Background & Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate two factors that could influence the susceptibility to develop peripheral and central sensitization in humans: the composition of the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites and the quality of sleep. Both factors are known to modulate pain perception, but whether they interfere with the induction of peripheral and central sensitization remains largely unknown.

Methods

Healthy human participants took part in two experimental sessions separated by at least two weeks: a peripheral sensitization (PS) session in which we assessed the heat hyperalgesia and flare response (using IR imaging) produced by topical capsaicin applied onto the volar forearm, and a central sensitization (CS) session in which we assessed the secondary mechanical hyperalgesia (sensitivity to pinprick stimulation) induced by high-frequency electrical stimulation (HFS) of the skin. Sleep was assessed using a one-week actimetry and a sleep diary. Blood and fecal samples were collected for analysis of gut microbiota composition and metabolomics. Participants were categorized as short (<6h30), medium (6h30-8h30) or long (>8h30) sleepers.

Results

Data was collected in 37 out of 70 planned participants. Application of topical capsaicin in the PS session led to a significant reduction of the heat pain threshold and to an increase of the skin temperature in the treated area. Application of HFS in the CS session led a significant increase in the intensity of pinprick ratings. No differences were observed between the three classes of sleepers, but only 3/37 participants were short sleepers. Analysis of blood and fecal samples is ongoing.

Conclusions

The very small number of short sleepers recruited so far does not allow assessing the influence of total sleep time on the susceptibility to sensitize.

References

no references for this abstract

Presenting Author

Gwenaëlle Mievis

Poster Authors

Gwenaëlle Mievis

Pharmacy

Institute of Neurosciences UCLouvain

Lead Author

Sophie Leclercq

Institute of Neurosciences UCLouvain

Lead Author

Topics

  • Lifestyle Issues: Sleep/Diet/Exercise/Social Interactions