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Kim IY, Park CS, Seo KJ, Lee JY, Yune TY. TRPM7 Mediates Neuropathic Pain by Activating mTOR Signaling in Astrocytes after Spinal Cord Injury in Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:5265-5281. [PMID: 38180616 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03888-6] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated whether transient receptor melastatin 7 (TRPM7), known as a non-selective cation channel, inhibits neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury (SCI) and how TRPM7 regulates neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain was developed 4 weeks after moderate contusive SCI and TRPM7 was markedly upregulated in astrocytes in the lamina I and II of L4-L5 dorsal horn. In addition, both mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were significantly alleviated by a TRPM7 inhibitor, carvacrol. In particular, carvacrol treatment inhibited mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, which was activated in astrocytes. When rats were treated with rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR signaling, neuropathic pain was significantly inhibited. Furthermore, blocking TRPM7 and mTOR signaling by carvacrol and rapamycin inhibited astrocyte activation in lamina I and II of dorsal spinal cord and reduced the level of p-JNK and p-c-Jun, which are known to be activated in astrocytes. Finally, inhibiting TRPM7/mTOR signaling also downregulated the production of pain-related factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL) 2, CCL-3, CCL-4, CCL-20, chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 1, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 which are known to be involved in the induction and/or maintenance of neuropathic pain after SCI. These results suggest an important role of TRPM7-mediated mTOR signaling in astrocyte activation and thereby induction and/or maintenance of neuropathic pain after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Yi Kim
- Age-Related and Brain Diseases Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Medical Building 10th Floor, Dongdaemun-Gu, Hoegi-Dong 1, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Sol Park
- Age-Related and Brain Diseases Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Medical Building 10th Floor, Dongdaemun-Gu, Hoegi-Dong 1, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Jin Seo
- Age-Related and Brain Diseases Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Medical Building 10th Floor, Dongdaemun-Gu, Hoegi-Dong 1, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Youn Lee
- Age-Related and Brain Diseases Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Medical Building 10th Floor, Dongdaemun-Gu, Hoegi-Dong 1, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
| | - Tae Young Yune
- Age-Related and Brain Diseases Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Medical Building 10th Floor, Dongdaemun-Gu, Hoegi-Dong 1, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
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Du R, Wang P, Tian N. CD3ζ-Mediated Signaling Protects Retinal Ganglion Cells in Glutamate Excitotoxicity of the Retina. Cells 2024; 13:1006. [PMID: 38920637 PMCID: PMC11201742 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121006] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Excessive levels of glutamate activity could potentially damage and kill neurons. Glutamate excitotoxicity is thought to play a critical role in many CNS and retinal diseases. Accordingly, glutamate excitotoxicity has been used as a model to study neuronal diseases. Immune proteins, such as major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules and their receptors, play important roles in many neuronal diseases, while T-cell receptors (TCR) are the primary receptors of MHCI. We previously showed that a critical component of TCR, CD3ζ, is expressed by mouse retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The mutation of CD3ζ or MHCI molecules compromises the development of RGC structure and function. In this study, we investigated whether CD3ζ-mediated molecular signaling regulates RGC death in glutamate excitotoxicity. We show that mutation of CD3ζ significantly increased RGC survival in NMDA-induced excitotoxicity. In addition, we found that several downstream molecules of TCR, including Src (proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase) family kinases (SFKs) and spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), are expressed by RGCs. Selective inhibition of an SFK member, Hck, or Syk members, Syk or Zap70, significantly increased RGC survival in NMDA-induced excitotoxicity. These results provide direct evidence to reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms that control RGC death under disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Du
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA; (R.D.); (P.W.)
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA; (R.D.); (P.W.)
| | - Ning Tian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA; (R.D.); (P.W.)
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, USA
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Türk Börü Ü, Kadir Sarıtaş Z, Görücü Özbek F, Bölük C, Acar H, Koç Y, Zeytin Demiral G. Alterations in the spinal cord, trigeminal nerve ganglion, and infraorbital nerve through inducing compression of the dorsal horn region at the upper cervical cord in trigeminal neuralgia. Brain Res 2024; 1832:148842. [PMID: 38447599 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (TN) cases encountered frequently in daily practice indicate significant gaps that still need to be illuminated in the etiopathogenesis. In this study, a novel TN animal model was developed by compressing the dorsal horn (DH) of the upper cervical spinal cord. METHODS Eighteen rabbits were equally divided into three groups, namely control (CG), sham (SG), and spinal cord compression (SCC) groups. External pressure was applied to the left side at the C3 level in the SCC group. Dorsal hemilaminectomy was performed in the SG, and the operative side was closed without compression. No procedure was implemented in the control group. Samples from the SC, TG, and ION were taken after seven days. For the histochemical staining, damage and axons with myelin were scored using Hematoxylin and Eosin and Toluidine Blue, respectively. Immunohistochemistry, nuclei, apoptotic index, astrocyte activity, microglial labeling, and CD11b were evaluated. RESULTS Mechanical allodynia was observed on the ipsilateral side in the SCC group. In addition, both the TG and ION were partially damaged from SC compression, which resulted in significant histopathological changes and increased the expression of all markers in both the SG and SCC groups compared to that in the CG. There was a notable increase in tissue damage, an increase in the number of apoptotic nuclei, an increase in the apoptotic index, an indication of astrocytic gliosis, and an upsurge in microglial cells. Significant increases were noted in the SG group, whereas more pronounced significant increases were observed in the SCC group. Transmission electron microscopy revealed myelin damage, mitochondrial disruption, and increased anchoring particles. Similar changes were observed to a lesser extent in the contralateral spinal cord. CONCLUSION Ipsilateral trigeminal neuropathic pain was developed due to upper cervical SCC. The clinical finding is supported by immunohistochemical and ultrastructural changes. Thus, alterations in the DH due to compression of the upper cervical region should be considered as a potential cause of idiopathic TN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ülkü Türk Börü
- Department of Neurology University of Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Zülfükar Kadir Sarıtaş
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Afyon Kocatepe, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Fatma Görücü Özbek
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Afyon Kocatepe, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Cem Bölük
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Sanliurfa Training and Research Hospital, Sanliurfa, Turkey.
| | - Hakan Acar
- Department of Neurology University of Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Koç
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Afyon Kocatepe, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
| | - Gökçe Zeytin Demiral
- Department of Neurology University of Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey
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Taki N, Kimura A, Shiraishi Y, Maruyama T, Ohmori T, Takeshita K. Conditional deletion of IκBζ in hematopoietic cells promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury in mice. J Orthop Sci 2024:S0949-2658(24)00088-5. [PMID: 38760245 DOI: 10.1016/j.jos.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcription factor protein IκBζ (encoded by the Nfkbiz gene) regulates nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and is involved in the pathophysiology of various inflammatory diseases. However, the role of IκBζ in secondary damage following spinal cord injury (SCI) remains to be determined. Here, we investigated the effect of IκBζ expressed in hematopoietic cells on the progression of secondary damage and functional recovery after SCI. METHODS We used conditional IκBζ-knockout mice (Mx1-Cre;Nfkbizfl/f) to examine the role of IκBζ in hematopoietic cells after SCI. Contusion SCI was induced using a force of 60 kdyn. The recovery of locomotor performance was evaluated using the nine-point Basso Mouse Scale (BMS) until 42 days post-injury. Expression patterns of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were examined by quantitative real-time PCR or proteome array analysis. Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) was performed to eliminate the effect of IκBζ deletion in non-hematopoietic cells. RESULTS Mx1-Cre;Nfkbizfl/fl mice had significantly improved locomotor function compared with wild-type (WT) mice. The mRNA expression of Nfkbiz in WT mice peaked at 12 h after SCI and then decreased slowly in both the spinal cord and white blood cells. In situ hybridization showed that Nfkbiz mRNA was localized in cell nuclei, including macrophage-like cells, in the injured spinal cord of WT mice at 1 day after SCI. Compared with WT mice, Mx1-Cre;Nfkbizfl/fl mice had significantly increased mRNA expressions of interleukin (Il)-4 and Il-10 in the injured spinal cord. In addition, Mx1-Cre;Nfkbizfl/fl mice had significantly higher protein levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and C-C motif chemokine 11 compared with WT mice. BMT from Mx1-Cre;Nfkbizfl/fl mice into WT mice improved functional recovery after SCI compared with control mice (WT cells into WT mice). CONCLUSIONS IκBζ deletion in hematopoietic cells improved functional recovery after SCI, possibly by shifting the inflammatory balance towards anti-inflammatory and pro-regenerative directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Taki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kimura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan.
| | - Yasuyuki Shiraishi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Takashi Maruyama
- Mucosal Immunology Section, National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
| | - Tsukasa Ohmori
- Department of Biochemistry, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Katsushi Takeshita
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
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Canori A, Coffman DL, Wright WG, Finley MA, Hiremath SV. Differential relationships between physical activity and pain phenotypes in individuals with spinal cord injury. J Spinal Cord Med 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38661677 DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2024.2344315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain affects 70% of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and leads to declines in health and quality of life. Neuropathic and nociceptive pain are phenotypes derived from different mechanisms that contribute to pain perception. The objective of this research was to investigate differential pain responses to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in two chronic pain phenotypes: neuropathic and nociceptive pain. METHODS Community-based physical activity levels were collected for one week in 17 individuals with SCI using a wrist-worn accelerometer, and daily pain ratings were assessed and categorized by phenotype. Physical activity levels were summarized to calculate minutes of MVPA. Correlational analyses were conducted to compare relationships between pain intensity and MVPA across individual participants and between pain phenotype groups. RESULTS The neuropathic pain group revealed significant negative correlation between MVPA and pain intensity. In the nociceptive pain group, there was no significant correlation between MVPA and pain intensity. Further analysis revealed two subgroups of positive (N = 4) and negative (N = 3) correlations between MVPA and pain intensity. Pain location differed between the subgroups of nociceptive pain. Individuals with negative correlation experienced neck and upper back pain, whereas individuals with positive correlation experienced unilateral upper extremity pain. CONCLUSION Differential relationships exist between pain phenotypes and MVPA in individuals with SCI. Pain location differed between the subgroups of nociceptive pain, which we presume may indicate the presence of nociplastic pain in some individuals. These results may contribute to the advancement of personalized pain management by targeting non-pharmacological interventions for specific pain phenotypes.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05236933..
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Canori
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Donna L Coffman
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - W Geoffrey Wright
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Margaret A Finley
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shivayogi V Hiremath
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Ghanbari A, Ghasemi S, Khaleghian A. Effects of swimming exercise on neuropathic pain in a rat model: role of glutamate. Neurol Res 2024; 46:330-338. [PMID: 38323336 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2024.2313901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The pain-reducing effects of the exercise were exerted through different mechanisms. Knowing more clear mechanisms helps to find more approach that is therapeutic. The objective of the present study is the evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glutamate level alteration in neuropathic pain rats and whether physical activity could modulate it. METHODS In the present study 104 male Wistar rats weighing 180-220 g were randomly divided into 4 groups (Sham, Sham + Exe, Neuropathy, and Neuropathy + Exe) which in turn each group subdivided into 4 groups according to time points for behavioral testing and CSF sampling (Baseline, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 4 weeks). To induction of neuropathy (by chronic constriction injury,), after anesthetizing with a mixture of ketamine (80 mg/kg) and xylazine (10 mg/kg), the animal's right sciatic nerve was exposed and was ligated using four movable catgut chromic suture 4/0. The exercise protocol included 25 min of daily swimming, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical tactile threshold were detected using the plantar test and Von Frey filaments, respectively. CSF glutamate level was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS Findings indicated that mechanical and thermal thresholds significantly (p < 0.01, p < 0.05 respectively) decreased in the neuropathy group against that in sham groups. On the other hand, exercise significantly increased mechanical tactile threshold (p < 0.0012) and thermal threshold (p < 0.05) compared to the neuropathy group. Moreover, CSF glutamate level prominently (p < 0.01) was increased in the neuropathy group compared to the sham group, and swimming exercise significantly (p < 0.001) reduced it. IN CONCLUSION The present findings provide new evidence showing that medium-intensity swimming exercise attenuates pain-like behaviors in neuropathic pain animals, which is possibly due to decreasing CSF glutamate level and its neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ghanbari
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Sahar Ghasemi
- Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ali Khaleghian
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
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Ferrari S, Mulè S, Galla R, Brovero A, Genovese G, Molinari C, Uberti F. Effects of Nutraceutical Compositions Containing Rhizoma Gastrodiae or Lipoic Acid in an In Vitro Induced Neuropathic Pain Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2376. [PMID: 38397054 PMCID: PMC10889561 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peripheral neuropathy is caused by a malfunction in the axons and myelin sheaths of peripheral nerves and motor and sensory neurons. In this context, nonpharmacological treatments with antioxidant potential have attracted much attention due to the issues that some conventional pharmaceutical therapy can generate. Most of these treatments contain lipoic acid, but issues have emerged regarding its use. Considering this, the present study evaluated the beneficial effects of nutraceuticals based on Gastrodiae elata dry extract 10:1 or lipoic acid in combination with other substances (such as citicholine, B vitamins, and acetyl L-carnitine). METHOD To assess the combination's absorption and biodistribution and exclude cytotoxicity, its bioavailability was first examined in a 3D intestinal barrier model that replicated oral ingestion. Subsequently, a 3D model of nerve tissue was constructed to investigate the impacts of the new combination on the significant pathways dysregulated in peripheral neuropathy. RESULTS Our findings show that the novel combination outperformed in initial pain relief response and in recovering the mechanism of nerve healing following Schwann cell injury by successfully crossing the gut barrier and reaching the target site. CONCLUSION This article describes a potential alternative nutraceutical approach supporting the effectiveness of combinations with Gastrodiae elata extract in decreasing neuropathy and regulating pain pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ferrari
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.F.); (S.M.); (R.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Simone Mulè
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.F.); (S.M.); (R.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Rebecca Galla
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.F.); (S.M.); (R.G.); (G.G.)
- Noivita Srls, Spin-Off, Via Alfieri 3, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Arianna Brovero
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Biologiche, Università Degli Studi di Torino, 10043 Torino, Italy;
| | - Giulia Genovese
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.F.); (S.M.); (R.G.); (G.G.)
| | - Claudio Molinari
- Dipartimento per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile e la Transizione Ecologica, University of Piemonte Orientale, 13100 Vercelli, Italy;
| | - Francesca Uberti
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; (S.F.); (S.M.); (R.G.); (G.G.)
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Wiles MD, Benson I, Edwards L, Miller R, Tait F, Wynn-Hebden A. Management of acute cervical spinal cord injury in the non-specialist intensive care unit: a narrative review of current evidence. Anaesthesia 2024; 79:193-202. [PMID: 38088443 DOI: 10.1111/anae.16198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Each year approximately one million people suffer spinal cord injury, which has significant physical, psychosocial and economic impacts on patients and their families. Spinal cord rehabilitation centres are a well-established part of the care pathway for patients with spinal cord injury and facilitate improvements in functional independence and reductions in healthcare costs. Within the UK, however, there are a limited number of spinal cord injury centres, which delays admission. Patients and their families often perceive that they are not receiving specialist care while being treated in non-specialist units. This review aimed to provide clinicians who work in non-specialist spinal injury centres with a summary of contemporary studies relevant to the critical care management of patients with cervical spinal cord injury. We undertook a targeted literature review including guidelines, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical trials and randomised controlled trials published in English between 1 June 2017 and 1 June 2023. Studies involving key clinical management strategies published before this time, but which have not been updated or repeated, were also included. We then summarised the key management themes: acute critical care management approaches (including ventilation strategies, blood pressure management and tracheostomy insertion); respiratory weaning techniques; management of pain and autonomic dysreflexia; and rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Wiles
- Academic Department of Anaesthesia and Peri-operative Medicine, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
- Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Research, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - I Benson
- National Spinal Injuries Centre, Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Stoke Mandeville, UK
| | - L Edwards
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - R Miller
- Critical Care Department, Northampton General Hospital, Northampton, UK
| | - F Tait
- Critical Care Department, Northampton General Hospital, Northampton, UK
| | - A Wynn-Hebden
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
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Zhang C, Li Y, Yu Y, Li Z, Xu X, Talifu Z, Liu W, Yang D, Gao F, Wei S, Zhang L, Gong H, Peng R, Du L, Li J. Impact of inflammation and Treg cell regulation on neuropathic pain in spinal cord injury: mechanisms and therapeutic prospects. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1334828. [PMID: 38348031 PMCID: PMC10859493 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1334828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury is a severe neurological trauma that can frequently lead to neuropathic pain. During the initial stages following spinal cord injury, inflammation plays a critical role; however, excessive inflammation can exacerbate pain. Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) have a crucial function in regulating inflammation and alleviating neuropathic pain. Treg cells release suppressor cytokines and modulate the function of other immune cells to suppress the inflammatory response. Simultaneously, inflammation impedes Treg cell activity, further intensifying neuropathic pain. Therefore, suppressing the inflammatory response while enhancing Treg cell regulatory function may provide novel therapeutic avenues for treating neuropathic pain resulting from spinal cord injury. This review comprehensively describes the mechanisms underlying the inflammatory response and Treg cell regulation subsequent to spinal cord injury, with a specific focus on exploring the potential mechanisms through which Treg cells regulate neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury. The insights gained from this review aim to provide new concepts and a rationale for the therapeutic prospects and direction of cell therapy in spinal cord injury-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunjia Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Rehabilitation medicine, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Yu
- Institute of Rehabilitation medicine, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Zehui Li
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Xu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Zuliyaer Talifu
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wubo Liu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Degang Yang
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Gao
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Song Wei
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Han Gong
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Run Peng
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Liangjie Du
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jianjun Li
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Institute of Rehabilitation medicine, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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10
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Toledano‐Martos R, Bagó‐Mas A, Deulofeu M, Homs J, Fiol N, Verdú E, Boadas‐Vaello P. Natural polyphenolic coffee extract administration relieves chronic nociplastic pain in a reserpine-induced fibromyalgia-like female mouse model. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3386. [PMID: 38376034 PMCID: PMC10794125 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nociplastic pain involves reflexive and nonreflexive pain responses and it is a core symptom of fibromyalgia (FM). The increasing prevalence of this health condition and the low rates of patients' quality of life, combined with the lack of suitable pharmacologic treatments, evidence the demand to research new alternatives. Polyphenols may be potential therapeutic candidates as they have been reported to exert pathological pain modulation in preclinical models. In that context, this work was aimed to study the antinociceptive effects of a polyphenolic extract obtained from decaffeinated ground roasted coffee, in the RIM6 FM-like mouse model. METHODS To this end, RIM6 adult ICR-CD1 female mice were administered daily once a week with either 10 or 15 mg/kg of extract, and reflexive pain responses were evaluated for up to 3 weeks. At the end, the depressive-like behavior was assessed as a nonreflexive pain response, and spinal cord and serum samples were collected for immunohistochemical and toxicological analyses. RESULTS These findings showed that the repeated administration of the coffee polyphenolic extract (CE) modulated reflexive pain responses, depressive-like behavior, and spinal cord gliosis in a dose-dependent manner, without signs of systemic toxicity. CONCLUSION Thus, the CE may be a potential pharmacological treatment suitable to relieve nociplastic pain responses characteristic of FM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Toledano‐Martos
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical SciencesUniversity of GironaGironaCataloniaSpain
| | - Anna Bagó‐Mas
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical SciencesUniversity of GironaGironaCataloniaSpain
| | - Meritxell Deulofeu
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical SciencesUniversity of GironaGironaCataloniaSpain
| | - Judit Homs
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical SciencesUniversity of GironaGironaCataloniaSpain
- University School of Health and Sport (EUSES), University of GironaGironaCataloniaSpain
| | - Núria Fiol
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Agriculture and Food Technology, Polytechnic SchoolUniversity of GironaGironaCataloniaSpain
| | - Enrique Verdú
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical SciencesUniversity of GironaGironaCataloniaSpain
| | - Pere Boadas‐Vaello
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical SciencesUniversity of GironaGironaCataloniaSpain
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Saunders MN, Griffin KV, Kalashnikova I, Kolpek D, Smith DR, Saito E, Cummings BJ, Anderson AJ, Shea LD, Park J. Biodegradable nanoparticles targeting circulating immune cells reduce central and peripheral sensitization to alleviate neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury. Pain 2024; 165:92-101. [PMID: 37463227 PMCID: PMC10787809 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Neuropathic pain is a critical source of comorbidity following spinal cord injury (SCI) that can be exacerbated by immune-mediated pathologies in the central and peripheral nervous systems. In this article, we investigate whether drug-free, biodegradable, poly(lactide- co -glycolide) (PLG) nanoparticle treatment mitigates the development of post-SCI neuropathic pain in female mice. Our results show that acute treatment with PLG nanoparticles following thoracic SCI significantly reduces tactile and cold hypersensitivity scores in a durable fashion. Nanoparticles primarily reduce peripheral immune-mediated mechanisms of neuropathic pain, including neuropathic pain-associated gene transcript frequency, transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 nociceptor expression, and MCP-1 (CCL2) chemokine production in the subacute period after injury. Altered central neuropathic pain mechanisms during this period are limited to reduced innate immune cell cytokine expression. However, in the chronic phase of SCI, nanoparticle treatment induces changes in both central and peripheral neuropathic pain signaling, driving reductions in cytokine production and other immune-relevant markers. This research suggests that drug-free PLG nanoparticles reprogram peripheral proalgesic pathways subacutely after SCI to reduce neuropathic pain outcomes and improve chronic central pain signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael N Saunders
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Kate V Griffin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Irina Kalashnikova
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY USA
| | - Daniel Kolpek
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY USA
| | - Dominique R Smith
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Eiji Saito
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Brian J Cummings
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Aileen J Anderson
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, CA USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of California, Irvine, CA USA
| | - Lonnie D Shea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Jonghyuck Park
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY USA
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY USA
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12
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Jang K, Garraway SM. A review of dorsal root ganglia and primary sensory neuron plasticity mediating inflammatory and chronic neuropathic pain. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2024; 15:100151. [PMID: 38314104 PMCID: PMC10837099 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2024.100151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Pain is a sensory state resulting from complex integration of peripheral nociceptive inputs and central processing. Pain consists of adaptive pain that is acute and beneficial for healing and maladaptive pain that is often persistent and pathological. Pain is indeed heterogeneous, and can be expressed as nociceptive, inflammatory, or neuropathic in nature. Neuropathic pain is an example of maladaptive pain that occurs after spinal cord injury (SCI), which triggers a wide range of neural plasticity. The nociceptive processing that underlies pain hypersensitivity is well-studied in the spinal cord. However, recent investigations show maladaptive plasticity that leads to pain, including neuropathic pain after SCI, also exists at peripheral sites, such as the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), which contains the cell bodies of sensory neurons. This review discusses the important role DRGs play in nociceptive processing that underlies inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Specifically, it highlights nociceptor hyperexcitability as critical to increased pain states. Furthermore, it reviews prior literature on glutamate and glutamate receptors, voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling in the DRG as important contributors to inflammatory and neuropathic pain. We previously reviewed BDNF's role as a bidirectional neuromodulator of spinal plasticity. Here, we shift focus to the periphery and discuss BDNF-TrkB expression on nociceptors, non-nociceptor sensory neurons, and non-neuronal cells in the periphery as a potential contributor to induction and persistence of pain after SCI. Overall, this review presents a comprehensive evaluation of large bodies of work that individually focus on pain, DRG, BDNF, and SCI, to understand their interaction in nociceptive processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyeongran Jang
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Sandra M. Garraway
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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Willits AB, Kader L, Eller O, Roberts E, Bye B, Strope T, Freudenthal BD, Umar S, Chintapalli S, Shankar K, Pei D, Christianson J, Baumbauer KM, Young EE. Spinal cord injury-induced neurogenic bowel: A role for host-microbiome interactions in bowel pain and dysfunction. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2024; 15:100156. [PMID: 38601267 PMCID: PMC11004406 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2024.100156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Background and aims Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects roughly 300,000 Americans with 17,000 new cases added annually. In addition to paralysis, 60% of people with SCI develop neurogenic bowel (NB), a syndrome characterized by slow colonic transit, constipation, and chronic abdominal pain. The knowledge gap surrounding NB mechanisms after SCI means that interventions are primarily symptom-focused and largely ineffective. The goal of the present studies was to identify mechanism(s) that initiate and maintain NB after SCI as a critical first step in the development of evidence-based, novel therapeutic treatment options. Methods Following spinal contusion injury at T9, we observed alterations in bowel structure and function reflecting key clinical features of NB. We then leveraged tissue-specific whole transcriptome analyses (RNAseq) and fecal 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing in combination with histological, molecular, and functional (Ca2+ imaging) approaches to identify potential mechanism(s) underlying the generation of the NB phenotype. Results In agreement with prior reports focused on SCI-induced changes in the skin, we observed a rapid and persistent increase in expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression in the colon. This is suggestive of a neurogenic inflammation-like process engaged by antidromic activity of below-level primary afferents following SCI. CGRP has been shown to disrupt colon homeostasis and negatively affect peristalsis and colon function. As predicted, contusion SCI resulted in increased colonic transit time, expansion of lymphatic nodules, colonic structural and genomic damage, and disruption of the inner, sterile intestinal mucus layer corresponding to increased CGRP expression in the colon. Gut microbiome colonization significantly shifted over 28 days leading to the increase in Anaeroplasma, a pathogenic, gram-negative microbe. Moreover, colon specific vagal afferents and enteric neurons were hyperresponsive after SCI to different agonists including fecal supernatants. Conclusions Our data suggest that SCI results in overexpression of colonic CGRP which could alter colon structure and function. Neurogenic inflammatory-like processes and gut microbiome dysbiosis can also sensitize vagal afferents, providing a mechanism for visceral pain despite the loss of normal sensation post-SCI. These data may shed light on novel therapeutic interventions targeting this process to prevent NB development in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam B. Willits
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Leena Kader
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Olivia Eller
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Emily Roberts
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Bailey Bye
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Taylor Strope
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Bret D. Freudenthal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Shahid Umar
- Department of Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Sree Chintapalli
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Kartik Shankar
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nutrition, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Dong Pei
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Julie Christianson
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Kyle M. Baumbauer
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Erin E. Young
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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14
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Ma D, Huang Q, Gao X, Ford NC, Guo R, Zhang C, Liu S, He SQ, Raja SN, Guan Y. The Utility of Peripherally Restricted Kappa-Opioid Receptor Agonists for Inhibiting Below-Level Pain After Spinal Cord Injury in Mice. Neuroscience 2023; 527:92-102. [PMID: 37516437 PMCID: PMC10530135 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.07.017] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Pain after spinal cord injury (SCI) can be difficult to treat. Drugs that target the opioid receptor (OR) outside the central nervous system (CNS) have gained increasing interest in pain control owing to their low risk of central side effects. Asimadoline and ICI-204448 are believed to be peripherally restricted KOR agonists withlimited access to the CNS. This study examined whether they can attenuate pain hypersensitivity in mice subjected to a contusive T10 SCI. Subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of asimadoline (5, 20 mg/kg) and ICI-204448 (1, 10 mg/kg) inhibited heat hypersensitivity at both doses, but only attenuated mechanical hypersensitivity at the high dose. However, the high-dose asimadoline adversely affected animals' exploratory performance in SCI mice and caused aversion, suggesting CNS drug penetration. In contrast, high-dose ICI-204448 did not impair exploration and remained effective in reducing both mechanical and heat hypersensitivities after SCI. Accordingly, we chose to examine the potential peripheral neuronal mechanism for ICI-204448-induced pain inhibition by conducting in vivo calcium imaging of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in Pirt-GCaMP6s+/- mice. High-dose ICI-204448 (10 mg/kg, s.c.) attenuated the increased fluorescence intensity of lumbar DRG neurons activated by a noxious pinch (400 g) stimulation in SCI mice. In conclusion, systemic administration of ICI-204448 achieved SCI pain inhibition at doses that did not induce notable side effects and attenuated DRG neuronal excitability which may partly contribute to its pain inhibition. These findings suggest that peripherally restricted KOR agonists may be useful for treating SCI pain, but the therapeutic window must be carefully examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danxu Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Qian Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Xinyan Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Neil C Ford
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ruijuan Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shuguang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shao-Qiu He
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Srinivasa N Raja
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yun Guan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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15
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Liu H, Lauzadis J, Gunaratna K, Sipple E, Kaczocha M, Puopolo M. Inhibition of T-Type Calcium Channels With TTA-P2 Reduces Chronic Neuropathic Pain Following Spinal Cord Injury in Rats. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:1681-1695. [PMID: 37169156 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI)-induced neuropathic pain (SCI-NP) develops in up to 60 to 70% of people affected by traumatic SCI, leading to a major decline in quality of life and increased risk for depression, anxiety, and addiction. Gabapentin and pregabalin, together with antidepressant drugs, are commonly prescribed to treat SCI-NP, but their efficacy is unsatisfactory. The limited efficacy of current pharmacological treatments for SCI-NP likely reflects our limited knowledge of the underlying mechanism(s) responsible for driving the maintenance of SCI-NP. The leading hypothesis in the field supports a major role for spontaneously active injured nociceptors in driving the maintenance of SCI-NP. Recent data from our laboratory provided additional support for this hypothesis and identified the T-type calcium channels as key players in driving the spontaneous activity of SCI-nociceptors, thus providing a rational pharmacological target to treat SCI-NP. To test whether T-type calcium channels contribute to the maintenance of SCI-NP, male and female SCI and sham rats were treated with TTA-P2 (a blocker of T-type calcium channels) to determine its effects on mechanical hypersensitivity (as measured with the von Frey filaments) and spontaneous ongoing pain (as measured with the conditioned place preference paradigm), and compared them to the effects of gabapentin, a blocker of high voltage-activated calcium channels. We found that both TTA-P2 and gabapentin reduced mechanical hypersensitivity in male and females SCI rats, but surprisingly only TTA-P2 reduced spontaneous ongoing pain in male SCI rats. PERSPECTIVES: SCI-induced neuropathic pain, and in particular the spontaneous ongoing pain component, is notoriously very difficult to treat. Our data provide evidence that inhibition of T-type calcium channels reduces spontaneous ongoing pain in SCI rats, supporting a clinically relevant role for T-type channels in the maintenance of SCI-induced neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huilin Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook Pain and Analgesia Research Center (SPARC), Health Sciences Center L4-072, Stony Brook Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Justas Lauzadis
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook Pain and Analgesia Research Center (SPARC), Health Sciences Center L4-072, Stony Brook Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Kavindu Gunaratna
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook Pain and Analgesia Research Center (SPARC), Health Sciences Center L4-072, Stony Brook Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Erin Sipple
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook Pain and Analgesia Research Center (SPARC), Health Sciences Center L4-072, Stony Brook Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Martin Kaczocha
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook Pain and Analgesia Research Center (SPARC), Health Sciences Center L4-072, Stony Brook Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Michelino Puopolo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook Pain and Analgesia Research Center (SPARC), Health Sciences Center L4-072, Stony Brook Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York.
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Dong D, Hosomi K, Mori N, Kamijo YI, Furotani Y, Yamagami D, Ohnishi YI, Watanabe Y, Nakamura T, Tajima F, Kishima H, Saitoh Y. White matter microstructural alterations in patients with neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury: a diffusion tensor imaging study. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1241658. [PMID: 37693753 PMCID: PMC10484711 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1241658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Through contrastive analysis, we aimed to identify the white matter brain regions that show microstructural changes in patients with neuropathic pain (NP) after spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods We categorized patients with SCI into NP (n = 30) and non-NP (n = 15) groups. We extracted diffusion tensor maps of fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean (MD), axial (AD), and radial (RD) diffusivity. A randomization-based method in tract-based spatial statistics was used to perform voxel-wise group comparisons among the FA, MD, AD, and RD for nonparametric permutation tests. Results Atlas-based analysis located significantly different regions (p < 0.05) in the appointed brain atlas. Compared to the non-NP group, the NP group showed higher FA in the posterior body and splenium of the corpus callosum and higher AD in the corpus callosum, internal capsule, corona radiata, posterior thalamic radiation, sagittal stratum, external capsule, cingulum, fornix/stria terminalis, superior longitudinal fasciculus, and uncinate fasciculus. Conclusion The results demonstrated that compared with the non-NP group, NP pathogenesis after SCI was potentially related to higher values in FA that are associated with microstructural changes in the posterior body and splenium of the corpus callosum, which could be regarded as central sensitization or network hyperexcitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Mechanical Science and Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koichi Hosomi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Mori
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshi-ichiro Kamijo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yohei Furotani
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Daisuke Yamagami
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kanagawa Rehabilitation Hospital, Atsugi, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yu-ichiro Ohnishi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Osaka Gyoumeikan Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Watanabe
- Department of Radiology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Takeshi Nakamura
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Tajima
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Kishima
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Youichi Saitoh
- Department of Mechanical Science and Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
- Tokuyukai Rehabilitation Clinic, Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan
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Kim J, Ryu B, Bang J, Kim CY, Park JH. Postnatal exposure to trimethyltin chloride induces retinal developmental neurotoxicity in mice via glutamate and its transporter related changes. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 119:108395. [PMID: 37164060 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to toxic substances during postnatal period is one of the major factors causing retinal developmental defects. The developmental toxicity of trimethyltin chloride (TMT), a byproduct of an organotin compound widely used in agriculture and industrial fields, has been reported; however, the effect on the mammalian retina during postnatal development and the mechanism have not been elucidated to date. We exposed 0.75 and 1.5 mg/kg of TMT to neonatal ICR mice (1:1 ratio of male and female) up to postnatal day 14 and performed analysis of the retina: histopathology, apoptosis, electrophysiological function, glutamate concentration, gene expression, and fluorescence immunostaining. Exposure to TMT caused delayed eye opening, eye growth defect and thinning of retinal layer. In addition, apoptosis occurred in the retina along with b-wave and spiking activity changes in the micro-electroretinogram. These changes were accompanied by an increase in the concentration of glutamate, upregulation of astrocyte-related genes, and increased expression of glial excitatory amino acid transporter (EAAT) 1 and 2. Conversely, EAAT 3, 4, and 5, mainly located in the neurons, were decreased. Our results are the first to prove postnatal retinal developmental neurotoxicity of TMT at the mammalian model and analyze the molecular, functional as well as morphological aspects to elucidate possible mechanisms: glutamate toxicity with EAAT expression changes. These mechanisms may suggest not only a strategy to treat but also a clue to prevent postnatal retina developmental toxicity of toxic substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bokyeong Ryu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Applied Life Sciences, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Junpil Bang
- Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - C-Yoon Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jae-Hak Park
- Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Park J, Farmer M, Casson C, Kalashnikova I, Kolpek D. Therapeutic Potential of Combinative shRNA-Encoded Lentivirus-Mediated Gene Silencing to Accelerate Somatosensory Recovery After Spinal Cord Trauma. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:564-577. [PMID: 36401079 PMCID: PMC10121969 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01331-7] [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] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a difficult problem that affects more than 80% of SCI patients. Growing evidence indicates that neuroinflammatory responses play a key role in neuropathic pain after SCI. Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) interference is an efficient tool for the knockdown of disease-related specific gene expression after SCI, yet insufficient data is available to establish guidelines. In this study, we have constructed the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) shRNA encoded-lentiviral vector (LV-shTRPA1) and P38 MAPK shRNA encoded-lentiviral vector (LV-shP38) to investigate the silencing effects of shRNAs and their ability to reprogram the neuroinflammatory responses, thereby enhancing somatosensory recovery after SCI. Our in vitro data employing HEK293-FT and activated macrophages demonstrated that delivered LV-shRNAs showed high transduction efficacy with no cytotoxicity. Furthermore, a combination of LV-shP38 and LV-shTRPA1 was found to be most effective at suppressing target genes, cutting the expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-nociceptive factors in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia, thus contributing to the alleviation of neuronal hypersensitivities after SCI. Overall, our data demonstrated that the combination LV-shP38/shTRPA1 produced a synergistic effect for immunomodulation and reduced neuropathic pain with a favorable risk-to-benefit ratio. Collectively, our LV-mediated shRNA delivery will provide an efficient tool for gene silencing therapeutic approaches to treat various incurable disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonghyuck Park
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA.
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, University of Kentucky, 741 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA.
| | - Matthew Farmer
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Camara Casson
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Irina Kalashnikova
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Daniel Kolpek
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
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Ferreyra S, González S. Therapeutic potential of progesterone in spinal cord injury-induced neuropathic pain: At the crossroads between neuroinflammation and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13181. [PMID: 35924434 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades, an area of active research has supported the notion that progesterone promotes a wide range of remarkable protective actions in experimental models of nervous system trauma or disease, and has also provided a strong basis for considering this steroid as a promising molecule for modulating the complex maladaptive changes that lead to neuropathic pain, especially after spinal cord injury. In this review, we intend to give the readers a brief appraisal of the main mechanisms underlying the increased excitability of the spinal circuit in the pain pathway after trauma, with particular emphasis on those mediated by the activation of resident glial cells, the subsequent release of proinflammatory cytokines and their impact on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor function. We then summarize the available preclinical data pointing to progesterone as a valuable repurposing molecule for blocking critical cellular and molecular events that occur in the dorsal horn of the injured spinal cord and are related to the development of chronic pain. Since the treatment and management of neuropathic pain after spinal injury remains challenging, the potential therapeutic value of progesterone opens new traslational perspectives to prevent central pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sol Ferreyra
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Laboratorio de Nocicepción y Dolor Neuropático, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Susana González
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Laboratorio de Nocicepción y Dolor Neuropático, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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20
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Shackleton C, Evans R, West S, Derman W, Albertus Y. Robotic locomotor training for spasticity, pain, and quality of life in individuals with chronic SCI: A pilot randomized controlled trial. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2023; 4:1003360. [PMID: 36793803 PMCID: PMC9922844 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2023.1003360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Objective The prevention and treatment of secondary complications is a key priority for people with spinal cord injury and a fundamental goal of rehabilitation. Activity-based Training (ABT) and Robotic Locomotor Training (RLT) demonstrate promising results for reducing secondary complications associated with SCI. However, there is a need for increased evidence through randomized controlled trials. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of RLT and ABT interventions on pain, spasticity, and quality of life in individuals with spinal cord injuries. Methods Participants with chronic motor incomplete tetraplegia (n = 16) were recruited. Each intervention involved 60-minute sessions, 3× per week, over 24-weeks. RLT involved walking in an Ekso GT exoskeleton. ABT involved a combination of resistance, cardiovascular and weight-bearing exercise. Outcomes of interest included the Modified Ashworth Scale, the International SCI Pain Basic Data Set Version 2, and the International SCI Quality of Life Basic Data Set. Results Neither intervention altered symptoms of spasticity. Pain intensity increased from pre-post intervention for both groups, with a mean increase of 1.55 [-0.82, 3.92] (p = 0.03) and 1.56 [-0.43, 3.55] (p = 0.02) points for the RLT and ABT group, respectively. The ABT group had an increase in pain interference scores of 100%, 50%, and 109% for the daily activity, mood, and sleep domain, respectively. The RLT group had an increase in pain interference scores of 86% and 69% for the daily activity and mood domain respectively, but no change in the sleep domain. The RLT group had increased perceptions of quality of life with changes of 2.37 [0.32, 4.41], 2.00 [0.43, 3.56] and 0.25 [-1.63, 2.13] points, p = 0.03, for the general, physical, and psychological domains, respectively. The ABT group had increased perceptions of general, physical and psychological quality of life with changes of 0.75 [-1.38, 2.88], 0.62 [-1.83, 3.07] and 0.63 [-1.87, 3.13] points, respectively. Conclusions Despite increased pain ratings and no change in symptoms of spasticity, there was an increase in perceived quality of life for both groups over 24-weeks. This dichotomy warrants additional investigation in future large-scale randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Shackleton
- Department of Human Biology, Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Robert Evans
- Department of Human Biology, Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sacha West
- Department of Sport Management, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, Western cape, South Africa
| | - Wayne Derman
- Institute of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg Campus, Cape Town, Western cape, South Africa,International Olympic Committee Research Center, IOCResearch Center, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Yumna Albertus
- Department of Human Biology, Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport Research Centre (HPALS), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa,Correspondence: Yumna Albertus
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Castany S, Bagó-Mas A, Vela JM, Verdú E, Bretová K, Svobodová V, Dubový P, Boadas-Vaello P. Transient Reflexive Pain Responses and Chronic Affective Nonreflexive Pain Responses Associated with Neuroinflammation Processes in Both Spinal and Supraspinal Structures in Spinal Cord-Injured Female Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021761. [PMID: 36675275 PMCID: PMC9863935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Central neuropathic pain is not only characterized by reflexive pain responses, but also emotional or affective nonreflexive pain responses, especially in women. Some pieces of evidence suggest that the activation of the neuroimmune system may be contributing to the manifestation of mood disorders in patients with chronic pain conditions, but the mechanisms that contribute to the development and chronicity of CNP and its associated disorders remain poorly understood. This study aimed to determine whether neuroinflammatory factor over-expression in the spinal cord and supraspinal structures may be associated with reflexive and nonreflexive pain response development from acute SCI phase to 12 weeks post-injury in female mice. The results show that transient reflexive responses were observed during the SCI acute phase associated with transient cytokine overexpression in the spinal cord. In contrast, increased nonreflexive pain responses were observed in the chronic phase associated with cytokine overexpression in supraspinal structures, especially in mPFC. In addition, results revealed that besides cytokines, the mPFC showed an increased glial activation as well as CX3CL1/CX3CR1 upregulation in the neurons, suggesting the contribution of neuron-glia crosstalk in the development of nonreflexive pain responses in the chronic spinal cord injury phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia Castany
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Anna Bagó-Mas
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Neuroanatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - José Miguel Vela
- WeLab Barcelona, Parc Científic de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Enrique Verdú
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Karolina Bretová
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Neuroanatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Viktorie Svobodová
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Neuroanatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Dubový
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Neuroanatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pere Boadas-Vaello
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain
- Correspondence:
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22
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Han J, Hua Z, Yang WJ, Wang S, Yan F, Wang JN, Sun T. Resveratrol suppresses neuroinflammation to alleviate mechanical allodynia by inhibiting Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway in a rat model of spinal cord injury. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1116679. [PMID: 36873101 PMCID: PMC9977815 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1116679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neuropathic pain (NP) is one of intractable complications of spinal cord injury (SCI) and lacks effective treatment. Resveratrol (Res) has been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects. In this study, we investigated the analgesic effect of Res and its underlying mechanism in a rat model of SCI. Methods The rat thoracic (T10) spinal cord contusion injury model was established, and mechanical thresholds were evaluated during an observation period of 21 days. Intrathecal administration with Res (300 μg/10 μl) was performed once a day for 7 days after the operation. On postoperative day 7, the expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), the expression of Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway was determined by western blot and RT-qPCR, and the co-labeled phospho-STAT3 (p-STAT3) with neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) were explored by double immunofluorescence staining in the lumbar spinal dorsal horns. The temporal changes of p-STAT3 were investigated by western blot on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21st days after the operation. Results Intrathecal administration with Res for 7 successive days alleviated mechanical allodynia of rats during the observation period. Meanwhile, treatment with Res suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and inhibited the expressions of phospho-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in the lumbar spinal dorsal horns on postoperative day 7. Additionally, the protein expression of p-STAT3 was significantly increased on the 1st day following the operation and remained elevated during the next 21 days, immunofluorescence suggested that the up-regulated p-STAT3 was co-located with glial cells and neurons. Conclusion Our current results indicated that intrathecal administration with Res effectively alleviated mechanical allodynia after SCI in rats, and its analgesic mechanism might be to suppress neuroinflammation by partly inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Han
- Department of Pain Management, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhen Hua
- College of Sports Medicines and Rehabilitation, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Tai'an, China
| | - Wen-Jie Yang
- Department of Pain Management, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Pain Management, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Fang Yan
- Department of Pain Management, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jun-Nan Wang
- Department of Pain Management, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Pain Management, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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23
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Noordhof RK, Vinke S, Kurt E. Spinal cord stimulation in patients suffering from chronic pain after surgery for spinal intradural tumors: A case report and literature summary. Pain Pract 2022; 22:746-752. [PMID: 36004480 PMCID: PMC9804809 DOI: 10.1111/papr.13156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of pain after treatment of a spinal intradural tumor is remarkably high, approximately up to 40% of the patients suffer from central neuropathic pain. Publications on spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and its effect on pain caused by intradural spinal tumors are rare. We discuss the case of a patient suffering from chronic pain after removal of a Th7 level meningioma who was successfully treated with SCS and give an overview of the literature. METHODS MEDLINE database was searched for neuropathic pain and intradural tumors. RESULTS The initial search identified 35 articles, including hand-searched manuscripts. Six articles were included for analysis. CASE REPORT A 57-year-old female suffers from neuropathic pain in both legs after surgical removal of a Th7 level intradural meningioma. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging shows no gross abnormalities, although she developed chronic pain in both legs. Pain in combination with side effects of analgesic intake are too disabling to have decent quality of life. A successful implantation of SCS is achieved at Th5 level as a treatment for the central neuropathic pain, and, at 36 months follow-up, there is significant pain relief and almost complete discontinuation of analgesics. DISCUSSION Central pain from spinal intradural tumors may have a different mechanism of origin than pain seen after an acute spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the basic principles of neuromodulation are the same in both etiologies, as for successful stimulation intact pathways in the spinal cord are necessary. The efficacy of SCS as treatment in intradural spinal tumors is rarely described as only a handful of case reports are published. Interestingly, the case reports show that stimulation both above and below the lesion can be effective. In patients with incomplete SCI or intradural tumor resection stimulation below the lesion could be considered and tried in a trial setting before definitive implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin K. Noordhof
- Department of NeurosurgeryRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Saman Vinke
- Department of NeurosurgeryRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Erkan Kurt
- Department of NeurosurgeryRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
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24
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Coexistence of chronic hyperalgesia and multilevel neuroinflammatory responses after experimental SCI: a systematic approach to profiling neuropathic pain. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:264. [PMID: 36309729 PMCID: PMC9617391 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02628-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People with spinal cord injury (SCI) frequently develop neuropathic pain (NP) that worsens disability and diminishes rehabilitation efficacy. Chronic NP is presently incurable due to poor understanding of underlying mechanisms. We hypothesized that multilocus neuroinflammation (NIF) might be a driver of SCI NP, and tested it by investigating whether NP coexisted with central NIF, neurotransmission (NTM), neuromodulation (NML) and neuroplasticity (NPL) changes post-SCI. Methods Female Sprague–Dawley rats (230–250 g) with T10 compression or laminectomy were evaluated for physical conditions, coordinated hindlimb functions, neurological reflexes, and mechanical/thermal sensitivity thresholds at 1 day post-injury (p.i.) and weekly thereafter. Eight weeks p.i., central nervous system tissues were histochemically and immunohistochemically characterized for parameters/markers of histopathology and NIF/NTM/NML/NPL. Also analyzed was the correlative relationship between levels of selected biomarkers and thermosensitivity thresholds via statistical linear regression. Results SCI impaired sensorimotor functions, altered reflexes, and produced spontaneous pain signs and hypersensitivity to evoked nociceptive, mechanical, and thermal inputs. Only injured spinal cords exhibited neural lesion, microglia/astrocyte activation, and abnormal expression of proinflammatory cytokines, as well as NIF/NTM/NML/NPL markers. Brains of SCI animals displayed similar pathophysiological signs in the gracile and parabrachial nuclei (GrN and PBN: sensory relay), raphe magnus nucleus and periaqueduct gray (RMN and PAG: pain modulation), basolateral amygdala (BLA: emotional-affective dimension of pain), and hippocampus (HPC: memory/mood/neurogenesis). SCI augmented sensory NTM/NPL (GrN and PBN); increased GAD67 (PAG) level; reduced serotonin (RMN) and fear-off neuronal NTR2 (BLA) expressions; and perturbed neurogenesis (HPC). Conclusion T10 compression caused chronic hyperalgesia that coexisted with NIF/NTM/NML/NPL responses at multilevel neuroaxis centers. The data have provided multidimensional biomarkers as new mechanistic leads to profile SCI NP for therapeutic/therapy development. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-022-02628-2.
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25
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Reedich EJ, Genry LT, Singer MA, Cavarsan CF, Mena Avila E, Boudreau DM, Brennan MC, Garrett AM, Dowaliby L, Detloff MR, Quinlan KA. Enhanced nociceptive behavior and expansion of associated primary afferents in a rabbit model of cerebral palsy. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:1951-1966. [PMID: 35839339 PMCID: PMC9388620 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25108] [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: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) is a movement disorder marked by hypertonia and hyperreflexia; the most prevalent comorbidity is pain. Since spinal nociceptive afferents contribute to both the sensation of painful stimuli as well as reflex circuits involved in movement, we investigated the relationship between prenatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) injury which can cause CP, and possible changes in spinal nociceptive circuitry. To do this, we examined nociceptive afferents and mechanical and thermal sensitivity of New Zealand White rabbit kits after prenatal HI or a sham surgical procedure. As described previously, a range of motor deficits similar to spastic CP was observed in kits born naturally after HI (40 min at ~70%-80% gestation). We found that HI caused an expansion of peptidergic afferents (marked by expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide) in both the superficial and deep dorsal horn at postnatal day (P)5. Non-peptidergic nociceptive afferent arborization (labeled by isolectin B4) was unaltered in HI kits, but overlap of the two populations (peptidergic and non-peptidergic nociceptors) was increased by HI. Density of glial fibrillary acidic protein was unchanged within spinal cord white matter regions important in nociceptive transmission at P5. We found that mechanical and thermal nociception was enhanced in HI kits even in the absence of motor deficits. These findings suggest that prenatal HI injury impacts spinal sensory pathways in addition to the more well-established disruptions to descending motor circuits. In conclusion, changes to spinal nociceptive circuitry could disrupt spinal reflexes and contribute to pain experienced by individuals with CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Reedich
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Landon T Genry
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Meredith A Singer
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Clarissa Fantin Cavarsan
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Elvia Mena Avila
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Daphne M Boudreau
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Michael C Brennan
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Alyssa M Garrett
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- Rhode Island Institutional Development Award (IDeA) Network for Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Lisa Dowaliby
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Megan R Detloff
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katharina A Quinlan
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
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26
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Nutraceuticals: A source of benefaction for neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia. J Funct Foods 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Martin KK, Noble DJ, Parvin S, Jang K, Garraway SM. Pharmacogenetic inhibition of TrkB signaling in adult mice attenuates mechanical hypersensitivity and improves locomotor function after spinal cord injury. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:987236. [PMID: 36226073 PMCID: PMC9548551 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.987236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signals through tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), to exert various types of plasticity. The exact involvement of BDNF and TrkB in neuropathic pain states after spinal cord injury (SCI) remains unresolved. This study utilized transgenic TrkBF616 mice to examine the effect of pharmacogenetic inhibition of TrkB signaling, induced by treatment with 1NM-PP1 (1NMP) in drinking water for 5 days, on formalin-induced inflammatory pain, pain hypersensitivity, and locomotor dysfunction after thoracic spinal contusion. We also examined TrkB, ERK1/2, and pERK1/2 expression in the lumbar spinal cord and trunk skin. The results showed that formalin-induced pain responses were robustly attenuated in 1NMP-treated mice. Weekly assessment of tactile sensitivity with the von Frey test showed that treatment with 1NMP immediately after SCI blocked the development of mechanical hypersensitivity up to 4 weeks post-SCI. Contrastingly, when treatment started 2 weeks after SCI, 1NMP reversibly and partially attenuated hind-paw hypersensitivity. Locomotor scores were significantly improved in the early-treated 1NMP mice compared to late-treated or vehicle-treated SCI mice. 1NMP treatment attenuated SCI-induced increases in TrkB and pERK1/2 levels in the lumbar cord but failed to exert similar effects in the trunk skin. These results suggest that early onset TrkB signaling after SCI contributes to maladaptive plasticity that leads to spinal pain hypersensitivity and impaired locomotor function.
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Boerger T, Alsouhibani A, Mowforth O, Hamilton J, Lalkhen A, Davies BM, Kotter MRN. Moving Beyond the Neck and Arm: The Pain Experience of People With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Who Have Pain. Global Spine J 2022; 12:1434-1442. [PMID: 33626937 PMCID: PMC9393978 DOI: 10.1177/2192568220986143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional internet survey of people living with degenerative cervical myelopathy. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to quantify pain distribution, severity, and interference in persons with degenerative cervical myelopathy. METHODS Eighty-two participants with degenerative cervical myelopathy were recruited for this internet survey. This survey utilized the Michigan Body Map and brief pain inventory (BPI) to assess anatomical distribution and severity of pain as well as the patient derived modified Japanese Orthopedic Association scale (p-mJOA) for myelopathic severity and SF-36 for measures of health-related quality of life. Internal consistency was evaluated with Cronbach's alpha. Pearson's correlations were assessed with p-mJOA and SF-36. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine if history of prior surgery or concomitant pain diagnosis impacted experience of pain. RESULTS Michigan body map distribution and brief pain inventory severity and interference were correlated with p-mJOA and SF-36 scores (p < 0.05). Pain was moderate to severe in 78% of participants. Pain was commonly widespread. Pain scales were sufficiently internally consistent (α > 0.9). History of surgery or other pain diagnosis did not impact experience of pain in myelopathy. CONCLUSIONS Pain is commonly identifiable in large areas of the body, is frequently moderate to severe in intensity and impacts quality of life and severity of myelopathy in a cohort of individuals with myelopathy who have pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Boerger
- Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Ali Alsouhibani
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Medical Rehabilitation, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Oliver Mowforth
- Department of Clinical Neurosurgery, Academic Neurosurgery Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Joseph Hamilton
- Department of Clinical Neurosurgery, Academic Neurosurgery Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Abdul Lalkhen
- Neuromodulation Service Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - Benjamin M. Davies
- Department of Clinical Neurosurgery, Academic Neurosurgery Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark R. N. Kotter
- Department of Clinical Neurosurgery, Academic Neurosurgery Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK,Mark R. N. Kotter, Department of Clinical Neurosurgery, Academic Neurosurgery Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK.
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7,8-Dihydroxyflavone accelerates recovery of Brown-Sequard syndrome in adult female rats with spinal cord lateral hemisection. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113397. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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30
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Eller OC, Willits AB, Young EE, Baumbauer KM. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions for the treatment of spinal cord injury-induced pain. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 3:991736. [PMID: 36093389 PMCID: PMC9448954 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2022.991736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex neurophysiological disorder, which can result in many long-term complications including changes in mobility, bowel and bladder function, cardiovascular function, and metabolism. In addition, most individuals with SCI experience some form of chronic pain, with one-third of these individuals rating their pain as severe and unrelenting. SCI-induced chronic pain is considered to be "high impact" and broadly affects a number of outcome measures, including daily activity, physical and cognitive function, mood, sleep, and overall quality of life. The majority of SCI pain patients suffer from pain that emanates from regions located below the level of injury. This pain is often rated as the most severe and the underlying mechanisms involve injury-induced plasticity along the entire neuraxis and within the peripheral nervous system. Unfortunately, current therapies for SCI-induced chronic pain lack universal efficacy. Pharmacological treatments, such as opioids, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants, have been shown to have limited success in promoting pain relief. In addition, these treatments are accompanied by many adverse events and safety issues that compound existing functional deficits in the spinally injured, such as gastrointestinal motility and respiration. Non-pharmacological treatments are safer alternatives that can be specifically tailored to the individual and used in tandem with pharmacological therapies if needed. This review describes existing non-pharmacological therapies that have been used to treat SCI-induced pain in both preclinical models and clinical populations. These include physical (i.e., exercise, acupuncture, and hyper- or hypothermia treatments), psychological (i.e., meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy), and dietary interventions (i.e., ketogenic and anti-inflammatory diet). Findings on the effectiveness of these interventions in reducing SCI-induced pain and improving quality of life are discussed. Overall, although studies suggest non-pharmacological treatments could be beneficial in reducing SCI-induced chronic pain, further research is needed. Additionally, because chronic pain, including SCI pain, is complex and has both emotional and physiological components, treatment should be multidisciplinary in nature and ideally tailored specifically to the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia C. Eller
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Adam B. Willits
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Erin E. Young
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Kyle M. Baumbauer
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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Eller OC, Stair RN, Neal C, Rowe PS, Nelson-Brantley J, Young EE, Baumbauer KM. Comprehensive phenotyping of cutaneous afferents reveals early-onset alterations in nociceptor response properties, release of CGRP, and hindpaw edema following spinal cord injury. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2022; 12:100097. [PMID: 35756343 PMCID: PMC9218836 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2022.100097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex syndrome that has profound effects on patient well-being, including the development of medically-resistant chronic pain. The mechanisms underlying SCI pain have been the subject of thorough investigation but remain poorly understood. While the majority of the research has focused on changes occurring within and surrounding the site of injury in the spinal cord, there is now a consensus that alterations within the peripheral nervous system, namely sensitization of nociceptors, contribute to the development and maintenance of chronic SCI pain. Using an ex vivo skin/nerve/DRG/spinal cord preparation to characterize afferent response properties following SCI, we found that SCI increased mechanical and thermal responding, as well as the incidence of spontaneous activity (SA) and afterdischarge (AD), in below-level C-fiber nociceptors 24 hr following injury relative to naïve controls. Interestingly, the distribution of nociceptors that exhibit SA and AD are not identical, and the development of SA was observed more frequently in nociceptors with low heat thresholds, while AD was found more frequently in nociceptors with high heat thresholds. We also found that SCI resulted in hindpaw edema and elevated cutaneous calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) concentration that were not observed in naïve mice. These results suggest that SCI causes a rapidly developing nociceptor sensitization and peripheral inflammation that may contribute to the early emergence and persistence of chronic SCI pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia C. Eller
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Rena N. Stair
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Christopher Neal
- Kansas Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Peter S.N. Rowe
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- The Kidney Institute & Division of Nephrology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Jennifer Nelson-Brantley
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Erin E. Young
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Center for Advancement in Managing Pain, School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Kyle M. Baumbauer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Center for Advancement in Managing Pain, School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
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Karri J, Doan J, Vangeison C, Catalanotto M, Nagpal AS, Li S. Emerging Evidence for Intrathecal Management of Neuropathic Pain Following Spinal Cord Injury. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 3:933422. [PMID: 35965596 PMCID: PMC9371595 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2022.933422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A high prevalence of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) suffer from chronic neuropathic pain. Unfortunately, the precise pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon have yet to be clearly elucidated and targeted treatments are largely lacking. As an unfortunate consequence, neuropathic pain in the population with SCI is refractory to standard of care treatments and represents a significant contributor to morbidity and suffering. In recent years, advances from SCI-specific animal studies and translational models have furthered our understanding of the neuronal excitability, glial dysregulation, and chronic inflammation processes that facilitate neuropathic pain. These developments have served advantageously to facilitate exploration into the use of neuromodulation as a treatment modality. The use of intrathecal drug delivery (IDD), with novel pharmacotherapies, to treat chronic neuropathic pain has gained particular attention in both pre-clinical and clinical contexts. In this evidence-based narrative review, we provide a comprehensive exploration into the emerging evidence for the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain following SCI, the evidence basis for IDD as a therapeutic strategy, and novel pharmacologics across impactful animal and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Karri
- Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Jay Karri
| | - James Doan
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System—West Roxbury Division, Spinal Cord Injury Service, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Christian Vangeison
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Marissa Catalanotto
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ameet S. Nagpal
- Department of Orthopaedics and Physical Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas HSC at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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Bavencoffe A, Spence EA, Zhu MY, Garza-Carbajal A, Chu KE, Bloom OE, Dessauer CW, Walters ET. Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) Makes Complex Contributions to Pain-Related Hyperactivity of Nociceptors after Spinal Cord Injury. J Neurosci 2022; 42:5463-5480. [PMID: 35610050 PMCID: PMC9270921 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1133-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a major, inadequately treated challenge for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). While SCI pain mechanisms are often assumed to be in the CNS, rodent studies have revealed mechanistic contributions from primary nociceptors. These neurons become chronically hyperexcitable after SCI, generating ongoing electrical activity that promotes ongoing pain. A major question is whether extrinsic chemical signals help to drive ongoing electrical activity after SCI. People living with SCI exhibit acute and chronic elevation of circulating levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a cytokine implicated in preclinical pain models. Probable nociceptors isolated from male rats and exposed to an MIF concentration reported in human plasma (1 ng/ml) showed hyperactivity similar to that induced by SCI, although, surprisingly, a 10-fold higher concentration failed to increase excitability. Conditioned behavioral aversion to a chamber associated with peripheral MIF injection suggested that MIF stimulates affective pain. A MIF inhibitor, Iso-1, reversed SCI-induced hyperexcitability. Unlike chronic SCI-induced hyperexcitability, acute MIF-induced hyperexcitability was only partially abrogated by inhibiting ERK signaling. Unexpectedly, MIF concentrations that induced hyperactivity in nociceptors from naive animals, after SCI induced a long-lasting conversion from a highly excitable nonaccommodating type to a rapidly accommodating, hypoexcitable type, possibly as a homeostatic response to prolonged depolarization. Treatment with conditioned medium from cultures of DRG cells obtained after SCI was sufficient to induce MIF-dependent hyperactivity in neurons from naive rats. Thus, changes in systemic and DRG levels of MIF may help to maintain SCI-induced nociceptor hyperactivity that persistently promotes pain.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Chronic neuropathic pain is a major challenge for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Pain can drastically impair quality of life, and produces substantial economic and social burdens. Available treatments, including opioids, remain inadequate. This study shows that the cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) can induce pain-like behavior and plays an important role in driving persistent ongoing electrical activity in injury-detecting sensory neurons (nociceptors) in a rat SCI model. The results indicate that SCI produces an increase in MIF release within sensory ganglia. Low MIF levels potently excite nociceptors, but higher levels trigger a long-lasting hypoexcitable state. These findings suggest that therapeutic targeting of MIF in neuropathic pain states may reduce pain and sensory dysfunction by curbing nociceptor hyperactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Bavencoffe
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Emily A Spence
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Michael Y Zhu
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Anibal Garza-Carbajal
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Kerry E Chu
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Ona E Bloom
- Laboratory of Spinal Cord Injury Research, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York 11030
| | - Carmen W Dessauer
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Edgar T Walters
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas 77030
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Future Treatment of Neuropathic Pain in Spinal Cord Injury: The Challenges of Nanomedicine, Supplements or Opportunities? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061373. [PMID: 35740395 PMCID: PMC9219608 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common chronic condition that severely affects patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It impairs the overall quality of life and is considered difficult to treat. Currently, clinical management of NP is often limited to drug therapy, primarily with opioid analgesics that have limited therapeutic efficacy. The persistence and intractability of NP following SCI and the potential health risks associated with opioids necessitate improved treatment approaches. Nanomedicine has gained increasing attention in recent years for its potential to improve therapeutic efficacy while minimizing toxicity by providing sensitive and targeted treatments that overcome the limitations of conventional pain medications. The current perspective begins with a brief discussion of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying NP and the current pain treatment for SCI. We discuss the most frequently used nanomaterials in pain diagnosis and treatment as well as recent and ongoing efforts to effectively treat pain by proactively mediating pain signals following SCI. Although nanomedicine is a rapidly growing field, its application to NP in SCI is still limited. Therefore, additional work is required to improve the current treatment of NP following SCI.
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Nakhjiri E, Roqanian S, Zangbar HS, Seyedi Vafaee M, Mohammadnejad D, Ahmadian S, Zamanzadeh S, Ehsani E, Shahabi P, Shahpasand K. Spinal Cord Injury Causes Prominent Tau Pathology Associated with Brain Post-Injury Sequela. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:4197-4208. [PMID: 35501632 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02843-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) can result in significant neurological impairment and functional and cognitive deficits. It is well established that SCI results in focal neurodegeneration that gradually spreads to other cord areas. On the other hand, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is strongly associated with tau protein pathology and neurodegeneration that can spread in areas throughout the brain. Tau is a microtubule-associated protein abundant in neurons and whose abnormalities result in neuronal cell death. While SCI and TBI have been extensively studied, there is limited research on the relationship between SCI and brain tau pathology. As a result, in this study, we examined tau pathology in spinal cord and brain samples obtained from severe SCI mouse models at various time points. The effects of severe SCI on locomotor function, spatial memory, anxiety/risk-taking behavior were investigated. Immunostaining and immunoblotting confirmed a progressive increase in tau pathology in the spinal cord and brain areas. Moreover, we used electron microscopy to examine brain samples and observed disrupted mitochondria and microtubule structure following SCI. SCI resulted in motor dysfunction, memory impairment, and abnormal risk-taking behavior. Notably, eliminating pathogenic cis P-tau via systemic administration of appropriate monoclonal antibodies restored SCI's pathological and functional consequences. Thus, our findings suggest that SCI causes severe tauopathy that spreads to brain areas, indicating brain dysfunction. Additionally, tau immunotherapy with an anti-cis P-tau antibody could suppress pathogenic outcomes in SCI mouse models, with significant clinical implications for SCI patients. SCI induces profound pathogenic cis p-tau, which diffuses into the brain through CSF, resulting in brain neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Nakhjiri
- Neurosciences Research Center (NSRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shaqayeq Roqanian
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Soltani Zangbar
- Department of Neuroscience and Cognition, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | | | - Shahin Ahmadian
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Selva Zamanzadeh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Ehsani
- Department of Biology, Roudehen Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran
| | - Parviz Shahabi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Koorosh Shahpasand
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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Dietz V, Knox K, Moore S, Roberts N, Corona KK, Dulin JN. Dorsal horn neuronal sparing predicts the development of at-level mechanical allodynia following cervical spinal cord injury in mice. Exp Neurol 2022; 352:114048. [PMID: 35304102 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) frequently results in immediate and sustained neurological dysfunction, including intractable neuropathic pain in approximately 60-80% of individuals. SCI induces immediate mechanical damage to spinal cord tissue followed by a period of secondary injury in which tissue damage is further propagated, contributing to the development of anatomically unique lesions. Variability in lesion size and location influences the degree of motor and sensory dysfunction incurred by an individual. We predicted that variability in lesion parameters may also explain why some, but not all, experimental animals develop mechanical sensitivity after SCI. To characterize the relationship of lesion anatomy to mechanical allodynia, we utilized a mouse cervical hemicontusion model of SCI that has been shown to lead to the development and persistence of mechanical allodynia in the ipsilateral forelimb after injury. At four weeks post-SCI, the numbers and locations of surviving neurons were quantified along with total lesion volume and nociceptive fiber sprouting. We found that the subset of animals exhibiting mechanical allodynia had significantly increased neuronal sparing in the ipsilateral dorsal horn around the lesion epicenter compared to animals that did not exhibit mechanical allodynia. Additionally, we failed to observe significant differences between groups in nociceptive fiber density in the dorsal horn around the lesion epicenter. Notably, we found that impactor probe displacement upon administration of the SCI surgery was significantly lower in sensitive animals compared with not-sensitive animals. Together, our data indicate that lesion severity negatively correlates with the manifestation of at-level mechanical hypersensitivity and suggests that sparing of dorsal horn neurons may be required for the development of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Dietz
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Katelyn Knox
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Sherilynne Moore
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Nolan Roberts
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | | | - Jennifer N Dulin
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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Lukacova N, Kisucka A, Kiss Bimbova K, Bacova M, Ileninova M, Kuruc T, Galik J. Glial-Neuronal Interactions in Pathogenesis and Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13577. [PMID: 34948371 PMCID: PMC8708227 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) elicits an acute inflammatory response which comprises numerous cell populations. It is driven by the immediate response of macrophages and microglia, which triggers activation of genes responsible for the dysregulated microenvironment within the lesion site and in the spinal cord parenchyma immediately adjacent to the lesion. Recently published data indicate that microglia induces astrocyte activation and determines the fate of astrocytes. Conversely, astrocytes have the potency to trigger microglial activation and control their cellular functions. Here we review current information about the release of diverse signaling molecules (pro-inflammatory vs. anti-inflammatory) in individual cell phenotypes (microglia, astrocytes, blood inflammatory cells) in acute and subacute SCI stages, and how they contribute to delayed neuronal death in the surrounding spinal cord tissue which is spared and functional but reactive. In addition, temporal correlation in progressive degeneration of neurons and astrocytes and their functional interactions after SCI are discussed. Finally, the review highlights the time-dependent transformation of reactive microglia and astrocytes into their neuroprotective phenotypes (M2a, M2c and A2) which are crucial for spontaneous post-SCI locomotor recovery. We also provide suggestions on how to modulate the inflammation and discuss key therapeutic approaches leading to better functional outcome after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezda Lukacova
- Institute of Neurobiology, Biomedical Research Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Soltesovej 4–6, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia; (A.K.); (K.K.B.); (M.B.); (M.I.); (T.K.); (J.G.)
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Jung HH, Koh CS, Park M, Kim JH, Woo HN, Lee H, Chang JW. Microglial deactivation by adeno-associated virus expressing small-hairpin GCH1 has protective effects against neuropathic pain development in a spinothalamic tract-lesion model. CNS Neurosci Ther 2021; 28:36-45. [PMID: 34845843 PMCID: PMC8673712 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury is one of the most difficult clinical problems after the loss of mobility, and pharmacological or neuromodulation therapy showed limited efficacy. In this study, we examine the possibility of pain modulation by a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) encoding small-hairpin RNA against GCH1 (rAAV-shGCH1) in a spinal cord injury model in which neuropathic pain was induced by a spinothalamic tract (STT) lesion. METHODS Micro-electric lesioning was used to damage the left STT in rats (n = 32), and either rAAV-shGCH1 (n = 19) or rAAV control (n = 6) was injected into the dorsal horn of the rats at the same time. On postoperative days 3, 7, and 14, we evaluated neuropathic pain using a behavioral test and microglial activation by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS A pain modulation effect of shGCH1 was observed from postoperative days 3 to 14. The mechanical withdrawal threshold was 13.0 ± 0.95 in the shGCH1 group, 4.3 ± 1.37 in the control group, and 3.49 ± 0.85 in sham on postoperative day 3 (p < 0.0001) and continued to postoperative day 14 (shGCH1 vs. control: 11.4 ± 1.1 vs. 2.05 ± 0.60, p < 0.001 and shGCH1 vs. sham: 11.4 ± 1.1 vs. 1.43 ± 0.54, p < 0.001). Immunohistochemical staining of the spinal cord dorsal horn showed deactivation of microglia in the shGCH1 group without any change of delayed pattern of astrocyte activation as in STT model. CONCLUSIONS Neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury can be modulated bilaterally by deactivating microglial activation after a unilateral injection of rAAV-shGCH1 into the dorsal horn of a STT lesion spinal cord pain model. This new attempt would be another therapeutic approach for NP after SCI, which once happens; there is no clear curative options still now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Ho Jung
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science and Brain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chin Su Koh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Minkyung Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science and Brain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Kim
- Department of Microbiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ha-Na Woo
- Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heuiran Lee
- Bio-Medical Institute of Technology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Microbiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Woo Chang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science and Brain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Spinal Cord Stimulation and Treatment of Peripheral or Central Neuropathic Pain: Mechanisms and Clinical Application. Neural Plast 2021; 2021:5607898. [PMID: 34721569 PMCID: PMC8553441 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5607898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) as an evidence-based interventional treatment has been used and approved for clinical use in a variety of pathological states including peripheral neuropathic pain; however, until now, it has not been used for the treatment of spinal cord injury- (SCI-) induced central neuropathic pain. This paper reviews the underlying mechanisms of SCS-induced analgesia and its clinical application in the management of peripheral and central neuropathic pain. Evidence from recent research publications indicates that nociceptive processing at peripheral and central sensory systems is thought to be modulated by SCS through (i) inhibition of the ascending nociceptive transmission by the release of analgesic neurotransmitters such as GABA and endocannabinoids at the spinal dorsal horn; (ii) facilitation of the descending inhibition by release of noradrenalin, dopamine, and serotonin acting on their receptors in the spinal cord; and (iii) activation of a variety of supraspinal brain areas related to pain perception and emotion. These insights into the mechanisms have resulted in the clinically approved use of SCS in peripheral neuropathic pain states like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). However, the mechanisms underlying SCS-induced pain relief in central neuropathic pain are only partly understood, and more research is needed before this therapy can be implemented in SCI patients with central neuropathic pain.
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Kumar S, Pal A, Jain S, Velpandian T, Mathur R. Electromagnetic Field Stimulation Attenuates Phasic Nociception after Complete Spinal Cord Injury in Rats. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11111431. [PMID: 34827430 PMCID: PMC8615391 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11111431] [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: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most incapacitating pathologies, leading to huge rehabilitation challenges besides a social-economic burden on SCI patients and their families. There is no complete curative treatment available so far. Non-invasive and patient-friendly use of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field stimulation (EMF) has emerged as a therapeutic and rehabilitation option. In this study, we tested whole-body EMF stimulation on thoracic complete SCI-induced nociception including sensorimotor deficits in rats. The EMF application significantly attenuated hyperalgesia and allodynia to thermal, electrical, and chemical stimuli from 6 weeks onwards as well as restoration of spinal reflexes, viz., H-reflex and nociceptive flexion reflex at the study endpoint (week 8). Besides, massively increased glutamate at the SCI injury site was observed in SCI rats with no treatment, which was also attenuated significantly by EMF stimulation. Spinal cord histology of the injury area showed a decrease in lesion volume and glial population in the EMF-stimulated rats. These findings indicate the beneficial role of EMF stimulation after thoracic complete SCI in adult male rats and, thereby, a beneficial patient-friendly rehabilitation tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneel Kumar
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India; (A.P.); (S.J.); (R.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ajay Pal
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India; (A.P.); (S.J.); (R.M.)
| | - Suman Jain
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India; (A.P.); (S.J.); (R.M.)
| | - Thirumurthy Velpandian
- Department of Ocular Pharmacy and Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India;
| | - Rashmi Mathur
- Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India; (A.P.); (S.J.); (R.M.)
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41
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Guo F, Zheng X, He Z, Zhang R, Zhang S, Wang M, Chen H, Wang W. Nimodipine Promotes Functional Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury in Rats. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:733420. [PMID: 34594224 PMCID: PMC8477750 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.733420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that results in severe motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction. The L-/T-type calcium channel blocker nimodipine (NMD) exerts a protective effect on neuronal injury; however, the protective effects of long-term administration of NMD in subjects with SCI remain unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the role of long-term treatment with NMD on a clinically relevant SCI model. Female rats with SCI induced by 25 mm contusion were subcutaneously injected with vehicle or 10 mg/kg NMD daily for six consecutive weeks. We monitored the motor score, hind limb grip strength, pain-related behaviors, and bladder function in this study to assess the efficacy of NMD in rats with SCI. Rats treated with NMD showed improvements in locomotion, pain-related behaviors, and spasticity-like symptoms, but not in open-field spontaneous activity, hind limb grip strength or bladder function. SCI lesion areas and perilesional neuronal numbers, gliosis and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP+) fiber sprouting in the lumbar spinal cord and the expression of K+–Cl− cotransporter 2 (KCC2) on lumbar motor neurons were also observed to further explore the possible protective mechanisms of NMD. NMD-treated rats showed greater tissue preservation with reduced lesion areas and increased perilesional neuronal sparing. NMD-treated rats also showed improvements in gliosis, CGRP+ fiber sprouting in the lumbar spinal cord, and KCC2 expression in lumbar motor neurons. Together, these results indicate that long-term treatment with NMD improves functional recovery after SCI, which may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangliang Guo
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaolong Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ziyu He
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruoying Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Song Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Minghuan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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42
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Vastano R, Costantini M, Widerstrom-Noga E. Maladaptive reorganization following SCI: The role of body representation and multisensory integration. Prog Neurobiol 2021; 208:102179. [PMID: 34600947 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2021.102179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In this review we focus on maladaptive brain reorganization after spinal cord injury (SCI), including the development of neuropathic pain, and its relationship with impairments in body representation and multisensory integration. We will discuss the implications of altered sensorimotor interactions after SCI with and without neuropathic pain and possible deficits in multisensory integration and body representation. Within this framework we will examine published research findings focused on the use of bodily illusions to manipulate multisensory body representation to induce analgesic effects in heterogeneous chronic pain populations and in SCI-related neuropathic pain. We propose that the development and intensification of neuropathic pain after SCI is partly dependent on brain reorganization associated with dysfunctional multisensory integration processes and distorted body representation. We conclude this review by suggesting future research avenues that may lead to a better understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying the sense of the body after SCI, with a focus on cortical changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Vastano
- University of Miami, Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Marcello Costantini
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies, ITAB, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Eva Widerstrom-Noga
- University of Miami, Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miami, FL, USA.
