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Åström Reitan JLM, Karshikoff B, Holmström L, Lekander M, Kemani MK, Wicksell RK. Associations between sickness behavior, but not inflammatory cytokines, and psychiatric comorbidity in chronic pain. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 167:107094. [PMID: 38896989 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107094] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Approximately one in five adults experiences chronic pain, often in co-occurrence with depression, insomnia, anxiety, and lower self-rated health. Elevated levels of cytokines, e.g. tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), and interleukin 10 (IL-10), have been identified in patients with chronic pain. Depression, insufficient sleep, poor self-rated health, and pain intensity have also been associated with inflammatory biomarkers. This study aimed to investigate the interrelationships between inflammatory biomarkers and depression, insomnia, anxiety, self-rated health, sickness behavior, and pain intensity in patients with chronic pain. METHODS Self-report questionnaires and blood samples analyzed for plasma levels of inflammatory biomarkers were collected from 80 adult patients with chronic pain. Associations between inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)) and depression, insomnia, anxiety, self-rated health, sickness behavior, and pain intensity, were analyzed using bivariate Spearman rank correlation coefficients and regression analyses. RESULTS Participants were mainly women (72.5 %), with a mean age of 50.8 years, and a reported mean pain duration of 16.7 years. There were significant correlations between insomnia and CRP (rs =.26, p <.05); sex and ESR (rs =.29, p <.05); age and IL-6 (rs =.29, p <.05) and IL-8 (rs =.30, p <.05); BMI and IL-6 (rs =.50, p <.001), CRP (rs =.63, p <.001) and ESR (rs =.42, p <.001). Ratings of depression were positively and significantly related to ratings of sickness behavior and anxiety (β =.32 and β =.40, respectively), explaining 49 % of the total variance in depression ratings. Insomnia was positively and significantly related to sickness behavior (β =.37) explaining 31 % of the total variance in insomnia ratings. Inflammatory biomarkers, however, did not contribute significantly to the models. CONCLUSIONS Participants reported high levels of symptoms, yet the associations between these ratings and the inflammatory biomarkers were either absent or weak. Also, despite high levels of self-reported sickness behavior, overall the inflammatory status remained within the normal range. Ratings of sickness behavior contributed more than inflammatory markers in explaining ratings of depression and insomnia. The present results point to the complexity of chronic pain, and the challenges of identifying biomarkers that explain symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny L M Åström Reitan
- Behavioral Medicine, Theme Women's Health and Allied Health Professionals, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Bianka Karshikoff
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Social Studies, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Linda Holmström
- Behavioral Medicine, Theme Women's Health and Allied Health Professionals, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mats Lekander
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Stress Research Institute, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mike K Kemani
- Behavioral Medicine, Theme Women's Health and Allied Health Professionals, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Stress Research Institute, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Health Promoting Science, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rikard K Wicksell
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Pain Clinic, Capio S:t Görans Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Costa CMM, Santos DS, Opretzka LCF, de Assis Silva GS, Santos GC, Evangelista AF, Soares MBP, Villarreal CF. Different mechanisms guide the antinociceptive effect of bone marrow-mononuclear cells and bone marrow-mesenchymal stem/stromal cells in trigeminal neuralgia. Life Sci 2024; 354:122944. [PMID: 39111567 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122944] [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: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a type of chronic orofacial pain evoked by trivial stimuli that manifests as episodes of excruciating and sudden, recurrent paroxysmal pain. Most patients are refractory to pharmacological therapy used for the treatment of TN. Mononuclear cells (MNC) and mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) have shown therapeutic potential in painful neuropathies, but their mechanism of action is not fully understood. The present work aimed to investigate the antinociceptive effect and mechanism of action of MNC and MSC in experimental TN. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mice submitted to the chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve (CCI-ION) mouse model of TN received a single intravenous injection of saline, MNC, or MSC (1 × 106 cells/mouse). The effect of the treatments on the behavioral signs of painful neuropathy, morphological aspects of the infraorbital nerve, and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in the infraorbital nerve were assessed. KEY FINDINGS MNC and MSC improved behavioral painful neuropathy, activated key cell signaling antioxidant pathways by increasing Nrf2 expression, and reduced the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α. However, treatment with MSC, but not MNC, was associated with a sustained increase of IL-10 and with the re-establishment of the morphometric pattern of the infraorbital nerve, indicating a difference in the mechanism of action between MNC and MSC. In line with this result, in IL-10 knockout mice, MSC transplantation did not induce an antinociceptive effect. SIGNIFICANCE Importantly, these data suggest an IL-10-induced disease-modifying profile related to MSC treatment and reinforce cell therapy's potential in treating trigeminal neuralgia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Girlaine Café Santos
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador 40296-710, BA, Brazil.
| | | | - Milena Botelho Pereira Soares
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador 40296-710, BA, Brazil; Institute of Advanced Systems in Health, SENAI CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, BA, Brazil.
| | - Cristiane Flora Villarreal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador 40170-115, BA, Brazil; Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador 40296-710, BA, Brazil.
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Wu PY, Caceres AI, Chen J, Sokoloff J, Huang M, Baht GS, Nackley AG, Jordt SE, Terrando N. Vagus nerve stimulation rescues persistent pain following orthopedic surgery in adult mice. Pain 2024; 165:e80-e92. [PMID: 38422485 PMCID: PMC11247455 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003181] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Postoperative pain is a major clinical problem imposing a significant burden on patients and society. In a survey 2 years after orthopedic surgery, 57% of patients reported persisting postoperative pain. However, only limited progress has been made in the development of safe and effective therapies to prevent the onset and chronification of pain after orthopedic surgery. We established a tibial fracture mouse model that recapitulates clinically relevant orthopedic trauma surgery, which causes changes in neuropeptide levels in dorsal root ganglia and sustained neuroinflammation in the spinal cord. Here, we monitored extended pain behavior in this model, observing chronic bilateral hindpaw mechanical allodynia in both male and female C57BL/6J mice that persisted for >3 months after surgery. We also tested the analgesic effects of a novel, minimally invasive, bioelectronic approach to percutaneously stimulate the vagus nerve (termed percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation [pVNS]). Weekly pVNS treatment for 30 minutes at 10 Hz for 3 weeks after the surgery strongly reduced pain behaviors compared with untreated controls. Percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation also improved locomotor coordination and accelerated bone healing. In the dorsal root ganglia, vagal stimulation inhibited the activation of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive satellite cells but without affecting microglial activation. Overall, these data provide novel evidence supportive of the use of pVNS to prevent postoperative pain and inform translational studies to test antinociceptive effects of bioelectronic medicine in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pau Yen Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Ana Isabel Caceres
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Jiegen Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Jamie Sokoloff
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Mingjian Huang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Gurpreet Singh Baht
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Andrea G. Nackley
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Sven-Eric Jordt
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Duke University, Durham, United States
| | - Niccolò Terrando
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
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Liu Q, Han J, Zhang X. Peripheral and central pathogenesis of postherpetic neuralgia. Skin Res Technol 2024; 30:e13867. [PMID: 39101621 PMCID: PMC11299165 DOI: 10.1111/srt.13867] [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: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a classic chronic condition with multiple signs of peripheral and central neuropathy. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis of PHN is not well defined, limiting clinical treatment and disease management. OBJECTIVE To describe the peripheral and central pathological axes of PHN, including peripheral nerve injury, inflammation induction, central nervous system sensitization, and brain functional and structural network activity. METHODS A bibliographic survey was carried out, selecting relevant articles that evaluated the characterization of the pathogenesis of PHN, including peripheral and central pathological axes. RESULTS Currently, due to the complexity of the pathophysiological mechanisms of PHN and the incomplete understanding of the exact mechanism of neuralgia. CONCLUSION It is essential to conduct in-depth research to clarify the origins of PHN pathogenesis and explore effective and comprehensive therapies for PHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuping Liu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and MoxibustionTianjinChina
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyFirst Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Jingxian Han
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and MoxibustionTianjinChina
| | - Xuezhu Zhang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and MoxibustionTianjinChina
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Ma J, Subramaniam P, Yancey JR, Farrington AA, McGlade EC, Renshaw PF, Yurgelun-Todd DA. Elevated circulating soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sCD25) level is associated with prefrontal excitatory-inhibitory imbalance in individuals with chronic pain: A proton MRS study. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 120:1-9. [PMID: 38772429 PMCID: PMC11269041 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.05.020] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant neuronal excitability in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is implicated in cognitive and affective pain processing. Such excitability may be amplified by activated circulating immune cells, including T lymphocytes, that interact with the central nervous system. Here, we conducted a study of individuals with chronic pain using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to investigate the clinical evidence for the interaction between peripheral immune activation and prefrontal excitatory-inhibitory imbalance. In thirty individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain, we assessed markers of peripheral immune activation, including soluble interleukin-2 receptor alpha chain (sCD25) levels, as well as brain metabolites, including Glx (glutamate + glutamine) to GABA+ (γ-aminobutyric acid + macromolecules/homocarnosine) ratio in the ACC. We found that the circulating level of sCD25 was associated with prefrontal Glx/GABA+. Greater prefrontal Glx/GABA+ was associated with higher pain catastrophizing, evaluative pain ratings, and anxiodepressive symptoms. Further, the interaction effect of sCD25 and prefrontal Glx/GABA+ on pain catastrophizing was significant, indicating the joint association of these two markers with pain catastrophizing. Our results provide the first evidence suggesting that peripheral T cellular activation, as reflected by elevated circulating sCD25 levels, may be linked to prefrontal excitatory-inhibitory imbalance in individuals with chronic pain. The interaction between these two systems may play a role as a potential mechanism underlying pain catastrophizing. Further prospective and treatment studies are needed to elucidate the specific role of the immune and brain interaction in pain catastrophizing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyoung Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Diagnostic Neuroimaging Laboratory, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Punitha Subramaniam
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Diagnostic Neuroimaging Laboratory, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - James R Yancey
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Diagnostic Neuroimaging Laboratory, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, VISN 19 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Amy A Farrington
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Diagnostic Neuroimaging Laboratory, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Erin C McGlade
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Diagnostic Neuroimaging Laboratory, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, VISN 19 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Perry F Renshaw
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Diagnostic Neuroimaging Laboratory, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, VISN 19 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Deborah A Yurgelun-Todd
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Diagnostic Neuroimaging Laboratory, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, VISN 19 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Zhao Y, Li T, Zhang L, Yang J, Zhao F, Wang Y, Ouyang Y, Liu J. TRAF6 promotes spinal microglial M1 polarization to aggravate neuropathic pain by activating the c-JUN/NF-kB signaling pathway. Cell Biol Toxicol 2024; 40:54. [PMID: 38995476 PMCID: PMC11245438 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-024-09900-6] [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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuropathic pain with complex networks of neuroinflammatory activation severely limits clinical therapeutic research. TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) is associated with multiple inflammatory diseases. However, there remains confusion about the effects and mechanisms of TRAF6 in neuropathic pain. METHODS A chronic constriction injury (CCI) model was developed to simulate neuralgia in vivo. We overexpressed or knocked down TRAF6 in CCI mice, respectively. Activation of microglia by TRAF6, the inflammatory response, and disease progression were inspected using WB, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and ELISA assays. Moreover, the mechanism of M1/M2 polarization activation of microglia by TRAF6 was elaborated in BV-2 cells. RESULTS TRAF6 was enhanced in the spinal neurons and microglia of the CCI mice model compared with the sham operation group.. Down-regulation of TRAF6 rescued the expression of Iba-1. In response to mechanical and thermal stimulation, PWT and PWL were improved after the knockdown of TRAF6. Decreased levels of pro-inflammatory factors were observed in TRAF6 knockdown groups. Meanwhile, increased microglial M1 markers induced by CCI were limited in mice with TRAF6 knockdown. In addition, TRAF6 overexpression has the precise opposite effect on CCI mice or microglia polarization. We also identifed that TRAF6 activated the c-JUN/NF-kB pathway signaling; the inhibitor of c-JUN/NF-kB could effectively alleviate the neuropathic pain induced by upregulated TRAF6 in the CCI mice model. CONCLUSION In summary, this study indicated that TRAF6 was concerned with neuropathic pain, and targeting the TRAF6/c-JUN/NF-kB pathway may be a prospective target for treating neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhao
- Department of Emergency, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110136, People's Republic of China
| | - Tiegang Li
- Department of Emergency, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110136, People's Republic of China
| | - Lichun Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110136, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Zhao
- Department of Emergency, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110136, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Ouyang
- Department of Neurology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiahui Liu
- Department of Neurology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110001, People's Republic of China.
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Rosenström AH, Ahmed AS, Kultima K, Freyhult E, Berg S, Bersellini Farinotti A, Palada V, Svensson CI, Kosek E. Unraveling the neuroimmune interface in chronic pain-the association between cytokines in the cerebrospinal fluid and pain in patients with lumbar disk herniation or degenerative disk disease. Pain 2024; 165:e65-e79. [PMID: 38900144 PMCID: PMC11190896 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003175] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Recent evidence highlights the importance of the neuroimmune interface, including periphery-to-central nervous system (CNS) neuroimmune crosstalk, in chronic pain. Although neuroinflammatory processes have been implicated in central sensitization for a long time, their potential neuroprotective and analgesic effects remain relatively elusive. We have explored the relationships between cytokine expression and symptom severity, and candidates for periphery-to-CNS crosstalk. Patients with degenerative disk disease (DDD) (nociceptive pain) or patients with lumbar disk herniation (LDH) with radiculopathy (predominantly neuropathic pain) completed questionnaires regarding pain and functional disability, underwent quantitative sensory testing, and provided blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. Proximity extension assay (PEA) was used to measure the levels of 92 inflammatory proteins in the CSF and serum from a total of 160 patients and controls, and CSF/serum albumin quotients was calculated for patients with DDD and patients with LDH. We found signs of neuroimmune activation, in the absence of systemic inflammation. Regarding periphery-to-CNS neuroimmune crosstalk, there were significant associations between several cytokines and albumin quotient, despite the latter being primarily at subclinical levels. The cytokines CCL11, CD5, IL8, and MMP-10 were elevated in the CSF, had positive correlations between CSF and serum levels, and associated in a nonlinear manner with back, but not leg, pain intensity in the LDH, but not the DDD, group. In conclusion, we found evidence for neuroimmune activation in the CNS of both patient groups in the absence of systemic inflammation and signs of a communication between CSF and serum. Complex and disease-specific associations were found between cytokines in CSF and back pain intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aisha Siddiqah Ahmed
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kim Kultima
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Akademiska Sjukhuset, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Freyhult
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Svante Berg
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alex Bersellini Farinotti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vinko Palada
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Palada is now with the Department of Physiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Camilla I. Svensson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Kosek
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Akademiska Sjukhuset, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Palada is now with the Department of Physiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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8
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Huang CT, Wang LK, Lue JH, Chen SH, Tsai YJ. Lactobacillus Plantarum intake mitigates neuropathic pain behavior via enhancing macrophage M2 polarization in a rat model of peripheral neuropathy. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116769. [PMID: 38776678 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116769] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory macrophages (M1-polarized) play a crucial role in neuroinflammation and neuropathic pain following nerve injury. Redirecting macrophage polarization toward anti-inflammatory (M2-polarized) phenotypes offers a promising therapeutic strategy. Recognized for their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, probiotics are becoming a focal point of research. This study investigated the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on macrophage polarization, nerve protection, and neuropathic pain behavior following chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the median nerve. Rats received daily oral doses of L. plantarum for 28 days before and 14 days after CCI. Subsequently, behavioral and electrophysiological assessments were performed. The M1 marker CD86 levels, M2 marker CD206 levels, and concentrations of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the injured median nerve were assessed. L. plantarum administration effectively reduced neuropathic pain behavior and the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio after CCI. Moreover, L. plantarum treatment increased serum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels, preserved myelination of the injured median nerve, and suppressed injury-induced discharges. In CCI rats treated with L. plantarum, there was a reduction in CD86 and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, accompanied by an increase in CD206 and the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, receptors for anti-inflammatory cytokines were localized on Schwann cells, and their expression was significantly upregulated in the injured nerves of CCI rats receiving L. plantarum. In conclusion, L. plantarum shifts macrophage phenotypes from M1 to M2 by promoting the production of SCFAs and enhancing the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Ultimately, this process preserves nerve fiber integrity and impedes the onset of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ta Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Li-Kai Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - June-Horng Lue
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Seu-Hwa Chen
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yi-Ju Tsai
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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9
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Masaud K, Collins JM, Rubio RC, Corrigan M, Cotter PD, O'Brien N, Bluett R, Jimenez CK, O'Mahony SM, Shorten GD. The gut microbiota in persistent post-operative pain following breast cancer surgery. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12401. [PMID: 38811609 PMCID: PMC11137075 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62397-1] [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: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Persistent post-surgical pain (PPSP) is defined as pain which continues after a surgical operation in a significant form for at least three months (and is not related to pre-existing painful conditions). PPSP is a common, under-recognised, and important clinical problem which affects millions of patients worldwide. Preventative measures which are currently available include the selection of a minimally invasive surgical technique and an aggressive multimodal perioperative analgesic regimen. More recently, a role for the gut microbiota in pain modulation has become increasingly apparent. This study aims to investigate any relationship between the gut microbiota and PPSP. A prospective observational study of 68 female adult patients undergoing surgery for management of breast cancer was carried out. Stool samples from 45 of these patients were obtained to analyse the composition of the gut microbiota. Measures of pain and state-trait anxiety were also taken to investigate further dimensions in any relationship between the gut microbiota and PPSP. At 12 weeks postoperatively, 21 patients (51.2%) did not have any pain and 20 patients (48.8%) reported feeling pain that persisted at that time. Analysis of the gut microbiota revealed significantly lower alpha diversity (using three measures) in those patients reporting severe pain at the 60 min post-operative and the 12 weeks post-operative timepoints. A cluster of taxa represented by Bifidobacterium longum, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was closely associated with those individuals reporting no pain at 12 weeks postoperatively, while Megamonas hypermegale, Bacteroides pectinophilus, Ruminococcus bromii, and Roseburia hominis clustered relatively closely in the group of patients fulfilling the criteria for persistent post-operative pain. We report for the first time specific associations between the gut microbiota composition and the presence or absence of PPSP. This may provide further insights into mechanisms behind the role of the gut microbiota in the development of PPSP and could inform future treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Masaud
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Cork University Hospital and University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - James M Collins
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Raul Cabrera Rubio
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology-National Research Council (IATA-CSIC), Valencia, Spain
| | - Mark Corrigan
- Cork Breast Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Paul D Cotter
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Cork, Ireland
| | - Niall O'Brien
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Cork University Hospital and University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ronan Bluett
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Cork University Hospital and University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Clare Keaveney Jimenez
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Cork University Hospital and University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Siobhain M O'Mahony
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - George D Shorten
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Cork University Hospital and University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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10
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Cocea AC, Stoica CI. Interactions and Trends of Interleukins, PAI-1, CRP, and TNF-α in Inflammatory Responses during the Perioperative Period of Joint Arthroplasty: Implications for Pain Management-A Narrative Review. J Pers Med 2024; 14:537. [PMID: 38793119 PMCID: PMC11122505 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14050537] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation during the perioperative period of joint arthroplasty is a critical aspect of patient outcomes, influencing both the pathophysiology of pain and the healing process. This narrative review comprehensively evaluates the roles of specific cytokines and inflammatory biomarkers in this context and their implications for pain management. Inflammatory responses are initiated and propagated by cytokines, which are pivotal in the development of both acute and chronic postoperative pain. Pro-inflammatory cytokines play essential roles in up-regulating the inflammatory response, which, if not adequately controlled, leads to sustained pain and impaired tissue healing. Anti-inflammatory cytokines work to dampen inflammatory responses and promote resolution. Our discussion extends to the genetic and molecular influences on cytokine production, which influence pain perception and recovery rates post-surgery. Furthermore, the role of PAI-1 in modulating inflammation through its impact on the fibrinolytic system highlights its potential as a therapeutic target. The perioperative modulation of these cytokines through various analgesic and anesthetic techniques, including the fascia iliac compartment block, demonstrates a significant reduction in pain and inflammatory markers, thus underscoring the importance of targeted therapeutic strategies. Our analysis suggests that a nuanced understanding of the interplay between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines is required. Future research should focus on individualized pain management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arabela-Codruta Cocea
- Faculty of Medicine, Doctoral School, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian Ioan Stoica
- Orthopedics, Anaesthesia Intensive Care Unit, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
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11
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Yang SM, Li YB, Si HX, Wei Y, Ma FJ, Wang J, Chen T, Chen K. C-176 reduces inflammation-induced pain by blocking the cGAS-STING pathway in microglia. Int J Neurosci 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38738512 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2024.2352025] [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: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inflammatory pain, is caused by lesions or diseases of the somatosensory tissue, is a prevalent chronic condition that profoundly impacts the quality of life. However, clinical treatment for this type of pain remains limited. Traditionally, the stimulation of microglia and subsequent inflammatory reactions are considered crucial elements to promote the worsening of inflammatory pain. Recent research has shown the crucial importance of the cGAS-STING pathway in promoting inflammation. It is still uncertain if the cGAS-STING pathway plays the role in the fundamental cause of inflammatory pain. We aim to explore the treatment of inflammatory pain by interfering with cGAS-STING signaling pathway. METHODS In this study, we established an inflammatory pain model by CFA into the plantar of mice. Activation of microglia, various inflammatory factors and cGAS-STING protein in the spinal dorsal horn were evaluated. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the cellular localization of cGAS and STING. The cGAS-STING pathway proteins expression and mRNA expression of indicated microglial M1/M2 phenotypic markers in the BV2 microglia were detected. STING inhibitor C-176 was intrathecal injected into mice with inflammatory pain, and the pain behavior and microglia were observed. RESULTS This research showed that injecting CFA into the left hind paw of mice caused mechanical allodynia and increased inflammation in the spine. Our research results suggested that the cGAS-STING pathway had a function in the inflammation mediated by microglia in the spinal cord dorsal horn. Blocking the cGAS-STING pathway using STING antagonists (C-176) led to reduced release of inflammatory factors and prevented M1 polarization of BV2 microglia in a laboratory setting. Additionally, intrathecal administration of C-176 reduced the allodynia in CFA treated mice. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that inhibiting microglial polarization through the cGAS-STING pathway represents a potential novel therapeutic strategy for inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Ming Yang
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuan-Bo Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hua-Xing Si
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi Wei
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fu-Juan Ma
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tao Chen
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kun Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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12
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Jia J, Chen T, Chen C, Si T, Gao C, Fang Y, Sun J, Wang J, Zhang Z. Astrocytes in preoptic area regulate acute nociception-induced hypothermia through adenosine receptors. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14726. [PMID: 38715251 PMCID: PMC11076694 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS The preoptic area (POA) of the hypothalamus, crucial in thermoregulation, has long been implicated in the pain process. However, whether nociceptive stimulation affects body temperature and its mechanism remains poorly studied. METHODS We used capsaicin, formalin, and surgery to induce acute nociceptive stimulation and monitored rectal temperature. Optical fiber recording, chemical genetics, confocal imaging, and pharmacology assays were employed to confirm the role and interaction of POA astrocytes and extracellular adenosine. Immunofluorescence was utilized for further validation. RESULTS Acute nociception could activate POA astrocytes and induce a decrease in body temperature. Manipulation of astrocytes allowed bidirectional control of body temperature. Furthermore, acute nociception and astrocyte activation led to increased extracellular adenosine concentration within the POA. Activation of adenosine A1 or A2A receptors contributed to decreased body temperature, while inhibition of these receptors mitigated the thermo-lowering effect of astrocytes. CONCLUSION Our results elucidate the interplay between acute nociception and thermoregulation, specifically highlighting POA astrocyte activation. This enriches our understanding of physiological responses to painful stimuli and contributes to the analysis of the anatomical basis involved in the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junke Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan HospitalWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Ting Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan HospitalWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Chang Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan HospitalWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Tengxiao Si
- Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
| | - Chenyi Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan HospitalWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Yuanyuan Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan HospitalWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Jiahui Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan HospitalWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Jie Wang
- Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesWuhanChina
- Institute of Neuroscience and Brain Diseases, Xiangyang Central HospitalAffiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and ScienceXiangyangChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emotions and Affective Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineSongjiang Hospital and Songjiang Research InstituteShanghaiChina
| | - Zongze Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan HospitalWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
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13
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Jenkins LC, Chang WJ, Humburg P, Wasinger VC, Stone LS, Dorsey SG, Renn C, Starkweather A, Schabrun SM. Sex Differences in the Serum Proteomic Profile During Acute Low Back Pain-A Preliminary Study of the Relationship to Future Low Back Pain. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:104426. [PMID: 37989405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.11.009] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
The molecular processes driving the transition from acute to chronic low back pain (LBP) remain poorly understood and are likely to be sexually dimorphic. This study aimed to explore sex differences in the serum proteomic profile of people experiencing an acute LBP episode and determine if serum protein concentrations were associated with three-month outcome. Serum samples were collected through venepuncture from 30 female and 29 male participants experiencing an acute LBP episode. Serum samples underwent trypsin digestion and fractionation using hydrophobic interaction chromatography and were then analysed using mass-spectrometry. Mass-spectrometry spectra were searched in the Swissprot database for protein identification. Sex differences in protein abundance changes were evident upon inspection of fold changes. Multivariable data analysis identified 21 serum proteins during the acute episode that correctly classified 93% of males and 23 serum proteins that correctly classified 90% of females with ongoing LBP at 3 months. Pathway analysis suggested the differentially expressed proteins during acute LBP were frequently involved in immune, inflammatory, complement, or coagulation responses. This data provides preliminary evidence that biological processes during an acute LBP episode may contribute to the resolution, or persistence, of LBP symptoms at 3 months, however, these processes differ between males and females. PERSPECTIVE: Differential expression of serum proteins was observed between male and female participants during an acute LBP episode. This preliminary work provides a foundation for future research targeting distinct immune system processes in males and females that may interfere with the transition from acute to chronic LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke C Jenkins
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), Randwick, New South Wales, Australia; School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wei-Ju Chang
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), Randwick, New South Wales, Australia; School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Health and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Humburg
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), Randwick, New South Wales, Australia; Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Valerie C Wasinger
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW, Kensington, NSW, Australia; School of Medical Science, UNSW, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Laura S Stone
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Susan G Dorsey
- Department of Pain & Translational Symptom Science, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore
| | - Cynthia Renn
- Department of Pain & Translational Symptom Science, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore
| | - Angela Starkweather
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, University of Florida College of Nursing, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Siobhan M Schabrun
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), Randwick, New South Wales, Australia; The Gray Centre for Mobility and Activity, Parkwood Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; School of Physical Therapy, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Aldrich JC, Scheinfeld AR, Lee SE, Dusenbery KJ, Mahach KM, Van de Veire BC, Fonken LK, Gaudet AD. Effects of dim light at night in C57BL/6 J mice on recovery after spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2024; 375:114725. [PMID: 38365132 PMCID: PMC10981559 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114725] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause long-lasting locomotor deficits, pain, and mood disorders. Anatomical and functional outcomes are exacerbated by inflammation after SCI, which causes secondary damage. One promising target after SCI is manipulating the circadian system, which optimizes biology and behavior for time of day - including neuroimmune responses and mood-related behaviors. Circadian disruption after SCI is likely worsened by a disruptive hospital environment, which typically includes dim light-at-night (dLAN). Here, we hypothesized that mice subjected to SCI, then placed in dLAN, would exhibit worsened locomotor deficits, pain-like behavior, and anxiety-depressive-like symptoms compared to mice maintained in light days with dark nights (LD). C57BL/6 J mice received sham surgery or moderate T9 contusion SCI, then were placed permanently in LD or dLAN. dLAN after SCI did not worsen locomotor deficits; rather, SCI-dLAN mice showed slight improvement in open-field locomotion at the final timepoint. Although dLAN did not alter SCI-induced heat hyperalgesia, SCI-dLAN mice exhibited an increase in mechanical allodynia at 13 days post-SCI compared to SCI-LD mice. SCI-LD and SCI-dLAN mice had similar outcomes using sucrose preference (depressive-like) and open-field (anxiety-like) tests. At 21 dpo, SCI-dLAN mice had reduced preference for a novel juvenile compared to SCI-LD, implying that dLAN combined with SCI may worsen this mood-related behavior. Finally, lesion size was similar between SCI-LD and SCI-dLAN mice. Therefore, newly placing C57BL/6 J mice in dLAN after SCI had modest effects on locomotor, pain-like, and mood-related behaviors. Future studies should consider whether clinically-relevant circadian disruptors, alone or in combination, could be ameliorated to enhance outcomes after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Aldrich
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, The University of Texas at Austin, USA; Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Ashley R Scheinfeld
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, The University of Texas at Austin, USA; Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Sydney E Lee
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, The University of Texas at Austin, USA; Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Kalina J Dusenbery
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, The University of Texas at Austin, USA; Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Kathryn M Mahach
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, The University of Texas at Austin, USA; Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Brigid C Van de Veire
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, The University of Texas at Austin, USA; Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Laura K Fonken
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Andrew D Gaudet
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, The University of Texas at Austin, USA; Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin.
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15
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Rodríguez-Palma EJ, Huerta de la Cruz S, Islas-Espinoza AM, Castañeda-Corral G, Granados-Soto V, Khanna R. Nociplastic pain mechanisms and toll-like receptors as promising targets for its management. Pain 2024:00006396-990000000-00571. [PMID: 38595206 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Nociplastic pain, characterized by abnormal pain processing without an identifiable organic cause, affects a significant portion of the global population. Unfortunately, current pharmacological treatments for this condition often prove ineffective, prompting the need to explore new potential targets for inducing analgesic effects in patients with nociplastic pain. In this context, toll-like receptors (TLRs), known for their role in the immune response to infections, represent promising opportunities for pharmacological intervention because they play a relevant role in both the development and maintenance of pain. Although TLRs have been extensively studied in neuropathic and inflammatory pain, their specific contributions to nociplastic pain remain less clear, demanding further investigation. This review consolidates current evidence on the connection between TLRs and nociplastic pain, with a specific focus on prevalent conditions like fibromyalgia, stress-induced pain, sleep deprivation-related pain, and irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, we explore the association between nociplastic pain and psychiatric comorbidities, proposing that modulating TLRs can potentially alleviate both pain syndromes and related psychiatric disorders. Finally, we discuss the potential sex differences in TLR signaling, considering the higher prevalence of nociplastic pain among women. Altogether, this review aims to shed light on nociplastic pain, its underlying mechanisms, and its intriguing relationship with TLR signaling pathways, ultimately framing the potential therapeutic role of TLRs in addressing this challenging condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick J Rodríguez-Palma
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Neurobiology of Pain Laboratory, Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav, South Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Ana M Islas-Espinoza
- Neurobiology of Pain Laboratory, Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav, South Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Vinicio Granados-Soto
- Neurobiology of Pain Laboratory, Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav, South Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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16
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Ghiasi M, Chang C, Shafrir AL, Vitonis AF, Sasamoto N, Vazquez AI, DiVasta AD, Upson K, Sieberg CB, Terry KL, Holzman CB, Missmer SA. Subgroups of pelvic pain are differentially associated with endometriosis and inflammatory comorbidities: a latent class analysis. Pain 2024:00006396-990000000-00563. [PMID: 38563996 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Chronic pelvic pain is heterogeneous with potentially clinically informative subgroups. We aimed to identify subgroups of pelvic pain based on symptom patterns and investigate their associations with inflammatory and chronic pain-related comorbidities. Latent class analysis (LCA) identified subgroups of participants (n = 1255) from the Adolescence to Adulthood (A2A) cohort. Six participant characteristics were included in the LCA: severity, frequency, and impact on daily activities of both menstruation-associated (cyclic) and non-menstruation-associated (acyclic) pelvic pain. Three-step LCA quantified associations between LC subgroups, demographic and clinical variables, and 18 comorbidities (10 with prevalence ≥10%). Five subgroups were identified: none or minimal (23%), moderate cyclic only (28%), severe cyclic only (20%), moderate or severe acyclic plus moderate cyclic (9%), and severe acyclic plus severe cyclic (21%). Endometriosis prevalence within these 5 LCA-pelvic pain-defined subgroups ranged in size from 4% in "none or minimal pelvic pain" to 24%, 72%, 70%, and 94%, respectively, in the 4 pain subgroups, with statistically significant odds of membership only for the latter 3 subgroups. Migraines were associated with significant odds of membership in all 4 pelvic pain subgroups relative to those with no pelvic pain (adjusted odds ratios = 2.92-7.78), whereas back, joint, or leg pain each had significantly greater odds of membership in the latter 3 subgroups. Asthma or allergies had three times the odds of membership in the most severe pain group. Subgroups with elevated levels of cyclic or acyclic pain are associated with greater frequency of chronic overlapping pain conditions, suggesting an important role for central inflammatory and immunological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Ghiasi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Chi Chang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Office of Medical Education Research and Development, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Amy L Shafrir
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Boston Center for Endometriosis, Boston Children's Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Allison F Vitonis
- Boston Center for Endometriosis, Boston Children's Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Epidemiology Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Naoko Sasamoto
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Epidemiology Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ana I Vazquez
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Amy D DiVasta
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Boston Center for Endometriosis, Boston Children's Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kristen Upson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Christine B Sieberg
- Biobehavioral Pain Innovations Lab, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Pain & Affective Neuroscience Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, & Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kathryn L Terry
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Epidemiology Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Claudia B Holzman
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Stacey A Missmer
- Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Boston Center for Endometriosis, Boston Children's Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
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17
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Lassen J, Leypoldt F, Hüllemann P, Janssen M, Baron R, Gierthmühlen J. The role of cytokines and chemokines in the maintenance of chronic pain-a pilot study. Pain Rep 2024; 9:e1135. [PMID: 38352023 PMCID: PMC10863945 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000001135] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The immune system is believed to be important in the initiation and maintenance of chronic pain. Objectives The aim was to investigate whether patients with chronic painful polyneuropathy (PP) differ in cytokine profiles of serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compared with pain-free controls. Methods Thirty-nine patients (16 women and 23 men, mean age, 69.2 ± 12.7 years, range 41-92 years) with PP (mean duration 43 ± 48.3 months) were phenotyped with quantitative sensory testing and electroneurography, and serum and CSF samples were analyzed by 40-multiplexed, bead-based cytokine immunoassays. Results were compared with 36 age- and gender-matched patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus and absence of abnormal CSF findings. Results Compared with controls, patients with PP had lower concentrations of several proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines in CSF, and others showed the same tendency, among these were tumor necrosis factor-α (14.1 ± 10.0 vs 23.9 ± 16.4 pg/mL, P < 0.005), interleukin (IL)-2 (0.6 ± 0.4 vs 1.2 ± 0.6 pg/mL, P < 0.0001), IL-6 (4.7 ± 6.8 vs 7.3 ± 9 pg/mL, P = 0.001), and IL-10 (7.5 ± 6.8 vs 16.8 ± 19.2 pg/mL, P < 0.01), whereas no differences were observed in serum. Conclusion Results suggest that (1) inflammatory mediators play a minor role in the maintenance of chronic pain in contrast to initiation of acute pain, (2) chemokines/cytokines are downregulated in chronic pain, or (3) chemokines/cytokines have a protective role for nerve regeneration that is disturbed in patients with chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Lassen
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Frank Leypoldt
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Philipp Hüllemann
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Maren Janssen
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ralf Baron
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Janne Gierthmühlen
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Department for Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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18
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Morioka N, Nakamura Y, Hisaoka-Nakashima K, Nakata Y. High mobility group box-1: A therapeutic target for analgesia and associated symptoms in chronic pain. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 222:116058. [PMID: 38367818 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116058] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
The number of patients with chronic pain continues to increase against the background of an ageing society and a high incidence of various epidemics and disasters. One factor contributing to this situation is the absence of truly effective analgesics. Chronic pain is a persistent stress for the organism and can trigger a variety of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Hence, the search for useful analgesic targets is currently being intensified worldwide, and it is anticipated that the key to success may be molecules involved in emotional as well as sensory systems. High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) has attracted attention as a therapeutic target for a variety of diseases. It is a very unique molecule having a dual role as a nuclear protein while also functioning as an inflammatory agent outside the cell. In recent years, numerous studies have shown that HMGB1 acts as a pain inducer in primary sensory nerves and the spinal dorsal horn. In addition, HMGB1 can function in the brain, and is involved in the symptoms of depression, anxiety and cognitive dysfunction that accompany chronic pain. In this review, we will summarize recent research and discuss the potential of HMGB1 as a useful drug target for chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norimitsu Morioka
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan.
| | - Yoki Nakamura
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Kazue Hisaoka-Nakashima
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Nakata
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
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19
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Suso-Martí L, Núñez-Cortés R, Sánchez-Sabater A, Garrigós-Pedrón M, Ferrer-Sargues FJ, López-Bueno R, Calatayud J. Effects of exercise-based interventions on inflammatory markers in patients with fibromyalgia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2024; 65:152377. [PMID: 38244445 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2024.152377] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the present review was (1) to determine the effects of exercise based-interventions (EBIs) on pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory biomarkers in patients with fibromyalgia (FM), and (2) to determine the most effective type (acute or maintained) and modality (aerobic, resistance, etc.). METHODS A systematic search was conducted in various electronic databases to identify all the relevant studies: Medline (PubMed), PEDro, EBSCO and Google Scholar. Clinical trials assessing the effects of EBIs in patients with FM were selected. Methodological quality was evaluated by two independent investigators using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Qualitative analysis was based on the classification of the results into levels of evidence according to GRADE. RESULTS Eleven studies were included. The meta-analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in proinflammatory biomarkers by EBIs with a large clinical effect in 19 comparisons (SMD: 1.74; 95 % CI: 0.85-2.62; p < 0.05), especially for IL8. The certainty of the evidence was low. The meta-analysis showed no statistically significant increase in anti-inflammatory biomarkers (IL10) by EBIs in 6 comparisons and very low certainty of evidence. Evidence was found for acute and maintained effects of exercise, with aerobic and aquatic exercise modalities showing better improvements than resistance exercise. CONCLUSIONS EBIs are effective in inducing an immunomodulatory response in FM, characterized by decreased pro-inflammatory signaling. However, there was no evidence of an increase in anti-inflammatory biomarkers. These results should be interpreted with caution due to low certainty of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Suso-Martí
- Exercise Intervention for Health Research Group (EXINH-RG), Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Núñez-Cortés
- Physiotherapy in Motion Multispeciality Research Group (PTinMOTION), Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Alberto Sánchez-Sabater
- Exercise Intervention for Health Research Group (EXINH-RG), Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Miriam Garrigós-Pedrón
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Rubén López-Bueno
- Exercise Intervention for Health Research Group (EXINH-RG), Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Department of Physical Medicine and Nursing, University of Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Joaquín Calatayud
- Exercise Intervention for Health Research Group (EXINH-RG), Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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20
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Hosseindoost S, Inanloo SH, Pestehei SK, Rahimi M, Yekta RA, Khajehnasiri A, Rad MA, Majedi H, Dehpour AR. Cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the analgesic effects of botulinum neurotoxin: A literature review. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22177. [PMID: 38528637 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22177] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), derived from Clostridium botulinum, have been employed to treat a range of central and peripheral neurological disease. Some studies indicate that BoNT may be beneficial for pain conditions as well. It has been hypothesized that BoNTs may exert their analgesic effects by preventing the release of pain-related neurotransmitters and neuroinflammatory agents from sensory nerve endings, suppressing glial activation, and inhibiting the transmission of pain-related receptors to the neuronal cell membrane. In addition, there is evidence to suggest that the central analgesic effects of BoNTs are mediated through their retrograde axonal transport. The purpose of this review is to summarize the experimental evidence of the analgesic functions of BoNTs and discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which they can act on pain conditions. Most of the studies reviewed in this article were conducted using BoNT/A. The PubMed database was searched from 1995 to December 2022 to identify relevant literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saereh Hosseindoost
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Pain Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Hassan Inanloo
- Department of Urology, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Khalil Pestehei
- Pain Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Management Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojgan Rahimi
- Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Management Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Atef Yekta
- Pain Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain, Dr. Ali Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Khajehnasiri
- Pain Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain, Dr. Ali Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hossein Majedi
- Pain Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Management Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Dehpour
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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21
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Chidambaran V, Duan Q, Pilipenko V, Glynn SM, Sproles A, Martin LJ, Lacagnina MJ, King CD, Ding L. The Role of Cytokines in Acute and Chronic Postsurgical Pain in Pediatric Patients after Major Musculoskeletal Surgeries. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.03.27.24304974. [PMID: 38585987 PMCID: PMC10996732 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.27.24304974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Study Objective To determine if baseline cytokines and their changes over postoperative days 0-2 (POD0-2) predict acute and chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) after major surgery. Design Prospective, observational, longitudinal nested study. Setting University-affiliated quaternary children's hospital. Patients Subjects (≥8 years old) with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing spine fusion or pectus excavatum undergoing Nuss procedure. Measurements Demographics, surgical, psychosocial measures, pain scores, and opioid use over POD0-2 were collected. Cytokine concentrations were analyzed in serial blood samples collected before and after (up to two weeks) surgery, using Luminex bead arrays. After data preparation, relationships between pre- and post-surgical cytokine concentrations with acute (% time in moderate-severe pain over POD0-2) and chronic (pain score>3/10 beyond 3 months post-surgery) pain were analyzed. After adjusting for covariates, univariate/multivariate regression analyses were conducted to associate baseline cytokine concentrations with postoperative pain, and mixed effects models were used to associate longitudinal cytokine concentrations with pain outcomes. Main Results Analyses included 3,164 measures of 16 cytokines from 112 subjects (median age 15.3, IQR 13.5-17.0, 54.5% female, 59.8% pectus). Acute postsurgical pain was associated with higher baseline concentrations of GM-CSF (β=0.95, SE 0.31; p=.003), IL-1β (β=0.84, SE 0.36; p=.02), IL-2 (β=0.78, SE 0.34; p=.03), and IL-12 p70 (β=0.88, SE 0.40; p=.03) and longitudinal postoperative elevations in GM-CSF (β=1.38, SE 0.57; p=.03), IFNγ (β=1.36, SE 0.6; p=.03), IL-1β (β=1.25, SE 0.59; p=.03), IL-7 (β=1.65, SE 0.7, p=.02), and IL-12 p70 (β=1.17, SE 0.58; p=.04). In contrast, CPSP was associated with lower baseline concentration of IL-8 (β= -0.39, SE 0.17; p=.02), and the risk of developing CPSP was elevated in patients with lower longitudinal postoperative concentrations of IL-6 (β= -0.57, SE 0.26; p=.03), IL-8 (β= -0.68, SE 0.24; p=.006), and IL-13 (β= -0.48, SE 0.22; p=.03). Furthermore, higher odds for CPSP were found for females (vs. males) for IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNFα, and for pectus (vs. spine) surgery for IL-8 and IL-10. Conclusion We identified pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with increased acute postoperative pain and anti-inflammatory cytokines associated with lower CPSP risk, with potential to serve as predictive and prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidya Chidambaran
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Qing Duan
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Valentina Pilipenko
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Susan M. Glynn
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Alyssa Sproles
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Lisa J. Martin
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Michael J. Lacagnina
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Christopher D. King
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Lili Ding
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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22
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Marcus NJ, Robbins L, Araki A, Gracely EJ, Theoharides TC. Effective Doses of Low-Dose Naltrexone for Chronic Pain - An Observational Study. J Pain Res 2024; 17:1273-1284. [PMID: 38532991 PMCID: PMC10964028 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s451183] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Despite the availability of a wide variety of analgesics, many patients with chronic pain often experience suboptimal pain relief in part related to the absence of any medication to address the nociplastic component of common pain syndromes. Low-dose naltrexone has been used for the treatment of chronic pain, typically at 4.5 mg per day, even though it is also noted that effective doses of naltrexone for chronic pain presentations range from 0.1 to 4.5 mg per day. We performed an observational analysis to determine the range of effective naltrexone daily dosing in 41 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Methods Charts of 385 patients, 115 males, 270 females, ages 18-92, were reviewed. Two hundred and sixty patients with chronic diffuse, symmetrical pain were prescribed a titrating dose of naltrexone to determine a maximally effective dose established by self-report of 1) reduction of diffuse/generalized and/or severity level of pain and/or 2) positive effects on mood, energy, and mental clarity. Brief Pain Inventory and PROMIS scales were given pre- and post-determining a maximally effective naltrexone dose. Results Forty-one patients met all criteria for inclusion, successfully attained a maximally effective dose, and completed a pre- and post-outcome questionnaire. Hormesis was demonstrated during the determination of the maximally effective dosing, which varied over a wide range, with statistically significant improvement in BPI. Conclusion The maximally effective dose of low-dose naltrexone for the treatment of chronic pain is idiosyncratic, suggesting the need for 1) dosage titration to establish a maximally effective dose and 2) the possibility of re-introduction of low-dose naltrexone to patients who had failed initial trials on a fixed dose of naltrexone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman J Marcus
- Norman Marcus Pain Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Aya Araki
- Norman Marcus Pain Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Edward J Gracely
- Family, Community & Preventative Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- School of Public Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Theoharis C Theoharides
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova, Southeaster University, Clearwater, FL, USA
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23
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Mazzitelli M, Ponomareva O, Presto P, John J, Neugebauer V. Impaired amygdala astrocytic signaling worsens neuropathic pain-associated neuronal functions and behaviors. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1368634. [PMID: 38576475 PMCID: PMC10991799 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1368634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Pain is a clinically relevant health care issue with limited therapeutic options, creating the need for new and improved analgesic strategies. The amygdala is a limbic brain region critically involved in the regulation of emotional-affective components of pain and in pain modulation. The central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) serves major output functions and receives nociceptive information via the external lateral parabrachial nucleus (PB). While amygdala neuroplasticity has been linked causally to pain behaviors, non-neuronal pain mechanisms in this region remain to be explored. As an essential part of the neuroimmune system, astrocytes that represent about 40-50% of glia cells within the central nervous system, are required for physiological neuronal functions, but their role in the amygdala remains to be determined for pain conditions. In this study, we measured time-specific astrocyte activation in the CeA in a neuropathic pain model (spinal nerve ligation, SNL) and assessed the effects of astrocyte inhibition on amygdala neuroplasticity and pain-like behaviors in the pain condition. Methods and Results: Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, astrocytic marker) immunoreactivity and mRNA expression were increased at the chronic (4 weeks post-SNL), but not acute (1 week post-SNL), stage of neuropathic pain. In order to determine the contribution of astrocytes to amygdala pain-mechanisms, we used fluorocitric acid (FCA), a selective inhibitor of astrocyte metabolism. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were performed from neurons in the laterocapsular division of the CeA (CeLC) obtained from chronic neuropathic rats. Pre-incubation of brain slices with FCA (100 µM, 1 h), increased excitability through altered hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih) functions, without significantly affecting synaptic responses at the PB-CeLC synapse. Intra-CeA injection of FCA (100 µM) had facilitatory effects on mechanical withdrawal thresholds (von Frey and paw pressure tests) and emotional-affective behaviors (evoked vocalizations), but not on facial grimace score and anxiety-like behaviors (open field test), in chronic neuropathic rats. Selective inhibition of astrocytes by FCA was confirmed with immunohistochemical analyses showing decreased astrocytic GFAP, but not NeuN, signal in the CeA. Discussion: Overall, these results suggest a complex modulation of amygdala pain functions by astrocytes and provide evidence for beneficial functions of astrocytes in CeA in chronic neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariacristina Mazzitelli
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Olga Ponomareva
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Peyton Presto
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Julia John
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Volker Neugebauer
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Garrison Institute on Aging, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
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24
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Wolf-Johnston A, Ikeda Y, Zabbarova I, Kanai AJ, Bastacky S, Moldwin R, Stern JN, Jackson EK, Birder LA. Purine nucleoside phosphorylase inhibition is an effective approach for the treatment of chemical hemorrhagic cystitis. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e176103. [PMID: 38271096 PMCID: PMC10972598 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.176103] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Hemorrhagic cystitis may be induced by infection, radiation therapy, or medications or may be idiopathic. Along with hemorrhagic features, symptoms include urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria (painful urination), and visceral pain. Cystitis-induced visceral pain is one of the most challenging types of pain to treat, and an effective treatment would address a major unmet medical need. We assessed the efficacy of a purine nucleoside phosphorylase inhibitor, 8-aminoguanine (8-AG), for the treatment of hemorrhagic/ulcerative cystitis. Lower urinary tract (LUT) function and structure were assessed in adult Sprague-Dawley rats, treated chronically with cyclophosphamide (CYP; sacrificed day 8) and randomized to daily oral treatment with 8-AG (begun 14 days prior to CYP induction) or its vehicle. CYP-treated rats exhibited multiple abnormalities, including increased urinary frequency and neural mechanosensitivity, reduced bladder levels of inosine, urothelial inflammation/damage, and activation of spinal cord microglia, which is associated with pain hypersensitivity. 8-AG treatment of CYP-treated rats normalized all observed histological, structural, biochemical, and physiological abnormalities. In cystitis 8-AG improved function and reduced both pain and inflammation likely by increasing inosine, a tissue-protective purine metabolite. These findings demonstrate that 8-AG has translational potential for reducing pain and preventing bladder damage in cystitis-associated LUT dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Youko Ikeda
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine
| | | | - Anthony J Kanai
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology; and
| | - Sheldon Bastacky
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert Moldwin
- Arthur Smith Institute for Urology, Northwell Health, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Lake Success, New York, USA
| | - Joel Nh Stern
- Arthur Smith Institute for Urology, Northwell Health, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Lake Success, New York, USA
| | | | - Lori A Birder
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology; and
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25
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Chen BR, Wu T, Chen TH, Wang Y. Neuroimmune interactions and their roles in neurodegenerative diseases. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 4:251-261. [PMID: 38933502 PMCID: PMC11197660 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2023.04.002] [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: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The nervous system possesses bidirectional, sophisticated and delicate communications with the immune system. These neuroimmune interactions play a vitally important role in the initiation and development of many disorders, especially neurodegenerative diseases. Although scientific advancements have made tremendous progress in this field during the last few years, neuroimmune communications are still far from being elucidated. By organizing recent research, in this review, we discuss the local and intersystem neuroimmune interactions and their roles in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Unveiling these will help us gain a better understanding of the process of interplay inside the body and how the organism maintains homeostasis. It will also facilitate a view of the diseases from a holistic, pluralistic and interconnected perspective, thus providing a basis of developing novel and effective methods to diagnose, intervene and treat diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai-Rong Chen
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ting Wu
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ting-Hui Chen
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing 100083, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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26
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Zhu X, Huang JY, Dong WY, Tang HD, Xu S, Wu Q, Zhang H, Cheng PK, Jin Y, Zhu MY, Zhao W, Mao Y, Wang H, Zhang Y, Wang H, Tao W, Tian Y, Bai L, Zhang Z. Somatosensory cortex and central amygdala regulate neuropathic pain-mediated peripheral immune response via vagal projections to the spleen. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:471-483. [PMID: 38291284 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01561-8] [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: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Pain involves neuroimmune crosstalk, but the mechanisms of this remain unclear. Here we showed that the splenic T helper 2 (TH2) immune cell response is differentially regulated in male mice with acute versus chronic neuropathic pain and that acetylcholinergic neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (AChDMV) directly innervate the spleen. Combined in vivo recording and immune cell profiling revealed the following two distinct circuits involved in pain-mediated peripheral TH2 immune response: glutamatergic neurons in the primary somatosensory cortex (GluS1HL)→AChDMV→spleen circuit and GABAergic neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala (GABACeA)→AChDMV→spleen circuit. The acute pain condition elicits increased excitation from GluS1HL neurons to spleen-projecting AChDMV neurons and increased the proportion of splenic TH2 immune cells. The chronic pain condition increased inhibition from GABACeA neurons to spleen-projecting AChDMV neurons and decreased splenic TH2 immune cells. Our study thus demonstrates how the brain encodes pain-state-specific immune responses in the spleen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Ji-Ye Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Wan-Ying Dong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Hao-Di Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Si Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Qielan Wu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Ping-Kai Cheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Yuxin Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Meng-Yu Zhu
- College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei, P. R. China
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Wan Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technique of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Yu Mao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Haitao Wang
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Hao Wang
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Wenjuan Tao
- College & Hospital of Stomatology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei, P. R. China.
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P. R. China.
| | - Yanghua Tian
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, P. R. China.
| | - Li Bai
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China.
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China.
- Department of Biophysics and Neurobiology, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China.
- The Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine, Institute of Health and Medicine, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, P. R. China.
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Mancuso S, Mattana M, Giammancheri F, Russello F, Carlisi M, Santoro M, Siragusa S. Bone damage and health-related quality of life in Hodgkin lymphoma survivors: closing the gaps. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1201595. [PMID: 38406804 PMCID: PMC10884223 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1201595] [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: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
In the recent decades, remarkable successes have been recorded in the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma to the point that today it represents one of the neoplasms with the highest rates of cure and with the highest life expectancy. Nonetheless, this raises the concern for the health of long- term survivors. Late side effects of treatments in synergy with other risk factors expose survivors to increased morbidity and impaired quality of life. In the complexity of the topics concerning these last aspects, an area of growing interest is that of bone damage that follows Hodgkin Lymphoma and its treatments. In this narrative review, we conducted our work through assessment of available evidence focusing on several aspects linking bone damage and quality of life with Hodgkin lymphoma and its treatments. At present, the problem of osteopenia and osteoporosis in Hodgkin lymphoma survivors is a theme for which awareness and knowledge need to be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatrice Mancuso
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Division of Hematology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Zare N, Sharafeddin F, Montazerolghaem A, Moradiannezhad N, Araghizadeh M. NLRs and inflammasome signaling in opioid-induced hyperalgesia and tolerance. Inflammopharmacology 2024; 32:127-148. [PMID: 38153538 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01402-x] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the role that innate immunological signaling pathways, principally nod-like receptors (NLRs) and inflammasomes, in the manifestation of the contradictory outcomes associated with opioids, namely hyperalgesia, and tolerance. The utilization of opioids for pain management is prevalent; nonetheless, it frequently leads to an increased sensitivity to pain (hyperalgesia) and reduced efficacy of the medication (tolerance) over an extended period. This, therefore, represents a major challenge in the area of chronic pain treatment. Recent studies indicate that the aforementioned negative consequences are partially influenced by the stimulation of NLRs, specifically the NLRP3 inflammasome, and the subsequent assembly of the inflammasome. This process ultimately results in the generation of inflammatory cytokines and the occurrence of neuroinflammation and the pathogenesis of hyperalgesia. We also explored the putative downstream signaling cascades activated by NOD-like receptors (NLRs) and inflammasomes in response to opioid stimuli. Furthermore, we probed potential therapeutic targets for modifying opioid-induced hyperalgesia, with explicit emphasis on the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Ultimately, our findings underscore the significance of conducting additional research in this area that includes an examination of the involvement of various NLRs, immune cells, and genetic variables in the development of opioid-induced hyperalgesia and tolerance. The present review provides substantial insight into the possible pathways contributing to the occurrence of hyperalgesia and tolerance in individuals taking opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Zare
- Clinical Research Development Center, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran.
- School of Medicine, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran.
| | - Fateme Sharafeddin
- Clinical Research Development Center, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
- School of Medicine, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
| | - AmirMahdi Montazerolghaem
- Clinical Research Development Center, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
- School of Medicine, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
| | - Nastaran Moradiannezhad
- Clinical Research Development Center, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
- School of Medicine, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
| | - Mohammaderfan Araghizadeh
- Clinical Research Development Center, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
- School of Medicine, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
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Wang Z, Yang L, Xu L, Liao J, Lu P, Jiang J. Central and peripheral mechanism of MOTS-c attenuates pain hypersensitivity in a mice model of inflammatory pain. Neurol Res 2024; 46:165-177. [PMID: 37899006 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2023.2258584] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory pain is caused by damaged tissue or noxious stimuli, accompanied by the release of inflammatory mediators that often leads to severe hyperalgesia and allodynia with limited therapy options. Recently, a novel mitochondrial-derived peptide (named MOTS-c) was reported to regulate obesity, metabolic homeostasis and inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of MOTS-c and its related regulatory mechanisms involved in inflammatory pain. METHODS Male Kunming mice (8-10 weeks-old) were intraplantar injected with formalin, capsaicin, λ-Carrageenan and complete Freund adjuvant (CFA) to establish acute and chronic inflammatory pain. The effects of MOTS-c on the above inflammatory pain mice and its underlying mechanisms were examined by behavioral tests, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blotting, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF). RESULTS Behavioral experiments investigated the potential beneficial effects of MOTS-c on multiple acute and chronic inflammatory pain in mice. The results showed that MOTS-c treatment produced potent anti-allodynic effects in formalin-induced acute inflammatory pain, capsaicin-induced nocifensive behaviors and λ-Carrageenan/CFA-induced chronic inflammatory pain model. Further mechanistic studies revealed that central MOTS-c treatment significantly ameliorated CFA-evoked the release of inflammatory factors and activation of glial cells and neurons in the spinal dorsal horn. Moreover, peripheral MOTS-c treatment reduced CFA-evoked inflammatory responses in the surface structure of hindpaw skin, accompanied by inhibiting excitation of peripheral calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and P2X3 nociceptive neurons. CONCLUSIONS The present study indicates that MOTS-c may serve as a promising therapeutic target for inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Xuzhou University of Technology, Xuzhou, China
| | - Long Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingfei Xu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinglei Liao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Lu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinhong Jiang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Farrell SF, Armfield NR, Cabot PJ, Elphinston RA, Gray P, Minhas G, Collyer MR, Sterling M. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is Associated With Chronic Pain Independently of Biopsychosocial Factors. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:476-496. [PMID: 37741522 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.09.008] [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: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is linked with chronic pain but the extent to which this relationship is associated with biopsychosocial factors is not known. We investigated relationships between blood C-reactive protein (CRP) and regional chronic pain conditions adjusting for a large range and number of potential confounders. We performed cross-sectional analyses using the UK Biobank (N = 415,567) comparing CRP in people reporting any of 9 types of regional chronic pain with pain-free controls. Using logistic regression modelling, we explored relationships between CRP and the presence of chronic pain, with demographic, socioeconomic, psychological/lifestyle factors, and medical comorbidities as covariates. CRP was higher in chronic pain at any site compared with controls (Females: median [interquartile range] 1.60 mg/L [2.74] vs 1.17 mg/L [1.87], P < .001; Males: 1.44 mg/L [2.12] vs 1.15 mg/L [1.65], P < .001). In males, associations between CRP and all types of chronic pain were attenuated but remained significant after adjustment for biopsychosocial covariates (OR range 1.08-1.49, P ≤ .001). For females, adjusted associations between CRP and pain remained significant for most chronic pain types (OR range 1.07-1.34, P < .001) except for facial pain (OR 1.04, P = .17) and headache (OR 1.02, P = .07)-although these non-significant findings may reflect reduced sample size. The significant association between CRP and chronic pain after adjustment for key biopsychosocial confounders implicates an independent underlying biological mechanism of inflammation in chronic pain. The presence of yet unknown or unmeasured confounding factors cannot be ruled out. Our findings may inform better-targeted treatments for chronic pain. PERSPECTIVE: Using a large-scale dataset, this article investigates associations between chronic pain conditions and blood C-reactive protein (CRP), to evaluate the confounding effects of a range of biopsychosocial factors. CRP levels were higher in those with chronic pain versus controls after adjusting for confounders-suggesting a possible independent biological mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott F Farrell
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence: Better Health Outcomes for Compensable Injury, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia; STARS Education and Research Alliance, Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), The University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Herston, QLD, Australia; Tess Cramond Pain & Research Centre, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Nigel R Armfield
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence: Better Health Outcomes for Compensable Injury, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia; STARS Education and Research Alliance, Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), The University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Herston, QLD, Australia; Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter J Cabot
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Rachel A Elphinston
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence: Better Health Outcomes for Compensable Injury, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia; STARS Education and Research Alliance, Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), The University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Paul Gray
- Tess Cramond Pain & Research Centre, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia; Royal Brisbane Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Gunjeet Minhas
- Tess Cramond Pain & Research Centre, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Martin R Collyer
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Michele Sterling
- RECOVER Injury Research Centre, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence: Better Health Outcomes for Compensable Injury, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia; STARS Education and Research Alliance, Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), The University of Queensland and Metro North Health, Herston, QLD, Australia
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Aldrich JC, Scheinfeld AR, Lee SE, Dusenbery KJ, Mahach KM, Van de Veire BC, Fonken LK, Gaudet AD. Effects of dim light at night in C57BL/6J mice on recovery after spinal cord injury. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.15.557980. [PMID: 37745393 PMCID: PMC10516041 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.15.557980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause long-lasting locomotor deficits, pain, and mood disorders. Anatomical and functional outcomes are exacerbated by inflammation after SCI, which causes secondary damage. One promising target after SCI is manipulating the circadian system, which optimizes biology and behavior for time of day - including neuroimmune responses and mood-related behaviors. Circadian disruption after SCI is likely worsened by a disruptive hospital environment, which typically includes dim light-at-night (dLAN). Here, we hypothesized that mice subjected to SCI, then placed in dLAN, would exhibit worsened locomotor deficits, pain-like behavior, and anxiety-depressive-like symptoms compared to mice maintained in light days with dark nights (LD). C57BL/6J mice received sham surgery or moderate T9 contusion SCI, then were placed permanently in LD or dLAN. dLAN after SCI did not worsen locomotor deficits; rather, SCI-dLAN mice showed slight improvement in open-field locomotion at the final timepoint. Although dLAN did not alter SCI-induced heat hyperalgesia, SCI-dLAN mice exhibited an increase in mechanical allodynia at 13 days post-SCI compared to SCI-LD mice. SCI-LD and SCI-dLAN mice had similar outcomes using sucrose preference (depressive-like) and open-field (anxiety-like) tests. At 21 dpo, SCI-dLAN mice had reduced preference for a novel juvenile compared to SCI-LD, implying that dLAN combined with SCI may worsen this mood-related behavior. Finally, lesion size was similar between SCI-LD and SCI-dLAN mice. Therefore, newly placing C57BL/6J mice in dLAN after SCI had modest effects on locomotor, pain-like, and mood-related behaviors. Future studies should consider whether clinically-relevant circadian disruptors, alone or in combination, could be ameliorated to enhance outcomes after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Aldrich
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, The University of Texas at Austin
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Ashley R Scheinfeld
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, The University of Texas at Austin
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Sydney E Lee
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, The University of Texas at Austin
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Kalina J Dusenbery
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, The University of Texas at Austin
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Kathryn M Mahach
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, The University of Texas at Austin
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Brigid C Van de Veire
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, The University of Texas at Austin
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Laura K Fonken
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Andrew D Gaudet
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, The University of Texas at Austin
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
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Lisboa MRP, Pereira AF, Alves BWDF, Dias DBS, Alves LCV, da Silva CMP, Lima-Júnior RCP, Gondim DV, Vale ML. Blockage of the fractalkine pathway reduces hyperalgesia and prevents morphological glial alterations-Comparison between inflammatory and neuropathic orofacial pain in male rats. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25269. [PMID: 38284851 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25269] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of inhibitors of the fractalkine pathway in hyperalgesia in inflammatory and neuropathic orofacial pain in male rats and the morphological changes in microglia and satellite glial cells (SGCs). Rats were submitted to zymosan-induced arthritis of the temporomandibular joint or infraorbital nerve constriction, and treated intrathecally with a P2 X7 antagonist, a cathepsin S inhibitor or a p-38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor. Mechanical hyperalgesia was evaluated 4 and 6 h following arthritis induction or 7 and 14 days following nerve ligation. The expression of the receptor CX3 CR1 , phospho-p-38 MAPK, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1), and glutamine synthetase and the morphological changes in microglia and SGCs were evaluated by confocal microscopy. In both inflammatory and neuropathic models, untreated animals presented a higher expression of CX3 CR1 and developed hyperalgesia and up-regulation of phospho-p-38 MAPK, which was prevented by all drugs (p < .05). The number of microglial processes endpoints and the total branch length were lower in the untreated animals, but the overall immunolabeling of Iba-1 was altered only in neuropathic rats (p < .05). The mean area of SGCs per neuron was significantly altered only in the inflammatory model (p < .05). All morphological alterations were reverted by modulating the fractalkine pathway (p < .05). In conclusion, the blockage of the fractalkine pathway seemed to be a possible therapeutic strategy for inflammatory and neuropathic orofacial pain, reducing mechanical hyperalgesia by impairing the phosphorylation of p-38 MAPK and reverting morphological alterations in microglia and SGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Roberto Pontes Lisboa
- Department of Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
- Graduation in Dentistry, Christus University Center, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Anamaria Falcão Pereira
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | - Diego Bernarde Souza Dias
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | | | - Roberto César Pereira Lima-Júnior
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
- Drug Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Delane Viana Gondim
- Department of Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
- Drug Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Mariana Lima Vale
- Department of Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
- Drug Research and Development Center, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
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Murray GM, Sessle BJ. Pain-sensorimotor interactions: New perspectives and a new model. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2024; 15:100150. [PMID: 38327725 PMCID: PMC10847382 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2024.100150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
How pain and sensorimotor behavior interact has been the subject of research and debate for many decades. This article reviews theories bearing on pain-sensorimotor interactions and considers their strengths and limitations in the light of findings from experimental and clinical studies of pain-sensorimotor interactions in the spinal and craniofacial sensorimotor systems. A strength of recent theories is that they have incorporated concepts and features missing from earlier theories to account for the role of the sensory-discriminative, motivational-affective, and cognitive-evaluative dimensions of pain in pain-sensorimotor interactions. Findings acquired since the formulation of these recent theories indicate that additional features need to be considered to provide a more comprehensive conceptualization of pain-sensorimotor interactions. These features include biopsychosocial influences that range from biological factors such as genetics and epigenetics to psychological factors and social factors encompassing environmental and cultural influences. Also needing consideration is a mechanistic framework that includes other biological factors reflecting nociceptive processes and glioplastic and neuroplastic changes in sensorimotor and related brain and spinal cord circuits in acute or chronic pain conditions. The literature reviewed and the limitations of previous theories bearing on pain-sensorimotor interactions have led us to provide new perspectives on these interactions, and this has prompted our development of a new concept, the Theory of Pain-Sensorimotor Interactions (TOPSMI) that we suggest gives a more comprehensive framework to consider the interactions and their complexity. This theory states that pain is associated with plastic changes in the central nervous system (CNS) that lead to an activation pattern of motor units that contributes to the individual's adaptive sensorimotor behavior. This activation pattern takes account of the biological, psychological, and social influences on the musculoskeletal tissues involved in sensorimotor behavior and on the plastic changes and the experience of pain in that individual. The pattern is normally optimized in terms of biomechanical advantage and metabolic cost related to the features of the individual's musculoskeletal tissues and aims to minimize pain and any associated sensorimotor changes, and thereby maintain homeostasis. However, adverse biopsychosocial factors and their interactions may result in plastic CNS changes leading to less optimal, even maladaptive, sensorimotor changes producing motor unit activation patterns associated with the development of further pain. This more comprehensive theory points towards customized treatment strategies, in line with the management approaches to pain proposed in the biopsychosocial model of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg M. Murray
- Discipline of Restorative and Reconstructive Dentistry, Sydney School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Darcy Road, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Barry J. Sessle
- Faculty of Dentistry and Temerty Faculty of Medicine Department of Physiology, and Centre for the Study of Pain, University of Toronto, 124 Edward St, Toronto, ON M5G 1G6, Canada
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Smith PA. The Known Biology of Neuropathic Pain and Its Relevance to Pain Management. Can J Neurol Sci 2024; 51:32-39. [PMID: 36799022 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2023.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Patients with neuropathic pain are heterogeneous in pathophysiology, etiology, and clinical presentation. Signs and symptoms are determined by the nature of the injury and factors such as genetics, sex, prior injury, age, culture, and environment. Basic science has provided general information about pain etiology by studying the consequences of peripheral injury in rodent models. This is associated with the release of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors that sensitize sensory nerve endings, alter gene expression, promote post-translational modification of proteins, and alter ion channel function. This leads to spontaneous activity in primary afferent neurons that is crucial for the onset and persistence of pain and the release of secondary mediators such as colony-stimulating factor 1 from primary afferent terminals. These promote the release of tertiary mediators such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor and interleukin-1β from microglia and astrocytes. Tertiary mediators facilitate the transmission of nociceptive information at the spinal, thalamic, and cortical levels. For the most part, these findings have failed to identify new therapeutic approaches. More recent basic science has better mirrored the clinical situation by addressing the pathophysiology associated with specific types of injury, refinement of methodology, and attention to various contributory factors such as sex. Improved quantification of sensory profiles in each patient and their distribution into defined clusters may improve translation between basic science and clinical practice. If such quantification can be traced back to cellular and molecular aspects of pathophysiology, this may lead to personalized medicine approaches that dictate a rational therapeutic approach for each individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Smith
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute and Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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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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Curatolo M. Central Sensitization and Pain: Pathophysiologic and Clinical Insights. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:15-22. [PMID: 36237158 PMCID: PMC10716881 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666221012112725] [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: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Central sensitization is an increased responsiveness of nociceptive neurons in the central nervous system to their normal or subthreshold afferent input. AIM To explain how the notion of central sensitization has changed our understanding of pain conditions, discuss how this knowledge can be used to improve the management of pain, and highlight knowledge gaps that future research needs to address. METHODS Overview of definitions, assessment methods, and clinical implications. RESULTS Human pain models, and functional and molecular imaging have provided converging evidence that central sensitization occurs and is clinically relevant. Measures to assess central sensitization in patients are available; however, their ability to discriminate sensitization of central from peripheral neurons is unclear. Treatments that attenuate central sensitization are available, but the limited understanding of molecular and functional mechanisms hampers the development of target-specific treatments. The origin of central sensitization in human pain conditions that are not associated with tissue damage remains unclear. CONCLUSION The knowledge of central sensitization has revolutionized our neurobiological understanding of pain. Despite the limitations of clinical assessment in identifying central sensitization, it is appropriate to use the available tools to guide clinical decisions towards treatments that attenuate central sensitization. Future research that elucidates the causes, molecular and functional mechanisms of central sensitization would provide crucial progress towards the development of treatments that target specific mechanisms of central sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Curatolo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- The University of Washington Clinical Learning, Evidence and Research (CLEAR), University of Washington, WAI, USA
- Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction, University of Aalborg, Aalborg, Denmark
- Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders, Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Hazrati E, Eftekhar SP, Mosaed R, Shiralizadeh Dini S, Namazi M. Understanding the kynurenine pathway: A narrative review on its impact across chronic pain conditions. Mol Pain 2024; 20:17448069241275097. [PMID: 39093627 DOI: 10.1177/17448069241275097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a debilitating symptom with a significant negative impact on the quality of life and socioeconomic status, particularly among adults and the elderly. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) stands out as one of the most important comorbid disorders accompanying chronic pain. The kynurenine pathway serves as the primary route for tryptophan degradation and holds critical significance in various biological processes, including the regulation of neurotransmitters, immune responses, cancer development, metabolism, and inflammation. This review encompasses key research studies related to the kynurenine pathway in the context of headache, neuropathic pain, gastrointestinal disorders, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and MDD. Various metabolites produced in the kynurenine pathway, such as kynurenic acid and quinolinic acid, exhibit neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects, respectively. Recent studies have highlighted the significant involvement of kynurenine and its metabolites in the pathophysiology of pain. Moreover, pharmacological interventions targeting the regulation of the kynurenine pathway have shown therapeutic promise in pain management. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of this pathway presents an opportunity for developing personalized, innovative, and non-opioid approaches to pain treatment. Therefore, this narrative review explores the role of the kynurenine pathway in various chronic pain disorders and its association with depression and chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebrahim Hazrati
- Trauma and Surgery Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Parsa Eftekhar
- Trauma and Surgery Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Mosaed
- Trauma and Surgery Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mehrshad Namazi
- Trauma and Surgery Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Clinical Biomechanics and Ergonomics Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Kerr PL, Gregg JM. The Roles of Endogenous Opioids in Placebo and Nocebo Effects: From Pain to Performance to Prozac. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 35:183-220. [PMID: 38874724 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-45493-6_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Placebo and nocebo effects have been well documented for nearly two centuries. However, research has only relatively recently begun to explicate the neurobiological underpinnings of these phenomena. Similarly, research on the broader social implications of placebo/nocebo effects, especially within healthcare delivery settings, is in a nascent stage. Biological and psychosocial outcomes of placebo/nocebo effects are of equal relevance. A common pathway for such outcomes is the endogenous opioid system. This chapter describes the history of placebo/nocebo in medicine; delineates the current state of the literature related to placebo/nocebo in relation to pain modulation; summarizes research findings related to human performance in sports and exercise; discusses the implications of placebo/nocebo effects among diverse patient populations; and describes placebo/nocebo influences in research related to psychopharmacology, including the relevance of endogenous opioids to new lines of research on antidepressant pharmacotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick L Kerr
- West Virginia University School of Medicine-Charleston, Charleston, WV, USA.
| | - John M Gregg
- Department of Surgery, VTCSOM, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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Echeverria-Villalobos M, Tortorici V, Brito BE, Ryskamp D, Uribe A, Weaver T. The role of neuroinflammation in the transition of acute to chronic pain and the opioid-induced hyperalgesia and tolerance. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1297931. [PMID: 38161698 PMCID: PMC10755684 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1297931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Current evidence suggests that activation of glial and immune cells leads to increased production of proinflammatory mediators, creating a neuroinflammatory state. Neuroinflammation has been proven to be a fundamental mechanism in the genesis of acute pain and its transition to neuropathic and chronic pain. A noxious event that stimulates peripheral afferent nerve fibers may also activate pronociceptive receptors situated at the dorsal root ganglion and dorsal horn of the spinal cord, as well as peripheral glial cells, setting off the so-called peripheral sensitization and spreading neuroinflammation to the brain. Once activated, microglia produce cytokines, chemokines, and neuropeptides that can increase the sensitivity and firing properties of second-order neurons, upregulating the signaling of nociceptive information to the cerebral cortex. This process, known as central sensitization, is crucial for chronification of acute pain. Immune-neuronal interactions are also implicated in the lesser-known complex regulatory relationship between pain and opioids. Current evidence suggests that activated immune and glial cells can alter neuronal function, induce, and maintain pathological pain, and disrupt the analgesic effects of opioid drugs by contributing to the development of tolerance and dependence, even causing paradoxical hyperalgesia. Such alterations may occur when the neuronal environment is impacted by trauma, inflammation, and immune-derived molecules, or when opioids induce proinflammatory glial activation. Hence, understanding these intricate interactions may help in managing pain signaling and opioid efficacy beyond the classical pharmacological approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Victor Tortorici
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Department of Behavioral Sciences, Universidad Metropolitana, Caracas, Venezuela
- Neurophysiology Laboratory, Center of Biophysics and Biochemistry, Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Beatriz E. Brito
- Immunopathology Laboratory, Center of Experimental Medicine, Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research (IVIC), Caracas, Venezuela
| | - David Ryskamp
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Alberto Uribe
- Anesthesiology Department, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Tristan Weaver
- Anesthesiology Department, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
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Starinets A, Ponomarenko A, Tyrtyshnaia A, Manzhulo I. Synaptamide modulates glial and neurotransmitter activity in the spinal cord during neuropathic pain. J Chem Neuroanat 2023; 134:102361. [PMID: 37935251 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2023.102361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
N-docosahexaenoylethanolamine, or synaptamide, is an endogenous metabolite of docosahexaenoic acid that is known for synaptogenic and neurogenic effects. In our previous studies we have shown that synaptamide attenuates neuropathic pain, facilitates remyelination, and reduces neuroinflammation after the chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in rats. In the current study, we show that daily synaptamide administration (4 mg/kg/day) within 14 days post-surgery: (1) decreases micro- and astroglia activity in the dorsal and ventral horns of the lumbar spinal cord; (2) modulates pro-inflammatory (IL1β, IL6) and anti-inflammatory (IL4, IL10) cytokine level in the serum and spinal cord; (3) leads to a rise in synaptamide and anandamide concentration in the spinal cord; (4) enhances IL10, CD206 and N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase synthesis in macrophage cell culture following LPS-induced inflammation. Thus, the ability of synaptamide to modulate glial and cytokine activity indicates its potential for implementation in the treatment peripheral nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Starinets
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok 690041, Russia
| | - Arina Ponomarenko
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok 690041, Russia
| | - Anna Tyrtyshnaia
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok 690041, Russia
| | - Igor Manzhulo
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok 690041, Russia.
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Jones C, Parkitny L, Strath L, Wagener BM, Barker A, Younger J. Altered response to Toll-like receptor 4 activation in fibromyalgia: A low-dose, human experimental endotoxemia pilot study. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 34:100707. [PMID: 38020479 PMCID: PMC10679487 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100707] [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: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In this pilot study, a human intravenous injection of low-dose endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) model was used to test if fibromyalgia is associated with altered immune responses to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation. Eight women with moderately-severe fibromyalgia and eight healthy women were administered LPS at 0.1 ng/kg in session one and 0.4 ng/kg in session two. Blood draws were collected hourly to characterize the immune response. The primary analytes of interest, leptin and fractalkine, were assayed via commercial radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits, respectively. Exploratory analyses were performed on 20 secreted cytokine assays by multiplex cytokine panels, collected hourly. Exploratory analyses were also performed on testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol levels, collected hourly. Additionally, standard clinical complete blood counts with differential (CBC-D) were collected before LPS administration and at the end of the session. The fibromyalgia group demonstrated enhanced leptin and suppressed fractalkine responses to LPS administration. In the exploratory analyses, the fibromyalgia group showed a lower release of IFN-γ, CXCL10, IL-17A, and IL-12 and higher release of IL-15, TARC, MDC, and eotaxin than the healthy group. The results of this study suggest that fibromyalgia may involve an altered immune response to TLR4 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Jones
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Luke Parkitny
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Larissa Strath
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- College of Medicine, Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Brant M. Wagener
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Andrew Barker
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jarred Younger
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1300 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
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Zeng Y, Fang Q, Chen J, Wang Y, Liu X, Zhang X, Shi Y, Zhan H, Zhong X, Yao M, Huang H, Wu W. Melatonin Improves Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Attenuates Neuropathic Pain by Regulating SIRT1 in Dorsal Root Ganglions. Neuroscience 2023; 534:29-40. [PMID: 37832908 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.10.005] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a debilitating chronic pain condition and is refractory to the currently available treatments. Emerging evidence suggests that melatonin exerts analgesic effects in rodent models of neuropathic pain. Nevertheless, the exact underlying mechanisms of the analgesic effects of melatonin on neuropathic pain are largely unknown. Here, we observed that spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in rats L5 and L6 induced an obvious decrease in the 50% paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL), indicating the induction of mechanical allodynia and the hyperalgesia, and melatonin prevented the genesis and maintenance of mechanical allodynia and the hyperalgesia. Notably, the inhibitory action of melatonin on SNL-induced mechanical allodynia and heat hypersensitivity was inhibited by a SIRT1 inhibitor (EX527). Melatonin treatment increased the expression of neuronal sirtuin1 (SIRT1) in DRGs following nerve injury. Furthermore, melatonin treatment restored the injury-dependent decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) and reduced the injury-dependent increase in hydrogen peroxide and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), which was inhibited by EX527. In addition, we found that EX527 impeded the inhibitory effects of melatonin on the SNL-induced increased expression of cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). In conclusion, the above data demonstrated that melatonin alleviated mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia induced by peripheral nerve injury via SIRT1 activation. Melatonin resolved mitochondrial dysfunction-oxidative stress-dependent and neuroinflammation mechanisms that were driven by SIRT1 after nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Zeng
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian Fang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiali Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaping Wang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinli Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuefei Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongrui Zhan
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiongxiong Zhong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mengyu Yao
- Department of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Huai Huang
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen Rehabilitation (Intensive Rehabilitation Center), Southern Theater Command General Hospital of PLA, Guangzhou 510010, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, Guangdong, China.
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Huang FF, Cui WH, Ma LY, Chen Q, Liu Y. Crosstalk of nervous and immune systems in pancreatic cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1309738. [PMID: 38099290 PMCID: PMC10720593 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1309738] [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: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant tumor known for its extremely low survival rate. The combination of genetic disorders within pancreatic cells and the tumor microenvironment contributes to the emergence and progression of this devastating disease. Extensive research has shed light on the nature of the microenvironmental cells surrounding the pancreatic cancer, including peripheral nerves and immune cells. Peripheral nerves release neuropeptides that directly target pancreatic cancer cells in a paracrine manner, while immune cells play a crucial role in eliminating cancer cells that have not evaded the immune response. Recent studies have revealed the intricate interplay between the nervous and immune systems in homeostatic condition as well as in cancer development. In this review, we aim to summarize the function of nerves in pancreatic cancer, emphasizing the significance to investigate the neural-immune crosstalk during the advancement of this malignant cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Fei Huang
- The Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education for Development and Diseases, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Hui Cui
- The Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education for Development and Diseases, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lan-Yue Ma
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- The Innovation Centre of Ministry of Education for Development and Diseases, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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Li F, Wang X, Shi J, Wu S, Xing W, He Y. Anti-inflammatory effect of dental pulp stem cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1284868. [PMID: 38077342 PMCID: PMC10701738 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1284868] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have received a lot of attention as a regenerative medicine tool with strong immunomodulatory capabilities. The excessive inflammatory response involves a variety of immune cells, cytokines, and has a considerable impact on tissue regeneration. The use of DPSCs for controlling inflammation for the purpose of treating inflammation-related diseases and autoimmune disorders such as supraspinal nerve inflammation, inflammation of the pulmonary airways, systemic lupus erythematosus, and diabetes mellitus is likely to be safer and more regenerative than traditional medicines. The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of DPSCs is relatively complex, and it may be that they themselves or some of the substances they secrete regulate a variety of immune cells through inflammatory immune-related signaling pathways. Most of the current studies are still at the laboratory cellular level and animal model level, and it is believed that through the efforts of more researchers, DPSCs/SHED are expected to be transformed into excellent drugs for the clinical treatment of related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- FenYao Li
- Institute of Regenerative and Translational Medicine, Tianyou Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - XinXin Wang
- Institute of Regenerative and Translational Medicine, Tianyou Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Shi
- Institute of Regenerative and Translational Medicine, Tianyou Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - ShuTing Wu
- Institute of Regenerative and Translational Medicine, Tianyou Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - WenBo Xing
- Institute of Regenerative and Translational Medicine, Tianyou Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan He
- Institute of Regenerative and Translational Medicine, Tianyou Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Xu R, Wu J, Zheng L, Zhao M. Undenatured type II collagen and its role in improving osteoarthritis. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 91:102080. [PMID: 37774932 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease, affecting 32.5 million US adults or 242 million people worldwide. There is no cure for OA. Many animal and clinical trials showed that oral administration of undenatured type II collagen could significantly reduce the incidence of OA or alleviate the symptoms of articular cartilage. Type II collagen is an important component of cartilage matrix. This article reviewed research progress of undenatured type II collagen including its methods of extraction and preparation, structure and characterization, solubility, thermal stability, gastrointestinal digestive stability, its role in improving OA, and the mechanism of its action in improving OA. Type II collagen has been extensively explored for its potential in improving arthritis. Methods of extraction of type II collagen are inefficient and tedious. The method of limited enzymatic hydrolysis is mainly used to prepare soluble undenatured type II collagen (SC II). The solubility, thermal and gastrointestinal digestive stability of SC II are affected by the sources of raw material, pH, salt ions, and temperature. Oral administration of undenatured type II collagen improves OA, whereas its activity is affected by the sources, degree of denaturalization, intervention methods and doses. However, the influence of the structure of undenatured type II collagen on its activity and the mechanism are unclear. The findings in this review support that undenatured type II collagen can be used in the intervention or auxiliary intervention of patients with OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Xu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China; Guangdong Food Green Processing and Nutrition Regulation Technologies Research Center, Guangzhou 510650, China
| | - Jianping Wu
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, 4-10 Ag/For Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2P5, Canada
| | - Lin Zheng
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China; Guangdong Food Green Processing and Nutrition Regulation Technologies Research Center, Guangzhou 510650, China.
| | - Mouming Zhao
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China; Guangdong Food Green Processing and Nutrition Regulation Technologies Research Center, Guangzhou 510650, China.
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Yao D, Wang Y, Chen Y, Chen G. The Analgesia Effect of Aucubin on CFA-Induced Inflammatory Pain by Inhibiting Glial Cells Activation-Mediated Inflammatory Response via Activating Mitophagy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1545. [PMID: 38004411 PMCID: PMC10674556 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory pain, characterized by sustained nociceptive hypersensitivity, represents one of the most prevalent conditions in both daily life and clinical settings. Aucubin, a natural plant iridoid glycoside, possesses potent biological effects, encompassing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. However, its impact on inflammatory pain remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanism of aucubin in addressing inflammatory pain induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). METHODS The CFA-induced inflammatory pain model was employed to assess whether aucubin exerts analgesic effects and its potential mechanisms. Behavioral tests evaluated mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia as well as anxiety-like behaviors in mice. The activation of spinal glial cells and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines were examined to evaluate neuroinflammation. Additionally, RNA sequencing was utilized for the identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Molecular biology experiments were conducted to determine the levels of the PINK1 gene and autophagy-related genes, along with PINK1 distribution in neural cells. Furthermore, mitophagy induced by carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) was employed to examine the roles of PINK1 and mitophagy in pain processing. RESULTS Aucubin significantly ameliorated pain and anxiety-like behaviors induced by CFA in mice and reduced spinal inflammation. RNA sequencing indicated PINK1 as a pivotal gene, and aucubin treatment led to a significant downregulation of PINK1 expression. Further GO and KEGG analyses suggested the involvement of mitochondrial function in the therapeutic regulation of aucubin. Western blotting revealed that aucubin markedly decreased PINK1, Parkin, and p62 levels while increasing LC3B expression. Immunofluorescence showed the predominant co-localization of PINK1 with neuronal cells. Moreover, CCCP-induced mitophagy alleviated mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia caused by CFA and reversed CFA-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our data suggest that aucubin effectively alleviates CFA-induced inflammatory pain, potentially through triggering the PINK1 pathway, promoting mitophagy, and suppressing inflammation. These results provide a novel theoretical foundation for addressing the treatment of inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, China
| | - Yongjie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Yeru Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Rolls A. Immunoception: the insular cortex perspective. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:1270-1276. [PMID: 37386172 PMCID: PMC10616063 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01051-8] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
To define the systemic neuroimmune interactions in health and disease, we recently suggested immunoception as a term that refers to the existence of bidirectional functional loops between the brain and the immune system. This concept suggests that the brain constantly monitors changes in immune activity and, in turn, can regulate the immune system to generate a physiologically synchronized response. Therefore, the brain has to represent information regarding the state of the immune system, which can occure in multiple ways. One such representation is an immunengram, a trace that is partially stored by neurons and partially by the local tissue. This review will discuss our current understanding of immunoception and immunengrams, focusing on their manifestation in a specific brain region, the insular cortex (IC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Asya Rolls
- Department of Immunology, Department of Neuroscience, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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Gheorghe RO, Grosu AV, Magercu M, Ghenghea MS, Zbarcea CE, Tanase A, Negres S, Filippi A, Chiritoiu G, Gherghiceanu M, Dinescu S, Gaina G, Sapunar D, Ristoiu V. Switching Rat Resident Macrophages from M1 to M2 Phenotype by Iba1 Silencing Has Analgesic Effects in SNL-Induced Neuropathic Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15831. [PMID: 37958812 PMCID: PMC10648812 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115831] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Resident macrophages from dorsal root ganglia are important for the development of traumatic-induced neuropathic pain. In the first 5-7 days after a traumatic sciatic nerve injury (i.e., spinal nerve ligation (SNL), spared nerve injury (SNI), sciatic nerve transection or sciatic nerve ligation and transection), Ionized binding adapter protein 1 (Iba1) (+) resident macrophages cluster around dorsal root ganglia neurons, possibly contributing to nerve injury-induced hypersensitivity. Since infiltrating macrophages gradually recruited to the lesion site peak at about 7 days, the first few days post-lesion offer a window of opportunity when the contribution of Iba1 (+) resident macrophages to neuropathic pain pathogenesis could be investigated. Iba1 is an actin cross-linking cytoskeleton protein, specifically located only in macrophages and microglia. In this study, we explored the contribution of rat Iba1 (+) macrophages in SNL-induced neuropathic pain by using intra-ganglionic injections of naked Iba1-siRNA, delivered at the time the lesion occurred. The results show that 5 days after Iba1 silencing, Iba1 (+) resident macrophages are switched from an M1 (pro-inflammatory) phenotype to an M2 (anti-inflammatory) phenotype, which was confirmed by a significant decrease of M1 markers (CD32 and CD86), a significant increase of M2 markers (CD163 and Arginase-1), a reduced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β) and an increased release of pro-regenerative factors (BDNF, NGF and NT-3) which initiated the regrowth of adult DRG neurites and reduced SNL-induced neuropathic pain. Our data show for the first time, that it is possible to induce macrophages towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype by interacting with their cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana-Olimpia Gheorghe
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, District 5, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-O.G.)
| | - Andreea Violeta Grosu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, District 5, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-O.G.)
| | - Melania Magercu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, District 5, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-O.G.)
| | - Mihail-Sebastian Ghenghea
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, District 5, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-O.G.)
| | - Cristina Elena Zbarcea
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 6 Traian Vuia Street, District 2, 02095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Tanase
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 6 Traian Vuia Street, District 2, 02095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simona Negres
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 6 Traian Vuia Street, District 2, 02095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Filippi
- Department of Biophysics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 8 Eroilor Sanitari Blvd., 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gabriela Chiritoiu
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Romanian Academy, 2996 Splaiul Independentei 296, District 6, 060031 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Gherghiceanu
- Ultrastructural Pathology and Bioimaging Laboratory, Victor Babeș National Institute of Pathology Bucharest, 99-101 Splaiul Independentei, District 5, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sorina Dinescu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, District 5, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gisela Gaina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, District 5, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Damir Sapunar
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Violeta Ristoiu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, District 5, 050095 Bucharest, Romania; (R.-O.G.)
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Qiao Q, Yao D, Wang Y, Zhang S, Chen G. Transcrocetin Meglumine Salt Inhibits Spinal Glial Cell-Mediated Proinflammatory Cytokines and Attenuates Complete Freund's Adjuvant-Induced Inflammatory Pain. Neuroimmunomodulation 2023; 30:315-324. [PMID: 37899033 PMCID: PMC10659006 DOI: 10.1159/000534607] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inflammatory pain is a significant global clinical challenge that involves both unpleasant sensory and emotional experiences. The treatment of pain is imminent, and we are committed to seeking new analgesics for pain relief. Transcrocetin meglumine salt (TCMS), a saffron metabolite derived from the crocin apocarotenoids, has exhibited the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and exert neuroprotective effects. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether TCMS could ameliorate complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain in mice and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. METHODS Here, we established an inflammatory pain model in mice by injecting CFA into the left hind paw. Three days later, we administered intraperitoneal injections of TCMS (10 mg/kg) or saline to the animals. We examined mechanical allodynia, thermal hypersensitivity, and anxiety behavior. Furthermore, the activation of glial cells and proinflammatory cytokines in the spinal cord were detected. RESULTS Our results showed that TCMS significantly reversed the mechanical allodynia and thermal hypersensitivity in the CFA-injected mice. Furthermore, TCMS administration effectively inhibited the activation of microglia and astrocytes in the spinal cord induced by CFA. Additionally, TCMS suppressed the production and release of spinal proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, in CFA-injected mice. CONCLUSION Taken together, our findings demonstrate that TCMS holds promise as an innovative analgesic due to its ability to ameliorate inflammatory reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Qiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China,
| | - Yongjie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuxia Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Benson S, Karshikoff B. How Can Experimental Endotoxemia Contribute to Our Understanding of Pain? A Narrative Review. Neuroimmunomodulation 2023; 30:250-267. [PMID: 37797598 PMCID: PMC10619593 DOI: 10.1159/000534467] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system and the central nervous system exchange information continuously. This communication is a prerequisite for adaptive responses to physiological and psychological stressors. While the implicate relationship between inflammation and pain is increasingly recognized in clinical cohorts, the underlying mechanisms and the possibilities for pharmacological and psychological approaches aimed at neuro-immune communication in pain are not fully understood yet. This calls for preclinical models which build a bridge from clinical research to laboratory research. Experimental models of systemic inflammation (experimental endotoxemia) in humans have been increasingly recognized as an approach to study the direct and causal effects of inflammation on pain perception. This narrative review provides an overview of what experimental endotoxemia studies on pain have been able to clarify so far. We report that experimental endotoxemia results in a reproducible increase in pain sensitivity, particularly for pressure and visceral pain (deep pain), which is reflected in responses of brain areas involved in pain processing. Increased levels of blood inflammatory cytokines are required for this effect, but cytokine levels do not always predict pain intensity. We address sex-dependent differences in immunological responses to endotoxin and discuss why these differences do not necessarily translate to differences in behavioral measures. We summarize psychological and cognitive factors that may moderate pain sensitization driven by immune activation. Together, studying the immune-driven changes in pain during endotoxemia offers a deeper mechanistic understanding of the role of inflammation in chronic pain. Experimental endotoxemia models can specifically help to tease out inflammatory mechanisms underlying individual differences, vulnerabilities, and comorbid psychological problems in pain syndromes. The model offers the opportunity to test the efficacy of interventions, increasing their translational applicability for personalized medical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Benson
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute for Medical Education, Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Bianka Karshikoff
- Department of Social Studies, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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