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Profile of circulating microRNAs in fibromyalgia and their relation to symptom severity: an exploratory study

  • Original Article - Genes and Disease
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Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by generalized chronic pain and reduced pain thresholds. Disturbed neuroendocrine function and impairment of growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 is common. However, the pathophysiology of FM is not clear. MicroRNAs are important regulatory factors reflecting interface of genes and environment. Our aim was to identify characteristic microRNAs in FM and relations of specific microRNAs with characteristic symptoms. A total of 374 circulating microRNAs were measured in women with FM (n = 20; median 52.5 years) and healthy women (n = 20; 52.5 years) by quantitative PCR. Pain thresholds were examined by algometry. Pain [fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) pain] levels were rated (0–100 mm) using FIQ. Fatigue (FIQ fatigue) was rated (0–100 mm) using FIQ and multidimensional fatigue inventory general fatigue. Sleep quantity and quality (1–4) rated from satisfactory to nonsatisfactory. Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms. Eight microRNAs differed significantly between FM and healthy women. Seven microRNAs, miR-103a-3p, miR-107, let-7a-5p, miR-30b-5p, miR-151a-5p, miR-142-3p and miR-374b-5p, were lower in FM. However, levels of miR-320a were higher in FM. MiR-103a-3p correlated with pain (r = 0.530, p = 0.016) and sleep quantity (r = 0.593, p = 0.006) in FM. MiR-320a correlated inversely with pain (r = −0.468, p = 0.037). MiR-374b-5p correlated inversely with pain threshold (r = −0.612, p = 0.004). MiR-30b-5p correlated with sleep quantity (r = 0.509, p = 0.022), and let-7a-5p was associated with sleep symptoms. When adjusted for body mass index, the correlation of sleep quantity with miR-103a and miR-30b was no longer significant. To our knowledge, this is the first study of circulating microRNAs in FM. Levels of several microRNAs differed significantly in FM compared to healthy women. Three microRNAs were associated with pain or pain threshold in FM.

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Abbreviations

FM:

Fibromyalgia syndrome

FIQ:

Fibromyalgia impact questionnaire

MFI-20:

Multidimensional fatigue inventory

MFIGF:

Multidimensional fatigue inventory, subscale of general fatigue

BMI:

Body mass index

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Acknowledgments

We thank Lena Nordeman, Åsa Cider, Gunilla Jonsson, Annie Palstam and members of the GAU-study group for recruiting, examining or supervising the subjects. This work has been funded by grants from the Swedish Research Council, the Medical Society of Göteborg, the Swedish Rheumatism Association, the King Gustaf V:s 80-year Foundation, the Wilhelm and Martina Lundgrens Foundation, the Foundation to the Memory of Sigurd and Elsa Golje, Rune and Ulla Amlövs Trust, the University of Göteborg, the Regional agreement on medical training and clinical research between the Western Götaland county council and the University of Göteborg (LUA/ALF), the Health and Medical Care Executive Board of Västra Götaland Region. The funding sources have no involvement in study design; in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; and in the decision to submit the article for publication.

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The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Guldhedsgatan 10, Box 480, 40530, Göteborg, Sweden

    Jan L. Bjersing, Maria I. Bokarewa & Kaisa Mannerkorpi

  2. Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg Centre for Person-centred Care (GPCC), Göteborg, Sweden

    Kaisa Mannerkorpi

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  1. Jan L. Bjersing
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Correspondence to Jan L. Bjersing.

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Bjersing, J.L., Bokarewa, M.I. & Mannerkorpi, K. Profile of circulating microRNAs in fibromyalgia and their relation to symptom severity: an exploratory study. Rheumatol Int 35, 635–642 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-014-3139-3

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