Advances in Pharmacotherapy of Neuropathic Pain

A special issue of Pharmaceuticals (ISSN 1424-8247). This special issue belongs to the section "Pharmacology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2024 | Viewed by 845

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Laboratory of Functional Neuroanatomy of Pain, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil
Interests: analgesic; inflammation; neurotransmitters; non-pharmacological therapies; glial cell; muscle pain; diabetes
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Advances in the pharmacotherapy for neuropathic pain, which stems from nervous system dysfunction, reflect a growing understanding and targeted approach to address this complex condition. Neuropathic pain arises from the damage or malfunction of the nervous system, manifesting as shooting, burning and tingling sensations, and pain. This type of pain often proves challenging to manage, necessitating specialized treatment strategies. Researchers have investigated drugs such as analgesics, anticonvulsants and antidepressants to alleviate neuropathic pain. In this evolving field, emerging therapies such as cannabinoids and opioids are explored, alongside innovative delivery methods such as topical analgesics. Clinical trials, guided by patient-reported outcomes, contribute to the development of precision medicine tailored to individual needs.

This Special Issue invites both reviews and original articles shedding light on the strategies for pain management. The topics of interest include: drug repositioning;  neurotransmitter modulation; precision medicine approaches; cannabinoids and opioids for neuropathic pain; topical analgesics and innovative delivery methods; neuroplasticity and pain management; patient-reported outcomes in clinical trials; and any future directions and emerging therapies that speculate on the future landscape of neuropathic pain treatment, considering ongoing research and potential breakthroughs.

Prof. Dr. Marucia Chacur
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • analgesic
  • inflammation
  • neurotransmitters
  • neuroplasticity
  • targeted therapies
  • neurogenic pain
  • opioids
  • cannabinoids

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

17 pages, 1502 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Antihyperalgesic Potential of Sildenafil–Metformin Combination and Its Impact on Biochemical Markers in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Neuropathy in Rats
by Ciprian Pușcașu, Simona Negreș, Cristina Elena Zbârcea, Anca Ungurianu, Emil Ștefănescu, Nicoleta Mirela Blebea and Cornel Chiriță
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(6), 783; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17060783 - 14 Jun 2024
Viewed by 553
Abstract
(1) Background: Globally, about 600 million people are afflicted with diabetes, and one of its most prevalent complications is neuropathy, a debilitating condition. At the present time, the exploration of novel therapies for alleviating diabetic-neuropathy-associated pain is genuinely captivating, considering that current therapeutic [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Globally, about 600 million people are afflicted with diabetes, and one of its most prevalent complications is neuropathy, a debilitating condition. At the present time, the exploration of novel therapies for alleviating diabetic-neuropathy-associated pain is genuinely captivating, considering that current therapeutic options are characterized by poor efficacy and significant risk of side effects. In the current research, we evaluated the antihyperalgesic effect the sildenafil (phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor)–metformin (antihyperglycemic agent) combination and its impact on biochemical markers in alloxan-induced diabetic neuropathy in rats. (2) Methods: This study involved a cohort of 70 diabetic rats and 10 non-diabetic rats. Diabetic neuropathy was induced by a single dose of 130 mg/kg alloxan. The rats were submitted to thermal stimulus test using a hot–cold plate and to tactile stimulus test using von Frey filaments. Moreover, at the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and their brains and livers were collected to investigate the impact of this combination on TNF-α, IL-6, nitrites and thiols levels. (3) Results: The results demonstrated that all sildenafil–metformin combinations decreased the pain sensitivity in the von Frey test, hot plate test and cold plate test. Furthermore, alterations in nitrites and thiols concentrations and pro-inflammatory cytokines (specifically TNF-α and IL-6) were noted following a 15-day regimen of various sildenafil–metformin combinations. (4) Conclusions: The combination of sildenafil and metformin has a synergistic effect on alleviating pain in alloxan-induced diabetic neuropathy rats. Additionally, the combination effectively decreased inflammation, inhibited the rise in NOS activity, and provided protection against glutathione depletion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pharmacotherapy of Neuropathic Pain)
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