Mathew, Sharon, Ashraf, Sadaf, Shorter, Susan, Tozzi, Gianluca, Koutsikou, Stella and Ovsepian, Saak V. (2024) Neurobiological correlates of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis: remodelling and plasticity of nociceptive and autonomic innervations in synovial joints. The Neuroscientist. pp. 1-20. ISSN 1073-8584 (Print), 1089-4098 (Online) (doi:10.1177/10738584241293049)

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Abstract

Swelling, stiffness and pain in synovial joints are primary hallmarks of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Hyperactivity of nociceptors and excessive release of inflammatory factors and pain mediators play a crucial role, with emerging data suggesting extensive remodelling and plasticity of joint innervations. Herein, we review structural, functional, and molecular alterations in sensory and autonomic axons wiring arthritic joints and revisit the mechanisms implicated in the sensitisation of nociceptors, leading to chronic pain. Sprouting and reorganisation of sensory and autonomic axons with the invasion of ectopic branches into surrounding inflamed tissues are associated with the upregulation of pain markers. These changes are frequently matched with the phenotypic switch of sensory and autonomic profiles and activation of silent axons, inferring homeostatic adjustments and reprogramming of innervations. Identifying critical molecular players and neurobiological mechanisms underpinning re-wiring and sensitisation of joint innervations is likely to elucidate causatives of neuroinflammation and chronic pain, assisting in discovering therapeutic targets and opportunities for interventions.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	rheumatoid arthritis, neuroinflammation, chronic pain, sensitisation, silent nociceptors, remodelling and neuroplasticity
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Engineering & Science Faculty of Engineering & Science > School of Science (SCI)
Last Modified:	04 Mar 2025 14:38
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/49927

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