Investigating biomarkers related to pain and stress responses
Official title: Investigating Composite Biomarkers for Pain Catastrophizing
Run by Aalborg University · NCT04787198 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Aalborg University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aalborg) |
| Trial ID | NCT04787198 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are healthy men and women aged 18-80 who can speak and understand English.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with acute or chronic pain, neurological disorders, or those currently using certain medications will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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Aalborg University
Aalborg, Denmark Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Laura Petrini, PhD — Aalborg University
- Study coordinator: Laura Petrini, PhD
- Email: lap@hst.aau.dk
- Phone: 0045 99409826
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.