Glial Cells and Itch: Possible Targets for Novel Antipruritic Therapies

Abstract

Glial cells, which are the non-neuronal cells of the nervous system, play essential roles in brain development, homeostasis, and diseases. Glial cells have attracted attention because of their active involvement in many neurological disorders. In recent years, substantial progress has been made in our understanding of the roles of glial cells in the pathogenesis of itch. Mechanistically, central and peripheral glial cells modulate acute and chronic pruritus via different mechanisms. In this review, we present the current knowledge about the involvement of glial cells in the modulation of itch processing and the mechanism of glial cell activation under itch stimuli. Targeting glial cells may provide novel approaches for itch therapy.

The Effect of Osthole on Transient Receptor Potential Channels: A Possible Alternative Therapy for Atopic Dermatitis

“…AD patients have chronic skin eczema and struggle with constant itching and sores. It is very uncomfortable for the patients and the healing therapies are not fully effective because the mechanisms underlying chronic itching are not understood 47 . For this reason, research should be constantly developed in the search for a new agent that alleviates the symptoms of AD.…”

“…For this reason, research should be constantly developed in the search for a new agent that alleviates the symptoms of AD. 47 …”

“…For this reason, research should be constantly developed in the search for a new agent that alleviates the symptoms of AD. 47 AD often manifests as mild to very persistent, itchy and open, blotchy lesions on the skin associated with increased skin sensitivity. The T helper 2 (Th2) response (mainly IL-4 and IL-13) is mainly associated with the acute and subacute phase, which was also confirmed in our studies where the factors contributing to the conditions of AD caused an increase in the secretion of the above ILs.…”