Study on the Role of Natural Opioid Peptides in Chronic Widespread Pain Among Adults with HIV

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to understand the causes of chronic widespread pain CWP in people living with HIV PWH. CWP includes regional and widespread musculoskeletal pain of neuropathic and inflammatory types, leading to significant functional impairment. The study focuses on whether reduced production or release of natural opioid peptides by immune cells contributes to this pain, as current treatments have limited benefits and opioid use raises concerns about addiction and overdose. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either saline or RELISTOR, a drug that blocks peripheral opioid receptors, in two visits spaced 5 to 7 days apart. Dosage of RELISTOR depends on participant weight, ranging from 8 mg to 12 mg or 0.15 mgkg. The study involves four groups based on HIV status and presence of chronic pain to compare opioid peptide effects. During the study visits, participants will undergo quantitative sensory testing QST to assess pain sensitivity before and after receiving the study drug or placebo. Pain questionnaires and blood samples to measure opioid peptides in plasma and immune cells will also be collected. These measures help researchers evaluate the relationship between opioid peptides and pain sensitivity. The study period includes baseline and follow-up assessments, with participant involvement lasting through these two visits.

Chronic Widespread Pain in HIV: Novel Mechanisms and Therapeutics