Implication of intestinal microbiota in the etiopathogenesis of fibromyalgia: A systematic review.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a highly prevalent chronic disease. About 4.7% of the world's population suffers from generalized pain and hypersensitivity, in addition to a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms. The etiopathogenesis of this disease is multifactorial, which makes its diagnosis and treatment challenging. Recently, the increase in the number of studies on microbiota has provided new data that can help to understand the onset and development of FM. An updated systematic review of the causes of FM has been carried out in this work. Particularly in the last decade, research has focused on the gut-brain axis, which has emerged as a crucial mechanism for microbiota-host crosstalk. In FM patients, quantitative imbalances of the intestinal microbiota (dysbiosis) and bacterial metabolites with differential relative abundance have been found, especially short-chain fatty acids and lipopolysaccharides. Furthermore, the microbiota has been found to indirectly influence host neurotransmitter mechanisms, mainly through the serotonin precursor, glutamate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid. Thus, all these mechanisms and their influence on the etiopathogenesis of FM are discussed in this review.

Mitochondrial Imbalance as a New Approach to the Study of Fibromyalgia.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common chronic pain disease, whose pathogenic mechanism still remains elusive. Oxidative stress markers and impaired bioenergetics homeostasis have been proposed as relevant events in the pathogenesis of the disease. Hence, the aim of the study is to analyse the potential biomarkers of mitochondrial imbalance in FM patients along with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) as a possible treatment. METHODS: The symptomatology of patients was recorded with an adaption of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Mitochondrial imbalance was tested from blood extraction and serum isolation in 33 patients diagnosed with FM and 30 healthy controls. Western blot and HPLC techniques were performed to study the different parameters. Finally, bioinformatic analysis of machine learning was performed to predict possible associations of results. RESULTS: CoQ10 parameter did not show evidence to be a good marker of the disease, as the values are not significantly different between control and patient groups (Student's t-test, CI 95%). For this reason, the focus of the study changed into the ratio between mitochondrial mass and autophagy levels. The bioinformatics analysis showed a possible association between this ratio and patients' symptomatology. Finally, the effects of coenzyme Q10 as a potential treatment for the disease were different within patients, and its efficacy may be related to the initial mitochondrial status. However, there is no statistical significance due to limitations within the sample size. CONCLUSION: Our study supports the hypothesis that an imbalance in mitochondrial homeostasis is involved in the FM pathogenesis. However, whether the increase in oxidative stress is the result of mitochondrial imbalance or the cause of this disease remains an open question. The measurement of this imbalance might be used as a preliminary biomarker for the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with FM, and even for the evaluation of the effects of the different antioxidants therapies.

Increased salivary oxidative stress parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes: Relation with periodontal disease. / Incremento de los parámetros de estrés oxidativo salival en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2: relación con la enfermedad periodontal.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether there are differences in salivary oxidative stress between patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) and healthy non-diabetic patients, and whether this oxidative stress is associated with the presence of periodontal disease in diabetic patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This observational study included 70 patients divided into three groups according to metabolic control levels: 19 non-diabetic patients (control group); 24 patients with good metabolic control (HbA1c<7%), and 27 patients DM2 with poor metabolic control (HbA1c>7%). The following oxidative stress parameters were measured in all subjects: glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRd), reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Periodontal health was determined by means of the community periodontal index (CPI) recommended by the WHO. RESULTS: The diabetic group with good metabolic control showed a significant increase in GPx and GRd activity in comparison with the control group (P<.001). The activity of the enzymes measured was significantly less in patients with poor metabolic control in comparison with the control group and well-controlled diabetic groups (P<.001). Both diabetic groups showed higher GSSG/GSH quotients and CPI in comparison with the control group, and both parameters were significantly higher in diabetic patients with poor metabolic control in comparison with well-controlled diabetic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Poor metabolic control in DM2 patients is associated with higher levels of salivary oxidative stress and worse periodontal health.

Incremento de los parámetros de estrés oxidativo salival en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2: relación con la enfermedad periodontal / Increased salivary oxidative stress parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes: Relation with periodontal disease

Objetivo: Nuestro objetivo fue analizar si existen diferencias en los niveles de estrés oxidativo salival de pacientes con DM2 en comparación con sujetos sanos no diabéticos, y si dicho estrés oxidativo se puede asociar a la presencia de enfermedad periodontal en pacientes con diabetes. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional que incluyó 70 pacientes, estableciéndose 3 grupos de estudio en función del control metabólico: 19 pacientes sin diabetes (grupo control); 24 pacientes DM2 con buen control metabólico (HbA1c<7%), y 27 pacientes DM2 con mal control metabólico (HbA1c>7%). En todos ellos se midieron los siguientes parámetros de estrés oxidativo salival: glutatión peroxidasa (GPx), glutatión reductasa (GRd), glutatión reducido (GSH) y glutatión oxidado (GSSG). El estado de salud periodontal se determinó mediante el índice periodontal comunitario (CPI), recomendado por la OMS. Resultados: El grupo de diabetes con buen control metabólico mostró un incremento significativo en la actividad de GPx y GRd con respecto al grupo control (p<0,001). La actividad de dichas enzimas fue significativamente menor en los pacientes con diabetes con mal control metabólico en comparación con el grupo control y de diabéticos bien controlados (p<0,001). Los 2 grupos de pacientes con diabetes mostraron mayor cociente GSSG/GSH e índice CPI con respecto al grupo control, resultando también ambos parámetros significativamente aumentados en el grupo de diabetes con mal control metabólico respecto a los bien controlados. Conclusiones: Un peor control metabólico se asocia a mayores niveles de estrés oxidativo en saliva de pacientes con DM2, así como a un peor estado de salud periodontal (AU)

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether there are differences in salivary oxidative stress between patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) and healthy non-diabetic patients, and whether this oxidative stress is associated with the presence of periodontal disease in diabetic patients. Material and methods: This observational study included 70 patients divided into three groups according to metabolic control levels: 19 non-diabetic patients (control group); 24 patients with good metabolic control (HbA1c<7%), and 27 patients DM2 with poor metabolic control (HbA1c>7%). The following oxidative stress parameters were measured in all subjects: glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRd), reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). Periodontal health was determined by means of the community periodontal index (CPI) recommended by the WHO. Results: The diabetic group with good metabolic control showed a significant increase in GPx and GRd activity in comparison with the control group (P<.001). The activity of the enzymes measured was significantly less in patients with poor metabolic control in comparison with the control group and well-controlled diabetic groups (P<.001). Both diabetic groups showed higher GSSG/GSH quotients and CPI in comparison with the control group, and both parameters were significantly higher in diabetic patients with poor metabolic control in comparison with well-controlled diabetic patients. Conclusions: Poor metabolic control in DM2 patients is associated with higher levels of salivary oxidative stress and worse periodontal health (AU)

Fibromyalgia syndrome and temporomandibular disorders with muscular pain. A review.

OBJECTIVES: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) refer to a group of clinical picture affecting the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint that are characterized by muscular or joint pain, dysfunction (limited or altered functions) and joint noises, as well as other associated symptoms, such as tension headaches, otalgia, dizziness, tinnitus, and others. Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome of unknown etiology involving generalized chronic pain accompanied, in a high percentage of cases, by other symptoms such as asthenia, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and other less frequent symptoms, such as temporomandibular disorders (TMD). DATA: Data were compiled by two experienced examiners following a specific form. SOURCES: An electronic search was carried out in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PUBMED, and SCOPUS electronic databases (up to April 2016, unrestricted by date or language). STUDY SELECTION: Comparative clinical studies with patients with both clinical pictures involving the study of pathogenic processes. CONCLUSIONS: Fibromyalgia and temporomandibular disorders with muscle pain both have profiles that affect the muscular system and therefore share many epidemiological, clinical, and physiopathological symptoms. Because of this, we are led to think that there is, if not a common etiology, at least a common pathogenesis. This article revises the physiopathological processes of both clinical pictures in an attempt to determine their similarities and likenesses. This would undoubtedly help in providing a better therapeutic approach.

