miRNAs: Important Targets for Oral Cancer Pain Research.

Pain is a symptom shared by an incredible number of diseases. It is also one of the primary conditions that prompt individuals to seek medical treatment. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) corresponds to a heterogeneous disease that may arise from many distinct structures of a large, highly complex, and intricate region. HNSCC affects a great number of patients worldwide and is directly associated with chronic pain, which is especially prominent during the advanced stages of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), an anatomical and clinical subtype that corresponds to the great majority oral cancers. Although the cellular and molecular bases of oral cancer pain have not been fully established yet, the results of recent studies suggest that different epigenetic mechanisms may contribute to this process. For instance, there is strong scientific evidence that microRNAs (miRNAs), small RNA molecules that do not encode proteins, might act by regulating the mechanisms underlying cancer-related pain. Among the miRNAs that could possibly interfere in pain-signaling pathways, miR-125b, miR-181, and miR-339 emerge as some of the most promising candidates. In fact, such molecules apparently contribute to inflammatory pain. Moreover, these molecules possibly influence the activity of endogenous pain control systems (e.g., opioidergic and serotonergic systems), which could ultimately result in peripheral and central sensitization, central nervous system (CNS) phenomena innately associated with chronic pain. This review paper focuses on the current scientific knowledge regarding the involvement of miRNAs in cancer pain, with special attention dedicated to OSCC-related pain.

Pain curriculum for graduation in Physiotherapy in Brazil / Currículo em dor para graduação em Fisioterapia no Brasil

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To introduce the curriculum in Pain for Graduation in Physiotherapy, suggesting its use for academic training in Brazil. CONTENTS: Considering that physiotherapists should be prepared to engage in the health care professional team assisting patients with different kinds of pain understanding the role of each professional, a group of physiotherapists with academic and clinical experience in pain treatment has developed, after consensus, this curriculum of pain for physiotherapy, which highlights the role of this professional in the health care team and the development of a therapeutic relationship with patients, favoring patients' autonomy and education, as well as the strategies for pain evaluation and management. CONCLUSION: The specific content of this pain curriculum can be integrated into different programs/courses, using the most adequate structure and educational method with regard to professional needs and their demands. Physical therapy, pain and models of academic training in health are discussed.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Apresentar e divulgar o currículo em dor para graduação em Fisioterapia, sugerindo sua utilização para formação acadêmica no Brasil. CONTEÚDO: Considerando que o fisioterapeuta deve ser preparado para integrar a equipe profissional de cuidados de pacientes com diferentes tipos de dor, compreendendo a atuação de cada profissional, um grupo de fisioterapeutas com experiência acadêmica e clínica no tratamento da dor elaborou, após consenso, o currículo nuclear de dor para fisioterapia, o qual destaca o papel desse profissional na equipe e na construção de uma relação terapêutica com os pacientes, favorecendo autonomia e educação do paciente, além das estratégias para avaliação e manuseio da dor. CONCLUSÃO: O conteúdo específico deste currículo de dor pode ser integrado em diferentes programas/cursos, usando a estrutura e o método educacional mais adequado no que tange às necessidades profissionais locais e as suas demandas. Discute-se a fisioterapia, a dor e modelos de formação acadêmica em saúde.