IL1β inhibition contributes to the anti-nociceptive effects of voluntary exercise on ischemia/reperfusion-induced hypersensitivity

Pain, 2018 · DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001094 · Published: February 1, 2018

Simple Explanation

The study investigates how exercise and a drug that blocks a specific inflammatory protein (IL1β) can reduce pain caused by restricted blood flow followed by blood flow return (ischemia/reperfusion or I/R) in muscles. Researchers found that exercise before I/R injury prevents the rise of IL1β and reduces pain-related behaviors. Similarly, using a drug to block IL1β also lessens pain behaviors and reduces sensitivity in nerve fibers from muscles. These findings suggest that IL1β plays a key role in causing muscle pain after I/R injury, and targeting it could be a useful strategy for treating this type of pain.

Study Duration

3 days

Participants

Male Swiss Webster mice (4–8 weeks of age)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Voluntary exercise prior to ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R) prevents injury-induced muscle IL1β upregulation and subsequent pain-related behaviors.
2
IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RA) attenuates pain-related behaviors caused by I/R.
3
IL-1 receptor antagonist prevents I/R-induced alterations in muscle afferents.

Research Summary

This study demonstrates that voluntary exercise prior to I/R injury blocks the increase in muscle IL1β and subsequent pain-related behaviors, suggesting a protective effect against ischemic myalgia. Treatment with IL1RA, an IL-1 receptor antagonist, also attenuates pain-related behaviors caused by I/R, indicating the involvement of IL1β signaling in the development of ischemic myalgia. The study provides evidence that IL1β inhibition, either through exercise or pharmacological intervention, can be an effective strategy for managing ischemic myalgia.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Target

IL1β is a potential therapeutic target for managing ischemic myalgia.

Exercise as Intervention

Voluntary exercise before potential ischemic events could prevent the development of muscle pain.

Pharmacological intervention

IL1RA treatment can reduce pain-related behaviors associated with I/R injury.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on male mice, and sex differences in IL1β-mediated pain mechanisms may exist.
2
The specific mechanisms by which exercise modulates IL1β signaling in the context of I/R injury require further investigation.
3
The long-term effects of IL1RA treatment on muscle healing and function were not fully explored.

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