Researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have made a significant breakthrough in treating acute and chronic pain. They have developed a new medication called VIP36, which targets the body’s cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1). This receptor is a part of the body’s pain management system and can be found throughout the body, especially in the brain’s pain circuitry.
Overcoming Past Challenges
Previous attempts to create pain treatments targeting CB1 have faced two major challenges. First, repeated use of these drugs often leads to tolerance, making them less effective over time. Second, the doses needed to alleviate pain can cause the drug to enter the central nervous system, leading to unwanted side effects like mood and cognitive changes.
The Innovation: VIP36
To overcome these challenges, researchers used computer modeling to design a better drug. VIP36 interacts with CB1 uniquely, reducing tolerance and limiting the amount of the drug entering the central nervous system. This means fewer side effects and more effective pain relief.
Broader Implications
CB1 is part of a more prominent family of receptors known as G-protein-coupled receptors. These receptors are involved in various body functions, including mood regulation, immune responses, and even the growth of some tumors. VIP36’s success in pain management could pave the way for new treatments targeting similar receptors in other conditions.
Support from NIH HEAL Initiative®
This research is part of the NIH’s Helping to End Addiction Long-term® Initiative, which aims to find scientific solutions to the overdose epidemic and chronic pain crisis. The development of VIP36 is a promising step toward non-addictive pain treatments, offering hope for millions suffering from chronic pain.
In summary, VIP36 represents a new era in pain management, providing effective relief without the common side effects of previous treatments. This breakthrough could significantly improve the quality of life for those living with chronic pain.
When it comes to managing chronic pain, opioids have long been the go-to option. While effective, they come with serious risks—addiction and potentially fatal overdoses. But what if there was a way to harness the pain-relieving properties of cannabis without any of the mind-altering side effects? That’s exactly what researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Stanford University have been working on.
A Safer Alternative
Scientists have developed a novel compound that provides pain relief without affecting the brain, avoiding the potential for addiction. This custom-designed molecule is derived from the cannabis plant and shows promise as a non-addictive alternative to opioids. Their groundbreaking research, recently published in Nature, offers hope to the estimated 50 million Americans suffering from chronic pain.
How It Works
The compound targets pain-reducing receptors in the body without crossing into the brain, meaning it doesn’t produce the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana. “For years, my lab has focused on developing non-addictive treatments for chronic pain,” says Susruta Majumdar, PhD, the study’s senior author. The compound attaches to pain receptors but avoids the brain’s reward center, where addiction forms.
The Role of Cannabis
Cannabinoid molecules in cannabis bind to receptors in the brain and body, helping to relieve pain. However, the mind-altering effects of marijuana have made it a less viable option for pain relief. By designing a cannabinoid molecule that can’t enter the brain, researchers achieved pain relief without these side effects.
Testing in Mice
In mouse models of nerve-injury pain and migraine headaches, the modified compound effectively eliminated touch hypersensitivity—a proxy for pain. Unlike opioids, the compound did not lead to tolerance, maintaining its effectiveness over nine days of twice-daily treatments.
The Future of Pain Relief
The compound’s design is key to its success. By targeting a hidden pocket on the CB1 receptor, which opens briefly, the researchers minimized tolerance development. This innovative approach could lead to new, more effective pain treatments without the risks associated with opioids.
Looking Ahead
While more studies are needed, this research is a significant step toward safer, non-addictive pain relief options. The team plans to develop the compound into an oral drug for potential clinical trials.
This discovery not only brings us closer to a much-needed alternative to opioids but also highlights the incredible potential of cannabis-derived compounds in medicine. Keep an eye out for more groundbreaking research in the future!
People with disabilities that include difficulty with cognition or caring for themselves are at greater risk of misusing prescription painkillers, tranquilizers and stimulants, a WVU study shows. Credit (WVU Photo/Jake Stump)
A recent study conducted by West Virginia University has revealed a concerning trend: Adults with disabilities are nearly twice as likely to misuse prescription drugs compared to adults without disabilities. The research, led by Jeanette Garcia, an associate professor at the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, highlights the pressing need to address prescription drug misuse in this vulnerable population.
The study analyzed data from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, encompassing responses from 47,100 adults, of whom approximately 10.9% reported having at least one disability. These disabilities ranged from difficulties with vision, hearing, movement, cognition, self-care, to communication. The findings, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, showed that nearly 10% of individuals with disabilities reported misusing prescription drugs within the past year, compared to just 4.4% of individuals without disabilities.
Garcia emphasized the urgency of these findings, stating, “We saw the highest rates of drug misuse among adults with cognitive disabilities and young adults, with pain relievers being the most misused drugs.”
The researchers tracked the misuse of prescription stimulants (e.g., amphetamines), tranquilizers (e.g., benzodiazepines), and pain relievers (e.g., opioids), all of which have high addictive properties and potentially dangerous side effects. The results were clear: adults with disabilities, especially those younger than 30, had significantly higher rates of misuse across all three drug categories.
The study underscores the importance of early prevention efforts, particularly for adolescents and young adults with disabilities. Garcia noted that adolescents with cognitive difficulties are particularly vulnerable to prescription drug misuse, which can exacerbate cognitive impairment as they transition into adulthood.
Individuals with disabilities are more likely to experience risk factors for prescription drug misuse, such as chronic pain, heightened anxiety, major depression, and poor physical health. They are also more likely to receive prescription medications but less likely to receive adequate counseling on the dangers of misuse. Communication barriers and the challenge of finding specialists who understand their complex health conditions further exacerbate the issue.
Jeanette Garcia, associate professor, WVU College of Applied Human Sciences Credit(WVU Photo)
For every category of prescription drug examined—stimulants like Adderall, tranquilizers like Xanax, and pain relievers like Oxycontin—misuse was highest among those with cognitive and self-care disabilities. The most alarming statistic was a 27% misuse rate of pain relievers among adults aged 30-49 with cognitive disabilities.
Garcia explained that cognitive and self-care difficulties often indicate chronic conditions like traumatic brain injuries, which increase the risk of painkiller misuse due to chronic pain and limited impulse control. Additionally, individuals with cognitive disabilities frequently suffer from sleep issues and mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which are linked to tranquilizer abuse. ADHD, characterized by poor concentration and lack of self-care, is correlated with stimulant misuse.
While misuse rates for stimulants and tranquilizers were similar for young adults with and without disabilities, a stark difference emerged regarding pain relievers. Older adults with disabilities had significantly higher rates of pain reliever misuse compared to their non-disabled counterparts. Garcia speculated that this could be due to chronic pain from disabilities worsening with age and higher rates of physician-prescribed pain medications for older adults.
Given the marked increase in pain reliever misuse among adults with disabilities across all age groups, Garcia believes medical providers should consider alternative pain treatments. “Physicians and policymakers need to be aware of the high rates of prescription drug misuse we’re seeing, especially among adults with cognitive and self-care difficulties,” she said. “An important next step will be exploring the extent to which the severity of someone’s disability or the presence of an additional condition like anxiety affects the likelihood of misuse.”
This research is a crucial step in understanding and addressing the complex issue of prescription drug misuse among adults with disabilities, paving the way for targeted interventions and improved healthcare practices.
Researchers are enrolling volunteers for the Arlington Study of Healthy Aging (ASHA), which will use advanced imaging, genetics, exercise science, neuroscience, and remote monitoring to investigate age-related health decline. The goal is to help individuals and health care practitioners better prevent the impact of disease on older adults. Credit UTA
How do our environments, diets, and social circles shape the aging process? This critical question is at the heart of a new initiative from The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). Researchers are now enrolling participants for the Arlington Study of Healthy Aging (ASHA), a comprehensive investigation aimed at understanding age-related health decline through advanced imaging and genetic research.
What is the ASHA Study?
The ASHA study is designed to delve deep into how various factors influence the aging process, integrating advanced imaging techniques, genetics, exercise science, neuroscience, and remote monitoring. The ultimate goal is to equip individuals and healthcare practitioners with the tools needed to mitigate the impact of diseases that affect older adults.
Lead investigator, Michael Nelson, who also directs UTA’s Center for Healthy Living and Longevity, emphasizes the holistic approach of this research. “What’s unique about our study is that we’re focusing on the entire individual,” he stated. “While many studies concentrate on specific body parts, we aim to consider the body as a whole—from head to toe.”
Get Involved in The Research
The research team is looking for 600 volunteers aged 50 to 80 to participate in a detailed two-day testing process at UTA. Participants will receive a full-body MRI—which includes detailed images of the brain, heart, and skeletal muscle—on the first day. The second day will involve assessments of blood vessel function, memory, physical performance, and a small blood draw.
“We are so grateful for everyone who volunteers their time and effort,” Dr. Nelson noted. “Not only will you help advance science, but volunteering for a study like this is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about your health and wellness.”
Engaging with the Community
ASHA aims to foster community involvement, encouraging local residents to engage with UTA’s vibrant campus life. Jon Weidanz, UTA’s senior associate vice president for research and innovation and a co-investigator for the project, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration that the study fosters. “We hope community members will be impressed by our cutting-edge facilities, including the recently opened Clinical Imaging Research Center (CIRC), the Smart Hospital, and the Science and Engineering Innovation and Research Building,” he said.
The research is expected to span four years, during which the team will evaluate and enroll all 600 participants. After data collection is complete, UTA’s state-of-the-art gene sequencer—North Texas’s first of its kind—will play a significant role in analyzing the information gathered.
Collaboration Across Disciplines
One of the most exciting aspects of the ASHA project is its potential for interdisciplinary collaboration. While the core team hails from various departments such as kinesiology, psychology, and bioengineering, the study invites broad participation from different fields including math, computer science, business, and biology.
“This project underscores the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration,” said Dr. Weidanz. “The rich and diverse insights from various experts will contribute significantly to the study’s success.”
With thousands of anonymized data points generated, the findings from ASHA will serve as a valuable resource for researchers for years to come.
Join Us in This Important Research
Dr. Nelson highlights the community’s role in the project, stating, “The long-term success of ASHA will be due to the hard work and dedication of all involved—from our volunteers to the research team. It truly takes a village to put together a project of this scale.”
If you’re interested in participating in this groundbreaking study on healthy aging, learn more about the ASHA study and how to volunteer by visiting here. Join us in making a difference in understanding how we age and how we can improve health outcomes for older adults.
Exciting New Research Reveals Potential for Future Pain Therapies
Did you know that the way our nervous system processes pain can change over time and that there’s a molecular mechanism behind it? Sensory neurons, the cells that respond to temperature, touch, and pain, can adapt to repeated stimuli, altering how we perceive these sensations. Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have recently uncovered a specific molecular change that explains this phenomenon and could lead to new pain treatments.
The Role of Neurons and Ion Channels
Neurons communicate by sending electrical signals called action potentials. These signals are generated by rapidly exchanging ions (charged particles) across tiny channels in the neuron’s membrane. These ion channels also work to quickly end the exchange, allowing neurons to reset and fire again. This rapid signaling gives our nervous system remarkable speed and versatility.
A Key Discovery
Neuroscientists have long observed that action potentials become slightly longer with repeated firing. While still incredibly fast, they slow down just a bit. Until now, the mechanism behind this was poorly understood. The new study reveals that a specific potassium ion channel undergoes a molecular change that makes it close more slowly, thus lengthening the action potentials and increasing the pain sensation.
“This potassium channel is crucial for ending action potentials, but it relies on a chemical modification to function properly,” explains neuroscientist and senior author of the study, Dr. Manuel Covarrubias. Phosphate groups, a type of chemical, are added to the potassium channel to enhance its ability to terminate action potentials efficiently. When the channel lacks these phosphate groups, it doesn’t close as quickly, causing prolonged action potentials and heightened pain.
Implications for Future Therapies
Dr. Covarrubias and his research team, including MD/PhD student Tyler Alexander, have pinpointed the specific sites on the potassium channel where these phosphate groups attach. This discovery provides a promising target for future pain therapies. By enhancing the function of this potassium channel, new treatments could potentially alleviate pain conditions that are currently hard to manage.
This research showcases how detailed molecular studies can lead to innovative clinical treatments. As we continue to uncover the intricate workings of our nervous system, the potential for developing more effective pain management strategies grows.
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