Fasting‑mimicking diet alleviates inflammatory pain by inhibiting neutrophil extracellular traps formation and neuroinflammation in the spinal cord

Cell Communication and Signaling, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12964-023-01258-2 · Published: August 6, 2023

Neurology Pain Management Nutrition & Dietetics

Simple Explanation

This study explores how a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) can reduce inflammatory pain by targeting neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and neuroinflammation in the spinal cord. The researchers found that NETs, released by neutrophils, contribute to pain development by worsening neuroinflammation in mice. FMD inhibits NETs formation through specific pathways in astrocytes and neurons, ultimately alleviating pain progression in mice.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Male C57 adult mice (6–8 weeks old)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
NETs accumulate in the spinal cord during inflammatory pain, exacerbating neuroinflammation.
2
Inhibition of NETs formation alleviates allodynia and neuroinflammation in mice with inflammatory pain.
3
FMD inhibits NETs production and alleviates inflammatory pain by modulating the MAO-B/5-HIAA/GPR35 and MAO-B/ROS pathways.

Research Summary

Neutrophil-released NETs in the spinal cord contribute to pain development. FMD inhibits NETs formation and NETs-induced neuroinflammation by inhibiting the MAO-B/5-HIAA/GPR35 and MAO-B/ROS pathways in astrocytes and neurons, thereby relieving pain progression. MAO-B is a potential mediator of neuron and astrocyte–neutrophil crosstalk.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Target Identification

MAO-B/5-HIAA/GPR35 and MAO-B/ROS pathways identified as potential therapeutic targets for pain management.

Dietary Intervention

Fasting-mimicking diets (FMD) may be a beneficial non-pharmacological approach for alleviating inflammatory pain and related neuroinflammation.

Postoperative Pain Prevention

Provides insights for postoperative pain prevention and treatment by targeting neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs).

Study Limitations

1
Study conducted only on male C57 mice; results may not directly apply to females.
2
Further research is needed to validate the findings in diverse populations, including different age groups and sexes.
3
The complex mechanism of crosstalk between the nervous and immune systems requires further elucidation.

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