Newly-published Canadian research points to potential solutions.

Suffering due to chronic pain has reached epidemic proportions. Astounding as it may sound, nearly 1 in 5 people suffers from the devastating effects of chronic pain.

The problem of chronic pain continues to persist – and is growing – despite the many breakthroughs in understanding the basic biology of pain over the past two decades. A major challenge for treating chronic pain is to properly understand why certain people develop pain while others, with apparently similar disorders or injuries, do not. This has been a major conundrum in those who study and research pain science. 

An equally important and daunting challenge is to also develop individualized therapies that will be effective in specific patient populations.

Well, it may have just gotten a little bit easier.

Research published online in Nature Medicine points to solutions to both challenges. A research team – led by Prof. Jeffrey Mogil of McGill University and Prof. Michael Salter of the University of Toronto – has identified a major gene affecting chronic pain sensitivity. The findings also suggest a new approach to individualizing treatment of chronic pain.

The DNA of Pain

The gene the researchers identified is associated with the pain receptor known as P2X7. Specifically, the scientists discovered that a single amino-acid change in P2X7 changes an individual’s sensitivity to the two main causes of chronic pain: inflammation and nerve damage.

The amino-acid change is known to affect only one function of P2X7 receptors. Specifically, the change affects the formation of pores that permit large molecules to pass through the P2X7 receptor, while allowing much tinier ions to flow through. Using a protein (peptide) that targeted pore formation only, the researchers found that pain behaviours were dramatically reduced.

The scientists then examined genetic differences among human patients suffering from two distinct types of persistent pain: chronic post-mastectomy pain and osteoarthritis. In both cases, they found that individuals with genetically inherited low pore formation in P2X7 receptors experienced lower pain levels.

“Our findings indicate that it may be possible to develop drugs that block pores in this crucial receptor, while leaving its other function intact – thereby killing pain while minimizing side effects,” said Prof. Mogil.

Prof. Salter agrees, saying these discoveries “point toward a new strategy for individualizing the treatment of chronic pain.” 

While the findings are new and further research must be done, studies like this (along with another recent research study that looked at eliminating chronic pain by medically erasing pain memories) can provide real hope for individuals suffering from chronic and disabling pain. 

March 26, 2012
The Healthy Mind Network 

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The above story contains original content and/or information reprinted and editorially adapted by The Healthy Mind. Material is provided by McGill University and EurekAlerts. 

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