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Cerqueira-Nunes M, Monteiro C, Galhardo V, Cardoso-Cruz H. Orbitostriatal encoding of reward delayed gratification and impulsivity in chronic pain. Brain Res 2024; 1839:149044. [PMID: 38821332 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149044] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Central robust network functional rearrangement is a characteristic of several neurological conditions, including chronic pain. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown the importance of pain-induced dysfunction in both orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) brain regions for the emergence of cognitive deficits. Outcome information processing recruits the orbitostriatal circuitry, a pivotal pathway regarding context-dependent reward value encoding. The current literature reveals the existence of structural and functional changes in the orbitostriatal crosstalk in chronic pain conditions, which have emerged as a possible underlying cause for reward and time discrimination impairments observed in individuals affected by such disturbances. However, more comprehensive investigations are needed to elucidate the underlying disturbances that underpin disease development. In this review article, we aim to provide a comprehensive view of the orbitostriatal mechanisms underlying time-reward dependent behaviors, and integrate previous findings on local and network malplasticity under the framework of the chronic pain sphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Cerqueira-Nunes
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S) - Pain Neurobiology Group, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Biomedicina - Unidade de Biologia Experimental (FMUP), Universidade do Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal; Programa doutoral em Neurociências (PDN), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Clara Monteiro
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S) - Pain Neurobiology Group, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Biomedicina - Unidade de Biologia Experimental (FMUP), Universidade do Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Vasco Galhardo
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S) - Pain Neurobiology Group, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Biomedicina - Unidade de Biologia Experimental (FMUP), Universidade do Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Helder Cardoso-Cruz
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S) - Pain Neurobiology Group, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Biomedicina - Unidade de Biologia Experimental (FMUP), Universidade do Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal.
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2
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Zou J, Hao S. Exercise-induced neuroplasticity: a new perspective on rehabilitation for chronic low back pain. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1407445. [PMID: 38912176 PMCID: PMC11191426 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1407445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic low back pain patients often experience recurrent episodes due to various peripheral and central factors, leading to physical and mental impairments, affecting their daily life and work, and increasing the healthcare burden. With the continuous advancement of neuropathological research, changes in brain structure and function in chronic low back pain patients have been revealed. Neuroplasticity is an important mechanism of self-regulation in the brain and plays a key role in neural injury repair. Targeting neuroplasticity and regulating the central nervous system to improve functional impairments has become a research focus in rehabilitation medicine. Recent studies have shown that exercise can have beneficial effects on the body, such as improving cognition, combating depression, and enhancing athletic performance. Exercise-induced neuroplasticity may be a potential mechanism through which exercise affects the brain. This article systematically introduces the theory of exercise-induced neuroplasticity, explores the central effects mechanism of exercise on patients with chronic low back pain, and further looks forward to new directions in targeted neuroplasticity-based rehabilitation treatment for chronic low back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianpeng Zou
- Department of Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shijie Hao
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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3
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Dagher M, Alayoubi M, Sigal GH, Cahill CM. Unveiling the link between chronic pain and misuse of opioids and cannabis. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024; 131:563-580. [PMID: 38570361 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-024-02765-3] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Over 50 million Americans endure chronic pain where many do not receive adequate treatment and self-medicate to manage their pain by taking substances like opioids and cannabis. Research has shown high comorbidity between chronic pain and substance use disorders (SUD) and these disorders share many common neurobiological underpinnings, including hypodopaminergic transmission. Drugs commonly used for self-medication such as opioids and cannabis relieve emotional, bothersome components of pain as well as negative emotional affect that perpetuates misuse and increases the risk of progressing towards drug abuse. However, the causal effect between chronic pain and the development of SUDs has not been clearly established. In this review, we discuss evidence that affirms the proposition that chronic pain is a risk factor for the development of opioid and cannabis use disorders by outlining the clinical evidence and detailing neurobiological mechanisms that link pain and drug misuse. Central to the link between chronic pain and opioid and cannabis misuse is hypodopaminergic transmission and the modulation of dopamine signaling in the mesolimbic pathway by opioids and cannabis. Moreover, we discuss the role of kappa opioid receptor activation and neuroinflammation in the context of dopamine transmission, their contribution to opioid and cannabis withdrawal, along with potential new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merel Dagher
- MacDonald Research Laboratory Building, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, 675 Charles E Young Drive South, Office 2774, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Myra Alayoubi
- MacDonald Research Laboratory Building, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, 675 Charles E Young Drive South, Office 2774, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Gabriella H Sigal
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Catherine M Cahill
- MacDonald Research Laboratory Building, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Shirley and Stefan Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, 675 Charles E Young Drive South, Office 2774, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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4
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Antila H, Lilius TO, Palada V, Lohela T, Bell RF, Porkka-Heiskanen T, Kalso E. Effects of commonly used analgesics on sleep architecture-A topical review. Pain 2024:00006396-990000000-00539. [PMID: 38442410 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Antila
