Clinical Symptoms in Fibromyalgia Are Better Associated to Lipid Peroxidation Levels in Blood Mononuclear Cells Rather than in Plasma

Abstract

BackgroundWe examined lipid peroxidation (LPO) in blood mononuclear cells (BMCs) and plasma, as a marker of oxidative damage, and its association to clinical symptoms in Fibromyalgia (FM) patients.MethodsWe conducted a case–control and correlational study comparing 65 patients and 45 healthy controls. Clinical parameters were evaluated using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), visual analogues scales (VAS), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Oxidative stress was determined by measuring LPO in BMCs and plasma.ResultsWe found increased LPO levels in BMCs and plasma from FM patients as compared to normal control (P<0.001). A significant correlation between LPO in BMCs and clinical parameters was observed (r = 0.584, P<0.001 for VAS; r = 0.823, P<0.001 for FIQ total score; and r = 0.875, P<0.01 for depression in the BDI). We also found a positive correlation between LPO in plasma and clinical symptoms (r = 0.452, P<0.001 for VAS; r = 0.578, P<0.001 for FIQ total score; and r = 0.579, P<0.001 for depression in the BDI). Partial correlation analysis controlling for age and BMI, and sex, showed that both LPO in cells and plasma were independently associated to clinical symptoms. However, LPO in cells, but not LPO in plasma, was independently associated to clinical symptoms when controlling for depression (BDI scores).DiscussionThe results of this study suggest a role for oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia and that LPO in BMCs rather than LPO in plasma is better associated to clinical symptoms in FM.

Relationships between human vitality and mitochondrial respiratory parameters, reactive oxygen species production and dNTP levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

“…This result is consistent with findings from illnesses that have low vitality and fatigue as core symptoms. Reports indicate that chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia are accompanied by higher oxidized low density lipoproteins and elevated protein carbonyl levels in the blood [10, 33-36]. In addition, elevated levels of 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine, a marker of oxidative damage to DNA, had been found in the urine of chronic fatigue patients [37].…”

“…For example, changes in psychiatric disorders are not only found in the brain, but also in peripheral markers, such as cytokines [8, 9]. Moreover, PBMCs have been shown to be a suitable cell model for mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in biomarker discovery for Alzheimer's disease, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome [10-12]. …”

Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction across Broad-Ranging Pathologies: Toward Mitochondria-Targeted Clinical Strategies

“…A line of studies by Cordero and his colleagues has focused on MDF in FM, reporting on decreased ΔΨ and CoQ10 levels, along with excess mt ∙ O 2 − production and excess mitophagy [291–293]. …”

Is fibromyalgia part of the climacteric syndrome?

“…FMS pain is not only associated with symptoms affecting life quality, but their presence could also imply a higher risk of chronic diseases. Interestingly, it has been observed that FMS patients have more oxidative damage than controls, which could be translated into a higher cardiovascular risk [26].…”