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A Link Between Inflammatory Mechanisms and Fibromyalgia
Ashika Bains1,2,3, Samuel Kohrman1,2,3, Diana Punko1,2,3
1Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Abstract:
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition characterized by chronic widespread pain, which has traditionally been considered psychogenic in nature due to lack of known underlying organic pathophysiology. In more recent years, inflammation of the nervous system has become increasingly recognized as a sign of neuropsychiatric conditions, and this association may enhance our knowledge of conditions such as FM. Emerging evidence has suggested inflammation, particularly neuroinflammation, as a potential contributor underlying the etiology of FM. Studies have searched for linked biomarkers with mixed results, though the literature is beginning to point to increased systemic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-8 in patients with FM relative to healthy controls. A multicenter imaging study has also reported results suggestive of microglial activation related to the presence of FM. Given the consistency in neuroinflammatory effects implicated in "sickness behavior" characteristic of chronic systemic inflammatory conditions such as cancer or rheumatic diseases, therein springs the hypothesis for a connection between FM and neuroinflammation as discussed in this chapter.
Insights
Fibromyalgia (FM) may be linked to neuroinflammation, a type of central nervous system inflammation. Emerging research suggests elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines and microglial activation in FM patients, supporting this connection.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition often misattributed to psychogenic causes due to unclear pathophysiology.
- Recent research increasingly links neuropsychiatric conditions to nervous system inflammation, offering new insights into FM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential role of neuroinflammation in the etiology of Fibromyalgia.
- To review emerging evidence connecting FM to inflammatory processes within the nervous system.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating biomarkers and imaging in FM patients.
- Analysis of findings related to pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, IL-8) and microglial activation.
Main Results:
- Mixed results in biomarker studies, but a trend towards increased systemic pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8) in FM patients.
- Multicenter imaging studies suggest microglial activation in individuals with FM.
Conclusions:
- Neuroinflammation is a plausible contributing factor to Fibromyalgia.
- The "sickness behavior" observed in other inflammatory conditions supports a link between FM and neuroinflammation.
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