- Neuroscience Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Finland
- SleepWell Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuomas O Lilius
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Services, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vinko Palada
- SleepWell Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Terhi Lohela
- Individualized Drug Therapy Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rae F Bell
- Regional Centre of Excellence in Palliative Care, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Eija Kalso
- SleepWell Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Finland
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5
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Sardi NF, Pescador AC, Azevedo EM, Pochapski JA, Kukolj C, Spercoski KM, Andrade AJM, da Cunha C, Fischer L. Sleep and Pain: A Role for the Anterior Cingulate Cortex, Nucleus Accumbens, and Dopamine in the Increased Pain Sensitivity Following Sleep Restriction. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:331-349. [PMID: 37673193 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.08.014] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Persistent pain conditions and sleep disorders are public health problems worldwide. It is widely accepted that sleep disruption increases pain sensitivity; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we used a protocol of 6 hours a day of total sleep deprivation for 3 days in rats to advance the understanding of these mechanisms. We focused on gender differences and the dopaminergic mesocorticolimbic system. The findings demonstrated that sleep restriction (SR) increased pain sensitivity in a similar way in males and females, without inducing a significant stress response. This pronociceptive effect depends on a nucleus accumbens (NAc) neuronal ensemble recruited during SR and on the integrity of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Data on indirect dopaminergic parameters, dopamine transporter glycosylation, and dopamine and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-regulated phosphoprotein-32 phosphorylation, as well as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine levels, suggest that dopaminergic function decreases in the NAc and ACC after SR. Complementarily, pharmacological activation of dopamine D2, but not D1 receptors either in the ACC or in the NAc prevents SR from increasing pain sensitivity. The ACC and NAc are the main targets of dopaminergic mesocorticolimbic projections with a key role in pain modulation. This study showed their integrative role in the pronociceptive effect of SR, pointing to dopamine D2 receptors as a potential target for pain management in patients with sleep disorders. These findings narrow the focus of future studies on the mechanisms by which sleep impairment increases pain sensitivity. PERSPECTIVE: This study demonstrates that the pronociceptive effect of SR affects similarly males and females and depends on a NAc neuronal ensemble recruited during SR and on the integrity of the ACC. Findings on dopaminergic function support dopamine D2 receptors as targets for pain management in sleep disorders patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia F Sardi
- Department of Physiology, Division of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
| | - Ana C Pescador
- Department of Physiology, Division of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
| | - Evellyn M Azevedo
- Department of Physiology, Division of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
| | - José A Pochapski
- Department of Pharmacology, Division of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil; Department of Biochemistry, Division of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
| | - Caroline Kukolj
- Department of Biochemistry, Division of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
| | - Katherinne M Spercoski
- Department of Physiology, Division of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil; Division of Biosciences, Federal University of Parana, Palotina, Parana, Brazil
| | - Anderson J M Andrade
- Department of Physiology, Division of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
| | - Claudio da Cunha
- Department of Pharmacology, Division of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
| | - Luana Fischer
- Department of Physiology, Division of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil
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Lisco G, De Tullio A, Iovino M, Disoteo O, Guastamacchia E, Giagulli VA, Triggiani V. Dopamine in the Regulation of Glucose Homeostasis, Pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes, and Chronic Conditions of Impaired Dopamine Activity/Metabolism: Implication for Pathophysiological and Therapeutic Purposes. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2993. [PMID: 38001993 PMCID: PMC10669051 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11112993] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Dopamine regulates several functions, such as voluntary movements, spatial memory, motivation, sleep, arousal, feeding, immune function, maternal behaviors, and lactation. Less clear is the role of dopamine in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and chronic complications and conditions frequently associated with it. This review summarizes recent evidence on the role of dopamine in regulating insular metabolism and activity, the pathophysiology of traditional chronic complications associated with T2D, the pathophysiological interconnection between T2D and chronic neurological and psychiatric disorders characterized by impaired dopamine activity/metabolism, and therapeutic implications. Reinforcing dopamine signaling is therapeutic in T2D, especially in patients with dopamine-related disorders, such as Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, addictions, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. On the other hand, although specific trials are probably needed, certain medications approved for T2D (e.g., metformin, pioglitazone, incretin-based therapy, and gliflozins) may have a therapeutic role in such dopamine-related disorders due to anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects, improvement in insulin signaling, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, and apoptosis, restoration of striatal dopamine synthesis, and modulation of dopamine signaling associated with reward and hedonic eating. Last, targeting dopamine metabolism could have the potential for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in chronic diabetes-related complications, such as diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lisco
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.L.); (A.D.T.); (M.I.); (E.G.); (V.A.G.)
| | - Anna De Tullio
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.L.); (A.D.T.); (M.I.); (E.G.); (V.A.G.)
| | - Michele Iovino
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.L.); (A.D.T.); (M.I.); (E.G.); (V.A.G.)
| | - Olga Disoteo
- Diabetology Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy;
| | - Edoardo Guastamacchia
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.L.); (A.D.T.); (M.I.); (E.G.); (V.A.G.)
| | - Vito Angelo Giagulli
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.L.); (A.D.T.); (M.I.); (E.G.); (V.A.G.)
| | - Vincenzo Triggiani
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.L.); (A.D.T.); (M.I.); (E.G.); (V.A.G.)
