Recent Insights on Supraspinal Astrocytes in Chronic Pain

Abstract

Chronic pain is a debilitating, life-altering condition that affects a significant portion of the global population, impacting approximately one fifth of people in Europe and one third of people worldwide. Clinical and experimental efforts are increasingly converging to deepen our comprehension of the molecular, cellular and circuit-level mechanisms underlying persistent pain. While most studies have traditionally focused on alterations of nociceptive pathways in neurons, growing evidence highlights the critical role of astrocytes in modulating these pathways and contributing to the development of the central sensitization that characterizes chronic pain. Moreover, astrocytes are also implicated in pain-associated maladaptive behaviours and cognitive impairments. In this context, we review the latest findings on astrocyte involvement in chronic pain and its related mood and cognitive comorbidities.