A case-control study on the role of carbonic anhydrase autoantibodies in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of fibromyalgia

To investigate the levels and diagnostic significance of carbonic anhydrase I (CAI) and II (CAII) autoantibodies and oxidative stress status in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) patients. A total of 59 FMS patients and 53 healthy controls were included. CAI and CAII autoantibody levels were measured using a manual ELISA protocol. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), serum total oxidant status (TOS), serum total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were also analyzed. The mean CAI and CAII autoantibody levels were significantly higher in the FMS group compared to the control group (p < 0.000 and p < 0.003, respectively). FMS patients had significantly higher MDA, TOS and OSI levels(p < 0.000 for all comparisons), and lower TAS levels compared to controls but no significant differences (p > 0,705). Elevated CAI and CAII autoantibodies and altered oxidative stress markers in FMS patients suggest autoimmune processes and oxidative stress involvement in the pathogenesis of FMS, providing new insights into potential diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.