Possible role of cytokines in fibromyalgia

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the possible role of cytokines in fibromyalgia [FM]. Levels of interleukin-6 [IL-6], IL-8, and IL-10 were measured with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay techniques in the sera of 20 FM female patients and 10 normal controls. Results were correlated with the clinical manifestations of the disease. A significant [p < 0.05] increase in both IL-6 and IL-8 serum levels were found in FM patients as compared to controls. But there was no significant [p > 0.05] difference between FM patients and controls regarding serum IL-10 levels. In FM patients, the elevated IL-6 serum level showed a significant positive correlation [r = + 0.62] with fatigue severity score; and a significant negative correlation [r = - 0.59] with sleep score. While the elevated IL-8 serum level showed a significant positive correlation with the number of tender points [r= +0.68] and pain score[r= +0.54]. On the other hand, IL-10 showed no significant correlation with any clinical variable. IL-6 and IL-8 may play an important role in FM. IL-6 may be related to fatigue and sleep disturbances. IL-8 may be related to pain intensity and number of tender points in patients. Strategies to decrease the levels of cytokines, may constitute novel hopes for treatment of FM patients