Metformin attenuates bone cancer pain by inhibiting expression of p-STAT3 / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

Aim To investigate the effects of metformin on phospho-signal transducers and activators of transcription 3(p-STAT3) expression in the spinal dorsal horn in rats with bone cancer pain(BCP).Methods Healthy female SD rats weighing 200~220 g were randomly divided into four groups(n=12 each): Sham+NS, Sham+Metformin, BCP+NS, BCP+Metformin groups.Normal saline or metformin(200 mg·kg-1) was given intraperitoneally once a day at 7~14 day after surgery in four groups.Mechanical withdrawal threshold(MWT) was measured on-1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14 day after BCP.The L4-6 segments of spinal cords were used to detect the expression of p-STAT3 by Western blot and immunohistochemical staining technique after the behavioral test was completed on day 14.Results Intraperitoneal injection of metformin reversed hyperalgesia and suppressed the expression of p-STAT3 in BCP rats.Conclusion Metformin can attenuate BCP by inhibiting the expression of p-STAT3 in the spinal dorsal horn.