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Microbial SubstitutionNCT06502223

Impact of Gut Microbiota and Tryptophan Metabolites on Acute Pain in Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery Patients

An observational study of Microbial Substitution and Tryptophan Metabolism Alterations, run by Dokuz Eylul University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

It is well-established that the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in various pain mechanisms, including visceral pain, inflammatory pain, headache, neuropathic pain, and opioid tolerance. Changes in the gut microbiome can alter pain perception. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
What is being tested?
Pain Perception in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery
Type of treatment
Surgery or procedure
How many people
37 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
12 Jan 2022to 15 Mar 2023
How long will I take part?
1 Year
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Adult, Older adult

Study population: Our study includes 37 lumbar disc herniation (LDH) surgeries performed in Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine Central Operating Rooms Brain and Nerve Surgery Hall. For the blood samples in which the investigators evaluated tryptophan metabolites; 2 mL of blood was used from the blood samples taken during routine surgery preparation for the patients and from the routine blood samples taken in the postoperative period, and no additional invasive intervention was performed. Concurrently with each blood draw, the patient's VAS score, the nature of the pain, and vital signs were recorded. Patient records, clinical histories, examination findings, and relevant laboratory results were electronically recorded.

Who may be able to join

  • Patients undergoing lumbar disc herniation surgery at Dokuz Eylül University Hospital.
  • Patients who have read and consented to the informed consent form for the study.
  • Age 18 years or older.
  • Surgery duration exceeding 2 hours.

Who cannot join

  • Patients are unwilling to participate in the study.
  • Surgery duration less than 2 hours.
  • Patients under the age of 18.
  • Patients with a history of abdominal surgery.
  • Patients who received antibiotic therapy for intestinal pathology within the last 3 weeks.
  • Patients with known abdominal pathologies suspected to alter the microbial flora (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease).

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Yunu Çelik

    Izmir, Balçova, 35100

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: The Impact of Microbiota and Associated Blood Tryptophan Metabolites on Pain Perception in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery

It is well-established that the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in various pain mechanisms, including visceral pain, inflammatory pain, headache, neuropathic pain, and opioid tolerance. Changes in the gut microbiome can alter pain perception. In our study, The investigator investigated the effects of microbiota alterations and the associated tryptophan metabolites on acute pain using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

Read the detailed description

The study included patients aged 18 and above undergoing lumbar disc herniation surgery. Blood samples were collected preoperatively, at 8 hours, and at 24 hours postoperatively to analyze tryptophan metabolites (picolinic acid, 3- Hydroxykynurenine, anthranilic acid, kynurenine, quinolinic acid, kynurenic acid, xanthurenic acid). Concurrent VAS pain assessments were conducted, and correlations between tryptophan metabolites and VAS were evaluated.

Being tested
Pain Perception in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery
Keywords
Microbiota, Tryptophan, Picolinic Acid, Kynurenic Acid, Xanthurenic Acid, Quinolinic Acid, Acute Pain
Medical subject headings
Pain, Postoperative, Acute Pain

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Pain Perception in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Disc Herniation SurgeryProcedure or surgery

    Also called Microbiota and Associated Blood Tryptophan Metabolites on

    Analyze tryptophan metabolites (picolinic acid, 3- Hydroxykynurenine, anthranilic acid, kynurenine, quinolinic acid, kynurenic acid, xanthurenic acid). Concurrent VAS pain assessments were conducted, and correlations between tryptophan metabolites and VAS were evaluated.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Tryptophan metabolites (Picolinic Acid)

    2 mL of blood was used from the blood samples taken during routine surgery preparation for the patients and from the routine blood samples taken in the postoperative period, and no additional invasive intervention was performed. The investigator elucidated the relationship between picolinic acid and its variations due to microbiota alterations with VAS in acute pain. Preoperative, postoperative, 8th-hour, and 24th-hour blood samples were routinely collected from patients, with 2 mL of sample material used each time. After the necessary centrifugation processes, the relevant laboratory team analyzed the picolinic acid levels (ng/mL).

