Arthritis and pain. Future targets to control osteoarthritis pain.
Clinical presentation of osteoarthritis (OA) is dominated by pain during joint use and at rest. OA pain is caused by aberrant functioning of a pathologically altered nervous system with key mechanistic drivers from peripheral nerves and central pain pathways. This review focuses on symptomatic pain therapy exemplified by molecular targets that alter sensitization and hyperexcitability of the nervous system, for example, opioids and cannabinoids. We highlight opportunities for targeting inflammatory mediators and their key receptors (for example, prostanoids, kinins, cytokines and chemokines), ion channels (for example, NaV1.8, NaV1.7 and CaV2.2) and neurotrophins (for example, nerve growth factor), noting evidence that relates to their participation in OA etiology and treatment. Future neurological treatments of pain appear optimistic but will require the systematic evaluation of emerging opportunities.
Dray
Andy
A
AstraZeneca R&D Montreal, Frederick Banting St, Montreal H4S 1Z9, Canada. Andy.Dray@astrazeneca.com
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Simon J
SJ
D000818:Animals; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology*