Affiliations: [a] Department of Rheumatology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India | [b] Department of Physiology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India | [c] Department of Biochemistry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Fatima Ghizal, Department of Rheumatology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Tel.: +91 9616283669; E-mail:ghizalfatima8@gmail.com
Abstract: Cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) levels are reported to be perturbed in
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) patients. Moreover, Body Mass Index (BMI) may
also be related to disturbed cytokines level. Therefore, the present study
was planned to evaluate the levels of cytokines and to correlate them with
BMI and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire Revised (FIQR) in female FMS
patients (n= 60) and control group (n= 60). 4 ml of blood samples were taken
from both the group of patients and controls to measure the levels of IL-6
and TNF-α . Symptoms of FMS were assessed by FIQR. BMI was calculated
by a standard formula of weight in kilograms divided by height in meter
square. There were significant differences in BMI levels in FMS
patients than in control group. However, no significant association was
found between BMI and TNF-α levels, and BMI and IL-6 levels in
patient and control groups. However, a significant association was found
between FIQR and BMI in patients group. On the basis of the results we
conclude that the levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha are not associated with BMI
in FMS patients. Furthermore, patients with higher BMI may fall at the risk
of FMS. Therefore, weight management may be an important aspect for
treatment of FMS patients.
Keywords: Fibromyalgia syndrome, body mass index, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha
