Newly discovered functions of miRNAs in neuropathic pain: Transitioning from recent discoveries to innovative underlying mechanisms

Abstract

Neuropathic pain is a widespread clinical issue caused by somatosensory nervous system damage, affecting numerous individuals. It poses considerable economic and public health challenges, and managing it can be challenging due to unclear underlying mechanisms. Nevertheless, emerging evidence suggests that neurogenic inflammation and neuroinflammation play a role in developing pain patterns. Emerging evidence suggests that neurogenic inflammation and neuroinflammation play significant roles in developing neuropathic pain within the nervous system. Increased/decreased miRNA expression patterns could affect the progression of neuropathic and inflammatory pain by controlling nerve regeneration, neuroinflammation, and the expression of abnormal ion channels. However, our limited knowledge of miRNA targets hinders a complete grasp of miRNA's functions. Meanwhile, exploring exosomal miRNA, a recently uncovered role, has significantly advanced our comprehension of neuropathic pain's pathophysiology in recent times. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the latest miRNA studies and explore the possible ways miRNAs might play a role in the development of neuropathic pain.

Treatment of neuropathic pain by traditional Chinese medicine: An updated review on their effect and putative mechanisms of action

“…Current research on calcium channels indicates that after nerve injury, there is an upregulation of the α2-δ subunit on the presynaptic membrane of the spinal dorsal horn, leading to abnormal opening of calcium channels and increased calcium influx. This results in an increased release of excitatory neurotransmitters, excessive neuronal excitability, and subsequent development of hyperalgesia and allodynia (Denaro et al, 2023;Golmakani et al, 2023). In parallel, reduced function of the descending inhibitory system is another major contributor toward NP occurrence.…”