The role of heme oxygenase in chronic pain

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17K16740
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Anesthesiology
• Research Institution: Kagoshima University
• Principal Investigator: Godai Kohei 鹿児島大学, 医歯学域医学系, 助教 (20767488)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: ヘム・オキシゲナーゼ / 神経障害性疼痛 / カルシウムチャネルα2δサブユニット / ガバペンチノイド / ミクログリア

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The aim of this study was to investigate the roll of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) during chronic pain conditions. Gabapentinoids are classified as first-line drugs for neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain was induced by spared nerve injury of the sciatic nerve. HO-1 inducer enhanced the antiallodynic effects of gabapentinoids. HO-1 inhibitor prevented the antiallodynic effects of gabapentinoids. SnPP prevented HO-1 induction and glial inhibition which were produced by gabapentinoids.
In conclusion, this study suggests that HO-1 plays crucial roles in the antiallodynic effects of gabapentinoids.

Free Research Field

麻酔科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

神経障害性疼痛は難治性であり、しばしば慢性化する。ガバペンチノイド（プレガバリン・ガバペンチン）は神経障害性疼痛の第一選択薬であるが、その効果は十分ではない。本研究により、ガバペンチノイドの鎮痛効果にHO-1が関与していることが判明した。ガバペンチノイドの鎮痛効果を増強できれば、慢性神経障害性疼痛患者の治療効果改善に貢献することが期待できると考える。