ABSTRACT

Fibromyalgia is a disease characterized by widespread chronic pain and specific tender points on clinical examination. The pathogenesis of fibromyalgia is not known, however genetic predisposition, trauma, psychopathologic reasons, viral infections and immunological mechanisms are thought to play a possible role in the pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine serum interleukin-13 (IL-13) levels in patients with fibromyalgia. Twenty nine female patients with fibromyalgia and 26 healthy women were enrolled in the study. In order to exclude possible autoimmune and rheumatologic diseases, C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibody, compleman, uric acid and thyroid hormone levels were determined, and complete blood count and urine analysis were performed. Serum IL-13 levels were measured by ELISA method. The mean age of the patients was 31.65±5.05 years, and the mean age of the control group was 29.38±4.11 years. The mean duration of the disease was 6.03±2.11 years. The mean number of tender fibromyalgia trigger points was 13.72±1.8. The mean serum IL-13 levels in the patient and control groups were 180.69±57 pg/ml and 254.13±82.25 pg/ml, respectively (p=0.001). In our particular experience serum IL-13 levels are low in patients with fibromyalgia, and this condition may be related to chronic subclinical inflammation.