Articles: hyperalgesia.
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Pain-sensing sensory neurons (nociceptors) of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and dorsal horn (DH) can become sensitized (hyperexcitable) in response to pathological conditions such as diabetes, which in turn may lead to the development of painful peripheral diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Because of incomplete knowledge about the mechanisms underlying painful PDN, current treatment for painful PDN has been limited to somewhat nonspecific systemic drugs that have significant side effects or potential for abuse. ⋯ Understanding details of posttranslational regulation of nociceptive channel activity may facilitate development of novel therapies for treatment of painful PDN. We argue that pharmacological targeting of the specific pathogenic mechanism rather than of the channel per se may cause fewer side effects and reduce the potential for drug abuse in patients with diabetes.
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Mast cells are tissue-resident immune cells that release immuno-modulators, chemo-attractants, vasoactive compounds, neuropeptides and growth factors in response to allergens and pathogens constituting a first line of host defense. The neuroimmune interface of immune cells modulating synaptic responses has been of increasing interest, and mast cells have been proposed as key players in orchestrating inflammation-associated pain pathobiology due to their proximity to both vasculature and nerve fibers. ⋯ Understanding such mechanisms is critical for developing disease-specific targeted therapeutics to improve analgesic outcomes. We review molecular mechanisms that may contribute to nociception in a disease-specific manner.
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Human reproduction update · Nov 2015
ReviewWhat we know about primary dysmenorrhea today: a critical review.
Primary dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation in the absence of pelvic pathology, is a common, and often debilitating, gynecological condition that affects between 45 and 95% of menstruating women. Despite the high prevalence, dysmenorrhea is often poorly treated, and even disregarded, by health professionals, pain researchers, and the women themselves, who may accept it as a normal part of the menstrual cycle. This review reports on current knowledge, particularly with regards to the impact and consequences of recurrent menstrual pain on pain sensitivity, mood, quality of life and sleep in women with primary dysmenorrhea. ⋯ Further study is needed to determine whether effectively blocking dysmenorrheic pain ameliorates risk for the development of chronic pain disorders and to explore whether it is possible to prevent the development-and not just treat-severe dysmenorrheic pain in adolescent girls. In conclusion, we demonstrate the extensive multi-factorial impact of dysmenorrhea and we encourage and direct researchers to necessary future studies.
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J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. · Oct 2015
ReviewAcute pain management in dermatology: mechanisms and pathways.
The number of dermatologic surgical procedures performed is increasing each year. The pain associated with these procedures is a major concern for patients and its treatment is part of the increasing emphasis on outcomes and quality of clinical care. ⋯ Having this foundation of knowledge is needed to enhance the clinical treatment of pain. Part II will provide an updated review of available treatments, with an emphasis on their appropriate use for postsurgical pain management.
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J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. · Oct 2015
ReviewAcute pain management in dermatology: risk assessment and treatment.
Dermatologists perform many procedures that require acute pain control with local anesthesia and, in some cases, management of postoperative pain. Identifying early risk factors before a procedure can better prepare both the patient and provider anticipate acute postsurgical pain needs. Taking a multimodal, algorithmic approach to managing acute postsurgical pain in dermatology practice can effectively attenuate acute postsurgical paint and reduce patient opioid requirements.