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Neuropathic pain (NeuP) is shown to be associated with abnormal changes in several specific brain regions. However, the large-scale interactivity of neuronal networks underlying the sensory and emotional abnormalities during NeuP remains unexplored. The present study aimed to explore the alterations in the relevant functional resting-state networks (RSNs) and their intra-networks at the different stages of NeuP based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). A NeuP rat model was established by chronic constriction injury (CCI). Three RSNs were identified to be associated with the NeuP, including the default mode network (DMN), sensorimotor network (SMN), and interoceptive network (IN). The functional connectivity (FC) of the left caudate putamen (CPu) within the DMN and the right piriform cortex within the IN were significantly reduced at the early stage of NeuP, when the maximum allodynia was apparent early, which reflected the suppressed function of the DMN and IN. At 4 weeks post-CCI, when negative emotions were present, the FC of the right insular cortex in the SMN and left visual cortex in the IN were significantly elevated, representing the increased excitability of both SMN and IN. Our study revealed the characteristic functional organization at the network level induced by NeuP and emphasized the role of SMN, DMN, and IN in the pathological mechanisms of NeuP.
Learn More >ABX464 (obefazimod) is a small molecule that selectively upregulates miR-124 in immune cells. We aimed to assess ABX464 as a treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe, active ulcerative colitis.
Learn More >Neuropathic pain affects millions of people in the worldwide, but the major therapeutics perform limited effectiveness. Paeonol (PAE) is widely distributed in Paeonis albiflora, and has manifested anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects in multiple diseases. The present study aims to elucidate the effect of Paeonol (PAE) on neuropathic pain (NP) and the potential targets. Chronic constriction injury model was established to mimic NP in vivo in rats. The expression of GFAP, HDAC2, AHDAC3, Ac-H3K9, Histone-H3, Ac-H4K12, Histone-H4, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and/or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Ultimately, results indicated that intervention of PAE significantly blocked neuroinflammation and astrocytic activation via blocking HDAC/miR-15a signaling in CCI rats. These data revealed PAE is a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Learn More >In this review, the role of the autonomic nervous system in tension-type headache and migraine is reviewed.
Learn More >To summarize available calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-targeting therapies for migraine and discuss their use in real-world populations.
Learn More >Chronic pain, psychological distress, and quality of life in males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
To describe chronic pain in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) from children's/adolescents' perspectives, explore patient variables associated with self-reported pain, and examine the relationship between chronic pain, psychological functioning, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
Learn More >Oxytocin is involved in pain transmission, although the detailed mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we generate a transgenic rat line that expresses human muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (hM3Dq) and mCherry in oxytocin neurons. We report that clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) treatment of our oxytocin-hM3Dq-mCherry rats exclusively activates oxytocin neurons within the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei, leading to activation of neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) and dorsal raphe nucleus (DR), and differential gene expression in GABA-ergic neurons in the L5 spinal dorsal horn. Hyperalgesia, which is robustly exacerbated in experimental pain models, is significantly attenuated after CNO injection. The analgesic effects of CNO are ablated by co-treatment with oxytocin receptor antagonist. Endogenous oxytocin also exerts anti-inflammatory effects via activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Moreover, inhibition of mast cell degranulation is found to be involved in the response. Taken together, our results suggest that oxytocin may exert anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects via both neuronal and humoral pathways.
Learn More >To assess the level of child and adolescent psychiatric staff's knowledge regarding pain management, to determine group differences between the medically more educated (physicians, nurses) and the less educated (psychologists, educators, special therapists) and to investigate the influence of gender, age, or professional experience as well as staff's own pain experiences.
Learn More >Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes. The management of the associated neuropathic pain remains difficult to treat.
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