/TAC was 0.38 ± 0.09 in the healthy subjects and 0.72 ± 0.3 in the OA patients (p < 0.0001). TOS/TAC value was capable of distinguishing OA patients from healthy controls with the sensitivity and specificity of 87.1% and 80%, respectively (p < 0.001). At the cutoff value of 0.46, positive TOS/TAC (>0.46) was identified in 100% of grade I patients, whereas it was negative in 27.3%, 16.7%, and 16.7% of grades II, III, and IV, respectively (p = 0.039).

CONCLUSION

In the knee OA, an equation of the serum TOS to TAC could be a good representative of oxidative balance than each component individually.

Regulation of Wnt signaling by physical exercise in the cell biological processes of the locomotor system

In the past decade, researches on Wnt signaling in cell biology have made remarkable progress regarding our understanding of embryonic development, bone formation, muscle injury and repair, neurogenesis, and tumorigenesis. The study also showed that physical activity can reverse age-dependent decline in skeletal muscle, preventing osteoporosis, regenerative neurogenesis, hippocampal function, cognitive ability, and neuromuscular junction formation, and the age-dependent recession is highly correlated with Wnt signaling pathways. However, how the biological processes in cell and physical activity during/following exercise affect the Wnt signaling path of the locomotor system is largely unknown. In this study, we first briefly introduce the important features of the cellular biological processes of exercise in the locomotor system. Then, we discuss Wnt signaling and review the very few studies that have examined Wnt signaling pathways in cellular biological processes of the locomotor system during physical exercise.