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Merighi A. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Nociception, and Pain. Biomolecules 2024; 14:539. [PMID: 38785946 PMCID: PMC11118093 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050539] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This article examines the involvement of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the control of nociception and pain. BDNF, a neurotrophin known for its essential role in neuronal survival and plasticity, has garnered significant attention for its potential implications as a modulator of synaptic transmission. This comprehensive review aims to provide insights into the multifaceted interactions between BDNF and pain pathways, encompassing both physiological and pathological pain conditions. I delve into the molecular mechanisms underlying BDNF's involvement in pain processing and discuss potential therapeutic applications of BDNF and its mimetics in managing pain. Furthermore, I highlight recent advancements and challenges in translating BDNF-related research into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adalberto Merighi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Turin, Italy
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2
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Ma X, Zhu T, Ke J. Progress in animal models of trigeminal neuralgia. Arch Oral Biol 2023; 154:105765. [PMID: 37480619 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2023.105765] [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: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review aims to systematically summarize the methods of establishing various models of trigeminal neuralgia (TN), the scope of application, and current animals used in TN research and the corresponding pain measurements, hoping to provide valuable reference for researchers to select appropriate TN animal models and make contributions to the research of pathophysiology and management of the disease. DESIGN The related literatures of TN were searched through PubMed database using different combinations of the following terms and keywords including but not limited: animal models, trigeminal neuralgia, orofacial neuropathic pain. To find the maximum number of eligible articles, no filters were used in the search. The references of eligible studies were analyzed and reviewed comprehensively. RESULTS This study summarized the current animal models of TN, categorized them into the following groups: chemical induction, photochemical induction, surgery and genetic engineering, and introduced various measurement methods to evaluate animal pain behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Although a variety of methods are used to establish disease models, there is no ideal TN model that can reflect all the characteristics of the disease. Therefore, there is still a need to develop more novel animal models in order to further study the etiology, pathological mechanism and potential treatment of TN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Ma
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma and Temporomandibular Joint Surgery, Hubei-MOST KLOS & KLOBM, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, China
| | - Taomin Zhu
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma and Temporomandibular Joint Surgery, Hubei-MOST KLOS & KLOBM, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, China
| | - Jin Ke
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma and Temporomandibular Joint Surgery, Hubei-MOST KLOS & KLOBM, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, China.
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Bonomini F, Favero G, Castrezzati S, Borsani E. Role of Neurotrophins in Orofacial Pain Modulation: A Review of the Latest Discoveries. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12438. [PMID: 37569811 PMCID: PMC10419393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Orofacial pain represents a multidisciplinary biomedical challenge involving basic and clinical research for which no satisfactory solution has been found. In this regard, trigeminal pain is described as one of the worst pains perceived, leaving the patient with no hope for the future. The aim of this review is to evaluate the latest discoveries on the involvement of neurotrophins in orofacial nociception, describing their role and expression in peripheral tissues, trigeminal ganglion, and trigeminal nucleus considering their double nature as "supporters" of the nervous system and as "promoters" of nociceptive transmission. In order to scan recent literature (last ten years), three independent researchers referred to databases PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science to find original research articles and clinical trials. The researchers selected 33 papers: 29 original research articles and 4 clinical trials. The results obtained by the screening of the selected articles show an interesting trend, in which the precise modulation of neurotrophin signaling could switch neurotrophins from being a "promoter" of pain to their beneficial neurotrophic role of supporting the nerves in their recovery, especially when a structural alteration is present, as in neuropathic pain. In conclusion, neurotrophins could be interesting targets for orofacial pain modulation but more studies are necessary to clarify their role for future application in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bonomini
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (F.B.); (G.F.); (S.C.)
- Interdepartmental University Center of Research “Adaptation and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs (ARTO)”, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Italian Society of Orofacial Pain (Società Italiana Studio Dolore Orofacciale—SISDO), 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Gaia Favero
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (F.B.); (G.F.); (S.C.)
- Interdepartmental University Center of Research “Adaptation and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs (ARTO)”, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefania Castrezzati
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (F.B.); (G.F.); (S.C.)
| | - Elisa Borsani
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (F.B.); (G.F.); (S.C.)
- Interdepartmental University Center of Research “Adaptation and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs (ARTO)”, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Italian Society of Orofacial Pain (Società Italiana Studio Dolore Orofacciale—SISDO), 25123 Brescia, Italy
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Finamor F, Scarabelot VL, Medeiros LF, Stein DJ, da Silva MD, Callai E, Caumo W, de Souza A, Torres ILS. Involvement of GABAergic, glutamatergic, opioidergic, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor systems in the trigeminal neuropathic pain process. Neurosci Lett 2023; 793:136970. [PMID: 36402255 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Trigeminal neuropathic pain (TNP) is an intense pain condition characterized by hyperalgesia and allodynia; however, its neural mechanisms are not completely understood. Its management is complex, and studies that investigate its biochemical mechanisms are important for improving clinical approaches. This study aimed to evaluate the involvement of GABAergic, glutamatergic, and opioidergic systems and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the TNP process in rats. TNP is induced by chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve (CCI-ION). Nociceptive responses were evaluated using the facial von Frey test before and after the administration of GABAergic and opioidergic agonists and glutamatergic antagonists. The rats were divided into vehicle-treated control (C), sham-surgery (SS), and CCI-ION groups, and then subdivided into the vehicle (V)-treated SS-V and CCI-ION-V groups, SS-MK801 and CCI-ION-MK801, treated with the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor selective antagonist MK801; SS-PB and CCI-ION-PB, treated with phenobarbital; SS-BZD and CCI-ION-BZD, treated with diazepam; SS-MOR and CCI-ION-MOR, treated with morphine. BDNF levels were evaluated in the cerebral cortex, brainstem, trigeminal ganglion, infraorbital branch of the trigeminal nerve, and serum. CCI-ION induced facial mechanical hyperalgesia. Phenobarbital and morphine reversed the hyperalgesia induced by CCI-ION, and the CCI-BZD group had an increased nociceptive threshold until 60 min. CCI-ION-GLU increased the nociceptive threshold at 60 min. Cerebral cortex and brainstem BDNF levels increased in the CCI-ION and SS groups. Only the CCI group presented high levels of BDNF in the trigeminal ganglion. Our data suggest the involvement of GABAergic, glutamatergic, and opioidergic systems and peripheral BDNF in the TNP process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrício Finamor
- Nucleus of Pain Pharmacology and Neuromodulation. Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Leal Scarabelot
- Nucleus of Pain Pharmacology and Neuromodulation. Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Liciane Fernandes Medeiros
- Nucleus of Pain Pharmacology and Neuromodulation. Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Universidade La Salle, Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Dirson João Stein
- Nucleus of Pain Pharmacology and Neuromodulation. Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Morgana Duarte da Silva
- Nucleus of Pain Pharmacology and Neuromodulation. Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Etiane Callai
- Nucleus of Pain Pharmacology and Neuromodulation. Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Wolnei Caumo
- Nucleus of Pain Pharmacology and Neuromodulation. Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Andressa de Souza
- School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Iraci L S Torres
- Nucleus of Pain Pharmacology and Neuromodulation. Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Hummig W, Baggio DF, Lopes RV, dos Santos SMD, Ferreira LEN, Chichorro JG. Antinociceptive effect of ultra-low dose naltrexone in a pre-clinical model of postoperative orofacial pain. Brain Res 2023; 1798:148154. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Patel S, Mittal R, Sarantopoulos KD, Galor A. Neuropathic ocular surface pain: Emerging drug targets and therapeutic implications. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:681-695. [PMID: 36069761 PMCID: PMC9613591 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2122438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dysfunction at various levels of the somatosensory system can lead to ocular surface pain with a neuropathic component. Compared to nociceptive pain (due to noxious stimuli at the ocular surface), neuropathic pain tends to be chronic and refractory to therapies, making it an important source of morbidity in the population. An understanding of the options available for neuropathic ocular surface pain, including new and emerging therapies, is thus an important topic. AREAS COVERED This review will examine studies focusing on ocular surface pain, emphasizing those examining patients with a neuropathic component. Attention will be placed toward recent (after 2017) studies that have examined new and emerging therapies for neuropathic ocular surface pain. EXPERT OPINION Several therapies have been studied thus far, and continued research is needed to identify which individuals would benefit from specific therapies. Gaps in our understanding exist, especially with availability of in-clinic diagnostics for neuropathic pain. A focus on improving diagnostic capabilities and researching gene-modulating therapies could help us to provide more specific mechanism-based therapies for patients. In the meantime, continuing to uncover new modalities and examining which are likely to work depending on pain phenotype remains an important short-term goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneh Patel
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Rhiya Mittal
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Konstantinos D. Sarantopoulos
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, and Pain Management, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Anat Galor
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Surgical services, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, USA
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Olfactory Ensheathing Cells Alleviate Facial Pain in Rats with Trigeminal Neuralgia by Inhibiting the Expression of P2X7 Receptor. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12060706. [PMID: 35741592 PMCID: PMC9220883 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12060706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a common facial neuropathic pain that is mainly characterized by spontaneous or induced needling or electric shock pain in the innervation area of the trigeminal nerve. It is also referred to as “the cancer that never dies”. The olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) is a special glial cell in the nervous system that has a strong supportive function in nerve regeneration. Cell transplantation therapy is a useful treatment modality that we believe can be applied in TN management. In this study, OECs were transplanted into the ligation site of the infraorbital nerve of rats. We found that after the OEC transplantation, mechanical pain threshold in the face of the rats was significantly increased. Western blotting, immunofluorescence assay, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed on the trigeminal ganglia (TG) of model rats. The results revealed a decrease in the expression of P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) in the trigeminal ganglia. Our findings show that OEC transplantation has a good therapeutic effect on TN in rats, and that can reduce the expression of P2X7R in trigeminal ganglia. Therefore, we think that OEC transplantation may be a suitable treatment for TN.
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Sangalli L, Miller CS. Low Dose Naltrexone for Treatment of Burning Mouth Syndrome. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2022; 135:e83-e88. [PMID: 35851249 DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2022.04.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The International Classification of Disease defines burning mouth syndrome (BMS) as a chronic intraoral burning sensation, with no identifiable local or systemic cause. Since current management is often unsatisfactory, the aim of this report is to describe a new treatment modality (i.e., low-dose naltrexone [LDN]). STUDY DESIGN A 62-year-old woman presented with the complaint of burning on the tongue of 3 years' duration. Existing comorbidities were fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, headache, and interstitial cystitis. Her reported pain intensity ranged from 2/10 (morning) to 8/10 (evening) on a numeric rating scale. With the diagnosis of BMS and hyposalivation, and in light of her current clonazepam use and fibromyalgia, a dry mouth protocol and LDN (3 mg) were prescribed. RESULTS After 1 month, her pain intensity decreased by 50%, with no pain upon awakening. After 2 months, the widespread pain associated with her chronic morbidities also reduced by 50%, and her headache disappeared. After adjusting LDN dose to 4.5 mg, the patient was stable at 6 months, with 50% reduction of widespread pain and 2/10 BMS pain, and no reported side effects. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary results suggest that LDN may be a feasible and effective treatment for BMS, especially in patients' refractory to traditional treatment.
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Jay GW, Barkin RL. Trigeminal neuralgia and persistent idiopathic facial pain (atypical facial pain). Dis Mon 2022; 68:101302. [PMID: 35027171 DOI: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2021.101302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gary W Jay
- Department of Neurology, Division: Headache/Pain, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA.
| | - Robert L Barkin
- Departmentts of Anesthesilogy, Family Medicine, Pharrmacology, Rush University Medical College, Chicago Illinois, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaj Fried
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per T Hansson
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Department of Pain Management and Research & Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Neuropathic Pain, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Qu N, Meng Y, Handley MK, Wang C, Shan F. Preclinical and clinical studies into the bioactivity of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) for oncotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 96:107714. [PMID: 33989971 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Naltrexone (NTX) is a nonspecific opioid antagonist that exerts pharmacological effects on the opioid axis by blocking opioid receptors distributed in cytoplastic and nuclear regions. NTX has been used in opioid use disorder (OUD), immune-associated diseases, alcoholism, obesity, and chronic pain for decades. However, low-dose naltrexone (LDN) also exhibits remarkable inhibition of DNA synthesis, viability, and other functions in numerous cancers and is involved in immune remodeling against tumor invasion and chemical toxicity. The potential anticancer activity of LDN is a focus of basic research. Herein, we summarize the associated studies on LDN oncotherapy to highlight the potential mechanisms and prospective clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Qu
- Department of Gynecology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Institute and Hospital, No. 44, Xiaoheyan Road, Shenyang 110042, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yiming Meng
- Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Institute and Hospital, No. 44, Xiaoheyan Road, Shenyang 110042, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Mike K Handley
- Cytocom, Inc., 2537 Research Blvd. Suite 201, FortCollins, CO 80526, USA
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Institute and Hospital, No. 44, Xiaoheyan Road, Shenyang 110042, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Fengping Shan
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No. 77, Puhe Road, Shenyang 110122, China.
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