Caffeic acid phenethyl ester attenuates inflammatory pain through promoting spinal microglial M1-to-M2 polarization by suppressing the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway and attenuating peripheral inflammation.

ABSTRACT: Inflammatory pain is a major global health challenge, significantly affecting quality of life and emotional well-being. Current treatment options are limited and often accompanied by adverse effects. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a natural compound with notable anti-inflammatory properties, has not yet been fully elucidated for its efficacy in inflammatory pain. This work examined the role of CAPE in modulating inflammatory pain. Inflammatory pain was induced in mice by administration of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA), and pain relief was assessed through mechanical and thermal sensitivity tests. Combined with network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis, the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway was identified as a potential therapeutic target. Further validation was performed using West

SUBMITTER: Wang D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12847659 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature