Introduction: Chronic pain is a significant health problem worldwide, with a prevalence in the general population of approximately 40%. Alexithymia -- the personality trait of having difficulties with emotional awareness and self-regulation -- has been reported to contribute to an increased risk of several chronic diseases and health conditions, and limited research indicates a potential role for alexithymia in the development and maintenance of chronic pain. However, no study has yet examined the associations between alexithymia and chronic pain in the general population.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAldehyde oxidase is a member of the molybd-flavo enzyme family that catalyzes the hydroxylation of heterocycles and the oxidation of aldehydes into corresponding carboxylic acids. Aldehyde oxidase-1 (AOX1) is highly expressed in liver and is involved in the oxidation of a variety of aldehydes and nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds, including anti-cancer and immunosuppressive drugs. However, the physiological substrates of AOX1 have not been identified, and it was unknown how the expression of AOX1 is regulated.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: The primary objectives of the current study were to 1) confirm the three-factor model of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) items in a Japanese sample and 2) identify the catastrophizing subdomain(s) most closely associated with measures of pain and functioning in a sample of individuals with chronic pain.
Design: This was based on a cross-sectional observational study.
Setting: This study was conducted in a university-based clinic.
Objective: Measuring outcomes across multiple domains is essential for an adequate understanding of chronic pain and the effects of pain treatment. Pain interference reflects the negative effects of pain on functioning, and is recognized as a critical outcome domain. The Pain Disability Assessment Scale (PDAS) contains items that assess the negative effects of pain on broad spectrum pain interference domains.
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