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Song Q, E S, Zhang Z, Liang Y. Neuroplasticity in the transition from acute to chronic pain. Neurotherapeutics 2024:e00464. [PMID: 39438166 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00464] [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: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute pain is a transient sensation that typically serves as part of the body's defense mechanism. However, in certain patients, acute pain can evolve into chronic pain, which persists for months or even longer. Neuroplasticity refers to the capacity for variation and adaptive alterations in the morphology and functionality of neurons and synapses, and it plays a significant role in the transmission and modulation of pain. In this paper, we explore the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways underlying neuroplasticity during the transition of pain. We also examine the effects of neurotransmitters, inflammatory mediators, and central sensitization on neuroplasticity, as well as the potential of neuroplasticity as a therapeutic strategy for preventing chronic pain. The aims of this article is to clarify the role of neuroplasticity in the transformation from acute pain to chronic pain, with the hope of providing a novel theoretical basis for unraveling the pathogenesis of chronic pain and offering more effective strategies and approaches for its diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingbiao Song
- School of Anesthesiology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Sihan E
- School of Anesthesiology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Zhiyu Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261035, China
| | - Yingxia Liang
- School of Anesthesiology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China.
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2
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Deng H, Zhou P, Wang J, Zeng J, Yu C. CircRNA expression profiling of the rat thalamus in temporomandibular joint chronic inflammatory pain. Gene 2024:149024. [PMID: 39433265 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.149024] [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: 06/21/2024] [Revised: 10/17/2024] [Accepted: 10/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/23/2024]
Abstract
Orofacial pain (OFP) induced by temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is prevalent, affecting approximately 4.6 % of the population. One specific type of TMD is temporomandibular osteoarthritis (TMJOA), a common degenerative disease that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Differentially expressed circular RNAs (DEcircRNAs) in the thalamus, which serves as a relay station in the orofacial pain transmission pathway, may play a crucial role and serve as potential target markers for inflammation and the progression of inflammatory pain in TMJOA. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression profile of circRNAs in the thalamus of TMJOA. We obtained the circRNA expression profile from the thalamus of a rat model of TMJOA through high-throughput sequencing (HT-seq) and further validated their expression using reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), followed by bioinformatics analysis of the expression data. A total of 425 circRNAs (DESeq2 p- value < 0.05, |log2FoldChange| > 0.0) were identified as significantly differentially expressed by RNA-Seq, comprising 188 up-regulated and 237 down-regulated circRNAs. After validation via RT-qPCR, we employed miRanda software to predict the binding sites of miRNAs for the identified circRNAs to further explore the functions of DEcircRNAs. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses revealed that DEcircRNAs were primarily enriched in pathways and functions related to synapse development, protein signaling and modification, 'Circadian entertainment', the 'MAPK signaling pathway', and 'Glutamatergic synapse'. These findings suggest that DEcircRNAs in the thalamus play a significant role in the progression of TMJOA and may serve as promising candidate molecular targets for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Deng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stomatology Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Pan Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stomatology Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stomatology Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stomatology Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Cong Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stomatology Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China; Chongqing Municipal Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering of Higher Education, Chongqing, China.
