People with fibromyalgia show higher levels of certain blood markers related to intestinal barrier function and immune response compared to healthy individuals, and these higher levels are associated...
Mechanism
Synthesis from 1 study
When the gut lining becomes too permeable, bacterial toxins leak into the blood and trigger a persistent low-level immune response. This immune activity interferes with nerve signaling, leading to increased pain, fatigue, and reduced overall well-being.
Most probable mechanism
The lining of the gut becomes leaky, allowing bacterial toxins to escape into the bloodstream. These toxins activate immune cells, which release signals that cause widespread low-grade inflammation. This inflammation affects the nervous system, leading to heightened pain sensitivity, fatigue, and reduced well-being.
Intestinal epithelial tight junctions are disrupted, increasing permeability of the gut barrier
Bacterial lipopolysaccharides translocate from the gut lumen into systemic circulation
Circulating lipopolysaccharides bind to soluble CD14, activating monocytes and macrophages via TLR4 signaling
Activated immune cells produce pro-inflammatory mediators that sustain low-grade systemic inflammation
Systemic inflammation alters signaling in the central and autonomic nervous systems, contributing to pain sensitization and autonomic dysregulation
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
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Contradicting (0)
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