MESH:C024395

The study assessed the awareness and interest in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention among incarcerated individuals enrolled in a Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) program. The results showed that while awareness of PrEP was low, there was interest in its uptake or learning more about it, particularly among those who perceived themselves at high risk of HIV. Potential barriers to PrEP use included side effects, adherence issues, and a general reluctance to take medications.


CHEBI:35482

The study investigated opioid prescribing patterns before fatal overdose in Illinois residents who died of an opioid-related overdose in 2016. It was found that among the 1,893 fatal opioid overdoses, 309 involved any prescription opioid and 1,461 involved illicit opioids without the involvement of prescription opioids. The death rate due to illicit opioids was higher among black residents compared to whites. During the last year of life, 76% of prescription opioid decedents filled any opioid prescription, compared to 36% of illicit opioid decedents. The study concluded that prescribing patterns alone may not be sufficient to identify patients at high risk for opioid overdose, especially for those using illicit opioids.


PUBCHEM.COMPOUND:29371818

Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD)

The study aims to increase the use of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) among women involved in the justice system, particularly during their transition from jail to the community. The Kentucky Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN) will implement a trial using telehealth and peer navigators to facilitate this. The goal is to reduce opioid relapse and overdose among these high-risk individuals. The project could significantly impact the opioid use disorder treatment field by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of innovative technologies in initiating and maintaining MOUD during community reentry.


MONDO:0005231

The study aimed to stop the transmission of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) among networks of persons who inject drugs. The researchers identified HCV RNA-positive specimens from 459 persons in Wisconsin, USA, during 2016-2017. They conducted next-generation sequencing of HCV and analyzed it for phylogenetic linkage. The analysis showed that 126 persons were linked across 42 clusters. The study found that phylogenetic clustering was higher in rural communities and associated with female sex and younger age among rural residents. The data suggests that HCV transmission could be reduced by expanding molecular-based surveillance strategies to rural communities affected by the opioid crisis.


MONDO:0001225


CHEBI:36416

The study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Transitions Clinic Network (TCN) in improving opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment outcomes for individuals released from incarceration. The TCN provides OUD treatment and enhanced primary care, addressing social needs such as housing and food insecurity, alongside medical needs. The study will involve six correctional systems and community health centers with TCN programs, and will randomize 800 individuals on Medications for OUD (MOUD) released from seven local jails. The effectiveness of the TCN intervention will be compared to standard primary care. The study will also examine the social determinants of health that mediate any observed associations between assignment to the TCN program and opioid treatment cascade measures.


MONDO:0005084

The paper reviews the factors that influence opioid overdose prevention in justice-involved populations. The study identified five categories: acceptability, accessibility, effectiveness, feasibility, and participant overdose risk. It was found that the acceptability of naloxone, a drug used to counteract opioid overdose, is associated with injection drug use, overdose history, and perceived risk. Accessibility of naloxone is influenced by the interface between corrections and community. Evaluations of overdose prevention interventions are few but show increases in knowledge or reductions in opioid overdose. Overdose is highest immediately following release from prison or jail, often preceded by service-system interactions, and associated with drug-use severity, injection use, and mental health disorders.


NCBIGene:3938

Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD)

The study aims to determine if a local change team (LCT) intervention can improve the linkage to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and implementation outcomes. The study also investigates if the outcomes are further enhanced by the use of peer support specialists (PSS). The study will recruit individuals on probation with opioid use disorder (OUD) and will use the exploration, preparation, implementation, sustainability (EPIS) framework to guide system-change. The study will also randomize adults on probation to receive PSS vs. treatment as usual, with assessments at various intervals. The outcomes include participant engagement in MOUD, probation revocation, illicit opioid use, and overdoses.


PUBCHEM.COMPOUND:18662720

The study aims to assess the effectiveness of two coaching strategies, the NIATx model and the ECHO model, in implementing medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in criminal justice settings. The NIATx model provides technical assistance in MOUD implementation and organizational change, while the ECHO model connects clinical providers with expert MOUD prescribers. The study will compare high-dose and low-dose coaching, with and without ECHO, in 48 jails and community-based treatment provider sites handling justice-involved persons with opioid use disorder (OUD).


GO:0050959


MESH:C085585


MONDO:0001225

The study aimed to identify strategies to increase the use of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) among veterans involved in the legal system, who have a high risk of overdose mortality. The study involved interviews with 18 veterans with a history of opioid use or opioid use disorder (OUD) and legal involvement. The veterans suggested strategies such as providing transportation or telehealth services, increasing access to MOUD during incarceration, reducing physician turnover, improving physician and veteran education about MOUD, and providing social support opportunities. The study suggests that the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) should consider incorporating these strategies into care and evaluate their impact on patients' experience, initiation of and retention on medications, and overdose rates.


CHEBI:35482

The study investigates the treatment preferences for opioid use disorder among incarcerated individuals. It was found that these individuals have preferences for certain types of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), with their choices influenced by factors such as medication side effects, administration route, community delivery, and stigma. The study suggests that MOUD programs in community and correctional settings should adopt a patient-centered approach, offering all FDA-approved MOUD treatment options.


CHEBI:35482

The paper reviews 14 studies that evaluated interventions for individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) upon their release from jail. The interventions aimed to link these individuals to community-based SUD treatment and other services to prevent relapse, recidivism, and opioid-related overdose. The review included studies on linkage to treatment with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), non-specific SUD treatment, and HIV + SUD services. Most studies used case management and/or peer or patient navigation as the core intervention. The review found evidence supporting the effectiveness of various interventions to link individuals to community-based SUD treatment, MOUD, and other services at re-entry. However, there was limited support for intervention effects on longer-term outcomes, including treatment retention, medication adherence, recidivism, and substance use.


NCIT:C41362

The study investigates the prevalence and correlates of witnessing and responding to drug overdoses among people who use drugs (PWUDs) in rural Northern New England. The study found that 84% of PWUDs had witnessed an overdose, which was associated with probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Despite Good Samaritan Laws (GSLs), some PWUDs faced legal consequences after calling 911 for an overdose. Access to naloxone, a drug used to reverse the effects of an overdose, varied, but 43% of PWUDs had used it to reverse an overdose. The study suggests that providing PWUDs with effective overdose response tools and protective policies could reduce overdose mortality.


MESH:C091498


MONDO:0002491

The study found that women who use drugs (WWUD) in rural communities have low rates of contraceptive use and high rates of unintended pregnancy. The study also found that WWUD who had received substance use disorder (SUD) treatment in the past 30 days had increased odds of contraceptive use. There was also a positive association between contraceptive use and recent medications for opioid use disorder and prior 6-month primary care utilization, although these did not meet the threshold for statistical significance.


MONDO:0001225

medication positively associated with use


PUBCHEM.COMPOUND:3993639

utilization positively associated with use


MESH:C502495

The study investigates the use of extended-release buprenorphine (XR-BUP), a medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), in correctional settings. The study included 54 individuals who received XR-BUP while incarcerated. The results showed no evidence of tampering with the injection site, indicating no attempts to remove, hoard, or divert the medication. 61% of the participants reported at least one adverse effect after injections, with an average of 2.8 side effects. 61% of those released on XR-BUP continued MOUD after release, with 30% continuing with XR-BUP. The study concludes that XR-BUP is feasible and acceptable in correctional settings and addresses administrative concerns of diversion.


MESH:C502495


CHEBI:30879

The study investigates the influence of participant characteristics and reported substance use on the efficacy of a video-based intervention aimed at increasing HIV testing among emergency department patients who initially declined tests. The results showed that demographic concordance did not significantly increase the likelihood of accepting an HIV test. However, participants who reported problem substance use were significantly more likely to test for HIV compared to participants who reported either no problem substance use or no substance use at all. This is significant as substance use, including heavy alcohol or cannabis use, can lead to behaviors that increase HIV risk.


UNII:69VJ1LPN1S


NCBIGene:826788

The study tested the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile health application for video directly observed therapy (video-DOT) of buprenorphine in an office-based setting. The application was used by patients to record themselves taking buprenorphine, a treatment for opioid use disorders. The results showed that 93% of the participants were able to successfully use the application, with daily videos being submitted 72% of the time. Most participants reported satisfaction with the application, citing its accountability, structure, and ease of use. Some negative feedback included discomfort at viewing oneself during recording and the time required.


MESH:C560330

The paper presents the protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) called the Trial of Adherence Application for Buprenorphine treatment (TAAB) study. The study aims to evaluate the effects of video directly observed therapy (DOT) delivered via a smartphone app on office-based buprenorphine treatment outcomes for opioid use disorder (OUD) patients. The primary outcome is the percentage of weekly urines that are negative for opioids over the 12-weeks. The secondary outcome is engagement in treatment at week 12. The study hypothesizes that video DOT delivered through mHealth technology platform can improve patients' buprenorphine adherence by providing additional structure and accountability.


HP:0001125

Unilateral transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM)

The study presents a novel treatment for Opioid use disorders (OUDs) using unilateral transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM) to the hemisphere with a more positive valence by Dual Brain Psychology (DBP). The treatment was tested on 22 patients with significant opioid cravings and a history of recent or current OUD. The results showed a significant decrease in opioid cravings, depression, and anxiety after the active treatment compared to the sham treatment. The treatment was found to be safe with only one patient reporting abdominal bloating.


HP:0001125


NCIT:C35041

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges for the treatment of substance use disorder (SUD), including stress, isolation, and limited access to physical and mental health care. These factors increase the risk of return to drug use and pose barriers to recovery. The pandemic has necessitated a rapid adaptation in treatment providers and facilities, with digital health interventions such as telehealth, wearables, mobile applications, and remote monitoring devices being used to convert in-person care to remote-based care. These tools can help address some of the pandemic-specific challenges to treatment.


CHEBI:35480

The paper discusses the use of unilateral transcranial photobiomodulation (UtPBM), a novel therapy for Opioid Use Disorders (OUD). The therapy was applied to 42 patients over 18 months, with varying degrees of response. 62% of patients had observable beneficial responses, 19% had helpful but not remarkable responses, and 19% had no noticeable response. The therapy was found to be a safe and valuable addition to traditional psychotherapy and medication management for OUD.


HP:0030166

The paper reviews the use of wearable biosensors in the treatment of Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD). These devices monitor physiological indicators of intoxication, such as changes in gait and sweat, to understand addiction and inform treatment. The biosensors provide continuous readings in a passive manner, compared to traditional methods like breathalyzer or blood draw. The two primary means of measuring intoxication with biosensors are through gait changes, measured via smart sensors placed on the wrist, in the shoe, and mobile device sensors in smart phones, and sweat, measured by transdermal biosensors that detect the presence of alcohol in the bloodstream. These devices have been used to monitor sobriety among offenders with AUD, track consumption throughout clinical trials for behavioral treatment modalities, and guide behavioral interventions for relapse prevention.


PUBCHEM.COMPOUND:197801

The study investigates the effects of RAP-103, a multi-chemokine receptor antagonist (CRA), on opioid-induced adverse effects in male rats. The results show that RAP-103 reduces the severity of withdrawal responses from chronic morphine exposure, reduces heroin acquisition and reinforcing efficacy, and normalizes deficits in oxygen saturation and respiratory rate caused by morphine exposure. Additionally, RAP-103 normalizes morphine-induced deficits in chemokine receptors CCR2 and CCR5 in the nucleus accumbens (NAC).


PUBCHEM.COMPOUND:197801


PR:000044658

The paper discusses the role of T-type calcium channels, specifically the CaV3.2 isoform, in pain processing. These channels are expressed in nonpeptidergic and peptidergic nociceptive neurons and their expression or activity increases in the spinal dorsal horn and dorsal root ganglia neurons in different inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. The paper suggests that targeting proteins that regulate the trafficking or transcription of CaV3.2, or those that modify the channels via post-translational modifications, could be a new approach to developing drugs for pain control.


PR:000004942


PR:000006641

Proteins that regulate the trafficking or transcription of CaV3.2


CHEBI:46815

The study synthesized a group of 2,5-disubstituted 1,3,4-oxadiazole molecules and evaluated their selective T-type calcium channel inhibitions. The compound 5-Chloro-N-(5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)thiophene-2-carboxamide (11) was found to selectively inhibit T-type Ca2+ channel over Na+ and K+ channels in mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons and human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells. It also suppressed seizure-induced death in a mouse model. This suggests that compound 11 could be a potential therapeutic for chronic neuropathic and inflammatory pains.


PUBCHEM.COMPOUND:1328033


PUBCHEM.COMPOUND:1328033

Chronic neuropathic and inflammatory pains


PR:000004943

The paper suggests that Ca V 3.2 calcium channels are involved in facial pain.


