Just one injection relieves pain after chemotherapy
Last reviewed: 17.10.2021
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Scientists managed to eliminate pain after chemotherapy using natural protein, which can influence the inflammatory cell reaction.
It is to such results that the researchers came after trying to use apolipoprotein A1 binding protein to rodents suffering from pain on the background of chemotherapy for cancer tumors.
According to the authors, the new drug should be used in clinical practice, replacing it with opioid drugs, which have a mass of side effects and even cause dependence. Only one epidural injection of protein substance can anesthetize for up to 8 weeks, without significant side effects.
The new drug differs from conventional analgesics in that it comes into contact with the TLR4 receptors on cellular structures. Turning off such receptors, the protein inhibits the development of the inflammatory reaction and cell death, while stopping the pain.
"It is interesting, but the new technique of receptor inhibition by protein substance also transforms the mechanisms that process the pain signal," explained one of the project authors, anaesthesiologist Tony Yaksh.
According to the professor, most of the painkillers used in practice, including opioid drugs, work by the method of disabling pain sensitivity. However, the true source of pain is not affected. The new drug initially blocks the root cause of painful sensations and does not cause side effects.
"The use and further dependence on opioids is a pressing problem in the United States. A new protein preparation can be a worthy solution to this problem, "the doctor assures.
Pain is a common symptom that occurs when treating cancerous tumors. It negatively affects the quality of life, worsens mental health. And the simultaneous toxic effects of chemotherapy further exacerbate the problem: pain sensitivity is so exacerbated that it is literally impossible to touch the patient.
Those patients who managed to survive oncology often live with constant pain and complications. According to statistics, almost 40% of such patients in the United States experience constant pain. They have to regularly administer morphine - about 100 mg per day. But in fact such quantity is 36 g of a narcotic substance annually.
A single injection of protein disrupts a number of inflammatory sequential reactions within the body, which leads to the elimination of pain for a sufficiently long period of time.
"The introduction of the drug completely eliminates the neuronal changes caused by chemotherapy. At the same time, the motor function does not suffer, "the scientists say.
Perhaps further experts will test and other ways of introducing protein into the body. However, most patients will unequivocally agree to receive one injection into the spine in order to get rid of constant pain and hypersensitivity for several months.
Detailed information is provided in the Cell Reports publication by the representatives of the University of California, San Diego.
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