Investigation of MMP-3, IL-6, IL-6R, and TNF-Alpha Levels in Fibromyalgia Patients Presenting to a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic

Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a syndrome that commonly affects the musculoskeletal system and is characterized by fatigue and body aches. Recent studies have demonstrated a relationship between FMS and certain immunological markers. In this study, we investigated the relationship between MMP-3, IL-6, IL-6R, and TNF-α serum levels and disease impact (FIQ score) in FMS patients. Methods: This case–control study consisted of 164 participants, of whom 82 were patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and 82 were healthy controls without FMS, chronic pain, or inflammatory diseases. Disease impact was assessed using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). MMP-3, IL-6, IL-6R, and TNF-α serum levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Results: In patients diagnosed with FMS, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-6R, and MMP-3 levels were significantly higher than those of the control group (all p < 0.0001). MMP-3, IL-6, IL-6R, and TNF-α levels correlated positively with the FIQ score. Conclusions: This study highlights the involvement of inflammatory processes in FMS, particularly the role of serum IL-6, TNF-α, IL-6R, and MMP-3 levels in the pathophysiology of FMS. The results indicate that inflammatory markers may be associated with the severity of FMS and may have potential as disease markers.