Stem cells in current paediatric dentistry practice.

New protocols for regenerative endodontic treatment along with the parallel development of tissue engineering technologies are changing traditional knowledge and treatment possibilities for young patients with pulp-affected permanent immature teeth. The regeneration and completion of apical root development in pathological situations such as these is a clinical challenge that traditional treatments have not so far been able to resolve with complete success. In clinical terms, the decision of whether to perform apexogenesis or apexification on an immature tooth is determined by whether the pulp tissue is vital or non-vital. Recent evidence and reports in the literature have questioned the old dogmas. In this respect, the ever growing scientific literature in this field makes it essential to compile a critical reflection and summary of everything that has been written to date, in order to understand the biological basis of current clinical advances and ensuing lines of future therapy. In this paper, we wish to give scientific coverage and background to more recent clinical and molecular advances described in the field of apical regeneration using stem cell therapy and their potentially key role in the future clinical success of new pulp regenerative protocols.

Corticotomy-assisted orthodontic enhancement by bone morphogenetic protein-2 administration.

PURPOSE: To determine the possibility of synergistically enhancing orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and bone formation in vivo by administering bone morphogenetic protein type 2 (BMP-2) on the tension side or in combination with corticotomy on the pressure side. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 56 Wistar rats that were subjected to experimental OTM for 32 days using a split-mouth design. The sample was divided into 4 groups: a control group, a corticotomy group, a BMP-2 group, and a corticotomy plus BMP-2 group. An OTM force of 10 cN was applied to each group. BMP-2 18 µL was administered locally on the tension side alone or in conjunction with corticotomy and then compared with the controls using fluorescence-based tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining for osteoclast counts, histologic bone resorption, and clinical OTM results. RESULTS: Corticotomy surgery increased the OTM rate (P < .05) by more than 20%. The injection of BMP-2 alone on the tension side did not induce significant changes in the degree of OTM compared with the vehicle-treated or control group (P > .05). When BMP-2 was combined with corticotomy on the tension and pressure sides (corticotomy plus BMP-2 group), respectively, nonsignificant OTM rates were observed (P > .05) compared with the controls; however, decreased osteoclast counts, bone resorption, and clinical results were observed in the corticotomy plus BMP-2 group. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to reports published to date, the present preliminary study suggests that there are limits to OTM acceleration by bone formation on the tension side and agrees with the idea that there is a single continuous periodontal compartment in OTM, rather than a pressure side and a tension side.

Common standards in facial esthetics: craniofacial analysis of most attractive black and white subjects according to People magazine during previous 10 years.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present case-control study was to determine--using the 10 most recent annual listings of the most beautiful black and white people--whether any common, measurable esthetic parameter could be extracted from both groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 women (40 white and 40 black), who had been included in the list of People magazine's 100 most beautiful people during the previous 10 years, were selected. Lateral photographs of all 80 subjects were obtained from Internet databases, oriented, and sized. A modified photogrammetric analysis was performed on the lateral view of each subject to obtain the angle and proportion measurements. Differences between the 2 groups were compared with 95% significance using the Student t test for independent samples. RESULTS: Facial similarities in the 2 ethnic groups were observed for the angle of the inferior facial third, labiomental angle, angle of facial convexity, and cervicomental angle. These results point to a similar conformation of the lower part of the face in relation to the neck that was shared by both groups of beautiful women. Additionally, both groups showed similar results for the lower lip projection. Likewise, similar proportional measurements were found for the upper lip proportion, notwithstanding differences in protrusion. CONCLUSIONS: Modern society is changing the classic concept of facial beauty because of globalization and the prevalence of multiethnic communities in the developed world. Independently of ethnic origin, beautiful women tend to have similar facial features that are a mixture of both black and white features.

