Hyper-connectivity between the left motor cortex and prefrontal cortex is associated with the severity of dysfunction of the descending pain modulatory system in fibromyalgia

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247629
• Publication Date: 2022-05-27T17:35:26Z
• Authors: Álvaro de Oliveir...; Camila Fernanda d...; Paul Vicuña; Janete Bandeira; Maria Adelia de A...; Iraci L. S. Torres; Felipe Fregni; Wolnei Caumo
• Keywords: Premotor cortex

Introduction The association between descending pain modulatory system (DPMS) dysfunction and fibromyalgia has been previously described, but more studies are required on its relationship with aberrant functional connectivity (FC) the motor prefrontal cortices. Objectives objective of this cross-sectional observational study was to compare intra- interhemispheric FC bilateral cortices in women fibromyalgia, comparing responders nonresponders conditioned modulation (CPM) test. Methods A sample 37 (23 14 CPM test) diagnosed according American College Rheumatology criteria underwent a standardized clinical assessment an analysis using near-infrared spectroscopy. DPMS function inferred through responses test, which were induced by hand immersion cold water (0–1°C). multivariate covariance for main effects conducted diagnosis multiple psychiatric disorders use opioid nonopioid analgesics as covariates. In addition, we analyzed interaction test response presence diagnoses. Results Nonresponders showed increased left cortex (lMC) (lPFC) (t = −2.476, p 0.01) right (rPFC) −2.363, 0.02), even when both considered covariates regression (lMC–lPFC: β −0.127, t −2.425, 0.021; lMC–rPFC: −0.122, −2.222, 0.033). Regarding effects, significant difference only observed lMC–lPFC (p 0.035). nonresponse lMC−lPFC (β −0.222, −2.275, 0.03) lMC−rPFC −0.211, −2.2, Additionally, these two region-of-interest combinations, despite diagnoses (lMC−lPFC: −0.516, −2.447, 0.02; lMC−rPFC: −0.582, −2.805, 0.008). Conclusions Higher lMC PFC may be neural marker although interplay also seems influence association.