New research released by a group of University of Toronto scientists
suggests that a peptide inhibitor called ZIP could help alleviate
certain kinds of chronic pain. As reported by
HealthCanal.com the study could prove groundbreaking as chronic pain treatments to date remain insufficient or ineffective for many patients.
"The
new research, led by Professor Min Zhuo of the University of Toronto's
Department of Physiology and published in the current edition of the
journal Science, explores the role that the protein kinase M zeta plays
in storing "memories" of pain and therefore enhancing the sensation of
pain. Blocking the effect of [the protein] through the use of a
selective inhibitor called pseudosubstrate inhibitory peptide - or ZIP
-- blocked behavioral sensitization and nerve injury related to chronic
pain."
"Normal pain or physiological pain is an important
warning signal to avoid potentially dangerous situations or
environments. It is brief, and short-lasting. Chronic pain is
different, as it persists for weeks, month or years due to spontaneous
firing or overexcited pain-related neurons."
"What makes chronic
pain difficult to treat is that these painful signals trigger long-term
plastic changes in different cortical areas and form permanent bad
'memory'. It explains why the treatment ofchronic pain in areas like
the spinal cord is often insufficient or ineffective," said Zhuo, the
Canada Research Chair in Pain and Cognition."
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hereoriginal source
HealthCanal.com