Serum ADAM12 as a Biomarker in Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Inflammatory and Clinical Correlates

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterized by widespread pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive symptoms. This cross-sectional study included 44 patients with FMS and 43 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Serum A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease 12 (ADAM12) levels were measured by immunoassay, and clinical features were recorded. ADAM12 concentrations were significantly higher in the FMS group than in controls (1041.15 ± 565.09 ng/L vs. 834.05 ± 365.56 ng/L; p = 0.004). ROC analysis showed modest diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.678; p = 0.004). Sleep disturbance, fatigue, and concentration difficulties were more prevalent in patients. Family history of FMS occurred only in patients and was associated with higher ADAM12 (p = 0.010). ADAM12 also correlated with age (p = 0.047) and family history (p = 0.024). ADAM12, despite its limited standalone diagnostic value, emerges as a promising supplementary biomarker in FMS, with its elevation and clinical associations underscoring the need for further validation in longitudinal studies.