Fibromyalgia & musculoskeletal pain
The microbiota-gut-brain axis in fibromyalgia: a scoping review
Authors' conclusion
The MGBA represents a biologically plausible and integrative framework for FM, linking peripheral and central mechanisms. Current evidence remains heterogeneous and largely associative.
Study context
- Population
- Primary clinical, translational and preclinical studies of the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) in fibromyalgia (FM), published January 2020 to March 202639 studies included
- Outcome
- MGBA alterations in FM
Methodological detailsArksey and O'Malley framework, refined by Levac et al. and the Joanna Briggs Institute, PRISMAScR
- Arksey and O'Malley framework, refined by Levac et al. and the Joanna Briggs Institute
- PRISMAScR
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- Altered gut microbiota composition, incl. reduced diversity and depletion of butyrate-producing taxa (Faecalibacterium prausnitzii), with shifts in Bifidobacterium and Prevotella; findings heterogeneous
- Reduced short-chain fatty acid production and dysregulated tryptophan metabolism
- Increased intestinal permeability and activation of neuroimmune pathways
- Microbiota profiles associated with pain intensity, fatigue and cognitive dysfunction
- Interventional evidence limited but suggests emerging therapeutic potential
- 1,365 records identified
Original publication
The microbiota-gut-brain axis in fibromyalgia: a scoping review. Clin Exp Rheumatol. Published 22 June 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →