miRNA 146a-5p-loaded poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles impair pain behaviors by inhibiting multiple inflammatory pathways in microglia

Harnessing nanomedicine for modulating microglial states in the central nervous system disorders: Challenges and opportunities

Microglia are essential for maintaining homeostasis and responding to pathological events in the central nervous system (CNS). Their dynamic and multidimensional states in different environments are pivotal factors in various CNS disorders. However, therapeutic modulation of microglial states is challenging due to the intricate balance these cells maintain in the CNS environment and the blood-brain barrier's restriction of drug delivery. Nanomedicine presents a promising avenue for addressing these challenges, offering a method for the targeted and efficient modulation of microglial states. This review covers the challenges faced in microglial therapeutic modulation and potential use of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. We provide an in-depth examination of nanoparticle applications for modulating microglial states in a range of CNS disorders, encompassing neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases, infections, traumatic injuries, stroke, tumors, chronic pain, and psychiatric conditions. This review highlights the recent advancements and future prospects in nanomedicine for microglial modulation, paving the way for future research and clinical applications of therapeutic interventions in CNS disorders.

Long non-coding RNA DANCR increases spinal cord neuron apoptosis and inflammation of spinal cord injury by mediating the microRNA-146a-5p/MAPK6 axis

OBJECTIVE

This research was to unravel the impact of the lncRNA differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA (DANCR)/microRNA (miR)-146a-5p/mitogen-activated protein kinase 6 (MAPK6) axis on spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHODS

SCI mouse models were established and injected with si-DANCR or miR-146a-5p agomir. The recovery of motor function was assessed by Basso Mouse Scale. SCI was pathologically evaluated, and serum inflammatory factors were measured in SCI mice. Mouse spinal cord neurons were injured by H2O2 and transfected, followed by assessment of proliferation and apoptosis. DANCR, miR-146a-5p, and MAPK6 in tissues and cells were detected, as well as their relationship.

RESULTS

DANCR increased and miR-146a-5p decreased in SCI. Silencing DANCR or enhancing miR-146a-5p stimulated the proliferation of mouse spinal cord neurons and reduced apoptosis. DANCR was bound to miR-146a-5p to target MAPK6. DANCR affected the proliferation and apoptosis of spinal cord neurons by mediating the miR-146a-5p/MAPK6 axis. Downregulating DANCR or upregulating miR-146a-5p improved inflammation, the destruction of spinal cord tissue structure, and apoptosis in SCI mice.

CONCLUSION

DANCR affects spinal cord neuron apoptosis and inflammation of SCI by mediating the miR-146a-5p/MAPK6 axis.

Risk factors and related miRNA phenotypes of chronic pain after thoracoscopic surgery in lung adenocarcinoma patients

Chronic postsurgical pain may have a substantial impact on patient's quality of life, and has highly heterogenous presentation amongst sufferers. We aimed to explore the risk factors relating to chronic pain and the related miRNA phenotypes in patients with lung adenocarcinoma after video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy to identify potential biomarkers. Our prospective study involved a total of 289 patients with early invasive adenocarcinoma undergoing thoracoscopic lobotomy and a follow-up period of 3 months after surgery. Blood was collected the day before surgery for miRNA detection and patient information including operation duration, duration of continuous drainage of the chest, leukocyte count before and after operation, and postoperative pain scores were recorded. Using clinical and biochemical information for each patient, the risk factors for chronic postsurgical pain and related miRNA phenotypes were screened. We found that chronic postsurgical pain was associated with higher body mass index; greater preoperative history of chronic pain; longer postoperative drainage tube retention duration; higher numerical rating scale scores one, two, and three days after surgery; and changes in miRNA expression, namely lower expression of miRNA 146a-3p and higher expression of miRNA 550a-3p and miRNA 3613-3p in peripheral blood (p < 0.05). Of these factors, patient body mass index, preoperative history of chronic pain, average numerical rating scale score after operation, and preoperative peripheral blood miRNA 550a-3P expression were independent risk factors for the development of chronic postsurgical pain. Identification of individual risk markers may aid the development and selection of appropriate preventive and control measures.

Peptide-mediated targeted delivery of SOX9 nanoparticles into astrocytes ameliorates ischemic brain injury

Astrocytes are highly activated following brain injuries, and their activation influences neuronal survival. Additionally, SOX9 expression is known to increase in reactive astrocytes. However, the role of SOX9 in activated astrocytes following ischemic brain damage has not been clearly elucidated yet. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the role of SOX9 in reactive astrocytes using a poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticle plasmid delivery system in a photothrombotic stroke animal model. We designed PLGA nanoparticles to exclusively enhance SOX9 gene expression in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-immunoreactive astrocytes. Our observations indicate that PLGA nanoparticles encapsulated with GFAP:SOX9:tdTOM reduce ischemia-induced neurological deficits and infarct volume through the prostaglandin D2 pathway. Thus, the astrocyte-targeting PLGA nanoparticle plasmid delivery system provides a potential opportunity for stroke treatment. Since the only effective treatment currently available is reinstating the blood supply, cell-specific gene therapy using PLGA nanoparticles will open a new therapeutic paradigm for brain injury patients in the future.

Identifying Stress-Exacerbated Thermal-Injury Induced MicroRNAs

Using a model of combat and operational stress reaction (COSR), our lab recently showed that exposure to an unpredictable combat stress (UPCS) procedure prior to a thermal injury increases pain sensitivity in male rats. Additionally, our lab has recently shown that circulating extracellular vesicle-microRNAs (EV-miRNAs), which normally function to suppress inflammation, were downregulated in a male rat model of neuropathic pain. In this current study, male and female rats exposed to UPCS, followed by thermal injury, were evaluated for changes in circulating EV-miRNAs. Adult female and male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to a UPCS procedure for either 2 or 4 weeks. Groups consisted of the following: nonstress (NS), stress (S), NS + thermal injury (TI), and S + TI. Mechanical sensitivity was measured, and plasma was collected at baseline, throughout the UPCS exposure, and post-thermal injury. EV-miRNA isolation was performed, followed by small RNA sequencing and subsequent data analysis. UPCS exposure alone resulted in mechanical allodynia in both male and female rats at specific time points. Thermal-injury induction occurring at peak UPCS resulted in increased mechanical allodynia in the injured hind paw compared to thermal injury alone. Differential expression of the EV-miRNAs was observed between the NS and S groups as well as between NS + TI and S + TI groups. Consistent differences in EV-miRNAs are detectable in both COSR as well as during the development of mechanical sensitivity and potentially serve as key regulators, biomarkers, and targets in the treatment of COSR and thermal-injury induced mechanical sensitivity. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents the effects of unpredictable combat stress and thermal injury on EV-contained microRNAs in an animal model. These same mechanisms may exist in clinical patients and could be future prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers.

Nanoparticle-mediated delivery of microRNAs-based therapies for treatment of disorders

miRNAs represent appropriate candidates for treatment of several disorders. However, safe and efficient delivery of these small-sized transcripts has been challenging. Nanoparticle-based delivery of miRNAs has been used for treatment of a variety of disorders, particularly cancers as well as ischemic stroke and pulmonary fibrosis. The wide range application of this type of therapy is based on the important roles of miRNAs in the regulation of cell behavior in physiological and pathological conditions. Besides, the ability of miRNAs to inhibit or increase expression of several genes gives them the superiority over mRNA or siRNA-based therapies. Preparation of nanoparticles for miRNA delivery is mainly achieved through using protocols originally developed for drugs or other types of biomolecules. In brief, nanoparticle-based delivery of miRNAs is regarded as a solution for overcoming all challenges in the therapeutic application of miRNAs. Herein, we provide an overview of studies which used nanoparticles as delivery systems for facilitation of miRNAs entry into target cells for the therapeutic purposes. However, our knowledge about miRNA-loaded nanoparticles is limited, and it is expected that numerous therapeutic possibilities will be revealed for miRNA-loaded nanoparticles in future.

Intrathecal delivery of Macromolecules: Clinical status and emerging technologies

The proximity and association of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the intrathecal (IT) space with deep targets in the central nervous system (CNS) parenchyma makes IT injection an attractive route of administration for brain drug delivery. However, the extent to which intrathecally administered macromolecules are effective in treating neurological diseases is a question of both clinical debate and technological interest. We present the biological, chemical, and physical properties of the intrathecal space that are relevant to drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination from CSF. We then analyze the evolution of IT drug delivery in clinical trials over the last 20 years. Our analysis revealed that the percentage of clinical trials assessing IT delivery for the delivery of biologics (i.e., macromolecules, cells) for treatment of chronic conditions (e.g., neurodegeneration, cancer, and metabolic diseases) has steadily increased. Clinical trials exploring cell or macromolecular delivery within the IT space have not evaluated engineering technologies, such as depots, particles, or other delivery systems. Recent pre-clinical studies have evaluated IT macromolecule delivery in small animals, postulating that delivery efficacy can be assisted by external medical devices, micro- or nanoparticles, bulk biomaterials, and viral vectors. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the extent to which engineering technologies and IT administration improve CNS targeting and therapeutic outcome.

Advances in the role and mechanism of miRNA in inflammatory pain

Pain is a distressing experience associated with tissue damage or potential tissue damage, and its occurrence is related to sensory, emotional, cognitive and social factors. Inflammatory pain is one of the chronic pains where pain hypersensitivity are functional features of inflammation used to protect tissues from further damage. Pain has a serious impact on people's lives and has become a social problem that cannot be ignored. MiRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that exert directing effects on RNA silencing by complementary binding to the 3'UTR of target mRNA. MiRNAs can target a number of protein-coding genes and participate in almost all developmental and pathological processes in animals. Growing studies have suggested that miRNAs have significant implications for inflammatory pain via participating in multiple processes during the occurrence and development, such as affecting the activation of glial cells, regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting central and peripheral sensitization. In this review, the advances in the role of miRNAs in inflammatory pain were discussed. miRNAs as a class of micro-mediators are potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for inflammatory pain, which provides a better diagnostic and treatment approach for inflammatory pain.

MiR-146a encapsulated liposomes reduce vascular inflammatory responses through decrease of ICAM-1 expression, macrophage activation, and foam cell formation

Vascular insults can create an inflammatory cascade involving endothelial cell, smooth muscle cell, and macrophage activation which can eventually lead to vascular disease such as atherosclerosis. Several studies have identified microRNA 146a's (miR-146a) anti-inflammatory potential based on its role in regulating the nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κβ) pathway. Therefore, in this study, we introduced exogenous miR-146a encapsulated by liposomes to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated vascular cells and macrophages to reduce inflammatory responses. First, the miR-146a encapsulated liposomes showed uniform size (radius 96.4 ± 4.22 nm) and round shape, long term stability (at least two months), high encapsulation efficiency (69.73 ± 0.07%), and were well transfected to human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs), human aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and human differentiated monocytes (U937 cells). In addition, we demonstrated that miR-146a encapsulated liposomes reduced vascular inflammation responses in HAECs and SMCs through inhibition of ICAM-1 expression and decreased monocyte adhesion. In macrophages, miR-146a liposome treatment demonstrated decreased production of proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), as well as reduced oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) uptake and foam cell formation. Thus, based on these results, miR-146a encapsulated liposomes may be promising for reducing vascular inflammation by targeting its multiple associated mediators.

Mesoporous silica particles are phagocytosed by microglia and induce a mild inflammatory response in vitro

Aim: Mesoporous silica particles (MSPs) are broadly used drug delivery carriers. In this study, the authors analyzed the responses to MSPs of astrocytes and microglia, the two main cellular players in neuroinflammation. Materials & methods: Primary murine cortical mixed glial cultures were treated with rhodamine B-labeled MSPs. Results: MSPs are avidly internalized by microglial cells and remain inside the cells for at least 14 days. Despite this, MSPs do not affect glial cell viability or morphology, basal metabolic activity or oxidative stress. MSPs also do not affect mRNA levels of key proinflammatory genes; however, in combination with lipopolysaccharide, they significantly increase extracellular IL-1β levels. Conclusion: These results suggest that MSPs could be novel tools for specific drug delivery to microglial cells.

Targeting spinal microglia with fexofenadine-loaded nanoparticles prolongs pain relief in a rat model of neuropathic pain

Targeting microglial activation is emerging as a clinically promising drug target for neuropathic pain treatment. Fexofenadine, a histamine receptor 1 antagonist, is a clinical drug for the management of allergic reactions as well as pain and inflammation. However, the effect of fexofenadine on microglial activation and pain behaviors remains elucidated. Here, we investigated nanomedicinal approach that targets more preferentially microglia and long-term analgesics. Fexofenadine significantly abolished histamine-induced microglial activation. The fexofenadine-encapsulated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (Fexo NPs) injection reduced the pain sensitivity of spinal nerve ligation rats in a dose-dependent manner. This alleviation was sustained for 4 days, whereas the effective period by direct fexofenadine injection was 3 h. Moreover, Fexo NPs inhibited microglial activation, inflammatory signaling, cytokine release, and a macrophage phenotype shift towards the alternative activated state in the spinal cord. These results show that Fexo NPs exhibit drug repositioning promise as a long-term treatment modality for neuropathic pain.

