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Publications

Journal Article Review Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Epublish 97 citations

PubMed: 38851750 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01845-w

Pathology of pain and its implications for therapeutic interventions.

Signal Transduct Target Ther 9(1):155

Authors: Bo Cao, Qixuan Xu, Yajiao Shi, Ruiyang Zhao, Hanghang Li, Jie Zheng, Fengyu Liu, You Wan, Bo Wei

Affiliations

  • Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
  • Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China. Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China.
  • Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
  • Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
  • Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
  • Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.

Abstract

Pain is estimated to affect more than 20% of the global population, imposing incalculable health and economic burdens. Effective pain management is crucial for individuals suffering from pain. However, the current methods for pain assessment and treatment fall short of clinical needs. Benefiting from advances in neuroscience and biotechnology, the neuronal circuits and molecular mechanisms critically involved in pain modulation have been elucidated. These research achievements have incited progress in identifying new diagnostic and therapeutic targets. In this review, we first introduce fundamental knowledge about pain, setting the stage for the subsequent contents. The review next delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying pain disorders, including gene mutation, epigenetic modification, posttranslational modification, inflammasome, signaling pathways and microbiota. To better present a comprehensive view of pain research, two prominent issues, sexual dimorphism and pain comorbidities, are discussed in detail based on current findings. The status quo of pain evaluation and manipulation is summarized. A series of improved and innovative pain management strategies, such as gene therapy, monoclonal antibody, brain-computer interface and microbial intervention, are making strides towards clinical application. We highlight existing limitations and future directions for enhancing the quality of preclinical and clinical research. Efforts to decipher the complexities of pain pathology will be instrumental in translating scientific discoveries into clinical practice, thereby improving pain management from bench to bedside.

MeSH

Genes, Pain, Pain Management, Pathology, Signal Transduction, Protein Processing, Post-Translational, Research, Therapeutics

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