Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Kanikkai Raja Aseer, Josephine M. Egan
Summary: Endocannabinoids (ECs) are produced in the periphery where they regulate various physiological processes, including energy storage, glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin secretion and synthesis, and hepatocyte function. Within the islet of Langerhans, there is an autonomous EC system (ECS) that influences beta-cell responses to stressors primarily through the CB1 receptor. Further research is needed to understand the therapeutic potential of targeting EC/CB1R and CB2R in treating diabetes and obesity.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
B. F. G. Queiroz, F. C. S. Fonseca, R. C. M. Ferreira, T. R. L. Romero, A. C. Perez, I. D. G. Duarte
Summary: This study investigated the role of dopamine and its receptors in the peripheral processing of the nociceptive response in mice using a pharmacological approach and the paw pressure test. The results showed that dopamine at small doses produced antinociceptive effects via the activation of D-2-like receptors, while at higher doses it caused hyperalgesia via the activation of D-1-like receptors.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
M. Irene Diaz-Reval, Yolitzy Cardenas, Miguel Huerta, Xochitl Trujillo, Enrique Alejandro Sanchez-Pastor, Maria Eva Gonzalez-Trujano, Adolfo Virgen-Ortiz, M. Gicela Perez-Hernandez
Summary: This study aimed to explore the synergistic effect of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and a cannabinoid agonist in pain management. The combination of ibuprofen and synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 showed a synergistic effect mainly mediated by CB2 receptors, with peripheral receptors playing a relevant role.
Article
Neurosciences
Daniel D. Lam, Rhiannan H. Williams, Ernesto Lujan, Koji Tanabe, Georg Huber, Nay Lui Saw, Juliane Merl-Pham, Aaro Salminen, David Lohse, Sally Spendiff, Melanie J. Plastini, Michael Zech, Hanns Lochmueller, Arie Geerlof, Stefanie M. Hauck, Mehrdad Shamloo, Marius Wemig, Juliane Winkelmann
Summary: Collagen VI plays a crucial role in muscle basement membranes and genetic variants can cause muscular dystrophies. Recent studies have shown that collagen VI is also involved in central nervous system function and dystonia. In this study, mice with a truncation of the collagen alpha 3 (VI) C-terminal domain were generated and showed a dystonia-like phenotype. It was found that collagen VI interacts with the cannabinoid receptor 1 complex in a C-terminal domain-dependent manner. The mice exhibited impaired excitatory input in the basal pontine nuclei, which improved with CB1R agonist treatment, suggesting a therapeutic addressable synaptic mechanism for motor control.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kangtai Xu, Yifei Wu, Zhuangzhuang Tian, Yuanfan Xu, Chaoran Wu, Zilong Wang
Summary: Pain, especially chronic pain, has a significant impact on patients' quality of life. Cannabinoids have shown potent analgesic effects in preclinical pain models by acting as agonists of CB1 and CB2 receptors. While the activation of CB1 receptors is associated with psychotropic adverse effects, the promising target for pain treatment is the CB2 receptors primarily expressed in immune cells. Microglia, as resident immune cells in the central nervous system, play a critical role in chronic pain, and CB2 receptors regulate their activity and function. This review focuses on the role of microglial CB2 receptors in spinal nociceptive circuitry and their implications for selective CB2 receptor agonist-mediated analgesia.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Anesthesiology
Simon Haroutounian, Lars Arendt-Nielsen, Joletta Belton, Fiona M. Blyth, Louisa Degenhardt, Marta Di Forti, Christopher Eccleston, David P. Finn, Nanna B. Finnerup, Emma Fisher, Alexandra E. Fogarty, Ian Gilron, Andrea G. Hohmann, Eija Kalso, Elliot Krane, Mohammed Mohiuddin, R. Andrew Moore, Michael Rowbotham, Nadia Soliman, Mark Wallace, Nantthasorn Zinboonyahgoon, Andrew S. C. Rice
Summary: The paper summarizes key knowledge gaps in the field of cannabis and cannabinoid analgesia research and proposes a research agenda. It emphasizes quality issues in preclinical and clinical research, a lack of understanding in the endocannabinoid system and pharmacology, and safety concerns regarding long-term and short-term use of cannabis and cannabinoids.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Elias B. Nascimento Jr., R. L. Romero, Marcela M. G. B. Dutra, Bernd L. Fiebich, Igor D. G. Duarte, Marcio M. Coelho
Summary: The activation of 5-HT1D and 5-HT7 receptors plays a role in mechanical allodynia induced by 5-HT in mice, while peripheral 5-HT3 receptors have an inhibitory role in the nociceptive response induced by 5-HT or carrageenan.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Anesthesiology
Elaine F. Toniolo, Achla Gupta, Adriano C. Franciosi, Ivone Gomes, Lakshmi A. Devi, Camila S. Dale
Summary: The interaction between CB1R and opioid receptors may be targeted for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. CB1R-MOR and CB1R-DOR complexes are involved in diabetic neuropathy, and the peptide endocannabinoid hemopressin shows potential as a therapeutic for this condition.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Livia Elisei, Thamyris Moraes, Iago Malta, Javier Rodriguez, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Giovane Galdino
Summary: Recent studies have found that exercise activates the endocannabinoid (eCB) system and regulates various physiological processes. This review aimed to summarize the literature on the role of the eCB system in controlling pain, obesity, and metabolism through exercise. A search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science for experimental studies on the presence of the eCB system in animal models of pain and obesity subjected to different exercise modalities. Thirteen studies were included, and the results showed increased expression and levels of cannabinoid receptors and eCBs after aerobic and resistance exercise, indicating their association with antinociception. Exercise also modulated the eCB system in obese rats, suggesting its involvement in controlling obesity and metabolism through aerobic training.
