@article{ZilligPauliWieseretal.2023, author = {Zillig, Anna-Lena and Pauli, Paul and Wieser, Matthias and Reicherts, Philipp}, title = {Better safe than sorry? - On the influence of learned safety on pain perception}, series = {PloS One}, volume = {18}, journal = {PloS One}, number = {11}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0289047}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-349905}, year = {2023}, abstract = {The experience of threat was found to result—mostly—in increased pain, however it is still unclear whether the exact opposite, namely the feeling of safety may lead to a reduction of pain. To test this hypothesis, we conducted two between-subject experiments (N = 94; N = 87), investigating whether learned safety relative to a neutral control condition can reduce pain, while threat should lead to increased pain compared to a neutral condition. Therefore, participants first underwent either threat or safety conditioning, before entering an identical test phase, where the previously conditioned threat or safety cue and a newly introduced visual cue were presented simultaneously with heat pain stimuli. Methodological changes were performed in experiment 2 to prevent safety extinction and to facilitate conditioning in the first place: We included additional verbal instructions, increased the maximum length of the ISI and raised CS-US contingency in the threat group from 50\% to 75\%. In addition to pain ratings and ratings of the visual cues (threat, safety, arousal, valence, and contingency), in both experiments, we collected heart rate and skin conductance. Analysis of the cue ratings during acquisition indicate successful threat and safety induction, however results of the test phase, when also heat pain was administered, demonstrate rapid safety extinction in both experiments. Results suggest rather small modulation of subjective and physiological pain responses following threat or safety cues relative to the neutral condition. However, exploratory analysis revealed reduced pain ratings in later trials of the experiment in the safety group compared to the threat group in both studies, suggesting different temporal dynamics for threat and safety learning and extinction, respectively. Perspective: The present results demonstrate the challenge to maintain safety in the presence of acute pain and suggest more research on the interaction of affective learning mechanism and pain processing.}, language = {en} } @article{GarciaFernandezReinholdUeceyleretal.2023, author = {Garc{\´i}a-Fern{\´a}ndez, Patricia and Reinhold, Colette and {\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan and Sommer, Claudia}, title = {Local inflammatory mediators involved in neuropathic pain}, series = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, volume = {24}, journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences}, number = {9}, issn = {1422-0067}, doi = {10.3390/ijms24097814}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-313613}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Polyneuropathy (PNP) is a term to describe diseases of the peripheral nervous system, 50\% of which present with neuropathic pain. In some types of PNP, pain is restricted to the skin distally in the leg, suggesting a local regulatory process leading to pain. In this study, we proposed a pro-inflammatory pathway mediated by NF-κB that might be involved in the development of pain in patients with painful PNP. To test this hypothesis, we have collected nerve and skin samples from patients with different etiologies and levels of pain. We performed RT-qPCR to analyze the gene expression of the proposed inflammatory pathway components in sural nerve and in distal and proximal skin samples. In sural nerve, we showed a correlation of TLR4 and TNFα to neuropathic pain, and an upregulation of TNFα in patients with severe pain. Patients with an inflammatory PNP also presented a lower expression of TRPV1 and SIRT1. In distal skin, we found a reduced expression of TLR4 and miR-146-5p, in comparison to proximal skin. Our findings thus support our hypothesis of local inflammatory processes involved in pain in PNP, and further show disturbed anti-inflammatory pathways involving TRPV1 and SIRT1 in inflammatory PNP.}, language = {en} } @article{FroehlichSassenrathNadjiOhletal.2022, author = {Fr{\"o}hlich, Ellen and Sassenrath, Claudia and Nadji-Ohl, Minou and Unteroberd{\"o}rster, Meike and R{\"u}ckriegel, Stefan and Brelie, Christian von der and Roder, Constantin and Forster, Marie-Therese and Schommer, Stephan and L{\"o}hr, Mario and Pala, Andrej and Goebel, Simone and Mielke, Dorothee and Gerlach, R{\"u}diger and Renovanz, Mirjam and Wirtz, Christian Rainer and Onken, Julia and Czabanka, Marcus and Tatagiba, Marcos Soares and Rohde, Veit and Ernestus, Ralf-Ingo and Vajkoczy, Peter and Gansland, Oliver and Coburger, Jan}, title = {Resilience in lower grade glioma patients}, series = {Cancers}, volume = {14}, journal = {Cancers}, number = {21}, issn = {2072-6694}, doi = {10.3390/cancers14215410}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-297518}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Current data show that resilience is an important factor in cancer patients' well-being. We aim to explore the resilience of patients with lower grade glioma (LGG) and the potentially influencing factors. We performed a cross-sectional assessment of adult patients with LGG who were enrolled in the LoG-Glio registry. By phone interview, we administered the following measures: Resilience Scale (RS-13), distress thermometer, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test for visually impaired patients (MoCA-Blind), internalized stigmatization by brain tumor (ISBI), Eastern Cooperative Oncological Group performance status (ECOG), patients' perspective questionnaire (PPQ) and typical clinical parameters. We calculated correlations and multivariate regression models. Of 74 patients who were assessed, 38\% of those showed a low level of resilience. Our results revealed significant correlations of resilience with distress (p < 0.001, -0.49), MOCA (p = 0.003, 0.342), ECOG (p < 0.001, -0.602), stigmatization (p < 0.001, -0.558), pain (p < 0.001, -0.524), and occupation (p = 0.007, 0.329). In multivariate analyses, resilience was negatively associated with elevated ECOG (p = 0.020, β = -0.383) and stigmatization levels (p = 0.008, β = -0.350). Occupation showed a tendency towards a significant association with resilience (p = 0.088, β = -0.254). Overall, low resilience affected more than one third of our cohort. Low functional status is a specific risk factor for low resilience. The relevant influence of stigmatization on resilience is a novel finding for patients suffering from a glioma and should be routinely identified and targeted in clinical routine.}, language = {en} } @article{UeceylerSchliesserEvdokimovetal.2022, author = {{\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan and Schließer, Mira and Evdokimov, Dimitar and Radziwon, Jakub and Feulner, Betty and Unterecker, Stefan and Rimmele, Florian and Walter, Uwe}, title = {Reduced midbrain raphe echogenicity in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome}, series = {PloS One}, volume = {17}, journal = {PloS One}, number = {11}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0277316}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-300639}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Objectives The pathogenesis of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is unclear. Transcranial ultrasonography revealed anechoic alteration of midbrain raphe in depression and anxiety disorders, suggesting affection of the central serotonergic system. Here, we assessed midbrain raphe echogenicity in FMS. Methods Sixty-six patients underwent transcranial sonography, of whom 53 were patients with FMS (27 women, 26 men), 13 patients with major depression and physical pain (all women), and 14 healthy controls (11 women, 3 men). Raphe echogenicity was graded visually as normal or hypoechogenic, and quantified by digitized image analysis, each by investigators blinded to the clinical diagnosis. Results Quantitative midbrain raphe echogenicity was lower in patients with FMS compared to healthy controls (p<0.05), but not different from that of patients with depression and accompanying physical pain. Pain and FMS symptom burden did not correlate with midbrain raphe echogenicity as well as the presence and severity of depressive symptoms. Conclusion We found reduced echogenicity of the midbrain raphe area in patients with FMS and in patients with depression and physical pain, independent of the presence or severity of pain, FMS, and depressive symptoms. Further exploration of this sonographic finding is necessary before this objective technique may enter diagnostic algorithms in FMS and depression.}, language = {en} } @article{EderMaasSchubmannetal.2022, author = {Eder, Andreas B. and Maas, Franzisca and Schubmann, Alexander and Krishna, Anand and Erle, Thorsten M.}, title = {Motivations underlying self-infliction of pain during thinking for pleasure}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {12}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-022-14775-w}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-301059}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Previous research suggested that people prefer to administer unpleasant electric shocks to themselves rather than being left alone with their thoughts because engagement in thinking is an unpleasant activity. The present research examined this negative reinforcement hypothesis by giving participants a choice of distracting themselves with the generation of electric shock causing no to intense pain. Four experiments (N = 254) replicated the result that a large proportion of participants opted to administer painful shocks to themselves during the thinking period. However, they administered strong electric shocks to themselves even when an innocuous response option generating no or a mild shock was available. Furthermore, participants inflicted pain to themselves when they were assisted in the generation of pleasant thoughts during the waiting period, with no difference between pleasant versus unpleasant thought conditions. Overall, these results question that the primary motivation for the self-administration of painful shocks is avoidance of thinking. Instead, it seems that the self-infliction of pain was attractive for many participants, because they were curious about the shocks, their intensities, and the effects they would have on them.}, language = {en} } @article{KaethnerEidelHaegeetal.2022, author = {K{\"a}thner, Ivo and Eidel, Matthias and H{\"a}ge, Anne-Sophie and Gram, Annika and Pauli, Paul}, title = {Observing physicians acting with different levels of empathy modulates later assessed pain tolerance}, series = {British Journal of Health Psychology}, volume = {27}, journal = {British Journal of Health Psychology}, number = {2}, doi = {10.1111/bjhp.12553}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-258368}, pages = {434-448}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Objectives The patient-physician relationship is essential for treatment success. Previous studies demonstrated that physicians who behave empathic in their interaction with patients have a positive effect on health outcomes. In this study, we investigated if the mere perception of physicians as empathic/not empathic modulates pain despite an emotionally neutral interaction with the patients. Methods N = 60 women took part in an experimental study that simulated a clinical interaction. In the paradigm, each participant watched two immersive 360° videos via a head-mounted display from a patient's perspective. The physicians in the videos behaved either empathic or not empathic towards a third person. Importantly, these physicians remained emotionally neutral in the subsequent virtual interaction with the participants. Finally, participants received a controlled, painful pressure stimulus within the narratives of the videos. Results The physicians in the high compared with the low empathy videos were rated as more empathic and more likable, indicating successful experimental manipulation. In spite of later neutral behaviour of physicians, this short observation of physicians' behaviour towards a third person was sufficient to modulate pain tolerance of the participants. Conclusions The finding of this study that the mere observation of physicians' behaviour towards a third person modulates pain, despite a neutral direct interaction with the participants, has important clinical implications. Further, the proposed paradigm enables investigating aspects of patient-physician communication that are difficult to examine in a clinical setting.}, language = {en} } @article{SchmalzlFenwickReicheletal.2022, author = {Schmalzl, Jonas and Fenwick, Annabel and Reichel, Thomas and Schmitz, Benedikt and Jordan, Martin and Meffert, Rainer and Plumhoff, Piet and Boehm, Dirk and Gilbert, Fabian}, title = {Anterior deltoid muscle tension quantified with shear wave ultrasound elastography correlates with pain level after reverse shoulder arthroplasty}, series = {European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery \& Traumatology}, volume = {32}, journal = {European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery \& Traumatology}, number = {2}, issn = {1432-1068}, doi = {10.1007/s00590-021-02987-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-268441}, pages = {333-339}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Introduction Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) leads to medialization and distalization of the centre of rotation of the shoulder joint resulting in lengthening of the deltoid muscle. Shear wave ultrasound elastography (SWE) is a reliable method for quantifying tissue stiffness. The purpose of this study was to analyse if deltoid muscle tension after RSA correlates with the patients' pain level. We hypothesized that higher deltoid muscle tension would be associated with increased pain. Material and methods Eighteen patients treated with RSA were included. Constant score (CS) and pain level on the visual analogue scale (VAS) were analysed and SWE was performed on both shoulders. All three regions of the deltoid muscle were examined in resting position and under standardized isometric loading. Results Average patient age was 76 (range 64-84) years and average follow-up was 15 months (range 4-48). The average CS was 66 points (range 35-89) and the average pain level on the VAS was 1.8 (range 0.5-4.7). SWE revealed statistically significant higher muscle tension in the anterior and middle deltoid muscle region in patients after RSA compared to the contralateral non-operated side. There was a statistically significant correlation between pain level and anterior deltoid muscle tension. Conclusion SWE revealed increased tension in the anterior and middle portion of the deltoid muscle after RSA in a clinical setting. Increased tension of the anterior deltoid muscle portion significantly correlated with an increased pain level. SWE is a powerful, cost-effective, quick, dynamic, non-invasive, and radiation-free imaging technique to evaluate tissue elasticity in the shoulder with a wide range of applications.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Hausmann2022, author = {Hausmann, Johannes Stephan}, title = {Schmerzverlauf, k{\"o}rperliche Aktivit{\"a}t und Funktion pr{\"a}operativ, drei, sechs und zw{\"o}lf Monate nach minimal-invasiver H{\"u}fttotalendoprothetik mittels direktem anterioren Zugang}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-27248}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-272486}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Hintergrund: Die vorgestellten Daten demonstrieren das klinische Ergebnis von Patienten, die sich eine H{\"u}fttotalendoprothese (THA) unterzogen haben. Als Zugangsweg wurde der minimal-invasive, direkt anteriore Zugang in Einzelschnitttechnik gew{\"a}hlt (MIS-DAA). Die Patientin wurden bis zw{\"o}lf Monate nach Operation beobachtet. Methoden: Es wurden die Daten von 73 Probanden mittels der folgenden Fragebogen ausgewertet: Harris Hip Score (HHS), eXtra Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment questionnaire (XSFMA), Short Form 36 (SF-36) health survey und Patient Health Questionaire 9 „deutsch" (PHQ-9 D). Zur Schmerzmessung kam eine visuelle Analogskala (VAS von 0-4) zum Einsatz. Daneben wurde die Aktivit{\"a}t mit Hilfe des Schrittz{\"a}hlers Stepwatch™ Activity Monitor (SAM) und eines 25m Gehtests auf Zeit (T25-FW) erfasst. W{\"a}hrend der gesamten Aufzeichnung wurden auch Komplikationen erfasst. Ergebnisse: Zw{\"o}lf Monate nach der Operation verbesserten sich die HHS-Werte signifikant von 55,2 pr{\"a}operativ auf 92,4 (Werte 0 - 100). Der FSFMA Funktionsscore fiel ebenfalls signifikant von 39,4 auf 10,3 und der Beeintrachtigungsscore von 47,0 auf 15,8. Der Score f{\"u}r die Physis (PCS) stieg im SF 36 signifikant von 27,5 pr{\"a}operativ auf 47,5 nach zw{\"o}lf Monaten. Der Score f{\"u}r mentale Gesundheit (MCS) fiel dagegen sogar leicht von 57,6 auf 55,0. Dagegen fiel die Pr{\"a}valenz der mittels PHQ-9 D gemessenen Somatisierungsst{\"o}rungen von elf auf einen Fall. Die Schmerzreduktion durch die Operation zeigte sich durch einen R{\"u}ckgang auf der VAS von 2,41 auf 0,35 zw{\"o}lf Monate postoperativ. Die durchschnittlich t{\"a}glich absolvierten Lastwechsel nahmen laut Schrittz{\"a}hlermessung signifikant von 5113 pr{\"a}operativ auf 6402 zu. Außerdem stieg die Gehgeschwindigkeit im T25-FW signifikant von 22,06 s (= 1,13 m/s) auf 18,14 s (= 1,38 m/s). Es wurden keine schwerwiegenden Komplikationen, wie z.B. Transplantatlockerungen, festgestellt. Zusammenfassung: In der Zusammenschau der Ergebnisse zeigt sich ein Jahr nach MIS-DAA-THA, dass die Patienten eine signifikant bessere Funktion, Aktivit{\"a}t und weniger Schmerzen aufweisen. Der MIS-DA-Zugang ist sicher und weist keine erh{\"o}hte Komplikationsrate auf.}, subject = {H{\"u}ftgelenkprothese}, language = {de} } @article{BenKraiemSauerNorwigetal.2021, author = {Ben-Kraiem, Adel and Sauer, Reine-Solange and Norwig, Carla and Popp, Maria and Bettenhausen, Anna-Lena and Atalla, Mariam Sobhy and Brack, Alexander and Blum, Robert and Doppler, Kathrin and Rittner, Heike Lydia}, title = {Selective blood-nerve barrier leakiness with claudin-1 and vessel-associated macrophage loss in diabetic polyneuropathy}, series = {Journal of Molecular Medicine}, volume = {99}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Medicine}, number = {9}, doi = {10.1007/s00109-021-02091-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-265237}, pages = {1237-1250}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is the most common complication in diabetes and can be painful in up to 26\% of all diabetic patients. Peripheral nerves are shielded by the blood-nerve barrier (BNB) consisting of the perineurium and endoneurial vessels. So far, there are conflicting results regarding the role and function of the BNB in the pathophysiology of DPN. In this study, we analyzed the spatiotemporal tight junction protein profile, barrier permeability, and vessel-associated macrophages in Wistar rats with streptozotocin-induced DPN. In these rats, mechanical hypersensitivity developed after 2 weeks and loss of motor function after 8 weeks, while the BNB and the blood-DRG barrier were leakier for small, but not for large molecules after 8 weeks only. The blood-spinal cord barrier remained sealed throughout the observation period. No gross changes in tight junction protein or cytokine expression were observed in all barriers to blood. However, expression of Cldn1 mRNA in perineurium was specifically downregulated in conjunction with weaker vessel-associated macrophage shielding of the BNB. Our results underline the role of specific tight junction proteins and BNB breakdown in DPN maintenance and differentiate DPN from traumatic nerve injury. Targeting claudins and sealing the BNB could stabilize pain and prevent further nerve damage.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Dietz2022, author = {Dietz, Christopher Andreas}, title = {Distinguishing phenotypes of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-25632}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-256327}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2022}, abstract = {This work investigated phenotypes of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) with special interest in sensory abnormalities. Quantitative sensory testing (QST) was used to assess sensory function. In addition, clinical and sensory differences of fracture and CRPS patients were addressed. Finally, the longitudinal outcome of CRPS patients was part of this thesis.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Karch2021, author = {Karch, Lisa-Maria}, title = {Klinische und psychologische Prädiktoren f{\"u}r Schmerz und Funktionseinschr{\"a}nkung bei Patienten mit komplexem regionalen Schmerzsyndrom}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-24801}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-248013}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Das komplexe regionale Schmerzsyndrom (CRPS) ist eine meist posttraumatisch auftretende Extremit{\"a}tenerkrankung, die neben anhaltendem Schmerz mit sensiblen, trophischen und motorischen Alterationen einhergeht. Wir f{\"u}hrten bei 212 CRPS-Patienten eine Quantitativ sensorische Testung durch, um nach einem CRPS-typischen QST-Profil zu fahnden, was die bislang rein klinische, h{\"a}ufig verz{\"o}gerte Diagnosestellung erleichtern k{\"o}nnte. Ein spezifisches QST-Profil ergab sich nicht. Es bestanden bilateral angehobene thermale Detektionsschwellen i.S. einer small fiber Neuropathie, eine Pallhyp{\"a}sthesie sowie Hyperalgesie, die pathophysiologisch auf eine St{\"o}rung der zentralen Schmerzverarbeitung, Affektion der absteigenden inhibitorischen Bahnen und periphere L{\"a}sionen zur{\"u}ckzuf{\"u}hren ist. Hervorzuheben ist die besonders ausgepr{\"a}gte und nur an der betroffenen Extremit{\"a}t nachweisbare Druckhyperalgesie. Außerdem wurden aus den QST-Parametern und Frageb{\"o}gendaten (zu Schmerzsymptomatik und psychischen Auff{\"a}lligkeiten) Einflussfaktoren auf den CRPS severity score (CSS) als objektive und den Schmerz- und Behinderungsscore (GCPS-Score) als subjektive Outcomevariable identifiziert. Die st{\"a}rksten Pr{\"a}diktoren f{\"u}r beide Variablen stellten die Hyperalgesie gegen{\"u}ber Nadelstichreizen als Ausdruck des akuten, nozizeptor-vermittelten Schmerzes und die neuropathische Symptomkomponente (ermittelt durch NPSI) dar, was angesichts der teilweise nachweisbaren small fiber Neuropathie schl{\"u}ssig ist und den Einsatz von Antineuropathika noch mehr erw{\"a}gen lassen sollte. Zusammen mit der Druckhyperalgesie konnten bei CRPS-I-Patienten so 15\% der Varianz des CSS erkl{\"a}rt werden. Bzgl. des GCPS-Scores konnte zusammen mit den Pr{\"a}diktoren Krankheitsdauer und {\"A}ngstlichkeit eine Varianzaufkl{\"a}rung von 50\% erreicht werden. Entsprechend ist gem{\"a}ß Leitlinie ein Screening aller CRPS-Patienten auf erh{\"o}hte Angstsymptomatik empfohlen, um ggf. fr{\"u}hzeitig Psychotherapie zu initiieren.}, subject = {Komplexes regionales Schmerzsyndrom}, language = {de} } @article{SeefriedDahirPetryketal.2020, author = {Seefried, Lothar and Dahir, Kathryn and Petryk, Anna and H{\"o}gler, Wolfgang and Linglart, Agn{\`e}s and Martos-Moreno, Gabriel {\´A}ngel and Ozono, Keiichi and Fang, Shona and Rockman-Greenberg, Cheryl and Kishnani, Priya S}, title = {Burden of Illness in Adults With Hypophosphatasia: Data From the Global Hypophosphatasia Patient Registry}, series = {Journal of Bone and Mineral Research}, volume = {35}, journal = {Journal of Bone and Mineral Research}, number = {11}, doi = {10.1002/jbmr.4130}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-217787}, pages = {2171 -- 2178}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare, inherited, metabolic disease caused by deficient tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase activity. This study aims to assess patient-reported pain, disability and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a real-world cohort of adults with HPP who were not receiving asfotase alfa during the analysis. Adults (≥18 years old) with HPP (confirmed by ALPL gene mutation and/or low serum alkaline phosphatase activity for age/sex) were identified from the Global HPP Registry (NCT02306720). Demographics, clinical characteristics, and data on patient-reported pain, disability, and HRQoL (assessed by Brief Pain Inventory Short Form [BPI-SF], Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index [HAQ-DI], and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey version 2 [SF-36v2], respectively) were stratified by pediatric- and adult-onset HPP and summarized descriptively. Of the 304 adults included (median [min, max] age 48.6 [18.8, 79.8] years; 74\% women), 45\% had adult-onset HPP and 33\% had pediatric-onset HPP (unknown age of onset, 22\%). Of those with data, 38\% had experienced ≥5 HPP manifestations and 62\% had a history of ≥1 fracture/pseudofracture. Median (Q1, Q3) BPI-SF scores were 3.5 (1.5, 5.3) for pain severity and 3.3 (0.9, 6.2) for pain interference. Median (Q1, Q3) disability on the HAQ-DI was 0.3 (0.0, 0.7). Median (Q1, Q3) physical and mental component summary scores on the SF-36v2 were 42.4 (32.7, 49.9) and 45.3 (36.3, 54.8), respectively. Greater numbers of HPP manifestations experienced/body systems affected correlated significantly with poorer scores on the BPI-SF, HAQ-DI, and SF-36v2 (all p < 0.05). No significant differences between adults with pediatric- and adult-onset HPP were observed for patient-reported outcomes, except for disability and the BPI-SF question "pain at its worst," which were significantly higher among adults with pediatric- versus adult-onset HPP (p = 0.03 and 0.04, respectively). These data from the Global HPP Registry show that adults with HPP have a substantial burden of illness that is associated with reduced patient-reported HRQoL, regardless of age of disease onset.}, language = {en} } @article{OehlerKlokaMohammadietal.2020, author = {Oehler, Beatrice and Kloka, Jan and Mohammadi, Milad and Ben-Kraiem, Adel and Rittner, Heike L.}, title = {D-4F, an ApoA-I mimetic peptide ameliorating TRPA1-mediated nocifensive behaviour in a model of neurogenic inflammation}, series = {Molecular Pain}, volume = {16}, journal = {Molecular Pain}, doi = {10.1177/1744806920903848}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-236061}, pages = {1-11}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Background High doses of capsaicin are recommended for the treatment of neuropathic pain. However, low doses evoke mechanical hypersensitivity. Activation of the capsaicin chemosensor transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) induces neurogenic inflammation. In addition to the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, reactive oxygen species are produced. These highly reactive molecules generate oxidised phospholipids and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) which then directly activate TRP ankyrin 1 (TRPA1). The apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptide D-4F neutralises oxidised phospholipids. Here, we asked whether D-4F ameliorates neurogenic hypersensitivity in rodents by targeting reactive oxygen species and 4-HNE in the capsaicin-evoked pain model. Results Co-application of D-4F ameliorated capsaicin-induced mechanical hypersensitivity and allodynia as well as persistent heat hypersensitivity measured by Randell-Selitto, von Frey and Hargreaves test, respectively. In addition, mechanical hypersensitivity was blocked after co-injection of D-4F with the reactive oxygen species analogue H2O2 or 4-HNE. In vitro studies on dorsal root ganglion neurons and stably transfected cell lines revealed a TRPA1-dependent inhibition of the calcium influx when agonists were pre-incubated with D-4F. The capsaicin-induced calcium influx in TRPV1-expressing cell lines and dorsal root ganglion neurons sustained in the presence of D-4F. Conclusions D-4F is a promising compound to ameliorate TRPA1-dependent hypersensitivity during neurogenic inflammation.}, language = {en} } @article{EvdokimovDinkelFranketal.2020, author = {Evdokimov, Dimitar and Dinkel, Philine and Frank, Johanna and Sommer, Claudia and {\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan}, title = {Characterization of dermal skin innervation in fibromyalgia syndrome}, series = {PLoS One}, volume = {15}, journal = {PLoS One}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0227674}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-229299}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Introduction We characterized dermal innervation in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) as potential contribution to small fiber pathology. Methods Skin biopsies of the calf were collected (86 FMS patients, 35 healthy controls). Skin was immunoreacted with antibodies against protein gene product 9.5, calcitonine gene-related peptide, substance P, CD31, and neurofilament 200 for small fiber subtypes. We assessed two skin sections per patient; on each skin section, two dermal areas (150 x 700 mu m each) were investigated for dermal nerve fiber length (DNFL). Results In FMS patients we found reduced DNFL of fibers with vessel contact compared to healthy controls (p<0.05). There were no differences for the other nerve fiber subtypes. Discussion We found less dermal nerve fibers in contact with blood vessels in FMS patients than in controls. The pathophysiological relevance of this finding is unclear, but we suggest the possibility of a relationship with impaired thermal tolerance commonly reported by FMS patients.}, language = {en} } @article{ArnoldMuellerOerlinghausenHemrichetal.2020, author = {Arnold, Michaela Maria and M{\"u}ller-Oerlinghausen, Bruno and Hemrich, Norbert and B{\"o}nsch, Dominikus}, title = {Effects of Psychoactive Massage in Outpatients with Depressive Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Mixed-Methods Study}, series = {Brain Sciences}, volume = {10}, journal = {Brain Sciences}, number = {10}, issn = {2076-3425}, doi = {10.3390/brainsci10100676}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-213385}, year = {2020}, abstract = {The clinical picture of depressive disorders is characterized by a plethora of somatic symptoms, psychomotor retardation, and, particularly, anhedonia. The number of patients with residual symptoms or treatment resistance is high. Touch is the basic communication among humans and animals. Its application professionally in the form of, e.g., psychoactive massage therapy, has been shown in the past to reduce the somatic and mental symptoms of depression and anxiety. Here, we investigated the effects of a specially developed affect-regulating massage therapy (ARMT) vs. individual treatment with a standardized relaxation procedure, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), in 57 outpatients with depression. Patients were given one ARMT or PMR session weekly over 4 weeks. Changes in somatic and cognitive symptoms were assessed by standard psychiatric instruments (Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and the Bech-Rafaelsen-Melancholia-Scale (BRMS)) as well as a visual analogue scale. Furthermore, oral statements from all participants were obtained in semi-structured interviews. The findings show clear and statistically significant superiority of ARMT over PMR. The results might be interpreted within various models. The concept of interoception, as well as the principles of body psychotherapy and phenomenological aspects, offers cues for understanding the mechanisms involved. Within a neurobiological context, the significance of C-tactile afferents activated by special touch techniques and humoral changes such as increased oxytocin levels open additional ways of interpreting our findings.}, language = {en} } @phdthesis{Klein2021, author = {Klein, Thomas}, title = {Establishing an in vitro disease model for Fabry Disease using patient specific induced pluripotent stem cell-derived sensory neurons}, doi = {10.25972/OPUS-19970}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-199705}, school = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency of the α-galactosidase A (GLA), leading to intracellular accumulations of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3). Acral burning pain, which can be triggered by heat, fever or physical activity is an early hallmark of FD and greatly reduces patients' quality of life. The pathophysiology of FD pain is unknown and research is hindered by the limited in vivo availability of suitable human biomaterial. To overcome this obstacle, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from one female and two male patients with a differing pain phenotype, and developed a refined differentiation protocol for sensory neurons to increase reliability and survival of these neurons, serving as an in vitro disease model. Neurons were characterized for the correct neuronal subtype using immunocytochemistry, gene expression analysis, and for their functionality using electrophysiological measurements. iPSC and sensory neurons from the male patients showed Gb3 accumulations mimicking the disease phenotype, whereas no Gb3 depositions were detected in sensory neurons derived from the female cell line, likely caused by a skewed X-chromosomal inactivation in favor of healthy GLA. Using super-resolution imaging techniques we showed that Gb3 is localized in neuronal lysosomes of male patients and in a first experiment using dSTORM microscopy we were able to visualize the neuronal membrane in great detail. To test our disease model, we treated the neurons with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and analyzed its effect on the cellular Gb3 load, which was reduced in the male FD-lines, compared to non-treated cells. We also identified time-dependent differences of Gb3 accumulations, of which some seemed to be resistant to ERT. We also used confocal Ca2+ imaging to investigate spontaneous neuronal network activity, but analysis of the dataset proofed to be difficult, nonetheless showing a high potential for further investigations. We revealed that neurons from a patient with pain pain are more easily excitable, compared to cells from a patient without pain and a healthy control. We provide evidence for the potential of patient-specific iPSC to generate a neuronal in vitro disease model, showing the typical molecular FD phenotype, responding to treatment, and pointing towards underlying electrophysiological mechanisms causing different pain phenotypes. Our sensory neurons are suitable for state-of-the-art microscopy techniques, opening new possibilities for an in-depth analysis of cellular changes, caused by pathological Gb3 accumulations. Taken together, our system can easily be used to investigate the effect of the different mutations of GLA on a functional and a molecular level in affected neurons.}, subject = {Induzierte pluripotente Stammzelle}, language = {en} } @article{PalaciosEspinoza2019, author = {Palacios Espinoza, Romina Irene}, title = {Schmerzhafte Erotik: kranke K{\"o}rper und sexueller Genuss in El {\´u}ltimo cuerpo de {\´U}rsula von Patricia de Souza}, series = {promptus - W{\"u}rzburger Beitr{\"a}ge zur Romanistik}, volume = {5}, journal = {promptus - W{\"u}rzburger Beitr{\"a}ge zur Romanistik}, issn = {2364-6705}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-221877}, pages = {117-132}, year = {2019}, abstract = {This article is dedicated to the analysis of the body, which is staged as sick and painful. El {\´u}ltimo cuerpo de {\´U}rsula by Peruvian author Patricia de Souza is characterized by the connection between body, pain perception and eroticism. Illness and paralysis play a fundamental role in the narrative because they cause the recomposition of the ego, which leads the protagonist, {\´U}rsula Res, to perceive and reflect the fragmentation of her identity and the increasing distance from her body. Through approaches to pain and disability, the expressiveness of the narrativized eroticism of this text, based on an obedient relationship to the body, is revealed.}, language = {de} } @article{KlitschEvdokimovFranketal.2020, author = {Klitsch, Alexander and Evdokimov, Dimitar and Frank, Johanna and Thomas, Dominique and Saffer, Nadine and Meyer zu Altenschildesche, Caren and Sisignano, Marco and Kampik, Daniel and Malik, Rayaz A. and Sommer, Claudia and {\"U}{\c{c}}eyler, Nurcan}, title = {Reduced association between dendritic cells and corneal sub-basal nerve fibers in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome}, series = {Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System}, volume = {25}, journal = {Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1111/jns.12360}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-214150}, pages = {9-18}, year = {2020}, abstract = {In our study, we aimed at investigating corneal langerhans cells (LC) in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and small fiber neuropathy (SFN) as potential contributors to corneal small fiber pathology. We enrolled women with FMS (n = 134) and SFN (n = 41) who underwent neurological examination, neurophysiology, prostaglandin analysis in tear fluid, and corneal confocal microscopy (CCM). Data were compared with those of 60 age-matched female controls. After screening for dry eye disease, corneal LC were counted and sub-classified as dendritic (dLC) and non-dendritic (ndLC) cells with or without nerve fiber association. We further analyzed corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), length (CNFL), and branch density (CNBD). Neurological examination indicated deficits of small fiber function in patients with SFN. Nerve conduction studies were normal in all participants. Dry eye disease was more prevalent in FMS (17\%) and SFN (28\%) patients than in controls (5\%). Tear fluid prostaglandin levels did not differ between FMS patients and controls. While corneal LC density in FMS and SFN patients was not different from controls, there were fewer dLC in association with nerve fibers in FMS and SFN patients than in controls (P < .01 each). Compared to controls, CNFL was lower in FMS and SFN patients (P < .05 each), CNFD was lower only in FMS patients (P < .05), and CNBD was lower only in SFN patients (P < .001). There was no difference in any CCM parameter between patients with and without dry eyes. Our data indicate changes in corneal innervation and LC distribution in FMS and SFN, potentially based on altered LC signaling.}, language = {en} } @article{PritchardFalkLarssonetal.2016, author = {Pritchard, Rory A. and Falk, Lovissa and Larsson, Mathilda and Leinders, Mathias and Sorkin, Linda S.}, title = {Different phosphoinositide 3-kinase isoforms mediate carrageenan nociception and inflammation}, series = {Pain}, volume = {157}, journal = {Pain}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000341}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-150248}, pages = {137-146}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) participate in signal transduction cascades that can directly activate and sensitize nociceptors and enhance pain transmission. They also play essential roles in chemotaxis and immune cell infiltration leading to inflammation. We wished to determine which PI3K isoforms were involved in each of these processes. Lightly anesthetized rats (isoflurane) were injected subcutaneously with carrageenan in their hind paws. This was preceded by a local injection of 1\% DMSO vehicle or an isoform-specific antagonist to PI3K-α (compound 15-e), -β (TGX221), -δ (Cal-101), or -γ (AS252424). We measured changes in the mechanical pain threshold and spinal c-Fos expression (4 hours after injection) as indices of nociception. Paw volume, plasma extravasation (Evans blue, 0.3 hours after injection), and neutrophil (myeloperoxidase; 1 hour after injection) and macrophage (CD11b+; 4 hour after injection) infiltration into paw tissue were the measured inflammation endpoints. Only PI3K-γ antagonist before treatment reduced the carrageenan-induced pain behavior and spinal expression of c-Fos (P ≤ 0.01). In contrast, pretreatment with PI3K-α, -δ, and-γ antagonists reduced early indices of inflammation. Plasma extravasation PI3K-α (P ≤ 0.05), -δ (P ≤ 0.05), and -γ (P ≤ 0.01), early (0-2 hour) edema -α (P ≤ 0.05), -δ (P ≤ 0.001), and -γ (P ≤ 0.05), and neutrophil infiltration (all P ≤ 0.001) were all reduced compared to vehicle pretreatment. Later (2-4 hour), edema and macrophage infiltration (P ≤ 0.05) were reduced by only the PI3K-δ and -γ isoform antagonists, with the PI3K-δ antagonist having a greater effect on edema. PI3K-β antagonism was ineffective in all paradigms. These data indicate that pain and clinical inflammation are pharmacologically separable and may help to explain clinical conditions in which inflammation naturally wanes or goes into remission, but pain continues unabated.}, language = {en} } @article{OehlerKistnerMartinetal.2017, author = {Oehler, Beatrice and Kistner, Katrin and Martin, Corinna and Schiller, J{\"u}rgen and Mayer, Rafaela and Mohammadi, Milad and Sauer, Reine-Solange and Filipovic, Milos R. and Nieto, Francisco R. and Kloka, Jan and Pfl{\"u}cke, Diana and Hill, Kerstin and Schaefer, Michael and Malcangio, Marzia and Reeh, Peter W. and Brack, Alexander and Blum, Robert and Rittner, Heike L.}, title = {Inflammatory pain control by blocking oxidized phospholipid-mediated TRP channel activation}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {7}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, number = {5447}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-017-05348-3}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-158536}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Phospholipids occurring in cell membranes and lipoproteins are converted into oxidized phospholipids (OxPL) by oxidative stress promoting atherosclerotic plaque formation. Here, OxPL were characterized as novel targets in acute and chronic inflammatory pain. Oxidized 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (OxPAPC) and its derivatives were identified in inflamed tissue by mass spectrometry and binding assays. They elicited calcium influx, hyperalgesia and induced pro-nociceptive peptide release. Genetic, pharmacological and mass spectrometric evidence in vivo as well as in vitro confirmed the role of transient receptor potential channels (TRPA1 and TRPV1) as OxPAPC targets. Treatment with the monoclonal antibody E06 or with apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptide D-4F, capturing OxPAPC in atherosclerosis, prevented inflammatory hyperalgesia, and in vitro TRPA1 activation. Administration of D-4F or E06 to rats profoundly ameliorated mechanical hyperalgesia and inflammation in collagen-induced arthritis. These data reveal a clinically relevant role for OxPAPC in inflammation offering therapy for acute and chronic inflammatory pain treatment by scavenging OxPAPC.}, language = {en} }