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7
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Lançon K, Séguéla P. Dysregulated neuromodulation in the anterior cingulate cortex in chronic pain. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1289218. [PMID: 37954846 PMCID: PMC10634228 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1289218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a significant global socioeconomic burden with limited long-term treatment options. The intractable nature of chronic pain stems from two primary factors: the multifaceted nature of pain itself and an insufficient understanding of the diverse physiological mechanisms that underlie its initiation and maintenance, in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. The development of novel non-opioidergic analgesic approaches is contingent on our ability to normalize the dysregulated nociceptive pathways involved in pathological pain processing. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) stands out due to its involvement in top-down modulation of pain perception, its abnormal activity in chronic pain conditions, and its contribution to cognitive functions frequently impaired in chronic pain states. Here, we review the roles of the monoamines dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-HT), and other neuromodulators in controlling the activity of the ACC and how chronic pain alters their signaling in ACC circuits to promote pathological hyperexcitability. Additionally, we discuss the potential of targeting these monoaminergic pathways as a therapeutic strategy for treating the cognitive and affective symptoms associated with chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philippe Séguéla
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, Montréal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
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8
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Flores-García M, Rizzo A, Garçon-Poca MZ, Fernández-Dueñas V, Bonaventura J. Converging circuits between pain and depression: the ventral tegmental area as a therapeutic hub. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1278023. [PMID: 37849731 PMCID: PMC10577189 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1278023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain and depression are highly prevalent pathologies and cause a major socioeconomic burden to society. Chronic pain affects the emotional state of the individuals suffering from it, while depression worsens the prognosis of chronic pain patients and may diminish the effectiveness of pain treatments. There is a high comorbidity rate between both pathologies, which might share overlapping mechanisms. This review explores the evidence pinpointing a role for the ventral tegmental area (VTA) as a hub where both pain and emotional processing might converge. In addition, the feasibility of using the VTA as a possible therapeutic target is discussed. The role of the VTA, and the dopaminergic system in general, is highly studied in mood disorders, especially in deficits in reward-processing and motivation. Conversely, the VTA is less regarded where it concerns the study of central mechanisms of pain and its mood-associated consequences. Here, we first outline the brain circuits involving central processing of pain and mood disorders, focusing on the often-understudied role of the dopaminergic system and the VTA. Next, we highlight the state-of-the-art findings supporting the emergence of the VTA as a link where both pathways converge. Thus, we envision a promising part for the VTA as a putative target for innovative therapeutic approaches to treat chronic pain and its effects on mood. Finally, we emphasize the urge to develop and use animal models where both pain and depression-like symptoms are considered in conjunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montse Flores-García
- Unitat de Farmacologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
- Neuropharmacology and Pain Group, Neuroscience Program, IDIBELL-Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Arianna Rizzo
- Unitat de Farmacologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
- Neuropharmacology and Pain Group, Neuroscience Program, IDIBELL-Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Maria Zelai Garçon-Poca
- Unitat de Farmacologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
- Neuropharmacology and Pain Group, Neuroscience Program, IDIBELL-Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Víctor Fernández-Dueñas
- Unitat de Farmacologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
- Neuropharmacology and Pain Group, Neuroscience Program, IDIBELL-Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jordi Bonaventura
- Unitat de Farmacologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
- Neuropharmacology and Pain Group, Neuroscience Program, IDIBELL-Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
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Su N, Cai P, Dou Z, Yin X, Xu H, He J, Li Z, Li C. Brain nuclei and neural circuits in neuropathic pain and brain modulation mechanisms of acupuncture: a review on animal-based experimental research. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1243231. [PMID: 37712096 PMCID: PMC10498311 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1243231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is known to be associated with abnormal changes in specific brain regions, but the complex neural network behind it is vast and complex and lacks a systematic summary. With the help of various animal models of NP, a literature search on NP brain regions and circuits revealed that the related brain nuclei included the periaqueductal gray (PAG), lateral habenula (LHb), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC); the related brain circuits included the PAG-LHb and mPFC-ACC. Moreover, acupuncture and injurious information can affect different brain regions and influence brain functions via multiple aspects to play an analgesic role and improve synaptic plasticity by regulating the morphology and structure of brain synapses and the expression of synapse-related proteins; maintain the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurons by regulating the secretion of glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and other neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain tissues; inhibit the overactivation of glial cells and reduce the release of pro-inflammatory mediators such as interleukins to reduce neuroinflammation in brain regions; maintain homeostasis of glucose metabolism and regulate the metabolic connections in the brain; and play a role in analgesia through the mediation of signaling pathways and signal transduction molecules. These factors help to deepen the understanding of NP brain circuits and the brain mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Su
- First Clinical Medicine College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Pingping Cai
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Zhiqiang Dou
- College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoxue Yin
- Department of Science and Education, Shandong Academy of Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hongmin Xu
- Department of Gynecology, Laiwu Hospital of Traditional Chinese, Jinan, China
| | - Jing He
- First Clinical Medicine College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Zhaofeng Li
- College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- International Office, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Changzhong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
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10
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Jayanti S, Dalla Verde C, Tiribelli C, Gazzin S. Inflammation, Dopaminergic Brain and Bilirubin. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11478. [PMID: 37511235 PMCID: PMC10380707 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Dopamine is a well-known neurotransmitter due to its involvement in Parkinson's disease (PD). Dopamine is not only involved in PD but also controls multiple mental and physical activities, such as the pleasure of food, friends and loved ones, music, art, mood, cognition, motivation, fear, affective disorders, addiction, attention deficit disorder, depression, and schizophrenia. Dopaminergic neurons (DOPAn) are susceptible to stressors, and inflammation is a recognized risk for neuronal malfunctioning and cell death in major neurodegenerative diseases. Less is known for non-neurodegenerative conditions. Among the endogenous defenses, bilirubin, a heme metabolite, has been shown to possess important anti-inflammatory activity and, most importantly, to prevent DOPAn demise in an ex vivo model of PD by acting on the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα). This review summarizes the evidence linking DOPAn, inflammation (when possible, specifically TNFα), and bilirubin as an anti-inflammatory in order to understand what is known, the gaps that need filling, and the hypotheses of anti-inflammatory strategies to preserve dopamine homeostasis with bilirubin included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri Jayanti
