A Significant Association Between rs2295190 Polymorphism of the ESR1 Gene and Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a multifactorial disease characterized by chronic diffuse pain. Genetic factors are also involved in the etiology. However, there is not enough information on the genetic factors that play a role in the pathogenesis of FMS. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between estrogen receptor 1 gene (ESR1) 594G>A (rs2228480) and 325C>G (rs2295190) polymorphisms and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). A total of 294 women, 146 of who were FMS patients and 148 of whom were healthy controls, were enrolled in the study. The instruments used to collect data from patients included patient follow-up form, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Genotyping of ESR1 594G>A and 325C>G polymorphisms in the extracted DNA samples was performed using an RT-PCR device and TaqMan hydrolysis probes. It was found that, for rs2295190 polymorphism, patients with CG and GG genotypes versus CC genotypes showed a decreased risk for FMS (OR: 0.442; 95% CI: 0.234-0.833). But there were no significant differences were found in the genotype distribution of  rs2228480 polymorphism between the FMS patients and controls. The intragroup evaluation of FMS patients revealed no significant association between symptoms, pain score, FIQ score, and polymorphisms (p>0.05). We are of the opinion that there is a significant association between ESR1 rs2295190 polymorphism and FMS and that this polymorphism may be protective against FMS. However, there is a need for comprehensive studies on different populations to obtain clearer data as well as further studies to elucidate the possible mechanism of association.

Determination of the increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation in fibromyalgia syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the leading cause of ischemic stroke and is one of the most common arrhythmias. Previous studies have shown that impaired diastolic functions, P wave dispersion (Pd), and prolonged atrial conduction times (ACT) are associated with increased incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to evaluate diastolic functions, Pd, and ACT in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) patients to determine whether there is an increase in the risk of developing AF. METHODS: The study included a total of 140 female patients (70 FMS group, 70 healthy control group). Pd was evaluated using 12 lead electrocardiography (ECG), and diastolic functions and ACT with echocardiography. The ECG and echocardiographic evaluations were performed by different cardiologists blinded to the clinical information of the subjects. RESULTS: There was no difference between the two groups in laboratory and clinical parameters. Patients with FMS had significantly higher echocardiographic parameters of ACT known as left-sided intra-atrial (13.9 ± 5.9 vs. 8.1 ± 1.8, p < 0.001), right-sided intra-atrial (21.9 ± 8.2 vs. 10.4 ± 3.5, p < 0.001) and interatrial [40 (25-64) ms vs. 23 (14-27) ms p < 0.001] electromechanical interval (EMI) compared with the control group. Pd was significantly greater in the FMS group compared with the control group [46 (29-62) ms vs. 32 (25-37) ms, p < 0.001]. In the FMS group, there was no significant relationship of the echocardiographic parameters of ACT, Pmax and Pd with age, E/A ratio and deceleration time (DT); while all these five parameters were significantly correlated with left atrial dimension, isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT), fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) and visual analogue scale (VAS). There was a strong correlation between FIQ and VAS and echocardiographic parameters of ACT, Pmax and Pd. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired diastolic functions, an increase in Pd, and prolongation of ACT were observed in FMS. Current disorders are thought to be associated with an increased risk of AF in FMS. The risk of developing AF increases with the severity of FMS and clinical progression.

Determination of the increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation in fibromyalgia syndrome

