Associations Between Genetic Polymorphisms and Psychological Variables in Women With Fibromyalgia: A Cross-Sectional...

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Psychology
• Pain Medicine

Background:

• Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex condition characterized by chronic pain and psychological distress.
• Psychological factors like anxiety, depression, and catastrophizing significantly impact FM symptom severity.
• Genetic variability is hypothesized to play a role in pain modulation and stress response mechanisms in FM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between specific genetic polymorphisms and psychological variables in women diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
• To explore the genetic underpinnings of psychological vulnerability in the context of fibromyalgia.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 67 women with fibromyalgia.
• Assessment of pain intensity, FM impact, anxiety, depression, and catastrophizing using validated questionnaires.
• Genotyping of 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including BDNF rs6265, OPRM1 rs1799971, and MAOA rs1137070 from saliva samples.

Main Results:

• Pain intensity showed significant correlations with depression, catastrophizing, and anxiety.
• Catastrophizing was strongly associated with depression, anxiety, and kinesiophobia.
• Specific genetic polymorphisms were linked to psychological traits: BDNF rs6265 with catastrophizing (p=0.044), OPRM1 rs1799971 with anxiety (p=0.030), and MAOA rs1137070 with depression (p=0.020).

Conclusions:

• Psychological variables in fibromyalgia are interconnected and influence pain perception.
• Genetic polymorphisms in BDNF, OPRM1, and MAOA are associated with psychological vulnerability in FM.
• Integrating genetic and psychological perspectives is crucial for understanding and managing fibromyalgia variability.