Adaptive neuroplasticity in the default mode network contributing to absence of central sensitization in primary dysmenorrhea

Lin Chien Lee, Ya Yun Chen, Wei Chi Li, Ching Ju Yang, Ching Hsiung Liu, Intan Low, Hsiang Tai Chao, Li Fen Chen, Jen Chuen Hsieh*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Primary dysmenorrhea (PDM), the most prevalent gynecological problem among women of reproductive age, presents as a regular pattern of cyclic menstrual pain. The presence or absence of central sensitization (i.e., pain hypersensitivity) in cases of PDM is a contentious issue. Among Caucasians, the presence of dysmenorrhea is associated with pain hypersensitivity throughout the menstrual cycle, indicating pain amplification mediated by the central nervous system. We previously reported on the absence of central sensitization to thermal pain among Asian PDM females. In this study, functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to reveal mechanisms underlying pain processing with the aim of explaining the absence of central sensitization in this population. Methods: Brain responses to noxious heat applied to the left inner forearm of 31 Asian PDM females and 32 controls during their menstrual and periovulatory phases were analyzed. Results and discussion: Among PDM females experiencing acute menstrual pain, we observed a blunted evoked response and de-coupling of the default mode network from the noxious heat stimulus. The fact that a similar response was not observed in the non-painful periovulatory phase indicates an adaptive mechanism aimed at reducing the impact of menstrual pain on the brain with an inhibitory effect on central sensitization. Here we propose that adaptive pain responses in the default mode network may contribute to the absence of central sensitization among Asian PDM females. Variations in clinical manifestations among different PDM populations can be attributed to differences in central pain processing.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1094988
JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience
Volume17
DOIs
StatePublished - 9 Feb 2023

Keywords

  • central sensitization
  • default mode network
  • functional magnetic resonance imaging
  • menstrual pain
  • neuroplasticity
  • noxious heat
  • pain hypersensitivity
  • primary dysmenorrhea

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