CANNABIS AND CANNABINOID RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
P. H. Gobira, S. R. Joca, F. A. Moreira
Summary: Addiction to psychostimulant drugs is a significant public health issue and cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R play a crucial role in modulating the rewarding effects of these drugs. This review summarizes studies on pharmacological intervention targeting CB1R and CB2R and their interaction in psychostimulant responses.
ACTA NEUROPSYCHIATRICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Danielle Diniz Aguiar, Cristina da Costa Oliveira, Flavia Cristina Sousa Fonseca, Douglas Lamounier de Almeida, William Valadares Campos Pereira, Francisco Silveira Guimara, Andrea Castro Perez, Igor Dimitri Gama Duarte, Thiago Roberto Lima Romero
Summary: This study evaluated the analgesic effects of CBD when administered peripherally for the treatment of acute neuropathic pain, and investigated the involvement of the 5-HT1A and TRPV1 receptors. The results showed that CBD induced dose-dependent antinociceptive effects, with the highest potency observed at a dose of 30 mu g/paw. Furthermore, selective antagonists of the 5-HT1A and TRPV1 receptors partially reversed the antinociceptive effects of CBD.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Yongsoon Park, Bruce A. Watkins
Summary: This review discusses the role of PUFAs in eCB biosynthesis and their actions in the brain. The relationship between PUFAs, eCBs, and OxLs in brain physiology and neuroinflammation, and the impact of exercise on brain plasticity, pain, and well-being are highlighted.
ADVANCES IN NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Mariantonia Braile, Leonardo Cristinziano, Simone Marcella, Gilda Varricchi, Giancarlo Marone, Luca Modestino, Anne Lise Ferrara, Agnese De Ciuceis, Sara Scala, Maria Rosaria Galdiero, Stefania Loffredo
Summary: Neutrophils play a central role in inflammation and tumor angiogenesis by releasing angiogenic factors. This study found that CB agonists can modulate the release of VEGF-A from LPS-activated PMNs, indicating a potential novel therapeutic strategy for patients with sepsis.
JOURNAL OF LEUKOCYTE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marek Zubrzycki, Maria Zubrzycka, Grzegorz Wysiadecki, Janusz Szemraj, Hanna Jerczynska, Mariusz Stasiolek
Summary: The endocannabinoid system plays a role in pain processing, and this study aimed to investigate its effects in the orofacial area. The results showed that endocannabinoid AEA can modulate neural structures and may have different regulatory mechanisms than 2-AG in orofacial pain.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Dominika Labuz, Melih O. Celik, Viola Seitz, Halina Machelska
Summary: Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that can alleviate pain by releasing opioid peptides from infiltrating macrophages at injured nerves. This newly discovered mechanism involves PKA-mediated, PI3K-mediated, ryanodine receptor-mediated, and intracellular Ca21-mediated release from M1 macrophages of opioid peptides, which activate peripheral opioid receptors in injured tissue. Targeting the IL-4-opioid system in peripheral damaged tissue may offer a potential therapeutic approach with fewer central and systemic side effects.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Antonio Inserra, Giada Giorgini, Sebastien Lacroix, Antonella Bertazzo, Jocelyn Choo, Athanasios Markopolous, Emily Grant, Armita Abolghasemi, Danilo De Gregorio, Nicolas Flamand, Geraint Rogers, Stefano Comai, Cristoforo Silvestri, Gabriella Gobbi, Vincenzo Di Marzo
Summary: This study found that repeated administration of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) induces prosocial effects in mice and affects the composition of the hippocampal endocannabinoidome and gut microbiota.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ester Pagano, Barbara Romano, Donatella Cicia, Fabio A. Iannotti, Tommaso Venneri, Giuseppe Lucariello, Maria Francesca Nani, Fabio Cattaneo, Paola De Cicco, Maria D'Armiento, Marcello De Luca, Ruggiero Lionetti, Stefania Lama, Paola Stiuso, Pietro Zoppoli, Geppino Falco, Silvia Marchiano, Stefano Fiorucci, Raffaele Capasso, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Francesca Borrelli, Angelo A. Izzo
Summary: TRPM8 is overexpressed in colorectal cancer and its high expression is associated with lower survival rate of patients and hyperactivation of related signaling pathways. TRPM8 may serve as a prognostic marker and potential drug target for colorectal cancer.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Camille Dugas, Laurence Laberee, Julie Perron, Gabrielle St-Arnaud, Veronique Richard, Veronique Perreault, Nadine Leblanc, Isabelle Marc, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Alain Doyen, Alain Veilleux, Julie Robitaille
Summary: This study compared the macronutrient and energy content of human milk between women with and without GDM. The results showed that protein, lactose, and energy content were similar between the two groups, but the concentration of TG was higher in women with GDM. Maternal age and fasting glucose level were associated with the composition of human milk, and TG in human milk was associated with infant growth in children without GDM.
BREASTFEEDING MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Hilal Kalkan, Ester Pagano, Debora Paris, Elisabetta Panza, Mariarosaria Cuozzo, Claudia Moriello, Fabiana Piscitelli, Armita Abolghasemi, Elisabetta Gazzerro, Cristoforo Silvestri, Raffaele Capasso, Andrea Motta, Roberto Russo, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Fabio Arturo Iannotti
Summary: This study found that there are changes in the gut microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels, and related metabolites in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) compared to healthy controls. Supplementation with sodium butyrate (NaB) in mdx mice showed similar benefits as deflazacort (DFZ) in terms of muscle strength, autophagy, and inflammation. In LPS-stimulated C2C12 myoblasts, NaB reduced inflammation, promoted autophagy, and prevented dysregulation of microRNAs targeting the endocannabinoid CB1 receptor gene through the activation of GPR109A and PPAR gamma receptors. This suggests a potential disease-modifying approach for DMD and other muscular dystrophies.
EMBO MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Francesco Suriano, Claudia Manca, Nicolas Flamand, Matthias Van Hul, Nathalie M. Delzenne, Cristoforo Silvestri, Patrice D. Cani, Vincenzo Di Marzo
Summary: This study characterized the profile of endocannabinoidome and oxylipins in the intestines of obese and diabetic mice, and found correlations between these mediators and intestinal inflammation and gut microbiota composition. The results suggest that the altered eCBome and oxylipin signaling may contribute to obesity and diabetes-induced gut dysbiosis and inflammation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aniello Schiano Moriello, Fiorentina Roviezzo, Fabio Arturo Iannotti, Giuseppina Rea, Marco Allara, Rosa Camerlingo, Roberta Verde, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Stefania Petrosino
Summary: ARDS is a serious lung disorder caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study evaluated the protective effects of PEA-um and its congener PEA-OXA in acute lung injury models. The results showed that both PEA-OXA and PEA can counteract the inflammatory response and EMT induced by poly-(I:C) or TGF-beta. PEA-OXA was found to be superior to PEA in exerting protective effects, making it a promising candidate in the management of acute lung injury.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martina Di Bartolomeo, Tibor Stark, Serena Di Martino, Fabio Arturo Iannotti, Jana Ruda-Kucerova, Giovanni Luca Romano, Martin Kuchar, Samuele Laudani, Petr Palivec, Fabiana Piscitelli, Carsten T. Wotjak, Claudio Bucolo, Filippo Drago, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Claudio D'Addario, Vincenzo Micale
Summary: Adolescent exposure to cannabinoids, such as THC, may increase the risk of psychosis in individuals exposed to perinatal insult. In this study, the researchers examined the effects of peripubertal THC exposure on rats that were also exposed to prenatal methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM) or perinatal THC (pTHC). They found that the rats exposed to MAM or pTHC exhibited adult phenotypes relevant to schizophrenia, including social withdrawal and cognitive impairment. The researchers also observed changes in gene expression and DNA methylation, suggesting potential molecular mechanisms underlying these effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Egleidson F. A. Gomes, Eduardo Paulino Junior, Mario F. R. de Lima, Luana A. Reis, Giovanna Paranhos, Marcelo Mamede, Francis G. J. Longford, Jeremy G. Frey, Ana Maria de Paula
Summary: Prostate carcinoma, the second most common cancer among men worldwide, is often slow-growing and indolent. Prognosis relies heavily on the Gleason system, but new treatment and monitoring strategies require a more precise diagnosis. This study used multiphoton imaging to analyze prostate tumor samples from 120 patients, resulting in quantitative parameters that can indicate specific tumor aggressiveness signatures. The automated image analysis distinguished between non-neoplastic tissue and carcinoma areas with an accuracy of 89% +/- 3%, but only achieved 46% +/- 6% accuracy in differentiating between Gleason groups. However, the inclusion of stromal parameters improved the accuracy to 65% +/- 5%, highlighting the importance of considering these parameters for a more accurate diagnosis.
JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS
(2023)
Review
Optics
Christiano J. S. De Matos, Enrique G. Rosa, Juan D. Zapata, David Steinberg, Melissa Maldonado, E. A. Thoroh De Souza, Ana M. De Paula, Leandro M. Malard, Anderson S. L. Gomes
Summary: This paper reviews the work carried out in the field of nonlinear optics in two-dimensional and ultrathin lamellar materials, with a special focus on contributions authored and co-authored by researchers affiliated with Latin American institutions. It is shown that important and impactful contributions have emerged from Latin America, which has a consolidated and active optics community. Nonlinear optical refraction, nonlinear optical absorption, and nonlinear frequency conversion in materials such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, and black phosphorus are among the reviewed themes.
JOURNAL OF THE OPTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA B-OPTICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Hayatte-Dounia Mir, Giada Giorgini, Vincenzo Di Marzo
Summary: This review article focuses on the expanded endocannabinoid system (eCBome) and the gut microbiome, which are increasingly attracting attention as sources of chemical signals regulating food intake, energy metabolism, and body weight. The article describes the mechanisms through which these two systems, in interactions with other signaling systems, intervene in eating disorders, based on studies in experimental models or patients. Furthermore, the article discusses the possibility of the involvement of the eCBome-gut microbiome axis in eating disorders, considering the emerging multi-faceted cross-talk mechanisms between these complex systems.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Nicola Forte, Charlene Roussel, Brenda Marfella, Anna Lauritano, Rosaria Villano, Elvira De Leonibus, Emanuela Salviati, Tina Khalilzadehsabet, Giada Giorgini, Cristoforo Silvestri, Fabiana Piscitelli, Maria Pina Mollica, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Luigia Cristino
Summary: N-oleoylglycine and N-oleoylalanine reduce the rewarding properties of palatable food, dopamine neuron firing, and the obesogenic effect of a high-fat diet by activating PPAR alpha. Olive oil-rich diets can also decrease weight gain by increasing oleoylglycine levels and enhancing gut microbial diversity.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Andrea Schirato, Mychel G. Silva, Danielle C. Teles-Ferreira, Cristian Manzoni, Ana Maria de Paula, Giulio Cerullo, Giuseppe Della Valle, Marcel Di Vece
Summary: The photoexcitation of plasmonic nanostructures with ultrashort laser pulses allows for understanding the ultrafast nonlinear optical response and fundamental processes triggered by light absorption. The effects of photoexcitation on plasmonic nanostructures are studied using broadband transient absorption spectroscopy and semiclassical nonlinear simulations. The results provide a comprehensive understanding of the thermo-modulational nonlinearities of plasmonic nanostructures exhibiting resonances close to the interband transition threshold.
ADVANCED PHOTONICS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tangui Barre, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Fabienne Marcellin, Patrizia Burra, Patrizia Carrieri
Summary: Obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are global epidemics. The endocannabinoid system is seen as a key target for treating NAFLD. Although clinical trials are lacking, research suggests potential benefits of phytocannabinoids in treating liver steatosis. Cannabis plant should be considered a major prospect for NAFLD treatment. Overcoming scientific and non-scientific barriers is necessary for further research.
CANNABIS AND CANNABINOID RESEARCH
(2023)
Correction
Neurosciences
Lucia Privitera, Ellen L. Hogg, Matthias Gaestel, Mark J. Wall, Sonia A. L. Correa
Article
Neurosciences
Li-Ya Jiang, Guan-Hao Wang, Jing-Jiao Xu, Xiao-Li Li, Xiao-Yan Lin, Xiang Fang, Hong-Xu Zhang, Mei Feng, Chun-Ming Jiang
Summary: This study reveals the importance of LINC00473 in regulating temozolomide (TMZ) resistance in glioblastoma (GB) and its potential mechanism. By regulating the expression of CEBP alpha and MGMT, LINC00473 promotes the formation of chemoresistance. Furthermore, LINC00473 can transfer chemoresistance to adjacent sensitive cells through exosomes.
Article
Neurosciences
Olga Kopach, Tetyana Pivneva, Nataliya Fedirko, Nana Voitenko
Summary: This study found that diabetic animals exhibit severe xerostomia characterized by reduced saliva flow rate, diminished total protein content, and decreased amylase activity. The impaired saliva production in diabetes is associated with reduced and delayed intracellular Ca2+ signals in submandibular acinar cells, caused by malfunctioning mitochondria. Targeting malfunctioning mitochondria may be a potential strategy for the treatment of diabetic xerostomia.
Article
Neurosciences
Nicholas M. Timme, Cherish E. Ardinger, Seth D. C. Weir, Rachel Zelaya-Escobar, Rachel Kruger, Christopher C. Lapish
Summary: This study aimed to assess aversion-resistant drinking behavior in head-fixed mice and explore the relationship between non-consummatory behaviors and aversion-resistant drinking. The results showed that head-fixed mice exhibited heterogenous levels of aversion-resistant drinking and non-consummatory behaviors were related to the intensity of this behavior.
Article
Neurosciences
David R. Maguire, Charles P. France
Summary: Methocinnamox (MCAM) is a novel, long-acting opioid receptor antagonist that effectively decreases fentanyl self-administration and prevents opioid overdose in monkeys. The study demonstrates the potential therapeutic utility of MCAM in the treatment of opioid use disorder.
Article
Neurosciences
Xiang Li, Dan Feng, Shenglu Ma, Mingxing Li, Shulei Zhao, Man Tang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of fluoxetine on neurochemical, neurobiological, and neurobehavioral changes in different subregions of the hippocampus. The results showed that fluoxetine increased dialysate 5-HT, decreased membrane 5-HTT protein, and increased cytoplasmic fraction. Additionally, fluoxetine reduced immobility times in behavioral tests, with greater effects observed in the ventral subregion compared to the dorsal subregion.
Article
Neurosciences
Alexander V. Zholos, Mariia I. Melnyk, Dariia O. Dryn
Summary: Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter in visceral smooth muscles, activating M2 and M3 muscarinic receptors to cause smooth muscle excitation and contraction. This review focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying acetylcholine-induced depolarisation and smooth muscle contraction, as well as the effects of anticholinergic drugs on gastrointestinal motility. The knowledge gained from recent studies has greatly expanded our understanding of these processes.
Article
Neurosciences
Zhenlong Li, Hsien-Yu Peng, Chau-Shoun Lee, Tzer-Bin Lin, Ming-Chun Hsieh, Cheng-Yuan Lai, Han-Fang Wu, Lih-Chyang Chen, Mei-Ci Chen, Dylan Chou
Summary: Methylone shows significant efficacy in treating depression and social deficits, making it an ideal candidate for anti-depressant medication.
Article
Neurosciences
Aline Freyssin, Allison Carles, Sarra Guehairia, Gilles Rubinstenn, Tangui Maurice
Summary: This study explores the potential of combining FENM and S1R agonists in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The results showed that most FENM-based combinations can protect against learning deficits caused by A beta 25-35, with better efficacy in short-term memory.
Article
Neurosciences
J. D. Lorente, J. Cuitavi, L. Rullo, S. Candeletti, P. Romualdi, L. Hipolito
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of pain on negative affect in different sexes and time courses, as well as the involvement of the dynorphinergic and corticotropin releasing factor systems in these pain-related behaviors. The results showed sex and time-dependent anxiety- and anhedonia-like behaviors induced by pain in female rats. The recruitment of KOR/DYN in the NAc was identified as a key neurological substrate mediating pain-induced behavioral alterations.
Article
Neurosciences
Rongjun Liu, Daofan Sun, Xiuzhong Xing, Qingge Chen, Bo Lu, Bo Meng, Hui Yuan, Lan Mo, Liufang Sheng, Jinwei Zheng, Qiusheng Wang, Junping Chen, Xiaowei Chen
Summary: The coexistence of pain and depression is frequently observed in patients with chronic pain and depression. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide, has been reported to relieve chronic pain and depressive symptoms. This study investigated the effect of intranasal oxytocin on neuropathic pain and comorbid depressive symptoms, and found that oxytocin attenuated depression-like behavior but did not alleviate mechanical hyperalgesia. The results suggest that intranasal oxytocin may have the potential to treat depressive symptoms in neuropathic pain patients.