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3
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Wang WT, Feng F, Zhang MM, Tian X, Yang QQ, Li YJ, Tao XX, Xu YL, Dou E, Wang JY, Zeng XY. Red nucleus mGluR2 but not mGluR3 mediates inhibitory effect in the development of SNI-induced neuropathological pain by suppressing the expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β. Neurochem Int 2024; 179:105840. [PMID: 39181245 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Our previous study has verified that activation of group Ⅰ metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRⅠ) in the red nucleus (RN) facilitate the development of neuropathological pain. Here, we further discussed the functions and possible molecular mechanisms of red nucleus mGluR Ⅱ (mGluR2 and mGluR3) in the development of neuropathological pain induced by spared nerve injury (SNI). Our results showed that mGluR2 and mGluR3 both were constitutively expressed in the RN of normal rats. At 2 weeks post-SNI, the protein expression of mGluR2 rather than mGluR3 was significantly reduced in the RN contralateral to the nerve lesion. Injection of mGluR2/3 agonist LY379268 into the RN contralateral to the nerve injury at 2 weeks post-SNI significantly attenuated SNI-induced neuropathological pain, this effect was reversed by mGluR2/3 antagonist EGLU instead of selective mGluR3 antagonist β-NAAG. Intrarubral injection of LY379268 did not alter the PWT of contralateral hindpaw in normal rats, while intrarubral injection of EGLU rather than β-NAAG provoked a significant mechanical allodynia. Further studies indicated that the expressions of nociceptive factors TNF-α and IL-1β in the RN were enhanced at 2 weeks post-SNI. Intrarubral injection of LY379268 at 2 weeks post-SNI significantly suppressed the overexpressions of TNF-α and IL-1β, these effects were reversed by EGLU instead of β-NAAG. Intrarubral injection of LY379268 did not influence the protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β in normal rats, while intrarubral injection of EGLU rather than β-NAAG significantly boosted the expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β. These findings suggest that red nucleus mGluR2 but not mGluR3 mediates inhibitory effect in the development of SNI-induced neuropathological pain by suppressing the expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β. mGluR Ⅱ may be potential targets for drug development and clinical treatment of neuropathological pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Tao Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China; Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fan Feng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Miao-Miao Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xue Tian
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qing-Qing Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China; Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yue-Jia Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiao-Xia Tao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ya-Li Xu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China; Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - E Dou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jun-Yang Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Xiao-Yan Zeng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
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4
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Su X, Li Y, Liu H, An S, Yao N, Li C, Shang M, Ma L, Yang J, Li J, Zhang M, Dun W, Huang ZG. Brain Network Dynamics in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea During the Pain-Free Periovulation Phase. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:104618. [PMID: 38945381 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.104618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The human brain is a dynamic system that shows frequency-specific features. Neuroimaging studies have shown that both healthy individuals and those with chronic pain disorders experience pain influenced by various processes that fluctuate over time. Primary dysmenorrhea (PDM) is a chronic visceral pain that disrupts the coordinated activity of brain's functional network. However, it remains unclear whether the dynamic interactions across the whole-brain network over time and their associations with neurobehavioral symptoms are dependent on the frequency bands in patients with PDM during the pain-free periovulation phase. In this study, we used an energy landscape analysis to examine the interactions over time across the large-scale network in a sample of 59 patients with PDM and 57 healthy controls (HCs) at different frequency bands. Compared with HCs, patients with PDM exhibit aberrant brain dynamics, with more significant differences in the slow-4 frequency band. Patients with PDM show more indirect neural transition counts due to an unstable intermediate state, whereas neurotypical brain activity frequently transitions between 2 major states. This data-driven approach further revealed that the brains of individuals with PDM have more abnormal brain dynamics than HCs. Our results suggested that unstable brain dynamics were associated with the strength of brain functional segregation and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale score. Our findings provide preliminary evidence that atypical dynamics in the functional network may serve as a potential key feature and biological marker of patients with PDM during the pain-free phase. PERSPECTIVE: We applied energy landscape analysis on brain-imaging data to identify relatively stable and dominant brain activity patterns for patients with PDM. More atypical brain dynamics were found in the slow-4 band and were related to the strength of functional segregation, providing new insights into the dysfunction brain dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Su
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, The Key Laboratory of Neuro-informatics and Rehabilitation Engineering of Ministry of Civil Affairs, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Science, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Research Center for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Youjun Li
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, The Key Laboratory of Neuro-informatics and Rehabilitation Engineering of Ministry of Civil Affairs, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Science, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Research Center for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huiping Liu
- School of Future Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China; Department of Medical Imaging, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Simeng An
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, The Key Laboratory of Neuro-informatics and Rehabilitation Engineering of Ministry of Civil Affairs, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Science, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Research Center for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Nan Yao
- Research Center for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Department of Applied Physics, Xi'an University of Technology, Xi'an, China
| | - Chenxi Li
- Department of Military Medical Psychology, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Meiling Shang
- School of Future Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China; Department of Medical Imaging, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ling Ma
- Department of Medical Imaging, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Medical Imaging, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jianlong Li
- Department of Urology, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wanghuan Dun
- Rehabilitation Medicine Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zi-Gang Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, The Key Laboratory of Neuro-informatics and Rehabilitation Engineering of Ministry of Civil Affairs, Institute of Health and Rehabilitation Science, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Research Center for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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5
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Tian X, Wang WT, Zhang MM, Yang QQ, Xu YL, Wu JB, Xie XX, Wang JY, Wang JY. Red nucleus mGluR1 and mGluR5 facilitate the development of neuropathic pain through stimulating the expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β. Neurochem Int 2024; 178:105786. [PMID: 38843952 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Our previous study has identified that glutamate in the red nucleus (RN) facilitates the development of neuropathic pain through metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR). Here, we further explored the actions and possible molecular mechanisms of red nucleus mGluR Ⅰ (mGluR1 and mGluR5) in the development of neuropathic pain induced by spared nerve injury (SNI). Our data indicated that both mGluR1 and mGluR5 were constitutively expressed in the RN of normal rats. Two weeks after SNI, the expressions of mGluR1 and mGluR5 were significantly boosted in the RN contralateral to the nerve injury. Administration of mGluR1 antagonist LY367385 or mGluR5 antagonist MTEP to the RN contralateral to the nerve injury at 2 weeks post-SNI significantly ameliorated SNI-induced neuropathic pain. However, unilateral administration of mGluRⅠ agonist DHPG to the RN of normal rats provoked a significant mechanical allodynia, this effect could be blocked by LY367385 or MTEP. Further studies indicated that the expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β in the RN were also elevated at 2 weeks post-SNI. Administration of mGluR1 antagonist LY367385 or mGluR5 antagonist MTEP to the RN at 2 weeks post-SNI significantly inhibited the elevations of TNF-α and IL-1β. However, administration of mGluR Ⅰ agonist DHPG to the RN of normal rats significantly enhanced the expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β, these effects were blocked by LY367385 or MTEP. These results suggest that activation of red nucleus mGluR1 and mGluR5 facilitate the development of neuropathic pain by stimulating the expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β. mGluR Ⅰ maybe potential targets for drug development and clinical treatment of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Tian
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China; Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China; Shaanxi Blood Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wen-Tao Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Miao-Miao Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qing-Qing Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China; Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ya-Li Xu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ji-Bo Wu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xin-Xin Xie
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jun-Yang Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Jing-Yuan Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
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Ma LW, Liu YF, Zhang H, Huang CJ, Li A, Qu XZ, Lin JP, Yang Y, Yao YX. Electroacupuncture attenuates neuropathic pain via suppressing BIP-IRE-1α-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress in the anterior cingulate cortex. Biol Res 2024; 57:34. [PMID: 38812057 PMCID: PMC11134655 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-024-00511-3] [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: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Studies have suggested that endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is involved in neurological dysfunction and that electroacupuncture (EA) attenuates neuropathic pain (NP) via undefined pathways. However, the role of ERS in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in NP and the effect of EA on ERS in the ACC have not yet been investigated. In this study, an NP model was established by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the left sciatic nerve in rats, and mechanical and cold tests were used to evaluate behavioral hyperalgesia. The protein expression and distribution were evaluated using western blotting and immunofluorescence. The results showed that glucose-regulated protein 78 (BIP) and inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE-1α) were co-localized in neurons in the ACC. After CCI, BIP, IRE-1α, and phosphorylation of IRE-1α were upregulated in the ACC. Intra-ACC administration of 4-PBA and Kira-6 attenuated pain hypersensitivity and downregulated phosphorylation of IRE-1α, while intraperitoneal injection of 4-PBA attenuated hyperalgesia and inhibited the activation of P38 and JNK in ACC. In contrast, ERS activation by intraperitoneal injection of tunicamycin induced behavioral hyperalgesia in naive rats. Furthermore, EA attenuated pain hypersensitivity and inhibited the CCI-induced overexpression of BIP and pIRE-1α. Taken together, these results demonstrate that EA attenuates NP by suppressing BIP- and IRE-1α-mediated ERS in the ACC. Our study presents novel evidence that ERS in the ACC is implicated in the development of NP and provides insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in the analgesic effect of EA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Wei Ma
- Department of Anesthesia, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Department of Anesthesia, First People's Hospital of Linping District of Hangzhou City, 369 Yingbin Road, Hangzhou, 311100, China
| | - Yu-Fan Liu
- Department of Anesthesia, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Anesthesia, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Chang-Jun Huang
- Department of Anesthesia, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
- Department of Anesthesia, First People's Hospital of Linping District of Hangzhou City, 369 Yingbin Road, Hangzhou, 311100, China
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Anesthesia, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Xin-Zhe Qu
- Department of Orthopedics, Graduated School, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Jia-Piao Lin
- Department of Anesthesia, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310020, China.
