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Frontiers in Nutrition 2023Observational studies have indicated an association between polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and chronic pain, but the potential causal link remains controversial....
BACKGROUND
Observational studies have indicated an association between polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and chronic pain, but the potential causal link remains controversial. Here, we aimed to investigate whether a causal relationship exists between the concentration of circulating PUFAs and chronic pain as well as the direction of this association.
METHODS
We collected statistical data from relevant genome-wide association studies to explore the causal link between four PUFAs, along with the ratio of omega-6 fatty acids (FAs) to omega-3 FAs (omega-6:3 ratio), and chronic pain in eight specific body parts. We used the inverse-variance weighting (IVW) method for two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and conducted supplementary analyses using four other methods (MR-Egger, weighted median, weighted mode, and simple mode). To verify the robustness of the MR study, we performed multiple sensitivity analyses.
RESULTS
The results revealed a negative correlation between omega-3 FAs [IVW, OR 95% CI: 0.952 (0.914, 0.991), = 0.017] and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [IVW, OR 95% CI: 0.935 (0.893, 0.978), = 0.003] with abnormal and pelvic pain. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between the omega-6:3 ratio [IVW, OR 95% CI: 1.057 (1.014, 1.101), = 0.009] with abdominal and pelvic pain. Additionally, we found a negative correlation between omega-3 FAs [IVW, OR 95% CI: 0.947 (0.902, 0.994), = 0.028] and lower back pain or sciatica. However, no causal relationship was found between the concentration of circulating PUFAs and pain in other body parts, including the face, throat and chest, joints, limbs, lower back, and gynecological parts. The robustness of these MR results was verified through multi-validity and retention method analyses.
CONCLUSION
Our analysis suggests that higher circulating concentrations of omega-3 FAs and DHA and a lower omega-6:3 ratio are associated with a reduced risk of abdominal and pelvic pain. Additionally, a higher concentration of circulating omega-3 FAs is linked to a reduced risk of lower back pain and/or sciatica. These findings have major implications for the targeted prevention and treatment of chronic pain using PUFAs.
PubMed: 37743908
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1265928 -
European Journal of Obstetrics &... Sep 2023Endometriosis is a chronic oestrogen-dependent disease that affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. Half of these women have deep dyspareunia. The presence of this...
INTRODUCTION
Endometriosis is a chronic oestrogen-dependent disease that affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. Half of these women have deep dyspareunia. The presence of this symptom has been shown to negatively affect your quality of life. There are few studies in the literature that address this issue and its pathophysiology remains poorly understood.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A case-control study has been carried out in order to assess the multi-causality of dyspareunia in patients with endometriosis. All the patients were assessed in a unit specialising in endometriosis and pelvic pain and their disease was staged using high-resolution ultrasound following the criteria of the IDEA group. The patients were divided into two groups, patients with dyspareunia n = 45 (cases) and those without it n = 55 (controls).
RESULTS
The only element that was statistically significant in explaining the dyspareunia was the presence of nodules in the retrocervical region with p = 0.000. The odds ratio of dyspareunia in the cases group was 5.3 (95 % CI 2.2-12.5).
CONCLUSIONS
Dyspareunia in patients with endometriosis is strongly dependent on the presence of nodules in the retrocervical region, although there are other factors involved that remain unknown, so more studies are still needed to understand and optimally address this symptom.
PubMed: 37608962
DOI: 10.1016/j.eurox.2023.100224 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Endometriosis (EM), a chronic condition in endometrial tissue outside the uterus, affects around 10% of reproductive-age women, significantly affecting fertility. Its... (Review)
Review
Endometriosis (EM), a chronic condition in endometrial tissue outside the uterus, affects around 10% of reproductive-age women, significantly affecting fertility. Its prevalence remains elusive due to the surgical confirmation needed for diagnosis. Manifesting with a range of symptoms, including dysmenorrhea, dyschezia, dysuria, dyspareunia, fatigue, and gastrointestinal discomfort, EM significantly impairs quality of life due to severe chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Psychological manifestations, notably depression and anxiety, frequently accompany the physical symptoms, with CPP serving as a key mediator. Pain stems from endometrial lesions, involving oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, angiogenesis, and sensitization processes. Microbial dysbiosis appears to be crucial in the inflammatory mechanisms underlying EM and associated CPP, as well as psychological symptoms. In this scenario, dietary interventions and nutritional supplements could help manage EM symptoms by targeting inflammation, oxidative stress, and the microbiome. Our manuscript starts by delving into the complex relationship between EM pain and psychological comorbidities. It subsequently addresses the emerging roles of the microbiome, inflammation, and oxidative stress as common links among these abovementioned conditions. Furthermore, the review explores how dietary and nutritional interventions may influence the composition and function of the microbiome, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, alleviate pain, and potentially affect EM-associated psychological disorders.
Topics: Humans; Female; Oxidative Stress; Endometriosis; Inflammation; Microbiota; Pelvic Pain; Mental Disorders
PubMed: 38928175
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126473 -
BMC Public Health Feb 2024Endometriosis (EMs) is a chronic and progressive disease that, if diagnosed late, can lead to infertility and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). Dysmenorrhea is the...
BACKGROUND
Endometriosis (EMs) is a chronic and progressive disease that, if diagnosed late, can lead to infertility and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). Dysmenorrhea is the most prominent symptom of EMs. However, limited research exists on the specific correlation between dysmenorrhea patterns and EMs. Early prevention of EMs is essential to effectively manage the progression of the disease, and is best detected during adolescence. Our objective was to associate the development of EMs with dysmenorrhea patterns during adolescence and quantify the risk of adult EMs for adolescent girls, with the aim of supporting primary intervention strategy planning.
METHODS
This case-control study examined predictors for adult EMs based on dysmenorrhea patterns in adolescents. We collected 1,287 cases of 641 EMs and 646 healthy females regarding their basic demographic information, adolescent menstrual characteristics, adolescent dysmenorrheal patterns, and adolescent lifestyles. Age-matching (1-to-1) was employed to control for the confounding effect of age between the groups. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and logistic regression models were utilized to identify predictors for adult EMs. The predictive value of the model was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and the C-index, while Hosmer-Lemeshow Test assessed the goodness of fit of the model. Data from one additional cohort in Shenzhen hospitalized with EMs were used to external validation were analyzed.
RESULTS
Individuals who always experienced dysmenorrhea had a risk of adult endometriosis 18.874 (OR = 18.874; 95%CI = 10.309-34.555) times higher than those occasional dysmenorrhea, The risk of developing EMs was 5.257 times higher in those who experienced dysmenorrhea more than 12 months after menarche than in those who experienced dysmenorrhea less than 6 months after menarche (OR = 5.257, 95% CI = 3.343-8.266), AUC in the external validation cohort was 0.794(95%CI: 0.741-0.847). We further found that high-intensity physical activity and sun-sensitive skin of burning were influential factors in high-frequency dysmenorrhea. The AUC value for the internal evaluation of the model was 0.812 and the AUC value for the external validation was 0.794.
CONCLUSION
Our findings revealed that the frequency of dysmenorrhea during adolescence contributed to the development of adult endometriosis. The frequency and onset of dysmenorrhea in adolescence were promising predictors for adult EMs. Both internal and external validation proved the model's good predictive ability.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
http://www.chictr.org.cn/ , TRN: ChicTR2200060429, date of registration: 2022/06/01, retrospectively registered.
Topics: Adult; Female; Adolescent; Humans; Endometriosis; Dysmenorrhea; Case-Control Studies; Menstruation; Menarche
PubMed: 38317119
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17825-2 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... Feb 2024Endometriosis is associated with a range of symptoms that can negatively impact a person's quality of life. While pain and infertility have received at lot of attention,... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Endometriosis is associated with a range of symptoms that can negatively impact a person's quality of life. While pain and infertility have received at lot of attention, sleep disturbances in individuals with endometriosis has been overlooked in both clinical practice and research. Therefore, the primary aim of this systematic review was to gather evidence from the current literature to illustrate the association between sleep disturbances and endometriosis.
STUDY DESIGN
A literature search was conducted using three electronic databases (OVID EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science). Observational studies, published in English, that involved participants aged 18 years or older that compared sleep outcomes between endometriosis patients and those without a history of endometriosis were included. The quality of each study was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools.
RESULTS
Nine studies (six case-control and three cross-sectional) were included in this review; 7 with low risk of bias and 2 with moderate risk of bias. The studies demonstrated heterogeneity in the assessment of sleep disturbances. However, 7 studies reported a significant positive association between endometriosis and sleep disturbances. Moreover, this impact on sleep was further complicated by the complex interaction between pain, fatigue and quality of life.
CONCLUSION
Current studies suggest an association between sleep disturbances and endometriosis, which may provide a blueprint for future clinical recommendations to screen and treat sleep disturbances in individuals with endometriosis to improve their quality of life. Future studies should aim to standardise the methods of assessing sleep disturbances and explore potential contributing factors.
Topics: Female; Humans; Endometriosis; Quality of Life; Cross-Sectional Studies; Infertility; Pain; Sleep Wake Disorders; Sleep
PubMed: 38091847
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.12.010 -
Gynecological Endocrinology : the... Dec 2023This study elucidated the efficacy of Relugolix (REL) on the reduction of uterine volume and clinical symptoms for the treatment of adenomyosis.
OBJECTIVE
This study elucidated the efficacy of Relugolix (REL) on the reduction of uterine volume and clinical symptoms for the treatment of adenomyosis.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who received REL (40 mg for about 20 weeks) and who underwent a hysterectomy for adenomyosis or fibroids. We divided patients into two groups: adenomyosis coexisting with fibroids (Group A) and fibroids only (Group B); the groups were determined by a postoperative pathological examination. The primary end points were the percent reduction in uterine volume, adenomyotic lesion, and the largest fibroid volume at week 16. The secondary end points were the rate of amenorrhea, pelvic pain, and anemia at week 12.
RESULTS
A total of 56 patients participated in the current study: 20 in Group A and 36 in Group B. Regarding the largest fibroid volume, there was no significant difference between the two groups. Uterine volume after REL treatment was significantly decreased in Group A (43%), as compared to Group B (27%) ( = .00972), In Group A, adenomyotic lesion was decreased by 61%. Irrespective of the group, adenomyosis showed a significant reduction compared to uterine fibroids ( < .001). There was no statistically significant difference in the mitigation of symptoms (amenorrhea, pelvic pain, and anemia) between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
REL is more effective in reducing adenomyotic lesion than uterine fibroids and in relieving symptoms (amenorrhea, pelvic pain, and anemia). It can be expected that REL will also be used as a preoperative treatment for adenomyosis.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adenomyosis; Amenorrhea; Retrospective Studies; Leiomyoma; Pelvic Pain; Uterine Neoplasms
PubMed: 37537884
DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2023.2237121 -
BMC Women's Health Feb 2024Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is an etiological cyclic pelvic pain related to the menstrual period; it can negatively impact women's quality of life and productivity. The...
BACKGROUND
Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is an etiological cyclic pelvic pain related to the menstrual period; it can negatively impact women's quality of life and productivity. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of PD and analyze associated symptoms in Brazilian women.
METHODS
An online cross-sectional study was carried out in Brazil, with a structured questionnaire regarding dysmenorrhea and associated symptoms. PD intensity was measured with the Numerical Rating Scale for Pain and classified as mild (1-3), moderate (4-7) and severe (> 8). The association between qualitative variables was performed using Pearson's Chi-Square Test. The quantification of this association was measured using multinomial logistic regression models, with calculation of Odds Ratio and confidence interval. A significance level of 5% was considered.
RESULTS
A total of 10,070 women were included. Most participants classified PD intensity as moderate (40.4%, 41.9% and 49.7%) and severe (21.2%, 24.8% and 28.4%) in the previous month, 3 months and 5 years, respectively. The most common symptoms associated with PD were irritability, abdominal distension sensation, anxiety and feeling more emotional. The increased of the risk (OR > 1.0) for moderate and severe PD-related pain intensity is related to age, nulliparity and presence PD since adolescence.
CONCLUSION
There is a high prevalence of PD among Brazilian women, and the most common symptoms reported were irritability, abdominal distension sensation, anxiety and feeling more emotional.
Topics: Adolescent; Female; Humans; Dysmenorrhea; Cross-Sectional Studies; Prevalence; Pain Measurement; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38311716
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02878-z -
European Urology Open Science Oct 2023Radiotherapy of the pelvis is a widely used method for the treatment of malignancies, and local complications including pain following pelvic radiation therapy are... (Review)
Review
The Benefits and Harms of Pharmacological Treatment for Postradiation Pelvic Pain: A Systematic Review by the European Association of Urology Chronic Pelvic Pain Panel with Recommendations for Clinical Practice.
CONTEXT
Radiotherapy of the pelvis is a widely used method for the treatment of malignancies, and local complications including pain following pelvic radiation therapy are acknowledged complications.
