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Sandoval Ortega RA, Renard M, Cohen MX, Nevian T. Interactive effects of pain and arousal state on heart rate and cortical activity in the mouse anterior cingulate and somatosensory cortices. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2024; 15:100157. [PMID: 38764613 PMCID: PMC11099324 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2024.100157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Sensory disconnection is a hallmark of sleep, yet the cortex retains some ability to process sensory information. Acute noxious stimulation during sleep increases the heart rate and the likelihood of awakening, indicating that certain mechanisms for pain sensing and processing remain active. However, processing of somatosensory information, including pain, during sleep remains underexplored. To assess somatosensation in natural sleep, we simultaneously recorded heart rate and local field potentials in the anterior cingulate (ACC) and somatosensory (S1) cortices of naïve, adult male mice, while applying noxious and non-noxious stimuli to their hind paws throughout their sleep-wake cycle. Noxious stimuli evoked stronger heart rate increases in both wake and non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS), and resulted in larger awakening probability in NREMS, as compared to non-noxious stimulation, suggesting differential processing of noxious and non-noxious information during sleep. Somatosensory information differentially reached S1 and ACC in sleep, eliciting complex transient and sustained responses in the delta, alpha, and gamma frequency bands as well as somatosensory evoked potentials. These dynamics depended on sleep state, the behavioral response to the stimulation and stimulation intensity (non-noxious vs. noxious). Furthermore, we found a correlation of the heart rate with the gamma band in S1 in the absence of a reaction in wake and sleep for noxious stimulation. These findings confirm that somatosensory information, including nociception, is sensed and processed during sleep even in the absence of a behavioral response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margot Renard
- Neuronal Plasticity Group, Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bühlplatz 5, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michael X. Cohen
- Synchronization in Neural Systems Lab, Donders Centre for Medical Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Houtlaan 4, 6525 XZ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas Nevian
- Neuronal Plasticity Group, Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bühlplatz 5, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Singh SP, Guindon J, Mody PH, Ashworth G, Kopel J, Chilakapati S, Adogwa O, Neugebauer V, Burton MD. Pain and aging: A unique challenge in neuroinflammation and behavior. Mol Pain 2023; 19:17448069231203090. [PMID: 37684099 PMCID: PMC10552461 DOI: 10.1177/17448069231203090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is one of the most common, costly, and potentially debilitating health issues facing older adults, with attributable costs exceeding $600 billion annually. The prevalence of pain in humans increases with advancing age. Yet, the contributions of sex differences, age-related chronic inflammation, and changes in neuroplasticity to the overall experience of pain are less clear, given that opposing processes in aging interact. This review article examines and summarizes pre-clinical research and clinical data on chronic pain among older adults to identify knowledge gaps and provide the base for future research and clinical practice. We provide evidence to suggest that neurodegenerative conditions engender a loss of neural plasticity involved in pain response, whereas low-grade inflammation in aging increases CNS sensitization but decreases PNS sensitivity. Insights from preclinical studies are needed to answer mechanistic questions. However, the selection of appropriate aging models presents a challenge that has resulted in conflicting data regarding pain processing and behavioral outcomes that are difficult to translate to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shishu Pal Singh
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Josee Guindon
- Garrison Institute on Aging and Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Prapti H Mody
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Gabriela Ashworth
- Garrison Institute on Aging and Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan Kopel
- Garrison Institute on Aging and Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Sai Chilakapati
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Owoicho Adogwa
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Volker Neugebauer
- Garrison Institute on Aging and Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Michael D Burton
- Neuroimmunology and Behavior Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS), School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
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Assessment of C Fibers Evoked Potentials in Healthy Subjects by Nd : YAP Laser. Pain Res Manag 2022; 2022:7737251. [PMID: 36601434 PMCID: PMC9807303 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7737251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Although laser stimuli activate both Ad- and C-fibres, the corresponding laser evoked potentials (LEPs) remain restricted to the Ad-fibers input, while the C-fibers related potential is hardly detectable. Aims To evaluate multichannel ultralate LEPs (U-LEPs) by using Nd : Yap laser pulses in healthy volunteers to stimulation of face and lower and upper limbs, in order to estimate the reliability of C-LEPs elicited from both trigeminal and somatic sites. Methods Twenty healthy volunteers participated in two stimulation sessions to record Aδ-LEPs and C-LEPs. We used a Nd : YAP Laser and 62 EEG recording electrodes. Stimuli parameters were set to activate either small myelinated (Aδ), eliciting purely warmth sensations, or unmyelinated (C) afferents, and eliciting pinprick sensations. Results At the trigeminal level, we obtained a negative-positive complex in a time interval compatible with the C fibers activation. In the somatic districts, the averaged responses consisted of an earlier negative-positive complex, followed by a later one. Single trials analysis of U-LEPs showed a maximal positive peak in a time interval in the range of C fibers. Topographical analysis of U-LEPs resembled that of LEPs. All subjects exhibited readable U-LEPs in at least 2 stimulated sites. Discussion. A purely warmth sensation seems to correspond to Aδ and C-fibers coactivation, at least in the somatic districts. While the related cortical waves seem hardly readable, their total absence could be a sign of systemic involvement of warm related C-fibers in specific clinical conditions.
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Katvan E, Cohen J, Rahamimov R, Ashkenazi T. A Comparison of Recalled Pain Memory Following Living Kidney Donation Between Directed and non-Directed, Altruistic Donors. Prog Transplant 2022; 32:285-291. [PMID: 36039525 DOI: 10.1177/15269248221122897] [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: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Pain following donor nephrectomy for living kidney donation is common. In Israel, non-directed, altruistic donations account for 45% of all kidney transplants. Design: This cross-sectional, retrospective survey included 2 groups of donors derived from the data of Israel Transplant, namely directed and non-directed, altruistic donors, who donated between 2015 to 2018. The degree of recalled pain memory post-surgery was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale at 5 time points: immediately post-surgery, after 1 week, 1 month and 3 months post-surgery and in the month preceding completion of the questionnaire. In addition, continued requirement for analgesics for more than one-month post-surgery, the degree of interference with daily activities in the month preceding the questionnaire and the recalled time to return to full-time employment were also noted. Results: In total, 246 (131 directed and 115 non-directed, altruistic) donors were included in the study. Non-directed, altruistic donors reported statistically significantly lower degrees of recalled pain memory at all time points, a lower requirement for prolonged analgesic use and less recalled interference with daily activities due to pain. In addition, these donors recalled returning significantly earlier to full-time employment. Finally, no significant differences in the degree of recalled pain memory were noted for directed donors according to their relation to the recipient, apart from donation to a spouse. Conclusion: These unique findings, if validated in a prospective study, could provide important information to potential non-directed, altruistic donors regarding the expected level of post-surgical pain and their return to full-time employment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyal Katvan
- Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel, and Peres Academic Center, Rehovot, Israel.,Israel Transplant, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Ruth Rahamimov
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel.,Department of Organ Transplantation, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Ramasawmy P, Khalid S, Petzke F, Antal A. Pain reduction in fibromyalgia syndrome through pairing transcranial direct current stimulation and mindfulness meditation: A randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled pilot clinical trial. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:908133. [PMID: 36314032 PMCID: PMC9596988 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.908133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This double-blinded, randomized and sham-controlled pilot clinical trial aimed to investigate the preliminary clinical efficacy and feasibility of combining mindfulness meditation (MM) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for pain and associated symptoms in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Methods Included FMS patients (age: 33 to 70) were randomized to three different groups to receive either ten daily sessions of anodal tDCS over the left primary motor cortex paired with MM for 20 min (active + MM, n = 10), sham tDCS combined with MM (sham + MM, n = 10) or no intervention (NoT, n = 10). Patients in the bimodal therapy groups received a week of training in MM prior to the stimulation. Participants reported pain intensity, the primary outcome, by filling in a pain diary daily throughout the whole study. They were also evaluated for quality of life, pressure pain sensitivity, psychological wellbeing, sleep quality and sleep quantity. Assessments were performed at three time points (baseline, immediately after treatment and one-month follow-up). Results Participants in the active + MM group did not exhibit reduced pain intensity following the bimodal therapy compared to controls. Patients in active group demonstrated clinically meaningful and significantly higher quality of life following the therapeutic intervention than other groups. There was no significant difference among groups regarding pressure pain sensitivity, sleep parameters and psychological scales. The combined treatment was well tolerated among participants, with no serious adverse effects. Conclusion This study was the first to pair these two effective non-pharmacological therapies for pain management in FMS. In the light of an underpowered sample size, repetitive anodal tDCS combined with MM did not improve pain or FMS-associated symptoms. However, patients in the active + MM group reported higher quality of life than the control groups. Studies with more participants and longer follow-ups are required to confirm our findings. Clinical trial registration [www.drks.de], identifier [DRKS00023490].
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Affiliation(s)
- Perianen Ramasawmy
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sarah Khalid
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Frank Petzke
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andrea Antal
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany
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Xu J, Zeng M, Xu X, Liu J, Huo X, Han D, Wang Z, Tian L. A Micron-Sized Laser Photothermal Effect Evaluation System and Method. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 21:5133. [PMID: 34372369 PMCID: PMC8348586 DOI: 10.3390/s21155133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The photothermal effects of lasers have played an important role in both medical laser applications and the development of cochlear implants with optical stimulation. However, there are few methods to evaluate the thermal effect of micron-sized laser spots interacting with other tissues. Here, we present a multi-wavelength micro-scale laser thermal effect measuring system that has high temporal, spatial and temperature resolutions, and can quantitatively realize evaluations in real time. In this system, with accurate 3D positioning and flexible pulsed laser parameter adjustments, groups of temperature changes are systematically measured when the micron-sized laser spots from six kinds of wavelengths individually irradiate the Pd/Cr thermocouple junction area, and reference data of laser spot thermal effects are obtained. This work develops a stable, reliable and universal tool for quantitatively exploring the thermal effect of micron-sized lasers, and provides basic reference data for research on light-stimulated neuron excitement in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Xu
- Institute of Microelectronics, Shandong University, Jinan 250102, China; (J.X.); (M.Z.); (X.X.); (J.L.); (X.H.)
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Shandong University, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Ming Zeng
- Institute of Microelectronics, Shandong University, Jinan 250102, China; (J.X.); (M.Z.); (X.X.); (J.L.); (X.H.)
| | - Xin Xu
- Institute of Microelectronics, Shandong University, Jinan 250102, China; (J.X.); (M.Z.); (X.X.); (J.L.); (X.H.)
| | - Junhui Liu
- Institute of Microelectronics, Shandong University, Jinan 250102, China; (J.X.); (M.Z.); (X.X.); (J.L.); (X.H.)
| | - Xinyu Huo
- Institute of Microelectronics, Shandong University, Jinan 250102, China; (J.X.); (M.Z.); (X.X.); (J.L.); (X.H.)
| | - Danhong Han
- Beijing Research Institute of Mechanical Equipment, Beijing 100854, China; (D.H.); (Z.W.)
| | - Zhenhai Wang
- Beijing Research Institute of Mechanical Equipment, Beijing 100854, China; (D.H.); (Z.W.)
| | - Lan Tian
- Institute of Microelectronics, Shandong University, Jinan 250102, China; (J.X.); (M.Z.); (X.X.); (J.L.); (X.H.)
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Qiu Y, Li H, Yang Z, Liu Q, Wang K, Li R, Xing D, Hou Y, Lin J. The prevalence and economic burden of pain on middle-aged and elderly Chinese people: results from the China health and retirement longitudinal study. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:600. [PMID: 32611450 PMCID: PMC7329515 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05461-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To estimate the prevalence of pain among people aged 45 years and older in China, to analyze the effect factors of pain and pain related economic burden. Methods Nationally representative sample was derived from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Pain data, medical cost data were obtained, as well as information of demographic characteristics, social structure, social-economic status, other health needs and health behaviors. The prevalence of pain in 2011, 2013, and 2015 was calculated. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were used to find the effect factors of pain. An optimization two-part model was used to calculate the range of the direct medical costs caused by pain. Results The prevalence of pain among people 45 years or older in China was 31.73% in 2011, 37.27% in 2013 and 28.62% in 2015. When evaluating factors lead a higher prevalence of pain, the results of the multi-variable after one-way analysis were older age, female, lower education, rural residents, without insurance status, abstained from alcohol and lower body mass index (BMI). Through the optimization of two-part model, the direct medical costs caused by pain was 898.9–1563.0 yuan in 2011, 2035.8–2568.7 yuan in 2013 and 2628.8–3945.7 yuan in 2015 (129.9US$ - 225.9US$ in 2011, 294.2 US$ - 371.2US$ in 2013 and 379.9US$ - 570.2US$ in 2015, converted to 2010 RMB). Conclusion The prevalence of pain among middle-aged and elderly Chinese is high. Residents with older age, female, lower education, rural residents, without insurance status, abstained from alcohol and lower BMI seem to have a higher pain prevalence. Pain can cause extra direct medical costs and will cause more economic loss with the progress of time. Future research should pay more attention to effective treatment, management and prevention of pain to decrease its burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudian Qiu
- Arthritis Clinic and Research Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hu Li
- Arthritis Clinic and Research Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyi Yang
- Arthritis Clinic and Research Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Arthritis Clinic and Research Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Arthritis Clinic and Research Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rujun Li
- Arthritis Clinic and Research Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Xing
- Arthritis Clinic and Research Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yunfei Hou
- Arthritis Clinic and Research Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhao Lin
- Arthritis Clinic and Research Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Does Motor Cortex Engagement During Movement Preparation Differentially Inhibit Nociceptive Processing in Patients with Chronic Whiplash Associated Disorders, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Healthy Controls? An Experimental Study. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9051520. [PMID: 32443565 PMCID: PMC7290436 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9051520] [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: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and chronic whiplash associated disorders (cWAD) present a reduced ability to activate central descending nociceptive inhibition after exercise, compared to measurements before exercise. It was hypothesised that a dysfunctional motor-induced inhibition of nociception partly explains this dysfunctional exercise-induced hypoalgesia. This study investigates if engagement of the motor system during movement preparation inhibits nociception-evoked brain responses in these patients as compared to healthy controls (HC). METHODS The experiment used laser-evoked potentials (LEPs) during three conditions (no task, mental task, movement preparation) while recording brain activity with a 32-channel electroencephalogram in 21 patients with cWAD, 20 patients with CFS and 18 HC. Two-factor mixed design Analysis of variance were used to evaluate differences in LEP amplitudes and latencies. RESULTS No differences in N1, N2, N2P2, and P2 LEP amplitudes were found between the HC, CFS, and cWAD groups. After nociceptive stimulation, N1, N2 (only at hand location), N2P2, and P2 LEP amplitudes significantly decreased during movement preparation compared to no task (within group differences). CONCLUSION Movement preparation induces a similar attenuation of LEPs in patients with CFS, patients with cWAD and HC. These findings do not support reduced motor-induced nociceptive inhibition in these patients.
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Engskov AS, Rubin AT, Åkeson J. Single and double pain responses to individually titrated ultra-short laser stimulation in humans. BMC Anesthesiol 2019; 19:29. [PMID: 30832563 PMCID: PMC6399816 DOI: 10.1186/s12871-019-0702-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This preclinical study in humans was designed to selectively induce delayed nociceptive pain responses to individually titrated laser stimulation, enabling separate bedside intensity scoring of both immediate and delayed pain. Methods Forty-four (fourteen female) healthy volunteers were subjected to repeated nociceptive dermal stimulation in the plantar arc, based on ultra-short carbon dioxide laser with individually titrated energy levels associated with mild pain. Results Data was analysed in 42 (12 female) subjects, and 29 of them (11 females) consistently reported immediate and delayed pain responses at second-long intervals to each nociceptive stimulus. All single pain responses were delayed and associated with lower levels (p = 0.003) of laser energy density (median 61; IQR 54–71 mJ/mm2), compared with double pain responses (88; 64–110 mJ/mm2). Pain intensity levels associated with either kind of response were readily assessable at bedside. Conclusions This study is the first one to show in humans that individually titrated ultra-short pulses of laser stimulation, enabling separate pain intensity scoring of immediate and delayed responses at bedside, can be used to selectively induce and evaluate delayed nociceptive pain, most likely reflecting C-fibre-mediated transmission. These findings might facilitate future research on perception and management of C-fibre-mediated pain in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sellgren Engskov
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Carl Bertil Laurells gata 9, 3rd floor, SE-20502, Malmö, Sweden.
| | | | - Jonas Åkeson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Carl Bertil Laurells gata 9, 3rd floor, SE-20502, Malmö, Sweden
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Verriotis M, Jones L, Whitehead K, Laudiano-Dray M, Panayotidis I, Patel H, Meek J, Fabrizi L, Fitzgerald M. The distribution of pain activity across the human neonatal brain is sex dependent. Neuroimage 2018; 178:69-77. [PMID: 29763673 PMCID: PMC6062722 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2018.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In adults, there are differences between male and female structural and functional brain connectivity, specifically for those regions involved in pain processing. This may partly explain the observed sex differences in pain sensitivity, tolerance, and inhibitory control, and in the development of chronic pain. However, it is not known if these differences exist from birth. Cortical activity in response to a painful stimulus can be observed in the human neonatal brain, but this nociceptive activity continues to develop in the postnatal period and is qualitatively different from that of adults, partly due to the considerable cortical maturation during this time. This research aimed to investigate the effects of sex and prematurity on the magnitude and spatial distribution pattern of the long-latency nociceptive event-related potential (nERP) using electroencephalography (EEG). We measured the cortical response time-locked to a clinically required heel lance in 81 neonates born between 29 and 42 weeks gestational age (median postnatal age 4 days). The results show that heel lance results in a spatially widespread nERP response in the majority of newborns. Importantly, a widespread pattern is significantly more likely to occur in females, irrespective of gestational age at birth. This effect is not observed for the short latency somatosensory waveform in the same infants, indicating that it is selective for the nociceptive component of the response. These results suggest the early onset of a greater anatomical and functional connectivity reported in the adult female brain, and indicate the presence of pain-related sex differences from birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Verriotis
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University College London, London, WC1E6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Jones
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University College London, London, WC1E6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Kimberley Whitehead
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University College London, London, WC1E6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Laudiano-Dray
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University College London, London, WC1E6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Ismini Panayotidis
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University College London, London, WC1E6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Hemani Patel
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University College London, London, WC1E6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Judith Meek
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Obstetric Wing, University College London Hospitals, London, WC1E6DB, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Fabrizi
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University College London, London, WC1E6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Fitzgerald
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University College London, London, WC1E6BT, United Kingdom.
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Passavanti MB, Pota V, Sansone P, Aurilio C, De Nardis L, Pace MC. Chronic Pelvic Pain: Assessment, Evaluation, and Objectivation. PAIN RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2017; 2017:9472925. [PMID: 29359045 PMCID: PMC5735788 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9472925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP) and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) have a significant impact on men and women of reproductive and nonreproductive age, with a considerable burden on overall quality of life (QoL) and on psychological, functional, and behavioural status. Moreover, diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties are remarkable features in many patients. Therefore evaluation, assessment and objectivation tools are often necessary to properly address each patient and consequently his/her clinical needs. Here we review the different tools for pain assessment, evaluation, and objectivation; specific features regarding CPP/CPPS will be highlighted. Also, recent findings disclosed with neuroimaging investigations will be reviewed as they provide new insights into CPP/CPPS pathophysiology and may serve as a tool for CPP assessment and objectivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Beatrice Passavanti
- Department of Woman, Child, General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Pota
- Department of Woman, Child, General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Sansone
- Department of Woman, Child, General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Aurilio
- Department of Woman, Child, General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenzo De Nardis
- Department of Woman, Child, General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Caterina Pace
- Department of Woman, Child, General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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