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Molecular Pathology and Molecular Pharmacology of Chronic Pain

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2025 | Viewed by 931

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Neuroscience, Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
Interests: dental oral and maxillofacial; chronic pain; dental and oral pathology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34125 Trieste, Italy
Interests: oropharyngeal; photobiomodulation therapy

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Guest Editor
Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
Interests: chronic pain; oral medicine; osteonecrosis; photobiomodulation; taste alterations

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Chronic pain, a multifaceted and pervasive condition, presents a significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide.

Its complex etiology and the diverse molecular mechanisms involved necessitate a comprehensive understanding to develop effective treatments. This Special Issue titled “Molecular Pathology and Molecular Pharmacology of Chronic Pain” aims to gather innovative research and reviews that shed light on the etiopathogenesis and molecular and therapeutic aspects of chronic pain management.

This Special Issue invites contributions from researchers and clinicians exploring the underlying causes and molecular pathways of chronic pain. We are particularly interested in articles that delve into the genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors contributing to the onset and persistence of chronic pain. Additionally, we encourage submissions that examine novel molecular targets, biomarkers, and therapeutic strategies, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, to improve pain management.

We welcome original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and case studies that provide new insights into the molecular basis of chronic pain. Studies focusing on the interaction between molecular mechanisms and clinical manifestations, as well as the development of innovative diagnostic tools and treatment modalities, are highly encouraged.

Contributions to this Special Issue will not only enhance our understanding of chronic pain’s etiopathogenesis but also foster the development of more effective and personalized treatment strategies. This is an excellent opportunity for researchers and clinicians to share their findings with a global audience and contribute to a field of significant clinical and societal importance. We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions and advancing the discourse on chronic pain management through this Special Issue.

This Special Issue is supervised by Drs. Daniela Adamo, Giulia Ottaviani and Katia Rupel, and assisted by our Topical Advisory Panel Member: Dr. Canfora Federica (University of Naples Federico II).

Dr. Daniela Adamo
Dr. Giulia Ottaviani
Dr. Katia Rupel
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • chronic pain
  • etiopathogenesis
  • molecular studies
  • pain management
  • therapeutic strategies
  • biomarkers
  • personalized medicine

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

19 pages, 666 KiB  
Review
Small Fiber Neuropathy in Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Systematic Review
by Maria Kouri, Daniela Adamo, Emmanouil Vardas, Maria Georgaki, Federica Canfora, Michele Davide Mignogna and Nikolaos Nikitakis
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(21), 11442; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252111442 - 24 Oct 2024
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Abstract
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic idiopathic orofacial pain disorder, characterized by persistent burning sensations and pain without clear pathological causes. Recent research suggests that small fiber neuropathy (SFN) may play a significant role in the neuropathic pain and sensory disturbances associated [...] Read more.
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a chronic idiopathic orofacial pain disorder, characterized by persistent burning sensations and pain without clear pathological causes. Recent research suggests that small fiber neuropathy (SFN) may play a significant role in the neuropathic pain and sensory disturbances associated with BMS. Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review aims to evaluate and synthesize current evidence supporting SFN’s involvement in BMS. The protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024555839). The results show eight studies reported reductions in nerve fiber density in tongue biopsies (ranging from 30% to 60%), along with morphological changes indicative of small fiber damage. Additionally, an increase in TRPV1-positive, NGF-positive, and P2X3-positive fibers, overexpression of Nav1.7, and slight underexpression of Nav1.9 mRNA were observed in BMS patients. Quantitative Sensory Testing in seven studies revealed sensory abnormalities such as reduced cool detection and cold pain thresholds. Blink reflex and corneal confocal microscopy also indicated peripheral and central small fiber damage, along with increased artemin mRNA expression. The evidence strongly supports SFN as a key factor in the pathophysiology of BMS, particularly due to reductions in nerve fiber density and altered sensory thresholds. However, variability across studies highlights the need for larger, standardized research to establish causal relationships and guide therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Pathology and Molecular Pharmacology of Chronic Pain)
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