INFLAMMATORY PATHWAYS IN FIBROMYALGIA: A CYTOKINE PROFILING STUDY

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a multifactorial chronic pain disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and mood disturbances. While central sensitization is widely accepted as a core mechanism, emerging evidence suggests that systemic inflammation may also play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia. This study aimed to investigate the cytokine profile in fibromyalgia patients and its correlation with clinical symptom severityIncluded in the study were 20 healthy women referred to as controls and 40 patients with a fibromyalgia diagnosis.  Using multiplex immunoassay, it was possible to measure the serum amounts of cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10 and TGF-β1. Included in the clinical assessments were the Visual Analogue Scale for pain, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Revised.  The study investigated the relationships between levels of cytokines and the various symptoms.  Levels of cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α and IFN-γ as well as TGF-β1 were much higher in patients with fibromyalgia than in controls.  The patients with fibromyalgia were found to have lower anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels.  The results showed reduced functioning (FIQR = 59.5), increased psychological stress (HADS-Anxiety = 11.5 and HADS-Depression = 10.1) and reported severe pain (VAS = 7.8).  On the other hand, although IL-6 was closely linked to higher VAS and FIQR scores, IL-10 was negatively linked to a person’s feelings of melancholy and anxiety.