There were no differences between either groups in the levels of oxidized LDL, IL-8, TNF-a, and IL-1-beta, but differences emerged between VAS and serum IL-8 and TNF-a in the group of patients with fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia patients also presented a relationship between their SSS score and serum oxidized LDL, but no relationship between tender points and the cytokines or oxidized LDL.
Levels of cytokine protein and fibromyalgia
A German study looked at cytokines in 40 patients with chronic widespread pain of which 26 had a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Individuals with chronic widespread pain also had lower levels of cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 compared to individuals without chronic pain. The findings suggest that there may be a link between cytokines and fibromyalgia.
Cytokines are proteins that help the immune system function properly. Cytokines also assist white blood cells to ward off infection. This results in inflammation, which may help explain the pain experienced in fibromyalgia. Additional research is required to determine if cytokines play a role in fibromyalgia or may even be a possible cause of the condition.