Huc-MSCs-derived exosomes attenuate inflammatory pain by regulating microglia pyroptosis and autophagy via the miR-146a-5p/TRAF6 axis

Background

Chronic inflammatory pain significantly reduces the quality of life and lacks effective interventions. In recent years, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (huc-MSCs)-derived exosomes have been used to relieve neuropathic pain and other inflammatory diseases as a promising cell-free therapeutic strategy. However, the therapeutic value of huc-MSCs-derived exosomes in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain remains to be confirmed. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect and related mechanisms of huc-MSCs-derived exosomes in a chronic inflammatory pain model.

Methods

C57BL/6J male mice were used to establish a CFA-induced inflammatory pain model, and huc-MSCs-derived exosomes were intrathecally injected for 4 consecutive days. BV2 microglia cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to investigate the effect of huc-MSCs-derived exosomes on pyroptosis and autophagy. Bioinformatic analysis and rescue experiments were used to demonstrate the role of miR-146a-5p/ TRAF6 in regulating pyroptosis and autophagy. Western blotting, RT-qPCR, small interfering RNA and Yo-Pro-1 dye staining were performed to investigate the related mechanisms.

Results

Huc-MSCs-derived exosomes alleviated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in CFA-induced inflammatory pain. Furthermore, huc-MSCs-derived exosomes attenuated neuroinflammation by increasing the expression of autophagy-related proteins (LC3-II and beclin1) and inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes in the spinal cord dorsal horn. In vitro, NLRP3 inflammasome components (NLRP3, caspase1-p20, ASC) and gasdermin D (GSDMD-F, GSDMD-N) were inhibited in BV2 cells pretreated with huc-MSCs-derived exosomes. Western blot and Yo-Pro-1 dye staining demonstrated that 3-MA, an autophagy inhibitor, weakened the protective effect of huc-MSCs-derived exosomes on BV2 cell pyroptosis. Importantly, huc-MSCs-derived exosomes transfected with miR-146a-5p mimic promoted autophagy and inhibited BV2 cell pyroptosis. TRAF6, as a target gene of miR-146a-5p, was knocked down via small-interfering RNA, which increased pyroptosis and inhibited autophagy.

Conclusion

Huc-MSCs-derived exosomes attenuated inflammatory pain via miR-146a-5p/TRAF6, which increased the level of autophagy and inhibited pyroptosis.

Graphical Abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-022-01522-6.

The etiological roles of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in neuropathic pain: A narrative review

Background

Non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are involved in neuropathic pain development. Herein, we systematically searched for neuropathic pain‐related ncRNAs expression changes, including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular non‐coding RNAs (circRNAs).

Methods

We searched two databases, PubMed and GeenMedical, for relevant studies.

Results

Peripheral nerve injury or noxious stimuli can induce extensive changes in the expression of ncRNAs. For example, higher serum miR‐132‐3p, ‐146b‐5p, and ‐384 was observed in neuropathic pain patients. Either sciatic nerve ligation, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) transaction, or ventral root transection (VRT) could upregulate miR‐21 and miR‐31 while downregulating miR‐668 and miR‐672 in the injured DRG. lncRNAs, such as early growth response 2‐antisense‐RNA (Egr2‐AS‐RNA) and Kcna2‐AS‐RNA, were upregulated in Schwann cells and inflicted DRG after nerve injury, respectively. Dysregulated circRNA homeodomain‐interacting protein kinase 3 (circHIPK3) in serum and the DRG, abnormally expressed lncRNAs X‐inactive specific transcript (XIST), nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1), small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1), as well as ciRS‐7, zinc finger protein 609 (cirZNF609), circ_0005075, and circAnks1a in the spinal cord were suggested to participate in neuropathic pain development. Dysregulated miRNAs contribute to neuropathic pain via neuroinflammation, autophagy, abnormal ion channel expression, regulating pain‐related mediators, protein kinases, structural proteins, neurotransmission excitatory–inhibitory imbalances, or exosome miRNA‐mediated neuron–glia communication. In addition, lncRNAs and circRNAs are essential in neuropathic pain by acting as antisense RNA and miRNA sponges, epigenetically regulating pain‐related molecules expression, or modulating miRNA processing.

Conclusions

Numerous dysregulated ncRNAs have been suggested to participate in neuropathic pain development. However, there is much work to be done before ncRNA‐based analgesics can be clinically used for various reasons such as conservation among species, proper delivery, stability, and off‐target effects.

