Articles: neuropathic-pain.
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J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst · Jun 2013
Neuropathic pain-attenuating potential of aliskiren in chronic constriction injury model in rats.
The present study was designed to investigate the potential of aliskiren, a direct renin inhibitor, in chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain in rats. Neuropathic pain was induced by placing four loose ligatures around the sciatic nerve. Acetone drop, von Frey hair, pin-prick and hot plate tests were performed to assess cold allodynia, mechanical allodynia, mechanical and heat hyperalgesia, respectively. ⋯ CCI was associated with the development of cold allodynia, mechanical allodynia, mechanical and heat hyperalgesia along with a rise in the levels of Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Administration of aliskiren (25 or 50 mg/kg intraperitoneal (i.p.)) for 14 days in CCI-subjected rats significantly attenuated CCI-induced pain-related behavior and rise in TNF-α level. It may be concluded that aliskiren-mediated anti-inflammatory actions may be responsible for its beneficial effects in neuropathic pain in rats.
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Neuropathic pain (NP) is one of the most common problems contributing to suffering and disability worldwide. Unfortunately, NP is also largely refractory to treatments, with a large number of patients continuing to report significant pain even when they are receiving recommended medications and physical therapy. Thus, there remains an urgent need for additional effective treatments. ⋯ The findings indicate that the analgesic benefits of tDCS can occur both during stimulation and beyond the time of stimulation. The mechanisms of cortical modulation by tDCS may involve various activities in neuronal networks such as increasing glutamine and glutamate under the stimulating electrode, effects on the μ-opioid receptor, and restoration of the defective intracortical inhibition. Additional research is needed to determine (1) the factors that may moderate the efficacy of tDCS, (2) the dose (e.g. number and frequency of treatment sessions) that results in the largest benefits and (3) the long-term effects of tDCS treatment.
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Background and aims Preclinical data suggest that the chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) is involved in the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain through modulation of neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission and activation of spinal cord microglia. CCR2-antagonists have shown to be effective in preclinical models of neuropathic pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy, safety and tolerability of a novel CCR2-antagonist, AZD2423, in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). ⋯ The NPSI data suggested possible effects on certain sensory components of pain. There were no major safety or tolerability concerns. Implications Treatment with a CCR2-antagonist does not have a clinically important analgesic effect in an overall PDN population.
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Z Evid Fortbild Qual Gesundhwes · Jan 2013
Review[Quantitative Sensory Testing in the facial area: a review].
Quantitative Sensory Testing is an established method to evaluate somatosensory function. In the facial area, the procedures depend on the localisation of disorders and the modalities of interest. The test stimuli are of thermal or mechanical nature (touch, pain, vibration, or pressure stimuli). ⋯ Changed functional patterns are not limited to neuropathic pain, but also occur in other orofacial pain conditions, indicating, for example, central sensitisation. The standardised collection of QST parameters may improve the understanding of the pathophysiology of orofacial pain and effect therapeutic approaches. Comprehensive studies may lead to the development of specific screenings that are feasible in a clinical setting.
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Neuropsych Dis Treat · Jan 2013
Effects of ozone applied by spinal endoscopy in patients with chronic pain related to failed back surgery syndrome: a pilot study.
In the last two decades, ozone has emerged as a treatment for low back pain, applied by means of minimally invasive techniques. ⋯ Overall, the patients had 43.7% reduction of lumbar pain, 60.9% reduction in leg pain in six months followed by 44.0% of improvement in ODI. The reduction of pain and in the disability index was markedly greater in patients with non-neuropathic predominant pain, 95.2%, 80.6%, and 75.3% improvement in lumbar, leg pain, and ODI respectively, while neuropathic predominant pain patients experienced only 12.5%, 42.4%, and 20.9% improvement, also respectively. No neurological or infectious complications were observed acutely or during the follow-up. The present data suggests that epidural ozone might be a therapeutic option for persistent low back pain, especially in non-neuropathic predominant pain patients, but double-blind controlled studies are still required to prove its efficacy.