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Lang-Illievich K, Lang J, Rumpold-Seitlinger G, Dorn C, Brenna CTA, Klivinyi C, Bornemann-Cimenti H. The Dose-Response Relationship between Opioid Agonist Therapy and Alterations in Pain Pathways in Patients with Opioid Use Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study. CNS Drugs 2024; 38:281-290. [PMID: 38421579 PMCID: PMC10980620 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-024-01069-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The administration of opioids can be followed by enduring neuroplastic changes in the peripheral and central nervous systems. This remodeling can lead to opioid-induced hyperalgesia, causing an increased sensitivity to painful stimuli. The description of opioid-induced changes in the somatosensory system has seldom been described in the setting of opioid agonist therapy in the treatment of opioid use disorders, and the few existing reports provide no guidance with respect to the effect of varied doses or substances. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to assess alterations of pain pathways among patients receiving opioid agonist therapy and to elucidate the dose-response relationship. METHODS This study was planned as cross-sectional in an outpatient clinic in Graz, Austria. Patients receiving opioid agonist therapy for opioid use disorders (including methadone, levomethadone, buprenorphine, and extended-release morphine) were asked to fill out a questionnaire, including the central sensitization inventory. A battery of somatosensory system assessments was then performed. RESULTS A total of 120 patients participated (85 men/35 women). The mean oral morphine milligram equivalent (MME) was 694 ± 249 mg/day. Our study found significant alterations in pain perception, conditioned pain modulation, and wind-up. We demonstrated a moderate dose-response relationship between high-dose opioids and markers of central sensitization. CONCLUSION The present trial demonstrates the clear effects of opioid agonist therapy on the somatosensory system. Both central sensitization and descending pain modulation are negatively affected by high doses of opioids and our data elucidate a moderate dose-response relationship for these phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kordula Lang-Illievich
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 5/5, 8036, Graz, Austria
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Klinik Güssing, Güssing, Austria
| | - Johanna Lang
- Comenius University Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Gudrun Rumpold-Seitlinger
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 5/5, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Christian Dorn
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 5/5, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Connor T A Brenna
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christoph Klivinyi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 5/5, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Helmar Bornemann-Cimenti
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 5/5, 8036, Graz, Austria.
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Crupi L, Capra AP, Paterniti I, Lanza M, Calapai F, Cuzzocrea S, Ardizzone A, Esposito E. Evaluation of the nutraceutical Palmitoylethanolamide in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nat Prod Res 2024:1-20. [PMID: 38269580 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2024.2306916] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Intraocular pressure (IOP) positively correlates with both normal and high-tension glaucoma. To date, IOP targeting remains the validated pharmacological approach in counteracting glaucoma progression as well as in halting vision loss. Among the different adjuvant compounds, evidence highlighted the potential effectiveness of Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), an endogenous fatty acid amide. Thus, a systematic review of the literature was conducted, thoroughly evaluating PEA treatment regimen in decreasing IOP in patients with eye disorders. We checked for articles across the scientific databases Pubmed (MEDLINE), Embase (OVID), and Web of Science from the inception to 30 August 2023, and a total of 828 articles were recovered. Six of these studies (199 patients) were included in the systematic review after the study selection process, and three studies for meta-analysia. Overall, PEA showed significant efficacy in reducing IOP in patients, this encourages its clinical use in glaucoma as well as across different forms of eye disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lelio Crupi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Anna Paola Capra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Irene Paterniti
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Marika Lanza
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Calapai
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessio Ardizzone
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Emanuela Esposito
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Briskey D, Skinner R, Smith C, Rao A. Effectiveness of Palmitoylethanolamide (Levagen+) Compared to a Placebo for Reducing Pain, Duration, and Medication Use during Migraines in Otherwise Healthy Participants-A Double-Blind Randomised Controlled Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:145. [PMID: 38399360 PMCID: PMC10892859 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020145] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Migraines are a common neurological disorder that generally affects young to middle-aged adults and females more than males. Various treatment options are available; however, these can cause undesirable side effects. Therefore, alternative treatments with minimal side effects are still being investigated. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a signalling lipid known to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Previous prophylactic research has reported PEA supplementation to decrease pain associated with migraines. Upon commencement of migraine symptoms, participants were supplemented with either 600 mg of PEA (Levagen+) or a placebo (maltodextrin). Once a dose was taken, participants recorded a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain every 30 min for 4 h or until the migraine resolved. If the migraine had not resolved 2 h post-dose, participants were instructed to take a second dose. Levagen+ supplementation resolved more headaches after 2- and 8 h, had a lower VAS for pain score at 1.5 and 4 h, and reduced rescue medication use significantly more than a placebo. No adverse events were reported in either group. Overall, PEA was safe and effective in reducing migraine pain, duration, and medication use in an otherwise healthy adult population.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Briskey
