Journal of Pain Research (Mar 2024)

Looking for a Beam of Light to Heal Chronic Pain

  • Xu J,
  • Zhang H,
  • Chen D,
  • Xu K,
  • Li Z,
  • Wu H,
  • Geng X,
  • Wei X,
  • Wu J,
  • Cui W,
  • Wei S

Journal volume & issue
Vol. Volume 17
pp. 1091 – 1105

Abstract

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Jialing Xu,1,2 Hao Zhang,1,2 Dan Chen,2 Kaiyong Xu,1,2 Zifa Li,1,2 Hongyun Wu,3 Xiwen Geng,1,2 Xia Wei,4 Jibiao Wu,1,2 Wenqiang Cui,3 Sheng Wei1,2 1The Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Classic Theory of Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China; 2Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China; 4NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Generic Drugs, Shandong Institute for Food and Drug Control, Ji’nan, Shandong, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Sheng Wei, Email [email protected]; Wenqiang Cui, Email [email protected]: Chronic pain (CP) is a leading cause of disability and a potential factor that affects biological processes, family relationships, and self-esteem of patients. However, the need for treatment of CP is presently unmet. Current methods of pain management involve the use of drugs, but there are different degrees of concerning side effects. At present, the potential mechanisms underlying CP are not completely clear. As research progresses and novel therapeutic approaches are developed, the shortcomings of current pain treatment methods may be overcome. In this review, we discuss the retinal photoreceptors and brain regions associated with photoanalgesia, as well as the targets involved in photoanalgesia, shedding light on its potential underlying mechanisms. Our aim is to provide a foundation to understand the mechanisms underlying CP and develop light as a novel analgesic treatment has its biological regulation principle for CP. This approach may provide an opportunity to drive the field towards future translational, clinical studies and support pain drug development.Keywords: chronic pain, light therapy, photoanalgesia, brain regions, molecular targets

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