La disfunción mitocondrial en la fibromialgia y su implicación en la patogénesis de la enfermedad / Mitochondrial dysfunction in fibromyalgia and its implication in the pathogenesis of disease

La fibromialgia (FM) es un síndrome de dolor crónico generalizado de etiología desconocida. Recientes estudios han mostrado evidencias sobre el papel que podría tener el estrés oxidativo en la fisiopatología de la FM, pero aún no está claro si es la causa o el efecto de las anormalidades observadas en esta. Además, se desconoce la función de la mitocondria en la fisiopatología de la enfermedad, sin embargo, se han observado signos de alteración mitocondrial en esta. Se sabe que la mitocondria es una importante productora de especies reactivas de oxígeno, por lo que se la ha relacionado con el mecanismo patogénico de numerosas enfermedades, incluida la FM. A este respecto, se ha observado que los tratamientos con antioxidantes podrían ser beneficiosos para mejorar el funcionamiento mitocondrial. Por tanto, la disfunción mitocondrial abre un gran campo de investigación terapéutica, por lo que se debería empezar a considerar en la medicina clínica el abordaje de la FM mediante tratamiento con antioxidantes y fármacos relacionados con la biogénesis mitocondrial (AU)

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome with unknown etiology. Recent studies have shown evidence demonstrating that oxidative stress may have a role in the pathophysiology of FM, however it is still not clear whether oxidative stress is the cause or the effect of the abnormalities documented in FM. Furthermore, it is also controversial the role of mitochondria in the pathophysiology of FM, however signs associated with mitochondrial dysfunction have been observed in FM. Mitochondria are also known to be strong producers of ROS, so have been related with the pathogenic mechanism of numerous diseases including FM. To this respect, it has been observed antioxidants therapies might be beneficial to improve the mitochondrial performance. Therefore, the dysfunction mitochondrial opens a great field of therapeutic research, for what it should start considering in the clinical medicine the boarding of the FM by means of therapy with antioxidant and drugs related to the mitochondrial biogenesis (AU)

[Mitochondrial dysfunction in fibromyalgia and its implication in the pathogenesis of disease]. / La disfunción mitocondrial en la fibromialgia y su implicación en la patogénesis de la enfermedad.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome with unknown etiology. Recent studies have shown evidence demonstrating that oxidative stress may have a role in the pathophysiology of FM, however it is still not clear whether oxidative stress is the cause or the effect of the abnormalities documented in FM. Furthermore, it is also controversial the role of mitochondria in the pathophysiology of FM, however signs associated with mitochondrial dysfunction have been observed in FM. Mitochondria are also known to be strong producers of ROS, so have been related with the pathogenic mechanism of numerous diseases including FM. To this respect, it has been observed antioxidants therapies might be beneficial to improve the mitochondrial performance. Therefore, the dysfunction mitochondrial opens a great field of therapeutic research, for what it should start considering in the clinical medicine the boarding of the FM by means of therapy with antioxidant and drugs related to the mitochondrial biogenesis.

Bajos valores de serotonina en suero se correlacionan con la gravedad de los síntomas de la fibromialgia / Low levels of serotonin in serum correlates with severity of fibromyalgia

Objetivo: La fibromialgia es un síndrome de dolor crónico generalizado de etiología desconocida, que afecta predominantemente a mujeres. Dentro de las hipótesis que se han descrito como posibles mecanismos etiopatogénicos destaca la alteración de los valores y metabolismo de la serotonina y su relación con los síntomas en la fibromialgia. El objetivo del presente estudio fue demostrar si existía una correlación entre valores bajos de serotonina y los síntomas de la fibromialgia. Pacientes y método: Se determinó la concentración de serotonina sérica mediante enzimoinmunoensayo en una muestra de 38 pacientes y 25 sujetos sanos. Se correlacionaron los resultados con los síntomas relacionados con el dolor, la depresión, el impacto de la enfermedad (mediante el test Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire [FIQ]) y la edad de las pacientes. Resultados: Las pacientes presentaban un descenso de los valores de serotonina de un 45% respecto a los sujetos sanos. Se observó correlación con los parámetros predeterminados de dolor, depresión, FIQ y edad.Conclusión: Los valores de serotonina correlacionan con la gravedad de la fibromialgia. Además, existe una relación entre la edad y el descenso de la serotonina (AU)