PUBCHEM.COMPOUND:197801

The study investigates the effect of the multi-chemokine receptor antagonist RAP-103 on pain behaviors in acute and chronic pain models. In the acute model, RAP-103 had no effect on its own, but when combined with morphine, it reduced the effective dose of morphine. In a chronic model of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), RAP-103 reversed established hypersensitivity. The treatment also resulted in significant reductions in the expression of cytokines IL-1β, TNFα, and chemokine CCL3 in the sciatic nerve of diabetic rats.


CL:0000134

The study demonstrates a new method to generate hyaline cartilage from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with a low risk of ossification. This was achieved by culturing MSCs in a hyaluronic acid hydrogel with transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) for 14 days, followed by 7 days in TGFβ-free medium, supplemented with Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor XAV939 from day 10-21. This resulted in a significant reduction in hypertrophy phenotype. The stability of the hyaline phenotype was tested through intramuscular implantation in nude mice. After 4 weeks, the optimized group showed no signs of mineralization and maintained cartilaginous histology. The study found that TGFβ treatment time affected p38 expression, while exposure to XAV939 significantly inhibited P-Smad 1/5 level, which together resulted in decreased level of Runx2.


MESH:C000716507


PR:000000580


CHEBI:35482

The paper discusses the opioid crisis and the need for collaboration among academic, government, and industrial partners to develop effective nonaddictive pain medications, interventions for opioid overdose, and addiction treatments. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) held a 2-day meeting to address these concerns and to chart a collaborative path forward. The meeting was supported by the NIH Helping to End Addiction Long-TermSM (HEAL) Initiative. The symposium aimed to improve understanding of the etiology of acute and chronic pain, discover novel targets and regulatable pain circuits for safe and effective therapeutics, and identify relevant biomarkers for adequate testing in clinical trials.


CHEBI:59163


MESH:D064209

Nociceptor-specific voltage-gated sodium ion channels

The study presents a method to assess the quality of cell-based assays using extracellular recordings from dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons cultured on multi-well microelectrode arrays. The researchers applied data transformations to electrophysiological parameters for valid normality assumptions and suitability for use as a sample signal. They used a robust version of the Z'-factor, based on the median and median absolute deviation, to indicate assay quality and assess hit identification of potential pharmacological compounds. The approach demonstrated a large signal dynamic range and reduced sensitivity to data variation compared to the standard Z'-factor used in high throughput screening (HTS). Known antagonists of nociceptor-specific voltage-gated sodium ion channels were identified as true hits in the assay format under both spontaneous and thermally stimulated conditions.


PR:000002102

The study investigates the role of Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 voltage-gated sodium channels in inflammatory pain. The research shows that the presence of inflammatory mediators, nerve growth factor (NGF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), increases the firing rates of adult dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The proteins Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 are found in cultured neurons and contribute to this increased activity. Blocking both Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 significantly impacts thermally evoked firing after treatment with IL-6 and NGF, suggesting their key role in inflammatory pain.


PR:000002103


MONDO:0001225

The paper discusses the impact of COVID-19 on individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD), highlighting the similar effects of COVID-19 and opioid exposure such as compromised neuroimmunity, hypoxia, and respiratory depression. The authors propose the use of iPSC-derived brain organoid models as a potential tool to study the physiological connection between COVID-19 and OUD.


MONDO:0001225


MESH:C523259

The study presents a novel bioengineered microphysiological system that allows for the coculturing of peripheral and dorsal spinal cord nerve cells. This system facilitates the emergence of native nerve tissue macrostructure and concerted synaptic function. The researchers found that different analgesics - morphine, lidocaine, and clonidine - modulate this microphysiological synaptic transmission in predictable ways. This system could be used to screen drug candidates for analgesic potential more efficiently.


MESH:C091290


MESH:C055140


CHEBI:132889

The study investigates the use of graphene oxide (GO)-based nanosheets incorporated into methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) scaffolds to enhance osteogenesis in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The results showed high viability and metabolic activities in hMSCs encapsulated in the nanocomposites. The incorporation of GO and silica-coated graphene oxide (SiGO) significantly increased mineralization within hMSC-laden constructs. This was due to the enhancement of the production, retention, and biological activity of endogenous bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), specifically through the BMP-SMAD1/5 signaling pathway. Inhibition of this pathway with LDN-193189 treatment abolished the osteoinductive effect of the nanosheets. In vivo tests further confirmed the bone formation potential of this technology.


CHEBI:132889

enhances production, retention, and biological activity of


MESH:C546154


PR:000044658

The study investigates the voltage-gated calcium channels in human and rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. The high voltage-activated (HVA) Ca2+ currents in both species share basic biophysical and pharmacological properties. However, there are significant differences in the HVA currents in human neurons compared to rat neurons. These differences include a smaller Ca2+ current density, a greater proportion of nifedipine-sensitive currents, and a subpopulation of human neurons displaying relatively large constitutive current inhibition.


PR:000044658


GO:0008331

High voltage-activated (HVA) Ca2+ currents


GO:0008331


MESH:C117802

High voltage-activated (HVA) Ca2+ currents


CHEBI:35480

The paper discusses the challenges in developing effective, non-addictive analgesics for treating acute and chronic pain. The authors suggest that traditional target-based drug discovery methods, which focus on single targets, often fail due to poor clinical efficacy. They propose the use of stem cell-derived neuronal-based screening approaches for identifying analgesic targets and compounds.


CHEBI:35480


UMLS:C0038250


PR:000007002

The study investigates the role of eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) in pain perception by sensory neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). The researchers found that eIF5A, which undergoes a unique posttranslational hypusine modification, is consistently expressed in different species and culture systems. Inhibition of hypusine biosynthesis prevented hyperalgesic priming by inflammatory mediators, suggesting that hypusine could be a potential target for treating inflammation-associated pain.


PR:000007002

undergoes posttranslational modification by


MESH:C022819

inhibition prevents hyperalgesic priming


MESH:C022819


NCBIGene:10494

The study identifies STK25 as a kinase of the type Iα regulatory subunit PRKAR1A in human induced pluripotent stem cell cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs). The phosphorylation of PRKAR1A by STK25 inhibits the activity of protein kinase A (PKA) and increases its binding to the catalytic subunit in the presence of cAMP. In mice, the absence of Stk25 reduces Prkar1a phosphorylation, increases Pka activity, and enhances the contractile response to beta-adrenergic stimulation. This suggests that STK25 negatively regulates PKA signaling through the phosphorylation of PRKAR1A.


NCBIGene:25725


NCBIGene:10494

negatively regulates through PRKAR1A phosphorylation


MESH:C017847


MONDO:0002050

The paper discusses the design of a randomized trial called CLARO (Collaboration Leading to Addiction Treatment and Recovery from Other Stresses) which aims to improve care for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) and co-occurring depression and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The trial will be conducted in 13 primary care clinics in New Mexico and will involve 900 patients. The primary outcomes to be measured are access to medications for OUD (MOUD), continuity of MOUD care, depression symptoms, and PTSD symptoms.


MONDO:0005146


CHEBI:35482

increases risk of suicide attempts in patients with

The study analyzed the association between prescription opioid use and suicide attempts using medical claims data from Connecticut. The study found that patients prescribed opioid medications for at least 6 months during the past year and at 20-50 MME levels or higher had 4.44 to 7.23 times the risk of attempted suicide compared to those not prescribed opioids. The risk of suicide attempt was significantly higher among patients with psychiatric conditions other than anxiety who were prescribed more frequent and higher opioid doses. However, more frequent and higher doses of prescription opioids were associated with lower risk of suicide attempts among patients with medical conditions necessitating pain management.


CHEBI:35482

Medical conditions necessitating pain management

decreases risk of suicide attempts in patients with


PR:000014377

The paper discusses the potential of two ion channels, ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels, as targets for non-opioid pain medications. RyRs are intracellular calcium channels, and HCN channels belong to the superfamily of voltage-gated K+ channels. Both channels play a role in nociception, the response of the sensory nervous system to a noxious stimulus that commonly leads to pain, and neuropathic pain.


PR:000000676

Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels


PR:000014377


PR:000000676


GO:0019233


PR:000012191

The study generated non-opioid single-chain variable fragment (scFv) small antibodies to block the P2X4R receptor as a method of reducing pain. The scFv antibodies were found to have similar binding activity to monoclonal antibodies but with stronger affinity and increased tissue penetrability due to their smaller size. Two anti-P2X4R scFv clones (95, 12) were tested in male and female mice with trigeminal nerve chronic neuropathic pain. A single dose of P2X4R scFv successfully, completely, and permanently reversed chronic neuropathic pain-like measures in male mice only. Untreated mice retained hypersensitivity and developed anxiety- and depression-like behaviors within 5 weeks. In vitro P2X4R scFv 95 treatment significantly increased the rheobase of larger-diameter trigeminal ganglia neurons from mice compared to controls.


MONDO:0008599

Trigeminal nerve chronic neuropathic pain


CHEBI:143212

The study focuses on the Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X1 (MRGPRX1), a human sensory neuron-specific receptor that could be a potential target for pain treatment. The researchers synthesized and evaluated a series of thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine-based molecules as positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of MRGPRX1 in HEK293 cells transfected with the human MrgprX1 gene. They discovered an orally available compound, 6-(tert-butyl)-5-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-(2-(trifluoromethoxy)phenoxy)thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine (1t), which can reach the spinal cord, the presumed site of action, after oral administration. This compound reduced behavioral heat hypersensitivity in a neuropathic pain model induced by sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI) in humanized MRGPRX1 mice, demonstrating the potential of MRGPRX1 PAMs in treating neuropathic pain.


MESH:C500326


MESH:C499513

The study focuses on the design of peptides to target the NaV1.7 channel, which plays a significant role in pain transmission. The researchers used the ProTx-II peptide toxin from tarantula venom as a basis for designing potent and selective inhibitors of the human NaV1.7 channels. Two peptides, PTx2-3127 and PTx2-3258, were identified as having high potency and selectivity for the NaV1.7 channel. These peptides showed efficacy in rat models of chronic and thermal pain.


MESH:C000609609


MESH:C499513


NCIT:C117162

The study aims to test the effectiveness of a digital peri-operative cognitive-behavioral intervention (SurgeryPalTM) in preventing the transition from acute to chronic postsurgical pain in adolescents undergoing spinal fusion surgery. The intervention targets baseline psychosocial risk factors such as psychological distress, sleep disturbance, and low pain self-efficacy, which are known to predict higher acute pain and likelihood of developing chronic postsurgical pain. The study will assess acute pain severity and interference, opioid use, chronic pain severity and interference, health-related quality of life (HRQL), parent and adolescent distress, sleep quality, and opioid use/misuse.


HP:0002360


CHEBI:30879

The study examined the misuse of opioids and alcohol in 211 veterans with chronic pain who were prescribed opioids. The results showed that 32% were not misusing either substance, 23% were misusing both, 40% were misusing opioids, and 5% were misusing alcohol. Veterans not misusing either substance were generally less distressed compared to those misusing opioids or both. The study suggests a need for increased focus on polysubstance misuse and the development of integrated treatment.


CHEBI:35482


CHEBI:30879


CHEBI:35482

The study investigates the effects of intranasal leptin on opioid-induced sleep-disordered breathing in obese mice. The researchers found that morphine, an opioid, significantly increased the frequency of apneas and the severity of hypoventilation and obstructive sleep apnea in obese mice. However, treatment with intranasal leptin decreased the frequency of apneas, improved obstructive sleep apnea, and completely reversed hypoventilation. Additionally, the analgesic effect of morphine was enhanced. In vitro studies showed that the μ-opioid receptor agonist [D-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol]-enkephalin reduced the frequency of excitatory postsynaptic currents in hypoglossal motoneurons, and the application of leptin restored excitatory synaptic neurotransmission.


PR:000009758


MESH:C523259


MESH:C043503


CHEBI:35482

The paper discusses the relationship between opioid use and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Opioids, which are commonly prescribed for pain management, can affect breathing control and impair upper airway function, leading to central apneas, upper airway obstruction, and hypoxemia during sleep. The presence of OSA increases the risk of opioid-induced respiratory depression. However, the question of whether opioids can aggravate OSA remains unanswered. The paper also discusses the effects of opioids on the upper airway and hypoglossal motor activity.


MONDO:0007147


PUBCHEM.COMPOUND:90477108

The study investigates the effects of high-dose fentanyl-induced acute muscle rigidity on respiratory mechanics and metabolic rate in sedated rats. The results showed that fentanyl significantly decreased the compliance of the respiratory system and increased oxygen consumption, leading to hypoxemia. Dexmedetomidine, a central α-2 agonist, was found to counteract these effects, increasing respiratory compliance, decreasing metabolic rate, and restoring normoxemia. The researchers suggest that the changes in respiratory mechanics and metabolism caused by opioid-induced muscle rigidity contribute to fentanyl toxicity.


PUBCHEM.COMPOUND:90477108


UBERON:0035153

The study investigates the combined influence of psychosocial and neural protective mechanisms against substance use in youth with a family history of substance use disorder (SUD). The research found that greater activation in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) during correctly inhibited trials on the Go/No-Go task was a significant predictor of resilience against binge drinking and marijuana use. This was over and above greater reactive control in early adolescence and lower externalizing behavior in late adolescence. However, neural activation in the ventral striatum associated with reward anticipation during the Monetary Incentive Delay Task (MIDT) was not a significant predictor of resilience.


UBERON:0005403


PUBCHEM.COMPOUND:44624107

The study investigates pain management practices among American Indians and Alaska Natives in a rural tribal clinic in Southern California. The study found that being male, younger, and having less education were strong predictors for riskier methods for managing pain. The findings will help in developing strategies for reducing and preventing misuse and abuse of prescription medications and other drugs in rural American Indian and Alaska Native communities.


HP:0012531


MESH:C091498

The study investigates the impact of naloxone access laws (NALs) on fatal and nonfatal opioid overdoses in the United States from 2005 to 2016. The results show that NALs granting direct authority to pharmacists to provide naloxone were associated with significant reductions in fatal overdoses. However, these laws may also increase nonfatal overdoses resulting in emergency department visits. The effect sizes for fatal overdoses grew over time relative to the adoption of the NALs. There was little evidence of an association for indirect authority to dispense and other NALs.


CHEBI:35570

more likely to use core management strategies

The study investigates how adolescents and their parents manage controlled prescription medications at home. The study found that most families do not follow all recommended safe management strategies for these medications. Families with an adolescent prescription for a controlled medication were more likely to use several core management strategies. Families with a household pain reliever were more likely to not keep spare pills in inappropriate locations.


CHEBI:35482

The study identified five trajectories of prescription drug misuse (opioids, stimulants, and sedatives or tranquilisers) from adolescence into adulthood, with the defining characteristic being the age when high-frequency misuse peaked. All misuse trajectories were associated with significantly greater odds of having two or more substance use disorder symptoms at age 35 years, especially the later peak trajectories. Risk factors associated with the high-risk latest peak prescription drug misuse trajectory included high school heavy drinking, cigarette smoking, marijuana use, poly-prescription drug misuse, white race, and not completing a 4-year university degree.


CHEBI:35480


NCIT:C164098


NCIT:C164091


HP:0012532

The study investigates the risk factors associated with opioid misuse among adolescents who received opioid prescriptions for acute pain treatment in pediatric ambulatory care settings. The study found that 90% of the adolescents reported two or more risks for future opioid misuse, with pain catastrophizing and alcohol use being the most common risk factors. Parental factors such as a history of chronic pain and anxiety were also identified as risk factors. The study also found that 71% of parents reported keeping opioids at home, which is a potential risk factor for future misuse.


NCIT:C55441


CHEBI:22720

The study reviews state laws that mandate or recommend healthcare providers to prescribe naloxone to patients at high risk of opioid overdose. As of September 2019, 17 states had enacted naloxone co-prescribing laws. Over half of these states mandate that providers prescribe naloxone if patient overdose risk criteria are met. Most states define patient overdose risk based on opioid dosages prescribed, concomitant opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions, and patient history of substance use disorder or mental illness. The study suggests that naloxone prescribing requirements could increase naloxone prescribed, destigmatize naloxone use, and reduce overdose harms.


CHEBI:22720


UNII:69VJ1LPN1S

The study found that cannabis and tobacco use in early adolescence are associated with opioid use in young adulthood. The research was conducted over a 12-year period on a cohort of adolescents from urban elementary schools in Baltimore, MD, United States. The study found significant positive associations between the frequency of cannabis or tobacco use at age 14 and the frequency of opioid use at age 19.


MESH:D062789


CHEBI:67201

The study examined adolescent factors related to alcohol and marijuana use that are associated with a higher or lower risk for opioid misuse during emerging adulthood. The study found that positive expectancies, peer approval, and older sibling use predicted a higher probability of opioid misuse. However, most adolescent factors were no longer associated with subsequent opioid misuse after adjusting for history of other substance use.


NCBITaxon:3482

The study investigates the association between cannabis use from adolescence to young adulthood and opioid misuse in a primarily urban Black cohort. Four cannabis use trajectories were identified: Low/Non-Users, Adolescent Onset Limited, Young Adult Onset, and Adolescent Onset Chronic. The study found that Adolescent Onset Chronic cannabis users had the highest rate of opioid misuse, followed by Adolescent Onset Limited, Young Adult Onset, and Low/Non-Users. The prevalence was significantly higher for Adolescent Onset groups relative to Low/Non-Users even after adjusting for individual, neighborhood, and peer factors.


CHEBI:35482

The study examined the prevalence and correlates of medical use and misuse of prescription opioids among US 12th-grade students. The past-year prevalence of prescription opioid misuse was 7.6% and ranged from 0% to 73% across US high schools. Lifetime medical use of prescription opioids was 16.9% and ranged from 0% to 85% across US high schools. The odds of prescription opioid misuse were higher at schools with higher proportions of male students, more white students, higher rates of marijuana use, and more medical use of prescription opioids. The association between greater school-level medical use of prescription opioids and higher prevalence of prescription opioid misuse, although declining, indicates a key risk factor to target for prevention efforts.


CHEBI:35482


HP:0012531

The study examined opioid use in adolescents aged 14-18 years who were prescribed these medications for acute noncancer pain in pediatric outpatient medical settings. It was found that the majority of the youth filled the opioid prescription and the frequency of use varied widely. No gender differences were observed in the percentage of opioid use days, despite females reporting higher pain and mood symptoms. Greater pain experiences and the number of pills prescribed were positively associated with opioid use. Higher depressive symptoms were associated with greater opioid use, while higher daily reports of worried or scared affect were associated with lower opioid use.


CHEBI:35482

The study examined the relationship between prescription opioid use and misuse during adolescence and subsequent heroin use in adulthood. The study found that adolescents who reported nonmedical prescription opioid misuse followed by medical use or nonmedical misuse only had a higher likelihood of any heroin use in adulthood than those with no lifetime exposure to prescription opioids. Furthermore, more recent cohorts of adolescents who reported nonmedical misuse or medical use only had a higher likelihood of any heroin use in adulthood relative to older cohorts. Nearly one in three adolescents in recent cohorts who reported nonmedical prescription opioid misuse transitioned to any heroin use.


CHEBI:35482

The study investigates the impact of opioid misuse during late adolescence (ages 18-20) on risk behaviors, health, social functioning, and emerging adult roles at age 21-22. The research found that adolescents who reported opioid misuse at age 18 were more likely to experience negative consequences from alcohol and cannabis use, engage in sexual risk behaviors, report delinquent behavior, and have a higher likelihood of experiencing sexual victimization and engaging in sexual perpetration at age 21-22. However, opioid misuse was not associated with depression, anxiety, physical health or ailments, satisfaction with friends, romantic relationship functioning, or emerging adult roles.


CHEBI:35338

The study examined the co-use of methamphetamine and opioids among people in treatment in Oregon. Initial urinalysis of 102 specimens showed that 61% contained methamphetamine, with non-fentanyl opioids being three times as common in methamphetamine positive specimens. The study found three main factors impacting co-use: stigma regarding methamphetamine use, community-level factors and temporality, and patient rationales for co-use, such as mitigating the harms of heroin or managing its effects. The study emphasizes the importance of considering the expertise of people who co-use opioids and methamphetamine in future program planning.


MESH:C029572


MONDO:0005371

The study found that among youth aged 11 to 25 years who were prescribed an initial opioid, 0.3% developed an opioid use disorder or experienced an overdose within the following year. Factors associated with increased risk included mood/anxiety disorders, substance use, and prescriptions involving long-acting opioids or long durations. Comorbid substance use disorders were present in 72.8% of youth experiencing an opioid-related complication, including alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, and other substance use disorders.


CHEBI:48560

The study investigates the relationship between retention in outpatient substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and pharmacotherapy for comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study found that ADHD was diagnosed in 9.4% of outpatients and was associated with younger age, comorbid cocaine use, and private insurance. Individuals not receiving ADHD pharmacotherapy were younger than those receiving medication. ADHD pharmacotherapy was associated with greater long-term retention in SUD treatment, with those not receiving ADHD medication having a 4.9-fold increased likelihood of attrition within 90 days. The study concludes that ADHD pharmacotherapy is robustly associated with improved short- and longer-term retention in outpatient SUD treatment.


MONDO:0007743


NCIT:C143396

The study examined the use of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder, among adults with employer-based insurance during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. The research found that the weekly use of buprenorphine remained relatively stable from January to August 2020. The study did not find any consistent change in the use of buprenorphine based on county-level measures of COVID-19 case rate, fatal drug overdose rate, and racial composition. However, use was consistently higher in counties with the highest fatal drug overdose rates.


UNII:69VJ1LPN1S

The study investigates the prevalence of chronic pain among veterans and non-veterans, and the use of cannabis as a treatment. The data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III was analyzed. The results showed that chronic pain was more prevalent among veterans. Among veterans, frequent cannabis use was more common among those with pain, especially in states with medical cannabis laws. However, the study did not find evidence to support the hypothesis that cannabis use improves mental or physical health for veterans with pain.


UNII:69VJ1LPN1S


UBERON:0001088

The National Drug Early Warning System (NDEWS) was established to identify and monitor emerging drugs in the United States. However, the rapid development of novel psychoactive substances has complicated this task. The Drug Outbreak Testing Service (DOTS) study tested the feasibility of recruiting organizations to submit urine specimens for testing for approximately 240 drugs, at no cost to them. The results showed extensive polydrug use and geographic differences in the drugs detected. All sites found the DOTS collaborating laboratory's test results to be very useful for understanding the types of drugs being used recently and to assess the adequacy of their testing protocols.


CHEBI:35482

The paper discusses the development of an online version of the Family Check-Up (FCU), a program designed to enhance parenting skills and prevent substance use, specifically targeting families with opioid use histories. The online platform and telehealth model allow for wide-scale dissemination, especially in remote, rural areas where addiction rates are high but services are limited. The FCU Online includes new modules focusing on harm reduction for parents with substance abuse histories, including opioid use.


PUBCHEM.COMPOUND:68736

The study investigated the relationship between different types of victimization and opioid use in late adolescence and young adulthood. The study identified four classes of victimization and trauma-related characteristics: sexual abuse and indirect violence with high trauma characteristics, high all with high trauma characteristics, chronic emotional abuse with a trusted perpetrator, and low all. The study found that sexual/gender minority status, sex assigned at birth, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status influenced the risk of class membership. The study also found that all classes had a shorter latency to opioid use compared to the low all class. Self-efficacy and neighborhood cohesion were identified as protective factors that decrease the risk of opioid use.


MESH:C560330

The study investigates the community-level factors associated with the distribution of naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses, under a naloxone standing order (NSO) in Massachusetts. The research found that naloxone dispensing under NSO has increased over time. However, communities with a higher percentage of Hispanic ethnicity and rural communities were less likely to dispense naloxone under NSO. Communities with more individuals treated with buprenorphine and those with more opioid-related overdose deaths dispensed more naloxone under NSO. The findings suggest a need for more equitable access to naloxone.


MONDO:0005258

The study investigates the presence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms in young adults seeking treatment for substance use disorders (SUD). Using the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2), the study found that a significant proportion of these patients exhibited clinically elevated autistic traits. Furthermore, those with elevated SRS-2 scores were more likely to have a stimulant use disorder or an opioid use disorder, as well as alcohol use in the week prior to intake.


MONDO:0005258


NCBIGene:20219

The study investigates the prevalence of state laws that regulate the prescription of buprenorphine, a medication for opioid use disorder (OUD), by advanced practice clinicians (APCs) such as nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs). The research found that one state prohibits all APCs from prescribing buprenorphine for OUD, five states require PA supervision by a federally waivered physician, and three states require NP supervision by a federally waivered physician.


MESH:D057466

The study examined trends in prescriptions for opioid and non-opioid pain medications in the U.S. from 2014 to 2018. It was found that the percentage of participants receiving a prescription for opioids declined, remained stable for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and increased for acetaminophen, antidepressants, and gabapentinoids. The adjusted odds of receiving an opioid prescription decreased, while the adjusted odds of receiving antidepressant, gabapentinoid, and acetaminophen prescriptions increased. Physicians are increasingly turning to CDC-recommended non-opioid medications for pain management, particularly antidepressants and gabapentinoids.


CHEBI:50940


MESH:C103257


CL:0000990


CHEBI:30879

The study aims to implement and evaluate a multi-level community intervention to prevent the onset and escalation of opioid and other drug misuse among adolescents and young adults in the Cherokee Nation. The intervention combines community organizing, school-based brief intervention and referral, skill-based training for adults, and strategic media. The effectiveness of the intervention will be measured through a cluster randomized trial involving 20 high schools. Primary outcomes include the number of days of any alcohol use, heavy alcohol use, any marijuana use, and prescription opioid misuse.


CHEBI:67201


NCIT:C27003

The study investigated the patterns and predictors of daily acute pain in adolescents undergoing treatment for pain. Three trajectories of pain intensity were identified: slow decrease, rapid decrease, and stable or slight increase. Adolescents with stable pain showed the highest levels of anxiety. Better sleep quality was associated with lower pain intensity and interference the following day, even when accounting for opioid use. The study suggests that future research should use intensive longitudinal methodology to guide intervention development and prevent the transition to chronic pain.


GO:0030431


NCIT:C27003


MONDO:0002491

associated with increased use in adulthood

The study investigates the long-term effects of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) symptoms from adolescence to adulthood. It was found that adolescents with severe SUD symptoms at age 18 had a higher likelihood of prescription drug use and misuse in adulthood. Most adults who were prescribed opioids, sedatives, or tranquilizers had multiple SUD symptoms during adolescence. The study suggests that severe SUD symptoms in adolescence can lead to more deleterious outcomes in adulthood.


MONDO:0002491


UBERON:0003101

higher PRS associated with higher likelihood of opioid misuse

The study found that higher polygenic risk scores (PRS) for lifetime cannabis use, heavy drinking, and alcohol consumption were associated with an increased risk of opioid misuse in an African-American sample. The study also found that higher PRS for heavy drinking and alcohol consumption were associated with a higher likelihood of opioid misuse among males, but not females.


UBERON:0003100

higher PRS not associated with higher likelihood of opioid misuse


MONDO:0001225

The paper discusses the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) initiative, the HEAL Prevention Cooperative (HPC), which aims to develop effective prevention interventions for older adolescents and young adults at risk for opioid misuse and opioid use disorder (OUD). The HPC includes an economic evaluation component to provide information on the costs, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of these interventions. The primary objectives of the economic evaluation are to estimate the intervention implementation costs to providers, estimate the cost-effectiveness of each intervention for reducing opioid misuse initiation and escalation among youth, and use simulation modeling to estimate the budget impact of broader implementation of the interventions within the various settings over multiple years.


MONDO:0021895

The study investigates the role of jaw function, psychological factors, and chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs) in the development of pain-related disability in patients with chronic Temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Data was collected from 400 participants with chronic TMD and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results suggest that jaw function is the strongest predictor of pain-related disability, followed by psychological unease and COPCs. The findings support the potential value of targeting physical therapy such as jaw exercise along with psychological interventions as multidisciplinary nonpharmacological therapeutic solutions.


MONDO:0024317

Chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs)


HP:0004751

The study found that the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) plays a key role in the acquisition and maintenance of opiate-associated memories through its projections to the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc). The activity of the PVT→CeA pathway associates morphine reward with the environment. Transient inhibition of the PVT→NAc pathway during retrieval provides enduring protection against opiate-primed relapse. The study also found that activating the downstream NAc→lateral hypothalamus (LH) pathway can prevent relapse. These findings suggest that the PVT→NAc→LH pathway could be a potential target for treating opioid addiction.


HP:0004751


HP:0004751

orchestrates acquisition and maintenance of


NCBIGene:17938


HP:0002360

The paper discusses the bi-directional relationship between sleep/alertness disturbance and substance use disorders (SUD). It suggests that sleep/alertness disturbance impacts all phases of the addiction cycle, including initiation, maintenance, and relapse of SUD. The study reviews various substances and concludes that sleep/alertness disturbance is a crucial factor in understanding and treating SUD.


HP:0002360


MONDO:0001225

The study investigates the feasibility of using a wireless sleep electroencephalography (EEG) monitor to measure sleep outcomes and architecture in patients undergoing supervised opioid withdrawal. The results showed that the wireless EEG could detect changes in total, NREM, and REM sleep time, and was associated with increased withdrawal severity, lower sleep efficiency, less time in REM and non-REM stages 1 and 2, and more hydroxyzine treatment. The study suggests that a wireless EEG is a feasible and useful tool for monitoring sleep in persons experiencing acute opioid withdrawal.


MONDO:0001225

The paper discusses the role of sleep health in opioid use disorder (OUD). It highlights that sleep disturbances are common in individuals with OUD, particularly during opioid withdrawal and maintenance therapies. These disturbances, which include reduced total sleep time, disrupted sleep continuity, and poor sleep quality, are often associated with negative OUD treatment outcomes. The paper also notes that sleep disturbances are bidirectionally linked with factors such as chronic stress, stress reactivity, low positive affect, high negative affect, chronic pain, and drug craving. Despite the potential benefits, there are few studies aimed at improving sleep health in OUD patients. The paper suggests that therapeutic interventions targeting sleep could be a promising avenue to improve OUD treatment.


MONDO:0001225


MONDO:0001225

The study conducted RNA sequencing on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens of postmortem brains from subjects with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and unaffected comparison subjects. The results revealed significant overlap in transcripts between the two brain regions in OUD, related to synaptic remodeling and neuroinflammation. The identified transcripts were enriched for factors controlling proinflammatory cytokine, chondroitin sulfate, and extracellular matrix signaling. Microglia were implicated as potential drivers for opioid-induced neuroplasticity. Genetic liabilities for risky behavior, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and depression were suggested in subjects with OUD.


MONDO:0001225

The study investigates the correlation of drug-related dreams with opioid use disorder (OUD). The research found that individuals who recalled a drug-related dream in the past week were more likely to report recent sleep disturbances, including poor sleep quality, increased insomnia symptoms, and a higher risk for sleep apnea. Post-dream craving and distress were associated with greater insomnia symptoms, poor sleep hygiene behaviors, and increased anxiety symptoms. Those who had ever experienced a drug-related dream were more likely to report a history of severe withdrawal, overdose, and intravenous opioid use. The study suggests that interventions treating co-occurring OUD, pain, sleep symptoms, and affective symptoms may improve overall well-being in this population.


HP:0012532

The study found that individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) reported worsening sleep quality over their lifespan. Persistent sleep disturbances were associated with female sex, a greater number of treatment episodes, and positive screens for chronic pain and insomnia. The study suggests that OUD treatment providers should routinely screen for co-occurring sleep disturbance and chronic pain.


MONDO:0013600


MONDO:0001225

The study found that people with opioid use disorder (OUD) have altered molecular rhythms in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc), two key brain areas involved in OUD. In the DLPFC, fewer rhythmic transcripts were identified in subjects with OUD compared to unaffected subjects. In contrast, the NAc had nearly double the number of rhythmic transcripts in subjects with OUD. These rhythmic transcripts were associated with opioid, dopamine, and GABAergic neurotransmission. The study also found that these rhythmic transcripts were enriched for genomic loci associated with sleep-related traits, including sleep duration and insomnia.


GO:0048511


CHEBI:35482

The paper discusses the relationship between opioid use disorder (OUD) and sleep deficiency, a condition that affects 75% of patients with OUD. The study highlights the bidirectional mechanisms between OUD and sleep deficiency and the potential to target sleep deficiency with therapeutic interventions to promote long-term, healthy recovery among patients in OUD treatment. The effects of opioids on sleep quality, sleep architecture, sleep-disordered breathing, sleep apnea endotypes, ventilatory control, and implications for therapy and clinical practice are also discussed.


CHEBI:35482


MONDO:0001225

The paper discusses the relationship between opioid use disorder (OUD) and sleep deficiency. OUD is a chronic brain disease that affects cognitive function, mood, pain perception, and autonomic activity. Sleep deficiency, which can be caused by various factors such as sleep disorders, circadian disruption, and poor sleep quality, is found in over 75% of OUD patients. The paper suggests that there are bidirectional mechanisms between OUD and sleep deficiency and identifies potential therapeutic targets.


PR:000011350

The study investigates the role of the circadian protein, neuronal PAS domain protein 2 (NPAS2), in the effects of the opioid fentanyl on pain, tolerance, and physical dependence. The research used male and female wild-type and NPAS2-deficient mice. The results showed that female NPAS2-deficient mice exhibited increased analgesic tolerance and more behavioral symptoms of physical dependence to fentanyl. Male NPAS2-deficient mice showed increased fentanyl-induced hypersensitivity compared to wild-type males. This suggests that NPAS2 has sex-specific effects on fentanyl-induced tolerance, hyperalgesia, and dependence.


PR:000011350


MONDO:0005015

Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a common complication of chronic diabetes that can lead to significant disability and healthcare costs. Early symptom identification and aggressive glycemic control are crucial in controlling the development of neuropathic complications. However, adequate pain relief remains a challenge. Pharmacotherapy with anticonvulsants (pregabalin, gabapentin) and antidepressants (duloxetine) are common first-line agents. The use of oral opioids is discouraged due to associated morbidity, mortality, and potential for opioid-induced hyperalgesia. Neuromodulation treatment modalities including intrathecal drug delivery, spinal cord stimulation, and dorsal root ganglion stimulation are emerging as potential treatments. Holistic alternative therapies such as yoga and acupuncture may also be beneficial.


MESH:C097520


MESH:C103257


CHEBI:46741


MONDO:0011382

The study investigates the impact of Sickle cell disease (SCD) on gait in humanized transgenic BERK sickle mice. The researchers found that Purkinje cells, which are associated with movement and neural function, undergo increased apoptosis in sickle mice, potentially leading to compensatory gait changes. Using an automated gait measurement system, MouseWalker, they found that sickle mice showed alterations in stance instability and dynamic gait parameters. These alterations may be due to motor dysfunction from damaged Purkinje cells or from fear and/or anticipation of movement-evoked pain. The study also found correlations between certain gait parameters and both mechanical and deep tissue hyperalgesia.


CL:0000121


HP:0001288


MONDO:0011382

The paper discusses the pain associated with sickle cell disease (SCD), which can be both acute and chronic. Acute pain is caused by vaso-occlusive crises (VOC), while the cause of chronic pain is still unknown. Opioids are the primary treatment for pain, but concerns over their long-term use and the opioid epidemic have led to a need for non-opioid therapies. The FDA has approved three drugs for the treatment of SCD, specifically to reduce VOC and impact the pathobiology of SCD.


MONDO:0011382


UBERON:0002665

The paper discusses the link between chronic low back pain (CLBP) and depression, and proposes a novel approach to treat CLBP using deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subgenual cingulate cortex (SCC). The SCC is structurally connected to brain regions that mediate emotional processes and are implicated in both CLBP and depression, including the anterior cingulate cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and amygdala. The authors suggest that CLBP and depression share a common underlying brain network interconnected by the SCC.


PUBCHEM.COMPOUND:76960246

The study investigates the use of the Injectrode, an injectable conductive polymer, for Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation, a method used to relieve chronic pain. The Injectrode was used to stimulate the L6 and L7 DRG in cats, and the neural responses were measured in the sciatic, tibial, and common peroneal nerves. The thresholds for activating fibers were found to be 38% higher with the Injectrode compared to a stainless-steel electrode, likely due to its larger contact surface area with the DRG. Both Aα and Aβ sensory fibers were activated using DRG stimulation.


PUBCHEM.COMPOUND:76960246


UBERON:0025763

High-resolution spinal cord stimulation (HR-SCS)

The study investigates the use of high-resolution spinal cord stimulation (HR-SCS) in patients with chronic pain. The HR-SCS paddle was found to stimulate medial-dorsal columns and extend stimulation coverage to laterally positioned spinal targets. The study found that the lateral contacts of the HR-SCS triggered stronger responses in medial gastrocnemius, adductor magnus, and tibialis anterior, while the medial contacts triggered stronger responses in gluteus maximus and adductor hallucis. The study suggests that HR-SCS may improve targeting of focal pain in the lower extremities.


UBERON:0025763