Descending Pain Modulation in Fibromyalgia: A Short Review of Mechanisms and Biomarkers

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2025

Authors

Carneiro, BD (Author) Other; Torres, S (Author) Other; Costa-Pereira, JT (Author) FCNAUP; Pozza, DH (Author) Other; Isaura Tavares (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Diagnostics

Final page: 2702

Publisher: MDPI

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-01A-F11

DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics15212702

Abstract (EN): <jats:p>Fibromyalgia is a prevalent chronic pain disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and sleep disturbances, with high impact in quality of life. Despite extensive research, the pathophysiological mechanisms of fibromyalgia remain partially understood, complicating the diagnosis and treatment. Some evidence underscores the central role of abnormal pain processing, particularly central sensitization and defective descending pain modulation pathways. This review synthesizes and discusses current findings on the neurobiological underpinnings of pain in fibromyalgia, with focus on descending inhibitory control mechanisms and on the role of biomarkers. We integrate data from neurochemical, neuroimaging, and clinical studies to explain how impaired descending modulation contributes to enhanced pain sensitivity and discuss the putative biomarkers associated with changes in descending modulation. A better understanding of descending pain modulation dysfunction in fibromyalgia and related biomarkers is crucial for improving clinical outcomes and developing novel and more effective treatments.</jats:p>

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific