As people seek effective treatments for chronic pain conditions, understanding the underlying mechanisms becomes increasingly critical. A noteworthy discovery in this realm was published in the Journal of Nippon Medical School, where researchers from Nippon Medical School in Japan unveiled how the H19 long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) may play a pivotal role in peripheral neuropathic pain. The study, which was published on February 6, 2020, provides novel insights into the intricate molecular processes associated with neuropathic pain and may pave the way for improved therapeutic interventions.
Neuropathic pain arises as a result of damage to the somatosensory system and is characterized by its persistent and often debilitating nature. Traditionally, research has focused on microRNAs as key regulators in the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain, but the roles of lncRNAs, like H19, have remained largely enigmatic.
The study by Iwasaki and colleagues, DOI: 10.1272/jnms.JNMS.2018_86-402, involved the use of a rat model to induce neuropathic pain through lumbar fifth spinal nerve ligation (SNL). The researchers conducted a microarray analysis of lncRNAs in the lumbar fifth dorsal root ganglion (DRG) at day 14 post-SNL, with a particular focus on the H19 lncRNA. To assess the expression levels of H19, quantitative PCR was employed, and in situ hybridization was utilized to map the distribution of H19 at day 14 after SNL.
Their findings revealed a significant upregulation of H19 lncRNA in the L5 dorsal root ganglion at day 14 post-SNL, with elevated expression levels apparent from day 4 onwards. Interestingly, H19 was predominantly identified in non-neuronal cells, specifically Schwann cells, rather than in primary sensory neurons of the DRG. The upregulation of H19 in Schwann cells isolated from peripheral nerves after SNL suggests a potential involvement of H19 lncRNA in the molecular cascade leading to neuropathic pain.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. H19 lncRNA could serve as a new biomarker for neuropathic pain and might be a target for the development of novel pain-relief medications. In understanding H19’s role, scientists can better understand the complex interplay between non-coding RNAs and chronic pain conditions. While the study’s primary focus was on H19 in Schwann cells, future research could explore H19’s interactions with other cell types and molecules within the nervous system.
This investigation exemplifies the promise of advanced genetic analysis in deciphering the pathophysiology of complex chronic conditions like neuropathic pain. Pain management and treatment could see substantial advancements if further research confirms and expands upon these findings, offering hope to millions suffering from this condition.
The complete study details, published in the Journal of Nippon Medical School, can be found under the unique identifier DOI: 10.1272/jnms.JNMS.2018_86-402.
References:
1. Iwasaki, H., Sakai, A., Maruyama, M., Ito, T., Sakamoto, A., Suzuki, H. (2020). Increased H19 Long Non-coding RNA Expression in Schwann Cells in Peripheral Neuropathic Pain. Journal of Nippon Medical School, 86(4), 215-221. DOI: 10.1272/jnms.JNMS.2018_86-402
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Keywords
1. Neuropathic Pain Research
2. H19 Long Non-coding RNA
3. Chronic Pain Biomarkers
4. Schwann Cell Neuropathy
5. Epigenetic Regulation Pain Management