Metformin alleviates pathologic pain in mice with radiation dermatitis by inhibiting p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway

J South Med Univ, 2023 · DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2023.10.22 · Published: October 1, 2023

Pharmacology Pain Management Dermatology

Simple Explanation

Radiation dermatitis is a common side effect of radiotherapy, with up to 95% of patients experiencing some form of skin damage. This condition can cause varying degrees of pain, making it a challenge to treat. Metformin, typically used for type 2 diabetes, has shown promise in other areas, including anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. This study investigates whether metformin can alleviate pain associated with radiation dermatitis. The study explores whether metformin can reduce pain by inhibiting the p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and reducing inflammation. This could offer a new approach for managing pain caused by radiation dermatitis.

Study Duration

16 days

Participants

32 male adult ICR mice

Evidence Level

Animal study

Key Findings

1
Metformin alleviated radiation dermatitis symptoms in mice compared to the model group and a positive control group (Gabapentin).
2
Metformin significantly increased mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) in mice, indicating reduced pain sensitivity compared to the model group.
3
Metformin reduced the expression of p-p38MAPK and p-NF-κB p65 proteins, as well as the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the spinal cord tissue of mice.

Research Summary

This study investigated the therapeutic effect of metformin on pathological pain in mice with radiation dermatitis and explored the underlying mechanism. The results showed that metformin can significantly ameliorate pathological pain symptoms in mice with radiation dermatitis possibly by inhibiting the activation of p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. The study suggests that metformin's analgesic effect may be achieved by inhibiting the p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and reducing the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α.

Practical Implications

Clinical Treatment

Metformin could be a potential treatment for pathological pain caused by radiation dermatitis in clinical settings.

Mechanism Understanding

The study provides insights into the mechanism by which metformin alleviates pain, involving the inhibition of p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling.

Future Research

Further research can explore the optimal dosage and administration methods of metformin for treating radiation-induced pain.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on mice, and results may not directly translate to humans.
2
The exact mechanisms by which metformin inhibits the p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway require further investigation.
3
The study only assessed the effects of metformin on acute radiation dermatitis, and long-term effects were not evaluated.

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