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Kader L, Willits AB, Meriano S, Christianson JA, La JH, Feng B, Knight B, Kosova G, Deberry JJ, Coates MD, Hyams JS, Baumbauer KM, Young EE. Identification of Arginine-Vasopressin Receptor 1a (Avpr1a/Avpr1a) as a Novel Candidate Gene for Chronic Visceral Pain Sheds Light on the Potential Role of Enteric Neurons in the Development of Visceral Hypersensitivity. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:104572. [PMID: 38768798 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.104572] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Chronic abdominal pain in the absence of ongoing disease is the hallmark of disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs), including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). While the etiology of DGBIs remains poorly understood, there is evidence that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. In this study, we report the identification and validation of arginine-vasopressin receptor 1A (Avpr1a) as a novel candidate gene for visceral hypersensitivity (VH), a primary peripheral mechanism underlying abdominal pain in DGBI/IBS. Comparing 2 C57BL/6 (BL/6) substrains (C57BL/6NTac and C57BL/6J) revealed differential susceptibility to the development of chronic VH following intrarectal zymosan instillation, a validated preclinical model for postinflammatory IBS. Using whole-genome sequencing, we identified a single-nucleotide polymorphism differentiating the 2 strains in the 5' intergenic region upstream of Avpr1a, encoding the protein Avpr1a. We used behavioral, histological, and molecular approaches to identify distal colon-specific gene expression and neuronal hyperresponsiveness covarying with Avpr1a genotype and VH susceptibility. While the 2 BL/6 substrains did not differ across other gastrointestinal phenotypes (eg, fecal water retention), VH-susceptible BL/6NTac mice had higher colonic Avpr1a mRNA and protein expression. These results parallel findings that patients' colonic Avpr1a mRNA expression corresponded to higher pain ratings. Moreover, neurons of the enteric nervous system were hyperresponsive to the Avpr1a agonist arginine-vasopressin, suggesting a role for enteric neurons in the pathology underlying VH. Taken together, these findings implicate differential regulation of Avpr1a as a novel mechanism of VH susceptibility as well as a potential therapeutic target specific to VH. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents evidence of Avpr1a as a novel candidate gene for VH in a mouse model of IBS. Avpr1a genotype and/or tissue-specific expression represents a potential biomarker for chronic abdominal pain susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena Kader
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas; Neuroscience Graduate Program, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Adam B Willits
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas; Neuroscience Graduate Program, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Sebastian Meriano
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Julie A Christianson
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Jun-Ho La
- Department of Neurobiology, University of University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Bin Feng
- Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Brittany Knight
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Gulum Kosova
- Division of Statistical Genetics,TenSixteen Bio, Suffolk, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer J Deberry
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Matthew D Coates
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Jeffrey S Hyams
- Department of Gastroenterology, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, Connecticut
| | - Kyle M Baumbauer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Erin E Young
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas; Neuroscience Graduate Program, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas.
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Bekauri T, Fischer S, Honn KV, Maddipati KR, Love T, Little C, Wood RW, Bonham AD, Linder MA, Yule DI, Emanuelle C, Falsetta ML. Inflammation, lipid dysregulation, and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 signaling perpetuate chronic vulvar pain. Pain 2024; 165:820-837. [PMID: 37889581 PMCID: PMC10949218 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Localized provoked vulvodynia is characterized by chronic vulvar pain that disrupts every aspect of the patient's life. Pain is localized to the vulvar vestibule, a specialized ring of tissue immediately surrounding the vaginal opening involved in immune defense. In this article, we show inflammation is the critical first step necessary for the generation of pain signals in the vulva. Inflammatory stimuli alone or combined with the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4) agonist 4α-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate stimulate calcium flux into vulvar fibroblast cells. Activity is blocked by the TRPV4 antagonist HC067047, denoting specificity to TRPV4. Using lipidomics, we found pro-resolving lipids in the vulvar vestibule were dysregulated, characterized by a reduction in pro-resolving mediators and heightened production of inflammatory mediators. We demonstrate specialized pro-resolving mediators represent a potential new therapy for vulvar pain, acting on 2 key parts of the disease mechanism by limiting inflammation and acutely inhibiting TRPV4 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamari Bekauri
- OB/GYN Research Division, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Sarah Fischer
- OB/GYN Research Division, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Kenneth V. Honn
- Pathology Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- Lipidomics Core Facility and Bioactive Lipids Research Program, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Krishna Rao Maddipati
- Pathology Department, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- Lipidomics Core Facility and Bioactive Lipids Research Program, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Tanzy Love
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Chantelle Little
- OB/GYN Research Division, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Ronald W. Wood
- OB/GYN Research Division, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Adrienne D. Bonham
- OB/GYN Department, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Mitchell A. Linder
- OB/GYN Research Division, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - David I. Yule
- Pharmacology and Physiology Department, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Chrysilla Emanuelle
- Pharmacology and Physiology Department, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Megan L. Falsetta
- OB/GYN Research Division, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
- Pharmacology and Physiology Department, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
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Willits AB, Kader L, Eller O, Roberts E, Bye B, Strope T, Freudenthal BD, Umar S, Chintapalli S, Shankar K, Pei D, Christianson J, Baumbauer KM, Young EE. Spinal cord injury-induced neurogenic bowel: A role for host-microbiome interactions in bowel pain and dysfunction. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2024; 15:100156. [PMID: 38601267 PMCID: PMC11004406 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2024.100156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Background and aims Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects roughly 300,000 Americans with 17,000 new cases added annually. In addition to paralysis, 60% of people with SCI develop neurogenic bowel (NB), a syndrome characterized by slow colonic transit, constipation, and chronic abdominal pain. The knowledge gap surrounding NB mechanisms after SCI means that interventions are primarily symptom-focused and largely ineffective. The goal of the present studies was to identify mechanism(s) that initiate and maintain NB after SCI as a critical first step in the development of evidence-based, novel therapeutic treatment options. Methods Following spinal contusion injury at T9, we observed alterations in bowel structure and function reflecting key clinical features of NB. We then leveraged tissue-specific whole transcriptome analyses (RNAseq) and fecal 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing in combination with histological, molecular, and functional (Ca2+ imaging) approaches to identify potential mechanism(s) underlying the generation of the NB phenotype. Results In agreement with prior reports focused on SCI-induced changes in the skin, we observed a rapid and persistent increase in expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression in the colon. This is suggestive of a neurogenic inflammation-like process engaged by antidromic activity of below-level primary afferents following SCI. CGRP has been shown to disrupt colon homeostasis and negatively affect peristalsis and colon function. As predicted, contusion SCI resulted in increased colonic transit time, expansion of lymphatic nodules, colonic structural and genomic damage, and disruption of the inner, sterile intestinal mucus layer corresponding to increased CGRP expression in the colon. Gut microbiome colonization significantly shifted over 28 days leading to the increase in Anaeroplasma, a pathogenic, gram-negative microbe. Moreover, colon specific vagal afferents and enteric neurons were hyperresponsive after SCI to different agonists including fecal supernatants. Conclusions Our data suggest that SCI results in overexpression of colonic CGRP which could alter colon structure and function. Neurogenic inflammatory-like processes and gut microbiome dysbiosis can also sensitize vagal afferents, providing a mechanism for visceral pain despite the loss of normal sensation post-SCI. These data may shed light on novel therapeutic interventions targeting this process to prevent NB development in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam B. Willits
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Leena Kader
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Olivia Eller
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Emily Roberts
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Bailey Bye
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Taylor Strope
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Bret D. Freudenthal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Shahid Umar
- Department of Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Sree Chintapalli
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Kartik Shankar
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nutrition, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Dong Pei
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Julie Christianson
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Kyle M. Baumbauer
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Erin E. Young
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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Kader L, Willits A, Meriano S, Christianson JA, La JH, Feng B, Knight B, Kosova G, Deberry J, Coates M, Hyams J, Baumbauer K, Young EE. Identification of arginine-vasopressin receptor 1a (Avpr1a/AVPR1A) as a novel candidate gene for chronic visceral pain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.19.572390. [PMID: 38187732 PMCID: PMC10769202 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.19.572390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Chronic abdominal pain in the absence of ongoing disease is the hallmark of disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs), including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). While the etiology of DGBIs remains poorly understood, there is evidence that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. In this study, we report the identification and validation of Avpr1a as a novel candidate gene for visceral hypersensitivity (VH), a primary peripheral mechanism underlying abdominal pain in DGBI/IBS. Comparing two C57BL/6 (BL/6) substrains (C57BL/6NTac and C57BL/6J) revealed differential susceptibility to the development of chronic VH following intrarectal zymosan (ZYM) instillation, a validated preclinical model for post-inflammatory IBS. Using whole genome sequencing, we identified a SNP differentiating the two strains in the 5' intergenic region upstream of Avpr1a, encoding the protein arginine-vasopressin receptor 1A (AVPR1A). We used behavioral, histological, and molecular approaches to identify distal colon-specific gene expression differences and neuronal hyperresponsiveness covarying with Avpr1a genotype and VH susceptibility. While the two BL/6 substrains did not differ across other gastrointestinal (GI) phenotypes (e.g., GI motility), VH-susceptible BL/6NTac mice had higher colonic Avpr1a mRNA and protein expression. Moreover, neurons of the enteric nervous system were hyperresponsive to the AVPR1A agonist AVP, suggesting a role for enteric neurons in the pathology underlying VH. These results parallel our findings that patients' colonic Avpr1a mRNA expression was higher in patients with higher pain ratings. Taken together, these findings implicate differential regulation of Avpr1a as a novel mechanism of VH-susceptibility as well as a potential therapeutic target specific to VH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena Kader
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Adam Willits
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Sebastian Meriano
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Julie A. Christianson
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Jun-Ho La
- Department of Neurobiology, University of University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
| | - Bin Feng
- Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
| | - Brittany Knight
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
| | | | - Jennifer Deberry
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Matthew Coates
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Jeffrey Hyams
- Department of Gastroenterology, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Hartford, CT
| | - Kyle Baumbauer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Erin E. Young
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain, and Perioperative Medicine, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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5
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Falsetta ML, Maddipati KR, Honn KV. Inflammation, lipids, and pain in vulvar disease. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 248:108467. [PMID: 37285943 PMCID: PMC10527276 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Localized provoked vulvodynia (LPV) affects ∼14 million people in the US (9% of women), destroying lives and relationships. LPV is characterized by chronic pain (>3 months) upon touch to the vulvar vestibule, which surrounds the vaginal opening. Many patients go months or years without a diagnosis. Once diagnosed, the treatments available only manage the symptoms of disease and do not correct the underlying problem. We have focused on elucidating the underlying mechanisms of chronic vulvar pain to speed diagnosis and improve intervention and management. We determined the inflammatory response to microorganisms, even members of the resident microflora, sets off a chain of events that culminates in chronic pain. This agrees with findings from several other groups, which show inflammation is altered in the painful vestibule. The vestibule of patients is acutely sensitive to inflammatory stimuli to the point of being deleterious. Rather than protect against vaginal infection, it causes heightened inflammation that does not resolve, which coincides with alterations in lipid metabolism that favor production of proinflammatory lipids and not pro-resolving lipids. Lipid dysbiosis in turn triggers pain signaling through the transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 4 receptor (TRPV4). Treatment with specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) that foster resolution reduces inflammation in fibroblasts and mice and vulvar sensitivity in mice. SPMs, specifically maresin 1, act on more than one part of the vulvodynia mechanism by limiting inflammation and acutely inhibiting TRPV4 signaling. Therefore, SPMs or other agents that target inflammation and/or TRPV4 signaling could prove effective as new vulvodynia therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Falsetta
- University of Rochester, OB/GYN Research Division, Rochester, NY, United States of America; University of Rochester, Pharmacology and Physiology Department, Rochester, NY, United States of America.
| | - Krishna Rao Maddipati
- Wayne State University, Pathology Department, Detroit, MI, United States of America; Wayne State University, Lipidomics Core Facility and Bioactive Lipids Research Program, Detroit, MI, United States of America
| | - Kenneth V Honn
- Wayne State University, Pathology Department, Detroit, MI, United States of America; Wayne State University, Lipidomics Core Facility and Bioactive Lipids Research Program, Detroit, MI, United States of America
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Lesslar OJL, Smith PK. Itch Beyond the Skin-Mucosal Itch. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2022; 2:700368. [PMID: 35386995 PMCID: PMC8974814 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2021.700368] [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: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Itch is a nociceptive sensation linked with reflexes and cognitive motor actions. We traditionally think of itch as a sensation of the skin related to allergy, an insect sting or interestingly, anxiety and frustration. Less understood and considered are the physiological processes involved in the itching sensation that occurs at mucosal and junctional dermal sites, which is extraordinary as from an evolutionary point of view these sites serve important guardian roles, rich in sensory nerves and inflammatory cells. Despite itch being an ancient reflex and evolutionarily conserved phenomenon, better clinical understanding of the nuances between sites of itch sensation may lead to improved clinical outcomes. This review invites readers to appreciate itch beyond the skin by highlighting several specific itch patterns-nasal, oral, auricular, vulvovaginal, anal, and perineal itch-the pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie them, the clinical patterns these may cause, and some unique treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia J Ly Lesslar
- LifeSpan Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Cingulum Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter K Smith
- Clinical Medicine, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
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7
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Raef HS, Elmariah SB. Vulvar Pruritus: A Review of Clinical Associations, Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Management. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:649402. [PMID: 33898486 PMCID: PMC8058221 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.649402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Vulvar pruritus is an unpleasant sensation and frequent symptom associated with many dermatologic conditions, including infectious, inflammatory and neoplastic dermatoses affecting the female genitalia. It can lead to serious impairment of quality of life, impacting sexual function, relationships, sleep and self-esteem. In this review, common conditions associated with vulvar itch are discussed including atopic and contact dermatitis, lichen sclerosus, psoriasis and infectious vulvovaginitis. We review the potential physiologic, environmental and infectious factors that contribute to the development of vulvar itch and emphasize the importance of addressing their complex interplay when managing this disruptive and challenging symptom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haya S Raef
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States.,Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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8
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Castro J, Maddern J, Erickson A, Caldwell A, Grundy L, Harrington AM, Brierley SM. Pharmacological modulation of voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels alters nociception arising from the female reproductive tract. Pain 2021; 162:227-242. [PMID: 32826751 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Dyspareunia, also known as vaginal hyperalgesia, is a prevalent and debilitating symptom of gynaecological disorders such as endometriosis and vulvodynia. Despite this, the sensory pathways transmitting nociceptive information from female reproductive organs remain poorly characterised. As such, the development of specific treatments for pain associated with dyspareunia is currently lacking. Here, we examined, for the first time, (1) the mechanosensory properties of pelvic afferent nerves innervating the mouse vagina; (2) the expression profile of voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels within these afferents; and (3) how pharmacological modulation of these channels alters vaginal nociceptive signalling ex vivo, in vitro, and in vivo. We developed a novel afferent recording preparation and characterised responses of pelvic afferents innervating the mouse vagina to different mechanical stimuli. Single-cell reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction determined mRNA expression of NaV channels within vagina-innervating dorsal root ganglia neurons. Vagina-innervating dorsal root ganglia neuroexcitability was measured using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology. Nociception evoked by vaginal distension was assessed by dorsal horn neuron activation within the spinal cord and quantification of visceromotor responses. We found that pelvic afferents innervating the vagina are tuned to detect various mechanical stimuli, with NaV channels abundantly expressed within these neurons. Pharmacological modulation of NaV channels (with veratridine or tetrodotoxin) correspondingly alters the excitability and mechanosensitivity of vagina-innervating afferents, as well as dorsal horn neuron activation and visceromotor responses evoked by vaginal distension. This study identifies potential molecular targets that can be used to modulate vaginal nociceptive signalling and aid in the development of approaches to manage endometriosis and vulvodynia-related dyspareunia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Castro
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jessica Maddern
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Andelain Erickson
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ashlee Caldwell
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Luke Grundy
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Andrea M Harrington
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Stuart M Brierley
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, Australia
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, Australia
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9
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Maddern J, Grundy L, Castro J, Brierley SM. Pain in Endometriosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:590823. [PMID: 33132854 PMCID: PMC7573391 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.590823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic and debilitating condition affecting ∼10% of women. Endometriosis is characterized by infertility and chronic pelvic pain, yet treatment options remain limited. In many respects this is related to an underlying lack of knowledge of the etiology and mechanisms contributing to endometriosis-induced pain. Whilst many studies focus on retrograde menstruation, and the formation and development of lesions in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, the mechanisms underlying the associated pain remain poorly described. Here we review the recent clinical and experimental evidence of the mechanisms contributing to chronic pain in endometriosis. This includes the roles of inflammation, neurogenic inflammation, neuroangiogenesis, peripheral sensitization and central sensitization. As endometriosis patients are also known to have co-morbidities such as irritable bowel syndrome and overactive bladder syndrome, we highlight how common nerve pathways innervating the colon, bladder and female reproductive tract can contribute to co-morbidity via cross-organ sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Maddern
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Luke Grundy
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Joel Castro
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Stuart M. Brierley
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Discipline of Medicine, University of Adelaide, North Terrace Campus, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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10
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Abstract
Vulvodynia is a condition that occurs in 8-10% of women of all ages and is characterized by pain at the vulva that is present during sexual and/or non-sexual situations. Diagnosis is established through careful medical history and pelvic examination, including the cotton-swab test. The onset and maintenance of vulvodynia involves a complex interplay of peripheral and central pain mechanisms, pelvic floor muscle and autonomic dysfunction, anxiety, depression and childhood maltreatment as well as cognitive-affective, behavioural and interpersonal factors. Given the absence of empirically supported treatment guidelines, a stepwise approach of pelvic floor physical therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy as well as medical management is suggested, with surgery as the last option. Vulvodynia has a negative effect on the quality of life of women and their partners, and imposes a profound personal and societal economic burden. In addition, women with vulvodynia are more likely to report other chronic pain conditions, which further alters their quality of life. Future efforts should aim to increase girls', women's and healthcare professionals' education and awareness of vulvodynia, phenotype different subgroups of women based on biopsychosocial characteristics among more diverse samples, conduct longitudinal studies and improve clinical trial designs.
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Linaclotide treatment reduces endometriosis-associated vaginal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia through viscerovisceral cross-talk. Pain 2019; 160:2566-2579. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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12
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Fuentes IM, Christianson JA. The Influence of Early Life Experience on Visceral Pain. Front Syst Neurosci 2018; 12:2. [PMID: 29434541 PMCID: PMC5790786 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2018.00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is the most reported and troublesome symptom of nearly all functional disorders affecting the genitourinary and gastrointestinal organs. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS), vulvodynia, and/or chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS; collectively termed chronic pelvic pain syndromes) report pain severe enough to impact quality of life and often suffer from symptoms of or are diagnosed with more than one of these syndromes. This increased comorbidity between chronic pelvic pain syndromes, and with pain disorders of disparate body regions, as well as with mood disorders, can be influenced by disruptions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the response to stress and influences the perception of pain. Experiencing trauma, neglect, or abuse in early life can permanently affect the functioning of the HPA axis. As such, a significant proportion of patients suffering from comorbid chronic pelvic pain syndromes report a history of early life stress or trauma. Here we will report on how these early life experiences influence chronic pelvic pain in patients. We will also discuss various rodent models that have been developed to study this phenomenon to understand the mechanisms underlying HPA axis dysfunction, as well as potential underlying mechanisms connecting these syndromes to one another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella M Fuentes
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Julie A Christianson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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13
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Fuentes IM, Pierce AN, Di Silvestro ER, Maloney MO, Christianson JA. Differential Influence of Early Life and Adult Stress on Urogenital Sensitivity and Function in Male Mice. Front Syst Neurosci 2018; 11:97. [PMID: 29379420 PMCID: PMC5771376 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2017.00097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Experiences of adverse childhood events have been associated with improper output of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in adulthood, as well as development of comorbid functional pain disorders. Symptoms of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome frequently overlap with those of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome and symptom severity is often triggered by stress. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence early life stress and acute adult stress on (1) perigenital sensitivity, (2) micturition, (3) anhedonia, and (4) HPA axis regulation and output in male C56Bl/6 mice. Neonatal maternal separation (NMS) was performed for 3 h a day from postnatal day 1 to 21 and naïve pups remained unhandled during this time. As adults, male mice were tested for referred prostate sensitivity and micturition patterning prior to and 1 and 8 days after exposure to 1 h of water avoidance stress (WAS). Following testing, prostate and bladder tissues were used for mast cell and Western blot analysis and RT-PCR was performed on mRNA from hypothalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus. Serum corticosterone (CORT) was also measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A significant increase in perigenital sensitivity and micturition frequency was observed in NMS mice and these measures were exacerbated by WAS exposure. Exposure to NMS significantly increased mast cell degranulation in both the bladder and prostate. Mast cell degranulation was also increased in naïve prostate tissue following WAS exposure. Cytokine mRNA levels were influenced by both NMS and WAS exposure, though WAS had a larger impact on central gene expression. Protein levels of CRF1 were differentially regulated by NMS and WAS in the bladder and prostate and serum CORT levels were significantly diminished following stress exposure. Taken together, these data suggest that NMS results in neurogenic inflammation and hypersensitivity within the urogenital organs, coupled with diminished gene expression and output from the HPA axis. Future studies of NMS in male mice may provide a useful tool as a preclinical model of male chronic urological pain syndromes for investigating potential pharmacological and interventional therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella M Fuentes
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Angela N Pierce
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Elizabeth R Di Silvestro
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Molly O Maloney
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Julie A Christianson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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14
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McAllister SL, Giourgas BK, Faircloth EK, Leishman E, Bradshaw HB, Gross ER. Prostaglandin levels, vaginal innervation, and cyst innervation as peripheral contributors to endometriosis-associated vaginal hyperalgesia in rodents. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 437:120-129. [PMID: 27524411 PMCID: PMC5048574 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a painful condition characterized by growth of endometrial cysts outside the uterus. Here, we tested the hypothesis that peripheral innervation and prostaglandin levels contribute to endometriosis-associated pain. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 16) were surgically instrumented by transplanting uterine tissue onto mesenteric arteries within the peritoneal cavity to create a model of endometriosis which forms extra-uterine endometrial cysts and vaginal hyperalgesia. Our results describe a significant positive correlation between endometriosis-induced vaginal hyperalgesia and cyst innervation density (sensory, r = 0.70, p = 0.003; sympathetic, r = 0.55, p = 0.03), vaginal canal sympathetic innervation density (r = 0.80, p = 0.003), and peritoneal fluid levels of the prostaglandins PGE2 (r = 0.65, p = 0.01) and PGF2α (r = 0.63, p = 0.02). These results support the involvement of cyst innervation and prostaglandins in endometriosis-associated pain. We also describe how sympathetic innervation density of the vaginal canal is an important predictor of vaginal hyperalgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy L McAllister
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
| | - Barbra K Giourgas
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | | | - Emma Leishman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IA, 47405, USA
| | - Heather B Bradshaw
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IA, 47405, USA
| | - Eric R Gross
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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Abstract
Vulvodynia refers to pain in the vulva of at least 3 months’ duration in the absence of a recognized underlying cause. Provoked, localized vestibulodynia is the term used to describe superficial pain confined to the vulvar vestibule, provoked by touch. This review will focus on provoked vestibulodynia with regard to its suggested causative factors and will discuss the role of inflammation, vulvovaginal infections, mucosal nerve fiber proliferation, hormonal associations, central pain mechanisms, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, and genetic factors. Clinical observations, epidemiological studies, and data from basic research emphasize the heterogeneity of vulvar pain syndromes. There is a critical need to perform prospective, longitudinal studies that will allow better diagnostic criteria and subgrouping of patients that would lead to improvements in our understanding of provoked vestibulodynia and its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahinoam Lev-Sagie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Steven S Witkin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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16
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Dodds KN, Beckett EAH, Evans SF, Grace PM, Watkins LR, Hutchinson MR. Glial contributions to visceral pain: implications for disease etiology and the female predominance of persistent pain. Transl Psychiatry 2016; 6:e888. [PMID: 27622932 PMCID: PMC5048206 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In the central nervous system, bidirectional signaling between glial cells and neurons ('neuroimmune communication') facilitates the development of persistent pain. Spinal glia can contribute to heightened pain states by a prolonged release of neurokine signals that sensitize adjacent centrally projecting neurons. Although many persistent pain conditions are disproportionately common in females, whether specific neuroimmune mechanisms lead to this increased susceptibility remains unclear. This review summarizes the major known contributions of glia and neuroimmune interactions in pain, which has been determined principally in male rodents and in the context of somatic pain conditions. It is then postulated that studying neuroimmune interactions involved in pain attributed to visceral diseases common to females may offer a more suitable avenue for investigating unique mechanisms involved in female pain. Further, we discuss the potential for primed spinal glia and subsequent neurogenic inflammation as a contributing factor in the development of peripheral inflammation, therefore, representing a predisposing factor for females in developing a high percentage of such persistent pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- K N Dodds
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - E A H Beckett
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - S F Evans
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Pelvic Pain SA, Norwood, SA, Australia
| | - P M Grace
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - L R Watkins
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - M R Hutchinson
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Capsaicin, Nociception and Pain. Molecules 2016; 21:molecules21060797. [PMID: 27322240 PMCID: PMC6273518 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21060797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Capsaicin, the pungent ingredient of the hot chili pepper, is known to act on the transient receptor potential cation channel vanilloid subfamily member 1 (TRPV1). TRPV1 is involved in somatic and visceral peripheral inflammation, in the modulation of nociceptive inputs to spinal cord and brain stem centers, as well as the integration of diverse painful stimuli. In this review, we first describe the chemical and pharmacological properties of capsaicin and its derivatives in relation to their analgesic properties. We then consider the biochemical and functional characteristics of TRPV1, focusing on its distribution and biological effects within the somatosensory and viscerosensory nociceptive systems. Finally, we discuss the use of capsaicin as an agonist of TRPV1 to model acute inflammation in slices and other ex vivo preparations.
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