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CompletedNCT06502223Updated Jul 16, 2024

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

An observational study in Microbial Substitution, Tryptophan Metabolism Alterations and Postoperative Pain, Acute, sponsored by Dokuz Eylul University. Completed at 1 site in Turkey. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2024-07-16.

Sponsored by Dokuz Eylul University · Observational

Study type
Observational
Model
Cohort
Time perspective
Prospective
Enrollment
37
Ages
18 Years and older
Sex
All
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Study 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. 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.

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Conditions studied

  • Microbial Substitution
  • Tryptophan Metabolism Alterations
  • Postoperative Pain, Acute

Keywords

  • Microbiota
  • Tryptophan
  • Picolinic Acid
  • Kynurenic Acid
  • Xanthurenic Acid
  • Quinolinic Acid
  • Acute Pain
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In context

Intervertebral Disc Displacement

478 studies on the registry are indexed under Intervertebral Disc Displacement; 104 are open to participants now.

This study's enrollment of 37 is below the median of 100 across 121 observational studies indexed under Intervertebral Disc Displacement.

Browse Intervertebral Disc Displacement studies →

Lead sponsor

Dokuz Eylul University is the lead sponsor of 252 studies on the registry; 32 are open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

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Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years and older
Sexes eligible
All
Sampling method
Probability sample

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.

Inclusion criteria

  • 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.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • 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).
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Study design

Observational model
Cohort
Time perspective
Prospective
Enrollment
37 participants (actual)
Target follow-up
1 Year
Patient registry
Yes

Interventions

  • ProcedurePain Perception in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery

    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.

    Also known as: Microbiota and Associated Blood Tryptophan Metabolites on

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What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  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).

    Time frame: 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).

    Time frame: 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.

    Time frame: 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).

    Time frame: 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).

    Time frame: 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).

    Time frame: 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).

    Time frame: 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.

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

Secondary outcomes

  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.

    Time frame: 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.

    Time frame: 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.

    Time frame: 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.

    Time frame: 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.

    Time frame: 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.

    Time frame: 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.

    Time frame: 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.

    Time frame: 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.

    Time frame: 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.

    Time frame: 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.

    Time frame: 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.

    Time frame: 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.

    Time frame: 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.

    Time frame: Preoperative: During the preoperative anamnesis process

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Study locations

1 site
  • Yunu Çelik
    İzmir, Balçova 35100, Turkey
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References and documents

Study documents

  • Study protocol · Mar 30, 2022
  • Statistical analysis plan · Apr 20, 2023
  • Informed consent form · Aug 31, 2022

Documents are hosted by the registry — open the source record to download them.

Individual participant data

Plan to share: 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.

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Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Jul 16, 2024, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
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Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT06502223
Lead sponsor
Dokuz Eylul University
Responsible party
Yunus Çelik, MD (Principal Investigator, Dokuz Eylul University) — Principal investigator
First posted
Jul 16, 2024
Start date
Jan 12, 2022
Primary completion
Nov 24, 2022
Completion
Mar 15, 2023
Last update
Jul 16, 2024

Study contacts

Yunus Celik, M.D.
study chair · Dokuz Eylül University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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