Sanguinarine Attenuates Neuropathic Pain by Inhibiting P38 MAPK Activated Neuroinflammation in Rat Model

Drug Design, Development and Therapy, 2020 · DOI: http://doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S276424 · Published: December 4, 2020

Simple Explanation

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic pain condition that significantly reduces the quality of life. This study investigates the potential of sanguinarine (SG), a natural plant medicine, to alleviate NP. The study uses a rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) to mimic NP. Rats treated with SG showed reduced sensitivity to pain stimuli, suggesting a pain-relieving effect. The researchers found that SG's pain-relieving effects are linked to its ability to suppress inflammation in the spinal cord by targeting a specific signaling pathway (p38MAPK) and reducing the levels of inflammatory substances.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Adult male Sprague Dawley rats (weight 180–200 g)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Sanguinarine (SG) treatment increased paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) in CCI rats, indicating reduced mechanical sensitivity and heat hypersensitivity.
2
SG decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6) in the spinal dorsal horn of CCI rats, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect.
3
SG inhibited the activation of p38 MAPK and NF-κB in the spinal dorsal horn, which are key proteins involved in inflammation and pain signaling.

Research Summary

This study investigates the effect of sanguinarine (SG) on chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain (NP) in rats. SG is a natural plant medicine known for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. The results showed that SG treatment alleviated hyperalgesia and heat hypersensitivity in CCI rats. SG also reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) and inhibited the activation of p38 MAPK and NF-κB in the spinal cord. The study suggests that SG alleviates neuropathic pain by suppressing p38MAPK signaling, NF-κB activation, and the expression of pro-inflammatory factors. SG may be a potential therapeutic agent to treat neuropathic pain.

Practical Implications

Potential Therapeutic Agent

Sanguinarine may be a potential therapeutic agent for treating neuropathic pain.

Targeting p38MAPK

The study identifies p38MAPK as a key target for alleviating neuropathic pain, suggesting that drugs targeting this pathway could be effective.

Anti-inflammatory Strategy

The study reinforces the importance of anti-inflammatory strategies in managing neuropathic pain, highlighting the role of inflammatory cytokines.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on a rat model, and the results may not be directly applicable to humans.
2
Further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and administration route of sanguinarine for neuropathic pain treatment.
3
The long-term effects and potential side effects of sanguinarine treatment were not investigated in this study.

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