The Mechanism and Inflammatory Markers Involved in the Potential Use of N-acetylcysteine in Chronic Pain Management

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has established use as an antidote for acetaminophen overdose and treatment for pulmonary conditions and nephropathy. It plays a role in regulating oxidative stress and interacting with various cytokines including IL-1β, TNFα, IL-8, IL-6, IL-10, and NF-κB p65. The overexpressi...

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Main Authors: Mona Singh, Alina Kim, Amelie Young, Deanna Nguyen, Cynthia L. Monroe, Tiffany Ding, Dennis Gray, Vishwanath Venketaraman
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-10-01
Series:Life
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/14/11/1361
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author Mona Singh
Alina Kim
Amelie Young
Deanna Nguyen
Cynthia L. Monroe
Tiffany Ding
Dennis Gray
Vishwanath Venketaraman
author_facet Mona Singh
Alina Kim
Amelie Young
Deanna Nguyen
Cynthia L. Monroe
Tiffany Ding
Dennis Gray
Vishwanath Venketaraman
author_sort Mona Singh
collection DOAJ
description N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has established use as an antidote for acetaminophen overdose and treatment for pulmonary conditions and nephropathy. It plays a role in regulating oxidative stress and interacting with various cytokines including IL-1β, TNFα, IL-8, IL-6, IL-10, and NF-κB p65. The overexpression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is believed to contribute to chronic pain states by inducing inflammation and accelerating disease progression, favoring pain persistence in neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain conditions. Through a comprehensive review, we aim to explore the mechanisms and inflammatory pathways through which NAC may manage neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain. Evidence suggests NAC can attenuate neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain through mechanisms such as inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS), and enhancing glutamate transport. Additionally, NAC may synergize with opioids and other pain medications, potentially reducing opioid consumption and enhancing overall pain management. Further research is needed to fully elucidate its therapeutic potential and optimize its use in pain management. As an adjuvant therapy, NAC shows potential for chronic pain management, offering significant benefits for public health.
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spelling doaj-art-a6649df7beca4d159d21bcb1d2e1db212025-08-20T01:53:53ZengMDPI AGLife2075-17292024-10-011411136110.3390/life14111361The Mechanism and Inflammatory Markers Involved in the Potential Use of N-acetylcysteine in Chronic Pain ManagementMona Singh0Alina Kim1Amelie Young2Deanna Nguyen3Cynthia L. Monroe4Tiffany Ding5Dennis Gray6Vishwanath Venketaraman7College of Osteopathic Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USACollege of Osteopathic Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USACollege of Osteopathic Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USACollege of Osteopathic Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USACollege of Medicine, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USACollege of Osteopathic Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USAVigilant Anesthesiology, PA, Tampa, FL 33193, USACollege of Osteopathic Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USAN-acetylcysteine (NAC) has established use as an antidote for acetaminophen overdose and treatment for pulmonary conditions and nephropathy. It plays a role in regulating oxidative stress and interacting with various cytokines including IL-1β, TNFα, IL-8, IL-6, IL-10, and NF-κB p65. The overexpression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is believed to contribute to chronic pain states by inducing inflammation and accelerating disease progression, favoring pain persistence in neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain conditions. Through a comprehensive review, we aim to explore the mechanisms and inflammatory pathways through which NAC may manage neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain. Evidence suggests NAC can attenuate neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain through mechanisms such as inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS), and enhancing glutamate transport. Additionally, NAC may synergize with opioids and other pain medications, potentially reducing opioid consumption and enhancing overall pain management. Further research is needed to fully elucidate its therapeutic potential and optimize its use in pain management. As an adjuvant therapy, NAC shows potential for chronic pain management, offering significant benefits for public health.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/14/11/1361NACneuropathic painmusculoskeletal painopioidsmetalloproteinasesROS
spellingShingle Mona Singh
Alina Kim
Amelie Young
Deanna Nguyen
Cynthia L. Monroe
Tiffany Ding
Dennis Gray
Vishwanath Venketaraman
The Mechanism and Inflammatory Markers Involved in the Potential Use of N-acetylcysteine in Chronic Pain Management
Life
NAC
neuropathic pain
musculoskeletal pain
opioids
metalloproteinases
ROS
title The Mechanism and Inflammatory Markers Involved in the Potential Use of N-acetylcysteine in Chronic Pain Management
title_full The Mechanism and Inflammatory Markers Involved in the Potential Use of N-acetylcysteine in Chronic Pain Management
title_fullStr The Mechanism and Inflammatory Markers Involved in the Potential Use of N-acetylcysteine in Chronic Pain Management
title_full_unstemmed The Mechanism and Inflammatory Markers Involved in the Potential Use of N-acetylcysteine in Chronic Pain Management
title_short The Mechanism and Inflammatory Markers Involved in the Potential Use of N-acetylcysteine in Chronic Pain Management
title_sort mechanism and inflammatory markers involved in the potential use of n acetylcysteine in chronic pain management
topic NAC
neuropathic pain
musculoskeletal pain
opioids
metalloproteinases
ROS
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/14/11/1361
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