Abstract Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the leading cause of ischemic stroke and is one of the most common arrhythmias. Previous studies have shown that impaired diastolic functions, P wave dispersion (Pd), and prolonged atrial conduction times (ACT) are associated with increased incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to evaluate diastolic functions, Pd, and ACT in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) patients to determine whether there is an increase in the risk of developing AF. Methods: The study included a total of 140 female patients (70 FMS group, 70 healthy control group). Pd was evaluated using 12 lead electrocardiography (ECG), and diastolic functions and ACT with echocardiography. The ECG and echocardiographic evaluations were performed by different cardiologists blinded to the clinical information of the subjects. Results: There was no difference between the two groups in laboratory and clinical parameters. Patients with FMS had significantly higher echocardiographic parameters of ACT known as left-sided intra-atrial (13.9 ± 5.9 vs. 8.1 ± 1.8, p < 0.001), right-sided intra-atrial (21.9 ± 8.2 vs. 10.4 ± 3.5, p < 0.001) and interatrial [40 (25-64) ms vs. 23 (14-27) ms p < 0.001] electromechanical interval (EMI) compared with the control group. Pd was significantly greater in the FMS group compared with the control group [46 (29-62) ms vs. 32 (25-37) ms, p < 0.001]. In the FMS group, there was no significant relationship of the echocardiographic parameters of ACT, Pmax and Pd with age, E/A ratio and deceleration time (DT); while all these five parameters were significantly correlated with left atrial dimension, isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT), fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) and visual analogue scale (VAS). There was a strong correlation between FIQ and VAS and echocardiographic parameters of ACT, Pmax and Pd. Conclusions: Impaired diastolic functions, an increase in Pd, and prolongation of ACT were observed in FMS. Current disorders are thought to be associated with an increased risk of AF in FMS. The risk of developing AF increases with the severity of FMS and clinical progression.(AU)

The effect of high-intensity versus low-level laser therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis: a randomized clinical trial.

We aimed to compare the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) in the treatment of plantar fasciitis (PF). Seventy patients were randomized into either the LLLT (8 men, 27 women; mean age 48.65 ± 10.81 years) or HILT (7 men, 28 women; mean age 48.73 ± 11.41 years) groups. LLLT (904 nm) and HILT (1064 nm) were performed three times per week, over a period of 3 weeks. Each treatment combined with silicone insole and stretching exercises. Patients' pain and functional status were evaluated with Visual Analog Scale, Heel Tenderness Index, and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score before and after treatment. A chi-square test was performed to compare demographic and clinical characteristics. Within-group and between-group differences were also investigated. Paired samples t test was used to analyze the differences between baseline and after treatment values, while independent samples t test was used to compare the two groups. Both groups contained similar demographic characteristics including age, sex, and body mass index (all p > 0.05). Three and two patients in the HILT and LLLT group, respectively, were lost to follow-up. At the study onset, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the Visual Analog Scale, Heel Tenderness Index, and Foot And Ankle Outcome Scores. Three weeks later, both groups showed significant improvement in all parameters (p < 0.05). The HILT group demonstrated better improvement in all parameters than the LLLT group. Although both treatments improved the pain levels, function, and quality of life in patients with PF, HILT had a more significant effect than LLLT.

Common Mistakes in the Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) in Turkey. A Retrospective Descriptive Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a widespread metabolic bone disease representing a global public health problem currently affecting more than two hundred million people worldwide. The World Health Organization states that dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the best densitometric technique for assessing bone mineral density (BMD). DXA provides an accurate diagnosis of osteoporosis, a good estimation of fracture risk, and is a useful tool for monitoring patients undergoing treatment. Common mistakes in BMD testing can be divided into four principal categories: 1) indication errors, 2) lack of quality control and calibration, 3) analysis and interpretation errors, and 4) inappropriate acquisition techniques. The aim of this retrospective multicenter descriptive study is to identify the common errors in the application of the DXA technique in Turkey. METHODS: All DXA scans performed during the observation period were included in the study if the measurements of both, the lumbar spine and proximal femur were recorded. Forearm measurement, total body measurements, and measurements performed on children were excluded. Each examination was surveyed by 30 consultants from 20 different centers each informed and trained in the principles of and the standards for DXA scanning before the study. RESULTS: A total of 3,212 DXA scan results from 20 different centers in 15 different Turkish cities were collected. The percentage of the discovered erroneous measurements varied from 10.5% to 65.5% in the lumbar spine and from 21.3% to 74.2% in the proximal femur. The overall error rate was found to be 31.8% (n = 1021) for the lumbar spine and 49.0% (n = 1576) for the proximal femur. CONCLUSION: In Turkey, DXA measurements of BMD have been in use for over 20 years, and examination processes continue to improve. There is no educational standard for operator training, and a lack of knowledge can lead to significant errors in the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation.