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Ro JY, Zhang Y, Asgar J, Shou H, Chung MK, Melemedjian OK, Da Silva JT, Chen S. Forced swim stress exacerbates inflammation-induced hyperalgesia and oxidative stress in the rat trigeminal ganglia. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2024; 5:1372942. [PMID: 38721062 PMCID: PMC11076691 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2024.1372942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of combining psychophysical stress, induced by forced swim (FSS), with masseter inflammation on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in trigeminal ganglia (TG), TRPA1 upregulation in TG, and mechanical hyperalgesia. In a rat model, we demonstrate that FSS potentiates and prolongs CFA-induced ROS upregulation within TG. The ROS levels in CFA combined with FSS group surpass those in the CFA-only group on days 4 and 28 post-treatment. FSS also enhances TRPA1 upregulation in TG, with prolonged expression compared to CFA alone. Furthermore, CFA-induced mechanical hyperalgesia is significantly prolonged by FSS, persisting up to day 28. PCR array analyses reveal distinct alterations in oxidative stress genes under CFA and CFA combined with FSS conditions, suggesting an intricate regulation of ROS within TG. Notably, genes like Nox4, Hba1, Gpx3, and Duox1 exhibit significant changes, providing potential targets for managing oxidative stress and inflammatory pain. Western blot and immunohistochemistry confirm DUOX1 protein upregulation and localization in TG neurons, indicating a role in ROS generation under inflammatory and stress conditions. This study underscores the complex interplay between psychophysical stress, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the trigeminal system, offering insights into novel therapeutic targets for pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Y. Ro
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Youping Zhang
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jamila Asgar
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Huizhong Shou
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Man-Kyo Chung
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ohannes K. Melemedjian
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Joyce T. Da Silva
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shou Chen
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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2
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Argenbright CM, Bertlesman AM, Russell IM, Greer TL, Peng YB, Fuchs PN. The Fibromyalgia Pain Experience: A Scoping Review of the Preclinical Evidence for Replication and Treatment of the Affective and Cognitive Pain Dimensions. Biomedicines 2024; 12:778. [PMID: 38672134 PMCID: PMC11048409 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia is a chronic, widespread pain disorder that is strongly represented across the affective and cognitive dimensions of pain, given that the underlying pathophysiology of the disorder is yet to be identified. These affective and cognitive deficits are crucial to understanding and treating the fibromyalgia pain experience as a whole but replicating this multidimensionality on a preclinical level is challenging. To understand the underlying mechanisms, animal models are used. In this scoping review, we evaluate the current primary animal models of fibromyalgia regarding their translational relevance within the affective and cognitive pain realms, as well as summarize treatments that have been identified preclinically for attenuating these deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassie M. Argenbright
- Department of Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Alysia M. Bertlesman
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; (A.M.B.); (I.M.R.); (T.L.G.); (Y.B.P.)
| | - Izabella M. Russell
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; (A.M.B.); (I.M.R.); (T.L.G.); (Y.B.P.)
| | - Tracy L. Greer
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; (A.M.B.); (I.M.R.); (T.L.G.); (Y.B.P.)
| | - Yuan B. Peng
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; (A.M.B.); (I.M.R.); (T.L.G.); (Y.B.P.)
| | - Perry N. Fuchs
- Department of Psychological Science, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX 78539, USA;
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3
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Huang Z, Zhang Y, Wang S, Qi R, Tao Y, Sun Y, Jiang D, Jiang X, Tao J. FOXD3-mediated transactivation of ALKBH5 promotes neuropathic pain via m 6A-dependent stabilization of 5-HT3A mRNA in sensory neurons. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2312861121. [PMID: 38285939 PMCID: PMC10861880 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2312861121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNA is an emerging epigenetic regulatory mechanism that has been shown to participate in various pathophysiological processes. However, its involvement in modulating neuropathic pain is still poorly understood. In this study, we elucidate a functional role of the m6A demethylase alkylation repair homolog 5 (ALKBH5) in modulating trigeminal-mediated neuropathic pain. Peripheral nerve injury selectively upregulated the expression level of ALKBH5 in the injured trigeminal ganglion (TG) of rats. Blocking this upregulation in injured TGs alleviated trigeminal neuropathic pain, while mimicking the upregulation of ALKBH5 in intact TG neurons sufficiently induced pain-related behaviors. Mechanistically, histone deacetylase 11 downregulation induced by nerve injury increases histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac), facilitating the binding of the transcription factor forkhead box protein D3 (FOXD3) to the Alkbh5 promoter and promoting Alkbh5 transcription. The increased ALKBH5 erases m6A sites in Htr3a messenger RNA (mRNA), resulting in an inability of YT521-B homology domain 2 (YTHDF2) to bind to Htr3a mRNA, thus causing an increase in 5-HT3A protein expression and 5-HT3 channel currents. Conversely, blocking the increased expression of ALKBH5 in the injured TG destabilizes nerve injury-induced 5-HT3A upregulation and reverses mechanical allodynia, and the effect can be blocked by 5-HT3A knockdown. Together, FOXD3-mediated transactivation of ALKBH5 promotes neuropathic pain through m6A-dependent stabilization of Htr3a mRNA in TG neurons. This mechanistic understanding may advance the discovery of new therapeutic targets for neuropathic pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zitong Huang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou215004, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shoupeng Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - Renfei Qi
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Tao
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yufang Sun
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongsheng Jiang
- Institute of Regenerative Biology and Medicine, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich81377, Germany
| | - Xinghong Jiang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin Tao
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Geriatric Diseases and Immunology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou215123, People’s Republic of China
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4
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Centeno MV, Alam MS, Haldar K, Apkarian AV. Long-range action of an HDAC inhibitor treats chronic pain in a spared nerve injury rat model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.13.571583. [PMID: 38168166 PMCID: PMC10760082 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.13.571583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) that modulate epigenetic regulation and are approved for treating rare cancers have, in disease models, also been shown to mitigate neurological conditions, including chronic pain. They are of interest as non-opioid treatments, but achieving long-term efficacy with limited dosing has remained elusive. Here we utilize a triple combination formulation (TCF) comprised of a pan-HDACi vorinostat (Vo at its FDA-approved daily dose of 50mg/Kg), the caging agent 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) known to boost plasma and brain exposure and efficacy of Vo in mice and rats, of various ages, spared nerve injury (SNI) model of chronic neuropathic pain. Administration of the TCF (but not HPBCD and PEG) decreased mechanical allodynia for 4 weeks without antagonizing weight, anxiety, or mobility. This was achieved at less than 1% of the total dose of Vo approved for 4 weeks of tumor treatment and associated with decreased levels of major inflammatory markers and microglia in ipsilateral (but not contralateral) spinal cord regions. A single TCF injection was sufficient for 3-4 weeks of efficacy: this was mirrored in repeat injections, specific for the injured paw and not seen on sham treatment. Pharmacodynamics in an SNI mouse model suggested pain relief was sustained for days to weeks after Vo elimination. Doubling Vo in a single TCF injection proved effectiveness was limited to male rats, where the response amplitude tripled and remained effective for > 2 months, an efficacy that outperforms all currently available chronic pain pharmacotherapies. Together, these data suggest that through pharmacological modulation of Vo, the TCF enables single-dose effectiveness with extended action, reduces long-term HDACi dosage, and presents excellent potential to develop as a non-opioid treatment option for chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Virginia Centeno
- Center for Translational Pain Research, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Md Suhail Alam
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
| | - Kasturi Haldar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
| | - Apkar Vania Apkarian
- Center for Translational Pain Research, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
- Department of Anesthesia, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611
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5
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Tao Y, Zhang Y, Jin X, Hua N, Liu H, Qi R, Huang Z, Sun Y, Jiang D, Snutch TP, Jiang X, Tao J. Epigenetic regulation of beta-endorphin synthesis in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus neurons modulates neuropathic pain in a rodent pain model. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7234. [PMID: 37945654 PMCID: PMC10636187 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43022-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Although beta-endorphinergic neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) synthesize beta-endorphin (β-EP) to alleviate nociceptive behaviors, the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we elucidated an epigenetic pathway driven by microRNA regulation of β-EP synthesis in ARC neurons to control neuropathic pain. In pain-injured rats miR-203a-3p was the most highly upregulated miRNA in the ARC. A similar increase was identified in the cerebrospinal fluid of trigeminal neuralgia patients. Mechanistically, we found histone deacetylase 9 was downregulated following nerve injury, which decreased deacetylation of histone H3 lysine-18, facilitating the binding of NR4A2 transcription factor to the miR-203a-3p gene promoter, thereby upregulating miR-203a-3p expression. Further, increased miR-203a-3p was found to maintain neuropathic pain by targeting proprotein convertase 1, an endopeptidase necessary for the cleavage of proopiomelanocortin, the precursor of β-EP. The identified mechanism may provide an avenue for the development of new therapeutic targets for neuropathic pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tao
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics & Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215004, PR China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Xiaohong Jin
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, PR China
| | - Nan Hua
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, PR China
| | - Renfei Qi
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Zitong Huang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Yufang Sun
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Dongsheng Jiang
- Institute of Regenerative Biology and Medicine, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Terrance P Snutch
- Michael Smith Laboratories and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Xinghong Jiang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China
| | - Jin Tao
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology & Centre for Ion Channelopathy, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, PR China.
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6
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Dothel G, Barbaro MR, Di Vito A, Ravegnini G, Gorini F, Monesmith S, Coschina E, Benuzzi E, Fuschi D, Palombo M, Bonomini F, Morroni F, Hrelia P, Barbara G, Angelini S. New insights into irritable bowel syndrome pathophysiological mechanisms: contribution of epigenetics. J Gastroenterol 2023; 58:605-621. [PMID: 37160449 PMCID: PMC10307698 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-023-01997-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complex multifactorial condition including alterations of the gut-brain axis, intestinal permeability, mucosal neuro-immune interactions, and microbiota imbalance. Recent advances proposed epigenetic factors as possible regulators of several mechanisms involved in IBS pathophysiology. These epigenetic factors include biomolecular mechanisms inducing chromosome-related and heritable changes in gene expression regardless of DNA coding sequence. Accordingly, altered gut microbiota may increase the production of metabolites such as sodium butyrate, a prominent inhibitor of histone deacetylases. Patients with IBS showed an increased amount of butyrate-producing microbial phila as well as an altered profile of methylated genes and micro-RNAs (miRNAs). Importantly, gene acetylation as well as specific miRNA profiles are involved in different IBS mechanisms and may be applied for future diagnostic purposes, especially to detect increased gut permeability and visceromotor dysfunctions. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the role of epigenetics in IBS pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Dothel
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Connect By Circular Lab SRL, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Aldo Di Vito
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gloria Ravegnini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Gorini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sarah Monesmith
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Emma Coschina
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eva Benuzzi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Fuschi
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marta Palombo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Bonomini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabiana Morroni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Hrelia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Barbara
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sabrina Angelini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Inter-Departmental Center for Health Sciences & Technologies, CIRI-SDV, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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7
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Guan L, Shi X, Tang Y, Yan Y, Chen L, Chen Y, Gao G, Lin C, Chen A. Contribution of Amygdala Histone Acetylation in Early Life Stress-Induced Visceral Hypersensitivity and Emotional Comorbidity. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:843396. [PMID: 35600618 PMCID: PMC9120649 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.843396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) experience not only enhanced visceral pain but also emotional comorbidities, such as anxiety and depression. Early life stress (ELS) is a high-risk for the development of IBS. Literatures have reported an important epigenetic modulation in sustaining extrinsic phenotypes. The amygdala is closely related to the regulation of visceral functions and emotional experiences. In this study, we hypothesized that ELS-induced reprogramming inappropriate adaptation of histone acetylation modification in the amygdala may result in visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety-like behaviors in ELS rats. To test this hypothesis, the model of ELS rats was established by neonatal colorectal dilatation (CRD). Visceral hypersensitivity was assessed based on the electromyography response of the abdominal external oblique muscle to CRD. Emotional comorbidities were examined using the elevated plus maze test, open field test, and sucrose preference test. Trichostatin A (TSA) and C646 were microinjected into the central amygdala (CeA) individually to investigate the effects of different levels of histone acetylation modification on visceral hypersensitivity and emotion. We found neonatal CRD resulted in visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety-like behaviors after adulthood. Inhibiting histone deacetylases (HDACs) in the CeA by TSA enhanced visceral sensitivity but did not affect anxiety-like behaviors, whereas inhibiting HAT by C646 attenuated visceral hypersensitivity in ELS rats. Interestingly, CeA treatment with TSA induced visceral sensitivity and anxiety-like behaviors in the control rats. Western blot showed that the expressions of acetylated 9 residue of Histone 3 (H3K9) and protein kinase C zeta type (PKMζ) were higher in the ELS rats compared to those of the controls. The administration of the PKMζ inhibitor ZIP into the CeA attenuated visceral hypersensitivity of ELS rats. Furthermore, the expression of amygdala PKMζ was enhanced by TSA treatment in control rats. Finally, western blot and immunofluorescence results indicated the decrease of HDAC1 and HDAC2 expressions, but not HDAC3 expression, contributed to the enhancement of histone acetylation in ELS rats. Our results support our hypothesis that amygdala-enhanced histone acetylation induced by stress in early life results in visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety-like behaviors in ELS rats, and reversing the abnormal epigenetic mechanisms may be crucial to relieve chronic symptoms in ELS rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Guan
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Pain Research Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xi Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Pain Research Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Pain Research Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Pain Research Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Pain Research Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guangcheng Gao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Pain Research Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chun Lin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Pain Research Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Chun Lin,
| | - Aiqin Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Pain Research Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Aiqin Chen,
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Shen J, Zhang B, Chen J, Cheng J, Wang J, Zheng X, Lan Y, Zhang X. SAHA Alleviates Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Through Regulation of the p-STAT3/SERT/5-HT Signaling Pathway. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:1745-1756. [PMID: 35300211 PMCID: PMC8923685 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s331303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and stool irregularity. However, its pathophysiological mechanisms, which trigger intestinal motility disorders and diarrhea leading to diarrhea-predominant IBS (D-IBS), remain largely unknown. Methods In the present study, we established a D-IBS rat model by mother–infant separation combined with restraint stress. Then we exposed the modelled rats to suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) treatment, followed by determination of their visceral sensitivity. Toluidine blue staining served to reveal the effects of SAHA treatment on mast cells of D-IBS model rats. Then we measured the expression of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) and its receptors by ELISA. Results Construction of short hairpin RNA (sh)-serotonin transporter (SERT) lentivirus vectors verified the regulation of the 5-HT signaling pathway by phosphorylated (p)-STAT/SERT. SAHA treatment of D-IBS model rats reduced the fecal water content, electromyography integral change rate, abdominal withdrawal reflex score, and number of mast cells, as well as the expression of 5-HT type 3A (5-HT3AR), 3B receptor (5-HT3BR), and 4 receptor (5-HT4R) receptors. The treatment also elevated the expression of signal transducer and activator for transcription 3 (STAT3) and SERT. Activation of p-STAT3 may reverse the inhibitory effect of SAHA on the elevated visceral sensitivity of D-IBS model rats. Moreover, SAHA promoted the transcription of SERT through repression of the p-STAT3/5-HT signaling, thereby inhibiting the visceral sensitivity of D-IBS model rats. Conclusion This study highlights that SAHA treatment can alleviate D-IBS through regulation of the p-STAT3/SERT/5-HT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Shen
- Department of Pediatrics, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medical University, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Jian Shen Department of Pediatrics, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medical University, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86-21-53821650 Email
| | - Bimeng Zhang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shanghai General Hospital (The First People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University), Shanghai, 200080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianjie Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medical University, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiazheng Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medical University, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiali Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medical University, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xianhui Zheng
- Department of Pediatrics, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medical University, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Lan
- Department of Pediatrics, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medical University, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaowen Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medical University, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China
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9
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Tao ZY, Qiu XY, Wei SQ, Bai G, Li JF, Cao DY. SAHA Inhibits Somatic Hyperalgesia Induced by Stress Combined with Orofacial Inflammation Through Targeting Different Spinal 5-HT Receptor Subtypes. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:1405-1418. [PMID: 35092569 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03540-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation of gene expression has been implicated in the development of chronic pain. However, little is known about whether this regulation is involved in the development and treatment of chronic pain comorbidities such as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and temporomandibular disorder (TMD), a comorbidity predominantly occurring among women. Here we explored the impact of the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) on somatic hyperalgesia induced by stress or stress combined with orofacial inflammation, which mimicked the comorbidity of FMS and TMD in rats. Our data showed that somatic thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia induced by both conditions were completely prevented by intrathecal injection of SAHA, which upregulated 5-HT2C receptors but downregulated 5-HT3 receptors in the spinal dorsal horn. Subsequent spinal administration of RS102221 to inhibit 5-HT2C receptors or SR57227 to activate 5-HT3 receptors reversed the analgesic effect of SAHA under both conditions. These results indicate that SAHA attenuates the pro-nociceptive effects of stress combined with orofacial inflammation and the effects of stress alone. This likely occurs through epigenetic regulation of spinal 5-HT2C and 5-HT3 receptor expression, suggesting that SAHA has potential therapeutic value in FMS or comorbid FMS-TMD patients with somatic hyperalgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo-Ying Tao
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Surgery, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xin-Yi Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Si-Qi Wei
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Guang Bai
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, UM Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, 650 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Jin-Feng Li
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China. .,Department of Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Surgery, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Dong-Yuan Cao
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi, China. .,Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, UM Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, 650 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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10
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Li YX, Li JH, Guo Y, Tao ZY, Qin SH, Traub RJ, An H, Cao DY. Oxytocin inhibits hindpaw hyperalgesia induced by orofacial inflammation combined with stress. Mol Pain 2022; 18:17448069221089591. [PMID: 35266833 PMCID: PMC9047792 DOI: 10.1177/17448069221089591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is recognized as a critical neuropeptide in pain-related disorders. Chronic pain caused by the comorbidity of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is common, but whether OT plays an analgesic role in the comorbidity of TMD and FMS is unknown. Female rats with masseter muscle inflammation combined with 3-day forced swim (FS) stress developed somatic hypersensitivity, which modeled the comorbidity of TMD and FMS. Using this model, the effects of spinal OT administration on mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in hindpaws were examined. Furthermore, the protein levels of OT receptors and 5-HT2A receptors in the L4-L5 spinal dorsal horn were analyzed by Western blot. The OT receptor antagonist atosiban and 5-HT2A receptor antagonist ritanserin were intrathecally injected prior to OT injection in the separate groups. Intrathecal injection of 0.125 μg and 0.5 μg OT attenuated the hindpaw hyperalgesia. The expression of OT receptors and 5-HT2A receptors in the L4-L5 spinal dorsal horn significantly increased following intrathecal injection of 0.5 μg OT. Intrathecal administration of either the OT receptor antagonist atosiban or 5-HT2A receptor antagonist ritanserin blocked the analgesic effect of OT. These results suggest that OT may inhibit hindpaw hyperalgesia evoked by orofacial inflammation combined with stress through OT receptors and/or 5-HT2A receptors, thus providing a therapeutic prospect for drugs targeting the OT system and for patients with comorbidity of TMD and FMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province
for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi’an Jiaotong University College of
Stomatology, China
- Department of Special Dental Care, Xi’an Jiaotong University College of
Stomatology, China
| | - Jia-Heng Li
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province
for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi’an Jiaotong University College of
Stomatology, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province
for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi’an Jiaotong University College of
Stomatology, China
| | - Zhuo-Ying Tao
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province
for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi’an Jiaotong University College of
Stomatology, China
| | - Shi-Hao Qin
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province
for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi’an Jiaotong University College of
Stomatology, China
- Department of Special Dental Care, Xi’an Jiaotong University College of
Stomatology, China
| | - Richard J Traub
- Department of Neural and Pain
Sciences, School of Dentistry, Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland
Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hong An
- Department of Special Dental Care, Xi’an Jiaotong University College of
Stomatology, China
| | - Dong-Yuan Cao
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province
for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi’an Jiaotong University College of
Stomatology, China
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11
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Louwies T, Orock A, Greenwood-Van Meerveld B. Stress-induced visceral pain in female rats is associated with epigenetic remodeling in the central nucleus of the amygdala. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 15:100386. [PMID: 34584907 PMCID: PMC8456109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress and anxiety contribute to the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a female-predominant disorder of the gut-brain axis, characterized by abdominal pain due to heightened visceral sensitivity. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate in female rats whether epigenetic remodeling in the limbic brain, specifically in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), is a contributing factor in stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity. Our results showed that 1 h exposure to water avoidance stress (WAS) for 7 consecutive days decreased histone acetylation at the GR promoter and increased histone acetylation at the CRH promoter in the CeA. Changes in histone acetylation were mediated by the histone deacetylase (HDAC) SIRT-6 and the histone acetyltransferase CBP, respectively. Administration of the HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) into the CeA prevented stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity through blockade of SIRT-6 mediated histone acetylation at the GR promoter. In addition, HDAC inhibition within the CeA prevented stress-induced histone acetylation of the CRH promoter. Our results suggest that, in females, epigenetic modifications in the limbic brain regulating GR and CRH expression contribute to stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity and offer a potential explanation of how stress can trigger symptoms in IBS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijs Louwies
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Albert Orock
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Beverley Greenwood-Van Meerveld
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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12
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Chen S, Kadakia F, Davidson S. Group II metabotropic glutamate receptor expressing neurons in anterior cingulate cortex become sensitized after inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Mol Pain 2021; 16:1744806920915339. [PMID: 32326814 PMCID: PMC7227149 DOI: 10.1177/1744806920915339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The anterior cingulate cortex is a limbic region associated with the emotional processing of pain. How neuropathic and inflammatory pain models alter the neurophysiology of specific subsets of neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex remains incompletely understood. Here, we used a GRM2Cre:tdtomato reporter mouse line to identify a population of pyramidal neurons selectively localized to layer II/III of the murine anterior cingulate cortex. GRM2encodes the group II metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 2 which possesses analgesic properties in mouse and human models, although its function in the anterior cingulate cortex is not known. The majority of GRM2-tdtomato anterior cingulate cortex neurons expressed GRM2gene product in situ but did not overlap with cortical markers of local inhibitory interneurons, parvalbumin or somatostatin. Physiological properties of GRM2-tdtomato anterior cingulate cortex neurons were investigated using whole-cell patch clamp techniques in slice from animals with neuropathic or inflammatory pain, and controls. After hind-paw injection of Complete Freund’s Adjuvant or chronic constriction injury, GRM2-tdtomato anterior cingulate cortex neurons exhibited enhanced excitability as measured by an increase in the number of evoked action potentials and a decreased rheobase. This hyperexcitability was reversed pharmacologically by bath application of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 2 agonist (2R, 4R)-4-Aminopyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate APDC (1 µM) in both inflammatory and neuropathic models. We conclude that layer II/III pyramidal GRM2-tdtomato anterior cingulate cortex neurons express functional group II metabotropic glutamate receptors and undergo changes to membrane biophysical properties under conditions of inflammatory and neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Research Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Feni Kadakia
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Steve Davidson
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Research Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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13
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Ji Y, Hu B, Klontz C, Li J, Dessem D, Dorsey SG, Traub RJ. Peripheral mechanisms contribute to comorbid visceral hypersensitivity induced by preexisting orofacial pain and stress in female rats. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2020; 32:e13833. [PMID: 32155308 PMCID: PMC7319894 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress exacerbates many chronic pain syndromes including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Among these patient populations, many suffer from comorbid or chronic overlapping pain conditions and are predominantly female. Nevertheless, basic studies investigating chronic psychological stress-induced changes in pain sensitivity have been mostly carried out in male rodents. Our laboratory developed a model of comorbid pain hypersensitivity (CPH) (stress in the presence of preexisting orofacial pain inducing chronic visceral pain hypersensitivity that significantly outlasts transient stress-induced pain hypersensitivity (SIH)) facilitating the study of pain associated with IBS. Since CPH and SIH are phenotypically similar until SIH resolves and CPH persists, it is unclear if underlying mechanisms are similar. METHODS In the present study, the visceromotor response (VMR) to colorectal distention was recorded in the SIH and CPH models in intact females and ovariectomized rats plus estradiol replacement (OVx + E2). Over several months, rats were determined to be susceptible or resilient to stress and the role of peripheral corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) underlying in the pain hypersensitivity was examined. KEY RESULTS Stress alone induced transient (3-4 weeks) visceral hypersensitivity, though some rats were resilient. Comorbid conditions increased susceptibility to stress prolonging hypersensitivity beyond 13 weeks. Both models had robust peripheral components; hypersensitivity was attenuated by the CRF receptor antagonist astressin and the mast cell stabilizer disodium cromoglycate (DSCG). However, DSCG was less effective in the CPH model compared to the SIH model. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES The data indicate many similarities but some differences in mechanisms contributing to comorbid pain conditions compared to transient stress-induced pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Ji
- Department of Neural and Pain SciencesSchool of DentistryUniversity of Maryland BaltimoreBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Neural and Pain SciencesSchool of DentistryUniversity of Maryland BaltimoreBaltimoreMDUSA,Present address:
Key laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine ResearchXi’an Jiao Tong University College of StomatologyXi’anShaanxiChina
| | - Charles Klontz
- Department of Neural and Pain SciencesSchool of DentistryUniversity of Maryland BaltimoreBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Jiyun Li
- Department of Neural and Pain SciencesSchool of DentistryUniversity of Maryland BaltimoreBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Dean Dessem
- Department of Neural and Pain SciencesSchool of DentistryUniversity of Maryland BaltimoreBaltimoreMDUSA,UM Center to Advance Chronic Pain ResearchUniversity of Maryland BaltimoreBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Susan G. Dorsey
- UM Center to Advance Chronic Pain ResearchUniversity of Maryland BaltimoreBaltimoreMDUSA,Department of Pain and Translational Symptom ScienceSchool of NursingUniversity of Maryland BaltimoreBaltimoreMDUSA
| | - Richard J. Traub
- Department of Neural and Pain SciencesSchool of DentistryUniversity of Maryland BaltimoreBaltimoreMDUSA,UM Center to Advance Chronic Pain ResearchUniversity of Maryland BaltimoreBaltimoreMDUSA
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14
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Xue Y, Wei SQ, Wang PX, Wang WY, Liu EQ, Traub RJ, Cao DY. Down-regulation of Spinal 5-HT 2A and 5-HT 2C Receptors Contributes to Somatic Hyperalgesia induced by Orofacial Inflammation Combined with Stress. Neuroscience 2020; 440:196-209. [PMID: 32497757 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Patients suffering with functional somatic pain syndromes such as temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) have some similar symptoms, but the underlying cause is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors in the spinal cord contribute to somatic hyperalgesia induced by orofacial inflammation combined with different modes of stress. Ovariectomized rats were injected subcutaneously with estradiol and bilateral masseter muscles were injected with complete Freund's adjuvant followed by stress. Somatic sensitivity was assessed with thermal and mechanical stimulation. The anxiety- and depression-like behaviors were measured by immobility time, sucrose preference, elevated plus maze and open field tests. The expression of 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors in the spinal cord was examined by Western blot. Orofacial inflammation combined with 11 day forced swim stress (FSS) induced persistent mechanical allodynia for 15 days and thermal hyperalgesia for 2 days. The mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia lasted for 43 days and 30 days respectively following orofacial inflammation combined with 11 day heterotypic stress. Orofacial inflammation combined with stress induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. The expression of 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors significantly decreased in the orofacial inflammation combined with stress groups. Intrathecal injection of 5-HT2A or 5-HT2C receptor agonist reversed somatic hyperalgesia. The results suggest that down-regulation of 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors in the spinal cord contributes to somatic hyperalgesia induced by orofacial inflammation combined with stress, indicating that 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors may be potential targets in the treatment of TMD comorbid with FMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xue
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China
| | - Si-Qi Wei
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China
| | - Pei-Xing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China
| | - Wu-Yin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China
| | - En-Qi Liu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Richard J Traub
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, UM Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, 650 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Dong-Yuan Cao
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, 98 West 5th Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China.
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15
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Li ZL, Xue Y, Tao ZY, Du WZ, Jiang YG, Cao DY. Spinal 5-HT 3 receptor contributes to somatic hyperalgesia induced by sub-chronic stress. Mol Pain 2020; 15:1744806919859723. [PMID: 31184246 PMCID: PMC6613060 DOI: 10.1177/1744806919859723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo-Lin Li
- 1 Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China.,2 Department of Endodontics, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Yang Xue
- 1 Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Zhuo-Ying Tao
- 1 Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Zhi Du
- 1 Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Yue-Gui Jiang
- 2 Department of Endodontics, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Dong-Yuan Cao
- 1 Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
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16
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Weaver KR, Melkus GD, Fletcher J, Henderson WA. Relevance of Sex and Subtype in Patients With IBS: An Exploratory Study of Gene Expression. Biol Res Nurs 2020; 22:13-23. [PMID: 31833409 PMCID: PMC7068753 DOI: 10.1177/1099800419889189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological state, stress level, and gastrointestinal function are intricately related and relevant to symptom exacerbation in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but genetic contributors to this brain-gut connection are not fully understood. The purpose of this exploratory study was to compare gene expression in participants with IBS to that of healthy controls (HC) and to examine patterns of expression in participants with IBS by sex and IBS subtype. METHOD Participants were recruited to an ongoing protocol at the National Institutes of Health. Differences in demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed using descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U tests. Expression levels of 84 genes were evaluated in peripheral whole blood using Custom RT2 Profiler polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Arrays, and data analysis was performed through GeneGlobe Data Analysis Center. RESULTS Participants with IBS (n = 27) reported greater levels of perceived stress (p = .037) and differed in expression values of ±2 for the genes ADIPOR1, ADIPOR2, CNR2, COMT, OXTR, and PPARA compared to HC (n = 43). Further analyses by sex and IBS subtype revealed differential patterns of gene expression related to the endocannabinoid system, cytokines, stress, and sex steroid hormones. CONCLUSIONS Diverse yet interconnected processes such as metabolism, inflammation, immunity, social behavior, and pain are associated with differences in gene expression between participants with IBS and HC. These findings lend support for genomic associations with the brain-gut connection in patients with IBS and highlight the relevance of sex and IBS subtype in performing such analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen R. Weaver
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, University of Maryland
School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
- National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health,
Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Jason Fletcher
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, NY, USA
| | - Wendy A. Henderson
- Digestive Disorders Unit, Division of Intramural Research, National
Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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17
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Valproate reverses stress-induced somatic hyperalgesia and visceral hypersensitivity by up-regulating spinal 5-HT 2C receptor expression in female rats. Neuropharmacology 2019; 165:107926. [PMID: 31883927 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sodium valproate (VPA) has analgesic effects in clinical and experimental studies, but the mechanisms are still unclear. The present study examined the effects of VPA on stress-induced somatic hyperalgesia and visceral hypersensitivity and the role of 5-HT2C receptors in the spinal cord. Repeated 3 day forced swim (FS) significantly reduced the thermal withdrawal latency and mechanical withdrawal threshold, and increased the magnitude of the visceromotor response to colorectal distention compared to the baseline values in rats. The somatic hyperalgesia and visceral hypersensitivity were accompanied by significant down-regulation of 5-HT2C receptor expression in the L4-L5 and L6-S1 dorsal spinal cord. Intraperitoneal administration of VPA (300 mg/kg) before each FS and 1 day post FS prevented the development of somatic hyperalgesia and visceral hypersensitivity induced by FS stress, as well as down-regulation of 5-HT2C receptors in the spinal cord. The reversal of somatic hyperalgesia and visceral hypersensitivity by VPA in FS rats was blocked by intrathecal administration of the selective 5-HT2C receptor antagonist RS-102221 (30 μg/10 μL) 30 min after each VPA injection. The results suggest that VPA attenuates FS-induced somatic hyperalgesia and visceral hypersensitivity by restoring down-regulated function of 5-HT2C receptors in the spinal cord.
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18
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Rodiño-Janeiro BK, Pardo-Camacho C, Santos J, Martínez C. Mucosal RNA and protein expression as the next frontier in IBS: abnormal function despite morphologically intact small intestinal mucosa. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2019; 316:G701-G719. [PMID: 30767681 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00186.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the commonest gastrointestinal disorders. Although long-time considered a pure functional disorder, intense research in past years has rendered a very complex and varied array of observations indicating the presence of structural and molecular abnormalities underlying characteristic motor and sensitive changes and clinical manifestations. Analysis of gene and protein expression in the intestinal mucosa has shed light on the molecular mechanisms implicated in IBS physiopathology. This analysis uncovers constitutive and inductive genetic and epigenetic marks in the small and large intestine that highlight the role of epithelial barrier, immune activation, and mucosal processing of foods and toxins and several new molecular pathways in the origin of IBS. The incorporation of innovative high-throughput techniques into IBS research is beginning to provide new insights into highly structured and interconnected molecular mechanisms modulating gene and protein expression at tissue level. Integration and correlation of these molecular mechanisms with clinical and environmental data applying systems biology/medicine and data mining tools emerge as crucial steps that will allow us to get meaningful and more definitive comprehension of IBS-detailed development and show the real mechanisms and causality of the disease and the way to identify more specific diagnostic biomarkers and effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Kotska Rodiño-Janeiro
- Laboratory of Neuro-Immuno-Gastroenterology, Digestive System Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca , Barcelona , Spain.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Facultat de Medicina) , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Cristina Pardo-Camacho
- Laboratory of Neuro-Immuno-Gastroenterology, Digestive System Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca , Barcelona , Spain.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Facultat de Medicina) , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Javier Santos
- Laboratory of Neuro-Immuno-Gastroenterology, Digestive System Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca , Barcelona , Spain.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Facultat de Medicina) , Barcelona , Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas , Madrid , Spain
| | - Cristina Martínez
- Laboratory of Neuro-Immuno-Gastroenterology, Digestive System Research Unit, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca , Barcelona , Spain.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Facultat de Medicina) , Barcelona , Spain
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19
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Louwies T, Ligon CO, Johnson AC, Greenwood-Van Meerveld B. Targeting epigenetic mechanisms for chronic visceral pain: A valid approach for the development of novel therapeutics. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2019; 31:e13500. [PMID: 30393913 PMCID: PMC7924309 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic visceral pain is persistent pain emanating from thoracic, pelvic, or abdominal origin that is poorly localized with regard to the specific organ affected. The prevalence can range up to 25% in the adult population as chronic visceral pain is a common feature of many visceral disorders, which may or may not be accompanied by distinct structural or histological abnormalities within the visceral organs. Mounting evidence suggests that changes in epigenetic mechanisms are involved in the top-down or bottom-up sensitization of pain pathways and the development of chronic pain. Epigenetic changes can lead to long-term alterations in gene expression profiles of neurons and consequently alter functionality of peripheral neurons, dorsal root ganglia, spinal cord, and brain neurons. However, epigenetic modifications are dynamic, and thus, detrimental changes may be reversible. Hence, external factors/therapeutic interventions may be capable of modulating the epigenome and restore normal gene expression for extended periods of time. PURPOSE The goal of this review is to highlight the latest discoveries made toward understanding the epigenetic mechanisms that are involved in the development or maintenance of chronic visceral pain. Furthermore, this review will provide evidence supporting that targeting these epigenetic mechanisms may represent a novel approach to treat chronic visceral pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijs Louwies
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Casey O. Ligon
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | | | - Beverley Greenwood-Van Meerveld
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
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Inhibitory effects of fluoxetine, an antidepressant drug, on masseter muscle nociception at the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis and upper cervical spinal cord regions in a rat model of psychophysical stress. Exp Brain Res 2018; 236:2209-2221. [PMID: 29808228 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-018-5297-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine whether psychophysical stress conditionings had facilitatory effects on masseter muscle nociception in the central nervous system via serotonergic mechanisms in rats. Two experiments were conducted to assess: (1) whether repeated forced swim stress for 3 days increased the number of Fos-positive neurons evoked by masseter muscle injury due to formalin injection; and (2) whether serotonin-reuptake inhibitor, fluoxetine, administered daily after each stress conditioning, had modulatory roles on Fos expression. The number of Fos-positive cells was quantified in several areas within the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc) and upper cervical spinal cord regions (Vc areas), including the ventrolateral area of the trigeminal subnucleus interpolaris/Vc transition, and the middle or caudal portion of the Vc regions, since nociceptive neural activity in the Vc region could play critical roles in deep craniofacial nociception. We found that forced swim stress conditionings increased depression-like behaviors, which was prevented by fluoxetine. Repeated forced swim stress significantly increased Fos expression in all Vc areas compared with those of non-stressed rats, while systemic administration of fluoxetine significantly decreased Fos expression in all areas, but mainly in the caudal Vc region, in stressed rats. Fluoxetine had no effect on Fos expression in non-stressed rats. These results indicate that repeated forced swim stress conditionings increase Fos expression in the Vc areas, and the contribution of serotonergic mechanisms to masseter muscle nociception could be greater in stressed rats than in sham rats. These results support the hypothesis that changes in brain function, including serotonergic mechanisms, in the Vc areas play critical roles in enhanced masseter muscle nociceptive responses under psychophysical stress conditions.
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Opposing Roles of Estradiol and Testosterone on Stress-Induced Visceral Hypersensitivity in Rats. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2018; 19:764-776. [PMID: 29496640 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chronic stress produces maladaptive pain responses, manifested as alterations in pain processing and exacerbation of chronic pain conditions including irritable bowel syndrome. Female predominance, especially during reproductive years, strongly suggests a role of gonadal hormones. However, gonadal hormone modulation of stress-induced pain hypersensitivity is not well understood. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that estradiol is pronociceptive and testosterone is antinociceptive in a model of stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity (SIVH) in rats by recording the visceromotor response to colorectal distention after a 3-day forced swim (FS) stress paradigm. FS induced visceral hypersensitivity that persisted at least 2 weeks in female, but only 2 days in male rats. Ovariectomy blocked and orchiectomy facilitated SIVH. Furthermore, estradiol injection in intact male rats increased SIVH and testosterone in intact female rats attenuated SIVH. Western blot analyses indicated estradiol increased excitatory glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 1 expression and decreased inhibitory metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 expression after FS in male thoracolumbar spinal cord. In addition, the presence of estradiol during stress increased spinal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression independent of sex. In contrast, testosterone blocked the stress-induced increase in BDNF expression in female rats. These data suggest that estradiol facilitates and testosterone attenuates SIVH by modulating spinal excitatory and inhibitory glutamatergic receptor expression. PERSPECTIVE SIVH is more robust in female rats. Estradiol facilitates whereas testosterone dampens the development of SIVH. This could partially explain the greater prevalence of certain chronic visceral pain conditions in women. An increase in spinal BDNF is concomitant with increased stress-induced pain. Pharmaceutical interventions targeting this molecule could provide promising alleviation of SIVH in women.
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Zhao YJ, Li JH, Hu B, Wang Y, Chang XF, Traub RJ, Cao DY. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation in the spinal cord contributes to visceral hypersensitivity induced by craniofacial injury followed by stress. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2018; 30. [PMID: 28730748 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously developed an animal model to examine mechanisms that underlie the emergence of visceral hypersensitivity modeling pain characteristics of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients with comorbid irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In ovariectomized (OVx) rats with estradiol (E2) replacement, visceral hypersensitivity developed subsequent to masseter muscle inflammation followed by repeated forced swim (FS) stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the spinal cord contributes to visceral hypersensitivity in this overlapping pain model. METHODS In OVx with E2 replacement rats masseter muscle inflammation was followed by 3 day FS (comorbid condition). Depression-like behaviors were assessed by sucrose preference and in the elevated plus maze, and visceral sensitivity was measured by the visceromotor response (VMR) to colorectal distention. The protein level of ERK1/2 and phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in the L6-S2 dorsal spinal cord was analyzed by western blot. KEY RESULTS FS stress decreased sucrose consumption in E2 replaced rats in sucrose preference test. The expression of p-ERK1/2 in the L6-S2 dorsal spinal cord increased significantly in E2 with comorbid rats. Intrathecal injection of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD98059 blocked the visceral hypersensitivity induced by masseter muscle inflammation combined with FS stress. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES These data indicate that ERK1/2 activation contributes to the visceral hypersensitivity evoked by craniofacial inflammation pain combined with stress. The results may provide a new therapeutic avenue for alleviating overlapping pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y-J Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - J-H Li
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - B Hu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Y Wang
- Department of Medical Imaging, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - X-F Chang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - R J Traub
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, UM Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - D-Y Cao
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Greenwood-Van Meerveld B, Johnson AC. Stress-Induced Chronic Visceral Pain of Gastrointestinal Origin. Front Syst Neurosci 2017; 11:86. [PMID: 29213232 PMCID: PMC5702626 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2017.00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral pain is generally poorly localized and characterized by hypersensitivity to a stimulus such as organ distension. In concert with chronic visceral pain, there is a high comorbidity with stress-related psychiatric disorders including anxiety and depression. The mechanisms linking visceral pain with these overlapping comorbidities remain to be elucidated. Evidence suggests that long term stress facilitates pain perception and sensitizes pain pathways, leading to a feed-forward cycle promoting chronic visceral pain disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Early life stress (ELS) is a risk-factor for the development of IBS, however the mechanisms responsible for the persistent effects of ELS on visceral perception in adulthood remain incompletely understood. In rodent models, stress in adult animals induced by restraint and water avoidance has been employed to investigate the mechanisms of stress-induce pain. ELS models such as maternal separation, limited nesting, or odor-shock conditioning, which attempt to model early childhood experiences such as neglect, poverty, or an abusive caregiver, can produce chronic, sexually dimorphic increases in visceral sensitivity in adulthood. Chronic visceral pain is a classic example of gene × environment interaction which results from maladaptive changes in neuronal circuitry leading to neuroplasticity and aberrant neuronal activity-induced signaling. One potential mechanism underlying the persistent effects of stress on visceral sensitivity could be epigenetic modulation of gene expression. While there are relatively few studies examining epigenetically mediated mechanisms involved in visceral nociception, stress-induced visceral pain has been linked to alterations in DNA methylation and histone acetylation patterns within the brain, leading to increased expression of pro-nociceptive neurotransmitters. This review will discuss the potential neuronal pathways and mechanisms responsible for stress-induced exacerbation of chronic visceral pain. Additionally, we will review the importance of specific experimental models of adult stress and ELS in enhancing our understanding of the basic molecular mechanisms of pain processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverley Greenwood-Van Meerveld
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
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Zammataro M, Merlo S, Barresi M, Parenti C, Hu H, Sortino MA, Chiechio S. Chronic Treatment with Fluoxetine Induces Sex-Dependent Analgesic Effects and Modulates HDAC2 and mGlu2 Expression in Female Mice. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:743. [PMID: 29104538 PMCID: PMC5654865 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gender and sex differences in pain recognition and drug responses have been reported in clinical trials and experimental models of pain. Among antidepressants, contradictory results have been observed in patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This study evaluated sex differences in response to the SSRI fluoxetine after chronic administration in the mouse formalin test. Adult male and female CD1 mice were intraperitoneally injected with fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) for 21 days and subjected to pain assessment. Fluoxetine treatment reduced the second phase of the formalin test only in female mice without producing behavioral changes in males. We also observed that fluoxetine was able to specifically increase the expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor type-2 (mGlu2) in females. Also a reduced expression of the epigenetic modifying enzyme, histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and dorsal horn (DH) together with an increase histone 3 acetylation (H3) level was observed in females but not in males. With this study we provide evidence that fluoxetine induces sex specific changes in HDAC2 and mGlu2 expression in the DH of the spinal cord and in DRGs and suggests a molecular explanation for the analgesic effects in female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Zammataro
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sara Merlo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Carmela Parenti
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Huijuan Hu
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Maria A Sortino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Santina Chiechio
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Notartomaso S, Mascio G, Bernabucci M, Zappulla C, Scarselli P, Cannella M, Imbriglio T, Gradini R, Battaglia G, Bruno V, Nicoletti F. Analgesia induced by the epigenetic drug, L-acetylcarnitine, outlasts the end of treatment in mouse models of chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Mol Pain 2017; 13:1744806917697009. [PMID: 28326943 PMCID: PMC5407675 DOI: 10.1177/1744806917697009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background L-acetylcarnitine, a drug marketed for the treatment of chronic pain, causes analgesia by epigenetically up-regulating type-2 metabotropic glutamate (mGlu2) receptors in the spinal cord. Because the epigenetic mechanisms are typically long-lasting, we hypothesized that analgesia could outlast the duration of L-acetylcarnitine treatment in models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Results A seven-day treatment with L-acetylcarnitine (100 mg/kg, once a day, i.p.) produced an antiallodynic effect in the complete Freund adjuvant mouse model of chronic inflammatory pain. L-Acetylcarnitine-induced analgesia persisted for at least 14 days after drug withdrawal. In contrast, the analgesic effect of pregabalin, amitryptiline, ceftriaxone, and N-acetylcysteine disappeared seven days after drug withdrawal. L-acetylcarnitine treatment enhanced mGlu2/3 receptor protein levels in the dorsal region of the spinal cord. This effect also persisted for two weeks after drug withdrawal and was associated with increased levels of acetylated histone H3 bound to the Grm2 gene promoter in the dorsal root ganglia. A long-lasting analgesic effect of L-acetylcarnitine was also observed in mice subjected to chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve. In these animals, a 14-day treatment with pregabalin, amitryptiline, tramadol, or L-acetylcarnitine produced a significant antiallodynic effect, with pregabalin displaying the greatest efficacy. In mice treated with pregabalin, tramadol or L-acetylcarnitine the analgesic effect was still visible 15 days after the end of drug treatment. However, only in mice treated with L-acetylcarnitine analgesia persisted 37 days after drug withdrawal. This effect was associated with an increase in mGlu2/3 receptor protein levels in the dorsal horns of the spinal cord. Conclusions Our findings suggest that L-acetylcarnitine has the unique property to cause a long-lasting analgesic effect that might reduce relapses in patients suffering from chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Roberto Gradini
- 1 I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,2 Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Bruno
- 1 I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,3 Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- 1 I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,3 Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Liu S, Hagiwara SI, Bhargava A. Early-life adversity, epigenetics, and visceral hypersensitivity. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2017; 29:10.1111/nmo.13170. [PMID: 28782197 PMCID: PMC5576863 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Abdominal pain is associated with many gastrointestinal dysfunctions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Visceral hypersensitivity is a key reason for development of abdominal pain that presents in these gastrointestinal disorders/diseases. The pathogenesis of visceral hypersensitivity is complex and still far from being fully understood. In animal studies, visceral hypersensitivity has been linked to several early-life adverse (ELA) events. In humans, IBD, functional dyspepsia, and IBS can have adult onset, though the adverse events that lead to visceral hypersensitivity are largely uncharacterized. In this issue of the journal, Aguirre et al. report the interesting finding that epigenetics underlies the effects of ELA events on visceral hypersensitivity. This mini-review examines models of ELA events leading to visceral hypersensitivity and the potential role of epigenetics, as reported by Aguirre et al. and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Liu
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Health, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA
| | - SI. Hagiwara
- The Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - A. Bhargava
- The Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA,Department of Ob-Gyn, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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