The Role and Mechanism of Aspirin Combined with Rehabilitation Training in the Repair of Sciatic Nerve Injury and the Changes in the Schwannocytus (Schwann Cells) in Rats / Rol y Mecanismo de la Aspirina Combinados con Entrenamiento de Rehabilitación en la Reparación de la Lesión del Nervio Ciático y los Cambios en los Schwannocitos (Células de Schwann) en Ratas

SUMMARY: This study investigated the role and mechanism of aspirin combined with rehabilitation training in the nerve injury repair and Schwann cell changes in rats with sciatic nerve injury. Totally, 120 male healthy SD rats were randomly divided into sham, model, aspirin, and aspirin + rehabilitation groups, with 30 rats in each group. The sciatic nerve function index (SFI), photothermal pain tolerance threshold and inclined plane test results at 4, 6, and 8 weeks after operation were compared. The distance of sensory nerve regeneration and the expression of S100B protein in Schwann cells were analyzed. Compared with the sham group, the SFI of the model, aspirin, and aspirin+rehabilitation groups were significantly lower at 4, 6, and 8 weeks after operation. However, the aspirin and aspirin+rehabilitation groups had significantly higher SFI than the model group. The SFI at 6 and 8 weeks after operation was higher in the aspirin+rehabilitation group than that in the aspirin group (P<0.05). The photothermal pain tolerance threshold of the sham, aspirin, and aspirin+rehabilitation groups were significantly higher than those of the model group at 4, 6, and 8 weeks after operation (P<0.05). The inclination angles of the model, aspirin, and aspirin+rehabilitation groups were significantly lower than those of the sham group at 4, 6, and 8 weeks after operation, and the inclination angle of the aspirin+rehabilitation group was significantly higher than that of the model and aspirin groups (P<0.05). The sensory nerve regeneration distance in aspirin and aspirin+rehabilitation groups was higher than that in the sham and model groups (P<0.05). The expression of S100B protein in the aspirin and aspirin+rehabilitation groups was higher than that in the model group (P<0.05). Aspirin combined with rehabilitation training can promote the functional recovery of sciatic nerve injury, and the mechanism may be related to the increase of the expression of S100B protein in Schwann cells.

En este estudio se investigó el papel y el mecanismo que desempeña la aspirina combinada, con el entrenamiento de rehabilitación en la reparación de lesiones nerviosas y los cambios en los schwannocitos en ratas con lesiones en el nervio ciático. En total, 120 ratas SD macho sanas se dividieron aleatoriamente en cuatro grupos de 30 ratas en cada uno: simulación, modelo, aspirina y aspirina + rehabilitación. Se compararon el índice de función del nervio ciático (SFI), el umbral de tolerancia al dolor fototérmico y los resultados de la prueba del plano inclinado a las 4, 6 y 8 semanas después de la operación. Se analizó la distancia de regeneración del nervio sensorial y la expresión de la proteína S100B en los schwannocitos. En comparación con el grupo simulado, el SFI de los grupos modelo, aspirina y aspirina+rehabilitación fue significativamente menor a las 4, 6 y 8 semanas después de la operación. Sin embargo, los grupos de aspirina y aspirina + rehabilitación tuvieron un SFI significativamente más alto que el grupo modelo. El SFI a las 6 y 8 semanas después de la operación fue mayor en el grupo de aspirina + rehabilitación que en el grupo de aspirina (P<0,05). El umbral de tolerancia al dolor fototérmico de los grupos simulado, aspirina y aspirina+rehabilitación fue significativamente mayor que el del grupo modelo a las 4, 6 y 8 semanas después de la operación (P<0,05). Los ángulos de inclinación de los grupos modelo, aspirina y aspirina+rehabilitación fueron significativamente menores que los del grupo simulado a las 4, 6 y 8 semanas después de la operación, y el ángulo de inclinación del grupo aspirina+rehabilitación fue significativamente mayor que el de los grupos modelo y aspirina (P<0.05). La distancia de regeneración del nervio sensorial en los grupos de aspirina y aspirina+rehabilitación fue mayor que en los grupos simulado y modelo (P<0,05). La expresión de la proteína S100B en los grupos de aspirina y aspirina+rehabilitación fue mayor que en el grupo modelo (P<0,05). La aspirina combinada con el entrenamiento de rehabilitación puede promover la recuperación funcional de la lesión del nervio ciático, y el mecanismo puede estar relacionado con el aumento de la expresión de la proteína S100B en los schwannocitos.

The Effect of Anakinra on Acrylamide-induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Neuropathic Pain in Rats

Abstract Acrylamide is a neurotoxic compound. Moreover, anakinra is an interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist used in rheumatoid arthritis treatment. This study investigated the effect of anakinra on acrylamide-related neuropathy and neuropathic pain. Acrylamide exposure caused a significant decrease in the pain threshold; an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß) levels; and a decrease in total glutathione (tGSH) values in the sciatic nerve. This indicates hyperalgesia presence, oxidative stress, and peripheral nerve tissue inflammation. Anakinra treatment significantly reduced the MDA, IL-1ß, and TNF-α levels, and increased the pain threshold and mean tGSH values. The analgesic effect of anakinra was 67.9% at the first hour, increasing to 74.9% and 76.7% at the second and third hours, respectively. The group receiving acrylamide exhibited histopathological changes (e.g., swollen and degenerated axons, hypertrophic and hyperplasic Schwann cells, and congested vessels). The use of anakinra significantly improved these morphological changes. Anakinra is concluded to reduce neuropathic pain and prevent neurotoxic effect of acrylamide on peripheral nerves due to its analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties

Sex and age differences in sensory threshold for transcutaneous electrical stimulation / Diferenças de sexo e idade no limiar sensitivo para estimulação elétrica transcutânea

Abstract Introduction Pain is one of the main symptoms prevalent in most pathologies. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) represents not only a therapeutic measure, but also a mean to quantify the neurosensory and pain perception in patients with chronic pain. Objective To evaluate the relationship between sex and age with neurosensory thresholds (sensory threshold and tolerance threshold) in the application of therapeutic current in patients with chronic pain. Methods Forty-five patients with chronic pain (30 women and 15 men) aged between 24 and 87 years were selected. Each patient answered the Individual Questionnaire, McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Subsequently, the electric current was applied, through which the sensory and pain thresholds were analyzed, as well as the perception of activation of the neurosensory pathways for each individual. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 24.0 for Windows. Results There was no significant correlation (p > 0.05) between a possible depressive diagnosis and the perception of current by the sensory and pain thresholds. Regarding sex, there was a significant difference in sensory thresholds (p = 0.003) between men and women, while no statistical differences were observed between sexes for pain complaint and pain threshold (p > 0.05). For the correlational analysis, a significant correlation (p = 0.05) was identified between the variables BMI and pain tolerance threshold (r = 0.68) for females and age and sensory threshold (r = 0.65) for males. Conclusion The sex and age variables are important in the measurement of TENS parameters because they lead to significant differences in sensory and pain thresholds.

Resumo Introdução A dor é um dos principais sintomas preva-lentes na maioria das patologias. A estimulação elétrica ervosa transcutânea (TENS) se apresenta não apenas como medida terapêutica, como também um meio de quantificar a percepção neurossensitiva e dolorosa em pacientes com dores crônicas. Objetivo Avaliar a relação entre sexo e idade com os limiares neurossensitivos (limiar sensitivo e limiar de tolerância) na aplicação da corrente terapêutica TENS, em pacientes com dores crônicas. Métodos Foram selecionados 45 pacientes com dores crônicas (30 mulheres), com idade entre 24 e 87 anos. Cada paciente respondeu ao Questionário Individual, ao Questionário McGill de Dor (MPQ) e ao Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI). Posteriormente, aplicou-se a corrente elétrica TENS, pela qual foram analisados o limiar sensitivo e doloroso, bem como a percepção de acionamento das vias neurossensitivas para cada indivíduo. Os dados foram analisados pelo pacote SPSS 24.0 for Windows. Resultados Não houve correlação significativa (p > 0,05) entre possível diagnós-tico depressivo e a percepção da corrente pelos limiares de sensibilidade e dor. Em relação ao sexo, houve diferença significativa nos limiares sensitivos (p = 0,003) entre homens e mulheres. Já para a queixa de dor e limiar de dor, não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas entre os sexos (p > 0,05). Para as análises correlacionais, identificou-se correlação significativa (p = 0,05) entre as variáveis de índice de massa corporal e limiar de tolerância à dor (r = 0,68) para o sexo feminino e idade e limiar sensitivo (r = 0,65) paro o sexo masculino. Conclusão As diferenças identificadas entre os limiares de sensibilidade entre os sexos, onde as mulheres identificaram o estímulo elétrico significativamente primeiro que os homens, podem auxiliar nas doses de intensidade ou tipo de corrente terapêutica dos pacientes.

Efeitos da terapia cognitivo-comportamental em pacientes com fibromialgia: um único estudo cego, randomizado e controlado / Effects of cognitive behavioral therapy in patients with fibromyalgia: a single blind, randomized controlled study

INTRODUÇÃO: A fibromialgia (FM) é uma dor musculoesquelética de longa duração, que continua a ser uma entidade clínica problemática a nível mundial e a gestão desta condição é um desafio para os profissionais de saúde. Numerosas opções de tratamento individual estão disponíveis para melhorar os sintomas da fibromialgia, mas ainda falta uma especificidade sob medida para determinados pacientes. Assim, neste estudo testamos tanto os efeitos individuais das técnicas de fisioterapia quanto a combinação de terapia cognitivo-comportamental com técnicas de fisioterapia trariam alguma alteração nos sintomas da fibromialgia. OBJETIVO: Determinar o efeito da combinação de terapia cognitiva comportamental juntamente com técnicas de fisioterapia na gestão dos sintomas de fibromialgia. MÉTODOS: Este estudo experimental recrutou 60 participantes FM com idades entre 18-50 anos de Dehradun, Índia, e foram divididos aleatoriamente em 2 grupos: apenas Fisioterapia integrada e fisioterapia integrada e terapia cognitiva comportamental, durante 12 semanas. Escala analógica visual, questionário impacto fibromialgia revisado, índice de depressão Beck, versão abreviada-36 inquéritos de saúde, algômetro de pressão da dor, distúrbio de ansiedade geral - 7 foram registados na linha de base, quatro semanas, oito semanas e dose semanas. RESULTADOS: Após três meses, melhoras significativas (p <0,05) foram observadas em todas as medidas de resultados acima de fisioterapia integrada e grupo de terapia cognitivo-comportamental. CONCLUSÃO: A terapia cognitiva-comportamental combinada com tratamento fisioterápico teve um efeito de reduzir a depressão e a deficiência, melhorando qualidade de vida na fibromialgia.

INTRODUCTION: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a long-lasting musculoskeletal pain, which remains a problematic clinical entity globally and the management of this condition is a challenge for the health providers. Numerous individual treatment options are available to improve the symptoms of fibromyalgia, but a specificity tailored to particular patient is still missing. Thus, in this study we tested both the individual effects of physiotherapy techniques and the combination of cognitive behavioral therapy along with physiotherapy techniques would bring any changes on the fibromyalgia symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To determine the combined effect of cognitive behavioral therapy along with physiotherapy techniques in the management of fibromyalgia symptoms. METHODS: This experimental study recruited 60 FM participants aged 18-50 years from Dehradun, India and were randomized into one of 2 groups: Integrated Physiotherapy only, integrated physiotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy for 12 weeks. Visual analogue scale, revised fibromyalgia impact questionnaire, beck depression index, shortform-36 health surveys, Pain pressure algometer, General Anxiety Disorder - 7 were recorded at baseline, four weeks, eight weeks and twelve weeks. RESULTS: After three months significant improvement (p<0.05) were noted on all the above outcome measures of integrated physical therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy group. CONCLUSION: Cognitive behavioral therapy combined with Physiotherapy treatment had an effect to reduce the depression and disability, improvement on the quality of life on fibromyalgia.

Effects of acute mental stress on conditioned pain modulation in temporomandibular disorders patients and healthy individuals

Abstract Stress is a contributing factor to painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Nevertheless, the underpinnings of this relationship are not fully understood. Objective To investigate the effects of acute mental stress on conditioned pain modulation (CPM) in TMD patients compared with healthy individuals. Methodology Twenty women with chronic myofascial TMD diagnosed according to the RDC/TMD and 20 age-matched healthy women had the CPM assessed before and after a stressful task using the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT) in a single session. Subjective stress response was assessed with the aid of visual analog scale (VAS). Pressure pain threshold (PPT) on masseter muscle was the test stimulus (TS) and immersion of the participant's hand on hot water was the conditioning stimulus (CS) - CPM-sequential paradigm. Results Healthy individuals reported PASAT are more stressful when compared with TMD patients and the stress task did not affect the CPM in neither group. Nonetheless, a negative correlation was observed between change in CPM and change in TS from baseline to post-stress session, which indicates that the greater the increase in PPT after the stress task, the greater was the decrease in CPM magnitude. The correlation was strong for healthy controls (r=- 0.72, p<0.001) and moderate for TMD patients (r=- 0.44, p=0.047). Conclusions The correlation between the change in CPM and the TS change following the stress task may possibly indicate an overlapping pathway between stress-induced analgesia/hyperalgesia and descending pain inhibition.

Botulinum toxin type A and acupuncture for masticatory myofascial pain: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract BoNT-A has been widely used for TMD therapy. However, the potential benefits compared to dry needling techniques are not clear. Objective this study aimed to compare the immediate effects of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injections and Acupuncture in myofascial temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients. Methodology 54 women were divided into three groups (n=18). AC patients received four sessions of traditional acupuncture, being one session/week during 20-min. BoNT-A patients were bilaterally injected with 30U and 10U in masseter and anterior temporal muscles, respectively. Moreover, a control group received saline solution (SS) in the same muscles. Self-perceived pain was assessed by visual analog scale, while pressure pain threshold (PPT) was verified by a digital algometer. Electromyographic evaluations (EMG) of anterior temporal and masseter muscles were also measured. All variables were assessed before and 1-month after therapies. The mixed-design two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc tests were used for analysis, considering a=0.05. Results Self-perceived pain decreased in all groups after one month of therapy (P<.001). BoNT-A was not better than AC in pain reduction (P=0.05), but both therapies were more effective in reducing pain than SS (P<0.05). BoNT-A was the only treatment able to improve PPT values (P<0.05); however, a severe decrease of EMG activity was also found in this group, which is considered an adverse effect. Conclusion after one month of follow-up, all therapies reduced the self-perceived pain in myofascial TMD patients, but only BoNT-A enhanced PPT yet decreased EMG.

Central neural mechanism of increased pain sensitivity induced by nicotine abstinence / 生理学报

Nicotine is the main addictive component in cigarettes that motivates dependence on tobacco use for smokers and makes it difficult to quit through regulating a variety of neurotransmitter release and receptor activations in the brain. Even though nicotine has an analgesic effect, clinical studies demonstrated that nicotine abstinence reduces pain threshold and increases pain sensitivity in smoking individuals. The demand for opioid analgesics in nicotine abstinent patients undergoing surgery has greatly increased, which results in many side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and respiratory depression, etc. In addition, these side effects would hinder patients' physical and psychological recovery. Therefore, identifying the neural mechanism of the increase of pain sensitivity induced by nicotine abstinence and deriving a way to cope with the increased demand for postoperative analgesics would have enormous basic and clinical implications. In this review, we first discussed different experimental pain stimuli (e.g., cold, heat, and mechanical pain)-induced pain sensitivity changes after a period of nicotine dependence/abstinence from both animal and human studies. Then, we summarized the effects of the brain neurotransmitter release (e.g., serotonin, norepinephrine, endogenous opioids, dopamine, and γ-aminobutyric acid) and their corresponding receptor activation changes after nicotine abstinence on pain sensitivity. Finally, we discussed the limits in recent studies. We proposed that more attention should be paid to human studies, especially studies among chronic pain patients, and functional magnetic resonance imaging might be a useful tool to reveal the mechanisms of abstinence-induced pain sensitivity changes. Besides, considering the influence of duration of nicotine dependence/abstinence and gender on pain sensitivity, we proposed that the effects of nicotine abstinence and individual differences (e.g., duration of abstinence from smoking, chronic/acute abstinence, and gender) on abstinence-induced pain sensitivity should be fully considered in formulating pain treatment protocols. In summary, this paper could deepen our understanding of nicotine abstinence-induced pain sensitivity changes and its underlying neural mechanism, and could also provide effective scientific theories to guide clinical pain diagnosis and treatment, which has important clinical significance.

Intervenção baseada em mindfulness reduz parâmetros de sensibilidade em mulheres com DTM dolorosa crônica / Mindfulness-based intervention reduces sensitivity parameters in women with chronic painful TMD / La intervención basada en la atención plena reduce los parámetros de sensibilidad en mujeres con TMD dolorosa crónica

OBJETIVO: analisar parâmetros clínicos sugestivos de sensibilização central em mulheres com disfunção temporomandibular dolorosa crônica antes e após uma intervenção baseada em mindfulness. MÉTODO: onze mulheres com idade entre 27 e 44 anos (36,36 ± 5,61), com diagnóstico de disfunções temporomandibulares dolorosa crônica (Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders), participaram do estudo. A hiperalgesia, a alodinia e o limiar de dor à pressão foram avaliados em pontos trigeminais e extra-trigeminais antes e após a intervenção baseada em mindfulness, bem como a aplicação do questionário Mindful Attention Awareness Scale. O programa de mindfulness de 8 semanas foi oferecido às participantes do estudo, com base no protocolo Mindfulness Trainings International, em sessões semanais de 2 horas e uma sessão de 4 horas. RESULTADOS: houve redução significativa da alodinia, da hiperalgesia e aumento do limiar de dor à pressão, além de aumento significativo do nível de atenção plena (p < 0,05) enquanto marcador de efetividade da intervenção baseada em mindfulness oferecida. CONCLUSÃO: índices mais saudáveis nos parâmetros clínicos sugestivos de sensibilização central investigados após a intervenção, representam melhora significativa na relação da pessoa com quadro de enfermidade crônica geradora de experiências desagradáveis contínuas como a disfunções temporomandibulares.

OBJECTIVE: manifestations of allodynia and hyperalgesia are commonly present in chronic painful temporomandibular disorder. Studies point to the benefits of people with chronic pain undergoing mindfulness-based interventions, by demonstrating brain, hormonal, and clinical changes. This study aimed to analyze clinical parameters suggestive of central sensitization (pressure pain threshold, allodynia, and hyperalgesia) in women with chronic painful temporomandibular disorder before and after a mindfulness-based intervention, through a before-and-after intervention study, longitudinal, uncontrolled. METHOD: the analysis included 11 women chosen at random from a total of 20, aged between 27 and 44 years (36.36 ± 5.61), diagnosed with chronic painful temporomandibular disorder according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders protocol and who completed the 8-week mindfulness-based intervention program. Hyperalgesia, allodynia, and pressure pain threshold were tested at trigeminal and extra-trigeminal points before and after the intervention as well as the application of the questionnaire to measure the level of mindfulness (Mindful Attention Awareness Scale). The 8-week mindfulness program was offered to the study participants, based on the Mindfulness Trainings International - protocol, in weekly 2-hour sessions and a 4-hour session (immersion). RESULTS: the results pointed to a reduction in allodynia, hyperalgesia and an increase in pressure pain threshold, with significant differences in several tested points (p <0.05). The changes identified were accompanied by a significant increase in the level of mindfulness (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: healthier indexes in clinical parameters suggestive of central sensitization investigated after the intervention represent a significant improvement in the person's relationship with a chronic illness that generates continuous unpleasant experiences such as temporomandibular disorder. Thus, the practice of mindfulness represents an appropriate and particularly interesting care because it is a low-cost, non-invasive intervention with low evidence of adverse effects.

OBJETIVO: las manifestaciones de alodinia y hiperalgesia y están comúnmente presentes en lo trastorno temporomandibular doloroso crónico. Los estudios señalan los beneficios de las personas con dolor crónico que se someten a intervenciones basadas en la atención plena, al demostrar cambios cerebrales, hormonales y clínicos. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar parámetros clínicos sugestivos de sensibilización central (umbral de dolor por presión, alodinia e hiperalgesia) en mujeres con trastorno temporomandibular doloroso crónico antes y después de una intervención basada en la atención plena, a través de un estudio de intervención antes y después, longitudinal, sin control. MÉTODO: el análisis incluyó a 11 mujeres elegidas al azar de un total de 20, con edades entre 27 y 44 años (36.36 ± 5.61), diagnosticadas con trastorno temporomandibular doloroso crónico de acuerdo con protocolo Criterios de diagnóstico para trastornos temporomandibulares y que completaron el 8- programa de intervención basado en mindfulness de una semana. La hiperalgesia, la alodinia y el umbral de dolor por presión se probaron en los puntos trigémino y extra-trigémino antes y después de la intervención, así como también en la aplicación del cuestionario para medir el nivel de atención plena (Escala de conciencia de atención plena). El programa de atención plena de 8 semanas se ofreció a los participantes del estudio, basado en el protocolo Mindfulness Trainings International, en sesiones semanales de 2 horas y una sesión de 4 horas (inmersión). RESULTADOS: los resultados apuntaron a una reducción en la alodinia, hiperalgesia y un aumento en la umbral de dolor por presión, con diferencias significativas en varios puntos probados (p <0.05). Los cambios identificados fueron acompañados por un aumento significativo en el nivel de atención plena (p <0.05), como un marcador de la efectividad de la capacitación ofrecida para la práctica de la atención plena. CONCLUSIÓN: los índices más saludables en los parámetros clínicos sugestivos de sensibilización central investigados después de la intervención, representan una mejora significativa en la relación de la persona con una enfermedad crónica que genera experiencias continuas desagradables como trastorno temporomandibular doloroso crónico. Por lo tanto, la práctica de la atención plena representa una atención aplicable y particularmente interesante porque es una intervención no invasiva de bajo costo con poca evidencia de efectos adversos.

Classification of low back pain into subgroups for diagnostic and therapeutic clarity / Classificação da lombalgia em subgrupos para clareza diagnóstica e terapêutica / Clasificación de la lumbalgia en subgrupos para claridad diagnostica y terapéutica

ABSTRACT Objective To establish a classification in subgroups with symptoms and functionality involving volunteers with nonspecific chronic low back pain for better clarity of functional and therapeutic diagnostic definitions. Methods Observational, quantitative, cross-sectional study with population of 62 university students between 18 and 30 years of age, with a mean age of 21.40 (± 2.40) years, presenting nonspecific lumbar pain for more than three months. Three questionnaires were used for the division into subgroups: STarT Back Screening, the Oswestry Disability Index, and FABQ-Brasil, the VAS evaluation, orthopedic tests: Lasègue's, Slump test, de Sèze test, Valsalva maneuver, and evaluation of the pain threshold of the right and left iliocostal lumbar muscles. Results All the volunteers included in the study had chronic back pain. Most of them (50%) had normal body mass index, 54.8% were sedentary, and of those who were physically active, 14.5% did body building. The Slump test (35.5%) proved to be more reliable than Lasègue's test (21%). In the evaluation, the volunteers reported moderate pain intensity (72.6%) and the mean pressure pain threshold was 6.37 kgf and 6.14 kgf for the right and left iliocostal muscles, respectively. In the questionnaires, 85.5% had a low-risk score, that is, a good prognosis for pain treatment, and 91.9% had minimum disability. The largest treatment hypothesis group was stabilization (29.0%). Conclusion The method of treatment subgroup classification is a guide towards better semiological perspectives and the definition of the clinically preferred physiotherapeutic treatment for each case. Level of Evidence III; Diagnostic study.

RESUMO Objetivo Estabelecer uma classificação em subgrupos com sintomatologia e funcionalidade, envolvendo voluntárias com lombalgia crônica inespecífica, para melhor clareza das definições diagnósticas funcionais e terapêuticas. Métodos Estudo observatório, quantitativo, transversal, com população de 62 estudantes universitárias, entre 18 e 30 anos, com média de idade 21,40 (±2,4) anos, apresentando dor lombar inespecífica há mais de três meses. Foram utilizados três questionários para a divisão dos subgrupos: STarT Back Screening, Índice de Incapacidade Oswestry e FABQ-Brasil, avaliação de EVA, testes ortopédicos de Lasègue, Slump Test, Sinais das Pontas, Manobra de Valsalva e avaliação do limiar de dor no músculo íliocostal lombar direito e esquerdo. Resultados Todas as voluntárias incluídas no estudo apresentam lombalgia crônica. A maioria com 50% de índice de massa corporal normal, sendo que 54,8% são sedentárias e, das que praticam atividade física, 14,5% fazem musculação. O Slump Test (35,5%) mostrou-se mais confiável do que o teste de Lasègue (21%). Na avaliação, as voluntárias relataram intensidade de dor moderada (72,6%) e com média do limiar da dor à pressão sobre o músculo íliocostal lombar direito de 6,37 kgf e esquerdo de 6,14 kgf. Nos questionários, 85,5% mostrou-se com pontuação de baixo risco, ou seja, um bom prognóstico para o tratamento da dor e 91,9% com incapacidade mínima. O maior grupo de hipótese de tratamento é a estabilização (29,0%). Conclusão O método de tratamento da classificação de subgrupos norteia para melhores perspectivas semiológicas e de definição do tratamento fisioterapêutico de predileção clínica para cada caso. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo diagnóstico.

RESUMEN Objetivo Establecer una clasificación en subgrupos con sintomatología y funcionalidad, involucrando a voluntarias con lumbalgia crónica inespecífica para mejor claridad de las definiciones diagnósticas funcionales y terapéuticas. Métodos Estudio observatorio, cuantitativo, transversal, con población de 62 estudiantes universitarias, entre 18 y 30 años, con promedio de edad de 21,40 (± 2,40) años, presentando dolor lumbar inespecífico desde hace más de tres meses. Fueron utilizados tres cuestionarios para la subdivisión de los subgrupos: STarT Back Screening, Índice de Incapacidad Oswestry y FABQ-Brasil, evaluación de Eva, pruebas ortopédicas de Lasègue, Slump Test, señales de las puntas, maniobra de Valsalva y evaluación del umbral de dolor en el músculo iliocostal derecho e izquierdo. Resultados Todas las voluntarias incluidas en el estudio presentan lumbalgia crónica. La mayoría con 50% de índice de masa de cuerpo normal, siendo que 54,8% son sedentarias y, de las que practican actividad física, 14,5% hace musculación. El Slump Test (35,5%) se mostró más confiable que el Test de Lasègue (21%). En la evaluación, las voluntarias relataron intensidad de dolor moderada (72,6%) y con el promedio del umbral de dolor a la presión sobre el músculo iliocostal lumbar derecho de 6,37 kgf e izquierdo de 6,14 kgf. En los cuestionarios, 85,5% se mostró con puntuación de bajo riesgo, o sea, un buen pronóstico para el tratamiento de dolor y 91,9% con incapacidad mínima. El mayor grupo de hipótesis de tratamiento es la estabilización (29,0%). Conclusión El método de tratamiento de la clasificación de subgrupos nortea para mejores perspectivas semiológicas y de definición del tratamiento fisioterapéutico de predilección clínica para cada caso. Nivel de Evidencia III; Estudio diagnóstico.

Application of pain pressure threshold test in lumbar intervertebral disc herniation study / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To quantify pain pressure threshold(PPT) in the patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation before and after treatment, and to study the clinical effects of the PPT test in lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.@*METHODS@#From January to December 2017, 59 patients with lumbar intervertebral disc hernation were treated, and another 59 normal persons were recruited as the normal control group. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to measure the patient's subjective pain intensity at admission, and the pain threshold of lumbar posterior joints was measured by the tenderness gauge. The pain threshold was measured three times with an interval of 1 min at the most painful posterior joints and the contralateral posterior joints, and the average value was recorded as the T-value.All patients were treated with one course of conservative treatment ( spine fixed-point rotation reduction plus routine dehydration and anti-inflammation). VAS score and pain threshold of posterior lumbar joints were measured after the treatment. One lumbar posterior joint was randomly selected in the normal control group to measure the pain threshold.@*RESULTS@#(1)The patient group and the normal control group were comparable. There was no significant difference in age, body height, body weight and BMI between the two groups(>0.05). (2) The pressure pain threshold test was consistent:variance analysis on the T-value before treatment [(4.72±2.14) kg / cm, (4.96±2.10) kg / cm, (5.11±2.09) kg / cm] of the affected posterior joint, the T-value after treatment [(7.38±2.36) kg / cm, (7.62±2.51) kg / cm, (7.58±2.47) kg / cm], the T-value of before treatment [(7.18±2.80) kg / cm, (7.19±2.68) kg / cm, (7.20±2.69) kg / cm] of the contralateral posterior joint, T value after treatment [(9.54±2.89) kg / cm, (9.76±3.01) kg / cm, (9.77±3.09) kg / cm]; and normal joint T-value [(12.23±1.56) kg / cm, (12.51±1.48) kg / cm, (12.6±1.63) kg / cm] showed that there were no significant differences in the three successive measurements of pain threshold (>0.05). (3) After conservative treatment, the pain threshold of the affected side[(7.58±2.38) kg / cm] and the contralateral lumbar posterior joints [(9.70±2.92) kg / cm] increased significantly, but T-value of the affected side was still lower than that of the contralateral side, and T value of the both sides were lower than that of the normal group [(12.48±1.44) kg / cm]. The T-value of the affected side and the contralateral side had significant difference between before and after treatment (0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The pressure pain threshold test can accurately evaluate the pain intensity and its changing patterns in the lumbar posterior joint. The pain pressure threshold test is clinically significantin the lumbar disc herniation.

Clinical observation on distribution characteristics and rules of pain sensitivity points on body surface in patients with knee osteoarthritis / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the distribution characteristics and rules of pain sensitivity points on body surface in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).@*METHODS@#A total of 916 patients with KOA were selected in this study, the pain sensitivity points of local site of knee joint were probed by thumb palpation. Tape was used to measure the distance between the pain sensitivity points and the most nearby acupoints. The Wagner tenderness measuring instrument was used to measure the tenderness threshold of pain sensitivity points.@*RESULTS@#A total of 3618 pain sensitivity points were probed, among them, 3338 pain sensitivity points were sensitized. The minimum sensitization degree was 1.00, the maximum sensitization degree was 3.39, while the average sensitization degree was (2.16±0.60). Pain sensitivity points were distributed 0.37-1.73 @*CONCLUSION@#The pain sensitivity points of patients with KOA may be the expansion effect of acupoint areas in the disease states, pain sensitivity points are more likely to appear on the medial side of knee joint.

Comparison of the effect between electroacupuncture and NSAIDs on pain memory based on cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway in anterior cingulate gyrus / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the direct intervention effects of electroacupuncture (EA) and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on pain memory, and to explore their effects on cAMP/PKA/cAMP pathway in anterior cingulate gyrus (ACC).@*METHODS@#Fifty clean healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, an indomethacin group, an EA group and a sham EA group, 10 rats in each group. Except the control group, the pain memory model was established in the remaining four groups by twice injection of carrageenan at foot; 0.1 mL of 2%λ-carrageenan was subcutaneously injected at the left foot of rats; 14 days later, when the pain threshold of rats of each group returned to the basic level, the second injection was performed with the same procedure. The rats in the EA group were treated with EA at bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36) for 30 min; the rats in the indomethacin group was treated with indomethacin intragastric administration with the dose of 3 mg/kg; the rats in the sham EA group was treated with EA without electricity at the point 0.3 mm forward "Zusanli" (ST 36) with the depth of 2 mm for 30 min; the rats in the control group was not given any invention. All the above interventions were performed 5 h, 1 d, 2 d and 3 d after the second injection of 2% λ-carrageenan. The left-side paw withdrawal thresholds (PWT) were observed before the first injection, 4 h, 3 d, 5 d after the first injection, before the second injection and 4 h, 1 d, 2 d, 3 d after the second injection. Three days after the second injection, the number of positive cells of cAMP, p-PKA, p-CREB and the number of positive cells of protein co-expression in the right ACC brain area were detected by immunofluorescence, and the relative protein expression of p-PKA and p-CREB were detected by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the PWTs in the model group decreased significantly 4 h, 3 d and 5 d after the first injection and 1 d, 2 d and 3 d after the second injection (<0.05); compared with the control group, the positive expression of cAMP, p-PKA and p-CREB in the right ACC brain area in the model group increased significantly (<0.05), and the number of positive cells of the co-expression of cAMP/p-PKA and p-PKA/p-CREB also increased significantly (<0.05). Compared with the model group, indomethacin group and sham EA group, the PWTs in the EA group were increased significantly 1 d, 2 d and 3 d after the second injection (<0.05); compared with the model group, indomethacin group and sham EA group, the positive expression of p-PKA and p-CREB in the right ACC brain area in the EA group decreased significantly (<0.05), and the number of positive cells of co-expression of cAMP/p-PKA and p-PKA/p-CREB was decreased significantly (<0.05). Compared with the model group and sham EA group, the positive expression of cAMP in the right ACC brain area was decreased in the EA group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#EA have a direct intervention effect on pain memory, which have significant advantage over NSAIDs in the treatment of chronic pain. The advantage effect of EA on pain memory may be related to the inhibition of cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway in ACC area.

Characteristics of orofacial operant test for orofacial pain sensitivity caused by occlusal interference in rats / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the orofacial pain sensitivity with operant test and mechanical hyperalgesia with von Frey filaments of two orofacial pain models (EOI: experimental occlusal interference; pIONX: partial infraorbital nerve transection). To investigate the operant and evoked characteristics of EOI-rats.@*METHODS@#The orofacial operant behaviors were tested by Ugo Basile Orofacial Stimulation Test System. The mechanical thresholds of vibrissal pads were tested by von Frey filaments. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into eight groups: von Frey group: sham-EOI, EOI, sham-pIONX, pIONX (sham: sham-operated group); operant test group: sham-EOI, EOI, sham-pIONX, pIONX (sham: sham-operated group). The mechanical thresholds and orofacial operant behaviors were tested on pre-operation and post-operation days l, 3, 7, 10, 14 and 21.@*RESULTS@#In pIONX of von Frey group, the mechanical withdrawal threshold decreased from days 1 to 21 (P<0.05), peaking from days 7 to 10, and lasted until the end of the experiment. There was no significant difference between the bilateral sides. In pIONX of operant test group, the total contact time decreased from days 10 to 21 (P<0.05), peaking from days 10 to 14, and lasted until the end of the experiment. In EOI of von Frey group, the mechanical withdrawal threshold decreased from days 3 to 21 (P<0.05), peaking on day 7, and lasted until the end of the experiment. There was no significant difference between the bilateral sides. In EOI of operant test group, the total contact time decreased from days 1 to 21 (P<0.05), peaking from days 7 to 10, and lasting until the end of experiment.@*CONCLUSION@#Orofacial operant test is a stable method to evaluate orofacial pain behaviors, which could discriminate the feature of neuropathic and EOI orofacial pain. In these two animal models, both of the operant behaviors and the mechanical hyperalgesia exhibited different time courses. Orofacial operant test provides a novel method for evaluating the orofacial pain sensitivity and studying the orofacial pain mechanism thoroughly.

Immediate Effects and Acceptability of an Application-Based Stretching Exercise Incorporating Deep Slow Breathing for Neck Pain Self-management / 대한의료정보학회지

The association of self-reported awake bruxism with anxiety, depression, pain threshold at pressure, pain vigilance, and quality of life in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate whether the presence of awake bruxism was associated with temporomandibular dysfunction symptoms, pain threshold at pressure, pain vigilance, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and anxiety and depression symptoms in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Methodology This observational study followed patients who had started receiving orthodontic treatment for six months. The following variables were measured three times (at baseline, one month, and six months): pressure pain threshold (PPT) in the right and left masseter, anterior temporalis, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and right forearm; pain vigilance and awareness questionnaire; and shortened form of the oral health impact profile (OHIP-14). Anxiety and depression symptoms were measured using the Beck anxiety inventory and the Beck depression inventory, respectively. The patients were divided into two main groups according to the presence (n=56) and absence (n=58) of possible awake bruxism. The multi-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied on the date (p=0.050). Results TMJ and/or muscle pain were not observed in both groups. Time, sex, age group, and awake bruxism did not affect the PPT in the masticatory muscles and pain vigilance (p>0.050). However, the primary effect of awake bruxism was observed when anxiety (ANOVA: F=8.61, p=0.004) and depression (ANOVA: F=6.48, p=0.012) levels were higher and the OHRQoL was lower (ANOVA: F=8.61, p=0.004). Conclusion The patients with self-reported awake bruxism undergoing an orthodontic treatment did not develop TMJ/masticatory muscle pain. The self-reported awake bruxism is associated with higher anxiety and depression levels and a poorer OHRQoL in patients during the orthodontic treatment.

Indomethacin attenuates mechanical allodynia during the organization but not the maintenance of the peripheral neuropathic pain induced by nervus ischiadicus chronic constriction injury

The neurochemical mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain (NP) are related to peripheral and central sensitization caused by the release of inflammatory mediators in the peripheral damaged tissue and ectopic discharges from the injured nerve, leading to a hyperexcitable state of spinal dorsal horn neurons. The aim of this work was to clarify the role played by cyclooxygenase (COX) in the lesioned peripheral nerve in the development and maintenance of NP by evaluating at which moment the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin, a non-selective COX inhibitor, attenuated mechanical allodynia after placing one loose ligature around the nervus ischiadicus, an adaptation of Bennett and Xie's model in rodents. NP was induced in male Wistar rats by subjecting them to chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the nervus ischiadicus, placing one loose ligature around the peripheral nerve, and a sham surgery (without CCI) was used as control. Indomethacin (2 mg/kg) or vehicle was intraperitoneally and acutely administered in each group of rats and at different time windows (1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days) after the CCI or sham surgical procedures, followed by von Frey's test for 30 min. The data showed that indomethacin decreased the mechanical allodynia threshold of rats on the first, second, and fourth days after CCI (P<0.05). These findings suggested that inflammatory mechanisms are involved in the induction of NP and that COX-1 and COX-2 are involved in the induction but not in the maintenance of NP.

Efecto del fentanilo intratecal en hiperlagesia secundaria posoperatoria de cirugía ligamento cruzado anterior de rodilla / Effect of Intrathecal fentanyl on secondary hyperalgesia, in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament repair

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fentanyl addition is a common practice when administering spinal anesthesia. Intrathecal fentanyl has been associated to increased postoperative pain and increase morphine consumption, but considered to be related to acute opioid tolerance. This prospective, randomized, blind study evaluates the effect of intrathecal fentanyl in the development of secondary hyperalgesia, measured with Von Frey filaments, in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament repair. METHODS: 46 patients having anterior cruciate ligament repair, received intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine 13.5 mg with fentanyl 20 mcg or no fentanyl addition. Light touch pain threshold was measured with von Frey filaments before anesthesia, at 6 and 24 hours post anesthesia in the non-operated thigh and in the forearm. Visual analogue pain scores and morphine consumption were also measured at the same time. RESULTS: Baseline thresholds to mechanical stimuli were similar in both groups. In the forearm, analysis showed a decreased threshold for the non-fentanyl group at 24 h p = 0.036. In the lower extremity, control and treatment group showed lower thresholds (secondary hyperalgesia) p = 0.002 but no difference between them p = 0.795. VAS score and morphine consumption did not differ among groups. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal fentanyl added to hyperbaric bupivacaine showed no evidence of an augmented state of hyperalgesia after ACL repair, neither by pain threshold modification nor clinical outcomes. On the contrary, at 24 h, fentanyl may have a protective effect at levels above the spinal block.

ANTECEDENTES Y OBJETIVOS: El uso de fentanilo es una práctica común en la administración de anestesia espinal. Su aplicación se ha asociado a un aumento del dolor post operatorio y a un aumento en el uso de morfina; por otro lado, se ha vinculado a una tolerancia aguda a opioides. El siguiente estudio prospectivo, randomizado y ciego, evalúa los efectos del fentanilo intratecal en la aparición de hiperalgesia secundaria, medida a través de filamentos Von Frey, en pacientes operados de ligamento cruzado anterior. METODOLOGÍA: Se incluyeron a 46 pacientes operados de ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) con una dosis intratecal de bupivacaína hiperbárica de 13,5 mg; con y sin la adición de fentanilo de 20 mcg. Se midió el umbral del dolor mecánico, a través de filamentos Von Frey, antes de la anestesia, a las 6 y 24 horas postanestesia en el muslo no operado y en el antebrazo. Al mismo tiempo, se midió la puntuación del dolor en la escala verbal numérica (EVN) y el consumo de morfina. RESULTADOS: Los umbrales basales ante la estimulación mecánica resultaron similares en ambos grupos. En el antebrazo, el análisis mostró una disminución del umbral en el grupo de pacientes sin fentanilo, a las 24 h, p = 0,036 comparado con uso de fentanilo. En el muslo, el grupo control y tratamiento mostró umbrales más bajos (hiperalgesia secundaria) p = 0,002; no obstante, no se mostraron diferencias entre ellos. No se mostraron diferencias entre las puntuaciones de la EVN y el consumo de morfina en los dos grupos. CONCLUSIÓN: No hay evidencia que la adición de fentanilo espinal, a la dosis de bupivacaína hiperbárica, haya contribuido a un aumento en la hiperalgesia tras la reparación del LCA, medido por la modificación del umbral del dolor, ni en los resultados clínicos. Al contrario a las 24 h fentanilo puede tener un efecto protector de la hiperalgesia secundaria sobre el nivel del bloqueo espinal.

Terapia de fotobiomodulação na disfunção temporomandibular: Resultados preliminares em dor e movimentos mandibulares / Laser photobiomodulation therapy in temporomandibular disorders: Early results on pain and mandibular movements

A terapia de fotobiomodulação (TFBM) com laser em baixa intensidade é empregada para o alívio da dor em diversas condições clínicas, incluindo as disfunções temporomandibulares (DTM). A dor musculoesquelética com frequência produz mudanças no comportamento motor, assim, é comum pacientes com DTM apresentarem limitações nos movimentos mandibulares. Esta análise preliminar de um ensaio clínico randomizado e duplo-cego investigou a influência de diferentes protocolos de TFBM com laser em baixa intensidade, associados a medidas de autocuidado, na dor e mobilidade mandibular de pacientes com DTM. Foram selecionados 40 participantes que apresentavam dor muscular e articular, com deslocamento de disco ou não. O exame clínico foi conduzido com base nos Critérios Diagnósticos de Pesquisa em Disfunção Temporomandibular (RDC/TMD). Todos os participantes receberam medidas educativas de autocuidados em DTM, e foram acompanhados durante duas semanas. Após este período, foram reavaliados quanto aos critérios de inclusão e exclusão e, caso ainda apresentem dor muscular e articular acima de 4 cm em escala visual analógica (EVA), foram convidados a integrar a pesquisa. Os participantes foram distribuídos randomicamente em quatro grupos de tratamento (n=10): G1, TFBM placebo (SHAM); G2, TFBM com laser vermelho (660 nm, 88 J/cm2, 100 mW, 3 J/ponto, 12 pontos, ? 0,034 cm2); G3, TFBM com laser infravermelho (808 nm, 88 J/cm2, 100 mW, 3 J/ponto, 12 pontos, ? 0,034 cm2); e G4, TFBM com laser vermelho e infravermelho alternados entre as sessões. O tratamento era composto de 8 sessões de TFBM, 2 vezes por semana, adjuvante às medidas de autocuidado. Os resultados das terapias propostas foram analisados por meio de escala visual analógica para intensidade de dor espontânea e à palpação sobre a ATM, músculos masseter superficial e temporal anterior; limiar de dor à pressão (LDP) nos mesmos pontos; e amplitude dos movimentos mandibulares (abertura, lateralidades e protrusão). A coleta dos dados foi realizada nos tempos: T1, inicial; T2, após a primeira sessão de tratamento; T3, ao final do tratamento; e T4, 30 dias após a última sessão de TFBM. Para análise estatística foi empregado teste de ANOVA 2 fatores de medidas repetidas com post hoc de Tukey (p<0,05). Para as avaliações da dor espontânea reportada pelo paciente, dor à palpação no feixe anterior do músculo temporal, limiares de dor à pressão e extensão dos movimentos mandibulares, os tratamentos com laser ativos promoveram melhora semelhante à irradiação placebo. No entanto, a terapia de fotobiomodulação nos três protocolos apresentados foi superior ao tratamento placebo para a redução da dor à palpação do m. masseter superficial e ATM (p<0,05). A melhora alcançada se manteve 30 dias após o tratamento. Em conclusão, todos os protocolos de TFBM testados são capazes de reduzir a dor à palpação no m. masseter superficial e na ATM de indivíduos com DTM. Um ensaio clínico randomizado com um número maior de pacientes é necessário para determinar um protocolo efetivo de TFBM para o manejo da DTM.

Dexmedetomidine attenuates P2X4 and NLRP3 expression in the spine of rats with diabetic neuropathic pain

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effects of Dexmedetomidine (Dex) on spinal pathology and inflammatory factor in a rat model of Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP). Methods: The rats were divided into 3 groups (eight in each group): normal group (N group), diabetic neuropathic pain model group (DNP group), and DNP model with dexmedetomidine (Dex group). The rat model of diabetes was established with intraperitoneal streptozotocin (STZ) injections. Nerve cell ultrastructure was evaluated with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) tests documented that DNP rat model was characterized by a decreased pain threshold and nerve conduction velocity. Results: Dex restored the phenotype of neurocytes, reduced the extent of demyelination and improved MWT and MNCV of DNP-treated rats (P=0.01, P=0.038, respectively). The expression of three pain-and inflammation-associated factors (P2X4, NLRP3, and IL-IP) was significantly upregulated at the protein level in DNP rats, and this change was reversed by Dex administration (P=0.0022, P=0.0092, P=0.0028, respectively). Conclusion: The P2X4/NLRP3 signaling pathway is implicated in the development and presence of DNP in vivo, and Dex protects from this disorder.

Preoperative anxiety induces chronic postoperative pain by activating astrocytes in the anterior cingulate cortex region

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE The study aims to explore the relationship between preoperative anxiety and chronic postoperative pain. METHODS A total of forty rats were divided into four groups, control, single-prolonged stress alone, Hysterectomy alone, and SPS+ Hysterectomy. The paw withdrawal mechanical thresholds (PWMT) were examined. qRT-PCR and western blotting assay were performed to detect the GFAP expression in astrocytes isolated from the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) region. In addition, the long-term potentiation (LTP) in ACC was examined. RESULTS Rats in the SPS group or the Hysterectomy alone group had no significant effect on chronic pain formation, but SPS can significantly induce chronic pain after surgery. Astrocytes were still active, and the LTP was significantly increased three days after modeling in the SPS+Hysterectomy group. CONCLUSIONS anxiety can induce chronic pain by activating astrocytes in the ACC region.

RESUMO OBJETIVO O objetivo deste estudo é explorar a relação entre a ansiedade no pré-operatório e a dor crônica no pós-operatório. MÉTODOS Um total de 40 ratos foram divididos em quatro grupos: controle, estresse prolongado (SPS), histerectomia e SPS + histerectomia. Os limiares de retirada da pata em resposta a estímulo mecânico (PWMT) foram examinados. Ensaios qRT-PCR e imunoenzimáticos (western blotting) foram realizados para detectar a expressão de GFAP em astrócitos isolados da região do córtex cingulado anterior (CCA). Além disso, a potenciação de longa duração (LTP) no CCA também foi examinada. RESULTADOS Os ratos no grupo de estresse prolongado e no grupo de histerectomia não apresentaram nenhum efeito significativo na formação de dor crônica. Porém, o estresse prolongado foi capaz de induzir dor crônica significativamente após a cirurgia. Três dias após o modelo, o grupo de SPS + histerectomia ainda apresentava astrócitos ativos e LTP significativamente maior. CONCLUSÃO A ansiedade pode provocar dor crônica através da ativação de astrócitos na região do CCA.