- Italian Liver Foundation, Liver Brain Unit "Rita Moretti", Area Science Park, Bldg. Q, SS 14, Km 163,5, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Eijkman Research Centre for Molecular Biology, Research Organization for Health, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong 16915, Indonesia
| | - Camilla Dalla Verde
- Italian Liver Foundation, Liver Brain Unit "Rita Moretti", Area Science Park, Bldg. Q, SS 14, Km 163,5, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Claudio Tiribelli
- Italian Liver Foundation, Liver Brain Unit "Rita Moretti", Area Science Park, Bldg. Q, SS 14, Km 163,5, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvia Gazzin
- Italian Liver Foundation, Liver Brain Unit "Rita Moretti", Area Science Park, Bldg. Q, SS 14, Km 163,5, 34149 Trieste, Italy
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11
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Christensen J, MacPherson N, Li C, Yamakawa GR, Mychasiuk R. Repeat mild traumatic brain injuries (RmTBI) modify nociception and disrupt orexinergic connectivity within the descending pain pathway. J Headache Pain 2023; 24:72. [PMID: 37316796 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-023-01608-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Repeat mild traumatic brain injuries (RmTBI) result in substantial burden to the public health system given their association with chronic post-injury pathologies, such as chronic pain and post-traumatic headache. Although this may relate to dysfunctional descending pain modulation (DPM), it is uncertain what mechanisms drive changes within this pathway. One possibility is altered orexinergic system functioning, as orexin is a potent anti-nociceptive neuromodulator. Orexin is exclusively produced by the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and receives excitatory innervation from the lateral parabrachial nucleus (lPBN). Therefore, we used neuronal tract-tracing to investigate the relationship between RmTBI and connectivity between lPBN and the LH, as well as orexinergic projections to a key site within the DPM, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Prior to injury induction, retrograde and anterograde tract-tracing surgery was performed on 70 young-adult male Sprague Dawley rats, targeting the lPBN and PAG. Rodents were then randomly assigned to receive RmTBIs or sham injuries before undergoing testing for anxiety-like behaviour and nociceptive sensitivity. Immunohistochemical analysis identified distinct and co-localized orexin and tract-tracing cell bodies and projections within the LH. The RmTBI group exhibited altered nociception and reduced anxiety as well as a loss of orexin cell bodies and a reduction of hypothalamic projections to the ventrolateral nucleus of the PAG. However, there was no significant effect of injury on neuronal connectivity between the lPBN and orexinergic cell bodies within the LH. Our identification of structural losses and the resulting physiological changes in the orexinergic system following RmTBI begins to clarify acute post-injury mechanistic changes that drive may drive the development of post-traumatic headache and the chronification of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennaya Christensen
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, 99 Commercial Road, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Naomi MacPherson
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, 99 Commercial Road, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Crystal Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, 99 Commercial Road, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Glenn R Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, 99 Commercial Road, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, 99 Commercial Road, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia.
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12
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Tanaka M, Diano M, Battaglia S. Editorial: Insights into structural and functional organization of the brain: evidence from neuroimaging and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1225755. [PMID: 37377471 PMCID: PMC10291688 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1225755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Tanaka
- ELKH-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Danube Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, University of Szeged (ELKH-SZTE), Szeged, Hungary
| | - Matteo Diano
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Simone Battaglia
- Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology “Renzo Canestrari”, Cesena Campus, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Cesena, Italy
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13
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He CB, Jin Y, Li Y, Zhang Q, Yang B, Xu M, Yang J, Yi XN, Dong YL, Wang J, Li YQ. Collateral projections from the ventral tegmental area/substantia nigra pars compacta to the nucleus accumbens and insular cortex in the rat. Anat Sci Int 2023:10.1007/s12565-023-00728-4. [PMID: 37160827 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-023-00728-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Midbrain dopaminergic (DAergic) regions including ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) are involved in diverse brain functions. Previous studies demonstrated that the VTA/SNc to nucleus accumbens (NAc) pathway is critical in reward and motivation. Moreover, DAergic innervations within the insular cortex (IC) are reported to play important roles in pain regulation. To investigate whether VTA/SNc sends collateral projections to NAc and IC, we injected retrograde tracer Fluoro-Gold (FG) into the NAc and Fluorescent retrograde tracer beads (RetroBeads) into the ipsilateral IC in rats. Then, to detect whether collateral projection neurons participate in neuropathic pain, parts of the rats received the spare nerve injury (SNI) surgery. The immunofluorescence staining results showed that FG, RetroBeads, and FG/RetroBeads double-labeled neurons were distributed in the VTA/SNc bilaterally with an ipsilateral predominance. The proportion of FG/RetroBeads double-labeled neurons to the total number of FG and RetroBeads-labeled neurons was 16.7% and 30.3%, respectively. About 90.3% of FG/RetroBeads double-labeled neurons showed DAergic neuron marker tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive (IR), whereas, only 7.5% exhibited a subset of GABAergic inhibitory projection neuron marker parvalbumin (PV)-IR. One week after SNI, about 53.1% and 33.6% of FG- and RetroBeads-labeled neurons were FG/Fos- and RetroBeads/Fos-IR neurons, respectively. Finally, about 35.9% of the FG/RetroBeads double-labeled neurons showed Fos-IR. The present study indicates that parts of DAergic and PV-IR GABAergic neurons in the VTA/SNc send collateral projections to both NAc and IC, which are activated under SNI-induced neuropathic pain, and probably contribute to the regulation of nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Bo He
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
- Department of Anatomy & K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yuan Jin
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Bai Yang
- Department of Anatomy & K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Mang Xu
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Dali University, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Juan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Science Research and Transformation in Tropical Environment of Hainan Province, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Xi-Nan Yi
- Key Laboratory of Brain Science Research and Transformation in Tropical Environment of Hainan Province, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Yu-Lin Dong
- Department of Anatomy & K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, 610083, China.
| | - Yun-Qing Li
- Department of Anatomy & K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Dali University, Dali, 671000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Brain Science Research and Transformation in Tropical Environment of Hainan Province, Haikou, 571199, China.
