Stress and pain: scientists uncover hidden gene changes in fibromyalgia
NCT ID NCT06475859
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at how stress changes gene activity in women with chronic widespread pain (fibromyalgia). Researchers compared 84 women with and without the condition, using mental stress tests and relaxation breathing. They measured changes in DNA methylation, a process that can turn genes on or off. The goal was to understand why stress makes pain worse, which could lead to better treatments in the future.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
What this could lead to
If successful, this research could point toward new ways to understand and eventually treat stress intolerance in chronic pain conditions.
What could go wrong
This is an observational study with only 84 participants. It looks at biological markers, not a treatment, so it may not lead directly to new therapies.
Disclaimer
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Vrije Universiteit Brussel - UZ Brussel
Brussels, Brussels Capital, 1050, Belgium