Can low level of cytokine proteins give rise to fibromyalgia?
It is often misunderstood by many that if you have low levels of cytokine proteins, you are suffering from fibromyalgia syndrome. This misunderstanding between the relationship of fibromyalgia and cytokine protein is likely due to the lack of understanding of the complex network of cytokine protein. Furthermore, many non-academic writing tend to generalize cytokine protein, without considering the nature of it.
As cytokine protein can be proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory, fibromyalgia patients can exhibit both low levels and high levels of cytokine protein, depending on which specific type of cytokine protein is measured.
Many studies have been conducted in the last 3 decades to investigate the relationship between cytokine protein levels and core fibromyalgia symptoms in particular pain, depression, fatigue and sleep. However, there has been a lack of consistency in findings of various research studying the relationship between cytokine protein levels and fibromyalgia symptoms with the exception of pain.
In 3 separate studies conducted in 2002 (2 studies led by Gür) and 2007 (Bazzichi), pain intensity in fibromyalgia patients was observed to be closely related to levels of proinflammatory cytokine protein IL-2, IL-8, and IL-6. Despite the above findings, there is still no substantial evidence to prove that abnormal levels of cytokine proteins cause fibromyalgia.
One reason that drives researchers to investigate the connection between cytokine proteins and fibromyalgia is the hope to develop biomarkers that can help in diagnosing and treating fibromyalgia. To date, the relationship between fibromyalgia and cytokine protein, though identified, is not completely clear, despite countless studies done. However, experts remain positive and believe that further research can potentially help in development of a means to managing symptoms of fibromyalgia.
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