Apolipoprotein (a) as Predictive Factor in Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

Abstract

Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain with associated symptoms including stiffness, fatigue, sleep disturbance and functional impairment. FMS is depicted by chronic pain for at least three months and tender points identified by the American Collage of Rheumatology (ACR). Although several hypotheses have been developed; the cause of FMS is currently unknown.
This study aims to evaluate the contribution of serum apolipoprotein (a) [Apo (a)], leptin, and serum lipid profile to the pathophysiology of FMS.
Subjects & Methods: The study has included 160 patients with FMS with age range (18-72) years and 60 control individuals who were age and sex matching with FMS patients: 29 patients with chronic musculoskeletal complaints but without FMS and 31 healthy controls. Elisa technique was used for the determination of Apo (a) and leptin. Colorimetric method was used to determine serum lipid profile. BMI was measured in all subjects. Results were evaluated using descriptive and inferential statistics; data were expressed as (mean ± SEM). P value of <0.05 was accepted as significant.
Results: Serum Apo (a) in FMS patients was significantly higher than healthy control group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences among the three subject groups in serum lipid profile and leptin levels.
Conclusion: Apo (a) may play an important role in FMS pathogenesis. Lipid profile and leptin have no role in FMS patients as a cause or result of this syndrome.