HBO treatment enhances motor function and modulates pain development after sciatic nerve injury via protection the mitochondrial function

Journal of Translational Medicine, 2023 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-023-04414-x · Published: August 2, 2023

Simple Explanation

Peripheral nerve injury can cause neuroinflammation and neuromodulation that lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal apoptosis in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord, contributing to neuropathic pain and motor dysfunction. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been suggested as a potential therapeutic tool for neuropathic pain and nerve injury. HBOT during the early phase of the SNC alleviates mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity and motor dysfunction.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Male Sprague–Dawley rats (250–300 g; 10 weeks age)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
HBOT alleviates mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity and motor dysfunction following sciatic nerve crush (SNC).
2
HBOT modulates neuroinflammation, neuromodulation, mitochondrial stress, and apoptosis in the DRG and spinal cord after SNC.
3
HBOT prevents the reduction in mitochondrial respiration in the spinal cord after SNC.

Research Summary

Sciatic nerve crush led to motor dysfunction, reduction in exploration behavior, and a robust increase in mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity that were found to be mediated by neuroinflammation, neuromodulation, elevated level of apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction in the DRG and spinal cord. HBO treatment has beneficial effects in preventing the development of neuropathic pain and motor dysfunction through reducing neuroinflammation after peripheral nerve injury. HBO treatment during the critical period of the nerve injury modulates the transition from acute to chronic pain and the development of motor dysfunction by reducing neuroinflammation, neuromodulation, and apoptosis in the DRG and the spinal cord.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic potential

HBOT could be a non-invasive therapy for managing neuropathic pain and motor dysfunction.

Neuroprotective effects

HBOT offers neuroprotection by reducing inflammation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Mechanism of action

HBOT's benefits are linked to modulation of neuroinflammation, neuromodulation, and preservation of mitochondrial function.

Study Limitations

1
The study focused on early HBO treatment effects in a specific sciatic nerve crush model.
2
The results may not apply to other types of pain conditions or late-stage HBOT effects.
3
The study does not provide information on the effect of HBO treatment on other types of pain conditions (e.g., inflammatory pain, idiopathic pain), or the late effect of HBO treatment on mitigating neuropathic pain long after the development phase.

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