Biomarkers

This observational trial, in partnership with the UC Irvine Donald Bren School of Information & Computer Sciences and Michelle Khine, PhD, aims to monitor heart rate variability, sweat gland activity, and blood pressure patterns using a non-invasive blood pressure monitor to identify objective signs of pain.

 Building on previous research with an international team of computer scientists and bioinformatics experts at UC Irvine and the University of Turku in Finland, the next phase involves a prospective trial to evaluate biomarkers like heart rate variability and sweating to distinguish pain from anxiety. This will take place during medial branch block procedures (diagnostic blocks with only local anesthetic), prior to radiofrequency ablation. This setting is ideal for determining physiological pain signatures, as patients will experience significant pain before the procedure and relief afterward.

This study aims to determine whether acupuncture can benefit patients with fibromyalgia by administering acupuncture treatment and assessing its impact on the effectiveness of opioids. We hypothesize that traditional acupuncture (TA) enhances the binding of the mu-opioid receptor (MOR), which will improve the pain-relieving effects of opioids when compared to sham acupuncture (SA). During the study, we will test this hypothesis by having participants complete a validated Brief Pain Inventory both prior to the pre-therapy opioid challenge and one week after completing either the TA or SA therapy.

This is an observational trial in partnership with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the private company Veoneer, aimed at developing a device to assess cannabis intoxication. Unlike alcohol intoxication, cannabis is fat-soluble; therefore, it does not enter the bloodstream in the same way, making conventional blood tests and breathalyzers ineffective.

The goal of this study is to explore the effects of cannabis exposure on general anesthesia, specifically focusing on analgesic requirements and the need for blood pressure support. For the study, we will conduct blood draws and centrifuge the samples. These samples will be sent to the UC Irvine Center for the Study of Cannabis, where the measure of endocannabinoid molecules will be conducted using methodologies similar to those employed in the PEA studies.