New pharmacological targets for osteoarthritis induced pain

Abstract

Osteoarthritis can be accompanied by a painful process that is mainly independent of the pathology, since its appearance and evolution are not directly related to the progression of the disease. These differential characteristics mean that the treatment of osteoarthritis pain may require a differential approach. The growing evidence of the role of inflammation, synovitis, in this osteoarthritis related-pain has led to an increase in research aimed at identifying new drug targets. Among those that have been identified in recent years, we can highlight PGE2 (released by osteoblasts, and that can increase the expression of Nav1.8 channels), certain miRNAs and TLR receptors (activated by synovitis and which facilitate the transmission of the nociceptive signal) and nerve growth factor (NGF), which, through its binding to the trkA receptor, contributes to peripheral sensitization and chronic pain. These are just some of the most promising drug targets for osteoarthritis pain that may one day be able to remedy the pain of osteoarthritis patients.