Gut Microbiota Modulation and Its Implications on Neuropathic Pain: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Abstract

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic pain disorder arising from somatosensory nervous system impairment. Extensive evidence supports the notion that the gut microbiota (GM) is crucial in maintaining human health by performing vital tasks. At the same time, its disruption has been linked to the emergence and advancement of an expanding range of disorders, including NP, in which GM could play a role in its pathophysiology. The crosstalk between the nervous system and GM happens through immune mediators, metabolites, and nervous structures and involves both central and peripheral nervous systems. This literature review aims to thoroughly investigate the function of modulating GM in the treatment of NP. It will achieve this by integrating existing knowledge, identifying underlying mechanisms, and evaluating the possible clinical consequences of exploiting the gut-brain axis. We will cover the main therapeutic applications of the described GM-modulators, such as probiotics, faecal microbiota transplantation, dietary supplements and emotional support, to the main kinds of NP in which any evidence, even if only pre-clinical, has been unravelled in recent years. The explored NP areas include chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, trauma-induced neuropathic pain, trigeminal neuralgia, postherpetic neuralgia and low back pain.

Microbial Symphony: Exploring the Role of the Gut in Osteoarthritis-Related Pain. A Narrative Review

“…GM may be pivotal in the pathogenesis of OA itself and the perception of the pain that accompanies this condition [ 68 ].…”

“…It was shown that removing both superior cervical ganglia substantially impacted the composition of GM, suggesting that the sympathetic pathway plays a function in controlling GM [ 89 ]. Similarly, the vagus nerve and the enteric nervous system are critical links between GM and the peripheral nervous system [ 68 ]. Specifically, the vagus nerve has a dual purpose: it establishes a direct link between the gastrointestinal system and the brain, functioning as a conduit for all the GM mediators.…”

Difference in the Intestinal Microbiota between Breastfeed Infants and Infants Fed with Artificial Milk: A Systematic Review

“…Trillions of microorganisms cohabit with cells inside the human organism, influencing health and quality of life [4][5][6][7]. The most important density of microorganisms is reached in the gut, where it is called the intestinal microbiome [8]. The importance of intestinal microbiome can be correlated with human development, metabolism, and behavior [9][10][11].…”