Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a global health problem. The first step for developing effective treatments is a better understanding of underlying mechanisms, including its comorbidities. Cumulative findings, including breakthrough findings from our own group, point to impaired glucose metabolism as an important CLBP comorbidity. In addition to its metabolic role, the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1)/ growth hormone (GH) axis plays a key role in pain modulation. Therefore, the project aims to examine whether DNA methylation and functional protein levels predicts postprandial glycemic responses to standardized drinks, standardized meals, and real-life meals in patients with CLBP. This will be examined using two (i.e., 1 in CLBP and 1 in healthy controls) double-blind, randomized cross-over experiments (high versus low glycaemic index beverages). After the 14-day experimental phase, all participants will be studied for an additional week to examine whether the experimental findings have ecological validity, i.e., whether they can be confirmed in response to real-life meals in their home environment. Genome-wide changes in DNA methylation will be studied using whole genome bisulfite sequencing and targeted next-generation sequencing. The project allows identification of a biomarker for a potentially very significant CLBP comorbidity, including identifying targetable mechanisms to develop innovative, personalized treatments.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
Additionally, study participation will be postponed in case the participant donated blood < 8 weeks before baseline and participants will be asked not to donate blood for the duration of the trial.
Joni.Michiels2@vub.be+32471103990
The healthy controls will undergo the same assessments as the patients with CLBP, namely the high and low glycaemic index beverages. However, the healthy controls do not show signs of chronic low back pain as defined in the protocol.
Patients with CLBP will undergo the same assessments as the healthy control group, namely the high and low glycaemic index beverages. CLBP is defined as experiencing low back pain every day for at least 3 months, or every other day for at least 6 months.
Jinane.Ben.Amar@vub.be+32487219246
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