- RDC Clinical, Level 3, 252 St Pauls Terrace, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Rachael Skinner
- RDC Clinical, Level 3, 252 St Pauls Terrace, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Chelsie Smith
- RDC Clinical, Level 3, 252 St Pauls Terrace, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Amanda Rao
- RDC Clinical, Level 3, 252 St Pauls Terrace, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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Bułdyś K, Górnicki T, Kałka D, Szuster E, Biernikiewicz M, Markuszewski L, Sobieszczańska M. What Do We Know about Nociplastic Pain? Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1794. [PMID: 37372912 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11121794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nociplastic pain is a recently distinguished type of pain, distinct from neuropathic and nociceptive pain, and is well described in the literature. It is often mistaken for central sensitization. Pathophysiology has not been clearly established with regard to alteration of the concentration of spinal fluid elements, the structure of the white and gray matter of the brain, and psychological aspects. Many different diagnostic tools, i.e., the painDETECT and Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaires, have been developed to diagnose neuropathic pain, but they can also be applied for nociplastic pain; however, more standardized instruments are still needed in order to assess its occurrence and clinical presentation. Numerous studies have shown that nociplastic pain is present in many different diseases such as fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome type 1, and irritable bowel syndrome. Current pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments for nociceptive and neuropathic pain are not entirely suitable for treating nociplastic pain. There is an ongoing effort to establish the most efficient way to manage it. The significance of this field has led to several clinical trials being carried out in a short time. The aim of this narrative review was to discuss the currently available evidence on pathophysiology, associated diseases, treatment possibilities, and clinical trials. It is important that physicians widely discuss and acknowledge this relatively new concept in order to provide optimized pain control for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kacper Bułdyś
- Faculty of Medical Sciences and Health Sciences, Kazimierz Pulaski University of Technology and Humanities in Radom, 26-600 Radom, Poland
| | - Tomasz Górnicki
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Kałka
- Faculty of Physiotherapy, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland
- Men's Health Centre in Wrocław, 53-151 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Szuster
- Cardiosexology Students Club, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Leszek Markuszewski
- Faculty of Medical Sciences and Health Sciences, Kazimierz Pulaski University of Technology and Humanities in Radom, 26-600 Radom, Poland
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Palmitoylethanolamide in the Treatment of Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15061350. [PMID: 36986081 PMCID: PMC10053226 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a major source of morbidity for which there are limited effective treatments. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), a naturally occurring fatty acid amide, has demonstrated utility in the treatment of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Emerging reports have supported a possible role for its use in the treatment of chronic pain, although this remains controversial. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the efficacy of PEA as an analgesic agent for chronic pain. A systematic literature search was performed, using the databases MEDLINE and Web of Science, to identify double-blind randomized controlled trials comparing PEA to placebo or active comparators in the treatment of chronic pain. All articles were independently screened by two reviewers. The primary outcome was pain intensity scores, for which a meta-analysis was undertaken using a random effects statistical model. Secondary outcomes including quality of life, functional status, and side effects are represented in a narrative synthesis. Our literature search identified 253 unique articles, of which 11 were ultimately included in the narrative synthesis and meta-analysis. Collectively, these articles described a combined sample size of 774 patients. PEA was found to reduce pain scores relative to comparators in a pooled estimate, with a standard mean difference of 1.68 (95% CI 1.05 to 2.31, p = 0.00001). Several studies reported additional benefits of PEA for quality of life and functional status, and no major side effects were attributed to PEA in any study. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that PEA is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for chronic pain. Further study is warranted to determine the optimal dosing and administration parameters of PEA for analgesic effects in the context of chronic pain.
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