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Fibromyalgia pain may be linked to pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidized LDL levels
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Certain pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidized low-density lipoprotein may be associated with fibromyalgia pain, according to research presented at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual European Congress of Rheumatology.
Forty-eight patients with fibromyalgia (FM) who met the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 criteria and 43 healthy women were enrolled. The number of tender points was counted, and functional status and symptom severity was assessed using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) in patients with FM. Widespread pain was evaluated using a VAS, the Widespread Pain Index (WPI) and the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS), and blood sera were analyzed for tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), interleukin (IL)-1-beta, IL-8 and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
Although no overall differences in TNF-a, IL-1-beta, IL-8 and oxidized LDL were seen between the groups, a relationship with VAS and serum IL-8 and TNF-a were observed in the patient group, according to the researchers.
Additionally, a statistically significant relationship between SSS score and serum oxidized LDL was observed in patients with FM, but no relationship was observed between tender points and the cytokines or oxidized LDL. The researchers also found FIQ scores did not correlate with TNF-a, IL-1-beta, IL-8 or oxidized LDL. - by Shirley Pulawski
Reference:
Ozdolap S, et al. Paper #AB0948. Presented at: European League Against Rheumatism Annual European Congress of Rheumatology; June 10-13, 2015; Rome.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.