High-resolution whole-genome DNA methylation revealed unique signatures of painful diabetic neuropathy.

The aim of this work was to describe the DNA methylation signature and to identify genes associated with neuropathic pain in type 2 diabetes mellitus. We analyzed two independent diabetic neuropathy cohorts: PROPGER consisting of 72 painful and 67 painless patients recruited at the German Diabetes Center in Düsseldorf (DE), and PROPENG comprising 27 painful and 65 painless diabetic neuropathy patients recruited at the University of Manchester (UK). Genome-wide methylation data was generated using Illumina Infinium Methylation EPIC v1.

Broadening the Genetic Spectrum of Painful Small-Fiber Neuropathy through Whole-Exome Study in Early-Onset Cases.

Small-Fiber Neuropathy (SFN) is a disorder of the peripheral nervous system, characterised by neuropathic pain; approximately 11% of cases are linked to variants in Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels (VGSCs). This study aims to broaden the genetic knowledge on painful SFN by applying Whole-Exome Sequencing (WES) in Early-Onset (EO) cases. A total of 88 patients from Italy (n = 52) and the Netherlands (n = 36), with a disease onset at age ≤ 45 years old and a Pain Numerical Rating Score ≥ 4, were recruited.

Health benefits of combined oral contraceptives - a narrative review.

Purpose: This review presents an update of the non-contraceptive health benefits of the combined oral contraceptive pill.

Methods: We conducted a literature search for (review) articles that discussed the health benefits of combined oral contraceptives (COCs), in the period from 1980 to 2023.

Results: We identified 21 subjective and/or objective health benefits of COCs related to (i) the reproductive tract, (ii) non-gynaecological benign disorders and (iii) malignancies.

Ion Channel Genes in Painful Neuropathies.

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a typical symptom of peripheral nerve disorders, including painful neuropathy. The biological mechanisms that control ion channels are important for many cell activities and are also therapeutic targets. Disruption of the cellular mechanisms that govern ion channel activity can contribute to pain pathophysiology.

The cost-effectiveness of an indicated blended care intervention in primary care compared to usual care in patients with moderate persistent somatic symptoms.

Introduction: Appropriate treatment for people with an increased risk for developing chronic Persistent Somatic Symptoms (PSS) is of great importance at an early stage to improve quality of life and prevent high costs for society.

Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of an integrated blended care intervention compared to usual care for QALYs, subjective symptom impact and physical and mental health status in patients with moderate PSS.

Methods: This economic evaluation was conducted alongside a 12-month prospective, multicenter cluster randomized controlled trial in Dutch primary care.