Continued.
. . 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Nocturnal Melatonin Secretion
Most patients with fibromyalgia complain of sleep disturbances, fatigue,
and pain. These symptoms may be a consequence of altered melatonin
(MT) secretion since melatonin is known to have sleep-promoting properties.
In addition, serum concentrations of two melatonin precursors (tryptophan
and serotonin) appear to be low in fibromyalgia patients. It is hypothesized
that both mycoplasma and fungi contribute to sleep disorders.
In another study, eight fibromyalgia patients and eight healthy controls
were measured for melatonin during sleep, showing a 31% lower melatonin
secretion for the patients compared to the controls.15 See
Chart 1A,
Common Symptoms and Characteristics of Fibromyalgia.
Chart 1A: Common Symptoms
and Characteristics of Fibromyalgia
- Muscle PainSleep Disturbances
- Neuroendocrine
Performance Defects
- Abnormal Pain Response (Tender Points)
- Gender
Difference (Greater Incidence in Females)
- Skin Hypoxia Above Tender
Points
- Sensitivity to Aluminum, Lead, Platinum
- Type
II Muscle Fiber Atrophy
- Proliferation of Mitochondria (in Type
I Muscle Fibers)
- Altered Cerebral Blood Flow
- Genetic Alterations
- Depression/Anxiety
- Arrythmia
- Bursitis
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Vertigo
- Thyroid problems
- Tinnitis
- Cartilage Softening
- Cardio Insufficiency
- Respiratory Insufficiency
- Serotonin Pathway
Dysfunction
- Altered Melatonin Secretion
- Antibodies to
Serotonin and Receptor
- Lowered Serum Serotonin
- Edema of Extremities
- Adrenal Insufficiency
Serotonin
Antibodies to Serotonin
Antibodies to serotonin, gangliosides, and phospholipids have been
found in about 70% of fibromyalgia patients. CFS patients showed
serotonin antibodies in 62% of those studied. Antibodies to serotonin
were closely related to FMS/CFS, while antibodies to gangliosides
and phospholipids could also be detected in other disorders. The
observation that family members of CFS and fibromyalgia patients
also had these antibodies presents evidence for genetic predisposition
or infections.16,17
In a group of clinically defined fibromyalgia patients, 74% had antibodies
against serotonin and gangliosides. Since gangliosides are an important
component of the serotonin receptor, these antibodies may include those
made against the receptor as well.18 Serum levels of serotonin are
also significantly lower in fibromyalgia patients.19 See
Chart 1.
Serotonin Level in Jaw Muscle
The level of serotonin in 35 patients complaining of pain and tenderness
in the jaw muscle was measured. Eighteen suffered from fibromyalgia,
and 17 had
localized facial pain. The level of serotonin in the jaw muscle was compared
to that of the blood serum. Higher levels of serotonin in the jaw muscle
were found in the fibromyalgia patients than in healthy individuals.
High levels
of serotonin were associated with pain in these patients.20
Bilayer Lipid Membrane
To explain adequately several biochemical mechanisms related to fibromyalgia,
enabling the reader to understand in detail more recent discoveries,
here is a brief overview of related biochemical structures, including
the plasma or bilayer lipid membrane, membrane receptors and membrane
ion channels.
Surrounding every animal cell is a molecular membrane (not to be confused
with those animal membranes large enough to be seen) consisting of
two leaflets in opposition to each other (bilayer). Each leaflet consists
of a sheet or array of molecules comprised of long-chain fatty acids
permanently attached to a support. The support is a chain of three
carbon atoms (glycerol or glycerin) to which is attached two long-chain
fatty acids. Fatty acids consist of chains of (typically) 15 to 20
carbon atoms to which are attached hydrogen atoms (two hydrogen per
carbon). These components are fat-soluble (hydrophobic, or water-incompatible).
To the third carbon of glycerol is attached a group which is water-soluble
(water-compatible or hydrophilic). The water-related groups lie outside
the membrane, while the fat-soluble chains comprise the central portion
of the membrane.
Imbedded in this lipid membrane are
large proteins, found either outside the cell, inside the cell, or
extending completely through the membrane,
projecting into the water phase on both sides of the membrane. Some
of these transmembrane proteins function as "receptors" for
other simple organic molecules and serve to convey messages from one
side of the membrane to the other. This transfer of information across
an otherwise impenetrable barrier surrounding the cell is commonly
performed by hormones and other messengers.
Each receptor is capable of binding only one specific kind of substance
or molecule, not binding any other kind. When a receptor binds to the
specific molecule for which it has specificity, a shape change occurs
in the receptor, resulting in a biochemical response within the cell.
Through this process, external chemical messengers convey signals through
the outer surface of the cell to the inside, resulting in a response
by the cell to the external messenger.
Some membrane receptors have a specialized
function and are known as "ion channels." When a specific
molecule is bound by this receptor, a channel in the receptor opens,
allowing positively
charged particles (ions) to pass through. These ions include sodium,
potassium and calcium. See Figure
1.(26KB .pdf)
Nerve Cells
A typical nerve cell consists of a
long filament or axon whose terminal end lies in close proximity to
another nerve cell. The space between
them is known as the synaptic cleft. One nerve cell communicates with
another through the release of a chemical substance known as a neurotransmitter,
held within small sacs (vesicles) lying near the terminal end. An electrical
pulse travels the length of the axon and, when it reaches the nerve
cell terminal, causes the vesicles to rupture through the presynaptic
membrane
and discharge the neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft. The neurotransmitter
is bound by a protein (receptor) in the postsynaptic membrane of the
adjoining nerve cell causing in turn, the transmission of an electrical
pulse down the axon of the second nerve cell. By this mechanism, nerve
cells communicate with one another through the action of a neurotransmitter.
One such neurotransmitter is a simple organic substance known as serotonin.61 See
Figure 2.(19KB .pdf)
Continued. . . 1,
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 |