- School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Yong-Xing Yao
- Department of Anesthesia, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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7
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Upadhyay A, Gradwell MA, Vajtay TJ, Conner J, Sanyal AA, Azadegan C, Patel KR, Thackray JK, Bohic M, Imai F, Ogundare SO, Yoshida Y, Abdus-Saboor I, Azim E, Abraira VE. The Dorsal Column Nuclei Scale Mechanical Sensitivity in Naive and Neuropathic Pain States. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.20.581208. [PMID: 38712022 PMCID: PMC11071288 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.20.581208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Tactile perception relies on reliable transmission and modulation of low-threshold information as it travels from the periphery to the brain. During pathological conditions, tactile stimuli can aberrantly engage nociceptive pathways leading to the perception of touch as pain, known as mechanical allodynia. Two main drivers of peripheral tactile information, low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs) and postsynaptic dorsal column neurons (PSDCs), terminate in the brainstem dorsal column nuclei (DCN). Activity within the DRG, spinal cord, and DCN have all been implicated in mediating allodynia, yet the DCN remains understudied at the cellular, circuit, and functional levels compared to the other two. Here, we show that the gracile nucleus (Gr) of the DCN mediates tactile sensitivity for low-threshold stimuli and contributes to mechanical allodynia during neuropathic pain in mice. We found that the Gr contains local inhibitory interneurons in addition to thalamus-projecting neurons, which are differentially innervated by primary afferents and spinal inputs. Functional manipulations of these distinct Gr neuronal populations resulted in bidirectional changes to tactile sensitivity, but did not affect noxious mechanical or thermal sensitivity. During neuropathic pain, silencing Gr projection neurons or activating Gr inhibitory neurons was able to reduce tactile hypersensitivity, and enhancing inhibition was able to ameliorate paw withdrawal signatures of neuropathic pain, like shaking. Collectively, these results suggest that the Gr plays a specific role in mediating hypersensitivity to low-threshold, innocuous mechanical stimuli during neuropathic pain, and that Gr activity contributes to affective, pain-associated phenotypes of mechanical allodynia. Therefore, these brainstem circuits work in tandem with traditional spinal circuits underlying allodynia, resulting in enhanced signaling of tactile stimuli in the brain during neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aman Upadhyay
- W.M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA; Cell Biology and Neuroscience Department, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
- Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Neuroscience PhD program at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Mark A Gradwell
- W.M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA; Cell Biology and Neuroscience Department, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
- Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Thomas J Vajtay
- W.M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA; Cell Biology and Neuroscience Department, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - James Conner
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Arnab A Sanyal
- W.M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA; Cell Biology and Neuroscience Department, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Chloe Azadegan
- W.M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA; Cell Biology and Neuroscience Department, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Komal R Patel
- W.M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA; Cell Biology and Neuroscience Department, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Joshua K Thackray
- Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Manon Bohic
- W.M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA; Cell Biology and Neuroscience Department, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
- Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Fumiyasu Imai
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, New York City, New York, USA
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Simon O Ogundare
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Yutaka Yoshida
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, New York City, New York, USA
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Ishmail Abdus-Saboor
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Eiman Azim
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Victoria E Abraira
- W.M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA; Cell Biology and Neuroscience Department, Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
- Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Lead contact
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Ghanbari A, Ghasemi S, Khaleghian A. Effects of swimming exercise on neuropathic pain in a rat model: role of glutamate. Neurol Res 2024; 46:330-338. [PMID: 38323336 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2024.2313901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The pain-reducing effects of the exercise were exerted through different mechanisms. Knowing more clear mechanisms helps to find more approach that is therapeutic. The objective of the present study is the evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glutamate level alteration in neuropathic pain rats and whether physical activity could modulate it. METHODS In the present study 104 male Wistar rats weighing 180-220 g were randomly divided into 4 groups (Sham, Sham + Exe, Neuropathy, and Neuropathy + Exe) which in turn each group subdivided into 4 groups according to time points for behavioral testing and CSF sampling (Baseline, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 4 weeks). To induction of neuropathy (by chronic constriction injury,), after anesthetizing with a mixture of ketamine (80 mg/kg) and xylazine (10 mg/kg), the animal's right sciatic nerve was exposed and was ligated using four movable catgut chromic suture 4/0. The exercise protocol included 25 min of daily swimming, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical tactile threshold were detected using the plantar test and Von Frey filaments, respectively. CSF glutamate level was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS Findings indicated that mechanical and thermal thresholds significantly (p < 0.01, p < 0.05 respectively) decreased in the neuropathy group against that in sham groups. On the other hand, exercise significantly increased mechanical tactile threshold (p < 0.0012) and thermal threshold (p < 0.05) compared to the neuropathy group. Moreover, CSF glutamate level prominently (p < 0.01) was increased in the neuropathy group compared to the sham group, and swimming exercise significantly (p < 0.001) reduced it. IN CONCLUSION The present findings provide new evidence showing that medium-intensity swimming exercise attenuates pain-like behaviors in neuropathic pain animals, which is possibly due to decreasing CSF glutamate level and its neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ghanbari
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Sahar Ghasemi
- Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ali Khaleghian
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
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9
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Yao D, Chen Y, Chen G. The role of pain modulation pathway and related brain regions in pain. Rev Neurosci 2023; 34:899-914. [PMID: 37288945 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2023-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Pain is a multifaceted process that encompasses unpleasant sensory and emotional experiences. The essence of the pain process is aversion, or perceived negative emotion. Central sensitization plays a significant role in initiating and perpetuating of chronic pain. Melzack proposed the concept of the "pain matrix", in which brain regions associated with pain form an interconnected network, rather than being controlled by a singular brain region. This review aims to investigate distinct brain regions involved in pain and their interconnections. In addition, it also sheds light on the reciprocal connectivity between the ascending and descending pathways that participate in pain modulation. We review the involvement of various brain areas during pain and focus on understanding the connections among them, which can contribute to a better understanding of pain mechanisms and provide opportunities for further research on therapies for improved pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Yeru Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
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10
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Liu R, Qiao N, Shi S, Li S, Wang Y, Song J, Jia W. Deficits in ascending pain modulation pathways in breast cancer survivors with chronic neuropathic pain: A resting-state fMRI study. Front Neurol 2022; 13:959122. [PMID: 36570451 PMCID: PMC9772282 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.959122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Breast cancer (BC) is the highest frequent malignancy in women globally. Approximately 25-60% of BC patients with chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) result from advances in treating BC. Since the CNP mechanism is unclear, the various treatment methods for CNP are limited. We aimed to explore the brain alternations in BC patients with CNP and the relationship between depression and CNP utilizing resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Methods To collect the data, the female BC survivors with CNP (n = 20) and healthy controls (n = 20) underwent rs-fMRI. We calculated and compared the functional connectivity (FC) between the two groups using the thalamus and periaqueductal gray (PAG) as seed regions. Results Patients with BC showed increased depression and FC between the thalamus and primary somatosensory cortices (SI). Moreover, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Depression (HADS-D) and pain duration were linked positively to the strength of FC from the thalamus to the SI. Furthermore, the thalamus-SI FC mediated the impact of pain duration on HADS-D. Conclusion In BC patients with CNP, the ascending pain regulation mechanism is impaired and strongly associated with chronic pain and accompanying depression. This research increased our knowledge of the pathophysiology of CNP in patients with BC, which will aid in determining the optimal therapeutic strategy for those patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Liu
- Department of Chemoradiotherapy, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei, China,*Correspondence: Rui Liu
| | - Na Qiao
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Qiqihar, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang, China,Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Qiqihar Hospital, Southern Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Shuwei Shi
- Department of Chemoradiotherapy, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Suyao Li
- Department of Chemoradiotherapy, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Yingman Wang
- Department of Chemoradiotherapy, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Jie Song
- Department of Chemoradiotherapy, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei, China
| | - Wenting Jia
- Department of Chemoradiotherapy, North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei, China
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11
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Wu X, Yuan J, Yang Y, Han S, Dai H, Wang L, Li Y. Elevated GABA level in the precuneus and its association with pain intensity in patients with postherpetic neuralgia: An initial proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study. Eur J Radiol 2022; 157:110568. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2022.110568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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12
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Liu D, Zhou X, Tan Y, Yu H, Cao Y, Tian L, Yang L, Wang S, Liu S, Chen J, Liu J, Wang C, Yu H, Zhang J. Altered brain functional activity and connectivity in bone metastasis pain of lung cancer patients: A preliminary resting-state fMRI study. Front Neurol 2022; 13:936012. [PMID: 36212659 PMCID: PMC9532555 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.936012] [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: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone metastasis pain (BMP) is one of the most prevalent symptoms among cancer survivors. The present study aims to explore the brain functional activity and connectivity patterns in BMP of lung cancer patients preliminarily. Thirty BMP patients and 33 healthy controls (HCs) matched for age and sex were recruited from inpatients and communities, respectively. All participants underwent fMRI data acquisition and pain assessment. Low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) were applied to evaluate brain functional activity. Then, functional connectivity (FC) was calculated for the ALFF- and ReHo-identified seed brain regions. A two-sample t-test or Manny–Whitney U-test was applied to compare demographic and neuropsychological data as well as the neuroimaging indices according to the data distribution. A correlation analysis was conducted to explore the potential relationships between neuroimaging indices and pain intensity. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was applied to assess the classification performance of neuroimaging indices in discriminating individual subjects between the BMP patients and HCs. No significant intergroup differences in demographic and neuropsychological data were noted. BMP patients showed reduced ALFF and ReHo largely in the prefrontal cortex and increased ReHo in the bilateral thalamus and left fusiform gyrus. The lower FC was found within the prefrontal cortex. No significant correlation between the neuroimaging indices and pain intensity was observed. The neuroimaging indices showed satisfactory classification performance between the BMP patients and HCs, and the combined ALFF and ReHo showed a better accuracy rate (93.7%) than individual indices. In conclusion, altered brain functional activity and connectivity in the prefrontal cortex, fusiform gyrus, and thalamus may be associated with the neuropathology of BMP and may represent a potential biomarker for classifying BMP patients and healthy controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daihong Liu
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong Tan
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Cao
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling Tian
- Department of Palliative Care and Department of Geriatric Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liejun Yang
- Department of Palliative Care and Department of Geriatric Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Sixiong Wang
- Department of Palliative Care and Department of Geriatric Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shihong Liu
- Department of Palliative Care and Department of Geriatric Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiao Chen
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chengfang Wang
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huiqing Yu
- Department of Palliative Care and Department of Geriatric Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Huiqing Yu
| | - Jiuquan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Jiuquan Zhang
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CircRNA-Associated ceRNA Network Reveals Focal Adhesion and Metabolism Pathways in Neuropathic Pain. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:7246904. [PMID: 36065302 PMCID: PMC9440820 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7246904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Increasing evidence has shown that noncoding RNAs perform a remarkable function in neuropathic pain (NP); nonetheless, the mechanisms underlying the modulation of competitive endogenous RNA in NP remain uncertain. The goal of this research was to investigate the molecular processes underlying NP. Methods. We utilized the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to obtain NP-related microarray datasets that included the expression patterns of circular RNAs (circRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Following that, bioinformatics analyses and a molecular biology experiment were carried out. Results. According to the findings, carrying out enrichment studies of the targeted genes had an impact on a variety of NP-related pathways. Notably, we isolated a ceRNA subnetwork incorporating two upregulated circRNAs (Esrrg and Map3k3) which primarily participate in the focal adhesion pathway by regulating Integrin Subunit Beta 4 (ITGB4) and two downregulated circRNAs (Dgkb and Atp2a2), which potentially regulate metabolism-related molecule Lipase A (LIPA). Conclusions. According to our findings, the focal adhesion and metabolic signaling pathways could be critical in the advancement of NP, and some circRNA might regulate this biological process through the ceRNA network, which might offer pertinent insights into the underlying mechanisms.
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Jiang S, Zheng C, Wen G, Bu B, Zhao S, Xu X. Down-regulation of NR2B receptors contributes to the analgesic and antianxiety effects of enriched environment mediated by endocannabinoid system in the inflammatory pain mice. Behav Brain Res 2022; 435:114062. [PMID: 35985400 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114062] [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: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain states are highly prevalent and yet poorly controlled by currently available analgesics. It has been reported that enriched environment (EE), as a new way of endogenous pharmacotherapy, is effective in attenuating chronic inflammatory pain. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not fully understood. NMDA NR2B receptor plays a critical role in pain transmission and modulation. Thus, in this study, we aimed at the effect of EE on the NR2B receptors expression in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and thalamus in the inflammatory pain mice. The results showed a significant increase of NR2B receptors in the thalamus of mice at 7 d following injection of CFA in the subcutaneous of the bottom of the left hind paw. EE significantly reduced the duration of mechanical hypersensitivity and anxiety-related behavior and the expression of NR2B receptors as compared to the standard condition. Furthermore, EE significantly increased 2-arachidonoylglycero (2-AG) levels at 7 d in the inflammatory pain mice as compared to the standard condition, and the effect of EE on the behavior and the expression of NR2B receptors was abolished by intraperitoneal injection of AM281 (a selective antagonist of CB1 receptor). Elevated 2-AG levels by intraperitoneal injection of JZL184 (a selective inhibitor of MAGL, the enzyme responsible for 2-AG hydrolysis) produced the same effect as EE. Results from this study provide the evidence that EE mimics endocannabinoids to take analgesic and anti-anxiety activities by decreasing the expression of the NR2B receptors via the CB1 receptor in the thalamus, pending further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shukun Jiang
- Department of Forensic Clinical Medicine, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Liaoning Province, PR China; China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Chuanfei Zheng
- Department of Forensic Clinical Medicine, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Liaoning Province, PR China; China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Gehua Wen
- Department of Forensic Clinical Medicine, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Liaoning Province, PR China; China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Bin Bu
- Department of Forensic Clinical Medicine, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Liaoning Province, PR China; China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Xiaoming Xu
- Department of Forensic Clinical Medicine, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Liaoning Province, PR China; China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, PR China.
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15
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Bioinformatics Analysis of the MicroRNA-Metabolic Gene Regulatory Network in Neuropathic Pain and Prediction of Corresponding Potential Therapeutics. J Mol Neurosci 2021; 72:468-481. [PMID: 34580818 PMCID: PMC8476070 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-021-01911-w] [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: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) involves metabolic processes that are regulated by metabolic genes and their non-coding regulator genes such as microRNAs (miRNAs). Here, we aimed at exploring the key miRNA signatures regulating metabolic genes involved in NP pathogenesis. We downloaded NP-related data from public databases and identified differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs through differential gene expression analysis. The miRNA target prediction was performed, and integration with the differentially expressed metabolic genes (DEMGs) was used for constructing the miRNA-DEMG network. Subsequently, functional enrichment analysis and protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis were performed to explore the role of DEMGs in the regulatory network. The drug prediction was performed based on the DEMGs in the miRNA-DEMG network. A total of 8251 differentially expressed mRNAs (4193 upregulated and 4058 downregulated), and 959 differentially expressed miRNAs (455 upregulated and 504 downregulated) were identified. Moreover, after target gene prediction, a miRNA-DEMG network composed of 22 miRNAs and 113 mRNAs was constructed. The network was constituted of 135 nodes and 236 edges. We found that DEMGs in the network were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways and metabolic processes. A total of 1200 drugs were predicted as potential therapeutics for NP based on the differentially expressed genes, while 170 drugs were predicted for the DEMGs in the miRNA-DEMG network. Conclusively, our study predicted drugs that may be effective against the metabolic changes induced by miRNA dysregulation in NP. This information will help further reveal the pathological mechanism of NP and provide more treatment options for NP patients.
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