Review
Clinical Neurology
Haijun Li, Jinxiu Chen, Juehan Wang, Tianfang Zhang, Zuobing Chen
Summary: Brachial plexus injury (BPI) is a serious peripheral nerve injury that leads to severe and persistent impairments of the upper limb. The demand for rehabilitation treatment after BPI is increasing due to the relatively mature early diagnosis and surgical technique. Rehabilitation intervention can benefit different stages of recovery, but the treatment methods vary due to the complexity of the brachial plexus. This article explores the potential contributions of various methods to BPI rehabilitation and provides a concise overview of beneficial interventions, forming clear rehabilitation processes based on different periods and populations.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Anesthesiology
Tao Du, Fan Ji, Bing Ni, Ruicun Liu, Wei Shu, Xiaohua Zhang, Hongwei Zhu, Wei Tao, Yongsheng Hu, Yongjie Li
Summary: Dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) lesioning is an effective treatment for brachial plexus avulsion (BPA). This study retrospectively analyzed 112 patients with BPA who underwent DREZ lesioning and found that shorter pain duration and phantom limb sensation (PLS) were associated with worse pain outcomes. The study also revealed diverse changes in phantom limb pain (PLP) and PLS after DREZ lesioning, suggesting the need for further investigation into the role of brain plasticity in surgical outcomes.
Article
Neurosciences
Hang Xian, Huan Guo, Yuan-Ying Liu, Jian-Lei Zhang, Wen-Chao Hu, Ming-Jun Yu, Rui Zhao, Rou-Gang Xie, Hang Zhang, Rui Cong
Summary: Brachial plexus avulsion (BPA) is a complex injury involving the central and peripheral nervous systems, which often leads to severe neuropathic pain (NP) in the affected limb. The existing treatments for NP are not effective, and the role of somatosensory-sympathetic coupling in BPA-induced NP remains unclear. This study discovered that peripheral BDNF plays a key role in regulating somatosensory-sympathetic coupling in BPA-induced NP, and it also identified BDNF as a potential analgesic target for the treatment of this pain.
NEUROSCIENCE BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Shuo Zhao, Fengyu Wang, Li Wang, Yali Xu, Li Lv, Wenxu Duan, Runze Bai, Zhao Meng, Xinzhong Shao
Summary: This study investigated the involvement of the BDNF-TrkB-KCC2 pathway in neuropathic pain caused by brachial plexus avulsion (BPA) injury. The results suggest that activation of BDNF-TrkB may inhibit neuronal excitability by downregulating KCC2, thereby relieving neuropathic pain.
BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Marcio de Mendonc Cardoso, Ricardo Gepp, Henrique Caetano, Ricardo Felipe, Bernardo Martins
Summary: DREZ lesioning using radiofrequency is a significant therapeutic approach for managing neuropathic pain after a traumatic brachial plexus injury. Importantly, the presence of a spinal cord injury is not associated with the surgical outcome.
WORLD NEUROSURGERY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Giuliano De Carolis, Mery Paroli, Alessandro Dario, Emil Isagulyan, Elizaveta Makashova
Summary: The aim of this case series was to assess the safety and effectiveness of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) of the brachial plexus performed using a low invasive percutaneous approach with ultrasound guide. Results from an observational study showed that PNS systems of the brachial plexus implanted with percutaneous approach appear to be safe and effective in a follow-up period of 18 months.
Article
Neurosciences
Yanfeng Huang, Xie Zhang, Yidan Zou, Qiuju Yuan, Yan-Fang Xian, Zhi-Xiu Lin
Summary: This study provides evidence that quercetin can alleviate pain hypersensitivity following brachial plexus avulsion in rats by suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress. These results suggest that quercetin has the potential to be further developed as a therapeutic method for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Anesthesiology
Lei Xu, Daniel Gessner, Alex Kou, Ksenia Kasimova, Stavros G. Memtsoudis, Edward R. Mariano
Summary: Continuous interscalene nerve block is an effective non-opioid postoperative analgesia technique for shoulder arthroplasty patients, but it carries the risk of phrenic nerve blockade and respiratory complications. This retrospective cohort study analyzed the association between patient-related factors and respiratory complications in patients undergoing elective shoulder arthroplasty with continuous interscalene brachial plexus blocks. The study found that certain patient-related factors were associated with an increased likelihood of respiratory complications.
REGIONAL ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Le Wang, Jie Lao
Summary: This study investigated the expression of mRNA in a brachial plexus avulsion neuropathic pain model and identified potential biomarkers for the prevention and treatment of this condition. Certain genes, including PIK3CB, HRAS, and JUN, showed altered expression in the neuropathic pain group compared to the control group.
Article
Anesthesiology
Ao-Lin Hou, Jia-Jia Wu, Xiang-Xin Xing, Bei-Bei Huo, Jun Shen, Xu-Yun Hua, Mou-Xiong Zheng, Jian-Guang Xu
Summary: This study utilized multivariate pattern analysis of PET scans in rats' brains to successfully differentiate neuropathic pain from healthy condition at the individual level, and identified specific brain regions that could potentially serve as neuroimaging biomarkers for neuropathic pain following brachial plexus avulsion injury (BPAI).
Article
Rehabilitation
Tallie M. J. van Der Laan, Sietke G. Postema, Jeroen M. van Bodegom, Klaas Postema, Pieter U. Dijkstraa, Corry K. van Der Sluis
Summary: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs) in non-affected bodily structures in individuals with brachial plexus injury (BPI) and analyze the factors associated with MSCs and disability. The results showed that almost half of the individuals with BPI experienced MSCs, which were associated with increased disability.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Daniel Lubelski, Zach Pennington, Arinze J. Ochuba, Jawad Khalifeh, Abdel-Hameed Al-Mistarehi, Allan J. Belzberg
Summary: The effectiveness and safety of dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) lesioning in relieving continuous background pain and electrical shooting paroxysmal attacks in patients with brachial plexus avulsion (BPA) were investigated. The results showed that DREZ lesioning surgery significantly relieved the pain symptoms and provided good short-term and long-term outcomes.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY-SPINE
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jing-wei Wang, Zhu-qing Huang, Yu-jie Lu, Ke Sha, Wen-mei Li, Jin-min Zhao
Summary: Chronic pain caused by total brachial plexus injury is associated with changes in cerebral gray matter volume, with the patient group showing significant decreases or increases in gray matter volume in multiple regions. There is a positive correlation between pain severity and gray matter volume changes.
EUROPEAN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jeremy Nortey, David Smith, Gerami D. Seitzman, John A. Gonzales
Summary: Corneal neuropathic pain with a significant peripheral component can be managed with a variety of topical therapeutic options.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jin Zhu, Liang Shi, Yibing Su
Summary: This study found significant changes in the functional connectivity of the bilateral thalamus in NPP patients after BPA, aiming to limit the transmission of pain signals within the unilateral cerebral hemisphere.
CLINICAL NEUROLOGY AND NEUROSURGERY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Maysa O. A. Oliveira, Alvaro R. Leonco, Vinicius B. Pavani, Isadora R. Barbosa, Maria M. Campos
Summary: Periodontal disease (PD) and metabolic syndrome (MS) can negatively influence each other, increasing the risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This study found that omega-3 supplementation can have beneficial effects in inhibiting inflammation, improving blood glucose and triglyceride levels in the context of co-induced PD and MS.
Article
Dermatology
Francesco De Logu, Roberto Maglie, Mustafa Titiz, Giulio Poli, Lorenzo Landini, Matilde Marini, Daniel Souza Monteiro de Araujo, Gaetano De Siena, Marco Montini, Daniela Almeida Cabrini, Michel Fleith Otuki, Priscila Lucia Pawloski, Emiliano Antiga, Tiziano Tuccinardi, Joao Batista Calixto, Pierangelo Geppetti, Romina Nassini, Eunice Andre
Summary: The study reveals that the genetic deletion or pharmacological antagonism of TRPV4 can attenuate itch in a mouse model of psoriasis. Human psoriatic lesions express multiple microRNAs, including miR-203b-3p, which can induce itch in mice through the activation of 5-HTR2B and TRPV4. Computer simulation shows that the core sequence of miR-203b-3p (GUUAAGAA) targets the extracellular side of 5-HTR2B.
