Researchers Discover Chronic Pain Gene
August 15, 2010 by Sandy Robinson
Filed under FM Research, Pain
Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have discovered a gene associated with susceptibility to chronic pain caused by nerve injury in people. The researchers’ findings were reported online on August 5th by Genome Research. This discovery should open the door for better understanding and treating of chronic pain.
Chronic pain is a really big problem with 20% of adults suffering from it. Some people are more likely to suffer more pain than others after the same types of surgeries or accidents and this is why researchers wanted to find out what the difference was among individuals with different pain levels in near identical situations. According to the article on ProHealth:
To accelerate research in this field, animal models are proving to be critical to understanding the underlying biology of chronic pain in human patients.
First, the international research team – led by Profs. Ariel Darvasi and Marshall Devor at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and including scientists in Canada and Europe – identified a region of mouse chromosome 15 that likely contained a genetic variant or variants contributing to pain.
However, this region contains many genes, and the responsible variant remained unknown. Next, they undertook two fine-mapping approaches to narrow down the chromosomal locus to an interval of 155 genes. By applying bioinformatics approaches and whole genome microarray analysis, they then were able to confidently identify a single gene, CACNG2, as the likely candidate.
To further test the potential role for CACNG2 in chronic pain, the authors utilized a mouse strain harboring a mutant version of the gene that had previously been used in epilepsy research.
In testing the mice for behavioral and electrophysiological characteristics of chronic pain, they found that the observations were consistent with a functional role for CACNG2 in pain, even though it might be modest.
Their next project was to research human subjects. The researchers analyzed breast cancer patients who experienced chronic pain for 6 months or longer after they had either part or all of their breast removed. In these patients, they found that genetic variants of CACNG2 were significantly associated with this chronic pain.
The authors cautioned that although this association will need to be analyzed further, the result is encouraging in pointing to this gene as a significant factor in experiencing pain.
“The immediate significance is the mere awareness that differences in pain perception may have a genetic predisposition,” Darvasi explained.
“Our discovery may provide insights for treating chronic pain through previously unthought-of mechanisms.”
Fibromyalgia Association of Houston Research Updates Symposium
July 2, 2010 by Sandy Robinson
Filed under FM Research
The Fibromyalgia Association of Houston will be hosting a day long symposium on Saturday, September 25, 2010. Thank you to the President of the FMAH, Mary Harper, for emailing me this information so that I could pass the word along to my readers.
The Fibromyalgia Association of Houston’s New Hope for Fibromyalgia: Research Updates Symposium will feature two renowned physician researchers: Andrew Holman, M.D. and Patrick Wood, M.D., who will serve as keynote speakers.
The symposium will be held at the:
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Houston River Oaks
2712 Southwest Freeway (Kirby exit)
Houston, Texas 77098
A registration form is available online at the Fibromyalgia Association of Houston website and the cost is $35 to attend, which includes admission to the symposium & a hot lunch. Free parking is available in the hotel garage.
Special room rates are available at the hotel for $69.00 plus tax. Call the hotel at 713-523-8448 and ask for the reservations department to book rooms under the
Fibromyalgia Association of Houston block. Reservations must be made before 9/10/10 to receive the group rate.
For more information visit www.fmah.org or email at info@fmah.org.
Fibromyalgia Research Abstracts From ProHealth
October 26, 2009 by Sandy Robinson
Filed under FM Research
Excess glutamate in specific brain region linked to FM pain sensitivity
Central pain augmentation resulting from enhanced excitatory and/or decreased inhibitory neurotransmission is a proposed mechanism underlying the pathophysiology of functional pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia (FM).
Migraine with skin sensitivity highly associated with FM, ME/CFS or IBS
Cutaneous allodynia (CA) in migraine is a clinical manifestation of central nervous system sensitization. Several chronic pain syndromes and mood disorders are comorbid with migraine. In this study we examine the relationship of migraine-associated CA with these comorbid conditions. We also evaluate the association of CA with factors such as demographic profiles, migraine characteristics, and smoking status that may have an influence on the relationships of CA to pain and mood.
Grape seed extract excellent source of cancer-blocking agents – U of Colo
With emerging trends in the incidence of cancer of various organ sites, additional approaches are needed to control human malignancies. Intervention or prevention of cancer by dietary constituents, a strategy defined as chemoprevention, holds great promise in our conquest to control cancer, because it can be implemented on a broader population base with less economic burden.
Pain sensitivity – it’s in your genes, and yes it involves dopamine levels
Although evidence shows that several dopamine neurotransmission pathway genes are associated with specific clinical pain syndromes, such as fibromyalgia, chronic headache, and postoperative pain, the exact role of dopamine in pain processing is not fully understood. [Note: Dopamine is a brain chemical responsible for stimulation and feelings of enjoyment. Some leading researchers believe dopamine dysregulation plays a key role in fibromyalgia.
Considering interstitial cystitis may avoid unneeded hysterectomies
A PubMed literature search for articles dating back to 1990 was conducted on the topics of interstitial cystitis and hysterectomy. Further references were identified by cross-referencing the bibliographies in articles of interest.
Review deems results of drug treatment trials for FM “disappointing”
Fibromyalgia is characterized by a range of symptoms that include muscle pain, fatigue and sleep disorders. Anxiety and depression are often also present. The cause is unknown. More women than men are affected.
Retinoic acid (oxidized vit A) may derail inflammation of IBS, colitis
New research finds retinoic acid may alleviate inflammation of irritable bowel diseases by downregulating cytokine expression. Here’s another reason why you should take your vitamins. A new research report published online Oct 1 in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology(1) suggests that retinoic acid, the oxidized form of vitamin A, could be a beneficial treatment for people suffering from ulcerative colitis and other irritable bowel diseases.
‘IBS’ symptoms might really be signs of undiagnosed endometriosis
Endometriosis commonly presents with a range of symptoms none of which are particularly specific for the condition, often resulting in misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis.
Fibromyalgia Research Abstracts From ProHealth
September 25, 2009 by Sandy Robinson
Filed under FM Research
American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1990 criteria, initially introduced to classify fibromyalgia (FM) syndrome, has gained popularity in research and clinical grounds for diagnostic purposes. The objectives of this study were designed to assess the consistency of ACR criteria against [over] time in classifying FM.
The primary aim of this study was to examine the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on liver fat in PCOS. The secondary aim was to assess their effects on traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
Neurologic signs and symptoms in fibromyalgia
Neurologic symptoms lasting at least 3 months were assessed with a standard questionnaire. We used logistic regression to evaluate the association of neurologic symptoms and examination findings with FM status. Within the FM group we examined the correlation between self-reported symptoms and physical examination findings.
Neuroendocrine Dysfunction in Fibromyalgia and Migraine
Fibromyalgia (FM) and migraine are common chronic disorders that predominantly affect women. The prevalence of headache in patients with FM is high (35%-88%), with migraine being the most frequent type. A particular subgroup of patients with FM (approximately half) presents with a combined clinical form of these two painful disorders, which may exhibit a different manner of progression regarding symptomatology and impact on daily activities.
Comparison of Manual Lymph Drainage Therapy and Connective Tissue Massage in Women With Fibromyalgia
The study design was a randomized controlled trial. Fifty women with primary fibromyalgia completed the study. The patients were divided randomly into 2 groups. Whereas 25 of them received manual lymph drainage therapy, the other 25 underwent connective tissue massage. The treatment program was carried out 5 times a week for 3 weeks in each group. Pain was evaluated by a visual analogue scale and algometry. The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and Nottingham Health Profile were used to describe health status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Wilcoxon signed rank test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze the data.
Reliability of the box and block test of manual dexterity for use with patients with fibromyalgia
The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of the Box and Block (B&B) Test of Manual Dexterity for upper-extremity function in patients with fibromyalgia and to compare their results with those of healthy control participants.
Fibromyalgia is a common pain syndrome characterized by widespread pain, tenderness, and a number of other somatic symptoms and syndromes. Although there was original skepticism that any objective abnormalities would be identified in these individuals, at present there are many that have been reproducibly identified, and most point to dysregulation of central nervous system function as a key underlying pathogenic mechanism in this and related illnesses.
Objective Measures of Disordered Sleep in Fibromyalgia
Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) complain of inadequate sleep, which could contribute to common symptoms including sleepiness, fatigue, or pain. However, measures that consistently and objectively distinguish FM patients remain elusive.
Cardiovascular risk factors in restless legs syndrome
We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study to assess prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in subjects with and without restless legs syndrome (RLS). Adults attending their annual checkup completed the International RLS Study Group questionnaire and underwent an interview by a neurologist. Data from the annual checkup were compared between subjects with and without RLS. The prevalence of RLS was 6.7% (95% CI 5.45-7.95) among 1,537 responders.
Professor Says Chiropractic Care “Insufficient” In Treating Fibromyalgia
July 13, 2009 by Sandy Robinson
Filed under FM Research, FM Treatments
According to an article I recently read on the Arthritis Research Campaign website, a recent study revealed that there is no evidence to suggest chiropractic care is effective in treating Fibromyalgia. Professor Edzard Ernst of the Peninsula Medical School at the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, who was in charge of the study said:
“Many patients use chiropractic as a treatment of fibromyalgia and many chiropractors seem to be convinced that it is effective for that condition. The aim of the study was to conduct a systematic review of randomised clinical trials testing the effectiveness of chiropractic care for fibromyalgia.”
In his study, Professor Ernst used three research articles on the effect chiropractic care has on Fibromyalgia. He found these through online databases. Ernst reports that:
“The three studies were judged to have “poor” methodological quality and they generated no evidence to suggest that chiropractic care is effective for fibromyalgia. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that chiropractic is an effective treatment for fibromyalgia.”
I have personally found that I feel worse after seeing a chiropractor. I have tried going different times over the years and I would try each time to go for months or at least a year. I would not see any improvement and my body would hurt worse and my back would go out more during these times. I have heard other people say that they have had improvement with their Fibromyalgia since going to the chiropractor.
If you have tried chiropractic care for your Fibromyalgia, has it worked or did you feel worse?
Fibromyalgia Research Abstracts from ProHealth
June 30, 2009 by Sandy Robinson
Filed under FM Research
This article synthesizes recent data suggesting that the high rates of comorbidity observed between major depression, fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain likely result from the fact that these disorders share multiple biological and environmental underpinnings.
This study assessed the prevalence of comorbidities and/or use of selected medications that may contraindicate the use of duloxetine (DLX and/or pregabalin (PGB) among patients with fibromyalgia (FM).
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a widespread disorder of unknown etiology affecting 2-4% of the general population in which women are about nine times more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men.(1) Nonetheless, several hypotheses have been advanced to explain the onset of symptoms. One of these supports a reduction of diffuse noxious inhibitory controls (DNIC) in fibromyalgics. (2) Another hypothesis comes from the fact that the higher prevalence of FMS in women should be related to sex hormones (SH).
Controversy remains regarding the mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia. A prevailing theory, largely unproven in humans, is that it involves the activation of endogenous opioid antinociceptive systems [systems that reduce sensitivity to painful stimuli] and micro-opioid receptors (MORs). This is also a neurotransmitter system that mediates the effects of placebo-induced analgesia.
Prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in patients with fibromyalgia and the role of psychologic distress – Source: Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Apr 2009
Background & aims: Fibromyalgia is a rheumatologic disorder associated with somatic and psychologic conditions. Although fibromyalgia is associated with irritable bowel syndrome, its relationship with other functional gastrointestinal disorders* (FGID) is unclear. We evaluated the prevalence of FGID in patients with fibromyalgia and the role of psychologic factors in this relationship.
Alterations in pain processing in patients with Restless Legs Syndrome – Source: American Pain Society Annual Meeting, May 2009
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder whose sufferers demonstrate profound sleep disruption and reduced quality of life. While substantial comorbidities have been noted between RLS and pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, few studies have evaluated potential abnormalities in pain perception in RLS.
Progression of chronic spinal pain to widespread pain: A study of transition frequency and predictive clinical features – Source: American Pain Society Annual Meeting, May 2009
The notion that a subset of individuals with chronic spinal pain (CSP) is at risk for developing widespread pain (WSP) and/or fibromyalgia (FM) is now well accepted. The purpose of this study was to: 1) quantify the frequency with which such a transition occurs, and 2) identify the risk factors associated with the development of widespread pain and fibromyalgia.
Implications of gender in chronic Lyme disease – Source: Journal of Womens Health, Jun 2009
Background: “Post-Lyme disease syndrome” refers to prolonged subjective symptoms after antibiotic treatment and resolution of an objective manifestation of Borrelia burgdorferi infection (Lyme disease). “Chronic Lyme disease” is a vaguely defined term that has been applied to patients with unexplained prolonged subjective symptoms, whether or not there was or is evidence of B. burgdorferi infection.
Coenzyme Q10 Altered In Patients With Fibromyalgia
May 21, 2009 by Sandy Robinson
Filed under FM Research
What is Coenzyme Q10? According to ProHealth:
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ(10)) is an essential electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and a strong antioxidant.
The purpose of this research was to study CoQ10 levels in plasma and mononuclear cells, and oxidative stress in Fibromyalgia patients. Muscular alteration, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are common symptoms that have been observed in those suffering from Fibromyalgia.
Researchers studied and compared the CoQ10 level by HPLC in plasma and peripheral mononuclear cells that were gathered from both the Fibromyalgia participants and the healthy participants. Also analyzed in Fibromyalgia patients were plasma and mononuclear cells.
The study results:
Higher level of oxidative stress markers in plasma was observed respect to control subjects. CoQ(10) level in plasma samples from FM patients was doubled compared to healthy controls and in blood mononuclear cells (white blood cells) isolated from 37 FM patients was found to be about 40% lower. Higher levels of ROS production was observed in mononuclear cells from FM patients compared to control, and a significant decrease was induced by the presence of CoQ(10).
The study conclusion was that:
- fibromyalgia patients had altered distribution of CoQ10 in blood components.
- a defect in the distribution and metabolism of CoQ10 in cells and tissues was confirmed to be due to the oxidative stress background of Fibromyalgia.
- the protection that CoQ10 provides in mononuclear cells would indicate the benefits that supplementation would have for Fibromyalgia patients.
