Fibromyalgia occurs in 2% of the population and is defined by body pain lasting for more than three months. Researchers are increasingly interested in studying this problem and are investigating the role of the gut microbiome in this disease. Emerson Krock and his research team are currently conducting a research project Painful autoantibody cross-reactivity with the gut microbiome in fibromyalgia to learn more about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lay summary
<\/strong>Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic, whole body pain disorder affecting about 2% of the population. Despite how common fibromyalgia is, diagnostic tests do not exist, and treatment options have limited effects. Emerson Krock research team recently identified a role for autoantibodies (molecules which bind one\u2019s own antibodies) in FM pain. However, why these autoantibodies develop and their specific targets remain unknown. Recent studies have also linked the gut microbiome with FM pain. Their research hypothesizes that FM autoantibodies develop because of a structural similarity between gut bacteria antibody targets and human autoantibody targets. This study will investigate the localized and systemic antibody response to gut bacteria in fibromyalgia patients. Krock and team will identify bacteria that are bound by fibromyalgia antibodies and determine the human and bacterial targets of fibromyalgia autoantibodies.
The long-term goal of this research is to shed light on the relationship between gut microbiota, pain and autoantibodies in fibromyalgia. By identifying the targets of fibromyalgia autoantibodies, Krock and colleagues will be able to develop diagnostic tests and targeted therapeutic interventions. Currently, FM patients face challenges in diagnosis and pain management, and this study seeks to provide a crucial step forward in improving their quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n