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Published on: February 13, 2018
BTD: A TRPC5 activator ameliorates mechanical allodynia in diabetic peripheral neuropathic rats by modulating
Pratik Adhya1, Bhupesh Vaidya1, Shyam Sunder Sharma1
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali), 160 062, Punjab, India.
Abstract:
Mechanical allodynia is a serious complication of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) with limited treatment options. The transient receptor potential canonical 5 (TRPC5) channel is a promising target in pain; however, its role in painful diabetic neuropathy has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we have investigated the role of TRPC5 channels using BTD [N-{3-(adamantan-2-yloxy)-propyl}-3-(6-methyl-1,1-dioxo-2H-1λ6,2,4-benzothiadiazin-3-yl)-propanamide)],a potent TRPC5 activator and HC070, as TRPC5 channel inhibitor in rat model of PDN. In this study, streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The alterations in mechanical and thermal pain thresholds, nerve functional deficits in diabetic animals were assessed by various behavioral and functional parameters.TRPC5 involvement was investigated by treating neuropathic rats with BTD, TRPC5 channel activator (1 and 3 mg/kg, i.p. for 14 days) and HC070, a TRPC5 channel inhibitor (1 and 3 mg/kg). BTD and HC070 effects in pain reduction were assessed by western blotting, estimating oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in the lumbar spinal cord. BTD treatment (3 mg/kg, i.p.) once daily for 14 days ameliorated mechanical allodynia but not thermal hyposensation or nerve functional deficit in diabetic neuropathic rats. BTD treatment down-regulated TRPC5 expression by increasing the activity of protein kinase C. It also subsequently down-regulated the downstream pain markers (CAMKII, ERK) in the spinal cord. Additionally, a decrease in inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) also demonstrated BTD's potent anti-inflammatory properties in reducing mechanical allodynia. On the other hand, HC070 did not exert any beneficial effects on behavioural and nerve functional parameters. The study concludes that BTD ameliorated mechanical allodynia in a rat model of painful diabetic neuropathy not only through modulation of the TRPC5-CAMKII-ERK pathway but also through its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. Overall, BTD is a promising therapeutic molecule in the treatment of mechanical allodynia in painful diabetic neuropathy.
Insights
A novel compound, BTD, effectively reduced mechanical allodynia in a painful diabetic neuropathy rat model by targeting the TRPC5 channel and reducing inflammation. This offers a promising new therapeutic avenue for managing this complication.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Diabetology
Background:
- Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) causes mechanical allodynia, a debilitating condition with limited treatment options.
- The transient receptor potential canonical 5 (TRPC5) channel is implicated in pain signaling but its role in PDN is not fully understood.
- Investigating novel therapeutic targets for PDN is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of TRPC5 channels in a rat model of PDN.
- To evaluate the efficacy of BTD, a TRPC5 activator, and HC070, a TRPC5 inhibitor, in treating mechanical allodynia in PDN.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of BTD's therapeutic effects.
Main Methods:
- Diabetes was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats using streptozotocin.
- Mechanical and thermal pain thresholds, and nerve function were assessed behaviorally.
- Rats were treated with BTD (TRPC5 activator) or HC070 (TRPC5 inhibitor) and analyzed via western blotting for molecular changes.
Main Results:
- BTD treatment (3 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated mechanical allodynia in diabetic neuropathic rats.
- BTD down-regulated TRPC5 expression, impacting downstream pain markers (CAMKII, ERK), and reduced inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6).
- HC070 showed no beneficial effects, suggesting a specific role for TRPC5 activation in BTD's efficacy.
Conclusions:
- BTD effectively treats mechanical allodynia in PDN by modulating the TRPC5-CAMKII-ERK pathway.
- BTD exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties contributing to its therapeutic effects.
- BTD represents a promising therapeutic candidate for managing mechanical allodynia in painful diabetic neuropathy.

