Cited by 7Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ResearchPsychosomatic Disorders and Their TreatmentsMyofascial pain diagnosis and treatment

Fibromyalgia: are you a genetic/environmental disease

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Ablin, Jacob N.·2025·PAIN Reports

Abstract

Fibromyalgia, characterized by chronic widespread pain and fatigue, involves complex interactions between genetic predispositions and environmental triggers. This review delves into the multifaceted nature of fibromyalgia, emphasizing recent advances in understanding its pathogenesis through genetic, epigenetic, and environmental lenses. We explore the roles of specific genetic polymorphisms, such as those in the catechol-O-methyltransferase and serotonin transporter genes, and their correlation with the syndrome's susceptibility. The review also examines the significant impact of environmental factors, including physical trauma and stress, which potentiate the syndrome's severity. In addition, emerging research on the microbiome and epigenetic modifications provides new insights into the disease mechanisms, potentially guiding future therapeutic strategies. This article aims to synthesize current research findings and propose directions for future research, underscoring the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to decipher the complexities of fibromyalgia.

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  • Several genetic loci have been implicated in fibromyalgia susceptibility, including the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene, the serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region of SLC6A4, and DRD2 and DRD4.

    “Concurrently, several genetic loci have been implicated in FMS susceptibility, including the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene, the serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) of the SLC6A4 gene, as well as DRD2 and DRD4, which encode dopamine receptors (30).”

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Authors
Ablin, J. N.
Affiliations
Tel Aviv University (IL)
Corresponding author
Ablin, Jacob N.
Venue
PAIN Reports
Published
2025-04-18
Volume
10
Issue
3
Pages
e1256
ISSN
2471-2531 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4409783133
Cited by
7
References
4
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 4
FWCI
1.25
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • PAIN Reports (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › Myofascial pain diagnosis and treatment
Keywords
fibromyalgia, genetic susceptibility, environmental triggers, genetic polymorphism, catechol-O-methyltransferase, serotonin transporter, epigenetics, gut microbiota, physical trauma, psychological stress, chronic widespread pain, fatigue, disease susceptibility

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