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Hu J, Fu J, Cai Y, Chen S, Qu M, Zhang L, Fan W, Wang Z, Zeng Q, Zou J. Bioinformatics and systems biology approach to identify the pathogenetic link of neurological pain and major depressive disorder. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2024; 249:10129. [PMID: 38993198 PMCID: PMC11236560 DOI: 10.3389/ebm.2024.10129] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological pain (NP) is always accompanied by symptoms of depression, which seriously affects physical and mental health. In this study, we identified the common hub genes (Co-hub genes) and related immune cells of NP and major depressive disorder (MDD) to determine whether they have common pathological and molecular mechanisms. NP and MDD expression data was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Common differentially expressed genes (Co-DEGs) for NP and MDD were extracted and the hub genes and hub nodes were mined. Co-DEGs, hub genes, and hub nodes were analyzed for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment. Finally, the hub nodes, and genes were analyzed to obtain Co-hub genes. We plotted Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to evaluate the diagnostic impact of the Co-hub genes on MDD and NP. We also identified the immune-infiltrating cell component by ssGSEA and analyzed the relationship. For the GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, 93 Co-DEGs were associated with biological processes (BP), such as fibrinolysis, cell composition (CC), such as tertiary granules, and pathways, such as complement, and coagulation cascades. A differential gene expression analysis revealed significant differences between the Co-hub genes ANGPT2, MMP9, PLAU, and TIMP2. There was some accuracy in the diagnosis of NP based on the expression of ANGPT2 and MMP9. Analysis of differences in the immune cell components indicated an abundance of activated dendritic cells, effector memory CD8+ T cells, memory B cells, and regulatory T cells in both groups, which were statistically significant. In summary, we identified 6 Co-hub genes and 4 immune cell types related to NP and MDD. Further studies are needed to determine the role of these genes and immune cells as potential diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets in NP and MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjing Hu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Fu
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuxin Cai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuping Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengjian Qu
- Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Rehabilitation Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Lisha Zhang
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou, China
| | - Weichao Fan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziyi Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing Zeng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jihua Zou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Lv XJ, Lv SS, Wang GH, Chang Y, Cai YQ, Liu HZ, Xu GZ, Xu WD, Zhang YQ. Glia-derived adenosine in the ventral hippocampus drives pain-related anxiodepression in a mouse model resembling trigeminal neuralgia. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 117:224-241. [PMID: 38244946 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.01.012] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Glial activation and dysregulation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)/adenosine are involved in the neuropathology of several neuropsychiatric illnesses. The ventral hippocampus (vHPC) has attracted considerable attention in relation to its role in emotional regulation. However, it is not yet clear how vHPC glia and their derived adenosine regulate the anxiodepressive-like consequences of chronic pain. Here, we report that chronic cheek pain elevates vHPC extracellular ATP/adenosine in a mouse model resembling trigeminal neuralgia (rTN), which mediates pain-related anxiodepression, through a mechanism that involves synergistic effects of astrocytes and microglia. We found that rTN resulted in robust activation of astrocytes and microglia in the CA1 area of the vHPC (vCA1). Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of astrocytes and connexin 43, a hemichannel mainly distributed in astrocytes, completely attenuated rTN-induced extracellular ATP/adenosine elevation and anxiodepressive-like behaviors. Moreover, inhibiting microglia and CD39, an enzyme primarily expressed in microglia that degrades ATP into adenosine, significantly suppressed the increase in extracellular adenosine and anxiodepressive-like behaviors. Blockade of the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) alleviated rTN-induced anxiodepressive-like behaviors. Furthermore, interleukin (IL)-17A, a pro-inflammatory cytokine probably released by activated microglia, markedly increased intracellular calcium in vCA1 astrocytes and triggered ATP/adenosine release. The astrocytic metabolic inhibitor fluorocitrate and the CD39 inhibitor ARL 67156, attenuated IL-17A-induced increases in extracellular ATP and adenosine, respectively. In addition, astrocytes, microglia, CD39, and A2AR inhibitors all reversed rTN-induced hyperexcitability of pyramidal neurons in the vCA1. Taken together, these findings suggest that activation of astrocytes and microglia in the vCA1 increases extracellular adenosine, which leads to pain-related anxiodepression via A2AR activation. Approaches targeting astrocytes, microglia, and adenosine signaling may serve as novel therapies for pain-related anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Jing Lv
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Su-Su Lv
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guo-Hong Wang
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yue Chang
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ya-Qi Cai
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hui-Zhu Liu
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guang-Zhou Xu
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200023, China.
| | - Wen-Dong Xu
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
| | - Yu-Qiu Zhang
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Lu L, Shen Y. Postpartum pain and the risk of postpartum depression: A meta-analysis of observational studies. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2024; 50:358-365. [PMID: 38105372 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15850] [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: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This meta-analysis of observational studies aimed to derive a more precise estimation of the relationship between postpartum pain and postpartum depression (PPD). METHODS A systematic literature search was completed in the following databases from inception to September 26, 2022: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Quality evaluation of each study was achieved through Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) assessment. Heterogeneity across studies was evaluated by Cochran's Q test and I2 test. Pooled estimates of odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were analyzed using fixed-effects model or random-effects model, according to heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and Egger's test were also performed. RESULTS From the identified 1884 articles, a total of 8 studies involving 3973 participants were included in the final meta-analysis. Seven of the 8 studies were evaluated as high-quality, with NOS scores ≥7. A significant heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 66.5%, p = 0.004) among eight studies. Therefore, the performed random-effect model suggested a significant association between postpartum pain and PPD risk (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.10-1.52, p = 0.002). However, the subgroup analyses did not define the source of heterogeneity. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis showed the stability of the pooled results, but the significant publication bias was identified (p = 0.009). The trim and fill method was performed and resulted in an OR of 1.14 (95% CI 0.95-1.37, p = 0.162). CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis found a potential association between postpartum pain and PPD. Further researches are needed to provide more robust evidences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limei Lu
- Delivery Room, Huzhou Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ya Shen
- Nursing Department, Huzhou Maternity & Child Health Care Hospital, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Feng Y, Jiang X, Liu W, Lu H. The location, physiology, pathology of hippocampus Melatonin MT 2 receptor and MT 2-selective modulators. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 262:115888. [PMID: 37866336 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115888] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Melatonin, a neurohormone secreted by the pineal gland and regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, is synthesized and directly released into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the third ventricle (3rdv), where it undergoes rapid absorption by surrounding tissues to exert its physiological function. The hippocampus, a vital structure in the limbic system adjacent to the ventricles, plays a pivotal role in emotional response and memory formation. Melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that primarily mediate melatonin's receptor-dependent effects. In comparison to the MT1 receptor, the widely expressed MT2 receptor is crucial for mediating melatonin's biological functions within the hippocampus. Specifically, MT2 receptor is implicated in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory processes, as well as neurogenesis and axogenesis. Numerous studies have demonstrated the involvement of MT2 receptors in the pathophysiology and pharmacology of Alzheimer's disease, depression, and epilepsy. This review focuses on the anatomical localization of MT2 receptor in the hippocampus, their physiological function in this region, and their signal transduction and pharmacological roles in neurological disorders. Additionally, we conducted a comprehensive review of MT2 receptor ligands used in psychopharmacology and other MT2-selective ligands over recent years. Ultimately, we provide an outlook on future research for selective MT2 receptor drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueqin Feng
- Department of Ultrasound, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Xiaowen Jiang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Wenwu Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Hongyuan Lu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China.
