Add BrightSurf on Google Email

How cone snail venom minimizes pain

Researchers have discovered how cone snail venom Vc1.1 works to reduce neuropathic pain by targeting specific calcium channels in neurons. This breakthrough could lead to the development of synthetic versions of Vc1.1 to treat certain types of chronic pain.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of General Physiology·DateMay 14, 2014

Uncovering a healthier remedy for chronic pain

A Duke University study found that a compound called neuroprotectin D1 can relieve neuropathic pain caused by nerve injuries. The derivative of DHA, a main ingredient of fish oil supplements, inhibits the production of cytokines and chemokines, protecting nerve cells from further damage.

SourceDuke University·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJul 17, 2013

Pinning down the pain

A key protein in Schwann cells is essential for normal interactions between nerve cells and Schwann cells, regulating the steps that lead to nerve regeneration. Deficiency of this protein may lead to chronic neuropathic pain, motivating the development of a small molecule drug to mimic its function.

How does exercise affect nerve pain?

Exercise significantly reduces neuropathic pain severity and inflammation-promoting cytokine expression in rats with sciatic nerve injury. This study provides evidence that exercise can be a helpful, non-pharmacological therapy for managing neuropathic pain.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateJun 1, 2012

Treating pain with transplants

Researchers have successfully transplanted embryonic cells into adult mouse spinal cords to alleviate persistent pain. The study suggests that this approach may not only treat symptoms but also correct underlying disease pathology. This new therapy offers hope for patients with neuropathic pain, a condition with limited treatment options.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMay 23, 2012

Neuropathic pain: The sea provides a new hope of relief

A newly discovered compound from a soft coral may hold the key to developing effective treatments for neuropathic pain. The research suggests that inflammation in the nervous system is a major factor in this condition, and the compound has been shown to reduce pain-related activities in isolated microglia and experimental rats.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateAug 4, 2009

New pain assessment tool distinguishes between pain subtypes

A new standardized tool for assessing chronic pain has been developed and validated to differentiate between peripheral neuropathic pain and non-neuropathic low back pain. The tool, called STEP, takes just 10-15 minutes to administer and has been shown to have high diagnostic accuracy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 6, 2009

Opioids provide relief from neuropathic pain

A mouse model of neuropathic pain showed that immune cells producing opioids reduced symptoms, suggesting a novel approach for pain relief. Selectively targeting opioid-containing immune cells may provide natural pain relief and offer a new treatment option.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 12, 2009

A new target for painkillers

Researchers found a new approach to treating chronic and debilitating neuropathic pain by blocking the alpha9alpha10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The study suggests a previously unrecognized molecular mechanism for treating this condition, which affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2006

Picturing your pain

Neuropathic pain is a complex condition that can be difficult to treat, but research suggests that psychological factors play a crucial role. Dr. Bushnell's work highlights the importance of catching pain early and treating it aggressively, as well as exploring alternative approaches such as meditation and drawing