Gene transfer of a naked plasmid (pUDK ‐HGF) encoding human hepatocyte growth factor attenuates skin/muscle incision and retraction‐induced chronic post‐surgical pain in rats

ConclusionspUDK‐HGF has a strong analgesic potency and efficacy in CPSP induced by SMIR in rats. This study highlights a new strategy for the treatment of CPSP. SignificanceThe CPSP occurs following various surgical procedures and remains a major clinical problem due to the lack of study on the mechanisms of CPSP. Our findings provide the first evidence that pUDK‐HGF attenuates SMIR‐induced pain behaviuors through peripheral or central mechanisms. The peripheral analgesic effect of pUDK‐HGF is associated with promoting tissue repair and inhibiting inflammatory response; furthermore, pUDK‐HGF inhibits activation of spinal glial cells and overexpression of inflammatory mediators in spinal cord. Therefore, naked pUDK‐HGF may be a potential therapeutic strategy for treatment of CPSP in clinic.
Source: European Journal of Pain - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research