Gut Microbiota in Adults with Chronic Widespread Pain: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

Chronic widespread pain (CWP), a key feature of fibromyalgia (FM), has been increasingly associated with gut microbiota alterations, yet the specific changes in microbial composition and the therapeutic potential of probiotics or prebiotics in these patients remain unclear. This systematic review aimed to synthesize current evidence regarding gut microbiota alterations and the effects of microbiota-targeted interventions in individuals with CWP/FM.

METHODS

A comprehensive search across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Ovid Embase, Medline, Ovid AMED, and Global Health. These studies were categorized into two primary themes: changes in gut microbiota composition at various taxonomic levels and the therapeutic impact of microbiota-involved treatments in patients with CWP/FM.

RESULTS

We finally identified 432 studies, of which 11 met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicate that while alterations in the gut microbiota have been observed in CWP patients, the evidence remains limited and heterogeneous.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary indications suggest a potential role of dysbiosis in the pathophysiology of CWP, but further rigorously designed studies are needed to clarify the therapeutic efficacy of microbiota-based interventions in this patient population.