Vagal auricular stimulation and prevention of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain: analysis of the gene expression profile in the spinal ganglion in a preclinical model.

• Grant number: 23/17687-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: August 01, 2024
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Physiology - Physiology of Organs and Systems
• Principal Investigator: Rosana de Lima Pagano
• Grantee: Ana Kéren Gomes Reis
• Host Institution: Hospital Sírio-Libanês. Sociedade Beneficente de Senhoras (SBSHSL). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (CINP) has a very high prevalence (between 50% and 80% of cases), negatively impacting patients' quality of life and potentially leading to treatment discontinuation. Preventive or symptomatic treatments for CINP are generally ineffective, making it necessary to investigate new therapeutic approaches that can prevent or improve these symptoms. In this sense, percutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (paVNS), a non-pharmacological and non-invasive treatment, seems to be effective in modulating CINP. However, its protective value against the onset of this phenomenon has not yet been demonstrated. Previous results obtained by our group have shown that treatment with paVNS can prevent oxaliplatin-induced CINP in rats. This response is accompanied by the inhibition of hyperactivation of neurons, microglia, and spinal astrocytes. To further investigate the mechanisms involved in this response, we will examine the gene expression profile and proteins with a greater potential for association with pathways or functions involved in CINP in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of the spinal cord. This project aims to contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in CINP and to elucidate the potential therapeutic value of the preemptive effect of vagal auricular stimulation in this type of pain. This information will guide the management of cancer patients to prevent persistent pain.