Is There Any Relationship Between Serum Endocan Levels and Carotid Intima-media Thickness in Patients with Fibromyalgia?

Objective: Although the pathophysiology of Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) has not yet been completely elucidated, it has been suggested that inflammation and endothelial dysfunction occur in patients with FMS. In recent years, endocan has been reported as an important biomarker for inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. It is important to assess carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in the evaluation of early atherosclerotic vascular diseases. In this study, we investigated this mechanism by measuring serum endocan levels and CIMT in patients with FMS and evaluated whether there is a correlation between them. Materials and Methods: Serum samples collected from 40 female patients diagnosed with FMS (the patient group) for the first time and 40 healthy female participants' (the control group) endocan levels and CIMT ultrasonography were investigated, and the values of the two groups were compared. Results: Serum endocan levels and CIMT results were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (p<0.001). In addition, a very weak correlation was found between CIMT and endocan levels in patients with FMS. Conclusion: Increased subclinical inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and early atherosclerosis play an important role in the pathophysiology of FMS. Increased endocan levels, CIMT, and the correlation between them will contribute to elucidating this mechanism.