Somatisation and function of HPA in fibromyalgia: an investigation using sham and true pain stimuli

Abstract

Introduction: Studies have shown hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) dysfunction in fibromyalgia, particularly when associated with depression or anxiety. Although research has demonstrated a close relationship between fibromyalgia and somatoform disorder, there is as yet no literature on how this association affects HPA activity in fibromyalgia. We set out to investigate the influence of somatoform dimensions on HPA activity using nocebo and cold pressure test (CPT) stimuli.

Evolutionary Significance of the Neuroendocrine Stress Axis on Vertebrate Immunity and the Influence of the Microbiome on Early-Life Stress Regulation and Health Outcomes

“…Associated health outcomes range from neuropsychiatric conditions such as depression ( Iob et al, 2019 ), panic disorders ( Abelson et al, 2007 ), and obsessive-compulsive disorder ( Gustafsson et al, 2008 ) to those affecting other body systems such as diabetes mellitus ( Prpić-Križevac et al, 2012 ) and hyperthyroidism ( Johnson et al, 2005 ). In contrast, hypoactivation of the HPA axis is related to disease states such as fibromyalgia ( Ciaramella et al, 2017 ), chronic fatigue syndrome ( Van Den Eede et al, 2007 ), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) ( Morris et al, 2012 ). Interestingly, PTSD has been associated with reductions in the bacterial phyla Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobia, specifically Akkermansia muciniphila ( Hemmings et al, 2017 ), which were also less abundant in infants whose mothers experienced significant prenatal stress ( Zijlmans et al, 2015 ).…”