Low Levels of Certain Cytokines May Be Linked to Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is among the conditions marked by chronic widespread pain. Fatigue, depression, and insufficient sleep can be associated with conditions characterized by chronic widespread pain, making diagnosis difficult.

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Study results published in the August 2006 issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism revealed cytokine profiles of 40 patients with chronic widespread pain. Of the 40 patients, 26 had fibromyalgia. Cytokines are proteins which serve as messengers between cells and play a role in the inflammation pathway.

Researchers found that patients with chronic widespread pain had significantly lower levels of two cytokines, IL-4 and IL-10. Further studies will determine if the lower cytokine levels (of which there may be more) are a consequence of chronic widespread pain or if they are part of the cause.

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