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The following is a summary of “Mitochondrial function in patients affected with fibromyalgia syndrome is impaired and correlates with disease severity,” published in the December 2024 issue of Rheumatology by Macchi et al. 

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a musculoskeletal syndrome with chronic pain and systemic manifestations.  

Researchers conducted a retrospective study on mitochondrial dysfunction in FMS and found a correlation with disease severity. Impaired mitochondrial function was observed in patients with FMS. 

They studied mitochondrial dysfunction in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 50 patients with primary FMS and 20 healthy controls. 

The results showed no differences in mitochondrial basal respiration between patients with FMS and healthy controls. However, patients with FMS had a lower median bioenergetic health index (BHI; −22.1%, P = 0.03). Fibromyalgia severity score (FSS) ≥ 20 had a lower median BHI (−18.7%) compared to those with FSS < 20. Moderate negative correlations were found between BHI and FSS (r = −0.36) and BHI and widespread pain index (r = −0.38). 

The results showed no differences in mitochondrial basal respiration between FMS patients and healthy controls. However, patients with FMS had a lower median (BHI; −22.1%, P = 0.03). Patients with FSS ≥ 20 had a lower median BHI (−18.7%) compared to those with FSS < 20. Moderate negative correlations were found between BHI and FSS (r = −0.36) and BHI and widespread pain index (r = −0.38). 

They demonstrated that patients with FMS had impaired mitochondrial function. Mild correlations between the widespread pain index and BHI suggested musculoskeletal involvement rather than central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction. 

Source: nature.com/articles/s41598-024-81298-x#Abs1