Articles: neuropathic-pain.
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Biotechnol. Appl. Biochem. · Mar 2020
MicroRNA-144 relieves chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain via targeting RASA1.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to participate in development of neuropathic pain. However, the role of microRNA-144 (miR-144) in neuropathic pain remains unclear. In the present study, we established a neuropathic pain mouse model via chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induction. ⋯ Mechanistically, RASA1 (RAS P21 Protein Activator 1) was downregulated following the injection of agomiR-144, and was verified to be a target of miR-144. Furthermore, overexpression of RASA1 reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-144 on neuropathic pain. Therefore, the present study suggested that miR-144 has the potential to be explored as therapeutic target for treatment of neuropathic pain.
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Experimental neurology · Feb 2020
ReviewPathogenesis of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy: A current review of in vitro and in vivo findings using rodent and human model systems.
Paclitaxel (Brand name Taxol) is widely used in the treatment of common cancers like breast, ovarian and lung cancer. Although highly effective in blocking tumor progression, paclitaxel also causes peripheral neuropathy as a side effect in 60-70% of chemotherapy patients. Recent efforts by numerous labs have aimed at defining the underlying mechanisms of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN). ⋯ These diverse changes may be secondary to paclitaxel-induced microtubule transport impairment. Human genetic studies, although still limited, also highlight the involvement of cytoskeletal changes in PIPN. Newly identified molecular targets resulting from these studies could provide the basis for the development of therapies with which to either prevent or reverse paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy in chemotherapy patients.
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Gamma-aminobutyric acid analogues are commonly used to treat neuropathic and chronic pain before and after spinal surgery in recent years. Aim of this study is to investigate the influence of pregabalin on spinal fusion and to determine the proper pregabalin dose for postoperative utilization in a validated rat intertransverse spinal fusion. ⋯ Histological analysis and manual palpation results showed inhibition of spinal fusion formation with high doses of pregabalin. According to these results, administration of high-dose pregabalin should be avoided at the postoperative period until successful fusion is obtained in patients who undergo spinal fusion surgery. These slides can be retrieved under electronic supplementary material.
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Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol · Feb 2020
ReviewEmerging concepts on the use of ketamine for chronic pain.
Introduction: The use of ketamine infusions for chronic pain has surged, with utilization exceeding the proliferation of knowledge. A proposed mechanism for the long-term benefit in chronic pain is that ketamine may alter the affective-motivational component of pain. Areas covered: In this review, we discuss the classification and various dimensions of pain, and explore the effects of ketamine on different pain categories and components. ⋯ We also summarize animal models evaluating the antinociceptive effects of ketamine and risk mitigation strategies of ketamine-associated side effects. Expert opinion: Although ketamine exerts most of its analgesic effects via the NMDA receptor, recent evidence suggests that other receptors such as AMPA, and active metabolites such as nor-ketamine, may also play a role in pain relief and alleviation of depression. Data from clinical studies performed in patients with chronic pain and depression, and the observation that ketamine's analgesic benefits outlast its effects on quantitative sensory testing, suggest that the enduring effects on chronic pain may be predominantly due ketamine's ability to modulate the affective-motivational dimension of pain.