OBJECTIVE
The primary objective is to assess the clinical effectiveness and safety of pharmacological therapies on postradiation pelvic pain.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
A systematic review of the use of different pharmacological treatments in the management of post-radiation pelvic pain was conducted (PROSPERO-ID: CRD42021249026). Comprehensive searches of EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane library were performed for publications between January 1980 and April 2021. The primary outcomes were improvement in pain and adverse events following treatment. The secondary outcomes included quality of life, bowel function, and urinary function.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
After screening 1514 abstracts, four randomised controlled trials were identified, enrolling 355 patients with bladder and anorectal subtypes of postradiotherapy chronic pelvic pain (CPP). A narrative synthesis was performed as heterogeneity of included studies precluded a meta-analysis. A single study reported a significant reduction in pain after 6 mo in patients with bladder pain syndrome treated with hyaluronic acid or hyperbaric oxygen. Anorectal pain was reported to be reduced by the application of 4% formalin, but the use of hyperbaric oxygen in postradiotherapy anorectal pain remains controversial. Adverse event reporting was generally poor. Studies looking at medications used routinely in guidelines for neuropathic pain, such as gabapentin, pregabalin, amitriptyline, and duloxetine, were absent or of poor quality when it came to postradiation pelvic pain.
CONCLUSIONS
Beneficial effects of hyperbaric oxygen or formalin on pain, quality of life, and functional symptoms were seen in patients with certain CPP subtypes, but the current evidence level is too weak to allow recommendations about the use of any pharmacological treatment for postradiation pelvic pain.
PATIENT SUMMARY
Different pharmacological treatments are used to treat pain after radiotherapy, but current studies are of insufficient quality to determine whether these should be recommended and many chronic pelvic pain subtypes are not covered. Further research is needed.
PubMed: 37711669
DOI: 10.1016/j.euros.2023.08.009 -
Australian Journal of General Practice 2024An expectation that pelvic pain should be 'visible' at laparoscopy can lead to disappointment for patients and confusion among health practitioners when no...
BACKGROUND
An expectation that pelvic pain should be 'visible' at laparoscopy can lead to disappointment for patients and confusion among health practitioners when no abnormalities are found.
OBJECTIVE
This article outlines an approach for understanding, explaining and managing chronic pelvic pain in women with a normal laparoscopy. It divides symptoms into those associated with pelvic organs, pelvic muscles, the central nervous system and psychosocial factors.
DISCUSSION
Management requires considering the origin of the pain, the extent of pelvic muscle reaction to the pain, the severity of central pain sensitisation and additional psychosocial aggravating factors. Considering symptoms within these categories provides a useful framework to best target therapeutic interventions. A patient who knows that management of her pain will continue and that an absence of lesions does not diminish the validity of her pain experience can feel confident in herself and her health practitioner.
Topics: Humans; Female; Chronic Disease; Pelvic Pain; Laparoscopy; Chronic Pain
PubMed: 38316475
DOI: 10.31128/AJGP/05-23-6844 -
Drugs Nov 2023Cannabis sativa (L), a plant with an extensive history of medicinal usage across numerous cultures, has received increased attention over recent years for its...
Cannabis sativa (L), a plant with an extensive history of medicinal usage across numerous cultures, has received increased attention over recent years for its therapeutic potential for gynecological disorders such as endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, and primary dysmenorrhea, due at least in part to shortcomings with current management options. Despite this growing interest, cannabis inhabits an unusual position in the modern medical pharmacopoeia, being a legal medicine, legal recreational drug, and an illicit drug, depending on jurisdiction. To date, the majority of studies investigating cannabis use have found that most people are using illicit cannabis, with numerous obstacles to medical cannabis adoption having been identified, including outdated drug-driving laws, workplace drug testing policies, the cost of quality-assured medical cannabis products, a lack of cannabis education for healthcare professionals, and significant and persistent stigma. Although currently lacking robust clinical trial data, a growing evidence base of retrospective data, cohort studies, and surveys does support potential use in gynecological pain conditions, with most evidence focusing on endometriosis. Cannabis consumers report substantial reductions in pelvic pain, as well as common comorbid symptoms such as gastrointestinal disturbances, mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, and poor sleep. Substitution effects were reported, with >50% reduction or cessation in opioid and/or non-opioid analgesics being the most common. However, a substantial minority report not disclosing cannabis consumption to their health professional. Therefore, while such deprescribing trends are potentially beneficial, the importance of medical supervision during this process is paramount given the possibility for withdrawal symptoms.
Topics: Female; Humans; Cannabinoids; Medical Marijuana; Endometriosis; Retrospective Studies; Cannabis; Chronic Pain; Pelvic Pain
PubMed: 37831340
DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01951-z