Neurosteroids and neuropathic pain: An up-to-date perspective

Therapeutic potential of progesterone in spinal cord injury‐induced neuropathic pain: At the crossroads between neuroinflammation and N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor

“…22,29 In this scenario, progesterone, a well-known modulator of the neuroinflammatory response after central injury, emerges as a promising reposition molecule to block the multiple cellular and molecular events leading to chronic pain. 14,18,19,[30][31][32][33] In this review, we first provide a brief description of the main maladaptive changes that occur in the dorsal horn of the injured spinal cord and that can lead to chronic pain. Then, we offer insights into how neuroinflammation contributes to central pain, with particular emphasis on the role of proinflammatory cytokines in glial-neuronal communication as a driving force for the development of neuropathic pain.…”

“…These functions, comprising neuroprotection, myelin formation, regulation of glial function and neuroinflammation, have been extended to the control and prevention of peripheral and central neuropathic pain. Indeed, progesterone and its reduced derivative 3α,5α‐tetrahydroprogesterone (or allopregnanolone) are able to restore biochemical, morphological and functional parameters after central and nerve injuries of different etiology, such as nerve trauma, diabetes, chemotherapy and SCI, and in parallel prevent the development of neuropathic behaviors 16–19 . This wide range of noteworthy actions provide a solid basis for considering the translational potential of these findings for the treatment of a variety of pain conditions.…”

“…For this reason, targeting these complex processes is considered an important step in preventing the transition to chronic pain 22,29 . In this scenario, progesterone, a well‐known modulator of the neuroinflammatory response after central injury, emerges as a promising reposition molecule to block the multiple cellular and molecular events leading to chronic pain 14,18,19,30–33 …”