1
|
Xiong HY, Wyns A, Campenhout JV, Hendrix J, De Bruyne E, Godderis L, Schabrun S, Nijs J, Polli A. Epigenetic Landscapes of Pain: DNA Methylation Dynamics in Chronic Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8324. [PMID: 39125894 PMCID: PMC11312850 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158324] [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: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a prevalent condition with a multifaceted pathogenesis, where epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, might play an important role. This review delves into the intricate mechanisms by which DNA methylation and demethylation regulate genes associated with nociception and pain perception in nociceptive pathways. We explore the dynamic nature of these epigenetic processes, mediated by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes, which modulate the expression of pro- and anti-nociceptive genes. Aberrant DNA methylation profiles have been observed in patients with various chronic pain syndromes, correlating with hypersensitivity to painful stimuli, neuronal hyperexcitability, and inflammatory responses. Genome-wide analyses shed light on differentially methylated regions and genes that could serve as potential biomarkers for chronic pain in the epigenetic landscape. The transition from acute to chronic pain is marked by rapid DNA methylation reprogramming, suggesting its potential role in pain chronicity. This review highlights the importance of understanding the temporal dynamics of DNA methylation during this transition to develop targeted therapeutic interventions. Reversing pathological DNA methylation patterns through epigenetic therapies emerges as a promising strategy for pain management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Yu Xiong
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
| | - Arne Wyns
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
| | - Jente Van Campenhout
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
| | - Jolien Hendrix
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elke De Bruyne
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Lode Godderis
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Siobhan Schabrun
- The School of Physical Therapy, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
- The Gray Centre for Mobility and Activity, Parkwood Institute, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Jo Nijs
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
- Chronic Pain Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Brussels, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Unit of Physiotherapy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41390 Göterbog, Sweden
| | - Andrea Polli
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xiong HY, Hendrix J, Schabrun S, Wyns A, Campenhout JV, Nijs J, Polli A. The Role of the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Chronic Pain: Links to Central Sensitization and Neuroinflammation. Biomolecules 2024; 14:71. [PMID: 38254671 PMCID: PMC10813479 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010071] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is sustained, in part, through the intricate process of central sensitization (CS), marked by maladaptive neuroplasticity and neuronal hyperexcitability within central pain pathways. Accumulating evidence suggests that CS is also driven by neuroinflammation in the peripheral and central nervous system. In any chronic disease, the search for perpetuating factors is crucial in identifying therapeutic targets and developing primary preventive strategies. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) emerges as a critical regulator of synaptic plasticity, serving as both a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator. Mounting evidence supports BDNF's pro-nociceptive role, spanning from its pain-sensitizing capacity across multiple levels of nociceptive pathways to its intricate involvement in CS and neuroinflammation. Moreover, consistently elevated BDNF levels are observed in various chronic pain disorders. To comprehensively understand the profound impact of BDNF in chronic pain, we delve into its key characteristics, focusing on its role in underlying molecular mechanisms contributing to chronic pain. Additionally, we also explore the potential utility of BDNF as an objective biomarker for chronic pain. This discussion encompasses emerging therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating BDNF expression, offering insights into addressing the intricate complexities of chronic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Yu Xiong
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Jolien Hendrix
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.)
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Siobhan Schabrun
- The School of Physical Therapy, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
- The Gray Centre for Mobility and Activity, Parkwood Institute, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Arne Wyns
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Jente Van Campenhout
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Jo Nijs
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.)
- Chronic Pain Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Brussels, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Unit of Physiotherapy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41390 Göterbog, Sweden
| | - Andrea Polli
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (J.H.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (A.P.)
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rajkumar RP. The influence of cultural and religious factors on cross-national variations in the prevalence of chronic back and neck pain: an analysis of data from the global burden of disease 2019 study. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1189432. [PMID: 37305205 PMCID: PMC10248050 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1189432] [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: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Low back pain and neck pain are among the most commonly reported forms of chronic pain worldwide, and are associated with significant distress, disability and impairment in quality of life. Though these categories of pain can be analyzed and treated from a biomedical perspective, there is evidence that they are both related to psychological variables such as depression and anxiety. The experience of pain can be significantly influenced by cultural values. For example, cultural beliefs and attitudes can influence the meaning attached to the experience of pain, the responses of others to a sufferer's pain, and the likelihood of seeking medical care for particular symptoms. Likewise, religious beliefs and practices can influence the both experience of pain and the responses to it. These factors have also been associated with variations in the severity of depression and anxiety. Methods In the current study, data on the estimated national prevalence of both low back pain and neck pain, obtained from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD 2019), is analyzed in relation to cross-national variations in cultural values, as measured using Hofstede's model (n =115 countries) and in religious belief and practice, based on the most recent Pew Research Center survey (n = 105 countries). To address possible confounding factors, these analyses were adjusted for variables known to be associated with chronic low back or neck pain, namely smoking, alcohol use, obesity, anxiety, depression and insufficient physical activity. Results It was found that the cultural dimensions of Power Distance and Collectivism were inversely correlated with the prevalence of chronic low back pain, and Uncertainty Avoidance was inversely correlated with the prevalence of chronic neck pain, even after adjustment for potential confounders. Measures of religious affiliation and practice were negatively correlated with the prevalence of both conditions, but these associations were not significant after adjusting for cultural values and confounders. Discussion These results highlight the existence of meaningful cross-cultural variations in the occurrence of common forms of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Psychological and social factors that could account for these variations are reviewed, along with their implications for the holistic management of patients with these disorders.
Collapse
|
4
|
Kytikova OY, Novgorodtseva TP, Denisenko YK, Antonyuk MV, Gvozdenko TA, Atamas OV. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor And Coronary Artery Disease. RUSSIAN OPEN MEDICAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.15275/rusomj.2022.0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is defined as myocardial damage developing as a result of its organic and functional changes, and leading to impaired blood flow through the coronary arteries. An important pathogenetic component of CAD is atherosclerosis. Currently, key aspects of the molecular relationship between inflammation and atherosclerosis are being actively studied, the immunometabolic theory of atherosclerosis is being discussed, along with an involvement of perivascular adipose tissue in the pathogenesis of this pathology, due to its ability to respond to atherogenic stimuli via developing inflammatory reactions. Evidence has been accumulated that in patients with CAD, both in their blood and perivascular adipose tissue, the level of neurotrophic factors (in particular, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF) changes, which may be a promising area of research from the standpoint of studying this factor as a therapeutic target for atherosclerosis in CAD. Neurotrophic growth factors control the functioning of both immune and nervous systems, and the balance of energy metabolism and innervation of adipose tissue. They affect vascular homeostasis, and are also involved in causing and stopping inflammation. Currently, there are data on the role of BDNF in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases, and on the effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids and eicosanoids on the level of BDNF and, accordingly, the development and progression of coronary artery atherosclerosis. Our review summarizes published data (2019-2021) on the pathophysiological and pathogenetic mechanisms of the relationship between BDNF and CAD (atherosclerosis).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Yu. Kytikova
- Vladivostok Branch of Far Eastern Scientific Center of Physiology and Pathology of Respiration, Scientific Research Institute of Medical Climatology and Rehabilitation Therapy, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Tatyana P. Novgorodtseva
- Vladivostok Branch of Far Eastern Scientific Center of Physiology and Pathology of Respiration, Scientific Research Institute of Medical Climatology and Rehabilitation Therapy, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Yulia K. Denisenko
- Vladivostok Branch of Far Eastern Scientific Center of Physiology and Pathology of Respiration, Scientific Research Institute of Medical Climatology and Rehabilitation Therapy, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Marina V. Antonyuk
- Vladivostok Branch of Far Eastern Scientific Center of Physiology and Pathology of Respiration, Scientific Research Institute of Medical Climatology and Rehabilitation Therapy, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Tatyana A. Gvozdenko
- Vladivostok Branch of Far Eastern Scientific Center of Physiology and Pathology of Respiration, Scientific Research Institute of Medical Climatology and Rehabilitation Therapy, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Olga V. Atamas
- Vladivostok Branch of Far Eastern Scientific Center of Physiology and Pathology of Respiration, Scientific Research Institute of Medical Climatology and Rehabilitation Therapy, Vladivostok, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Puntillo F, Giglio M, Paladini A, Perchiazzi G, Viswanath O, Urits I, Sabbà C, Varrassi G, Brienza N. Pathophysiology of musculoskeletal pain: a narrative review. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2021; 13:1759720X21995067. [PMID: 33737965 PMCID: PMC7934019 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x21995067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Musculoskeletal pain (excluding bone cancer pain) affects more than 30% of the global population and imposes an enormous burden on patients, families, and caregivers related to functional limitation, emotional distress, effects on mood, loss of independence, and reduced quality of life. The pathogenic mechanisms of musculoskeletal pain relate to the differential sensory innervation of bones, joints, and muscles as opposed to skin and involve a number of peripheral and central nervous system cells and mediators. The interplay of neurons and non-neural cells (e.g. glial, mesenchymal, and immune cells) amplifies and sensitizes pain signals in a manner that leads to cortical remodeling. Moreover, sex, age, mood, and social factors, together with beliefs, thoughts, and pain behaviors influence the way in which musculoskeletal pain manifests and is understood and assessed. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the different pathogenic mechanisms underlying musculoskeletal pain and how these mechanisms interact to promote the transition from acute to chronic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filomena Puntillo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, 'Aldo Moro' University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, Bari 70124, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Giglio
- Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Unit, Policlinico Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Gaetano Perchiazzi
- Department of Surgical Science, Hedenstierna Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Omar Viswanath
- Department of Anesthesiology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ivan Urits
- Department of Anesthesia, Beth Israel Deaconess Med Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carlo Sabbà
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, 'Aldo Moro' University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Brienza
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, 'Aldo Moro' University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|