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Dopamine in plasma - a biomarker for myofascial TMD pain?
Andreas Dawson1,2,3, Niclas Stensson4, Bijar Ghafouri4,5
1Center for Oral Rehabilitation, Östergötland County Council, Linköping, Sweden. andreas.dawson@regionostergotland.se.
Background:
Dopaminergic pathways could be involved in the pathophysiology of myofascial temporomandibular disorders (M-TMD). This study investigated plasma levels of dopamine and serotonin (5-HT) in patients with M-TMD and in healthy subjects.
Methods:
Fifteen patients with M-TMD and 15 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects participated. The patients had received an M-TMD diagnosis according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD. Perceived mental stress, pain intensity (0-100-mm visual analogue scale), and pressure pain thresholds (PPT, kPa) over the masseter muscles were assessed; a venous blood sample was taken.
Results:
Dopamine in plasma differed significantly between patients with M-TMD (4.98 ± 2.55 nM) and healthy controls (2.73 ± 1.24 nM; P < 0.01). No significant difference in plasma 5-HT was observed between the groups (P = 0.75). Patients reported significantly higher pain intensities (P < 0.001) and had lower PPTs (P < 0.01) compared with the healthy controls. Importantly, dopamine in plasma correlated significantly with present pain intensity (r = 0.53, n = 14, P < 0.05) and perceived mental stress (r = 0.34, n = 28, P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
The results suggest that peripheral dopamine might be involved in modulating peripheral pain. This finding, in addition to reports in other studies, suggests that dopaminergic pathways could be implicated in the pathophysiology of M-TMD but also in other chronic pain conditions. More research is warranted to elucidate the role of peripheral dopamine in the pathophysiology of chronic pain.
Insights
Elevated plasma dopamine levels were found in patients with myofascial temporomandibular disorders (M-TMD). This suggests peripheral dopamine may play a role in modulating pain in M-TMD and other chronic pain conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Myofascial temporomandibular disorders (M-TMD) may involve dopaminergic pathways.
- Investigating plasma dopamine and serotonin (5-HT) in M-TMD patients and controls.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare plasma dopamine and serotonin levels between M-TMD patients and healthy controls.
- To explore correlations between neurotransmitter levels, pain intensity, and mental stress.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 15 M-TMD patients and 15 healthy controls.
- Assessed pain intensity, mental stress, and pressure pain thresholds (PPT).
- Collected venous blood samples for neurotransmitter analysis.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher plasma dopamine in M-TMD patients (4.98 ± 2.55 nM) vs. controls (2.73 ± 1.24 nM).
- No significant difference in plasma serotonin (5-HT) between groups.
- Dopamine correlated with pain intensity and mental stress in M-TMD patients.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral dopamine may modulate pain perception.
- Dopaminergic pathways could be implicated in M-TMD pathophysiology.
- Further research is needed on dopamine's role in chronic pain.
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