Substance P Levels Research Articles

Exploring the impact of bubble type on sensory stimulation in drinks

This study explores the impact of various types of carbonation on sensory stimulation in the mouth, salivary secretion and the neurotransmitter substance P (SP), as well as body responses such as heart rate (HR) and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR). Three types of carbonation (one made using a soda machine, another carbonated with a gasifier, and the last commercial sparkling water) were used to produce different bubbles resulting in distinct sensory characteristics assessed by a trained panel. The impact of carbonation was measured by recording changes in salivary flow rate, SP levels, salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), HR, and GSR in fifteen healthy participants. The results showed that the bubble type only affected the sensory perception of carbonation. Regardless of bubble type, carbonation increased salivary flow rate and SP values, SigA and HR. These characteristics are being sought to improve treatments for dysphagia or dry mouth. Therefore, these findings highlight the potential therapeutic application of carbonation in these situations.

Analyzing Substance Levels and Pain Perception in Painless Labor: The Impact of Spinal Epidural Analgesia.

Inflammation affects labor by influencing contractions and dilation. Pain, often linked to tissue ischemia, involves mediators like nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, and substance P (SP). Neuraxial analgesia, including combined spinal epidural analgesia (SEA) with levobupivacaine, is preferred for its effectiveness and minimal side effects in painless labor. Understanding the impact of painless labor techniques on biomolecular processes such as NO, TNF-α, and substance P levels is crucial for improving pain management strategies. This study investigates these effects in parturients undergoing SEA with levobupivacaine, contributing to the development of novel pain medications and enhancing obstetric care. This experimental study, conducted at a General Hospital in Indonesia, involved 60 expectant mothers in labor or in the third trimester, expected to give birth vaginally at Permata Hati Metro Hospital. Blood serum was used for analysis, and serum NO, TNF-α, and SP levels were assessed using ELISA kit. There's a significant decrease in NO levels before and post-treatment in the SEA group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference in TNF-α levels was observed between groups before and after treatment (p > 0.05). Additionally, there was no significant difference in SP levels between groups before treatment, but a significant difference was seen after treatment (p < 0.05). SEA significantly reduced labor pain compared to the control group (P < 0.05), with notable improvements in vital signs and APGAR scores, while also shortening labor duration (P < 0.001). In conclusion, SEA with levobupivacaine during painless labor reduces NO levels significantly and shows a trend of decreasing TNF-α and substance P levels, although not statistically significant, with clinical benefits for both patients and babies.

The role of depth of general anesthesia in serum CGRP and SP level in diabetes patients.

Diabetes, which is associated with cardiovascular disease and related microvascular complications, affects life expectancy and decrease quality of life. A trial reports that the risk of patients with diabetes having cardiovascular disease is 2-4 times compared with that in patients without diabetes. This study aims to investigate the relationship between depth of general anesthesia in patients with diabetes mellitus. This clinical study totally includes 40 patients with diabetes mellitus, and these patients are divided into following two groups: diabetes mellitus deep anesthesia group and diabetes mellitus light anesthesia group, and then these patients receive general anesthesia combined with laparoscopic surgery. Preoperative patient general data and intraoperative patient general data are collected and analyzed. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) level are determined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This study included a total of 40 patients. There were no significant differences in demographic and preoperative patient general data between the two groups. Measurements were taken for operative time, anesthesia time, recovery time after drug withdrawal, dwell time in the recovery room, intraoperative fluid volume, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative urine output between the two groups. Significant differences were observed in the recovery time after drug withdrawal between the two groups. CGRP and SP level in diabetes mellitus deep anesthesia group are evidently more than those in diabetes mellitus light anesthesia group. CGRP and SP level are involved in the diabetes mellitus and up-regulated CGRP and SP can prevent the development of diabetes mellitus. Our study extends the existing literature by addressing a gap in knowledge regarding the impact of anesthesia depth on neuropeptide levels in diabetes mellitus patients. By delineating this relationship, we aim to contribute to the advancement of perioperative care practices and ultimately improve outcomes for individuals with diabetes undergoing surgical procedures. Our study's findings provide valuable insights into the complex interactions between anesthesia, neuropeptides, and diabetes mellitus, offering the potential for personalized perioperative care, enhanced pain management, and improved surgical outcomes. These implications highlight the clinical relevance of our research and its potential to inform future advancements in perioperative care for diabetic patients undergoing surgery.

Effects of Venoactive Drug Therapy and Ovarian Vein Interventions on Vasoactive Neuropeptide and Cytokine Levels in Patients with Pelvic Venous Disorders

To study and compare the effects of venoactive drug (VAD) therapy and ovarian vein embolization or resection (OVE or OVR, accordingly) on the levels of vasoactive peptides and cytokines in patients with pelvic venous disorders (PeVDs). The study included 70 consecutive female patients with PeVD symptoms, such as chronic pelvic pain (CPP), dyspareunia, dysuria, and vulvar varicosities. Based on the results of clinical examination and duplex ultrasound of the pelvic veins, the patients were allocated to the VAD therapy (n=38) or OVE/OVR (n=32). Additionally, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests were performed to determine levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), interleukins 6 and 8 (IL-6, IL-8) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) after a 2-month course of VAD therapy and at 3months after OVE/OVR. The VAD therapy was associated with a significant decrease in CPP in 84% of patients with PeVD and isolated lesions of the parametrial veins (PVs) and uterine veins (UVs). VAD had no significant effect on the pelvic venous reflux. No changes in the CGRP, SP, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 levels were detected after treatment. At 3months after OVE or OVR, all patients with PeVD and combined lesions of the ovarian veins (OVs), PVs and UVs reported almost complete relief of CPP. Along with elimination of reflux in ovarian veins, the disappearance of reflux in PVs and UVs was noted. A decrease in the CGRP and SP levels was observed (0.7±0.1ng/mL and 0.12±0.02ng/mL before treatment; 0.5±0.12ng/mL and 0.09±0.06ng/mL after treatment, respectively; all P<0.05). No changes in cytokine levels were revealed. Treatment with VAD is associated with the CPP relief, but has no significant effect on the CGRP, SP, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 levels. OVE/OVR results in the CPP relief, elimination of the pelvic venous reflux and a significant decrease in the CGRP and SP levels, but does not change cytokine levels.

The influence of intraoral cryotherapy on postoperative pain and substance P in symptomatic apical periodontitis: randomized clinical study

Cryotherapy is widely utilized in medicine, particularly for pain management. This randomized clinical trial aimed to assess the effect of intraoral cold pack application (cryotherapy) on postoperative pain (POP) and the level of Substance P (SP) in patients with symptomatic apical periodontitis (SAP). Enrolled patients were randomly assigned to either cryotherapy or control group. After adequate anesthesia, access cavity, and biomechanical preparation of the root canal system were completed, the first apical fluid (AF) sample (S1) was obtained. A custom-made intraoral ice-gel pack was applied for 30 min in the cryotherapy group, while no intervention was performed in the control group. The second AF sample (S2) was collected 30 min later in both groups. Patients were asked to complete the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) questionnaire to assess their POP. Quantification of SP in AF samples was performed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. Data were analyzed statistically, revealing a significant reduction in POP and SP levels in the cryotherapy group compared to the control group (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, a moderate positive correlation was observed between SP levels and POP (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, intraoral cryotherapy represents a simple and cost-effective option for controlling POP and reducing inflammation levels in patients with SAP.

Effects of Saikosaponin D on Apoptosis, Autophagy, and Morphological Structure of Intestinal Cells of Cajal with Functional Dyspepsia.

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases, with a global prevalence of 10%-30%. However, the specific pathogenesis of FD has not yet been determined. As such, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of saikosaponin D (SSD) administration on the apoptosis, autophagy, and morphological structure of the intestinal cells of Cajal (ICCs) in FD. A rat model of FD was constructed by stimulating the rat tail with a sponge clamp at one-third of the distal tail length. An autophagy model was constructed for ICCs using glutamate. The apoptosis rate in each group of cells was determined using flow cytometry. The expressions of ghrelin and substance P (SP) were detected using ELISA. The body weight and food intake of male and female rats in the SSD group were consistently higher than those in the model group. The SSD group showed substantial improvement compared with the model group, with no inflammatory cell infiltration and normal gastric mucosal structures. After intervention with SSD, the ultrastructure of the ICCs considerably improved and was clear. Compared with the model group, the expressions of LC3 I/II, ghrelin, and SP proteins in the SSD group were significantly upregulated, and the apoptosis rate was significantly reduced. The administration of SSD improved ICC morphology and structure, inhibited excessive autophagy, and improved FD, a gastrointestinal motility disorder, by regulating ghrelin and SP levels.

Inhibitory Effect of Evodiamine on Psoriasis Lesions and Itching in Mice.

This study seeks to investigate the effect of evodiamine on psoriasis and psoriatic pruritus. Imiquimod-induced psoriasiform dermatitis in mice was used as a model, and evodiamine was topically applied for seven days. The mice were observed daily for skin damage on the back, clinical score and their scratching behavior was recorded. Blood samples were collected on the final day of the experiment, and the serum levels of pruritus-associated inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α, interleukin (IL) -23, and IL-17A were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Histopathological changes were observed in Hematoxylin and Eosin-stained skin specimens. The expression levels of transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) 1, TRPV3, TRPV4, and the pruritus-related mediators Substance P (SP), nerve growth factor (NGF), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the skin lesions were analyzed using Western blot and qRT-PCR. The effect of evodiamine on the exploratory behavior, motor, and coordination abilities of mice was assessed using open field, suspension, and Rota-Rod experiments. Molecular docking was utilized to verify the binding of evodiamine to the residues of TRPV1, TRPV3, and TRPV4. Evodiamine reduced pruritus and inhibited inflammation by decreasing the levels of inflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-23, and IL-17A in the serum of Imiquimod-induced mice and attenuated the mRNA and protein expression levels of SP, NGF, CGRP, TRPV1, TRPV3, and TRPV4 in the skin. Evodiamine is an effective treatment for psoriasis and pruritus, due to its ability to inhibit immune inflammation and pruritic mediators.

Substance P's Impact on Chronic Pain and Psychiatric Conditions-A Narrative Review.

Substance P (SP) plays a crucial role in pain modulation, with significant implications for major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Elevated SP levels are linked to heightened pain sensitivity and various psychiatric conditions, spurring interest in potential therapeutic interventions. In chronic pain, commonly associated with MDD and anxiety disorders, SP emerges as a key mediator in pain and emotional regulation. This review examines SP's impact on pain perception and its contributions to MDD, anxiety disorders, and PTSD. The association of SP with increased pain sensitivity and chronic pain conditions underscores its importance in pain modulation. Additionally, SP influences the pathophysiology of MDD, anxiety disorders, and PTSD, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. Understanding SP's diverse effects provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying these psychiatric disorders and their treatment. Further research is essential to explore SP modulation in psychiatric disorders and develop more effective treatment strategies.

Insulin eye drops improve corneal wound healing in STZ-induced diabetic mice by regulating corneal inflammation and neuropeptide release

IntroductionIn recent years, insulin eye drops have attracted increasing attention from researchers and ophthalmologists. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and possible mechanism of action of insulin eye drops in diabetic mice with corneal wounds.MethodsA type 1 diabetes model was induced, and a corneal epithelial injury model of 2.5 mm was established. We used corneal fluorescein staining, hematoxylin-eosin (H-E) staining and the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer to examine the process of wound healing. Subsequently, the expression levels of Ki-67, IL-1β, β3-tubulin and neuropeptides, including substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), were examined at 72 h after corneal injury.ResultsFluorescein staining demonstrated an acceleration of the recovery of corneal epithelial injury in diabetic mice compared with the saline treatment, which was further evidenced by the overexpression of Ki-67. Moreover, 72 h of insulin application attenuated the expression of inflammatory cytokines and neutrophil infiltration. Remarkably, the results demonstrated that topical insulin treatment enhanced the density of corneal epithelial nerves, as well as neuropeptide SP and CGRP release, in the healing cornea via immunofluorescence staining.ConclusionsOur results indicated that insulin eye drops may accelerate corneal wound healing and decrease inflammatory responses in diabetic mice by promoting nerve regeneration and increasing levels of neuropeptides SP and CGRP.

Analgesic Mechanism of Dexmedetomidine and Esketamine in Rats with Spinal Cord Injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is usually caused by external direct or indirect factors, and with a high morbidity and mortality rate. The aim of this study was to observe the effects of Dexmedetomidine (DEX) combined with Esketamine (ESK) on pain behavior and potential analgesic mechanisms in rats with SCI. The goal was to provide a reliable multimodal analgesic medication regimen for SCI. Thirty rats were divided into five groups with six rats in each group: Sham group, SCI group, DEX group, ESK group, and DEX+ESK group. The SCI model in rats was constructed, and the motor function of hind limbs of rats was measured using Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale and inclined plate test. The levels of interleukin 18 (IL-18), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the spinal cord were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of substance P (SP), neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R), B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax) in the rats' spinal cord were measured by Western blot assay. The viability of spinal astrocytes was evaluated by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. After 7 days, the BBB scores were significantly higher in the DEX, ESK, and DEX+ESK groups compared to the SCI group (p < 0.01). Additionally, the DEX+ESK group had significantly higher scores than both the DEX and ESK groups (p < 0.01). The maximum angle of the DEX (p < 0.05), ESK (p < 0.05), and DEX+ESK groups (p < 0.01) were higher than the SCI group, and the maximum angle of DEX+ESK group was higher than DEX and ESK groups (p < 0.05). The levels of IL-18, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the DEX, ESK, and DEX+ESK groups were lower than the SCI group (p < 0.01), while the DEX+ESK group had significantly lower IL-18, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels than the DEX and ESK groups (p < 0.01). The levels of SP (p < 0.01) and NK-1R (p < 0.05) were lower in the DEX, ESK, and DEX+ESK groups compared to the SCI group, and the levels of SP and NK-1R were lower in the DEX+ESK group compared to the DEX and ESK groups (p < 0.01). The DEX and ESK groups suppressed the activity of spinal astrocytes (p < 0.01), however, the DEX+ESK group had larger effects on spinal astrocytes than the ESK group (p < 0.05). Treatment using DEX combined with ESK improves the motor function, inhibits inflammation and astrocyte activity, and exerts analgesic effects on rats with SCI. These findings can serve as a reference for the selection of multi-modal analgesics.

Alpha Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide, Neuropeptide Y, and Substance P as Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Disease Activity and Severity in Multiple Sclerosis.

Alpha calcitonin gene-related peptide (aCGRP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and substance P (SP) are neuropeptides that have emerged recently as potent immunomodulatory factors with potential as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in multiple sclerosis (MS). The study aimed to detect serum levels of aCGRP, NPY, and SP in MS patients versus healthy controls and their association with disease activity and severity. Serum levels were measured in MS patients and age and sex-matched healthy controls using ELISA. We included 67 MS patients: 61 relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS) and 6 progressive MS (PR-MS), and 67 healthy controls. Serum NPY level was found to be lower in MS patients than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). Serum aCGRP level was higher in PR-MS compared to RR-MS (p = 0.007) and healthy controls (p = 0.001), and it positively correlated with EDSS (r = 0.270, p = 0.028). Serum NPY level was significantly higher in RR-MS and PR-MS than in healthy controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively), and it was lower in patients with mild or moderate/severe disease than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). Significant inverse correlations were found between SP level and MS disease duration (r = -0.279, p = 0.022) and duration of current DMT (r = -0.315, p = 0.042). Lower serum levels of NPY were revealed in MS patients compared to healthy controls. Since serum levels of aCGRP are significantly associated with disease activity and severity, it is a potential disease progression marker.

Effect of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on swallowing function and pneumonia in poststroke dysphagia in rats

BackgroundPost-stroke dysphagia (PSD) is a common symptom of stroke. Clinical complications of PSD include malnutrition and pneumonia. Clinical studies have shown that high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) can improve the swallowing function in stroke patients. However, few studies have elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms. MethodsA PSD rat model was established using transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Rats were randomly divided into sham-operated groups, PSD groups, PSD + sham-rTMS groups, PSD + 5 Hz-rTMS groups, PSD + 10 Hz-rTMS groups and PSD + 20 Hz-rTMS groups. Rats were weighed and videofluoroscopic swallowing studies were conducted. Pulmonary inflammation, levels of substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the serum, lung, and nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) in NTS were evaluated. ResultsRats in the PSD group experienced weight loss, reduced bolus area and pharyngeal bolus speed, and increased pharyngeal transit time (PTT) and inter-swallow interval (ISI) on day 7 and day 14 after operation. Moreover, PSD rats showed pulmonary inflammation, reduced levels of SP in the lung and serum, increased levels of CGRP in the lung and NTS, reduced levels of BDNF and 5HT in the NTS. There was no significant difference between the PSD group and the PSD + sham-rTMS group in the results of weight and VFSS. Comparing with the PSD group, there significant increases in the bolus area, decreases in PTT of rats following 5 Hz rTMS intervention. HF-rTMS at 10 Hz significantly increased the weight, bolus area, pharyngeal bolus speed and decreased the PTT and ISI of rats. There were also significant increases in the bolus area (p < 0.01) and pharyngeal bolus speed, decreases in PTT and ISI of rats following 20 Hz rTMS intervention. Furthermore, compared with the PSD + 5 Hz-rTMS group, there were significant increases in the bolus area and pharyngeal bolus speed, decreases in ISI in the swallowing function of rats in the PSD + 10 Hz-rTMS group. Besides, compared with the PSD + 5 Hz-rTMS group, there were significant decreases in ISI in the swallowing function of rats in the PSD + 20 Hz-rTMS group. HF-rTMS at 10 Hz alleviated pulmonary inflammation, increased the levels of SP in the lung, serum, and NTS, CGRP in the serum and NTS, 5HT in the NTS of PSD rats. ConclusionCompared with 5 Hz and 20 Hz rTMS, 10 Hz rTMS more effectively improved the swallowing function of rats with PSD. HF-rTMS at 10 Hz improved the swallowing function and alleviated pneumonia in PSD rats. The mechanism may be related to increased levels of SP in the lung, serum and NTS, levels of CGRP in the serum and NTS, 5HT in the NTS after HF-rTMS treatment.

Excimer light effect on neurogenic inflammation in active versus stable psoriasis lesions

Neurogenic inflammation, mediated by T helper 17 cell (Th17) and neurons that release neuropeptides such as substance P (SP), is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Excimer light is used in the treatment of psoriasis via induction of T cell apoptosis. The objective of this study is to study the effect of excimer light on active versus stable psoriasis and investigate the levels of substance P and its receptor in both groups. The study included 27 stable and 27 active psoriatic patients as well as 10 matched healthy controls. Clinical examination (in the form of local psoriasis severity index (PSI) and visual analogue scale (VAS)) was done to determine disease severity, level of itching, and quality of life. Tissue levels of SP and neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) were measured by ELISA before and after 9 excimer light sessions in 43 patients. A statistically significant lower levels of PSI and VAS were reached after therapy with no significant difference between the stable and active groups. The mean tissue levels of SP before therapy were significantly higher than the control group. Lower levels of SP and NK-1 receptor were found after treatment overall and in each group. Excimer therapy can be effective for both stable and active plaque psoriasis and this effect could be partly through its role on ameliorating the neurogenic inflammation.

The Neuropeptide Substance P is Elevated in Sickle Cell Disease and is a Marker of Severity of Vaso-occlusive Crisis.

Acute episode of pain is the most frequent symptom for which patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) seek medical attention. The neuropeptide Substance P (SP) has been suggested as a possible aetiologic factor. This study compared the serum levels of SP in SCD subjects in painful vaso-occlusive crisis with those in steady state and normal HbAA subjects. This case-controlled study investigated eighteen SCD patients in vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) and eighteen in steady state, while fourteen HbAA subjects were recruited as controls. Blood was collected in plain bottles and subsequently, the serum was separated for SP assay using the ELISA technique. Each sample was run, and results were confirmed in duplicate. Optical density was read at an absorbance of 450nm. The study showed that SP was significantly higher in SCD patients in steady state (184.79±18.67ng/L versus 104.17±19.24ng/L) compared to the controls (t=2.97, p=0.006); while the values obtained in those in VOC (375.78±76.21ng/L) were also significantly higher (t=2.433, p=0.02) than those in steady state (184.79±18.67ng/L). The SP value in the SCD patients in VOC was almost twice as much as those in steady state and about three times as much as the value in the controls and the differences were statistically significant (t=7.72, p=0.001). The study showed significantly higher SP levels in VOC compared to steady state or HbAA subjects suggesting that SP may be a marker for pain sensitisation.

Moxibustion ameliorates visceral hypersensitivity by regulating hypothalamus-spinal cord-colon axis in rats with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea.

To observe the effect of moxibustion intervention on the hypothalamus-spinal cord-colon axis of rats with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) and explore the mechanism of moxibustion in improving visceral hypersensitivity in rats with IBS-D. A total of 36 SD rats were randomly divided into normal, model, and moxibustion groups, with 12 rats in each group. The IBS-D model was established by maternal separation + acetic acid stimulation + chronic restraint. Rats of the moxibustion group received bilateral moxibustion on "Tianshu" (ST25) and "Shangjuxu" (ST37) for 15 min, once a day for 7 consecutive days. The body weight, loose stool rate, and minimum threshold volume of abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) were measured before and after moxibustion intervention, respectively. The histopathological changes in the colon tissue were observed after HE staining. The number of colonic mucosal mast cells (MCs) was measured by toluidine blue staining. The activation of MCs was determined by tryptase positive expression level and examined by immunohistochemical staining. The content, protein and mRNA expression levels and positive expression levels of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), substance P (SP), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the hypothalamus, spinal cord and colon tissues were measured by ELISA, Western blot, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. Compared with the normal group, the loose stool rate was increased (P<0.01)；the body weight and minimum threshold volume of AWR were decreased (P<0.01)；the inflammatory infiltration of colon tissues was obvious；the number of MCs and positive expression level of tryptase in the colon tissue were increased (P<0.01)；the contents, positive expression le-vels, protein and mRNA expression levels of CRF, SP and CGRP in the hypothalamus, spinal cord and colon tissues were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05) in the model group. After the intervention, compared with the model group, all these indicators showed opposite trends (P<0.01, P<0.05) in the moxibustion group. Moxibustion can improve visceral hypersensitivity in rats with IBS-D, and its mechanism may be related to regulating the hypothalamic-spinal-colon axis to reduce the release of CRF, SP and CGRP, and thus to inhibite MC in colon tissue.

Can instrumentation kinematics affect postoperative pain and substance P levels? A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the influence of continuous rotation and reciprocation kinematics on postoperative pain (POP) levels and substance P (SP) levels in patients diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis and symptomatic apical periodontitis (SAP).Materials and subjectsA total of twenty patients were randomly assigned into two groups: Continuous Rotation Group (CRG) (n = 10), subjected to mechanical preparation with the EdgeEndox7 rotary system (Albuquerque, NM, USA), and Reciprocation Group (RG) (n = 10), treated with the EdgeOne Fire reciprocating system (Albuquerque, NM, USA). Apical fluid (AF) samples were collected, and SP levels were quantified through radioimmunoassay. POP was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) at various time intervals (preoperatively, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h). Data were statistically analyzed utilizing the independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Friedman’s test, and Nemenyi post hoc test.ResultsThere was a significant increase in SP levels in the reciprocating group compared to the continuous rotation group (P ≤ 0.05). Additionally, patients in the reciprocating group reported significantly higher POP levels (P ≤ 0.05) at all measured intervals (6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h), with both groups exhibiting similar pain level reductions at the 72-hour mark.ConclusionOur findings suggest that continuous rotation kinematics in root canal preparation leads to a considerable reduction in SP expression and POP.Trial registrationThe study protocol was retrospectively registered on the www.clinicaltrials.gov database (NCT06081335) at (13/10/2023) after the approval of the Ethics Committee, Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University (FDASU-RecIM012135).

Substance P Level in Patients with Degenerative Lumbar Spine Disorder undergoing Decompressive Surgery: An Observational Study

Introduction: Patients with degenerative lumbar spine disorders experience Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) for which they undergo decompressive surgery. Substance P (SP), a neurotransmitter which acts as a modulator of pain perception and transmits nociceptive signals via primary afferent fibers to the spinal cord and brainstem. In chronic painful conditions, SP level can be associated with the severity of pain and gets altered; however, this correlation is not present in acute pain. Aim: To evaluate serum SP level in CLBP patients undergoing decompressive spine surgery. Materials and Methods: The present study was a prospective observational study, in which 30 patients with CLBP undergoing decompressive spine surgery were enrolled. Along with them, one first-degree relative of each patient and an equal number of healthy volunteers were included in the study group. Patients were followed-up on the 5th postoperative day and at two months after surgery for the evaluation of SP levels and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores. Statistical data analysis was carried out using IBM PASW Statistics (SPSS) 25.0 version software. SP levels followed a non normal distribution and were compared by Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal Wallis test (for 2 or more groups, respectively) and correlated using Spearman rank correlation. Results: Patients undergoing decompressive spine surgery had a significantly higher SP level (97.5 picogram/mL (pg/mL)) than healthy volunteers (23.22 pg/mL), p-value &lt;0.001. The serum SP levels in patients were found to be significantly reduced on the 5th postoperative day (31.7 pg/mL) and at two months after surgery (48.5 pg/mL), p-value=0.043. In contrast, there was no discernible change in the VAS score, which did not correlate with the fall in SP levels on the 5th postoperative day. Conclusion: SP level was elevated in subjects with degenerative lumbar spine disorders undergoing decompressive surgery. Higher levels of SP can be attributed to CLBP in those patients. SP can be contemplated as a biomarker of pain due to degenerative lumbar spine pathology. However, further studies are warranted to substantiate this.

Exploring the Effects of Medical Plasma Treatment on MRSA-Infected Mice: A Promising Approach for Pain Relief Therapy

The sensation of pain in wounds is attributed to the secretion of Substance P (SP), an 11-amino acid neuropeptide that functions as both a neurotransmitter and a neuromodulator. SP is produced by the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and immune cells. Research is also underway to study suppression of SP activity as a potential treatment for pain. Medical plasma can mitigate discomfort during wound healing. The ability of plasma therapy to expedite healing and diminish infections may alleviate discomfort during wound healing. The decrease in pain can be quantified by measuring the SP levels during medical plasma treatment. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of medical plasma therapy in reducing pain in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-infected wounds by analyzing SP levels and fibroblast, neutrophil, and platelet levels as supporting data for SP. In this investigation, a prototype of a medical plasma technology of the atmospheric pressure jet type was categorized into four treatment groups: control (K), group with plasma treatment at a distance of 5 mm [control plasma (CP)], group with plasma treatment at a distance of 20 mm [noncontact plasma (NCP)], and group with plasma treatment at a distance of 5 and 20 mm (CP-NCP). The study revealed that SP levels decreased in the treatment groups administered medical plasma (CP, NCP, and CP-NCP) compared to the control group during the treatment period (14 days), and SP levels significantly decreased on days 11 and 14. The lowest levels recorded on D14 were 517.755, 684.45, and 790.19 pg/mL, followed by 985.685, 1120.24, and 1205.905 pg/mL on day 11. A decrease in SP levels indicates loss of pain in the wound. Administration of medical plasma to MRSA-infected wounds had a positive effect on pain relief in mice, which also helped in faster wound healing.

Therapeutic effects of curcumin on constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome is associated with modulating gut microbiota and neurotransmitters.

Constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) is a functional bowel disease that affects 10-20% of the population worldwide. Curcumin (CUR) is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat IBS, but its mechanism of action needs further investigation. In this study, we used mosapride (MOS) as a positive control to evaluate the changes in gut microbiota in IBS-C rat models after treatment with CUR or MOS by analyzing 16S rDNA variation. In addition, we used enzyme immunoassay kits and immunohistochemical analysis to investigate whether CUR or MOS influenced serotonin (5-HT), substance P (SP), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) levels in the serum and colon of IBS-C rats. The study showed that rats supplemented with CUR showed significantly increased fecal weight, fecal water content, small intestine transit rate and significantly decreased serum levels of 5-HT, VIP and SP compared to the IBS group (p < 0.05). In addition, treatment with CUR changed the relative abundance of Blautia, Sutterella, Acetanaerobacterium and Ruminococcus2 in the gut microbiota. This study showed that the efficacy of CUR on IBS-C was possibly by modulating the microbiota and lowering the serum levels of HT, SP, and VIP.

Substance P Increases STAT6-Mediated Transcription Activation of Lymphocyte Cytosolic Protein 2 to Sustain M2 Macrophage Predominance in Pediatric Asthma

Substance P (SP) is a neuropeptide released by neurons and participates in various biological processes, including inflammation. M2 macrophages are major immune cells associated with type 2 inflammation in asthma. This study investigated the effect of SP on macrophage phenotype in pediatric asthma and the underpinning factors. Asthmatic children exhibited an increased level of SP, along with a higher proportion of M2 macrophages in their bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Flow cytometry revealed that SP treatment enhanced the M2 polarization of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate-treated THP-1 cells (macrophages) invitro. By contrast, the administration of a neutralizing antibody of SP reduced the M2 macrophage population, mitigated inflammatory cell infiltration in mouse lung tissues, and decreased the population of immune cells in the mouse bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. SP up-regulated the expression of STAT6, which, in turn, activated the transcription of lymphocyte cytosolic protein 2 (LCP2). The population of macrophages and allergic inflammatory responses in mice were reduced by STAT6 inhibition but restored by LCP2 overexpression. Collectively, the present study demonstrated that SP sustains M2 macrophage predominance and allergic inflammation in pediatric asthma by enhancing STAT6-dependent transcription activation of LCP2.