Current pharmaceutical biotechnology
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Curr Pharm Biotechnol · Oct 2011
ReviewFibromyalgia: mechanisms, current treatment and animal models.
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by diffuse musculoskeletal pain. In quantitative sensory testing studies, FMS patients display alterations in heat, cold, and mechanical sensitivity. Genetic studies support a key role for the biogenic amine system, and single nucleotide polymorphisms have been identified in serotonin and dopamine transporter and receptor genes of FMS patients. ⋯ One hurdle in the development of drugs specifically for FMS is the availability of preclinical animal models of the disease. Recently, several rodent models have been described with potential for translation to the human pain syndrome. In this review, we discuss recent developments toward understanding the pathophysiology of FMS, currently available pharmacologic therapy, ongoing clinical trials, and potential animal models of FMS.
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Curr Pharm Biotechnol · Oct 2011
ReviewTargeting voltage-gated sodium channels for treating neuropathic and inflammatory pain.
Voltage-gated sodium channels (Na(V)) are well validated targets for treating pain based both on human genetics and clinical experience. Consequently, there is an extensive literature on sodium channels for the treatment of pain and a number of excellent and thorough reviews have recently appeared; a selection of these is provided. This review does not attempt to evaluate all aspects of the studies in this area, but rather will focuses on several key issues that are incompletely addressed in prior reviews or that represent very recent additions to the literature. Key questions that arise are: 1) How much channel block is required to observe efficacy against neuropathic or inflammatory pain? 2) How can one improve upon the therapeutic index of previously tested Na(V) blockers?