Fibromyalgia: one year in review 2025.
Clinical and experimental rheumatology June 1, 2025 Cristina Iannuccelli, Martina Favretti, Giulio Dolcini et al. 15 citations
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome whose causes and treatments remain only partly understood. In 2024, research links it to dysregulation of stress-response systems, low-grade inflammation, metabolic disturbances, altered gut microbiota, and brain changes visible on MRI. Multi-omics approaches show promise for diagnostic biomarkers, and mitochondrial dysfunction appears to correlate with symptom severity. Clinically, under-recognized aspects include sexual and cognitive dysfunction, gender roles, environmental exposures, and impact on relationships. Shared mechanisms with long COVID are under discussion, while residual pain in inflammatory diseases remains inadequately addressed. Non-pharmacological strategies like physical activity and psychosocial interventions remain fundamental; emerging therapies include non-invasive neuromodulation, psychedelics, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence.