The Fibromyalgia Microbiome Research

English

We are no longer recruiting participants for this study.

We are now focusing our efforts on analysing the results.

We are grateful for all who have participated in this study. It wouldn't have been possible without you!

Got other questions?

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a medical condition, which affects many lives. Patients affected by fibromyalgia suffer from chronic pain which involves different body parts: shoulders, arms, upper and lower back. In addition patients often feel tired, even after a night sleep, waking up unrefreshed. Many patients find it difficult to concentrate, and to be physically active.

These symptoms have a serious negative effect on patients' quality of life, academic achievements, daily function and mood.

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What is the microbiome?

Our gut is home to myriads of microorganisms - bacteria, viruses and fungi. These tiny creatures, which are found mainly on our skin and in our digestive system, are mostly harmless to us, and even important for our health. Microbiome is the term given to the genes of the microorganisms found in and on us. Much research has been done on these silent inhabitants in recent years, and it seems that the composition of the gut bacterial community changes significantly in different medical conditions. Altered microbiome composition has been found in bowel diseases, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, some types of cancer and even anxiety and autism.

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What is the study about?

In this study we will look into the bacteria (germs) of patients with fibromyalgia.
Since the composition of gut bacteria is changed in many medical conditions, we ask if it is also changed in fibromyalgia.

To do that, we will evaluate the gut bacteria of patients with fibromyalgia with those of healthy individuals.

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Who can participate in the study?

We're recruiting three groups of participants:

1. Women aged 30-60 years who have fibromyalgia.

2. Healthy women aged 30-60 years who are first-degree relatives (i.e. a mother, a sister or a daughter) of a woman with fibromyalgia participating in our study.

3. Healthy women and men who share the same house with a fibromyalgia patient participating in the study.

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Why do you recruit healthy relatives of fibromyalgia patients?

Our question is whether the gut bacteria of fibromyalgia patient is different than that of healthy individuals. That's why it's important to check the microbiome of healthy woman so that we can compare it to that of the patients.

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Why are you only recruiting women?

Since the gut microbiome is influenced by many factors, such as gender, age and ethnicity, we only recruit women aged 30-60 years for some of the research groups, to reduce the diversity between participants.

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If I participate in the study, what will I have to do?

You will be invited to two clinic visits, during which you will be examined by a world-leading expert in fibromyalgia. Then you will fill in some questionnaires, with the assistance of a member of our research team, give samples of urine, saliva and blood, and you'll go home.

At home you'll fill-in a diet diary listing what you ate during three consecutive days, and give a stool sample using an easy-to-use kit. You will then come for a second visit, during which we will go over the diet questionnaire, you will deliver the stool sample, and that all.

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How will I benefit from my participation in the study?

You'll help understand the basics of fibromyalgia.
The result of this study may help us develop new treatment options for fibromyalgia, and you can be a partner.
Each participant will receive a complete personalized dietary assessment with individual recommendations prepared by the study dietitian.
Each participant will be compensated for her time. You'll be given 50 CAD when completing the study, and additional 20 CAD in case you recruit a family member to participate in the study (she will be compensated separately).

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