Veratramine ameliorates pain symptoms in rats with diabetic peripheral neuropathy by inhibiting activation of the SIGMAR1-NMDAR pathway

PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2022.2136207 · Published: November 21, 2022

Simple Explanation

This research investigates the potential of veratramine, a natural compound, to alleviate neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). DPN is a common complication of diabetes that causes pain, tingling, and burning sensations, especially in the extremities. The study uses a rat model of DPN induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin to mimic the conditions of human diabetes. Rats with established DPN were treated with veratramine, and their pain responses were measured. The researchers found that veratramine treatment reduced pain symptoms in the rats, suggesting it could be a potential therapeutic agent for DPN. The study also explores the molecular mechanisms by which veratramine might be exerting its pain-relieving effects.

Study Duration

4 weeks

Participants

Sprague–Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Veratramine significantly increased the mechanical withdrawal threshold in DPN rats, indicating reduced pain sensitivity.
2
The study found that veratramine treatment alleviated spinal cord and sciatic nerve pathological injury in the rat model of DPN.
3
Veratramine inhibited the expression of SIGMAR1 and the phosphorylation of NMDAR, suggesting a specific molecular mechanism for its analgesic effects.

Research Summary

This study investigates the therapeutic potential of veratramine for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) using a rat model. The results showed that veratramine effectively alleviates pain symptoms associated with DPN. The study provides evidence that veratramine's analgesic effects are mediated through the inhibition of the SIGMAR1-NMDAR pathway in the spinal cord. The findings suggest that veratramine could be a promising therapeutic agent for managing neuropathic pain in patients with diabetes.

Practical Implications

Drug Development

Veratramine or its derivatives could be further developed as a novel therapeutic agent for DPN.

Targeted Therapy

The study validates the SIGMAR1-NMDAR pathway as a potential target for treating neuropathic pain associated with diabetes.

Alternative Medicine

This research supports the traditional use of Veratrum nigrum in analgesia and provides a scientific basis for its efficacy.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted on rats and may not directly translate to humans.
2
The specific dosage and administration route of veratramine may need optimization for clinical use.
3
The long-term effects and potential side effects of veratramine treatment were not evaluated in this study.

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