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Pogue J, Johnson D, Burch A. A Utilization Review of Patients That Respond to Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) for Chronic Pain at a Single Institution. J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38836814 DOI: 10.1080/15360288.2024.2358941] [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: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Studies have demonstrated the benefits of LDN for various pain indications. This review describes the utilization of and response to LDN in patients with chronic pain within the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital (Madison VA). This was a retrospective, single center, chart review of patients that were prescribed LDN for chronic pain. The primary outcome, change in subjective pain report via numeric rating scale (NRS), was analyzed through Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and descriptive statistics. A total of 136 participants were included. Patients had an average pain score of 7.1 per NRS at baseline. At the initial follow up visit, participants had an average pain of 6.4 (p < 0.001). Additionally, 17.1% of patients had a greater than or equal to 30% pain reduction from baseline. At subsequent follow up, patients reported an average pain of 5.5 (p < 0.0001) per NRS. At the end of the study, 31.6% of patients were maintained on LDN at an average dose of 3.8 mg. This retrospective review demonstrated that LDN may be an effective modality for some chronic pain indications. Reported pain scores were significantly lower at initial follow up compared to baseline for the total population, and for patients with fibromyalgia (FM) specifically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Pogue
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Diane Johnson
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Andrew Burch
- Salisbury VA Health Care System, Salisbury, NC, USA
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2
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Rupp A, Young E, Chadwick AL. Low-dose naltrexone's utility for non-cancer centralized pain conditions: a scoping review. PAIN MEDICINE (MALDEN, MASS.) 2023; 24:1270-1281. [PMID: 37302106 PMCID: PMC10628981 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnad074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND At low doses, naltrexone (LDN) has been shown to modulate inflammation through the interruption of microglial cell activation within the central nervous system. One of the most likely contributors to centralized pain is changes in microglial cell processing. Therefore, it has been postulated that LDN can be used to manage patients with pain resulting from central sensitization due to this relationship. This scoping review aims to synthesize the relevant study data for LDN as a novel treatment strategy for various centralized pain conditions. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar, guided by the Scale for Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) criteria. RESULTS Forty-seven studies related to centralized pain conditions were identified. Many of the studies were case reports/series and narrative reviews, but a few randomized control trials have been conducted. Overall, the body of evidence revealed improvement in patient-reported pain severity and in outcomes related to hyperalgesia, physical function, quality of life, and sleep. Variability in dosing paradigms and the time to patient response was present in the reviewed studies. CONCLUSIONS Evidence synthesized for this scoping review supports the ongoing use of LDN for the treatment of refractory pain in various centralized chronic pain conditions. Upon review of the currently available published studies, it is apparent that further high-quality, well-powered randomized control trials need to be conducted to establish efficacy, standardization for dosing, and response times. In summary, LDN continues to offer promising results in the management of pain and other distressing symptoms in patients with chronic centralized pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Rupp
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, United States
| | - Erin Young
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, United States
| | - Andrea L Chadwick
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, United States
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Smesam HN, Qazmooz HA, Khayoon SQ, Almulla AF, Al-Hakeim HK, Maes M. Pathway Phenotypes Underpinning Depression, Anxiety, and Chronic Fatigue Symptoms Due to Acute Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Precision Nomothetic Psychiatry Analysis. J Pers Med 2022; 12:476. [PMID: 35330475 PMCID: PMC8950237 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12030476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorder which affects the joints in the wrists, fingers, and knees. RA is often associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms as well as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)-like symptoms. This paper examines the association between depressive symptoms (measured with the Beck Depression Inventory, BDI), anxiety (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, HAMA), CFS-like (Fibro-fatigue Scale) symptoms and immune-inflammatory, autoimmune, and endogenous opioid system (EOS) markers, and lactosylcer-amide (CD17) in RA. The serum biomarkers were assayed in 118 RA and 50 healthy controls. Results were analyzed using the new precision nomothetic psychiatry approach. We found significant correlations between the BDI, FF, and HAMA scores and severity of RA, as assessed with the DAS28-4, clinical and disease activity indices, the number of tender and swollen joints, and patient and evaluator global assessment scores. Partial least squares analysis showed that 69.7% of the variance in this common core underpinning psychopathology and RA symptoms was explained by immune-inflammatory pathways, rheumatoid factor, anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, CD17, and mu-opioid receptor levels. We constructed a new endophenotype class comprising patients with very high immune-inflammatory markers, CD17, RA, affective and CF-like symptoms, and tobacco use disorder. We extracted a reliable and replicable latent vector (pathway phenotype) from immune data, psychopathology, and RA-severity scales. Depression, anxiety, and CFS-like symptoms due to RA are manifestations of the phenome of RA and are mediated by the effects of the same immune-inflammatory, autoimmune, and other pathways that underpin the pathophysiology of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Najah Smesam
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Kufa, Kufa 540011, Iraq; (H.N.S.); (H.K.A.-H.)
| | - Hasan Abbas Qazmooz
- Department of Ecology, College of Science, University of Kufa, Kufa 540011, Iraq;
| | - Sinan Qayes Khayoon
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Kufa, Kufa 540011, Iraq;
| | - Abbas F. Almulla
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf 54001, Iraq;
| | - Hussein Kadhem Al-Hakeim
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Kufa, Kufa 540011, Iraq; (H.N.S.); (H.K.A.-H.)
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Deakin University, P.O. Box 281, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
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Martin SJ, McAnally HB, Okediji P, Rogosnitzky M. Low-dose naltrexone, an opioid-receptor antagonist, is a broad-spectrum analgesic: a retrospective cohort study. Pain Manag 2022; 12:699-709. [DOI: 10.2217/pmt-2021-0122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the use of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) as a broad-spectrum analgesic. Methods: Retrospective cohort study from a single pain management practice using data from 2014 to 2020. Thirty-six patients using LDN for ≥2 months were matched to 42 controls. Pain scores were assessed at initial visit and at most recent/final documented visit using a 10-point scale. Results: Cases reported significantly greater pain reduction (-37.8%) than controls (-4.3%; p < 0.001). Whole sample multivariate modeling predicts 33% pain reduction with LDN, with number needed to treat (for 50% pain reduction) of 3.2. Patients with neuropathic pain appeared to benefit even more than those with ‘nociceptive’/inflammatory pain. Conclusion: LDN is effective in a variety of chronic pain states, likely mediated by TLR-4 antagonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J Martin
- Northern Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, 10928 Eagle River Rd. #240, Eagle River, AK 99577, USA
- Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11175 Campus St., Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Heath B McAnally
- Northern Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, 10928 Eagle River Rd. #240, Eagle River, AK 99577, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Paul Okediji
- MedInsight Research Institute, Pekeris 4, Weizmann Science Park, Rehovot, 7670204, Israel
| | - Moshe Rogosnitzky
- MedInsight Research Institute, Pekeris 4, Weizmann Science Park, Rehovot, 7670204, Israel
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Singh V, Garg A, Thapliyal K. Naltrexone beyond psychiatric domain. INDIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SPECIALITIES 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/injms.injms_35_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Research progress of opioid growth factor in immune-related diseases and cancer diseases. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 99:107713. [PMID: 34426103 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Methionine enkephalin (MENK) has an important role in both neuroendocrine and immune systems. MENK was known as an opioid growth factor (OGF) for its growth regulatory characteristics. OGF interacts with the OGF receptor (OGFr) to inhibit DNA synthesis by upregulating p16 and/or p21, which delays the cell cycle transition from G0/G1 to S phase, and inhibits cell proliferation. In addition, OGF combines with OGFr in immune cells to exert its immunomodulatory activity and regulate immune function. OGF has been studied as an immunomodulator in a variety of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and viral infections, and has been proven to relieve symptoms of certain diseases in animal and in vitro experiments. Also, OGF and OGFr have various anti-tumor molecular mechanisms. OGF can be used as the primary therapy alone or combined with other drugs to treat tumors. This article summarizes the research progress of OGF in immune-related diseases and cancer diseases.
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Bolton MJ, Chapman BP, Van Marwijk H. Low-dose naltrexone as a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome. BMJ Case Rep 2020; 13:e232502. [PMID: 31911410 PMCID: PMC6954765 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-232502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Naltrexone is used as an off-label treatment in low doses for several chronic immune-modulated disorders in many countries. Although only small-scale clinical trials have been performed, these suggest efficacy in several diseases including Crohn's disease, fibromyalgia and Gulf War Illness. Despite numerous internet reports of response to low-dose naltrexone (LDN), no clinical trials exist in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. This condition is characterised by chronic profound fatigue, postexertional malaise, pain and autonomic and neurocognitive disturbances. This series of three case reports compiled by people with long-term ill-health due to chronic fatigue syndrome shows the range of responses they observed when taking LDN, from life changing to a reduction in some symptoms only. Treatment doses ranged from 4 to 12 mg. Clinical trials may be warranted to explore the potential use of naltrexone in people with these debilitating illnesses which currently have no licensed treatments available.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Harm Van Marwijk
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
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Xu N, Wang Y, Zhao S, Jiao T, Xue H, Shan F, Zhang N. Naltrexone (NTX) relieves inflammation in the collagen-induced- arthritis (CIA) rat models through regulating TLR4/NFκB signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 79:106056. [PMID: 31865244 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.106056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our aim was to study the efficacy and mechanism by which NTX alleviate arthritis in CIA rat models in vivo. METHODS Female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, their weights were observed and the severity of arthritis and pathological changes were evaluated by HE staining. T lymphocyte subsets were detected by flow cytometry. The expression of cytokines was detected in peripheral serum by ELISA. Real time PCR, immunohistochemical staining and western blot analysis were utilized to detect the mRNA and protein expression of opioid receptors, TLR4, RANKL and /NF-κB in synovial tissue and the spleen. RESULTS The weight of the rats in the 10 mg/kg NTX group decreased the least, and had the least severe arthritis. CD4+ T cells, Th1 cells and Treg cells increased, and CD8+T cells, Th1 cells and Th17 cells decreased in the splenic lymphocytes. The expression of proinflammatory cytokines decreased, and the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines increased. MOR and DOR were strongly expressed in the spleen, whereas KOR and DOR were strongly expressed in synovial tissue. The expression of TLR4, NF-κB and RANKL was reduced in the spleen and synovium in the NTX group. CONCLUSIONS NTX relieved the severity of arthritis in the CIA rat models at a concentration of 10 mg/kg by regulating T lymphocyte subsets and the expression of cytokines. NTX affected opioid receptors to inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, regulating the systemic immune response and decreasing osteoclast differentiation, thereby alleviating inflammation and the erosion of articular cartilage along with bone tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neili Xu
- Department of Rheumatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Yuejiao Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Shuai Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Ting Jiao
- Department of Rheumatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Hongxia Xue
- Department of Rheumatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Fengping Shan
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, China.
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Changes in the consumption of antiepileptics and psychotropic medicines after starting low dose naltrexone: A nation-wide register-based controlled before-after study. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15085. [PMID: 31636347 PMCID: PMC6803623 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51569-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In this controlled before-after study based on data from the Norwegian Prescription Database, we examine whether starting off-label use of Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is followed by changes in the consumption of psychotropic medicines including antiepileptics. Patients that collected LDN for the first time in 2013 (N = 11247) were included and stratified into three groups based on LDN exposure. We compared differences in means of cumulative number of defined daily doses (DDD) as well as changes in the number of users one year before and one year after starting LDN. There was a dose-response association between increasing LDN exposure and reductions in the number of users of antiepileptics, antipsychotics and antidepressants. There were significant difference-in-differences in DDDs between the groups with the lowest and highest LDN exposure of antipsychotics (1.4 DDD, 95% CI 0.4 to 2.3, p = 0.007), and in number of users of antiepileptics (3.1% points, 95% CI 1.6% to 4.6%, p < 0.001), antipsychotics (2.1% points, 95% CI 1.2% to 3%, p < 0.001), and antidepressants (2.8% points, 95% CI 1.1% to 4.4%, p = 0.001). The findings show an association between the initiation of persistent LDN use and reduced consumption of several psychotropic medicines and antiepileptics. Beneficial effects of LDN in the treatment of psychiatric diseases cannot be ruled out.
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Raknes G, Småbrekke L. Correction: Low dose naltrexone: Effects on medication in rheumatoid and seropositive arthritis. A nationwide register-based controlled quasi-experimental before-after study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223545. [PMID: 31574126 PMCID: PMC6772034 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212460.].
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