A Review on Chronic Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Focus on Activation of NR2B Subunit of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors
- Author:
Ain’ Sabreena Mohd Noh
;
Che Aishah Nazariah Ismail
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
rheumatoid arthritis;
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor;
NR2B subunit of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor;
chronic pain;
autoimmune disease
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
2020;27(1):6-12
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that occurs after tissue damage, which
substantially affects the patient’s emotional state and physical activity. The chronic pain in
rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the result of various autoimmune-induced inflammatory reactions
in the joints. Both types of peripheral and central pain processing can lead to sensitisation.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs
(DMARDs) can result in potent anti-inflammatory effect. However, these drugs are not able
to suppress the pain from RA for a prolonged period. For years, researchers have examined
the role of the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor 2B (NR2B) subunit of N-methyl-D-aspartate
receptors (NMDAR) in chronic and neuropathic pain models. This NMDAR subtype can be found
in at the peripheral and central nervous system and it represents an effective therapy for RA pain
management. This review focuses on the NR2B subunit of NMDAR and the different pathways
leading to its activation. Furthermore, specific attention is given to the possible involvement of
NR2B subunit in the peripheral and central pathogenesis of RA.
- Full text:3.2020my0835.pdf
