Microbiota-Accessible Boron-Containing Compounds in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Cristina Elena Biţă,
Ion Romulus Scorei,
Ananu Florentin Vreju,
Anca Emanuela Muşetescu,
George Dan Mogoşanu,
Andrei Biţă,
Venera Cristina Dinescu,
Ştefan Cristian Dinescu,
Cristina Criveanu,
Andreea Lili Bărbulescu,
Alesandra Florescu,
Paulina Lucia Ciurea
Affiliations
Cristina Elena Biţă
Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rareş Street, 200349 Craiova, Romania
Ion Romulus Scorei
Department of Biochemistry, BioBoron Research Institute, S.C. Natural Research S.R.L., 31B Dunării Street, 207465 Podari, Romania
Ananu Florentin Vreju
Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rareş Street, 200349 Craiova, Romania
Anca Emanuela Muşetescu
Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rareş Street, 200349 Craiova, Romania
George Dan Mogoşanu
Department of Pharmacognosy & Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rareş Street, 200349 Craiova, Romania
Andrei Biţă
Department of Pharmacognosy & Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rareş Street, 200349 Craiova, Romania
Venera Cristina Dinescu
Department of Health Promotion and Occupational Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rareş Street, 200349 Craiova, Romania
Ştefan Cristian Dinescu
Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rareş Street, 200349 Craiova, Romania
Cristina Criveanu
Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rareş Street, 200349 Craiova, Romania
Andreea Lili Bărbulescu
Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rareş Street, 200349 Craiova, Romania
Alesandra Florescu
Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rareş Street, 200349 Craiova, Romania
Paulina Lucia Ciurea
Department of Rheumatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rareş Street, 200349 Craiova, Romania
The microbiota–gut–brain axis has garnered increasing attention in recent years for its role in various health conditions, including neuroinflammatory disorders like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). CRPS is a debilitating condition characterized by chronic neuropathic pain, and its etiology and pathophysiology remain elusive. Emerging research suggests that alterations in the gut microbiota composition and function could play a significant role in CRPS development and progression. Our paper explores the implications of microbiota in CRPS and the potential therapeutic role of boron (B). Studies have demonstrated that individuals with CRPS often exhibit dysbiosis, with imbalances in beneficial and pathogenic gut bacteria. Dysbiosis can lead to increased gut permeability and systemic inflammation, contributing to the chronic pain experienced in CRPS. B, an essential trace element, has shown promise in modulating the gut microbiome positively and exerting anti-inflammatory effects. Recent preclinical and clinical studies suggest that B supplementation may alleviate neuropathic pain and improve CRPS symptoms by restoring microbiota balance and reducing inflammation. Our review highlights the complex interplay between microbiota, inflammation, and neuropathic pain in CRPS and underscores the potential of B as a novel therapeutic approach to target the microbiota–gut–brain axis, offering hope for improved management of this challenging condition.