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Zain E, Sugimoto A, Egawa J, Someya T. Case report: Methylphenidate improved chronic pain in an adult patient with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1091399. [PMID: 36970292 PMCID: PMC10038200 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1091399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionChronic pain remains a health problem that is difficult to treat adequately. Its unknown cause and complex comorbidity with other illnesses, including mental disorders, amplify the severity of symptoms, which consequently decreases the quality of life of patients long term. In our clinical practice, we coincidentally found evidence that methylphenidate (MPH) effectively managed chronic pain in an adult patient with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The effectiveness of MPH in the treatment of ADHD is well-established; however, its utility in treating pain remains unclear.Case presentationWe present a rare case of a 43-year-old male patient with 15 years of chronic idiopathic pain symptoms that did not adequately respond to standard pain management, such as acetaminophen, non-opioid analgesics, and muscle relaxers. Pain also persisted after treatments with antidepressants and an epidural block. Furthermore, symptoms worsened following several sessions of modified electroconvulsive therapy. After a thorough assessment at our child and adolescent psychiatric outpatient clinic, we confirmed a diagnosis of adult ADHD with a predominantly inattentive type. Considering this newly established diagnosis, we prescribed osmotic-release oral system (OROS) methylphenidate. Within 1 month of treatment at a dose of 18 mg/day of OROS-MPH, the patient’s chronic pain unexpectedly improved dramatically, and the patient no longer experienced pain symptoms. The dosage of OROS-MPH was titrated monthly, reaching 72 mg/day as a maintenance dose, and ADHD symptoms improved after 4 months of treatment. The patient was followed up regularly for 7 years during his OROS-MPH treatment. No adverse effects were reported, including stimulant addiction. He was stable overall and functioned well in his daily activities. His pain never recurred.ConclusionThis case report suggests that MPH may be potentially effective in treating chronic pain. Further studies are needed to confirm whether MPH improved chronic pain simultaneously with or separately from the improvement in ADHD. Moreover, elucidating the anatomical sites and molecular pharmacological mechanisms related to the action of MPH in pain modulation and perception is essential. Such sites include the descending dopaminergic pain pathway and higher cortical areas. Furthering our understanding may reinforce the justification for treating chronic pain using MPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekachaeryanti Zain
- Department of Psychiatry, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mulawarman University, Samarinda, Indonesia
| | - Atsunori Sugimoto
- Department of Community Psychiatric Medicine, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Niigata Psychiatric Center, Nagaoka, Japan
- *Correspondence: Atsunori Sugimoto,
| | - Jun Egawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Someya
- Department of Psychiatry, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
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15
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Foo SS, Chen W, Jung KL, Azamor T, Choi UY, Zhang P, Comhair SA, Erzurum SC, Jehi L, Jung JU. Immunometabolic rewiring in long COVID patients with chronic headache. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.06.531302. [PMID: 36945569 PMCID: PMC10028820 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.06.531302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Almost 20% of patients with COVID-19 experience long-term effects, known as post-COVID condition or long COVID. Among many lingering neurologic symptoms, chronic headache is the most common. Despite this health concern, the etiology of long COVID headache is still not well characterized. Here, we present a longitudinal multi-omics analysis of blood leukocyte transcriptomics, plasma proteomics and metabolomics of long COVID patients with chronic headache. Long COVID patients experienced a state of hyper-inflammation prior to chronic headache onset and maintained persistent inflammatory activation throughout the progression of chronic headache. Metabolomic analysis also revealed augmented arginine and lipid metabolisms, skewing towards a nitric oxide-based pro-inflammation. Furthermore, metabolisms of neurotransmitters including serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, and GABA were markedly dysregulated during the progression of long COVID headache. Overall, these findings illustrate the immuno-metabolomics landscape of long COVID patients with chronic headache, which may provide insights to potential therapeutic interventions.
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16
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O G, Balasubramaniam R, Klasser GD. Burning mouth disorder and Parkinson's disease: A scoping review of the literature. J Oral Rehabil 2023; 50:488-500. [PMID: 36855821 DOI: 10.1111/joor.13443] [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: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Burning mouth disorder (BMD) is a complex medical condition characterized by a burning sensation in the mouth of fluctuating intensity. BMD is considered a diagnosis of exclusion, as oral burning can occur secondary to local or systemic conditions. Parkinson's disease (PD) is one such condition. OBJECTIVE To provide a scoping review of the literature by assessing all articles written in English that investigated the relationship between BMD and PD. MATERIALS AND METHODS Various databases (PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, Science Direct and Scopus) and a search platform (EBSCOhost) were searched following similar investigative approaches. Duplicates were removed and reference lists of original studies were scrutinized for additional articles. Any decision about the inclusion/exclusion in the review was by consensus among the co-authors. RESULTS Twenty-five original articles and one supplemental article were included in the final review, of which 13 met the inclusion criteria. These were further divided into five categories based on the study design/article, which included Prevalence studies (n = 6), Letter to the editor (n = 1), Incidence study (n = 1), Case reports (n = 2) and Experimental studies (n = 3). Strongest data was provided by epidemiological studies, which suggest BMD and PD are poorly associated. CONCLUSIONS A scoping review of the existing literature does not suggest that PD patients are any more at risk of developing BMD compared to the general population. While there may be a link through the dopaminergic system as determined by imaging studies, it is unlikely that the pathogenesis of PD disease shares significant commonality with BMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guru O
- UWA Dental School, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Ramesh Balasubramaniam
- UWA Dental School, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gary D Klasser
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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17
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Involvement of dopaminergic system in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in modulating the orofacial pain-related behaviors in the rats. Behav Pharmacol 2023; 34:45-54. [PMID: 36752577 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Chemical stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) induces analgesia by forming neural circuitries with multiple brain regions. The involvement of hippocampal dopaminergic receptors in the LH stimulation-induced antinociception in specific pain models in animals has been documented. However, because the neural circuitries involved in the mediation of orofacial pain are not the same as those that mediate the other types of pain, the present study aims to detect the role of dopamine receptors within the dentate gyrus (DG) in the antinociceptive responses induced by LH stimulation in an animal model of orofacial pain. Male Wistar rats (220-250 g) were implanted with two separate cannulae into the LH and DG on the same side. D1- or D2-like dopamine receptor antagonist, SCH23390, or sulpiride (0.25, 1, and 4 μg) were microinjected into the DG, five minutes before intra-LH injection of carbachol (250 nM). The animals were then injected with formalin 1% (50 μL; sc) into the upper lip lateral to the nose and subjected to the orofacial formalin test. Intra-DG administration of SCH23390 or sulpiride attenuated the antinociceptive responses induced by intra-LH microinjection of carbachol during the orofacial formalin test. The findings of the current study suggest that chemical stimulation of the LH modulates orofacial pain, possibly through activation of the DG dopaminergic neurons. Due to the high incidence and prevalence of orofacial pain in the general population, understanding how such neuronal circuitry modulates nociceptive processing will advance the search for novel therapeutics.
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18
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Chen ZS, Wang J. Pain, from perception to action: A computational perspective. iScience 2022; 26:105707. [PMID: 36570771 PMCID: PMC9771728 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105707] [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] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is driven by sensation and emotion, and in turn, it motivates decisions and actions. To fully appreciate the multidimensional nature of pain, we formulate the study of pain within a closed-loop framework of sensory-motor prediction. In this closed-loop cycle, prediction plays an important role, as the interaction between prediction and actual sensory experience shapes pain perception and subsequently, action. In this Perspective, we describe the roles of two prominent computational theories-Bayesian inference and reinforcement learning-in modeling adaptive pain behaviors. We show that prediction serves as a common theme between these two theories, and that each of these theories can explain unique aspects of the pain perception-action cycle. We discuss how these computational theories and models can improve our mechanistic understandings of pain-centered processes such as anticipation, attention, placebo hypoalgesia, and pain chronification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Sage Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA,Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA,Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA,Interdisciplinary Pain Research Program, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA,Corresponding author
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA,Neuroscience Institute, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA,Interdisciplinary Pain Research Program, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA,Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA,Corresponding author
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19
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Gao SH, Tao Y, Zhu Y, Huang H, Shen LL, Gao CY. Activation of Dopamine D2 Receptors Alleviates Neuronal Hyperexcitability in the Lateral Entorhinal Cortex via Inhibition of HCN Current in a Rat Model of Chronic Inflammatory Pain. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:1041-1056. [PMID: 35705785 PMCID: PMC9468209 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00892-z] [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: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional changes in synaptic transmission from the lateral entorhinal cortex to the dentate gyrus (LEC-DG) are considered responsible for the chronification of pain. However, the underlying alterations in fan cells, which are the predominant neurons in the LEC that project to the DG, remain elusive. Here, we investigated possible mechanisms using a rat model of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain. We found a substantial increase in hyperpolarization-activated/cyclic nucleotide-gated currents (Ih), which led to the hyperexcitability of LEC fan cells of CFA slices. This phenomenon was attenuated in CFA slices by activating dopamine D2, but not D1, receptors. Chemogenetic activation of the ventral tegmental area -LEC projection had a D2 receptor-dependent analgesic effect. Intra-LEC microinjection of a D2 receptor agonist also suppressed CFA-induced behavioral hypersensitivity, and this effect was attenuated by pre-activation of the Ih. Our findings suggest that down-regulating the excitability of LEC fan cells through activation of the dopamine D2 receptor may be a strategy for treating chronic inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Hao Gao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
- Army 953 Hospital, Army Medical University, Shigatse, 857000, China
| | - Yong Tao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Yang Zhu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Lin-Lin Shen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Chang-Yue Gao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China.
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20
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Goodin BR, Overstreet DS, Penn TM, Bakshi R, Quinn TL, Sims A, Ptacek T, Jackson P, Long DL, Aroke EN. Epigenome-wide DNA methylation profiling of conditioned pain modulation in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:45. [PMID: 35346352 PMCID: PMC8962463 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01265-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathoanatomic cause of chronic low back pain (cLBP) cannot be identified for up to 90% of individuals. However, dysfunctional processing of endogenous nociceptive input, measured as conditioned pain modulation (CPM), has been associated with cLBP and may involve changes in neuronal gene expression. Epigenetic-induced changes such as DNA methylation (DNAm) have been associated with cLBP. METHODS In the present study, the relationship between CPM and DNAm changes in a sample of community-dwelling adults with nonspecific cLBP (n = 48) and pain-free controls (PFC; n = 50) was examined using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing. Gene ontology (GO) term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were applied to identify key pathways involved in efficient versus deficient CPM. RESULTS Based on CPM efficiency, we identified 6006 and 18,305 differentially methylated CpG sites (DMCs) with q values < 0.01 among individuals with cLBP and PFCs, respectively. Most of the DMCs were hypomethylated and annotated to genes of relevance to pain, including OPRM1, ADRB2, CACNA2D3, GNA12, LPL, NAXD, and ASPHD1. In both cLBP and PFC groups, the DMCs annotated genes enriched many GO terms relevant to pain processing, including transcription regulation by RNA polymerase II, nervous system development, generation of neurons, neuron differentiation, and neurogenesis. Both groups also enriched the pathways involved in Rap1-signaling, cancer, and dopaminergic neurogenesis. However, MAPK-Ras signaling pathways were enriched in the cLBP, not the PFC group. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to investigate the genome-scale DNA methylation profiles of CPM phenotype in adults with cLBP and PFCs. Based on CPM efficiency, fewer DMC enrichment pathways were unique to the cLBP than the PFCs group. Our results suggest that epigenetically induced modification of neuronal development/differentiation pathways may affect CPM efficiency, suggesting novel potential therapeutic targets for central sensitization. However, CPM efficiency and the experience of nonspecific cLBP may be independent. Further mechanistic studies are required to confirm the relationship between CPM, central sensitization, and nonspecific cLBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burel R Goodin
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Center for Addiction and Pain Prevention and Intervention (CAPPI), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Demario S Overstreet
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Terence M Penn
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Rahm Bakshi
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Tammie L Quinn
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Andrew Sims
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Travis Ptacek
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Pamela Jackson
- Department of Acute, Chronic and Continuing Care, School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - D Leann Long
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Edwin N Aroke
- Department of Acute, Chronic and Continuing Care, School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
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Martin SL, Jones AKP, Brown CA, Kobylecki C, Whitaker GA, El-Deredy W, Silverdale MA. Altered Pain Processing Associated with Administration of Dopamine Agonist and Antagonist in Healthy Volunteers. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12030351. [PMID: 35326306 PMCID: PMC8946836 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12030351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Striatal dopamine dysfunction is associated with the altered top-down modulation of pain processing. The dopamine D2-like receptor family is a potential substrate for such effects due to its primary expression in the striatum, but evidence for this is currently lacking. Here, we investigated the effect of pharmacologically manipulating striatal dopamine D2 receptor activity on the anticipation and perception of acute pain stimuli in humans. Participants received visual cues that induced either certain or uncertain anticipation of two pain intensity levels delivered via a CO2 laser. Rating of the pain intensity and unpleasantness was recorded. Brain activity was recorded with EEG and analysed via source localisation to investigate neural activity during the anticipation and receipt of pain. Participants completed the experiment under three conditions, control (Sodium Chloride), D2 receptor agonist (Cabergoline), and D2 receptor antagonist (Amisulpride), in a repeated-measures, triple-crossover, double-blind study. The antagonist reduced an individuals’ ability to distinguish between low and high pain following uncertain anticipation. The EEG source localisation showed that the agonist and antagonist reduced neural activations in specific brain regions associated with the sensory integration of salient stimuli during the anticipation and receipt of pain. During anticipation, the agonist reduced activity in the right mid-temporal region and the right angular gyrus, whilst the antagonist reduced activity within the right postcentral, right mid-temporal, and right inferior parietal regions. In comparison to control, the antagonist reduced activity within the insula during the receipt of pain, a key structure involved in the integration of the sensory and affective aspects of pain. Pain sensitivity and unpleasantness were not changed by D2R modulation. Our results support the notion that D2 receptor neurotransmission has a role in the top-down modulation of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L. Martin
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6GX, UK
- The Human Pain Research Group, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; (A.K.P.J.); (C.A.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Anthony K. P. Jones
- The Human Pain Research Group, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; (A.K.P.J.); (C.A.B.)
| | - Christopher A. Brown
- The Human Pain Research Group, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; (A.K.P.J.); (C.A.B.)
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Christopher Kobylecki
- Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Neurology, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford M6 8HD, UK; (C.K.); (M.A.S.)
| | - Grace A. Whitaker
- Advanced Center for Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Federico Santa María Technical University, Valparaíso 1680, Chile;
| | - Wael El-Deredy
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ingeniería en Salud, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaiso 1680, Chile;
| | - Monty A. Silverdale
- Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Neurology, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford M6 8HD, UK; (C.K.); (M.A.S.)
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Kinugawa K, Mano T, Yamatani Y, Miyasaka T, Kataoka H, Sugie K. Pain-Related Abnormal Neuronal Synchronization of the Nucleus Accumbens in Parkinson’s Disease. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12010084. [PMID: 35053828 PMCID: PMC8773786 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12010084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) often experience pain, which fluctuates in “on” and “off” states, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a central component of the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway involved in pain processing. We conducted resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) analysis to explore the relationship between the neuronal synchronization of NAc with pain-related brain regions and pain intensity in “on” and “off” states. We assessed 23 patients with sporadic PD based on rsfMRI and pain intensity using the revised Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire. Patients with PD displayed higher pain intensity scores in the “off” state than in the “on” state. The pain intensity in the “off” state was substantially correlated with the functional connectivity (FC) between the NAc and primary motor/sensory cortices and contralateral NAc. Changes in pain intensity from the “on” to “off” state displayed correlations with those between the right (rNA) and left NAc (lNAc) and the right precentral gyrus (rPreCG) /right insular cortex (rIC) from the “off” to “on” state. Aberrant bilateral NAc and rNAc–rPreCG/rIC FC in the “off” state were closely related to pain symptoms developed from the “on” to “off” states. These results suggest that the NAc in the mesolimbic pathway is related to pain in PD and may help understand the mechanism of pain development in patients with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaoru Kinugawa
- Department of Neurology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (K.K.); (H.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Tomoo Mano
- Department of Neurology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (K.K.); (H.K.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-744-22-3051
| | - Yuya Yamatani
- Division of Central Radiology, Nara Medical University Hospital, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan;
| | - Toshiteru Miyasaka
- Department of Radiology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan;
| | - Hiroshi Kataoka
- Department of Neurology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (K.K.); (H.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Kazuma Sugie
- Department of Neurology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (K.K.); (H.K.); (K.S.)
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23
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Zhang T, Hou Q, Bai T, Ji G, Lv H, Xie W, Jin S, Yang J, Qiu B, Tian Y, Wang K. Functional and structural alterations in the pain-related circuit in major depressive disorder induced by electroconvulsive therapy. J Neurosci Res 2021; 100:477-489. [PMID: 34825381 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Approximately two-thirds of major depressive disorder (MDD) patients have pain, which exacerbates the severity of depression. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an efficacious treatment that can alleviate depressive symptoms; however, treatment for pain and the underlying neural substrate is elusive. We enrolled 34 patients with MDD and 33 matched healthy controls to complete clinical assessments and neuroimaging scans. MDD patients underwent second assessments and scans after ECT. We defined a pain-related network with a published meta-analysis and calculated topological patterns to reveal topologic alterations induced by ECT. Using the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFFs), we probed local function aberrations of pain-related circuits in MDD patients. Subsequently, we applied gray matter volume (GMV) to reveal structural alterations of ECT relieving pain. The relationships between functional and structural aberrations and pain were determined. ECT significantly alleviated pain. The neural mechanism based on pain-related circuits indicated that ECT weakened the circuit function (ALFF: left amygdala and right supplementary motor area), while augmenting the structure (GMV: bilateral amygdala/insula/hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex). The topologic patterns became less efficient after ECT. Correlation analysis between the change in pain and GMV had negative results in bilateral amygdala/insula/hippocampus. Similarity, there was a positive correlation between a change in ALFF in the left amygdala and improved clinical symptoms. ECT improved pain by decreasing brain local function and global network patterns, while increasing structure in pain-related circuits. Functional and structural alterations were associated with improvement in pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, China
| | - Qiangqiang Hou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, China
| | - Tongjian Bai
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, China
| | - Gongjun Ji
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, China
| | - Huaming Lv
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, China
| | - Wen Xie
- Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, China
| | | | - Jinying Yang
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Bensheng Qiu
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yanghua Tian
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, China.,Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, China.,Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China.,School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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24
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Shao F, Fang J, Qiu M, Wang S, Xi D, Shao X, He X, Fang J, Du J. Electroacupuncture Ameliorates Chronic Inflammatory Pain-Related Anxiety by Activating PV Interneurons in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:691931. [PMID: 34290586 PMCID: PMC8287862 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.691931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory pain is a common clinical disease that tends to be associated with negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is involved in pain and pain-related anxiety, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic interneurons play an important role in chronic pain and anxiety. Electroacupuncture (EA) has good analgesic and antianxiety effect, but the underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we established a chronic inflammatory pain model and observed that this model induced anxiety-like behaviors and decreased the numbers of parvalbumin (PV) and somatostatin (SOM) positive cells. Activation of PV but not SOM interneurons by chemogenetic techniques alleviated anxiety-like behaviors and pain sensation. EA treatment improved pain sensation, anxiety-like behaviors and increased the number of PV- positive cells in the ACC, but did not affect on the number of SOM-positive cells in the ACC. Moreover, specific inhibition of PV interneurons by chemogenetic methods reversed the analgesic and antianxiety effects of EA. These results suggest that EA ameliorates chronic inflammatory pain and pain-related anxiety by upregulating PV but not SOM interneurons in the ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangbing Shao
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junfan Fang
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengting Qiu
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sisi Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Danning Xi
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomei Shao
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofen He
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianqiao Fang
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junying Du
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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25
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Zhang XH, Feng CC, Pei LJ, Zhang YN, Chen L, Wei XQ, Zhou J, Yong Y, Wang K. Electroacupuncture Attenuates Neuropathic Pain and Comorbid Negative Behavior: The Involvement of the Dopamine System in the Amygdala. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:657507. [PMID: 34025342 PMCID: PMC8137986 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.657507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NeuP) is an important clinical problem accompanying negative mood symptoms. Neuroinflammation in the amygdala is critically involved in NeuP, and the dopamine (DA) system acts as an important endogenous anti-inflammatory pathway. Electroacupuncture (EA) can improve the clinical outcomes in NeuP, but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of EA on pain and pain-related depressive-like and anxiety-like behaviors and explore the role of the DA system in the effects of EA. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to the chronic constrictive injury (CCI) model to induce NeuP. EA treatment was carried out for 30 min once every other day for 3 weeks. The results showed that CCI caused mechanical hyperalgesia and depressive and anxiety-like behaviors in rats and neuroinflammation in the amygdala, such as an increased protein level of TNFα and IL-1β and activation of astrocytes. EA treatment significantly improved mechanical allodynia and the emotional dysfunction induced by CCI. The effects of EA were accompanied by markedly decreased expression of TNFα, IL-1β, and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) in the amygdala. Moreover, EA treatment reversed CCI-induced down-regulation of DA concentration, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression, and DRD1 and DRD2 receptors. These results suggest that EA-ameliorated NeuP may possibly be associated with the DA system to inhibit the neuroinflammation in the amygdala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Hui Zhang
- Acupuncture Anesthesia Clinical Research Institute, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen-Chen Feng
- Acupuncture Anesthesia Clinical Research Institute, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Jian Pei
- Acupuncture Anesthesia Clinical Research Institute, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Nan Zhang
- Acupuncture Anesthesia Clinical Research Institute, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liu Chen
- Acupuncture Anesthesia Clinical Research Institute, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu-Qiang Wei
- Acupuncture Anesthesia Clinical Research Institute, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- Acupuncture Anesthesia Clinical Research Institute, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Yong
- Department of Anesthesiology and Research Institute for Acupuncture Anesthesia, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Acupuncture Anesthesia Clinical Research Institute, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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