Neuropathic pain (NP) arises from injury or disease affecting the peripheral nervous system, significantly impairing patients’ quality of life. Current treatments face challenges, including limited efficacy of opioids as well as drug resistance to NSAIDs and antidepressants. There are also safety concerns regarding biological agents targeting nerve growth factor (NGF). Therefore, there is an urgent need for new, safe, and effective therapeutic options for NP.
Central sensitization is recognized as a critical mechanism in the pathogenesis of NP, involving increased neuronal excitability and altered synaptic plasticity within the central nervous system. This phenomenon is characterized by a heightened response to pain stimuli and plays a significant role in maintaining pain states. Key molecular pathways, such as P2X4 receptor and BDNF-TrkB signaling, are involved in central sensitization, promoting pain amplification. Despite progress in understanding these mechanisms, translating findings into effective treatments remains a challenge. Researchers suggest that future research should focus on developing targeted therapies that address these central sensitization pathways, enhancing NP management through innovative drug development and improved animal models.
Reference: Ma YC, Kang ZB, Shi YQ, et al. The Complexity of Neuropathic Pain and Central Sensitization: Exploring Mechanisms and Therapeutic Prospects. J Integr Neurosci. 2024 Apr 25;23(5):89. doi: 10.31083/j.jin2305089. PMID: 38812380.
