Neuropathic pain is a disabling condition that affects 1-2 per cent of patients in the general population. Central sensitization of the secondary nociceptive neurons in the spinal dorsal horn is thought to be the key process in the initiation of neuropathic pain. Emerging studies have demonstrated the neuromodulatory functions of gut microbiota. However, the molecular mechanism mediating the analgesic effect associated with gut microbiota depletion has not been fully defined.
In a series of experiments, the investigators will determine the effect of gut microbiota depletion on hyperalgesia/allodynia in murine models of neuropathic pain. The immune microenvironment and transcriptomic profile of the spinal dorsal horn will be characterized. Finally, the pro-nociceptive effect of gut microbiota in germ-free mice with or without microbiota reconstitution will be determined.
Efficacy data from this animal study will provide pre-clinical evidence that paves the way for future clinical trials on gut microbiota manipulation with antibiotic or probiotic treatment in the management of neuropathic pain.
Professor Matthew Chan, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China.
The project was awarded $A70,000 through the ANZCA research grants program for 2022.