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Sanchez JE, Noor S, Sun MS, Zimmerly J, Pasmay A, Sanchez JJ, Vanderwall AG, Haynes MK, Sklar LA, Escalona PR, Milligan ED. The FDA-approved compound, pramipexole and the clinical-stage investigational drug, dexpramipexole, reverse chronic allodynia from sciatic nerve damage in mice, and alter IL-1β and IL-10 expression from immune cell culture. Neurosci Lett 2023; 814:137419. [PMID: 37558176 PMCID: PMC10552878 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137419] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
During the onset of neuropathic pain from a variety of etiologies, nociceptors become hypersensitized, releasing neurotransmitters and other factors from centrally-projecting nerve terminals within the dorsal spinal cord. Consequently, glial cells (astrocytes and microglia) in the spinal cord are activated and mediate the release of proinflammatory cytokines that act to enhance pain transmission and sensitize mechanical non-nociceptive fibers which ultimately results in light touch hypersensitivity, clinically observed as allodynia. Pramipexole, a D2/D3 preferring agonist, is FDA-approved for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and demonstrates efficacy in animal models of inflammatory pain. The clinical-stage investigational drug, R(+) enantiomer of pramipexole, dexpramipexole, is virtually devoid of D2/D3 agonist actions and is efficacious in animal models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. The current experiments focus on the application of a mouse model of sciatic nerve neuropathy, chronic constriction injury (CCI), that leads to allodynia and is previously characterized to generate spinal glial activation with consequent release IL-1β. We hypothesized that both pramipexole and dexpramipexole reverse CCI-induced chronic neuropathy in mice, and in human monocyte cell culture studies (THP-1 cells), pramipexole prevents IL-1β production. Additionally, we hypothesized that in rat primary splenocyte culture, dexpramixole increases mRNA for the anti-inflammatory and pleiotropic cytokine, interleukin-10 (IL-10). Results show that following intravenous pramipexole or dexpramipexole, a profound decrease in allodynia was observed by 1 hr, with allodynia returning 24 hr post-injection. Pramipexole significantly blunted IL-1β protein production from stimulated human monocytes and dexpramipexole induced elevated IL-10 mRNA expression from rat splenocytes. The data support that clinically-approved compounds like pramipexole and dexpramipexole support their application as anti-inflammatory agents to mitigate chronic neuropathy, and provide a blueprint for future, multifaceted approaches for opioid-independent neuropathic pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Sanchez
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - S Noor
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - M S Sun
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - J Zimmerly
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - A Pasmay
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - J J Sanchez
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - A G Vanderwall
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - M K Haynes
- Center for Molecular Discovery (CMD) Innovation, Discovery and Training Complex (IDTC), University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - L A Sklar
- Center for Molecular Discovery (CMD) Innovation, Discovery and Training Complex (IDTC), University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - P R Escalona
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque NM 87108, USA
| | - E D Milligan
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
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Zhang BW, Dong H, Wu Z, Jiang X, Zou W. An Overview of the Mechanisms Involved in Neuralgia. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:4087-4101. [PMID: 37745793 PMCID: PMC10516189 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s425966] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuralgia is a frequently occurring condition that causes chronic pain and burdens both patients and their families. Earlier research indicated that anti-inflammatory treatment, which was primarily utilized to address conditions like neuralgia, resulted in positive outcomes. However, recent years have witnessed the emergence of various novel mechanisms associated with pain-related disorders. This review provides a concise overview of the inflammatory mechanisms involved in neuralgia. It also examines recent advancements in research, exploring the influence of ion channels and synaptic proteins on neuralgia and its complications. Additionally, the interactions between these mechanisms are discussed with the aim of suggesting innovative therapeutic approaches and research directions for the management of neuralgia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai-Wen Zhang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Dong
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhe Wu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi Jiang
- Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Zou
- The Third Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, People’s Republic of China
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Zhang ZL, Wang ZT, Shi J, Pu XP, Zhai SD. Tetrandrine attenuates SNI-induced mechanical allodynia by inhibiting spinal CKLF1. Neuropharmacology 2023:109673. [PMID: 37517461 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109673] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a prevalent clinical problem for which satisfactory treatment options are unavailable. Tetrandrine (TET), a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Stephania tetrandra S. Moore, possesses anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory properties. Chemokine-like factor 1 (CKLF1) is known to play a crucial role in both peripheral and central inflammatory processes. This study aimed to investigate the potential anti-NP effects of TET and the involvement of CKLF1 in the action of TET. A male C57BL/6J mice model of NP caused by spared nerve injury (SNI) was established and mechanical withdrawal thresholds were measured using von Frey filaments. The results showed that TET improved mechanical allodynia in SNI mice and the propofol-induced sleep assay demonstrated that the TET group did not exhibit central inhibition, while the pregabalin (PGB) group showed significant central inhibition. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining showed that TET significantly inhibited spinal protein expression levels of CKLF1, p-NF-κB/NF-κB, p-IKK/IKK, pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α, and increased protein expression levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, while inhibiting the expression levels of microglia and astrocyte markers IBA-1 and GFAP of SNI mice. Moreover, immunofluorescence double-labeling results revealed that CKLF1 was predominantly colocalized with microglia of the spinal cord (SC) in SNI mice. C19 (an antagonism peptide of CKLF1) alleviated SNI-induced mechanical pain hypersensitivity, while C27 (an analog peptide of CKLF1) induced mechanical allodynia in normal mice. TET significantly attenuated mechanical allodynia induced by C27 in mice. TET may effectively alleviate NP by reducing neuroinflammation and decreasing CKLF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Ling Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Tong Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Pu
- National Key Research Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Suo-Di Zhai
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Liao Y, Guo C, Wen A, Bai M, Ran Z, Hu J, Wang J, Yang J, Ding Y. Frankincense-Myrrh treatment alleviates neuropathic pain via the inhibition of neuroglia activation mediated by the TLR4/MyD88 pathway and TRPV1 signaling. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 108:154540. [PMID: 36379093 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154540] [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: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroglia are important modulators of neuronal functionality, and thus play an integral role in the pathogenesis and treatment of neuropathic pain (NP). According to traditional Chinese medicine, Frankincense-Myrrh is capable of "activating blood and dissipating blood stasis", and as such these two biological compounds are commonly used to treat NP, however, the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of such treatment are unclear. PURPOSE This study aimed to further elucidate the protective effects associated with the Frankincense-Myrrh treatment of NP. METHODS A chronic sciatic nerve compression injury (CCI) model of NP was established, after which animals were gavaged with Frankincense, Myrrh, Frankincense-Myrrh, or the positive control drug pregabalin for 14 days. Network pharmacology approaches were used to identify putative pathways and targets associated with the Frankincense-Myrrh-mediated treatment of NP, after which these targets were subjected to in-depth analyses. The impact of TLR4 blockade on NP pathogenesis was assessed by intrathecally administering a TLR4 antagonist (LRU) or the MyD88 homodimerization inhibitory peptide (MIP). RESULTS Significant alleviation of thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity in response to Frankincense and Myrrh treatment was observed in NP model mice, while network pharmacology analyses suggested that the pathogenesis of NP may be related to TLR4/MyD88-mediated neuroinflammation. Consistently, Frankincense-Myrrh treatment was found to reduce TLR4, MyD88, and p-p65 expression in spinal dorsal horn neuroglia from treated animals, in addition to inhibiting neuronal TRPV1 and inflammatory factor expression. Intrathecal LRU and MIP delivery were sufficient to alleviate thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia in these CCI model mice, with concomitant reductions in neuronal TRPV1 expression and neuroglial activation in the spinal dorsal horn. CONCLUSION These data suggest that Frankincense-Myrrh treatment was sufficient to alleviate NP in part via inhibiting TLR4/MyD88 pathway and TRPV1 signaling activity. Blocking TLR4 and MyD88 activation may thus hold value as a means of treating NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucheng Liao
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Chao Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Aidong Wen
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Min Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zheng Ran
- School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Junping Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Jingwen Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Jianhua Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China; Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Pharmacy, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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9
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Robayo LE, Govind V, Vastano R, Felix ER, Fleming L, Cherup NP, Widerström-Noga E. Multidimensional pain phenotypes after Traumatic Brain Injury. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 3:947562. [PMID: 36061413 PMCID: PMC9437424 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2022.947562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 50% of individuals develop chronic pain following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Research suggests that a significant portion of post-TBI chronic pain conditions is neuropathic in nature, yet the relationship between neuropathic pain, psychological distress, and somatosensory function following TBI is not fully understood. This study evaluated neuropathic pain symptoms, psychological and somatosensory function, and psychosocial factors in individuals with TBI (TBI, N = 38). A two-step cluster analysis was used to identify phenotypes based on the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory and Beck's Anxiety Inventory scores. Phenotypes were then compared on pain characteristics, psychological and somatosensory function, and psychosocial factors. Our analyses resulted in two different neuropathic pain phenotypes: (1) Moderate neuropathic pain severity and anxiety scores (MNP-AS, N = 11); and (2) mild or no neuropathic pain symptoms and anxiety scores (LNP-AS, N = 27). Furthermore, the MNP-AS group exhibited greater depression, PTSD, pain severity, and affective distress scores than the LNP-AS group. In addition, thermal somatosensory function (difference between thermal pain and perception thresholds) was significantly lower in the MNP-AS compared to the LNP-AS group. Our findings suggest that neuropathic pain symptoms are relatively common after TBI and are not only associated with greater psychosocial distress but also with abnormal function of central pain processing pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda E. Robayo
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Varan Govind
- Department of Radiology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Roberta Vastano
- Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial, Miami, FL, United States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Elizabeth R. Felix
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Loriann Fleming
- Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial, Miami, FL, United States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Nicholas P. Cherup
- Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial, Miami, FL, United States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Eva Widerström-Noga
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial, Miami, FL, United States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- *Correspondence: Eva Widerström-Noga
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