ATP, calcium and magnesium levels in platelets of patients with primary fibromyalgia.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the intracellular levels of the high energy adenosine triphosphate nucleotide ATP and essential divalent cations, calcium and magnesium, in platelets of patients affected by primary fibromyalgia syndrome (FMs).


METHODS
Platelet ATP and cation concentrations were measured in 25 patients affected by FMs and 25 healthy volunteers through a chemiluminescent and a fluorimetric assay, respectively.


RESULTS
Significant lower ATP levels were observed inside platelets of FM patients (fmol ATP/plt: 0.0169+/-0.0012 vs. healthy controls, fmol ATP/plt: 0.0306+/-0.0023, mean+/-SEM) (*** P<0.0001). A trend towards higher calcium concentrations (P=0.06) together with significant increased magnesium levels were also reported in platelets of patients by comparison with controls (P=0.02).


CONCLUSIONS
This preliminary study suggests that disturbances in the homeostasis of platelet ATP metabolism-signaling and calcium-magnesium flows might have a relevance in the pathogenesis of FMs.
Bazzichi
Laura
L
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
Giannaccini
Gino
G
Betti
Laura
L
Fabbrini
Laura
L
Schmid
Lara
L
Palego
Lionella
L
Giacomelli
Camillo
C
Rossi
Alessandra
A
Giusti
Laura
L
De Feo
Francesca
F
Giuliano
Tiziana
T
Mascia
Giovanni
G
Bombardieri
Stefano
S
Lucacchini
Antonio
A
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000097:blood*; D000328:Adult; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000737:chemistry*; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005356:Fibromyalgia / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008274:Magnesium / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate; D008274:Magnesium; D002118:Calcium