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thiago Moreno L. Souza, Vagner D. Pinho, Cristina F. Setim, Carolina Q. Sacramento, Rodrigo Marcon, Natalia Fintelman-Rodrigues, Otavio A. Chaves, Melina Heller, Jairo R. Temerozo, Andre C. Ferreira, Mayara Mattos, Patricia B. Momo, Suelen S. G. Dias, Joao S. M. Gesto, Filipe Pereira-Dutra, Joao P. B. Viola, Celso Martins Queiroz-Junior, Lays Cordeiro Guimaraes, Ian Meira Chaves, Pedro Pires Goulart Guimaraes, Vivian Vasconcelos Costa, Mauro Martins Teixeira, Dumith Chequer Bou-Habib, Patricia T. Bozza, Anderson R. Aguillon, Jarbas Siqueira-Junior, Sergio Macedo-Junior, Edineia L. Andrade, Guilherme P. Fadanni, Sara E. L. Tolouei, Francine B. Potrich, Adara A. Santos, Naiani F. Marques, Joao B. Calixto, Jaime A. Rabi
Summary: The study found that MB-905 (kinetin) can inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in human hepatic and pulmonary cell lines, as well as reduce virus replication and inflammatory markers in infected monocytes. MB-905 inhibits viral RNA synthesis and induces error-prone virus replication. In addition, inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 exonuclease enhances the inhibitory effect of MB-905. The drug shows good oral absorption, stability, and long-lasting concentrations in plasma and lung tissue, with no mutagenic or cardiotoxic effects. Animal experiments demonstrate that MB-905 decreases viral replication, lung damage, hemorrhage, and inflammation. The clinical investigation of kinetin for a rare genetic disease suggests the potential for rapid development of a new antiviral treatment for COVID-19. Ongoing research on antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 is necessary due to the emergence of variant strains that can evade vaccine-induced immunity.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Rosane Schenkel de Aquino, Aledson Rosa Torres, Alcir Luiz Dafre, Adair Roberto Soares Santos
ACTA DERMATO-VENEREOLOGICA
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Flavia Tasmin Techera Antunes, Maria Martha Campos, Vanice de Paula Ricardo Carvalho, Claudio Antonio da Silva Junior, Luiz Alexandre Viana Magno, Alessandra Hubner de Souza, Marcus Vinicius Gomez
Summary: Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are being investigated as treatment targets for pain conditions. This review provides an overview of naturally based and synthetic VGCC blockers, highlighting new evidence on drugs targeting VGCC subtypes and mixed targets with both pre-clinical and clinical analgesic effects.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Correction
Neurosciences
Claudia P. Figueiredo, Maira A. Bicca, Alexandra Latini, Rui Daniel S. Prediger, Rodrigo Medeiros, Joao B. Calixto
JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Debora Denardin Luckemeyer, Arthur Silveira Prudente, Marcella de Amorim Ferreira, Ana Merian da Silva, Raquel Tonello, Sergio Jose Macedo Jr, Camila Sant' Helena do Prado, Celio Jose de Castro Jr, Marcus Vinicius Gomez, Joao Batista Calixto, Juliano Ferreira
Summary: This study established a novel mouse model of painful HIV-associated sensory neuropathy (HIV-SN) by combining HIV-1 gp120 and antiretroviral stavudine (d4T) in mice, and investigated the pronociceptive role of family 2 voltage-gated calcium channel (Cav2.X channels) in this model. The findings suggest that Cav2.X channels play a critical pronociceptive role in the development and progression of HIV-SN.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Pamela Pacassa Borges, Larissa Benvenutti, Aline Lana Schneider, Marcelo Rodrigo Franke Echterhoff, Bruna Goncalves Lopes, Diogo Alexandre Siebert, Gustavo Amadeu Micke, Luciano Vitali, Michele Debiasi Alberton, Nara Lins Meira Quintao, Jose Roberto Santin, Isabel Daufenback Machado
Summary: We investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of Myrcia pubipetala's crude hydroalcoholic extract (CHE-MP) and found that it significantly reduced the levels of nitric oxide, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor in inflammatory cells. It also decreased neutrophil migration, indicating its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guilherme Pasetto Fadanni, Joao Batista Calixto
Summary: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a heterogeneous cause of respiratory failure with no effective pharmacological treatment. Excessive inflammation plays a critical role in ARDS, making cytokines and their downstream signalling pathways potential therapeutic targets. Precision medicine and therapeutic targeting of cytokines offer new prospects for effective treatments, with advancements in ARDS subphenotypes, treatment strategies, and clinical trial design. Combining anti-cytokine drugs in combination therapy may provide new perspectives on safe and effective treatments, but accurate evaluation depends on experimental research and biomarker-guided stratification in future trials. This review provides an overview of anti-cytokine therapy for ARDS and highlights the evidence for targeting cytokines individually as well as the therapeutic prospects for combination therapy.
CYTOKINE & GROWTH FACTOR REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Vitor Helio de Souza Oliveira, Mayara Alves Amorim, Janiana Raiza Jentsch Matias de Oliveira, Bruna Silva Soley, Fernanda Grillo Rocha, Margareth de Mello Bandenburg, Vanessa Bordenowsky Pereira Lejeune, Alvaro Henrique Bernardo de Lima Silva, Deborah A. Witherden, Wendy L. Havran, Janaina Menezes Zanoveli, Daniela Almeida Cabrini, Joao Batista Calixto, Michel Fleith Otuki, Eunice Andre
Summary: The study aimed to determine the potential topical anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects of baclofen cream in an inflammatory skin disease model. The results demonstrate that baclofen exhibits notable topical antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential therapeutic alternative for treating inflammatory and proliferative skin diseases.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jose Roberto Santin, Mainara Adriane Tesser Kopp, Thiago Patricio Correa, Jessica Melato, Larissa Benvenutti, Roberta Nunes, Fernanda Capitanio Goldoni, Yasmin Beatrisse Klein Patel, Jade Andre de Souza, Suzany Hellen da Silva Soczek, Elizabeth Soares Fernandes, Maria Veronica Davila Pastor, Luiz Carlos Klein Junior, Miriam Anders Apel, Amelia Teresinha Henriques, Nara Lins Meira Quinta
Summary: This study analyzed the chemical composition of commercially available ostrich oil and evaluated its toxicological effects. The results showed that chronic consumption of ostrich oil caused liver damage and neuroinflammation in mice, as well as increased sensitivity and behavioral changes. There was no evidence of anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving effects. Therefore, the use of ostrich oil for treating human illnesses lacks scientific support.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Betina B. G. Crescente, Natalia V. M. Bisatto, Gabriel Rubensam, Guilherme G. Fritscher, Maria M. Campos
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the presence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in dentofacial deformity (DFD) patients and correlate these findings with quality of life (QoL) and salivary levels of biochemical markers. The results showed that DFD patients had a positive diagnosis for TMD and exhibited poorer outcomes in pain, functional, and psychological dimensions. The QoL evaluation demonstrated poorer outcomes for DFD individuals, accompanied by higher salivary levels of biochemical markers. These findings highlight the relevance of TMD in DFD patients and its impact on QoL and biochemical markers.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Mizael C. Araujo, Suzany H. S. Soczek, Jaqueline P. Pontes, Bruno A. S. Pinto, Lucas M. Franca, Bruna da Silva Soley, Gabriela S. Santos, Warlison F. de Silva Saminez, Fernanda K. M. Fernandes, Joao L. do Carmo Lima, Daniele Maria-Ferreira, Joao F. S. Rodrigues, Nara L. M. Quintao, Valerio Monteiro-Neto, Antonio M. A. Paes, Elizabeth S. Fernandes
Summary: Excessive consumption of sugar causes metabolic imbalances and is associated with increased obesity rates worldwide. This study investigated the effects of a TRPC4/TRPC5 blocker, ML204, on the metabolic imbalances caused by early exposure to a sucrose-enriched diet in mice. The results suggest that TRPC4/TRPC5 have a protective effect against the metabolic imbalances induced by sucrose ingestion.