Does whole body vibration exercise improve oxidative stress markers in women with fibromyalgia?

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of whole body vibration (WBV) exercise on oxidative stress markers in a group of women with fibromyalgia (FM) compared to a group of healthy women (CT). Twenty-one women diagnosed with FM and 21 age- and weight-matched healthy women were enrolled the study. Plasma oxidative stress markers (primary outcomes) were evaluated at rest and after WBV, and included thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), iron reduction capacity (FRAP), superoxide dismutase antioxidant enzymes activity (SOD), and catalase (CAT). At rest, the FM group had higher TBARS (P<0.001) and FRAP (P<0.001), and lower CAT (P=0.005) compared to the CT. In the CT group, the WBV had no effect on TBARS (P=0.559) and FRAP (P=0.926), whereas it increased both SOD (P<0.001) and CAT (P<0.001). In the FM group, the WBV reduced TBARS (p <0.001), FRAP (P<0.001), and CAT (P=0.005), while it increased SOD (P=0.019). There was an interaction effect (moments vs groups) in the TBARS (effect size=1.34), FRAP (effect size=0.93), CAT (effect size=1.45), and SOD (effect size=1.44) (P<0.001). A single trial of WBV exercise improved all oxidant and antioxidant parameters towards a greater adaptation to the stress response in FM women.

Inflammatory biomarkers responses after acute whole body vibration in fibromyalgia

The aims of this study were 1) to characterize the intensity of the vibration stimulation in women diagnosed with fibromyalgia (FM) compared to a control group of healthy women (HW) matched by age and anthropometric parameters, and 2) to investigate the effect of a single session of whole body vibration (WBV) on inflammatory responses. Levels of adipokines, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNFr1, sTNFr2), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was estimated by a portable gas analysis system, heart rate (HR) was measured using a HR monitor, and perceived exertion (RPE) was evaluated using the Borg scale of perceived exertion. Acutely mild WBV increased VO2 and HR similarly in both groups. There was an interaction (disease vs vibration) in RPE (P=0.0078), showing a higher RPE in FM compared to HW at rest, which further increased in FM after acute WBV, whereas it remained unchanged in HW. In addition, there was an interaction (disease vs vibration) in plasma levels of adiponectin (P=0.0001), sTNFR1 (P=0.000001), sTNFR2 (P=0.0052), leptin (P=0.0007), resistin (P=0.0166), and BDNF (P=0.0179). In conclusion, a single acute session of mild and short WBV can improve the inflammatory status in patients with FM, reaching values close to those of matched HW at their basal status. The neuroendocrine mechanism seems to be an exercise-induced modulation towards greater adaptation to stress response in these patients.

Serum levels of leptin and adiponectin and clinical parameters in women with fibromyalgia and overweight/obesity

ABSTRACT Objectives The objectives of this study were to evaluate the serum levels of adipokines in women with fibromyalgia with and without overweight/obesity, and to correlate the adipokines levels with clinical parameters associated with fibromyalgia and adipose tissue mass (body fat). Subjects and methods The study included 100 women divided into four groups: (a) fibromyalgia and overweight/obesity; (b) fibromyalgia and normal weight; (c) controls and overweight/obesity; and (d) controls and normal weight. Patients and controls were evaluated for clinical, anthropometric, and fibromyalgia-related parameters. Assessments included serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Levels of adipokines were further adjusted for fat mass. Results Fibromyalgia patients with overweight/obesity or normal weight had no differences in clinical parameters. Unadjusted leptin levels were lower in fibromyalgia patients than controls, a finding that was more remarkable in fibromyalgia patients with overweight/obesity. Leptin levels had no correlation with clinical parameters of fibromyalgia or inflammation markers (MCP-1 and CRP), and adiponectin levels showed no difference between groups. Conclusions No correlation was observed between adjusted leptin levels and clinical parameters of fibromyalgia. Patients with fibromyalgia and overweight/obesity presented lower levels of leptin than controls with overweight/obesity.

Determinación de niveles de vitamina D en pacientes con fibromialgia: estudio de casos y controles / Vitamin D levels in patients with fibromyalgia: case control study

Introduction: fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by diffuse chronic muscle pain, fatigue and disability, affecting quality of life. In recent years there are many reports that show a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in different populations. In patients with FM there are conflicting results about the associations with vitamin D deficiency. Method: Case control study matched controls by age and sex. A clinical interview, measurement of 25-OH vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus and intact PTH was measured. The definitions of the American Society of Endocrinology were used: Insufficient vitamin D levels of 21-29 ng/ml and deficiency when they are less than 20 ng/ml. Results: 39 female patients were included in each group. The average age was 46.33 years (SD 10.6) in patients with FM and 45.92 years (SD 11.9) in controls. VD average levels in women with FM was 26.13 ng/ml (SD 8.3) and the controls of 28.45 ng/ml (SD 8.7) p = 0.082. No group differences were found when using cutoffs of 30 ng/dl (OR 2.75 with p = 0.35 [95 percent CI 0.96 to 8.06]) or 20 ng/dl (OR 0,6 p = 0.38 [95 percent CI 0.15 to 2.18]). No VD patients with levels below 10 ng/dl were presented. Conclusions: We found no differences between groups in VD levels when considering the average levels of VD or using different cutoffs.

Depression, sexuality and fibromyalgia syndrome: clinical findings and correlation to hematological parameters / Depressão e sexualidade na síndrome fibromiálgica: achados clínicos e correlação com parâmetros hematológicos

ABSTRACT Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic pain and comorbidities. Objective To investigate sexuality and depression in women with FM compared with controls and to correlate the findings with hematological parameters. Methods 33 women with FM and 19 healthy women were included and evaluated with the following instruments: Female Sexual Function Index, Beck Inventory, Visual Analogue Scale, medical history and laboratory exams. Results The prevalence of sexual dysfunction (P = 0.007) and depression (P < 0.001) were higher in the study group than in the control group; they were positively correlated (P = 0.023). The study group showed lower serum concentrations of testosterone, free T4, antinuclear factor, and lower blood hemoglobin and hematocrit. Conclusions FM was associated with high scores of sexual dysfunction and depression, and there were correlations with hematological parameters. We suggest the involvement of immune-inflammatory mediators and FM, which need further investigation to understand their role in FM syndrome and its comorbidities.

RESUMO Fibromialgia (FS) é caracterizada por dor e comorbidades. Objetivo investigar depressão e sexualidade em mulheres com FS comparadas a controles, e correlacionar os achados com parâmetros hematológicos. Métodos 33 mulheres com FS e 19 controles saudáveis foram incluídas e avaliadas através dos seguintes instrumentos: Índice de Função Feminina Sexual, Inventário de Beck, escala visual analógica, história médica e exames laboratoriais. Resultados A prevalência de disfunção sexual (P = 0,007) e depressão (P < 0,001) foram maiores no grupo de estudo do que nos controles; também houve correlação positiva (P = 0,023). O grupo de estudo apresentou menor concentração sérica de testosterona, T4 livre, fator antinuclear e menos concentração de hemoglobina e hematócrito. Conclusões A FS associou-se com altos índices de disfunção sexual e depressão, e houve correlação com os parâmetros hematológicos estudados. Sugere-se o envolvimento de mediadores imuno-inflamatórios na FS, que necessita de maior investigação para a compreensão dos mecanismos tanto na FS e quanto em suas comorbidades.

A importância de ácido láctico na enxaqueca e na fibromialgia / The importance of lactic acid in migraines and fibromyalgia

Resumo Introdução: O ácido láctico é um subproduto do metabolismo muscular e do sistema nervoso central. As alterações no metabolismo estão relacionadas com diversas condições fisiológicas e patológicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a relação entre a enxaqueca e a fibromialgia com os níveis de ácido láctico no sangue. Métodos: Foram estudados 93 pacientes, divididos em cinco grupos: 1) fibromialgia (n = 20); 2) enxaqueca episódica (n = 20); 3) enxaqueca crônica (n = 20); 4) fibromialgia e enxaqueca episódica (n = 13); e 5) fibromialgia e enxaqueca crônica (n = 20), além de 20 indivíduos saudáveis (grupo controle). Os níveis sanguíneos de ácido láctico foram medidos em quatro momentos : em repouso, durante o exercício aeróbico, durante a atividade física anaeróbica e durante o descanso depois do exercício anaeróbico. Resultados: O ácido láctico aumentou em todos os grupos durante a atividade física anaeróbica, sem predominância em qualquer grupo. Durante a atividade física aeróbica, todos os grupos apresentaram um aumento nos níveis de ácido láctico, mas esse aumento foi mais expressivo nos grupos de enxaqueca crônica e enxaqueca crônica com fibromialgia, sem significância estatística. Conclusões: Não foram encontradas anormalidades que envolvessem o metabolismo do ácido láctico na enxaqueca episódica e crônica, na presença ou não de fibromialgia.

Abstract Background: Lactic acid is a byproduct of both muscle metabolism and the central nervous system. Changes in metabolism are related to various physiological and pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between migraine and fibromyalgia with the levels of lactic acid in the blood. Methods: We study 93 patients divided into five groups: (1) patients with fibromyalgia (n = 20); (2) episodic migraine (n = 20); (3) chronic migraine (n = 20); (4) fibromyalgia and episodic migraine (n = 13); and (5) fibromyalgia and chronic migraine (n = 20), and 20 healthy subjects (control group). Blood levels of lactic acid were measured at four different time points: at rest, during aerobic exercise, during anaerobic physical activity and while resting after anaerobic exercise. Results: Lactic acid increased in all groups during anaerobic physical activity without predominance for either group. During aerobic physical activity, all groups increased lactic acid levels, but the increase was more expressive in the chronic migraine group and the chronic migraine with fibromyalgia group without statistical significance. Conclusions: We did not found abnormalities involving the metabolism of lactic acid in episodic and chronic migraine with or without fibromyalgia.

Abnormality of Circadian Rhythm of Serum Melatonin and Other Biochemical Parameters in Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a complex chronic condition causing widespread pain and variety of other symptoms. It produces pain in the soft tissues located around joints throughout the body. FMS has unknown etiology and its pathophysiology is not fully understood. However, abnormality in circadian rhythm of hormonal profiles and cytokines has been observed in this disorder. Moreover, there are reports of deficiency of serotonin, melatonin, cortisol and cytokines in FMS patients, which are fully regulated by circadian rhythm. Melatonin, the primary hormone of the pineal gland regulates the body’s circadian rhythm and normally its levels begin to rise in the mid-to-late evening, remain high for most of the night, and then decrease in the early morning. FMS patients have lower melatonin secretion during the hours of darkness than the healthy subjects. This may contribute to impaired sleep at night, fatigue during the day and changed pain perception. Studies have shown blunting of normal diurnal cortisol rhythm, with elevated evening serum cortisol level in patients with FMS. Thus, due to perturbed level of cortisol secretion several symptoms of FMS may occur. Moreover, disturbed cytokine levels have also been reported in FMS patients. Therefore, circadian rhythm can be an important factor in the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of FMS. This article explores the circadian pattern of abnormalities in FMS patients, as this may help in better understanding the role of variation in symptoms of FMS and its possible relationship with circadian variations of melatonin, cortisol, cytokines and serotonin levels.

Lipid profile in patients with fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndromes

In this study serum lipid profile of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) were investigated and compared with healthy controls. Thirty women who had FMS and 32 women who had MPS with the characteristic trigger points (TrP), especially on the periscapular region were included in this study. Thirty one age matched healthy women were assigned as a control group. All of the subjects were sedentary healthy housewives. Total cholesterol, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels were not significantly different between the FMS and control groups. On the other hand the MPS group had total cholesterol (198.7 vs 172.9 mg/dL, p=0.003), triglyceride (124.7 vs 87.6 mg/dL, p=0.01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (127.5 vs 108.4 mg/dL, p=0.02) and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c) (24.9 vs 17.3 mg/dL, p=0.008) levels, which were significantly higher than the controls. There was no significant difference between the lipid profiles in the FMS and MPS groups. Tissue compliance, which was measured from trigger points in the MPS group, correlated significantly with total cholesterol and LDL-c levels. In conclusion, a significant difference was found between the lipid levels of patients with MPS and the controls. More extensive investigation of lipid and lipoprotein levels is required to determine whether high lipid levels are the cause or result of MPS.