CONGENITAL INSENSITIVITY TO PAIN (CIP) is a very rare genetic mutation that prevents messages of
physical pain from reaching the brain.
STUDY METHODOLOGY Studying mice genetically modi ed to be without the Nav1.7 channel, Wood found that such mice had bodies that displayed a large increase in certain genes responsible for creating opioid peptides. Opioid peptides occur naturally in the body as the body’s painkiller and have a similar effect as opioids. In making more of the opioid peptides, the mice were blocking any feelings of pain, which might be the reason people suffering from CIP also don't feel pain. Wood thought that if he gave mice a medicine that reversed the effect of the opioid peptides, it may reverse the disorder. He gave the mice naloxone—a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses—and it worked. Wood gured the same disappointing drug trials, we now have con rmation that Nav1.7 is a key element in human pain,” Woods says. “The secret ingredient turned out to be good old-fashioned opioid peptides, and we have now led a patent for combining low dose opioids with Nav1.7 blockers. This should replicate the painlessness experienced by people with rare mutations, and we have already successfully tested this approach in unmodi ed mice.” could be done for humans. “After a decade of rather
Research researcher and his team of researchers studied a 39-year-old woman with CIP. Using a laser beam and a dose of naloxone, Wood helped the woman, who elected to participate anonymously, feel pain for the rst time in her life. “Used in combination with Nav1.7 blockers, the dose of opioid needed to prevent
Using a test subject with a genetic mutation that prevents her from feeling pain, scientists have conducted research that shows promise in creating more effective painkillers—and potentially decreasing the need for addictive opioids. Congenital insensitivity to pain (CIP) is a very rare genetic mutation that prevents messages of physical pain from reaching the brain. Sufferers of the disorder, as babies, will chew their lips until they bleed. Toddlers have to deal with more potential for falls, bumps and being hurt by hot or sharp things. Adults are at a higher risk of dying prematurely. The disorder leaves those af icted without channels known as Nav1.7, which carry sodium to sensory nerves. Understanding this disorder and channels of pain reception and delivery has led researchers to study the disorder for ways to block pain in those who don't have the disorder. Researchers thought they could block pain transporting channels in people without CIP so they can help those with chronic and painful ailments like arthritis. HELPING A WOMAN CRY In a study published by the journal Nature, John Wood, a University College London (UCL) Wolfson Institute for Biomedical
pain is very low,” says Wood in an UCL release. “People
with nonfunctioning Nav1.7 produce low levels of opioids throughout their lives without developing tolerance or
experiencing unpleasant side effects.”
As for this work leading to complete cessation of pain,
Wood tells the New Scientist that some research has found success, but nothing has led to the complete pain loss found in those that are naturally without Nav1.7 channels.
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