    Measured: Preoperative: Before surgery; Postoperative 8th-hour: 8 hours after surgery;Postoperative 24th-hour: 24 hours after surgery

  2. Tryptophan metabolites (3-Hydroxykynurenine)

    2 mL of blood was used from the blood samples taken during routine surgery preparation for the patients and from the routine blood samples taken in the postoperative period, and no additional invasive intervention was performed. The investigator elucidated the relationship between 3-Hydroxykynurenine and its variations due to microbiota alterations with VAS in acute pain. Preoperative, postoperative 8th-hour, and 24th-hour blood samples were routinely collected from patients, with 2 mL of sample material used each time. After the necessary centrifugation processes, the relevant laboratory team analyzed the 3-Hydroxykynurenine levels(ng/mL).

    Measured: Preoperative: Before surgery; Postoperative 8th-hour: 8 hours after surgery;Postoperative 24th-hour: 24 hours after surgery

  3. Tryptophan metabolites (Anthranilic Acid)

    2 mL of blood was used from the blood samples taken during routine surgery preparation for the patients and from the routine blood samples taken in the postoperative period, and no additional invasive intervention was performed. The investigator elucidated the relationship between anthranilic acid and its variations due to microbiota alterations with VAS in acute pain. Preoperative, postoperative, 8th-hour, and 24th-hour blood samples were routinely collected from patients, with 2 mL of sample material used each time. The relevant laboratory team measured the anthranilic acid levels (ng/mL) following the required centrifugation procedures.

    Measured: Preoperative: Before surgery; Postoperative 8th-hour: 8 hours after surgery;Postoperative 24th-hour: 24 hours after surgery

  4. Tryptophan metabolites (Kynurenine)

    2 mL of blood was used from the blood samples taken during routine surgery preparation for the patients and from the routine blood samples taken in the postoperative period, and no additional invasive intervention was performed. The investigator elucidated the relationship between kynurenine and its variations due to microbiota alterations with VAS in acute pain. Preoperative, postoperative, 8th-hour, and 24th-hour blood samples were routinely collected from patients, with 2 mL of sample material used each time. After the necessary centrifugation processes, the relevant laboratory team analyzed the kynurenine levels (ng/mL).

    Measured: Preoperative: Before surgery; Postoperative 8th-hour: 8 hours after surgery;Postoperative 24th-hour: 24 hours after surgery

  5. Tryptophan metabolites (Quinolinic Acid)

    2 mL of blood was used from the blood samples taken during routine surgery preparation for the patients and from the routine blood samples taken in the postoperative period, and no additional invasive intervention was performed. The investigator elucidated the relationship between quinolinic acid and its variations due to microbiota alterations with VAS in acute pain. Preoperative, postoperative, 8th-hour, and 24th-hour blood samples were routinely collected from patients, with 2 mL of sample material used each time. After the necessary centrifugation processes, the relevant laboratory team analyzed the quinolinic acid levels (ng/mL).

    Measured: Preoperative: Before surgery; Postoperative 8th-hour: 8 hours after surgery;Postoperative 24th-hour: 24 hours after surgery

  6. Tryptophan metabolites (Kynurenic Acid)

    2 mL of blood was used from the blood samples taken during routine surgery preparation for the patients and from the routine blood samples taken in the postoperative period, and no additional invasive intervention was performed. The investigator elucidated the relationship between kynurenic acid and its variations due to microbiota alterations with VAS in acute pain. Preoperative, postoperative, 8th-hour, and 24th-hour blood samples were routinely collected from patients, with 2 mL of sample material used each time. After the necessary centrifugation processes, the relevant laboratory team analyzed the kynurenic acid levels (ng/mL).

    Measured: Preoperative: Before surgery; Postoperative 8th-hour: 8 hours after surgery;Postoperative 24th-hour: 24 hours after surgery

  7. Tryptophan metabolites (Xanthurenic Acid)

    2 mL of blood was used from the blood samples taken during routine surgery preparation for the patients and from the routine blood samples taken in the postoperative period, and no additional invasive intervention was performed. The investigator elucidated the relationship between xanthurenic acid and its variations due to microbiota alterations with VAS in acute pain. Preoperative, postoperative, 8th-hour, and 24th-hour blood samples were routinely collected from patients, with 2 mL of sample material used each time. After the necessary centrifugation processes, the relevant laboratory team analyzed the xanthurenic acid levels (ng/mL).

    Measured: Preoperative: Before surgery; Postoperative 8th-hour: 8 hours after surgery;Postoperative 24th-hour: 24 hours after surgery

  8. Visual Analog Scale

    In VAS assessment, patients are typically asked to choose a value between "0, no pain" and "10, the worst imaginable pain." VAS is an 11-point scale (ranging from 0 to 10) that allows patients to numerically express the intensity of their pain. Blood samples were planned and collected from patients during the preoperative evaluation, at the 8th postoperative hour, and at the 24th postoperative hour, adhering to clinical routines for these procedures. Concurrently with each blood draw, the patient's VAS score, the nature of the pain, and vital signs were recorded.

    Measured: Preoperative: Before surgery; Postoperative 8th-hour: 8 hours after surgery;Postoperative 24th-hour: 24 hours after surgery

Secondary outcomes (14)
  1. Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHg)

    The study measured the systolic blood pressure (mmHg) of patients at specified time points.The patients' systolic blood pressure data were recorded simultaneously with the blood samples taken during routine surgery preparation and at the 8th and 24th hours postoperatively.

    Measured: Preoperative: Before surgery; Postoperative 8th-hour: 8 hours after surgery;Postoperative 24th-hour: 24 hours after surgery

  2. Diastolic Blood Pressure (mmHg)

    The study measured the diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) of patients at specified time points.The patients' diastolic blood pressure data were recorded simultaneously with the blood samples taken during routine surgery preparation and at the 8th and 24th hours postoperatively.

    Measured: Preoperative: Before surgery; Postoperative 8th-hour: 8 hours after surgery;Postoperative 24th-hour: 24 hours after surgery

  3. Pulse Rate (beats per minute)

    The study measured patients' pulse rate (beats per minute) at specified time points.The patients' pulse data were recorded simultaneously with the blood samples taken during routine surgery preparation and at the 8th and 24th hours postoperatively.

    Measured: Preoperative: Before surgery; Postoperative 8th-hour: 8 hours after surgery;Postoperative 24th-hour: 24 hours after surgery

  4. Respiratory Rate (breaths per minute)

    The study measured the respiratory rate (breaths per minute) of patients at specified time points.

    The patients' respiratory rate data were recorded simultaneously with the blood samples taken during routine surgery preparation and at the 8th and 24th hours postoperatively.

    Measured: Preoperative: Before surgery; Postoperative 8th-hour: 8 hours after surgery;Postoperative 24th-hour: 24 hours after surgery

  5. Oxygen Saturation (%)

    The study measured patients' oxygen saturation (%) at specified time points.The patients' oxygen saturation data were recorded simultaneously with the blood samples taken during routine surgery preparation and at the 8th and 24th hours postoperatively.

    Measured: Preoperative: Before surgery; Postoperative 8th-hour: 8 hours after surgery;Postoperative 24th-hour: 24 hours after surgery

  6. Nature of Postoperative Pain Assessed by the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ)

    The McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) was used to evaluate and categorize the nature of pain. The study assessed the nature and quality of acute postoperative pain using the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) at specified time points. Although all of the patients' pain was acute postoperative pain, the pain qualities were recorded simultaneously, taking into account the differences in pain qualities. The MPQ was used to evaluate and categorize the nature of pain. The MPQ includes descriptors of pain which are categorized into sensory, affective, evaluative, and miscellaneous dimensions. Each descriptor is rated on an intensity scale of 0 (none) to 3 (severe), and scores are summed to provide an overall pain score. Higher scores indicate worse pain.

    Measured: Preoperative: Before surgery; Postoperative 8th-hour: 8 hours after surgery;Postoperative 24th-hour: 24 hours after surgery

  7. Comorbidity Assessment in Relation to Pain and Tryptophan Metabolites

    The study recorded patients' comorbidities, specifically those identified during the preoperative anamnesis process, and evaluated their potential impact on the nature of pain and tryptophan metabolites. Comorbidities identified as exclusion criteria, particularly those believed to affect intestinal microbiota and related to abdominal conditions, were also considered. Patients' comorbidities identified during the preoperative anamnesis process were meticulously documented to assess their influence on pain characteristics and tryptophan metabolites. Additionally, comorbidities identified as exclusion criteria due to their potential to alter intestinal microbiota and their association with abdominal conditions were thoroughly evaluated.

    Measured: Preoperative anamnesis process: Prior to surgery, during patient assessment, Follow-up: Through study completion, an average of 1 year

  8. Anesthesia induction drugs

    Although standardization of drugs used in anesthesia is difficult, standardization of induction drugs was partially achieved because the investigators chose a single surgery group. The investigators recorded all of this data during anesthesia applications.

    Measured: During anesthesia procedure

  9. Anesthesia duration and surgery times

    Our study detailedly recorded the duration of anesthesia and surgery. To ensure a certain level of standardization, we included only lumbar disc surgery, which is considered sterile. Additionally, surgeries shorter than a specified duration were excluded as they might not provide significant metabolic changes. These durations were carefully recorded throughout the entire surgery and anesthesia period. The investigators accepted these durations as one of the elimination criteria due to their potential impact on pain and physiological mechanisms.

    Measured: During surgery

  10. Age of Investigator

    The investigator's age was recorded during the preoperative anamnesis process to understand its influence on the study variables.

    Measured: Preoperative: During the preoperative anamnesis process

  11. Weight of Investigator

    The weight of the investigator was recorded during the preoperative anesthesia process to understand its influence on the study variables.

    Measured: Preoperative: During the preoperative anamnesis process

  12. Height of Investigator

    The height of the investigator was recorded during the preoperative anamnesis process to understand its influence on the study variables.

    Measured: Preoperative: During the preoperative anamnesis process

  13. Body Mass Index (BMI) of Investigator

    The Body Mass Index (BMI) of the investigator was calculated from recorded height (in meters) and weight (in kilograms) during the preoperative anamnesis process to understand its influence on the study variables.BMI values are reported in units of kg/m².

    Measured: Preoperative: During the preoperative anamnesis process

  14. Gender of Investigator

    The gender of the investigator was recorded during the preoperative anamnesis process to understand its influence on the study variables.

    Measured: Preoperative: During the preoperative anamnesis process

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted16 Jul 2024
  2. Study start12 Jan 2022
  3. Primary completion24 Nov 2022
  4. Study completion15 Mar 2023

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Cohort
Time perspective
Prospective
Enrolment
37 participants (actual)
Target duration
1 Year
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06502223
Sponsor's protocol ID
DEU-Çelik001
Status last verified
Jul 2024
First submitted
28 Jun 2024
Last updated
16 Jul 2024
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided: The investigators do not see any harm in sharing the data of our study to contribute to other studies and meta-analyses. The investigators received our informed consent, but the investigators made such a choice because the investigators doubted that it would be public.

Publications

  • Celik Y, Aksu H, Gunenc FS, Kalemci O, Kizmazoglu C, Keskinoglu P. Association between circulating tryptophan metabolites and postoperative pain intensity in lumbar disc herniation surgery: An observational study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2025 Aug 1;104(31):e43704. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000043704.

    PubMed 40760513

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Microbial Substitution and Tryptophan Metabolism Alterations, run by Dokuz Eylul University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 16 Jul 2024. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Tryptophan metabolites (Picolinic Acid) (time frame: Preoperative: Before surgery; Postoperative 8th-hour: 8 hours after surgery;Postoperative 24th-hour: 24 hours after surgery). The study lists 8 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06502223, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 16 Jul 2024.

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