Persistent pain induces mood problems and memory loss by the involvement of cytokines, growth factors, and supraspinal glial cells

Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - Health, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbih.2020.100118 · Published: July 25, 2020

Immunology Mental Health Pain Management

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the relationship between nerve injury, mood disorders, and cognitive impairment. It explores changes in cytokines, growth factors, and glial cell activation in brain areas related to pain and mood in animals with nerve injury. The researchers used a partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL) model in mice to mimic neuropathic pain. The study found that nerve injury induced depression, anxiety, and short-term memory impairment in mice. These behavioral changes were accompanied by increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the injured nerve and spinal cord. Additionally, the researchers observed a decrease in the density of microglia and astrocytes in the hippocampus and an increased microglial density in the prefrontal cortex, areas known to be associated with neuropathic pain conditions and mood regulation.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

42 male Swiss mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Nerve injury induces depressive-like and anxiety-like behaviors as well as impairment in short-term memory in mice.
2
There were increases in proinﬂammatory cytokines as well as Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the injured nerve.
3
There was a decrease in the density of microglia and astrocytes in the hippocampus and increased microglial density in the prefrontal cortex.

Research Summary

This study investigated the impact of nerve injury on mood disorders and memory loss, examining the roles of cytokines, growth factors, and glial cells in the process. The researchers induced nerve injury in mice and assessed their nociceptive behaviors, depressive-like and anxiety-like behaviors, and memory performance. The findings revealed that nerve injury leads to hyperalgesia, depressive-like and anxiety-like behaviors, and impairment in short-term memory. These behavioral changes were associated with increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and BDNF in the injured nerve and spinal cord. Furthermore, the study demonstrated alterations in glial cell activity in the brain, with decreased density of microglia and astrocytes in the hippocampus and increased microglial density in the prefrontal cortex, suggesting the involvement of supraspinal glia in the pathophysiology of nerve damage, mood disorders, and cognitive impairment.

Practical Implications

Understanding the Mechanisms

Understanding how nerve injury leads to mood disorders and memory loss can help in developing better treatments.

Therapeutic Targets

Cytokines, growth factors, and glial cells can be targeted for potential therapeutic interventions to improve the quality of life for patients with chronic pain.

Clinical Relevance

The results suggest that pain treatment may alter mood and memory, highlighting the need for comprehensive care addressing both physical and psychological aspects of chronic pain.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on mice, and results may not directly translate to humans.
2
The specific mechanisms by which supraspinal glia contribute to mood disorders and memory loss require further investigation.
3
Futures studies should take the exam if pain treatment alters mood and memory and other mechanisms involved in these conditions.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Immunology