Investigating biomarkers related to pain and stress responses

Investigating Composite Biomarkers for Pain Catastrophizing

NA · Aalborg University · NCT04787198

This study is testing how certain blood markers related to stress and pain can help identify people at risk for chronic pain by giving healthy adults different types of saline and seeing how it affects their pain and biomarker levels.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment44 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorAalborg University (other)
Locations1 site (Aalborg)
Trial IDNCT04787198 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore the relationship between psychological responses to stress and pain and the levels of specific biomarkers in the blood, such as microRNA and proteins. By analyzing these biomarkers, the researchers hope to identify individuals at high risk for developing chronic pain. The study involves administering hypertonic and isotonic saline to healthy participants aged 18-80 to observe the effects on pain perception and biomarker levels. The ultimate goal is to improve pain management strategies by developing diagnostic tools based on these findings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy men and women aged 18-80 who can speak and understand English.

Not a fit: Patients with acute or chronic pain, neurological disorders, or those currently using certain medications will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better identification and treatment of individuals at risk for chronic pain.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using biomarkers to understand pain is being explored, this specific investigation into the psychological aspects and their biochemical correlates is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy men and women in the age 18-80 years
* Speak and understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Acute and chronic pain
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Drug addiction defined as the use of cannabis, opioids or other drugs
* Present or previous history of neurological, dermatological, immunological, musculoskeletal, cardiac disorder or mental illnesses that may affect the results (e.g. Neuropathy, muscular pain in the upper extremities, etc.)
* Focal and generalized seizure
* Surgery or any other therapy for epilepsy
* Present or previous AEDs (anti-epileptic drugs) administration
* Present or previous use of epileptic devices (\<1 year prior the enrolment)
* Lack of ability to cooperate
* Current use of medications that may affect the trial, such as antipsychotics and pain killers as well as systemic or topical steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs.
* Skin diseases
* Consumption of alcohol or painkillers 24 hours before the study days and between these
* Participation in other trials within 1 week of study entry (4 weeks in the case of pharmaceutical trials)

Where this trial is running

Aalborg

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pain, Acute

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.