Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is the most prevalent type of widespread chronic pain disorders, affecting around
4.7% of population. Currently, the diagnosis of the disease is based on the patient's medical history and symptoms,
which challenge diagnosing FM in a timely and correct manner. The aim of this study was to identify FM-specific
measurable indicators by analyzing the gut microbiome and viral infections. The pilot-study involved a cohort of 17
patients with FM and samples from 24 healthy blood donors. Determination of human herpesviruses (HHVs) infection
markers in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)/plasma samples was performed using multiplex and real-time
polymerase chain reactions, cytokines levels - using bead-based multiplex assay. The analysis of the gut microbiome -
performed by constructing a genomic library and conducting next generation sequencing.The results showed a trend of
HHVs being more frequently found in patients with FM than in the control group. In the FM group, patients with BMI ≥
30 had an increase in levels of cytokines compared to the control group. Analysis of the gut microbiome revealed
significant differences in β-diversity between the two groups and indicated altered relative species abundance in the
FM group compared to healthy controls. The study hints at a possible link between HHVs and FM. Furthermore,
changes in bacterial species composition in FM patients compared to healthy individuals suggest that investigating the
role of the gut microbiome in the etiopathogenesis of FM could be a promising direction for future research.
4.7% of population. Currently, the diagnosis of the disease is based on the patient's medical history and symptoms,
which challenge diagnosing FM in a timely and correct manner. The aim of this study was to identify FM-specific
measurable indicators by analyzing the gut microbiome and viral infections. The pilot-study involved a cohort of 17
patients with FM and samples from 24 healthy blood donors. Determination of human herpesviruses (HHVs) infection
markers in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)/plasma samples was performed using multiplex and real-time
polymerase chain reactions, cytokines levels - using bead-based multiplex assay. The analysis of the gut microbiome -
performed by constructing a genomic library and conducting next generation sequencing.The results showed a trend of
HHVs being more frequently found in patients with FM than in the control group. In the FM group, patients with BMI ≥
30 had an increase in levels of cytokines compared to the control group. Analysis of the gut microbiome revealed
significant differences in β-diversity between the two groups and indicated altered relative species abundance in the
FM group compared to healthy controls. The study hints at a possible link between HHVs and FM. Furthermore,
changes in bacterial species composition in FM patients compared to healthy individuals suggest that investigating the
role of the gut microbiome in the etiopathogenesis of FM could be a promising direction for future research.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | IS061 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 19 May 2024 |
| Event | 14th International Congress on Autoimmunity - Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia Duration: 17 May 2024 → 20 May 2024 Conference number: 14 https://autoimmunity.kenes.com |
Congress
| Congress | 14th International Congress on Autoimmunity |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Slovenia |
| City | Ljubljana |
| Period | 17/05/24 → 20/05/24 |
| Internet address |
Field of Science*
- 1.6 Biological sciences
- 3.1 Basic medicine
Publication Type*
- 3.4. Other publications in conference proceedings (including local)