Proximity proteomics identifies septins and PAK2 as decisive regulators of actomyosin-mediated expulsion of von Willebrand factor.

In response to tissue injury, within seconds the ultra-large glycoprotein von Willebrand factor (VWF) is released from endothelial storage organelles (Weibel-Palade bodies) into the lumen of the blood vasculature, where it leads to the recruitment of platelets. The marked size of VWF multimers represents an unprecedented burden on the secretory machinery of endothelial cells (ECs). ECs have evolved mechanisms to overcome this, most notably an actomyosin ring that forms, contracts, and squeezes out its unwieldy cargo. Inhibiting the formation or function of these structures represents a novel therapeutic target for thrombotic pathologies, although characterizing proteins associated with such a dynamic process has been challenging. We have combined APEX2 proximity labeling with an innovative dual loss-of-function screen to identify proteins associated with actomyosin ring function. We show that p21 activated kinase 2 (PAK2) recruits septin hetero-oligomers, a molecular interaction that forms a ring around exocytic sites. This cascade of events controls actomyosin ring function, aiding efficient exocytic release. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of PAK2 or septins led to inefficient release of VWF and a failure to form platelet-catching strings. This new molecular mechanism offers additional therapeutic targets for the control of thrombotic disease and is highly relevant to other secretory systems that employ exocytic actomyosin machinery.

An extract of phase II and III trials on recent developments in managing neuropathic pain syndromes: diabetic peripheral neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, and postherpetic neuralgia.

INTRODUCTION: Neuropathic pain (NP) conditions involve lesions to the somatosensory nervous system leading to chronic and debilitating pain. Many patients suffering from NP utilize pharmacological treatments with various drugs that seek to reduce pathologic neuronal states. However, many of these drugs show poor efficacy as well as cause significant adverse effects. Because of this, there is a major need for the development of safer and more efficacious drugs to treat NP. AREAS COVERED: In this review, we analyzed current treatments being developed for a variety of NP conditions. Specifically, we sought drugs in phase II/III clinical trials with indications for NP conditions. Various databases were searched including Google Scholar, PubMed, and clinicaltrials.gov. EXPERT OPINION: All the mentioned targets for treatments of NP seem to be promising alternatives for existing treatments that often possess poor side effect profiles for patients. However, gene therapy potentially offers the unique ability to inject a plasmid containing growth factors leading to nerve growth and repair. Because of this, gene therapy appears to be the most intriguing new treatment for NP.

Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Pain Medicine.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review explores the current applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of pain medicine with a focus on machine learning. RECENT FINDINGS: Utilizing a literature search conducted through the PubMed database, several current trends were identified, including the use of AI as a tool for diagnostics, predicting pain progression, predicting treatment response, and performance of therapy and pain management. Results of these studies show promise for the improvement of patient outcomes. Current gaps in the research and subsequent directions for future study involve AI in optimizing and improving nerve stimulation and more thoroughly predicting patients' responses to treatment.

Neuropsychiatric Effects Associated with Opioid-Based Management for Palliative Care Patients.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The abundance of opioids administered in the palliative care setting that was once considered a standard of care is at present necessitating that providers evaluate patients for unintentional and deleterious symptomology related to aberrant opioid use and addiction. Polypharmacy with opioids is dynamic in affecting patients neurologically, and increased amounts of prescriptions have had inimical effects, not only for the individual, but also for their families and healthcare providers. The purpose of this review is to widen the perspective of opioid consequences and bring awareness to the numerous neuropsychiatric effects associated with the most commonly prescribed opioids for patients receiving palliative care. RECENT FINDINGS: Numerous clinical and research studies have found evidence in support for increased incidence of opioid usage and abuse as well as undesirable neurological outcomes. The most common and concerning effects of opioid usage in this setting are delirium and problematic drug-related behavioral changes such as deceitful behavior towards family and physicians, anger outbursts, overtaking of medications, and early prescription refill requests. Other neuropsychiatric effects detailed by recent studies include drug-seeking behavior, tolerance, dependence, addictive disorder, anxiety, substance use disorder, emotional distress, continuation of opioids to avoid opioid withdrawal syndrome, depression, and suicidal ideation. Opioid usage has detrimental and confounding effects that have been overlooked for many years by palliative care providers and patients receiving palliative care. It is necessary, even lifesaving, to be cognizant of potential neuropsychiatric effects that opioids can have on an individual, especially for those under palliative care. By having an increased understanding and awareness of potential opioid neuropsychiatric effects, patient quality of life can be improved, healthcare system costs can be decreased, and patient outcomes can be met and exceeded.

Intradiscal Autologous Biologics for the Treatment of Chronic Discogenic Low Back Pain.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this narrative review is to evaluate the efficacy of the most commonly studied intradiscal biologics used for the treatment and alleviation of chronic intractable discogenic low back pain. Additionally, it explores the therapeutic potential and durability of these novel treatment options. RECENT FINDINGS: Recently published literature highlights the therapeutic potential of intradiscal biologics, such as mesenchymal stem cells, platelet-rich plasma, and alpha-2-macroglobulin, in promoting chondrogenesis within the lumbar intervertebral discs to treat discogenic low back pain. Studies demonstrate significant improvements in pain relief, physical function, and quality of life post-treatment. A comprehensive review of the literature evaluating the efficacy of intradiscal biologics suggests some evidence supporting its efficacy in treating discogenic low back pain. However, more rigorous studies into mechanistic modulation and large-scale randomized trials as well as a more thorough understanding of adverse events will be instrumental for including these therapies into clinical practice paradigms.

The Utilization of Blockchain for Data Security for the Chronic Pain Physician.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the surge in medical data utilization, notably impacting chronic pain management given its enormous economist cost. While the collection and use of data enhances research and care quality, data exchange risks compromising integrity and privacy, exemplified by the Change Healthcare cyberattack. Here, we review the potential of blockchain for the utilization for cybersecurity in the healthcare system with an emphasis on the field of chronic pain. RECENT FINDINGS: Blockchain technology emerges as a potential solution, offering decentralized, secure, and immutable data management. Blockchain ensures transparency, integrity, and data privacy, which is crucial in healthcare. Smart contracts may offer automated, secure management of implantable neuromodulation devices such as spinal cord stimulators and intrathecal pumps. Blockchain's potential in pharmaceutical supply chain integrity is exemplified in preliminary efforts ensuring that the medication retrieved by the patient is indeed the intended medication. Despite limitations such as speed of transactions, blockchain presents innovative avenues for healthcare security and quality improvement, necessitating further development for widespread implementation. Blockchain's applicability is not only applicable to chronic pain management, but can be used in medicine as a whole.

Exploring Orthopedic Stem-Cell Approaches for Osteoarthritis Management: Current Trends and Future Horizons.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and debilitating condition characterized by joint degeneration and pain. Current treatment options aim to alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression but lack curative potential. Stem cell therapies have emerged as a promising alternative. This article explores the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations of hip and knee OA, and the evolving role of stem cell therapies in their treatment. RECENT FINDINGS: The global prevalence of OA, with knee OA being the most common form, has fueled the demand for stem cell therapies. Despite limited robust evidence supporting their efficacy, clinical trials investigating stem-cell treatments for OA have reported encouraging radiological and clinical improvements. Stem cell therapies offer potential disease-modifying benefits through immunomodulatory actions, growth factor secretion, and chondrogenic capabilities. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) have shown promise in clinical trials for OA treatment, offering potential pain relief and functional improvement. ADMSCs possess advantages such as accessibility and a favorable safety profile, making them a viable option for OA management. Although other stem-cell types, including human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), have been used in OA treatment, ADMSCs have demonstrated superior outcomes. By providing a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of stem cell therapies for hip and knee OA, this article highlights the potential of stem-cell treatments to address the limitations of current therapies. However, further research is required to establish their long-term efficacy, identify optimal stem-cell types, and develop standardized protocols.

Emerging Medications and Strategies in Acute Pain Management: Evolving Role of Novel Sodium and Calcium Channel Blockers, Peptide-Based Pharmacologic Drugs, and Non-Medicinal Methods.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The present investigation evaluated integration of novel medication technology to enhance treatment options, while improving patient outcomes in acute pain management. In this regard, we focused on determining the role of development and utilization of cutting-edge pharmaceutical advancements, such as targeted drug delivery systems, as well as non-pharmacologic interventions in addressing acute pain states. Further research in this area is warranted related to the need for increased patient comfort and reduced adverse effects. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent innovations and techniques are discussed including pharmacologic drugs targeting sodium and calcium channels, peptide-based pharmacologic drugs, and non-medicinal methods of alleviating pain such as soothing music or virtual reality. The present investigation included review of current literature on the application of these innovative technologies, analyzing mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and clinical effectiveness. Our study also investigated the potential benefits in terms of pain relief, reduced side effects, and improved patient adherence. The research critically examines the challenges and considerations associated with implementing these technologies in acute pain management, considering factors like cost, accessibility, and regulatory aspects. Additionally, case studies and clinical trials are highlighted which demonstrate practical implications of these novel medication technologies in real-world scenarios. The findings aim to provide healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape in acute pain management while guiding future research and clinical practices toward optimizing their use in enhancing patient care.

Literature Review: Mechanism, Indications, and Clinical Efficacy of Peripheral Nerve Stimulators in Lower Extremity Pain.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Lower extremity pain is deemed by Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be a significant source of chronic pain in adults. If not appropriately managed, patients are subjected to risks of prolonged musculoskeletal dysfunction, disruption to quality of life, and elevated healthcare expenditures. Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) has shown great potential in recent years demonstrating efficacy in multiple diagnoses ranging from acute post-surgical pain to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). This study seeks to delineate efficacy of peripheral neuromodulation in the context of chronic lower extremity pain. RECENT FINDINGS: Prevailing clinical studies demonstrate evidence levels ranging from II to V (Oxford Centre of Level of Evidence) in lower limb PNS, attaining positive outcomes in pain scores, opioid use, and quality of life measures. Nerves most frequently targeted are the sciatic and femoral nerves with post-amputation pain and CRPS most commonly investigated for efficacy. PNS is a promising therapeutic modality demonstrated to be effective for a variety of nociceptive and neuropathic pain conditions in the lower extremity. PNS offers chronic pain physicians a powerful tool in the multi-modal management of lower limb chronic pain.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation in Postoperative Analgesia: A Narrative Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recent research has shown the effectiveness of peripheral nerve stimulators (PNS) in managing chronic pain conditions. Ongoing studies aim to explore its potential application in treating acute postoperative pain states. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the role of PNS in providing relief for postoperative pain. RECENT FINDINGS: Clinical studies investigating the use of peripheral nerve stimulators (PNS) for analgesia following various surgeries, such as total knee arthroplasty, anterior cruciate ligament repair, ankle arthroplasty, rotator cuff repair, hallux valgus correction, and extremity amputation, have shown promising results. Lead placement locations include the brachial plexus, sciatic, femoral, tibial, genicular, perineal, sural, radial, median, and ulnar nerves. These studies consistently report clinically significant reductions in pain scores, and some even indicate a decrease in opioid consumption following PNS for postoperative pain. PNS involves the subcutaneous placement of electrode leads to target peripheral nerve(s) followed by delivery of an electric current via an external pulse generator. While the precise mechanism is not fully understood, the theory posits that PNS modulates electrical stimulation, hindering the signaling of nociceptive pain. PNS presents itself as an alternative to opioid therapy, holding promise to address the opioid epidemic by offering a nonpharmacologic approach for both acute and chronic pain states.

Virtual Reality for Postoperative Pain Management: A Review of Current Evidence.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: With the ongoing opioid crisis, there is a continued need to develop multimodal pain management strategies inclusive of non-pharmacological treatments. Virtual reality (VR) offers a non-invasive treatment approach for the management of acute and chronic pain including postoperative pain. The aim of this review is to describe the use of VR and its effect on pain-related outcome measures compared to routine care in various types of surgical procedures. RECENT FINDINGS: Severe postoperative pain is associated with an increased risk of medical complications and may lead to the development of chronic pain. VR-based interventions are a form of distraction therapy that attenuates pain perception and have been shown to reduce activity in central pain-processing regions. In patients undergoing cardiac surgery, VR may reduce postoperative pain and improve physiological parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure. VR technology was found to have a high satisfaction rate in patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgeries. Three-dimensional (3D) VR interventions may be useful for postoperative pain control in patients undergoing head and neck surgery. VR technology has revealed mixed results for postoperative pain control following orthopedic procedures although it has beneficial effects on functional outcomes during postoperative rehabilitation. In the pediatric population, VR is notable for its applicability in postoperative pain control and anxiety. VR technology is a novel, non-pharmacologic adjunct in the management of postoperative pain. Current studies are limited regarding therapy adaptations for the elderly population. High-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the clinical effectiveness of VR-based therapies in the postoperative setting.

Efficacy and Safety of Intrathecal Morphine for Cesarean Delivery: A Narrative Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pain management is a critical aspect of care during and following a cesarean delivery. Without proper control of pain, individuals can experience poor mobility, increased thromboembolic events, and difficulty caring for the neonate in the postpartum period. There have been multiple methods for pain management for cesarean delivery and intrathecal morphine (ITM) has emerged as a prominent option for post-operative analgesia due to its efficacy, safety, and potential benefits over other treatments. This review analyzes data on efficacy, side effects, and safety of ITM and the pain control alternatives. RECENT FINDINGS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to compare ITM with other analgesic techniques in post-cesarean patients. ITM was found to be as effective or better than other analgesic options, including bilateral quadratus lumborum block (QLB), opioid-free epidural analgesia (CSEA-EDA), and intravenous fentanyl. One study found that both ITM and oral analgesia were effective in pain control and that ITM caused fewer breakthrough pain events but had a longer duration and a greater rate of side effects than oral opioid analgesia. Commonly observed side effects of intrathecal opioids include nausea, vomiting, pruritus, and urinary retention, and it is thought that the adverse effects from intrathecal administration of opioids are short-lived. ITM may provide a decreased risk of DVT and coagulation by decreasing lower extremity weakness and numbness, thereby decreasing recovery time and increasing mobility. ITM is a safe and effective option for post-cesarean analgesia, with comparable pain relief to alternative forms of pain control, and side effects that are generally manageable. Further research is warranted to explore beneficial combinations with other methods of pain management and optimal dosing strategies.

Device-Related Complications Associated with Cylindrical Lead Spinal Cord Stimulator Implants: A Comprehensive Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an increasingly utilized therapy for the treatment of neuropathic pain conditions. Though minimally invasive and reversable, there are several important device-related complications that physicians should be aware of before offering this therapy to patients. The aim of this review is to synthesize recent studies in device-related SCS complications pertaining to cylindrical lead implantation and to discuss etiologies, symptoms and presentations, diagnostic evaluation, clinical implications, and treatment options. RECENT FINDINGS: Device-related complications are more common than biologic complications. Device-related complications covered in this review include lead migration, lead fracture, lead disconnection, generator failure, loss of charge, generator flipping, hardware related pain, and paresthesia intolerance. The use of SCS continues to be an effective option for neuropathic pain conditions. Consideration of complications prior to moving forward with SCS trials and implantation is a vital part of patient management and device selection. Knowledge of these complications can provide physicians and other healthcare professionals the ability to maximize patient outcomes.

Pain Scales: What Are They and What Do They Mean.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: It is essential to have validated and reliable pain measurement tools that cover a wide range of areas and are tailored to individual patients to ensure effective pain management. The main objective of this review is to provide comprehensive information on commonly used pain scales and questionnaires, including their usefulness, intended purpose, applicability to different patient populations, and associated advantages and disadvantages. RECENT FINDINGS: Acute pain questionnaires typically focus on measuring the severity of pain and the extent of relief achieved through interventions. Chronic pain questionnaires evaluate additional aspects such as pain-related functional limitations, psychological distress, and psychological well-being. The selection of an appropriate pain scale depends on the specific assessment objectives. Additionally, each pain scale has its strengths and limitations. Understanding the differences among these pain scales is essential for selecting the most appropriate tool tailored to individual patient needs in different settings. CONCLUSION: Medical professionals encounter challenges in accurately assessing pain. Physicians must be familiar with the different pain scales and their applicability to specific patient population.

Telehealth and Virtual Reality Technologies in Chronic Pain Management: A Narrative Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review provides medical practitioners with an overview of the present and emergent roles of telehealth and associated virtual reality (VR) applications in chronic pain (CP) management, particularly in the post-COVID-19 healthcare landscape. RECENT FINDINGS: Accumulated evidence points to the efficacy of now well-established telehealth modalities, such as videoconferencing, short messaging service (SMS), and mobile health (mHealth) applications in complementing remote CP care. More recently, and although still in early phases of clinical implementation, a wide range of VR-based interventions have demonstrated potential for improving the asynchronous remote management of CP. Additionally, VR-associated technologies at the leading edge of science and engineering, such as VR-assisted biofeedback, haptic technology, high-definition three-dimensional (HD3D) conferencing, VR-enabled interactions in a Metaverse, and the use of wearable monitoring devices, herald a new era for remote, synchronous patient-physician interactions. These advancements hold the potential to facilitate remote physical examinations, personalized remote care, and innovative interventions such as ultra-realistic biofeedback. Despite the promise of VR-associated technologies, several limitations remain, including the paucity of robust long-term effectiveness data, heterogeneity of reported pain-related outcomes, challenges with scalability and insurance coverage, and demographic-specific barriers to patient acceptability. Future research efforts should be directed toward mitigating these limitations to facilitate the integration of telehealth-associated VR into the conventional management of CP. Despite ongoing barriers to widespread adoption, recent evidence suggests that VR-based interventions hold an increasing potential to complement and enhance the remote delivery of CP care.

Diabetic Neuropathy: A Guide to Pain Management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and can affect up to 50% of DM patients during their lifetime. Patients typically present with numbness, tingling, pain, and loss of sensation in the extremities. Since there is no treatment targeting the underlying mechanism of neuropathy, strategies focus on preventative care and pain management. RECENT FINDINGS: Up to 69% of patients with diabetic neuropathy receive pharmacological treatment for neuropathic pain. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed four drugs for painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN): pregabalin, duloxetine, tapentadol, and the 8% capsaicin patch. Nonpharmacological treatments such as spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) both show promise in reducing pain in DM patients. Despite the high burden associated with PDN, effective management remains challenging. This update covers the background and management of diabetic neuropathy, including its epidemiology, pathogenesis, preventative care, and current therapeutic strategies.

Virtual Reality in Acute and Chronic Pain Medicine: An Updated Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review critically analyzes the recent literature on virtual reality's (VR) use in acute and chronic pain management, offering insights into its efficacy, applications, and limitations. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies, including meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials, have demonstrated VR's effectiveness in reducing pain intensity in various acute pain scenarios, such as procedural/acute pain and in chronic pain conditions. The role of factors such as immersion and presence in enhancing VR's efficacy has been emphasized. Further benefits have been identified in the use of VR for assessment as well as symptom gathering through conversational avatars. However, studies are limited, and strong conclusions will require further investigation. VR is emerging as a promising non-pharmacological intervention in pain management for acute and chronic pain. However, its long-term efficacy, particularly in chronic pain management, remains an area requiring further research. Key findings highlight that VR programs vary in efficacy depending on the specificity of the origin of pain.

Buprenorphine for Chronic Pain Management: a Narrative Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this review is to educate healthcare professionals regarding buprenorphine for the use of opioid use disorder (OUD) as well as for chronic pain management. This review provides physicians and practitioners with updated information regarding the distinct characteristics and intricacies of prescribing buprenorphine. RECENT FINDINGS: Buprenorphine is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for acute pain, chronic pain, opioid use disorder (OUD), and opioid dependence. When compared to most other opioids, buprenorphine offers superior patient tolerability, an excellent half-life, and minimal respiratory depression. Buprenorphine does have notable side effects as well as pharmacokinetic properties that require special attention, especially if patients require future surgical interventions. Many physicians are not trained to initiate or manage patients on buprenorphine. However, buprenorphine offers a potentially safer alternative for medication management for patients who require chronic opioid therapy for pain or have OUD. This review provides updated information on buprenorphine for both chronic pain and OUD.

The Impact of Smoking on the Development and Severity of Chronic Pain.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to examine the impact of smoking and its role on the development of chronic pain and provide a critical review of recent literature. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies demonstrate the bidirectional and dependent relationship between smoking and chronic pain. Those who are in pain have a more difficult time in the cessation of smoking as well as an increased sensitivity to pain during abstinence, lower confidence, and higher relapse rates. The fear of pain and the anxiety and depression that abstinence causes results in a grim outcome for long-term cessation. The dependent nature between chronic pain and smoking is affected by numerous variables. Providers should consider a multiprong approach to treating chronic pain and targeting smoking cessation treatment by providing motivational therapy, nicotine replacement, and medication therapies to prevent relapse, and providing those who are more likely to relapse with a higher level of care.

Inefficient recruitment of kinesin-1 to melanosomes precludes it from facilitating their transport.

Microtubules and F-actin, and their associated motor proteins, are considered to play complementary roles in long- and short-range organelle transport. However, there is growing appreciation that myosin/F-actin networks can drive long-range transport. In melanocytes, myosin-Va and kinesin-1 have both been proposed as long-range centrifugal transporters moving melanosomes into the peripheral dendrites. Here, we investigated the role of kinesin-1 heavy chain (Kif5b) and its suggested targeting factor Rab1a in transport. We performed confocal microscopy and subcellular fractionation, but did not detect Kif5b or Rab1a on melanosomes. Meanwhile functional studies, using siRNA knockdown and dominant negative mutants, did not support a role for Kif5b or Rab1a in melanosome transport. To probe the potential of Kif5b to function in transport, we generated fusion proteins that target active Kif5b to melanosomes and tested their ability to rescue perinuclear clustering in myosin-Va-deficient cells. Expression of these chimeras, but not full-length Kif5b, dispersed melanosomes with similar efficiency to myosin-Va. Our data indicate that kinesin and microtubules can compensate for defects in myosin-Va and actin-based transport in mammals, but that endogenous Kif5b does not have an important role in transport of melanocytes due to its inefficient recruitment to melanosomes.