Perampanel Reduces Brain Damage via Induction of M2 Microglia in a Neonatal Rat Stroke Model

Purpose

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Additionally, neonatal ischemia is a common cause of neonatal brain injury, resulting in cerebral palsy with subsequent learning disabilities and epilepsy. However, there is currently a lack of effective treatments available for patients with perinatal ischemic stroke. In this study, we investigated the effect of perampanel (PER)-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) by targeting microglia in perinatal stroke.

Methods

After formation of focal ischemic stroke by photothrombosis in P7 rats, PER-loaded PLGA was injected intrathecally. Proinflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX2, and iNOS) and M2 polarization markers (Ym1 and Arg1) were evaluated. We investigated whether PER increased M2 microglial polarization in vitro.

Results

PER-loaded PLGA nanoparticles decreased the pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to the control group. Furthermore, they increased M2 polarization.

Conclusion

PER-loaded PLGA nanoparticles decreased the size of the infarct and increased motor function in a perinatal ischemic stroke rat model. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were also reduced compared to the control group. Finally, this development of a drug delivery system targeting microglia confirms the potential to develop new therapeutic agents for perinatal ischemic stroke.

LncRNA CRNDE exacerbates neuropathic pain in chronic constriction injury-induced(CCI) rats through regulating miR-146a-5p/WNT5A pathway

Neuropathic pain (NP) originating from a dysfunction in the nervous system is often intractable and chronic. Many studies have implicated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the physiological and pathological development of NP. The lncRNA colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed gene (CRNDE) has been shown to mediate NP progression. However, further investigations are needed to gain deeper understanding of the specific mechanisms governing CRNDE in NP etiopathology. In this study, we successfully used chronic constrictive injury (CCI)-induced rats to establish an NP model with intrathecal injection, and confirmed the upregulation of CRNDE in CCI-induced rats. Moreover, silencing of CRNDE relieved mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, and neuroinflammation in the NP model. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that miR-146a-5p binds to CRNDE. Our findings validated that miR-146a-5p was a target of CRNDE and that the expression of miR-146a-5p was decreased in CCI rats. Furthermore, miR-151A-3p was found to exert a negative regulatory effect on WNT5A. In addition, knockdown of WNT5A alleviated the pain-related behavior and inflammatory response of NP in vivo. Finally, we demonstrated that CRNDE contributed to the progression of CCI-induced NP via competitive binding to miR-146a-5p to upregulate WNT5A. The present study offers novel insights that may be translated into improved therapies for NP.

Bioinformatics Analysis of the MicroRNA-Metabolic Gene Regulatory Network in Neuropathic Pain and Prediction of Corresponding Potential Therapeutics

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.

DOK3 is involved in microglial cell activation in neuropathic pain by interacting with GPR84

Adaptor molecule downstream of kinase-3 (DOK3) is a vital regulator of innate immune responses in macrophages and B cells, and G-protein-coupled receptor 84 (GPR84) is significant in mediating the biosynthesis and maintenance of inflammatory mediators that are induced by neuropathic pain in microglia. In the present study, we determined the role of DOK3 in activating microglia-induced neuropathic pain and investigated the underlying mechanisms associated with GPR84. We found that knockdown of DOK3 in microglial cells dramatically reduced the levels of inflammatory factors, and we uncovered a physical association between DOK3 and GPR84 in the induction of inflammatory responses. We also observed that neuropathic pain and inflammatory responses induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve or intrathecal injection of a GPR84 agonist were compromised in DOK3^-/- mice in vivo. Finally, enforced expression of DOK3 provoked inflammatory responses, and administration of pregabalin relieved neuropathic pain via inhibition of DOK3 expression. In conclusion, DOK3 induced neuropathic pain in mice by interacting with GPR84 in microglia. We hypothesize that targeting the adaptor protein DOK3 may open new avenues for pharmaceutical approaches to the alleviation of neuropathic pain in the spinal cord.

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanomaterial-based treatment options for pain management: a review

Neuropathic pain is one of the most intense types of chronic pain; it constitutes a pervasive complaint throughout the public health system. With few effective treatments, it remains a significant challenge. Commercially available drugs for neuropathic pain are still limited and have disappointing efficacy. Therefore, chronic neuropathic pain imposes a tremendous burden on patients' quality of life. Recently, the introduction and application of nanotechnology in multiple fields has accelerated the development of new drugs. This review highlights the application of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanomaterial-based vehicles for drug delivery and how they improve the therapeutic outcomes for neuropathic pain treatment. Finally, future developments for pain research and effective management are presented.