Collagen and muscle pathology in fibromyalgia patients

July 2003
S. T. Gronemann, S. Ribel-Madsen, E. M. Bartels, B. Danneskiold-Samsøe, H. Bliddal

Abstract

Objective. To measure collagen concentration and search for muscle pathology in muscle non-tender-point areas from fibromyalgia (FM) patients.

Methods. Muscle biopsies were obtained from m. vastus lateralis of 27 carefully selected, female fibromyalgia patients, and from eight age-matched female control subjects. Amino acids were determined by HPLC and electron microscopy was performed.

Results. The FM patients had lower hydroxyproline and lower total concentration of the major amino acids of collagen than the controls. No significant difference was seen in the concentration of the major amino acids of myosin or of total protein. Electron microscopy showed no significant differences between FM patients and controls although atrophied muscle fibrils occurred in FM patients only, but frequencies were not significantly different.

Conclusion. Fibromyalgia patients had a significantly lower amount of intramuscular collagen. This may lower the threshold for muscle micro-injury and thereby result in non-specific signs of muscle pathology.