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Spinal Microglia and Astrocytes: Two Key Players in Chronic Visceral Pain Pathogenesis

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Abstract

Chronic visceral pain (CVP) is one of the common symptoms of many diseases triggered by underlying diseases of the internal organs of the human body. Its causes include vascular mechanisms, mechanical factors, persistent inflammation, and unexplained functional mechanisms. Although the pathogenesis is unclear, more and more research has begun to shift from the neuronal aspect to the glial cells in recent years. Some data highlight that the spinal glial cells, particularly the microglia and astrocytes, play an essential role in CVP. Based on this, we highlight the mechanisms of microglia and astrocytes in CVP concerning the release of cytokines, chemokines, and neuroactive substances and alterations in intracellular signaling pathways during the process. Finally, because CVP is widespread in various diseases, we present future perspectives targeting microglia and astrocytes for treatment.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 81674073, 81273843); Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai (No. 20ZR1453000, 19ZR1451600); Outstanding Discipline Leader Plan of Shanghai Health and Family Planning System (No. 2017BR047).

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  1. Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, No.650 South Wanping Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200030, China

    Jun-Yi Long, Xue-Jun Wang, Xiao-Ying Li, Xie-He Kong, Guang Yang, Dan Zhang, Yan-Ting Yang, Zheng Shi & Xiao-Peng Ma

  2. Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China

    Jun-Yi Long, Xue-Jun Wang, Xiao-Ying Li, Xie-He Kong, Guang Yang, Dan Zhang, Yan-Ting Yang, Zheng Shi & Xiao-Peng Ma

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  1. Jun-Yi Long
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Long, JY., Wang, XJ., Li, XY. et al. Spinal Microglia and Astrocytes: Two Key Players in Chronic Visceral Pain Pathogenesis. Neurochem Res 47, 545–551 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11064-021-03486-9

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