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CBD And Fibromyalgia: Is There Potential?

Published

5 years ago

November 19, 2019

Fibromyalgia stands as one of the most intriguing diseases in the medical field. While it’s widely associated with whole-body pain, it’s still a neurological disorder. And even though researchers can’t figure out what exactly causes it, there are some interesting findings that help reduce the many ailments that come along with it. So, can CBD help Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is widely believed to be linked with depression, and is far more common in women than in men. This link has been studied for decades, and findings are concluding that one does not cause the other, but treating depression has its impressions.

On top of all that, there is the notorious “fibro fog.” A debilitating cloud that can envelop and fibro patient. Common side effects can last anywhere from a few days to a month. They include depression, insomnia, delirium, focus problems, and just an intense cognitive dysfunction.

Research for fibromyalgia often finds solutions, which even today has proven to be impossible. Pain that is derivative from a neurological issue means it can be deep rooted. Some reports have shown that strong pain medications simply do not help the pain.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is just one of the many cannabinoids found in cannabis. The appealing aspect of CBD is the many studied health benefits, while also avoiding the “high” that its closely related cannabinoid THC does. CBD will not make you high, and it will not cause a failed drug test.

The way CBD has helped people with fibromyalgia is suprisingly not just for the pain, but the fog as well. As mentioned earlier, a drowsiness isn’t uncommon for any fibro patient. So, first off, how can CBD help with the notorious fog?

As far as insomnia goes, it is just one of the leading causes people turn to CBD for. The first one being anxiety, and following insomnia, depression. Insomnia entrails issues falling asleep, or staying asleep. This chronic or acute insomnia has been studied with CBD for decades, and has shown that CBD can indeed help our bodies stay asleep, at far less of a cost that melatonin has.

CBD works in our bodies through our endocannabinoid system, a part of our central nervous system designed just for the processing of different cannabinoids. In this system there are our CB1 and CB2 receptors, which essentially act as neurotransmitters. These reactions help release and maintain bodily functions. Unfortunately, the science behind this is far beyond the scope of this article.

Obviously, depression and anxiety go hand in hand far too often. These are no hidden enemies to fibro patients either, as 20% are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or depression, before the fibromyalgia diagnosis. So, how can CBD help with these? If at all? Again, the function of our endocannabinoid system is still being studied, but scans have shown how CBD helps monitor our bodily functions. It’s been shown to change serotonin as well as dopamine levels in our brains, when prerecorded to be out of balance. Of course, anxiety and depression are not only stemmed from a neurological imbalance, but these studies are very promising, as an imbalance is critical.

“Potential” is out of the scope. Of course there is potential with CBD and fibromyalgia. We didn’t cover the use for CBD and pain/inflammation, as fibromyalgia is way too complicated to be able to say that something helps with pain. Neurological pain requires stronger mediceuticals, but the fog is a debilitating part of the condition that can worsen under the probable depression.

Blog

Applications of Automation in Research and Clinical Diagnostics

Published

2 months ago

May 18, 2024

Rosario Farell

Precision counts in the fields of science and medicine. This is particularly true for the basic task of counting and analyzing cells, which is used in both clinical and research settings. The introduction of automatic cell counters, which provide efficiency and accuracy that manual approaches cannot match, has resulted in a notable advancement in this field.

What is Automated Cell Counting?

Automated cell counters are advanced instruments that are made to precisely and swiftly count and examine cells. In contrast to manual counting methods that rely on human vision and a microscope, automated counters use software algorithms and image technology to count and analyze cells. This ensures more accurate findings by expediting the procedure and lowering the possibility of human error.

Type of Automated Cell Counters

There are several types of automated cell counters used in research and clinical diagnostics, each employing different technologies and methods for cell counting. The main types of automated cell counters include:

● Image Cytometers: These devices use optical microscopy to statically image cells, which are frequently labeled to detect certain molecules or provide contrast. Cell counting is aided by the automation of image cytometers made possible by digital cameras.

● Flow Cytometers: Use a regulated flow of suspended cells to align individual cells for analysis. Staining cells with fluorochromes enables visual characterization of the cells and facilitates high-throughput analysis.

● Cell Sorters: Arrange cells according to their electrical properties. Sorting is accomplished by dividing the fluid stream containing the cells into droplets whose electrical charge varies according to the kind of cell and guiding them into various containers.

● Time-Lapse Cytometers: Allow for continuous monitoring of cells in an incubator by employing non-heat-generating light sources, such as LEDs, in conjunction with image cytometry to investigate cellular dynamics without causing damage to living cells.

● Hemocytometers: A qualified technician, an optical microscope, and a gridded slide with known volume wells are used in this manual cell counting approach. Up until the 1950s, hemocytometers were the norm for counting cells.

These various types of automated cell counters provide effective and precise methods for cell counting and analysis, each with unique benefits and uses in clinical and research environments.

Research

Automated cell counters have become indispensable tools in understanding cell behavior. They are used in various research fields, including cancer research, drug discovery, and stem cell therapy.

One of the key benefits in research is the ability to handle large volumes of data. For instance, in drug discovery, automated counters can quickly analyze the effects of thousands of compounds on cell growth and death. This high-throughput capability accelerates the pace of research, allowing scientists to screen potential drugs more efficiently than ever before.

Moreover, automated cell counters offer the precision required to detect subtle changes in cell populations. This is crucial in fields like cancer research, where understanding the behavior of cancer cells can lead to the development of more effective treatments.

Clinical Diagnostics

The impact of automated cell counters extends beyond the research laboratory and into clinical diagnostics. In medical laboratories, these devices play a critical role in routine blood tests, infectious disease diagnostics, and monitoring patient health during treatment.

For example, in a routine complete blood count (CBC), automated cell counters can quickly provide a detailed analysis of different blood cell types. This information is vital for diagnosing conditions such as anemia, infections, and blood cancers. The speed and accuracy of automated counters mean that patients can receive diagnoses and begin treatment more swiftly.

In the context of infectious diseases, automated counters can detect and quantify specific pathogens or immune cells, helping to diagnose infections quickly and accurately. During the COVID-19 pandemic, automated cell counting technologies were instrumental in monitoring virus spread and patients’ immune responses, showcasing their value in crisis situations.

Challenges and Future Directions

The initial cost of these devices can be high, and their operation requires specific technical expertise. Additionally, different types of cells and conditions may require customized counting protocols, necessitating ongoing adjustments and updates to software algorithms.

Looking ahead, ongoing advancements in technology promise to further enhance the capabilities of automated cell counters. The global cell counting market growth is anticipated at a CAGR of 7.5% by 2032. Innovations in imaging technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are expected to improve accuracy, speed, and the ability to analyze more complex cell characteristics. As these technologies evolve, automated cell counters will become even more integral to research and diagnostics, opening new avenues for scientific discovery and patient care.