Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 28, 2025
Rapid Isolation of Dorsal Root Ganglion Macrophages
Published on: September 7, 2019
Microbes, microglia, and pain
Zoë Dworsky-Fried1, Bradley J Kerr1,2,3, Anna M W Taylor1,2,3
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G2H7, Canada.
Abstract:
Globally, it is estimated that one in five people suffer from chronic pain, with prevalence increasing with age. The pathophysiology of chronic pain encompasses complex sensory, immune, and inflammatory interactions within both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Microglia, the resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS), are critically involved in the initiation and persistence of chronic pain. Microglia respond to local signals from the CNS but are also modulated by signals from the gastrointestinal tract. Emerging data from preclinical and clinical studies suggest that communication between the gut microbiome, the community of bacteria residing within the gut, and microglia is involved in producing chronic pain. Targeted strategies that manipulate or restore the gut microbiome have been shown to reduce microglial activation and alleviate symptoms associated with inflammation. These data indicate that manipulations of the gut microbiome in chronic pain patients might be a viable strategy in improving pain outcomes. Herein, we discuss the evidence for a connection between microglia and the gut microbiome and explore the mechanisms by which commensal bacteria might influence microglial reactivity to drive chronic pain.
Insights
Chronic pain affects one in five people globally. Gut microbiome manipulation may reduce microglial activation and improve chronic pain outcomes by modulating gut-brain communication.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Chronic pain is a widespread condition, affecting one in five people globally and increasing with age.
- Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions within the nervous system, with microglia playing a key role.
- Microglia, the CNS immune cells, are influenced by signals from both the CNS and the gastrointestinal tract.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the connection between the gut microbiome and microglia in the context of chronic pain.
- To discuss the mechanisms by which gut bacteria may influence microglial activity and pain persistence.
- To highlight the potential of gut microbiome manipulation as a therapeutic strategy for chronic pain.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and clinical studies investigating gut-brain axis communication.
- Analysis of the role of microglia in chronic pain pathways.
- Examination of the impact of gut microbiome alterations on microglial activation and inflammation.
Main Results:
- Emerging evidence links gut microbiome composition and function to microglial activation in chronic pain.
- Gut microbiome-derived signals can modulate microglial reactivity, contributing to pain persistence.
- Targeted interventions influencing the gut microbiome have shown promise in reducing microglial activation and inflammation.
Conclusions:
- The gut microbiome represents a significant modulator of microglial function relevant to chronic pain.
- Restoring or manipulating the gut microbiome may offer a novel therapeutic avenue for managing chronic pain.
- Further research into gut-brain axis mechanisms is crucial for developing effective microbiome-targeted pain therapies.
Related Concept Videos
01:44Nociception
01:25Analgesia and Pain Management
01:20Pain