The Role of the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Chronic Pain: Links to Central Sensitization and Neuroinflammation.

ABSTRACT: Chronic pain is sustained, in part, through the intricate process of central sensitization (CS), marked by maladaptive neuroplasticity and neuronal hyperexcitability within central pain pathways. Accumulating evidence suggests that CS is also driven by neuroinflammation in the peripheral and central nervous system. In any chronic disease, the search for perpetuating factors is crucial in identifying therapeutic targets and developing primary preventive strategies. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) emerges as a critical regulator of synaptic plasticity, serving as both a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator. Mounting evidence supports BDNF's pro-nociceptive role, spanning from its pain-sensitizing capacity across multiple levels of nociceptive pathways to its intrica

SUBMITTER: Xiong HY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10813479 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature