Neuropathic pain: targeting the melatonin MT<sub>2</sub> receptor
Neuropathic pain affects a large proportion of the population and reduces a person’s ability to perform optimally. In South Africa, there are a host of factors that hinder the correct diagnosis and treatment of neuropathic pain. Patients suffering from neuropathic pain are treated suboptimally with...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | article |
| Language: | EN |
| Published: |
AOSIS
2016
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doaj.org/article/050c4c36cf34433d875f8f064600d765 |
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| Summary: | Neuropathic pain affects a large proportion of the population and reduces a person’s ability to perform optimally. In South Africa, there are a host of factors that hinder the correct diagnosis and treatment of neuropathic pain. Patients suffering from neuropathic pain are treated suboptimally with NSAIDS and opioids as first-line therapy. In 2012, a South African guideline on neuropathic pain was released, which stated that opioid therapy should be reserved for last-line treatment only. More recently, melatonin, commonly known as the neurohormone that regulates the circadian rhythm, has come to light as a therapeutic treatment option in the neuropathic pain setting. Early clinical trials showed a link between melatonin and chronic pain, which includes neuropathic pain. The MT2 receptor has also been specifically linked to the control of neuropathic pain and inflammation. |
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