p38 MAP kinase siRNA-encapsulated PLGA nanoparticles alleviate neuropathic pain behavior in rats

What is it about?

Neuropathic pain generated by lesions of the peripheral nervous system is associated with altered central processing of nociception in the spinal cord. As p38 in the spinal microglia plays a critical role in neuropathic pain, we sought to inhibit p38 expression via intrathecal injection of p38 siRNA-loaded Poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (p38 siRNA NPs) into spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-induced rats.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Neuropathic pain was induced by L5 spinal nerve ligation in rats. Scrambled siRNA- or p38 siRNA-encapsulated PLGA nanoparticles were then administrated intrathecally into the subarachnoid space of neuropathic induced-animals. p38 siRNA-encapsulated PLGA nanoparticles significantly reduced mechanical allodynia as well as microgliosis in the spinal dorsal horns of SNL rats, consistent with a downregulation of p38-related proinflammatory mediators. As p38 in the spinal microglia plays a critical role in neuropathic pain, we expect that p38 siRNA NPs could be a promising tool for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Perspectives