Daijiworld Media Network – New York
New York, Sep 27: A breakthrough study offers hope for Americans seeking safer pain management, suggesting that pain and inflammation might be separated for the first time.
Traditionally, pain and inflammation have been linked because prostaglandins—chemicals released after injury—trigger both swelling and nerve sensitivity, causing pain. Common painkillers like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin reduce pain by blocking prostaglandins but also slow healing and carry risks like stomach bleeding, kidney issues, and heart problems.
The new research, published in Nature, focused on the EP2 receptor found on Schwann cells, which support and protect nerve fibers. Using gene-silencing technology in mice, scientists blocked only the EP2 receptor, effectively reducing pain without interfering with inflammation or tissue repair.
Key findings include:
• Pain relief without blocking inflammation: Mice experienced dramatically less pain while the body’s natural inflammatory response remained intact.
• Healing unaffected: Blocking EP2 did not slow swelling, immune activity, or tissue repair.
• Potential for safer painkillers: Targeting nerve-cell pathways could lead to medications without the side effects of NSAIDs or opioids.
Implications for Americans:
Millions of people take over-the-counter painkillers for arthritis, back pain, headaches, and injuries, often risking side effects from long-term use.
EP2-targeted drugs could:
• Help chronic pain sufferers manage symptoms safely.
• Improve surgical recovery by easing pain while supporting faster tissue healing.
• Reduce dependence on high-dose NSAIDs or opioids.
The research is currently at the animal study stage, and developing safe, effective EP2-targeting drugs for humans will be the next step. If successful, this approach could transform pain management, offering relief without compromising healing.
For chronic pain patients, sports injury sufferers, and post-surgery recovery, this discovery marks a promising path toward smarter, safer pain relief.