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43
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Leemhuis E, Giuffrida V, Giannini AM, Pazzaglia M. A Therapeutic Matrix: Virtual Reality as a Clinical Tool for Spinal Cord Injury-Induced Neuropathic Pain. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1201. [PMID: 34573221 PMCID: PMC8472645 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11091201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic, debilitating, and resistant form of pain. The onset rate of NP following spinal cord injuries (SCI) is high and may reduce the quality of life more than the sensorimotor loss itself. The long-term ineffectiveness of current treatments in managing symptoms and counteracting maladaptive plasticity highlights the need to find alternative therapeutic approaches. Virtual reality (VR) is possibly the best way to administer the specific illusory or reality-like experience and promote behavioral responses that may be effective in mitigating the effects of long-established NP. This approach aims to promote a more systematic adoption of VR-related techniques in pain research and management procedures, highlighting the encouraging preliminary results in SCI. We suggest that the multisensory modulation of the sense of agency and ownership by residual body signals may produce positive responses in cases of brain-body disconnection. First, we focus on the transversal role embodiment and how multisensory and environmental or artificial stimuli modulate illusory sensations of bodily presence and ownership. Then, we present a brief overview of the use of VR in healthcare and pain management. Finally, we discus research experiences which used VR in patients with SCI to treating NP, including the most recent combinations of VR with further stimulation techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Leemhuis
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Body and Action Lab, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Giuffrida
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Body and Action Lab, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Giannini
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Mariella Pazzaglia
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Body and Action Lab, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
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44
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Zhao J, Roberts A, Wang Z, Savage J, Ji RR. Emerging Role of PD-1 in the Central Nervous System and Brain Diseases. Neurosci Bull 2021; 37:1188-1202. [PMID: 33877518 PMCID: PMC8353059 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-021-00683-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) is an immune checkpoint modulator and a major target of immunotherapy as anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in cancer treatment. Accumulating evidence suggests an important role of PD-1 in the central nervous system (CNS). PD-1 has been implicated in CNS disorders such as brain tumors, Alzheimer's disease, ischemic stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, cognitive function, and pain. PD-1 signaling suppresses the CNS immune response via resident microglia and infiltrating peripheral immune cells. Notably, PD-1 is also widely expressed in neurons and suppresses neuronal activity via downstream Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 and modulation of ion channel function. An improved understanding of PD-1 signaling in the cross-talk between glial cells, neurons, and peripheral immune cells in the CNS will shed light on immunomodulation, neuromodulation, and novel strategies for treating brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junli Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, 27710, USA.
| | - Alexus Roberts
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, 27710, USA
- Department of Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, 27710, USA
| | - Zilong Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, 27710, USA
| | - Justin Savage
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, 27710, USA
| | - Ru-Rong Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, 27710, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, 27710, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, 27710, USA.
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45
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Sex influence on sensory responses following spinothalamic tract injury in rats. PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.52547/phypha.27.1.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
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46
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Li NQ, Peng Z, Xu WW, An K, Wan L. Bone mesenchymal stem cells attenuate resiniferatoxin-induced neuralgia via inhibiting TRPA1-PKCδ-P38/MAPK-p-P65 pathway in mice. Brain Res Bull 2021; 174:92-102. [PMID: 34098041 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Treatment of neuropathic pain (NP) resulting from nerve injury is one of the most complicated and challenging in modern practice. Pharmacological treatments for NP are not fully effectively and novel approaches are requisite. Recently, transplantation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) has represented a promising approach for pain relief and neural repair, but how it produces beneficial effects on resiniferatoxin (RTX) induced nerve injury is still unclear. Here, we identified the BMSCs' analgesic effects and their potential mechanisms of microglial cells activation on RTX induced neuralgia. Immunostaining, biochemical studies demonstrated that microglia rather than astrocyte cells activation involved in RTX induced mechanical hyperalgesia, whereas the GFP-labeled BMSCs alleviated this mechanical hyperalgesia. Moreover, pain-related TRPA1, PKCδ, CaMKIIɑ (Calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II), P38/MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase), p-P65 activation and expression in the spinal cord were significantly inhibited after BMSC administration. In addition, BMSCs treated RTX mice displayed a lower density of mushroom dendritic spines. Our research suggested that activation of PKCδ-CaMKIIɑ-P38/MAPK-p-P65 pathway and mushroom dendritic spines abnormal increase in the spinal cord is the main mechanism of RTX induced neuropathic pain, and transplant of BMSCs to the damaged nerve may offer promising approach for neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan-Qi Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The first Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, PR China
| | - Zhe Peng
- Department of Pain Management, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Clinical Specialty in Pain Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, PR China
| | - Wen-Wen Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The first Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, PR China
| | - Ke An
- Department of Anesthesiology, The first Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, PR China.
| | - Li Wan
- Department of Pain Management, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Clinical Specialty in Pain Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, PR China.
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47
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Al-Dbass A, Amina M, Al Musayeib NM, El-Anssary AA, Bhat RS, Fahmy R, Alhamdan MM, El-Ansary A. Lepidium sativum as candidate against excitotoxicity in retinal ganglion cells. Transl Neurosci 2021; 12:247-259. [PMID: 34141454 PMCID: PMC8178586 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2020-0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate excitotoxicity is considered one of the major causes of retinal ganglion cell death in many retinal diseases. Retinal ganglion cell degeneration causes severe blindness since visual signals from the eye to the brain are conducted only through retinal ganglion cells. Objective: We aimed to explore the potential ameliorative effects of L. sativum against glutamate excitotoxicity-induced retinal ganglion cell damage. Methods: Pure retinal ganglion cells were divided into a control group (untreated); L. sativum-treated groups in which retinal ganglion cells were treated with 5, 10, 50, or 100 µg/mL L. sativum seed extract for 2 h; glutamate-treated groups in which cells were treated with 5, 10, 50, or 100 µM glutamate for 48 h; and L. sativum/glutamate groups [pretreatment with L. sativum for 2 h (50 or 100 µg/mL) before glutamate treatment at 100 µM for 48 h]. Cell damage was assessed by comet assay and cell viability was by MTT test. Results: Tailed DNA, tail length, and tail moment of the 50 and 100 mM glutamate-treated groups were significantly greater than those of the blank control group, while the L. sativum-treated groups demonstrated nonsignificantly different tailed DNA, tail length, and tail moment compared with the blank control group, but significantly lower values compared with the glutamate-treated groups. Conclusion: L. sativum ameliorated the cell viability in retinal ganglion cells after high-concentration glutamate exposure. L. sativum seed extracts were efficient anti-excitotoxic and antioxidant agent that might improve the clinical presentation of many neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer Al-Dbass
- Biochemistry Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Musarat Amina
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Pharmacy College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nawal M Al Musayeib
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Pharmacy College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ramesa Shafi Bhat
- Biochemistry Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rania Fahmy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.,Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majd M Alhamdan
- Pharmacy College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afaf El-Ansary
- Central Laboratory, Female Centre for Scientific and Medical Studies, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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48
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Vaalto S, Nyman AL, Shulga A. Analgesic effect of paired associative stimulation in a tetraplegic patient with severe drug-resistant neuropathic pain: a case report. Scand J Pain 2021; 21:831-838. [PMID: 34019752 DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2021-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is no effective evidence-based non-pharmacological treatment for severe neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury (SCI). Paired associative stimulation (PAS) has been used in motor rehabilitation of patients after SCI. In the SCI-PAS protocol for tetraplegic patients, peripheral and central nerve tracts are activated with subject-specific timing, such that ascending and descending signals appear simultaneously at the cervical level. The effect on motor rehabilitation is thought to arise via strengthening of cervical upper and lower motoneuron synapses. We have observed an analgesic effect of PAS on mild-to-moderate neuropathic pain in tetraplegic patients receiving PAS for motor rehabilitation. Here, we applied PAS to a patient with severe drug-resistant neuropathic pain. METHODS The patient is a 50-year-old man who had a traumatic cervical SCI three years earlier. He has partial paresis in the upper limbs and completely plegic lower limbs. The most severe pain is located in the right upper limb and shoulder region. The pain has not responded to either pharmacological therapy or repetitive-TMS therapy targeted to either primary motor cortex or secondary somatosensory cortex. PAS was targeted to relieve pain in the right upper arm. Peripheral nerve stimulation targeted the median, ulnar, and radial nerves and was accompanied by TMS pulses to the motor representation area of abductor pollicis brevis, abductor digiti minimi, and extensor digitorum communis muscles, respectively. RESULTS Hand motor function, especially finger abduction and extension, was already enhanced during the first therapy week. Pain decreased at the end of the second therapy week. Pain was milder especially in the evenings. Numerical rating scale scores (evening) decreased 44% and patient estimation of global impression of change was 1, subjectively indicating great benefit when compared to before therapy. Quality of sleep also improved. CONCLUSIONS The SCI-PAS protocol reduced neuropathic pain in our subject. The mechanism behind the analgesic effect may involve the modulation of nociceptive and sensory neuronal circuits at the spinal cord level. The possibility to use PAS as an adjunct treatment in drug-resistant post-SCI neuropathic pain warrants further investigation and sham-controlled studies. Patients with neuropathic pain due to SCI may benefit from PAS therapy in addition to PAS therapy-induced improvement in motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selja Vaalto
- HUS Diagnostic Center, Clinical Neurophysiology, Clinical Neurosciences, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- BioMag Laboratory, HUS Diagnostic Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University School of Science, Espoo, Finland
| | - Anna-Lena Nyman
- BioMag Laboratory, HUS Diagnostic Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anastasia Shulga
- BioMag Laboratory, HUS Diagnostic Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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49
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Raja SN, Ringkamp M, Guan Y, Campbell JN. John J. Bonica Award Lecture: Peripheral neuronal hyperexcitability: the "low-hanging" target for safe therapeutic strategies in neuropathic pain. Pain 2021; 161 Suppl 1:S14-S26. [PMID: 33090736 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthias Ringkamp
- Neurological Surgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Yun Guan
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine and.,Neurological Surgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - James N Campbell
- Neurological Surgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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50
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Fakhri S, Abbaszadeh F, Jorjani M. On the therapeutic targets and pharmacological treatments for pain relief following spinal cord injury: A mechanistic review. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 139:111563. [PMID: 33873146 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is globally considered as one of the most debilitating disorders, which interferes with daily activities and life of the affected patients. Despite many developments in related recognizing and treating procedures, post-SCI neuropathic pain (NP) is still a clinical challenge for clinicians with no distinct treatments. Accordingly, a comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and national database (SID and Irandoc). The relevant articles regarding signaling pathways, therapeutic targets and pharmacotherapy of post-SCI pain were also reviewed. Data were collected with no time limitation until November 2020. The present study provides the findings on molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets, as well as developing the critical signaling pathways to introduce novel neuroprotective treatments of post-SCI pain. From the pathophysiological mechanistic point of view, post-SCI inflammation activates the innate immune system, in which the immune cells elicit secondary injuries. So, targeting the critical signaling pathways for pain management in the SCI population has significant importance in providing new treatments. Indeed, several receptors, ion channels, excitatory neurotransmitters, enzymes, and key signaling pathways could be used as therapeutic targets, with a pivotal role of n-methyl-D-aspartate, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and inflammatory mediators. The current review focuses on conventional therapies, as well as crucial signaling pathways and promising therapeutic targets for post-SCI pain to provide new insights into the clinical treatment of post-SCI pain. The need to develop innovative delivery systems to treat SCI is also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Abbaszadeh
- Neurobiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Jorjani
- Neurobiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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