Objetive: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome of unknown etiology, which affects predominantly women. Among the alterations that have been implicated in the pathophysiology of FM, there have been postulated disturbances in serotonin levels and metabolism, and their implication in symptoms. The aim of the present study was to assess the correlation levels between low levels of serotonin and severity of symptoms in FM. Patients and methods: We determined serotonin levels using an ELISA kit in serum from 38 FM patients and 25 healthy individual. Results were correlated with symptoms regarding pain, depression, impact of disease (FIQ) and age. Results: Serotonin levels were decreased by 45% compared to healthy individual. An important correlation was observed between serotonin levels and predetermined parameters of pain, depression, FIQ and age. Conclusion: Serotonin levels are correlated with severity of FM. In addition, there is an interesting correlation between serotonin levels and age of patients (AU)

[Low levels of serotonin in serum correlates with severity of fibromyalgia]. / Bajos valores de serotonina en suero se correlacionan con la gravedad de los síntomas de la fibromialgia.

OBJECTIVE: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome of unknown etiology, which affects predominantly women. Among the alterations that have been implicated in the pathophysiology of FM, there have been postulated disturbances in serotonin levels and metabolism, and their implication in symptoms. The aim of the present study was to assess the correlation levels between low levels of serotonin and severity of symptoms in FM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We determined serotonin levels using an ELISA kit in serum from 38 FM patients and 25 healthy individual. Results were correlated with symptoms regarding pain, depression, impact of disease (FIQ) and age. RESULTS: Serotonin levels were decreased by 45% compared to healthy individual. An important correlation was observed between serotonin levels and predetermined parameters of pain, depression, FIQ and age. CONCLUSION: Serotonin levels are correlated with severity of FM. In addition, there is an interesting correlation between serotonin levels and age of patients.

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome with unknown etiology and pathophysiology. Recent studies have shown some evidence demonstrating that oxidative stress may have a role in the pathophysiology of FM. Furthermore, it is controversial the role of mitochondria in the oxidant imbalance documented in FM. Signs and symptoms associated with muscular alteration and mitochondrial dysfunction, including oxidative stress, have been observed in patients with FM. To this respect, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency, an essential electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and a strong antioxidant, alters mitochondria function and mitochondrial respiratory complexes organization and leading to increased ROS generation. Recently have been showed CoQ10 deficiency in blood mononuclear cells in FM patients, so if the hypothesis that mitochondrial dysfunction is the origin of oxidative stress in FM patients is demonstrated, could help to understand the complex pathophysiology of this disorder and may lead to development of new therapeutic strategies for prevention and treatment of this disease.

Coenzyme Q10 and alpha-tocopherol protect against amitriptyline toxicity.

Since amitriptyline is a very frequently prescribed antidepressant drug, it is not surprising that amitriptyline toxicity is relatively common. Amitriptyline toxic systemic effects include cardiovascular, autonomous nervous, and central nervous systems. To understand the mechanisms of amitriptyline toxicity we studied the cytotoxic effects of amitriptyline treatment on cultured primary human fibroblasts and zebrafish embryos, and the protective role of coenzyme Q(10) and alpha-tocopherol, two membrane antioxidants. We found that amitriptyline treatment induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in primary human fibroblasts. Mitochondrial dysfunction in amitriptyline treatment was characterized by reduced expression levels of mitochondrial proteins and coenzyme Q(10), decreased NADH:cytochrome c reductase activity, and a drop in mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, and as a consequence of these toxic effects, amitriptyline treatment induced a significant increase in apoptotic cell death activating mitochondrial permeability transition. Coenzyme Q(10) and alpha-tocopherol supplementation attenuated ROS production, lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death, suggesting that oxidative stress affecting cell membrane components is involved in amitriptyline cytotoxicity. Furthermore, amitriptyline-dependent toxicity and antioxidant protection were also evaluated in zebrafish embryos, a well established vertebrate model to study developmental toxicity. Amitriptyline significantly increased embryonic cell death and apoptosis rate, and both antioxidants provided a significant protection against amitriptyline embryotoxicity.