Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Mengmeng Zhou, Qingxiang Zhang, Mingzhu Huo, Huijun Song, Hongen Chang, Jiaojiao Cao, Yuxin Fang, Di Zhang
Summary: Nociceptive signaling responses to painful stimuli are transmitted to the central nervous system (CNS) from the afferent nerves of the periphery. Electroacupuncture (EA) is a widely used pain management strategy that can alleviate neuropathic pain in the CNS. This review discusses the mechanisms and pathways, such as serotonin/norepinephrine, endogenous opioid, endogenous cannabinoid, amino acid neurotransmitter, and purinergic pathways, through which EA can provide analgesic effects.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Na Su, Pingping Cai, Zhiqiang Dou, Xiaoxue Yin, Hongmin Xu, Jing He, Zhaofeng Li, Changzhong Li
Summary: Neuropathic pain is associated with abnormal changes in specific brain regions, but little is known about the complex neural network behind it. Animal models and literature research have identified various brain nuclei, such as the periaqueductal gray, lateral habenula, medial prefrontal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex, as well as related brain circuits. Acupuncture and injurious information can impact different brain regions and regulate brain functions to provide analgesic effects and improve synaptic plasticity.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jie Li, Ying Zhang, Peter Illes, Yong Tang, Patrizia Rubini
Summary: Our study found that electroacupuncture (EAP) was more effective against pain mediated by P2X7 receptor and ASIC, especially towards the end of the treatment schedule, while it was less effective against pain mediated by P2X3 receptor. These findings have important implications for both clinical practice and theory, suggesting that acupuncture is a convenient therapeutic option for subacute and chronic pain.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Ming Zhang, Ziyan Yang, Jiahui Zhong, Yuqi Zhang, Xiaomin Lin, Huajian Cai, Yazhuo Kong
Summary: Nostalgia, as a positive emotion, has an analgesic effect and may modulate brain activity to reduce pain perception.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eun Yeong Lim, Changho Lee, Yun Tai Kim
Summary: This study examined the antinociceptive efficacy and mechanism of Camellia japonica leaf extract (CJE) in neuropathic pain models. The results suggest that CJE and its active components may have potential antinociceptive effects against neuropathic pain by activating MAPK in the DRG and microglia in the spinal cord.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
M. S. Berke, P. Colding-Jorgensen, S. Hestehave, O. Kalliokoski, H. E. Jensen, D. Bratbo Sorensen, J. Hau, K. S. P. Abelson
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of buprenorphine analgesia in an adjuvant-induced monoarthritic rat model. The results showed that buprenorphine effectively reduced pain and improved clinical scores, and voluntary ingestion of buprenorphine is an effective alternative to repeated injections.
Review
Neurosciences
Qingxiang Zhang, Mengmeng Zhou, Mingzhu Huo, Yuxin Si, Youlin Zhang, Yuxin Fang, Di Zhang
Summary: Acupuncture, a traditional treatment widely used in China for thousands of years, is recommended by the World Health Organization for the treatment of various diseases including inflammatory pain. Electroacupuncture, a combination of traditional acupuncture and modern electrotherapy, has proven to be effective in relieving acute and chronic pain. The mechanisms underlying the analgesic effects of acupuncture, however, have not been conclusively established.
Review
Neurosciences
Rabia Bouali-Benazzouz, Marc Landry, Abdelhamid Benazzouz, Pascal Fossat
Summary: Animal models play a crucial role in studying neuropathic pain, but objective assessment of pain and validating pain phenotypes present challenges. Utilizing various behavioral approaches to investigate and validate pain phenotypes can help uncover novel pain mechanisms.
PROGRESS IN NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Anesthesiology
Vipin Arora, Tingting Li, Sinu Kumari, Sheng Wang, Jamila Asgar, Man-Kyo Chung
Summary: Capsaicin-induced depolymerization of axonal microtubules leads to the ablation of nociceptive terminals and the extent of analgesia. Paclitaxel, a microtubule stabilizer, can prevent capsaicin-induced axonal ablation and analgesia. Further understanding of the mechanisms underlying capsaicin-induced ablation and analgesia may improve the management of chronic pain.
Article
Immunology
Jason J. d McDougall, Allison R. Reid
Summary: Joint pain is a complex phenomenon involving multiple endogenous mediators and pathophysiological events. In this study, intra-articular injection of LPA was used to mimic neuropathic osteoarthritis and it was found that LPA caused joint degeneration and neuropathic pain.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Anesthesiology
Marc A. Russo, Ralf Baron, Anthony H. Dickenson, Kai-Uwe Kern, Danielle M. Santarelli
Summary: Ambroxol is a versatile drug with multiple therapeutic actions, including mucoactive, secretolytic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and local anesthetic properties. It has a long history of use in respiratory diseases and has shown efficacy in relieving sore throat. Recent research has focused on its potential for neuropathic pain treatment, despite slow progress. Ambroxol is an inhibitor of Na(v)1.8, an important player in neuropathic pain, and Na(v)1.7, a promising target for chronic pain treatment. This review discusses its analgesic mechanisms, synergistic properties, preclinical and clinical results in managing persistent pain and neuropathic pain symptoms. It is a safe drug with extensive data, encouraging further investigation for repurposing, and urging the pharmaceutical industry to develop optimized formulations for neuropathic pain.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Vipin Arora, James N. Campbell, Man-Kyo Chung
Summary: Capsaicin, the pungent ingredient in chili peppers, can cause intense burning pain in humans, but it has also been used as an analgesic for chronic pain conditions. The analgesic effects of capsaicin depend on concentration, with low concentrations inducing short-term defunctionalization and high concentrations leading to long-term defunctionalization.
PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Iona J. MacDonald, Yi-Hung Chen
Summary: The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in achieving effective analgesia and reducing inflammation through electroacupuncture treatments, without the adverse effects of synthetic cannabinoids. Activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors by cannabinoid treatments alleviates pain responses, while the mechanisms of the electroacupuncture antinociceptive effect are closely related to CB1 receptors in the ventrolateral area of the periaqueductal gray, and the anti-inflammatory effects are related to peripheral CB2 receptors.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Carolina Macedo-Souza, Silvia Soares Maisonnette, Jaime E. Hallak, Jose A. Crippa, Antonio W. Zuardi, J. Landeira-Fernandez, Christie Ramos Andrade Leite-Panissi
Summary: Studies have shown that anxiety disorder and chronic pain, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and neuropathic pain, often coexist. Cannabidiol (CBD) has shown promise as a treatment for these conditions. This study investigated the effects of chronic CBD treatment on pain in rats with high- and low-freezing anxiety levels (GAD model) and control rats with chronic neuropathic pain. The results showed that CBD had an anti-allodynic effect on mechanical and thermal pain thresholds in all rat groups, but the effect was weaker in rats with high- and low-freezing anxiety. CBD treatment also demonstrated an anxiolytic effect in control and high-freezing anxiety rats with chronic neuropathic pain and increased mobility in low-freezing anxiety rats without nerve injury. These findings suggest that the mechanical and emotional effects of CBD may be influenced by anxiety levels.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Xiangmei Yu, Xiaomei Chen, Weiting Liu, Menghong Jiang, Zhifu Wang, Jing Tao
Summary: The study showed that electro-acupuncture (EA) treatment increased mechanical pain threshold and decreased fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. Proteomics analysis revealed significant changes in proteins involved in oxidative stress injury regulation during EA effects on diabetic painful neuropathy.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Sejin Kim, Nayeon Kim, JaYeon Jeong, Soojin Lee, Woojin Kim, Seong-Gyu Ko, Bonglee Kim
Summary: This study reviews the anticancer effects and mechanisms of Panax ginseng and its metabolites in major five cancers, confirming their roles in regulating apoptosis, EMT, angiogenesis, cell cycle arrest, and MDR in vitro and in vivo cancer models. Particularly, ginsenoside Rh2 demonstrated anticancer effects across the five major cancers. Further clinical studies are needed for the development of anticancer drugs utilizing Panax ginseng and its metabolites.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ji Hwan Lee, Woojin Kim
Summary: Oxaliplatin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent, can induce peripheral neuropathy, but its mechanism is not yet clearly understood; the serotonergic system may play a role in neuropathic pain, but further research is needed to determine its exact role.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Schuichi Koizumi, Eiji Shigetomi, Fumikazu Sano, Kozo Saito, Sun Kwang Kim, Junichi Nabekura
Summary: In pathological brain conditions, reactive astrocytes exhibit abnormal Ca2+ signals, which may play a significant role in the development of various diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Daeun Min, Bonglee Kim, Seong-Gyu Ko, Woojin Kim
Summary: Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapy drug for treating cancer, but it can also cause anorexia. Traditional herbal medicines may be a useful treatment for cisplatin-induced anorexia.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Geehoon Chung, Sun Kwang Kim
Summary: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect of anti-cancer drugs, affecting the quality of life and survival rate of patients. Traditional Eastern medicine-based plant extracts and natural compounds have the potential to alleviate CIPN. This article provides an overview of the changes, mechanisms, and substances in traditional Eastern medicine that have been used to treat CIPN in preclinical and clinical settings.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Geehoon Chung, Yeong-Chan Yun, Chae Young Kim, Sun Kwang Kim, Sang Jeong Kim
Summary: This study found that the levels of mGluR5 in the S1DZ were significantly upregulated in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Pharmacological deactivation of mGluR5 ameliorated the symptoms of neuropathic allodynia and reduced the behavioral response to cold stimuli. In addition, this treatment also relieved the tonic-aversive state of chronic neuropathic pain.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Suyong Kim, Juan Gang, Ji-Hwan Lee, Hyejin Yang, Chunhoo Cheon, Seong-Gyu Ko, Hyunsu Bae, Woojin Kim
Summary: In this study, it was found that [6]-shogaol could alleviate cold and mechanical allodynia induced by oxaliplatin injection. The analgesic effect of [6]-shogaol was mediated by 5-HT1A and 5-HT3 receptor antagonists located in the GABAergic neurons in the spinal dorsal horn.
Article
Cell Biology
Seunghwan Choi, Dong Cheol Jang, Geehoon Chung, Sun Kwang Kim
Summary: This study found that transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) can increase cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation and both long- and short-term stimulation have similar effects in ameliorating vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) symptoms.
Review
Plant Sciences
Suyong Kim, Chunhoo Cheon, Bonglee Kim, Woojin Kim
Summary: In this review, the analgesic effects and underlying mechanisms of ginger and its sub-components, [6]-gingerol and [6]-shogaol, were analyzed. The results showed that they have certain analgesic effects on mechanical, spontaneous, and thermal pain, with involvement of various channels and signaling pathways in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion neurons.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ji Hwan Lee, Jong Hee Choi, Jaihwan Kim, Tai Wan Kim, Ji-Young Kim, Geehoon Chung, Ik-Hyun Cho, Dae Sik Jang, Sun Kwang Kim
Summary: This study investigated the causal relationship between spinal microglial activation and oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) and explored the analgesic effects of syringaresinol on OIPN symptoms. Results showed that oxaliplatin treatment activated microglia, leading to inflammatory responses and pain induction. Syringaresinol treatment significantly ameliorated pain and suppressed microglial inflammatory responses.
Review
Plant Sciences
Yuchan Shin, Bonglee Kim, Woojin Kim
Summary: This review summarizes the results of 14 studies on the effects of herbal extracts and ginger component on cisplatin-induced nausea and vomiting. Herbal medicine shows potential as a viable treatment option for cisplatin-induced neuropathic pain.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Keun-Tae Park, Heejoon Jo, Bonglee Kim, Woojin Kim
Summary: Red ginger extract can prevent pain development induced by oxaliplatin and may do so by regulating the noradrenergic system.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Juan Gang, Keun-Tae Park, Suyong Kim, Woojin Kim
Summary: In this study, researchers found that [6]-shogaol attenuated oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain by modulating the spinal serotoninergic system. Intrathecal injections of serotonin receptor antagonists blocked the analgesic effect of [6]-shogaol, while injections of receptor agonists mimicked the effects of [6]-shogaol.
Article
Plant Sciences
Keun-Tae Park, Seong-Gyu Ko, Woojin Kim
Summary: This study assessed the effect of P.Radix extract on paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy and found that it relieved cold and mechanical pain. The study also found that paclitaxel upregulated the gene expression of TRPV1 and TRPM4, while P.Radix and its component sesamoside downregulated the gene expression of TRPV1.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ji Hwan Lee, Bonglee Kim, Seong-Gyu Ko, Woojin Kim
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the effects of SH003 and its sub-components on alleviating paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain. The results showed that oral administration of SH003 could attenuate the pain, and the active component Trichosanthes kirilowii Maximowicz played a major role in this effect. The study suggests that Trichosanthes kirilowii Maximowicz should be considered as a potential treatment for paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
