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Tang Q, Fang Z, Liao H, Zhang Y, Li C, Zhou C, Liu F, Shen J. Reduced circ_lrrc49 in trigeminal ganglion contributes to neuropathic pain in mice by downregulating Ist1 and impairing autophagy. J Neurochem 2024; 168:1265-1280. [PMID: 38348636 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16075] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Orofacial neuropathic pain is a common symptom induced by orofacial nerve injury caused by a range of trauma or dental and maxillofacial procedures but lacks effective treatment. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in the regulatory processes of neuropathic pain. Nevertheless, the biological roles of circRNAs in orofacial neuropathic pain remain unexplored. In this study, circRNA sequencing and Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were carried out. Notably, a novel circRNA named circ_lrrc49 was identified to be downregulated following chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve (CCI-ION) in mice on day 14. Subsequent RNA Antisense Purification (RAP)-mass spectrometry and RNA immunoprecipitation found a direct interaction between circ_lrrc49 and increased sodium tolerance 1 homolog (Ist1). Western blot (WB) identified decreased expression of Ist1 on day 14 post-CCI-ION. Considering the known relationship between Ist1 and autophagy, LC3-II and p62 were detected to be upregulated, and an accumulation of autophagosomes were observed at the same time point. Besides, the knockdown of circ_lrrc49 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) reduced Ist1 expression, increased LC3-II, p62 levels and autophagosomes amount, and evoked orofacial mechanical hypersensitivity, which could be counteracted by the Ist1 overexpression. Similarly, the knockdown of Ist1 by siRNA also increased LC3-II and p62 levels and evoked orofacial mechanical hypersensitivity without influence on circ_lrrc49. Moreover, autophagy activation by rapamycin alleviated orofacial mechanical hypersensitivity evoked by CCI-ION or circ_lrrc49 knockdown. In conclusion, our data revealed the existence of a circ_lrrc49/Ist1/autophagy signaling axis contributing to the progression of orofacial neuropathic pain. These discoveries reveal the intricate molecular processes that drive orofacial neuropathic pain and identify circ_lrrc49 as a promising target for potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfeng Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhonghan Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Honglin Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunjie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Zhou
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiefei Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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2
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Poongodi R, Yang TH, Huang YH, Yang KD, Chen HZ, Chu TY, Wang TY, Lin HC, Cheng JK. Stem cell exosome-loaded Gelfoam improves locomotor dysfunction and neuropathic pain in a rat model of spinal cord injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:143. [PMID: 38764049 PMCID: PMC11103960 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03758-5] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating illness in humans that causes permanent loss of movement or sensation. To treat SCI, exosomes, with their unique benefits, can circumvent limitations through direct stem cell transplantation. Therefore, we utilized Gelfoam encapsulated with exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HucMSC-EX) in a rat SCI model. METHODS SCI model was established through hemisection surgery in T9 spinal cord of female Sprague-Dawley rats. Exosome-loaded Gelfoam was implanted into the lesion site. An in vivo uptake assay using labeled exosomes was conducted on day 3 post-implantation. Locomotor functions and gait analyses were assessed using Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale and DigiGait Imaging System from weeks 1 to 8. Nociceptive responses were evaluated through von Frey filament and noxious radiant heat tests. The therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms were analyzed using Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining at week 8 post-SCI. RESULTS For the in vivo exosome uptake assay, we observed the uptake of labeled exosomes by NeuN+, Iba1+, GFAP+, and OLIG2+ cells around the injured area. Exosome treatment consistently increased the BBB score from 1 to 8 weeks compared with the Gelfoam-saline and SCI control groups. Additionally, exosome treatment significantly improved gait abnormalities including right-to-left hind paw contact area ratio, stance/stride, stride length, stride frequency, and swing duration, validating motor function recovery. Immunostaining and Western blotting revealed high expression of NF200, MBP, GAP43, synaptophysin, and PSD95 in exosome treatment group, indicating the promotion of nerve regeneration, remyelination, and synapse formation. Interestingly, exosome treatment reduced SCI-induced upregulation of GFAP and CSPG. Furthermore, levels of Bax, p75NTR, Iba1, and iNOS were reduced around the injured area, suggesting anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. Moreover, exosome treatment alleviated SCI-induced pain behaviors and reduced pain-associated proteins (BDNF, TRPV1, and Cav3.2). Exosomal miRNA analysis revealed several promising therapeutic miRNAs. The cell culture study also confirmed the neurotrophic effect of HucMSCs-EX. CONCLUSION Implantation of HucMSCs-EX-encapsulated Gelfoam improves SCI-induced motor dysfunction and neuropathic pain, possibly through its capabilities in nerve regeneration, remyelination, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis. Overall, exosomes could serve as a promising therapeutic alternative for SCI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Poongodi
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Tao-Hsiang Yang
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Hsien Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan
| | - Kuender D Yang
- Institute of Long-Term Care, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan.
- Department of Pediatrics, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan.
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan.
| | - Hong-Zhao Chen
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Tsuei-Yu Chu
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Tao-Yeuan Wang
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chieh Lin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300093, Taiwan
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices (IDS 2 B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30068, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Kun Cheng
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan.
- Department of Anesthesiology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan.
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan.
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Richards JH, Freeman DD, Detloff MR. Myeloid Cell Association with Spinal Cord Injury-Induced Neuropathic Pain and Depressive-like Behaviors in LysM-eGFP Mice. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:104433. [PMID: 38007034 PMCID: PMC11058038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects ∼500,000 people worldwide annually, with the majority developing chronic neuropathic pain. Following SCI, approximately 60% of these individuals are diagnosed with comorbid mood disorders, while only ∼21% of the general population will experience a mood disorder in their lifetime. We hypothesize that nociceptive and depressive-like dysregulation occurs after SCI and is associated with aberrant macrophage infiltration in segmental pain centers. We completed moderate unilateral C5 spinal cord contusion on LysM-eGFP reporter mice to visualize infiltrating macrophages. At 6-weeks post-SCI, mice exhibit nociceptive and depressive-like dysfunction compared to naïve and sham groups. There were no differences between the sexes, indicating that sex is not a contributing factor driving nociceptive or depressive-like behaviors after SCI. Utilizing hierarchical cluster analysis, we classified mice based on endpoint nociceptive and depressive-like behavior scores. Approximately 59.3% of the SCI mice clustered based on increased paw withdrawal threshold to mechanical stimuli and immobility time in the forced swim test. SCI mice displayed increased myeloid cell presence in the lesion epicenter, ipsilateral C7-8 dorsal horn, and C7-8 DRGs as evidenced by eGFP, CD68, and Iba1 immunostaining when compared to naïve and sham mice. This was further confirmed by SCI-induced alterations in the expression of genes indicative of myeloid cell activation states and their associated secretome in the dorsal horn and dorsal root ganglia. In conclusion, moderate unilateral cervical SCI caused the development of pain-related and depressive-like behaviors in a subset of mice and these behavioral changes are consistent with immune system activation in the segmental pain pathway. PERSPECTIVE: These experiments characterized pain-related and depressive-like behaviors and correlated these changes with the immune response post-SCI. While humanizing the rodent is impossible, the results from this study inform clinical literature to closely examine sex differences reported in humans to better understand the underlying shared etiologies of pain and depressive-like behaviors following central nervous system trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan H. Richards
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, College of Medicine, Drexel University, 2900 W. Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129
| | - Daniel D. Freeman
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, College of Medicine, Drexel University, 2900 W. Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129
| | - Megan Ryan Detloff
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, College of Medicine, Drexel University, 2900 W. Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129
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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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Song Y, Xue T, Guo S, Yu Z, Yun C, Zhao J, Song Z, Liu Z. Inhibition of aquaporin-4 and its subcellular localization attenuates below-level central neuropathic pain by regulating astrocyte activation in a rat spinal cord injury model. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00306. [PMID: 38237380 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2023.e00306] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of central neuropathic pain (CNP) caused by spinal cord injury have not been sufficiently studied. We have found that the upregulation of astrocytic aquaporin-4 (AQP4) aggravated peripheral neuropathic pain after spinal nerve ligation in rats. Using a T13 spinal cord hemisection model, we showed that spinal AQP4 was markedly upregulated after SCI and mainly expressed in astrocytes in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH). Inhibition of AQP4 with TGN020 suppressed astrocyte activation, attenuated the development and maintenance of below-level CNP and promoted motor function recovery in vivo. In primary astrocyte cultures, TGN020 also changed cell morphology, diminished cell proliferation and suppressed astrocyte activation. Moreover, T13 spinal cord hemisection induced cell-surface abundance of the AQP4 channel and perivascular localization in the SDH. Targeted inhibition of AQP4 subcellular localization with trifluoperazine effectively diminished astrocyte activation in vitro and further ablated astrocyte activation, attenuated the development and maintenance of below-level CNP, and accelerated functional recovery in vivo. Together, these results provide mechanistic insights into the roles of AQP4 in the development and maintenance of below-level CNP. Intervening with AQP4, including targeting AQP4 subcellular localization, might emerge as a promising agent to prevent chronic CNP after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Song
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Tao Xue
- Department of Orthopedics, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Shiwu Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Suzhou, 215028, China
| | - Zhen Yu
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Chengming Yun
- Department of Orthopedics, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Zhiwen Song
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Zhiyuan Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Changzhou 213003, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China; The Wujin Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Changzhou 213003, China.
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6
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Xian H, Guo H, Liu YY, Zhang JL, Hu WC, Yu MJ, Zhao R, Xie RG, Zhang H, Cong R. Peripheral BDNF Regulates Somatosensory-Sympathetic Coupling in Brachial Plexus Avulsion-Induced Neuropathic Pain. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1789-1806. [PMID: 37335428 PMCID: PMC10661543 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01075-0] [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: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Brachial plexus avulsion (BPA) is a combined injury involving the central and peripheral nervous systems. Patients with BPA often experience severe neuropathic pain (NP) in the affected limb. NP is insensitive to the existing treatments, which makes it a challenge to researchers and clinicians. Accumulated evidence shows that a BPA-induced pain state is often accompanied by sympathetic nervous dysfunction, which suggests that the excitation state of the sympathetic nervous system is correlated with the existence of NP. However, the mechanism of how somatosensory neural crosstalk with the sympathetic nerve at the peripheral level remains unclear. In this study, through using a novel BPA C7 root avulsion mouse model, we found that the expression of BDNF and its receptor TrκB in the DRGs of the BPA mice increased, and the markers of sympathetic nervous system activity including α1 and α2 adrenergic receptors (α1-AR and α2-AR) also increased after BPA. The phenomenon of superexcitation of the sympathetic nervous system, including hypothermia and edema of the affected extremity, was also observed in BPA mice by using CatWalk gait analysis, an infrared thermometer, and an edema evaluation. Genetic knockdown of BDNF in DRGs not only reversed the mechanical allodynia but also alleviated the hypothermia and edema of the affected extremity in BPA mice. Further, intraperitoneal injection of adrenergic receptor inhibitors decreased neuronal excitability in patch clamp recording and reversed the mechanical allodynia of BPA mice. In another branch experiment, we also found the elevated expression of BDNF, TrκB, TH, α1-AR, and α2-AR in DRG tissues from BPA patients compared with normal human DRGs through western blot and immunohistochemistry. Our results revealed that peripheral BDNF is a key molecule in the regulation of somatosensory-sympathetic coupling in BPA-induced NP. This study also opens a novel analgesic target (BDNF) in the treatment of this pain with fewer complications, which has great potential for clinical transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Xian
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Huan Guo
- Pain and Related Diseases Research Laboratory, Medical College of Shantou University, Shantou, 515041, China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yuan-Ying Liu
- School of Life Science and Research Center for Resource Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering and Technological Research Center for Conversation and Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan, 716000, China
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jian-Lei Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Wen-Chao Hu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
- The Sixth Regiment, School of Basic Medicine, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Ming-Jun Yu
- The Tenth Squadron of the Third Regiment, School of Basic Medicine, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Rou-Gang Xie
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Hang Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Rui Cong
- Department of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, The Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
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Lee JY, Park CS, Seo KJ, Kim IY, Han S, Youn I, Yune TY. IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 axis mediates neuropathic pain by regulating astrocyte and microglia activation after spinal cord injury. Exp Neurol 2023; 370:114576. [PMID: 37863306 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
After spinal cord injury (SCI), the control of activated glial cells such as microglia and astrocytes has emerged as a promising strategy for neuropathic pain management. However, signaling mechanism involved in glial activation in the process of neuropathic pain development and maintenance after SCI is not well elucidated. In this study, we investigated the potential role and mechanism of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway associated with glial cell activation in chronic neuropathic pain development and maintenance after SCI. One month after contusive SCI, the activation of JAK2/STAT3 pathway was markedly upregulated in both microglia and astrocyte in nociceptive processing regions of the lumbar spinal cord. In addition, both mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia was significantly inhibited by a JAK2 inhibitor, AG490. In particular, AG490 treatment inhibited both microglial and astrocyte activation in the lumbar (L) 4-5 dorsal horn and significantly decreased levels of p-p38MAPK, p-ERK and p-JNK, which are known to be activated in microglia (p-p38MAPK and p-ERK) and astrocyte (p-JNK). Experiments using primary cell cultures also revealed that the JAK2/STAT3 pathway promoted microglia and astrocyte activation after lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Furthermore, JAK2/STAT3 signaling and pain behaviors were significantly attenuated when the rats were treated with anti-IL-6 antibody. Finally, minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, inhibited IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in activated glial cells and restored nociceptive thresholds and the hyperresponsiveness of dorsal neurons. These results suggest an important role of the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway in the activation of microglia and astrocytes and in the maintenance of chronic below-level pain after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee Youn Lee
- Age-Related and Brain Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02453, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Sol Park
- Age-Related and Brain Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02453, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Jin Seo
- Age-Related and Brain Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02453, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - In Yi Kim
- Age-Related and Brain Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02453, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungmin Han
- Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Inchan Youn
- Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Young Yune
- Age-Related and Brain Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02453, Republic of Korea; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02453, Republic of Korea; Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
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8
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Dehdashtian A, Timek JH, Svientek SR, Risch MJ, Bratley JV, Riegger AE, Kung TA, Cederna PS, Kemp SWP. Sexually Dimorphic Pattern of Pain Mitigation Following Prophylactic Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI) in a Rat Neuroma Model. Neurosurgery 2023; 93:1192-1201. [PMID: 37227138 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treating neuroma pain is a clinical challenge. Identification of sex-specific nociceptive pathways allows a more individualized pain management. The Regenerative Peripheral Nerve Interface (RPNI) consists of a neurotized autologous free muscle using a severed peripheral nerve to provide physiological targets for the regenerating axons. OBJECTIVE To evaluate prophylactic RPNI to prevent neuroma pain in male and female rats. METHODS F344 rats of each sex were assigned to neuroma, prophylactic RPNI, or sham groups. Neuromas and RPNIs were created in both male and female rats. Weekly pain assessments including neuroma site pain and mechanical, cold, and thermal allodynia were performed for 8 weeks. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate macrophage infiltration and microglial expansion in the corresponding dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord segments. RESULTS Prophylactic RPNI prevented neuroma pain in both sexes; however, female rats displayed delayed pain attenuation when compared with males. Cold allodynia and thermal allodynia were attenuated exclusively in males. Macrophage infiltration was mitigated in males, whereas females showed a reduced number of spinal cord microglia. CONCLUSION Prophylactic RPNI can prevent neuroma site pain in both sexes. However, attenuation of both cold allodynia and thermal allodynia occurred in males exclusively, potentially because of their sexually dimorphic effect on pathological changes of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Dehdashtian
- Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, The University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor , Michigan , USA
| | - Jagienka H Timek
- Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, The University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor , Michigan , USA
| | - Shelby R Svientek
- Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, The University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor , Michigan , USA
| | - Mary Jane Risch
- Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, The University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor , Michigan , USA
| | - Jared V Bratley
- Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, The University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor , Michigan , USA
| | - Anna E Riegger
- Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, The University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor , Michigan , USA
| | - Theodore A Kung
- Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, The University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor , Michigan , USA
| | - Paul S Cederna
- Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, The University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor , Michigan , USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor , Michigan , USA
| | - Stephen W P Kemp
- Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, The University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor , Michigan , USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor , Michigan , USA
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Dorton MC, Kramer JK, de Groot S, Post MWM, Claydon VE. Relationships between cardiovascular disease risk, neuropathic pain, mental health, and autonomic function in chronic spinal cord injury. Spinal Cord 2023; 61:548-555. [PMID: 37749189 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-023-00933-y] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Multicentre, cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES To determine if clinical measures of poor mental health (MH-) and neuropathic pain (NP) are related to increased CVD risk in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI), and further elucidate the relationships between CVD risk, autonomic function, NP, and MH-. SETTING Eight SCI rehabilitation centres in the Netherlands. METHODS Individuals (n = 257) with a traumatic, chronic (≥10 yrs) SCI, with age at injury between 18-35 years, completed a self-report questionnaire and a one-day visit to a rehabilitation centre for testing. CVD risk was calculated using Framingham risk score. NP was inferred using The Douleur Neuropathique 4 clinical examination, and MH- was assessed using the five-item Mental Health Inventory questionnaire. Cardiovascular autonomic function was determined from peak heart rate during maximal exercise (HRpeak). RESULTS There was a high prevalence of both NP (39%) and MH- (45%) following SCI. MH- was significantly correlated with an adverse CVD risk profile (r = 0.174; p = 0.01), increased the odds of adverse 30-year CVD risk by 2.2 (CI 0.92-2.81, p = 0.02), and is an important variable in determining CVD risk (importance=0.74, p = 0.05). Females (p = 0.05) and those with a higher HRpeak (p = 0.046) tended to be more likely to have NP. CONCLUSIONS Clinical measures of MH-, but not NP, are important factors for increased CVD risk following SCI. NP tended to be more prevalent in those with more preserved cardiovascular autonomic function. The interrelationships between secondary consequences of SCI are complex and need further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Dorton
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair and Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - John K Kramer
- International Collaboration on Repair and Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sonja de Groot
- Amsterdam Rehabilitation Research Center, Reade, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Human Movement Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel W M Post
- Center of Excellence in Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, and de Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Rehabilitation, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Victoria E Claydon
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.
- International Collaboration on Repair and Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Modi AD, Parekh A, Pancholi YN. Evaluating Pain Behaviours: Widely Used Mechanical and Thermal Methods in Rodents. Behav Brain Res 2023; 446:114417. [PMID: 37003494 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Globally, over 300 million surgical procedures are performed annually, with pain being one of the most common post-operative side effects. During the onset of injury, acute pain plays a protective role in alerting the individual to remove noxious stimuli, while long-lasting chronic pain without any physiological reason is detrimental to the recovery process. Hence, it created an urgent need to better understand the pain mechanism and explore therapeutic targets. Despite the hardship in performing human pain studies due to ethical considerations, clinically relevant rodent pain models provide an excellent opportunity to perform pain studies. Several neurobehavioural tests are used to assess the drug efficacy in rodents to determine avoidance behaviour latency and threshold. This review article provides a methodological overview of mechanical (i.e. von Frey, Mechanical Conflict System) and thermal (i.e. Hargreaves Assay, Hot and Cold Plate, Temperature Place Preference) tests to assess pain in clinically relevant pain rodent models. We further discussed the current modifications of those tests along with their use in literature, the impact of confounding variables, advantages and disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshat D Modi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto, Scarborough, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada; Department of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M5T 0S8, Canada.
| | - Anavi Parekh
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Yajan N Pancholi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Toronto, Scarborough, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada
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