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Patel J, Deschler E, Galang E. Spinal cord stimulation for the symptomatic treatment of rigidity and painful spasm in a case of stiff person syndrome. Pain Pract 2024; 24:798-804. [PMID: 38185725 DOI: 10.1111/papr.13340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare neuroimmunological disorder characterized by rigidity and painful spasm primarily affecting the truncal and paraspinal musculature due to autoimmune-mediated neuronal hyperexcitability. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an approved therapy for managing painful neuropathic conditions, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and refractory angina pectoris. We describe the novel use of SCS for the treatment of spasm and rigidity in a 49-year-old man with seropositive stiff person syndrome (SPS). The patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and oral medications over a 13-month period with minimal improvement, prompting consideration of SCS. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the successful use of SCS in SPS with the demonstration of multifaceted clinical improvement. METHODS Following a successful temporary SCS trial, permanent implantation was performed. Spasm/stiffness (Distribution of Stiffness Index; Heightened Sensitivity Scale; Penn Spasm Frequency Scale, PSFS), disability (Oswestry Disability Index, ODI; Pain Disability Index, PDI), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9, PHQ-9), sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale, FSS), pain (Numerical Pain Rating Scale, NPRS), quality of life (EuroQoL 5 Dimension 5 Level, EQ-5D-5L), and medication usage were assessed at baseline, 6-month, and 10-month postimplantation. RESULTS ODI, PHQ-9, FSS, NPRS, PSQI, and EQ-5D-5L scores showed a notable change from baseline and surpassed the defined minimal clinically important difference (MCID) at 6-month and 10-month follow-up. Oral medication dosages were reduced. CONCLUSIONS The novel use of SCS therapy in seropositive SPS resulted in functional improvement and attenuation of symptoms. We present possible mechanisms by which SCS may produce clinical response in patients with SPS and aim to demonstrate proof-of-concept for a future comprehensive pilot study evaluating SCS-mediated response in SPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janus Patel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Emily Deschler
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Enrique Galang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
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Kobayashi R, Taketomi A, Hara E, Mera H, Oe K. Temporary Spinal Cord Stimulation for Herpes Zoster With Myelitis: A Case Series. Cureus 2024; 16:e55979. [PMID: 38606211 PMCID: PMC11006553 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55979] [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] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Preventing the development of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the most prevalent and severe complication of herpes zoster (HZ), is vital. Recently, it has been suggested that using temporary spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) for 10-14 days can improve HZ-associated pain (ZAP) and prevent PHN. However, myelitis complicates HZ. Permanent SCS has been successful in treating neuropathic pain induced by postoperative transverse myelitis of the spine that has not responded to traditional multidisciplinary treatment. However, it is unknown whether tSCS can reduce ZAP complicated with myelitis. Methodology: Between January 2020 and April 2022, all patients with HZ who visited our pain clinic with spinal cord edema and who underwent tSCS were enrolled in this study; their medical records were retrospectively examined. Pain intensity was assessed at baseline (before initiating interventional procedures), just before tSCS, after tSCS removal, and one and three months after tSCS. Results: Twelve patients were enrolled. The mean Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) was 7.9 ± 1.6 at baseline (before interventional procedures), 6.8 ± 2.2 before tSCS (after interventional procedures), and 3.5 ± 2.4 after tSCS. Compared with before tSCS, the mean NRS decreased to 3.3 ± 2.3 after tSCS (P = 0.0004). The mean NRS changes with interventional procedures before and after tSCS were -1.2 ± 2.2 (P = 0.0945) and 3.3 ± 2.3 (P = 0.0004), respectively; the change after tSCS was significantly higher (between-group difference: -2.1 ± 3.7; P = 0.0324). Conclusions: Temporary SCS alleviated pain in cases of shingles with myelitis refractory to interventional therapy. Even in cases with myelitis, tSCS for ZAP remains an effective way to prevent PHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reon Kobayashi
- Anesthesiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Asae Taketomi
- Anesthesiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Eiko Hara
- Anesthesiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Hitoshi Mera
- Anesthesiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Katsunori Oe
- Anesthesiology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, JPN
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Puk O, Jabłońska M, Sokal P. Immunomodulatory and endocrine effects of deep brain stimulation and spinal cord stimulation - A systematic review. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115732. [PMID: 37862972 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115732] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) represent burgeoning treatments for diverse neurological disorders. This systematic review aims to consolidate findings on the immunological and endocrine effects of DBS and SCS, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms of neuromodulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS This systematic review, aligned with PRISMA protocols, synthesizes findings from 33 references-20 on DBS and 13 on SCS-to unravel the immunological and endocrine impacts of neuromodulation. RESULTS DBS interventions exhibited divergent effects on cytokines, with an increase in hepcidin levels and a variable impact on the IL-6/IL-10 ratio. While some studies reported elevated IL-6, animal studies consistently demonstrated a reduction in IL-1β and IL-6, with no significant changes in TNF-α and an increase in IL-10. Noteworthy hormonal changes included decreased corticosterone and ACTH concentrations and increased oxytocin levels following DBS of the hypothalamus. SCS mirrored similar effects on interleukins, indicating a reduction in IL-6 and IL-1β and an increase in IL-10 levels. Additionally, SCS led to reduced VEGF levels and elevated expression of neurotrophic factors such as BDNF and GDNF, particularly under burst stimulation. CONCLUSIONS Both DBS and SCS exert anti-inflammatory effects, manifesting as a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines alongside the stimulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine synthesis. These findings, observed in both animal and human models, imply that neurostimulation may modify the trajectory of neurological diseases by modulating local immune responses in an immunomodulatory and endocrine manner. This comprehensive exploration sets the stage for future research endeavors in this evolving domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Puk
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Jan Biziel University Hospital, Collegium Medicum Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Jabłońska
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Jan Biziel University Hospital, Collegium Medicum Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Paweł Sokal
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Jan Biziel University Hospital, Collegium Medicum Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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He Q, Li T, Xiong Y, Xia X, Dang Y, Chen X, Geng X, He J, Yang Y, Zhao J. Elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein levels associated with poor short-term outcomes after spinal cord stimulation in patients with disorders of consciousness. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1032740. [DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1032740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundSpinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a promising treatment for patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC); however, the laboratory examinations and different electrodes (permanent #39286 vs. temporary percutaneous #3777, Medtronic, USA) that are associated with postoperative outcomes are unclear. The study aims to study the association between the change in postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein level and improvement in consciousness after SCS in DoC patients and to explore whether different electrodes were associated with elevated CSF protein levels.Materials and methodsA total of 66 DoC patients who received SCS treatment from December 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were grouped according to their elevated CSF protein level. The clinical characteristics of the patients and SCS stimulation parameters were compared. The preoperative sagittal diameter of the spinal canal is the distance from the midpoint of the posterior border of the vertebral body to the midpoint of the posterior wall of the spinal canal at the level of the superior border of C3. The postoperative sagittal diameter of the spinal canal is the distance from the midpoint of the posterior edge of the vertebral body to the anterior edge of the stimulation electrode. Patients with improved postoperative CRS-R scores greater than 3 or who progressed to the MCS + /eMCS were classified as the improved group and otherwise regarded as poor outcome.ResultsWe found that more DoC patients had elevated CSF protein levels among those receiving SCS treatment with permanent electrodes than temporary percutaneous electrodes (P = 0.001), and elevated CSF protein levels were significantly associated with a reduced sagittal diameter (P = 0.044). In DoC patients receiving SCS treatment, we found that elevated CSF protein levels (P = 0.022) and preoperative diagnosis (P = 0.003) were significantly associated with poor outcomes at 3 months. Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated CSF protein levels were significantly associated with poor outcomes (OR 1.008, 95% CI 1.001–1.016, P = 0.032).ConclusionThe results suggest that reducing the effect of electrode pads on anatomical changes may help improve the outcomes of DoC patients receiving SCS treatment. CSF protein levels are associated with poor postoperative outcomes and whether they are potential biomarkers in DoC patients receiving SCS treatment remain further exploration.
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Mack SM, Gomes I, Fakira AK, Duarte ML, Gupta A, Fricker L, Devi LA. GPR83 engages endogenous peptides from two distinct precursors to elicit differential signaling. Mol Pharmacol 2022; 102:MOLPHARM-AR-2022-000487. [PMID: 35605991 PMCID: PMC9341263 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.122.000487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
PEN is an abundant neuropeptide that activates GPR83, a G protein-coupled receptor that is considered a novel therapeutic target due to its roles in regulation of feeding, reward, and anxiety-related behaviors. The major form of PEN in the brain is 22 residues in length. Previous studies have identified shorter forms of PEN in mouse brain and neuroendocrine cells; these shorter forms were named PEN18, PEN19 and PEN20, with the number reflecting the length of the peptide. The C-terminal five residues of PEN20 are identical to the C-terminus of a procholecystokinin (proCCK)-derived peptide, named proCCK56-62, that is present in mouse brain. ProCCK56-62 is highly conserved across species although it has no homology to the bioactive cholecystokinin domain. ProCCK56-62 and a longer form, proCCK56-63 were tested for their ability to engage GPR83. Both peptides bind GPR83 with high affinity, activate second messenger pathways, and induce ligand-mediated receptor endocytosis. Interestingly, the shorter PEN peptides, ProCC56-62, and ProCCK56-63 differentially activate signal transduction pathways. Whereas PEN22 and PEN20 facilitate receptor coupling to Gai, PEN18, PEN19 and ProCCK peptides facilitate coupling to Gas. Furthermore, the ProCCK peptides exhibit dose dependent Ga subtype selectivity in that they faciliate coupling to Gas at low concentrations and Gai at high concentrations. These data demonstrate that peptides derived from two distinct peptide precursors can differentially activate GPR83, and that GPR83 exhibits Ga subtype preference depending on the nature and concentration of the peptide. These results are consistent with the emerging idea that endogenous neuropeptides function as biased ligands. Significance Statement We found that peptides derived from proCCK bind and activate GPR83, a G protein-coupled receptor that is known to bind peptides derived from proSAAS. Different forms of the proCCK- and proSAAS-derived peptides show biased agonism, activating Gas or Gai depending on the length of the peptide and/or its concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seshat M Mack
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, United States
| | - Ivone Gomes
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Therapeutics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, United States
| | - Amanda K Fakira
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, United States
| | - Mariana L Duarte
- Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States
| | - Achla Gupta
- Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States
| | - Lloyd Fricker
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, United States
| | - Lakshmi A Devi
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States
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Edinoff AN, Kaufman S, Alpaugh ES, Lawson J, Apgar TL, Imani F, Khademi SH, Cornett EM, Kaye AD. Burst Spinal Cord Stimulation in the Management of Chronic Pain: Current Perspectives. Anesth Pain Med 2022; 12:e126416. [PMID: 36158139 PMCID: PMC9364520 DOI: 10.5812/aapm-126416] [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: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last several decades, opioid diversion, misuse, and over-prescription have run rampant in the United States. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been FDA approved for treatment for a primary indication of neuropathic limb pain that is resistant to more conservative medical therapy. The disorders qualified for treatment include neuropathic, post-surgical, post-amputation, osteodegenerative, and pain related to vascular disease. Some of the most frequently cited conditions for treatment of SCS include failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Type I and Type II, and post-herpetic neuralgias. Developments in SCS systems have led to the differentiation between the delivered electromechanical waveform patterns, including tonic, burst, and high-frequency. Burst SCS mitigates traditional paresthesia due to expedited action potential and offers improved pain relief. Burst SCS has been shown in available studies to be non-inferior to the traditional SCS, which can cause pain paresthesia in patients who already have chronic pain. Burst SCS does not seem to cause or need the paresthesia seen in traditional SCS, making SCS not tolerable to patients. Moreover, some studies suggest that burst SCS may decrease opioid consumption in patients with chronic pain. This can make burst SCS an extremely useful tool in the battle against chronic pain and the raging opioid epidemic. As of now, more research needs to be performed to further delineate the effectiveness and long-term safety of this device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber N. Edinoff
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
- Corresponding Author: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Shreveport, LA, USA.
| | - Sarah Kaufman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - E. Saunders Alpaugh
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Jesse Lawson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Tucker L. Apgar
- Department of Chemical Biology and Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Farnad Imani
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed-Hossein Khademi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Corresponding Author: Department of Anesthesiology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Elyse M. Cornett
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Alan D. Kaye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University, Shreveport, LA, USA
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Li S, Li J, Xu H, Liu Y, Yang T, Yuan H. Progress in the efficacy and mechanism of spinal cord stimulation in neuropathological pain. IBRAIN 2022; 8:23-36. [PMID: 37786421 PMCID: PMC10529196 DOI: 10.1002/ibra.12020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a long-term recurrent disease caused by somatosensory nervous system injury, with spontaneous pain, hyperalgesia, ectopic pain, and paresthesia as the main clinical manifestations. It adversely affects patients' quality of life. NP treatments often include medication, physical therapy, and invasive therapy; the first two therapies are generally ineffective for some NP patients. These patients sometimes rely on invasive therapy to alleviate pain. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a very effective therapeutic method. SCS is a neuroregulatory method that involves placing the electrodes on the corresponding painful spinal cords. Pain is greatly alleviated after SCS. SCS has been proven to be an effective therapeutic method for the treatment of neurological pain. Furthermore, SCS provides a feasible approach for patients with unsuccessful drug treatment. This paper reviews the relevant literature of spinal cord electrical stimulation, focusing on the mechanism of action, clinical application, clinical efficacy and technical progress of spinal cord electrical stimulation. SCS is widely used in the treatment of NP diseases such as postherpetic neuralgia, back surgery failure syndrome, and phantom limb pain. With advancements in science and technology, tremendous progress has also been made in the spinal cord electrical stimulation method and good momentum has been maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun‐Lian Li
- Department of AnesthesiaZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
| | - Jing Li
- Department of AnesthesiaZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
| | - Hui‐Chan Xu
- Department of AnesthesiaZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
| | - Yu‐Cong Liu
- Department of AnesthesiaZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
| | - Ting‐Ting Yang
- Department of AnesthesiaZunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
| | - Hao Yuan
- School of Basic MedicineKunming Medical UniversityKunmingYunnanChina
- Department of Spine SurgeryAffiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical UniversityZunyiGuizhouChina
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Hagedorn JM, Gunn J, Budwany R, D’Souza RS, Chakravarthy K, Deer TR. How Well Do Current Laboratory Biomarkers Inform Clinical Decision-Making in Chronic Pain Management? J Pain Res 2021; 14:3695-3710. [PMID: 34887680 PMCID: PMC8651047 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s311974] [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: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Decision-making in chronic pain patients involves a combination of subjective and objective criteria, including patient history, physical examination, imaging, and patient response to prior treatments, clinical experience, probabilities, and recognition of patterns. However, there is a distinct lack of objective laboratory biomarkers in use in routine clinical care. The objective was to review the literature to identify and describe specific biomarkers in chronic pain management. METHODS This is a narrative review of the literature regarding the use of laboratory biomarkers in chronic pain. A librarian-assisted literature search of the PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases was performed and resulted in 304 possible manuscripts. We included manuscripts assessing laboratory collected biomarkers from urine, serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and saliva. After screening and review of the initial literature search results, a total of 75 manuscripts were included in the narrative review. CONCLUSION The studies reviewed suggested that specific biomarkers may help identify those patients at risk of disease development and function as a prognostic indicator for disease progression and treatment response. However, additional research is necessary before specific recommendations can be made, and current clinical decision-making is modified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Hagedorn
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Joshua Gunn
- Ethos Research & Development, Newport, KY, USA
| | | | - Ryan S D’Souza
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Pain Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Timothy R Deer
- The Spine & Nerve Centers of the Virginias, Charleston, WV, USA
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Galvin DA, C M. The role of T-lymphocytes in neuropathic pain initiation, development of chronicity and treatment. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 18:100371. [PMID: 34761242 PMCID: PMC8566770 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ongoing research has strongly suggested the role the immune system plays in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. T cells appear to be one of the main regulators of the immune system with many mediators appearing to promote or suppress pain resolution. Limited effective therapies are available for treatment of neuropathic pain. Treatments available appear to modulate specific T cell with altered ratios present 3 months post treatment and parallels clinical improvement. This further supports the neuro-immune basis for neuropathic pain chronicity. Identification of novel immune mediators involved in pain development may suggest new target areas in treatment. Neuroimmunity plays a significant role in neuropathic pain pathogenesis neuropathic pain. Immune mediators contribute to promotion, suppression or resolution of neuropathic pain. Clinical studies in humans are lacking, most research available is pre-clinical or animal-based. Evidence-based therapies for treatment of neuropathic pain demonstrate alteration in T cell phenotype and behavior post therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Galvin
- Department of Pain Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James's Hospital and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland.,Hermitage Medical Clinic, Old Lucan Road, Dublin 20, Ireland
| | - McCrory C
- Department of Pain Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James's Hospital and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland.,Hermitage Medical Clinic, Old Lucan Road, Dublin 20, Ireland
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Electrochemical Skin Conductance Alterations during Spinal Cord Stimulation: An Experimental Study. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10163565. [PMID: 34441864 PMCID: PMC8397194 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163565] [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: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the well-known clinical effects of spinal cord stimulation (SCS), the mechanisms of action have not yet been fully unraveled. The primary aim of this study was to measure whether electrochemical skin conductance, as a measure of peripheral sympathetic autonomic function, is altered by SCS. A second aim was to compare skin conductance levels of patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) with age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Twenty-three patients with FBSS treated with SCS participated in this study. Sudomotor function was measured with the SudoscanTM instrument on the hands and feet during SCS on and off states. Difference scores in skin conductance between patients and age- and sex-matched healthy controls were calculated. Normal sudomotor function at the painful lower limb was revealed for 61% of the patients when SCS was activated. Skin conductance levels were not altered between on and off states of SCS. Differences in scores between patients and healthy controls were significantly different from zero. This study showed that SCS does not influencing the sympathetic nervous system in patients with FBSS, as measured by skin conductance levels. Moreover, it suggested that there is no normalization of the functioning of the sympathetic nervous system, despite the effectiveness of SCS to reduce pain intensity.
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Exploration of the Supraspinal Hypotheses about Spinal Cord Stimulation and Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10132766. [PMID: 34201877 PMCID: PMC8268298 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10132766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the established efficacy and effectiveness of Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS), there is still no consensus on the supraspinal mechanisms of action of this therapy. The purpose of this study was to systematically review previously raised hypotheses concerning supraspinal mechanisms of action of SCS based on human, animal and computational studies. Searches were conducted using four electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Web of Science), backward reference searching and consultation with experts. The study protocol was registered prior to initiation of the review process (PROSPERO CRD42020161531). A total of 54 publications were included, 21 of which were animal studies, and 33 were human studies. The supraspinal hypotheses (n = 69) identified from the included studies could be categorized into six groups concerning the proposed supraspinal hypothesis, namely descending pathways (n = 24); ascending medial pathway (n = 13); ascending lateral pathway (n = 10); affective/motivational influences (n = 8); spinal–cerebral (thalamic)-loop (n = 3) and miscellaneous (n = 11). Scientific support is provided for the hypotheses identified. Modulation of the descending nociceptive inhibitory pathways, medial and lateral pathways were the most frequently reported hypotheses about the supraspinal mechanisms of action of SCS. These hypotheses were mainly supported by studies with a high or moderate confidence in the body of evidence.
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Royds J, Cassidy H, Conroy MJ, Dunne MR, Lysaght J, McCrory C. Examination and characterisation of the effect of amitriptyline therapy for chronic neuropathic pain on neuropeptide and proteomic constituents of human cerebrospinal fluid. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 10:100184. [PMID: 34589721 PMCID: PMC8474617 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2020.100184] [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: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amitriptyline is prescribed to reduce the intensity of chronic neuropathic pain. There is a paucity of validated in vivo evidence in humans regarding amitriptyline's mechanism of action. We examined the effect of amitriptyline therapy on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neuropeptides and proteome in patients with chronic neuropathic pain to identify potential mechanisms of action of amitriptyline. METHODS Patients with lumbar radicular neuropathic pain were selected for inclusion with clinical and radiological signs and a >50% reduction in pain in response to a selective nerve root block. Baseline (pre-treatment) and 8-week (post-treatment) pain scores with demographics were recorded. CSF samples were taken at baseline (pre-treatment) and 8 weeks after amitriptyline treatment (post-treatment). Proteome analysis was performed using mass spectrometry and secreted cytokines, chemokines and neurotrophins were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS A total of 9/16 patients experienced a >30% reduction in pain after treatment with amitriptyline and GO analysis demonstrated that the greatest modulatory effect was on immune system processes. KEGG analysis also identified a reduction in PI3K-Akt and MAPK signalling pathways in responders but not in non-responders. There was also a significant decrease in the chemokine eotaxin-1 (p = 0.02) and a significant increase in the neurotrophin VEGF-A (p = 0.04) in responders. CONCLUSION The CSF secretome and proteome was modulated in responders to amitriptyline verifying many pre-clinical and in vitro models. The predominant features were immunomodulation with a reduction in pro-inflammatory pathways of neuronal-glia communications and evidence of a neurotrophic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Royds
- Department of Pain Medicine, St. James Hospital, Dublin and School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Hilary Cassidy
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Melissa J. Conroy
- Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James’s Hospital and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, St James’s Hospital Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Margaret R. Dunne
- Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James’s Hospital and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, St James’s Hospital Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Joanne Lysaght
- Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James’s Hospital and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, St James’s Hospital Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Connail McCrory
- Department of Pain Medicine, St. James Hospital, Dublin and School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
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An Investigation into Proteomic Constituents of Cerebrospinal Fluid in Patients with Chronic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain Medicated with Opioids- a Pilot Study. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2020; 16:634-650. [PMID: 33219474 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-020-09970-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacodynamics of opioids for chronic peripheral neuropathic pain are complex and likely extend beyond classical opioid receptor theory. Preclinical evidence of opioid modulation of central immune signalling has not been identified in vivo in humans. Examining the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients medicated with opioids is required to identify potential pharmacodynamic mechanisms. We compared CSF samples of chronic peripheral neuropathic pain patients receiving opioids (n = 7) versus chronic peripheral neuropathic pain patients not taking opioids (control group, n = 13). Baseline pain scores with demographics were recorded. Proteome analysis was performed using mass spectrometry and secreted neuropeptides were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Based on Gene Ontology analysis, proteins involved in the positive regulation of nervous system development and myeloid leukocyte activation were increased in patients taking opioids versus the control group. The largest decrease in protein expression in patients taking opioids were related to neutrophil mediated immunity. In addition, notably higher expression levels of neural proteins (85%) and receptors (80%) were detected in the opioid group compared to the control group. This study suggests modulation of CNS homeostasis, possibly attributable to opioids, thus highlighting potential mechanisms for the pharmacodynamics of opioids. We also provide new insights into the immunomodulatory functions of opioids in vivo.
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