Maresin 1 promotes nerve regeneration and alleviates neuropathic pain after nerve injury

Journal of Neuroinflammation, 2022 · DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02405-1 · Published: January 26, 2022

Regenerative Medicine Immunology Pain Management

Simple Explanation

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) leads to sensory and motor issues, neuropathic pain, and further damage. Current treatments are limited, and some, like NGF, can cause pain. Maresin 1 (MaR1) is an anti-inflammatory substance that could help regenerate tissue. This study tested MaR1's ability to promote nerve regeneration and reduce neuropathic pain in mice with PNI. The effects of MaR1 were also compared to those of NGF. The study found that MaR1 promotes nerve regeneration and alleviates neuropathic pain in mice with PNI. MaR1 is a promising therapeutic agent for PNI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

235 mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
MaR1 demonstrated a more robust ability to promote sensory and motor function recovery in mice after sciatic nerve crush injury than NGF.
2
MaR1 regulated neurite outgrowth through the PI3K–AKT–mTOR signaling pathway.
3
MaR1 inhibited capsaicin-elicited TRPV1 currents, repressed the nerve injury-induced activation of spinal microglia and astrocytes and reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the spinal cord dorsal horn in PNI mice.

Research Summary

This study investigates the potential of Maresin 1 (MaR1), an anti-inflammatory and proresolving mediator, to promote nerve regeneration and alleviate neuropathic pain after nerve injury, comparing its effects with those of nerve growth factor (NGF). The results demonstrate that MaR1 significantly promoted nerve regeneration and alleviated neuropathic pain in a mouse model of peripheral nerve injury (PNI). The study concludes that MaR1 is a promising therapeutic agent for PNI, offering advantages over NGF by not inducing pain and promoting more effective neurological recovery.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

MaR1 holds promise as a therapeutic agent for treating peripheral nerve injury (PNI) due to its ability to promote nerve regeneration and alleviate neuropathic pain.

Alternative to NGF

MaR1 may be a more effective alternative to nerve growth factor (NGF) for PNI treatment, as it does not induce pain and demonstrates superior functional neurological recovery.

Drug Development

The findings support the development of MaR1-based therapies for nerve injuries, potentially reducing the economic burden on patients and improving treatment outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
The mechanisms of MaR1 are not well understood
2
the MaR1 receptors requires further study
3
Also, the different animal models cause inconsistency since we used mice instead of the widely used rats

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