This study aims to estimate the reliable prevalence of fibromyalgia using meta-analysis method. Available databanks were searched using appropriate keywords. According to the heterogeneity between the results (indicated by Cochrane and I square indices), random- or fixed-effects model was applied to combine the point prevalences. Meta-regression models were used to assess the suspected factors in the heterogeneity. In 65 selected papers, 81 evidences regarding prevalence of fibromyalgia among 3,609,810 subjects from general population and specific groups were investigated. The total prevalences (95% confidence intervals) of fibromyalgia among general population, women, men, patients referring to rheumatology and internal departments, patients with Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hemodialysis patients and those with type 2 diabetes mellitus were estimated as of 1.78% (1.65, 1.92), 3.98% (2.80, 5.20), 0.01% (-0.04, 0.06), 15.2% (13.6, 16.90), 12.9% (12.70, 13.10), 6.30% (4.60, 7.90) and 14.80% (11.10, 18.40), respectively. In addition, prevalence of fibromyalgia in specified groups varied from 3.90% in hemodialysis patients to 80% in patients suffering from Behcet syndrome. This meta-analysis showed that prevalence of fibromyalgia in general population was significantly lower than that in populations with some diseases.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has spread worldwide, and finding a safe therapeutic strategy and effective vaccine is critical to overcoming severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Therefore, elucidation of pathogenesis mechanisms, especially entry routes of SARS-CoV-2 may help propose antiviral drugs and novel vaccines. Several receptors have been demonstrated for the interaction of spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 with host cells, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2), ephrin ligands and Eph receptors, neuropilin 1 (NRP-1), P2X7, and CD147. The expression of these entry receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) may make the CNS prone to SARS-CoV-2 invasion, leading to neurodegenerative diseases. The present review provides potential pathological mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the CNS, including entry receptors and cytokines involved in neuroinflammatory conditions. Moreover, it explains several neurodegenerative disorders associated with COVID-19. Finally, we suggest inflammasome and JaK inhibitors as potential therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.

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