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Chang X, Zhang H, Chen S. Neural circuits regulating visceral pain. Commun Biol 2024; 7:457. [PMID: 38615103 PMCID: PMC11016080 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06148-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Visceral hypersensitivity, a common clinical manifestation of irritable bowel syndrome, may contribute to the development of chronic visceral pain, which is a major challenge for both patients and health providers. Neural circuits in the brain encode, store, and transfer pain information across brain regions. In this review, we focus on the anterior cingulate cortex and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus to highlight the progress in identifying the neural circuits involved in visceral pain. We also discuss several neural circuit mechanisms and emphasize the importance of cross-species, multiangle approaches and the identification of specific neurons in determining the neural circuits that control visceral pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Chang
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Shaozong Chen
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
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Ji NN, Cao S, Song XL, Pei B, Jin CY, Fan BF, Jiang H, Xia M. Glutamatergic neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus participate in the regulation of visceral pain induced by pancreatic cancer in mice. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2024; 13:258-272. [PMID: 38617474 PMCID: PMC11007342 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn-23-442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Background Visceral pain induced by pancreatic cancer seriously affects patients' quality of life, and there is no effective treatment, because the mechanism of its neural circuit is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the main neural circuit mechanism regulating visceral pain induced by pancreatic cancer in mice. Methods The mouse model of pancreatic cancer visceral pain was established on C57BL/6N mice by pancreatic injection of mPAKPC-luc cells. Abdominal mechanical hyperalgesia and hunch score were performed to assess visceral pain; the pseudorabies virus (PRV) was used to identify the brain regions innervating the pancreas; the c-fos co-labeling method was used to ascertain the types of activated neurons; in vitro electrophysiological patch-clamp technique was used to record the electrophysiological activity of specific neurons; the calcium imaging technique was used to determine the calcium activity of specific neurons; specific neuron destruction and chemogenetics methods were used to explore whether specific neurons were involved in visceral pain induced by pancreatic cancer. Results The PRV injected into the pancreas was detected in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). Immunofluorescence staining showed that the majority of c-fos were co-labeled with glutamatergic neurons in the PVN. In vitro electrophysiological results showed that the firing frequency of glutamatergic neurons in the PVN was increased. The calcium imaging results showed that the calcium activity of glutamatergic neurons in the PVN was enhanced. Both specific destruction of glutamatergic neurons and chemogenetics inhibition of glutamatergic neurons in the PVN alleviated visceral pain induced by pancreatic cancer. Conclusions Glutamatergic neurons in the PVN participate in the regulation of visceral pain induced by pancreatic cancer in mice, providing new insights for the discovery of effective targets for the treatment of pancreatic cancer visceral pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning-Ning Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuang Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing-Lei Song
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bei Pei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen-Yu Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bi-Fa Fan
- Department of Pain, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Shi S, Ye L, Yu X, Jin K, Wu W. Focus on mast cells in the tumor microenvironment: Current knowledge and future directions. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188845. [PMID: 36476563 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) are crucial cells participating in both innate and adaptive immune processes that play important roles in protecting human health and in the pathophysiology of various diseases, such as allergies, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune diseases. In the context of tumors, MCs are a non-negligible population of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In most tumor types, MCs accumulate in both the tumor tissue and the surrounding tissue. MCs interact with multiple components of the TME, affecting TME remodeling and the tumor cell fate. However, controversy persists regarding whether MCs contribute to tumor progression or trigger an anti-tumor immune response. This review focuses on the context of the TME to explore the specific properties and functions of MCs and discusses the crosstalk that occurs between MCs and other components of the TME, which affect tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, and tumor immunity through different mechanisms. We also anticipate the potential role of MCs in cancer immunotherapy, which might expand upon the success achieved with existing cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saimeng Shi
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Longyun Ye
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Kaizhou Jin
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Weiding Wu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai 200032, China; Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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A Novel Cellular Therapy to Treat Pancreatic Pain in Experimental Chronic Pancreatitis Using Human Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Overexpressing Mesenchymal Stromal Cells. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9111695. [PMID: 34829924 PMCID: PMC8615652 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is characterized by pancreatic inflammation, fibrosis, and abdominal pain that is challenging to treat. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) overexpressing human alpha-1 antitrypsin (hAAT-MSCs) showed improved mobility and protective functions over native MSCs in nonobese diabetic mice. We investigated whether hAAT-MSCs could mitigate CP and its associated pain using trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced CP mouse models. CP mice were given native human MSCs or hAAT-MSCs (0.5 × 106 cells/mouse, i.v., n = 6–8/group). The index of visceral pain was measured by graduated von Frey filaments. Pancreatic morphology and pancreatic mast cell count were analyzed by morphological stains. Nociceptor transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) expression in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) was determined by immunohistochemistry. hAAT-MSC-treated CP mice best preserved pancreatic morphology and histology. MSC or hAAT-MSC infusion reduced abdominal pain sensitivities. hAAT-MSC therapy also suppressed TRPV1 expression in DRG and reduced pancreatic mast cell density induced by TNBS. Overall, hAAT-MSCs reduced pain and mitigated pancreatic inflammation in CP equal to MSCs with a trend toward a higher pancreatic weight and better pain relief in the hAAT-MSC group compared to the MSC group. Both MSCs and hAAT-MSCs might be used as a novel therapeutic tool for CP-related pain.
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Mai L, Liu Q, Huang F, He H, Fan W. Involvement of Mast Cells in the Pathophysiology of Pain. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:665066. [PMID: 34177465 PMCID: PMC8222580 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.665066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) are immune cells and are widely distributed throughout the body. MCs are not only classically viewed as effector cells of some allergic diseases but also participate in host defense, innate and acquired immunity, homeostatic responses, and immunoregulation. Mounting evidence indicates that activation of MCs releasing numerous vasoactive and inflammatory mediators has effects on the nervous system and has been involved in different pain conditions. Here, we review the latest advances made about the implication of MCs in pain. Possible cellular and molecular mechanisms regarding the crosstalk between MC and the nervous system in the initiation and maintenance of pain are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijia Mai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Institute of Stomatological Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Institute of Stomatological Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fang Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Institute of Stomatological Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongwen He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Institute of Stomatological Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenguo Fan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Institute of Stomatological Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Inyang KE, Folger JK, Laumet G. Can FDA-Approved Immunomodulatory Drugs be Repurposed/Repositioned to Alleviate Chronic Pain? J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2021; 16:531-547. [PMID: 34041656 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-021-10000-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pain is among the most widespread chronic health condition confronting society today and our inability to manage chronic pain contributes to the opioid abuse epidemic in America. The immune system is known to contribute to acute and chronic pain, but only limited therapeutic treatments such as non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs have resulted from this knowledge. The last decade has shed light on neuro-immune interactions mediating the development, maintenance, and resolution of chronic pain. Here, we do not aim to perform a comprehensive review of all immune mechanisms involved in chronic pain, but to briefly review the contribution of the main cytokines and immune cells (macrophages, microglia, mast cells and T cells) to chronic pain. Given the urgent need to address the Pain crisis, we provocatively propose to repurpose/reposition FDA-approved immunomodulatory drugs for their potential to alleviate chronic pain. Repositioning or repurposing offers an attractive way to accelerate the arrival of new analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph K Folger
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Geoffroy Laumet
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
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Chen Z, Zhou T, Zhang Y, Dong H, Jin W. Mast cells in the paraventricular nucleus participate in visceral hypersensitivity induced by neonatal maternal separation. Behav Brain Res 2021; 402:113113. [PMID: 33412227 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.113113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Early-life stress (ELS) is a high-risk factor for the development of chronic visceral pain in adulthood. Emerging evidence suggests that mast cells play a key role in the development of visceral hypersensitivity through interaction with neurons. The sensitization of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of visceral pain. However, the precise mechanism by which mast cells and CRF neurons interact in the PVN in the pathogenesis of visceral hypersensitivity remains elusive. In the present study, we used neonatal maternal separation (MS), an ELS model, and observed that neonatal MS induced visceral hypersensitivity and triggered PVN mast cell activation in adult rats, which was repressed by intra-PVN infusion of the mast cell stabilizer disodium cromoglycate (cromolyn). Wild-type (WT) mice but not mast cell-deficient KitW-sh/W-sh mice that had experienced neonatal MS exhibited chronic visceral hypersensitivity. MS was associated with an increase in the expression of proinflammatory mediators, the number of CRF+ cells and CRF protein in the PVN, which was prevented by intra-PVN infusion of cromolyn. Furthermore, we demonstrated that intra-PVN infusion of the mast degranulator compound 48/80 significantly induced mast cell activation, resulting in proinflammatory mediator release, CRF neuronal sensitization, and visceral hypersensitivity, which was suppressed by cromolyn. Overall, our findings demonstrated that neonatal MS induces the activation of PVN mast cells, which secrete numerous proinflammatory mediators that may participate in neighboring CRF neuronal activity, ultimately directly inducing visceral hypersensitivity in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyang Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tiantian Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital Affiliate with Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongmei Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hongquan Dong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Wenjie Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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MicroRNA-330 Directs Downregulation of the GABA BR2 in the Pathogenesis of Pancreatic Cancer Pain. J Mol Neurosci 2020; 70:1541-1551. [PMID: 32621101 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01607-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and deadly malignancies with a very poor prognosis. Pancreatic cancer-induced visceral pain is very common and is generally presented among the initial symptoms in patients; such pain is strongly associated with poor quality of life, impaired functional activity, and decreased survival. However, the principal neurobiological mechanisms of pain caused by pancreatic cancer have not been fully elucidated. Accumulating studies have shown that miRNAs play a major role in chronic pain by suppressing key molecules involved in nociception. In the present study, we report that microRNA (miR)-330 is highly expressed in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) of nude mice with pancreatic cancer pain. Mimicking pancreatic carcinoma-induced SDH miR-330 upregulation by microinjection of miR-330 mimic into the SDH significantly induced abdominal mechanical allodynia in normal nude mice. Additionally, we found that the expression of GABABR2 was significantly decreased in the SDH of nude mice with pancreatic cancer pain and was regulated directly by miR-330 both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, inhibition of miR-330 rescued the expression of GABABR2 and alleviated pancreatic carcinoma-induced abdominal pain hypersensitivity in nude mice with pancreatic carcinoma. These results show that miR-330 participates in the genesis of pancreatic carcinoma-induced pain hypersensitivity by inhibiting GABABR2 expression in the SDH and might be a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer pain.
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