Does Serum Visfatin Represent a Biochemical Marker to an Experimental Peripheral Neuropathic Pain in Mice

The effects of pregabalin on neuropathic pain relief and the serum visfatin level were assessed using an experimental model of neuropathy in a study conducted on 40 male mice with sciatic nerve constriction. The mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups, each with 10 mice. The mice were subjected to experimental chronic partial constriction of the sciatic nerve and compared to sham-operated, saline-treated control mice (group I). The experimental groups (II-IV) were subjected to partial constriction of the left sciatic nerve. A series of behavioral tests, electrophysiological studies and biochemical measures were performed after 3 weeks of daily oral treatment with pregabalin (20 and 40 mg/kg in groups III and IV, respectively). The study revealed the actions of pregabalin against the nociceptive effects of chronic sciatic nerve constriction in mice (p < 0.01), including replenishment of the glutathione level (p < 0.05) and reduction of the serum visfatin level. No significant effect on the tissue malondialdehyde level was found for any of the pregabalin doses. The percentage differences in the maximum tetanic force between the ipsilateral and contra lateral legs were significant in both pregabalin-treated groups (p < 0.05). We concluded that pregabalin reduced the serum visfatin level and produced a dose-dependent antinociceptive antioxidant effect.