Melatonin levels in premenopausal women with fibromyalgia syndrome

Abstract

The fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic, widespread pain disorder of unknown etiology. It has been suggest that familial component, environmental factors, endocrine and neurotransmitter alterations, and psychological factors may contribute to the development of FMS. The role of melatonin in FMS is unclear. Some studies describe a lower nocturnal peak and a decreased secretion of melatonin in women with FMS when compared with healthy matched controls. The aim of the present study was to determine the possible role of melatonin in FMS patients. We examined the characteristics and levels of melatonin in 25 consecutive premenopausal women with FMS. Serum blood samples were collected from 25 patients and 20 the age and gender matched healthy controls. Melatonin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Then, the results were compared with those from healthy subjects. Serum melatonin levels of FMS patients were not statistically different from those of controls (P > 0.05). No association was observed between melatonin levels of patients with FMS and disease duration, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and pain scores. Our results demonstrate that melatonin levels were similar in patients with FMS and healthy controls. Further studies are needed to determine the possible role of melatonin.

Catecholamine and Indolamine Pathway: A Case–Control Study in Fibromyalgia

“…It is produced from 5-HT in a reaction catalyzed by the enzyme serotonin N -acetyltransferase and is converted to melatonin by acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase. Based on the normal values of NAC-5-HT, we found in the FM patients in the present study, one would expect that melatonin levels were also similar between patients with FM and controls, as several authors have previously described (Klerman, Goldenberg, Brown, Maliszewski, & Adler, 2001; Press et al, 1998; Senel, Baygutalp, Baykal, Erdal, & Ugur, 2013).…”

The anxiodepressive comorbidity in chronic pain

“…The analyses of the cerebrospinal fluid from fibromyalgia patients suggested a decrease in biogenic amines, such as dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin [97], and positron emission tomography evidenced a reduction in presynaptic dopamine metabolism [98]. Recent results obtained with agomelatine, a melatonin agonist, on depressive symptoms and sleep disturbances in patients with fibromyalgia [100], as well as the altered melatonin levels [101] reported in fibromyalgia patients, are pointing out to melatonin among the target of interest (Fig. Recent results obtained with agomelatine, a melatonin agonist, on depressive symptoms and sleep disturbances in patients with fibromyalgia [100], as well as the altered melatonin levels [101] reported in fibromyalgia patients, are pointing out to melatonin among the target of interest (Fig.…”

Agomelatine beyond Borders: Current Evidences of Its Efficacy in Disorders Other than Major Depression

“…Moreover, sleep disturbances are relatively common in such patients, and are usually described as an unrestorative and poor quality sleep, reflecting a possible disruption in circadian rhythms and melatonin secretion. Melatonin levels are often reduced in fibromyalgia [ 79 ], even if this finding is controversial [ 80 ]. Melatonin has been successfully used to relieve fibromyalgia symptomatology, with a remarkable improvement on sleep parameters and subjective pain [ 81 , 82 ].…”