Brain functional imaging contributions in osteoarthritis-related pain: A viewpoint

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pain Research
• Osteoarthritis Studies

Background:

• Osteoarthritis (OA) pain involves complex brain disturbances.
• Neuroimaging is crucial for assessing these brain alterations and understanding OA pain pathophysiology.
• Developing novel treatment strategies requires a deeper insight into the brain's role in OA pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the importance of brain alterations in osteoarthritis (OA)-related pain.
• To review advances in functional brain alterations associated with OA pain.
• To propose a future research blueprint for OA pain neuroimaging.

Main Methods:

• A European working group (GO-PAIN) evaluated and summarized relevant scientific literature.
• Systematic literature reviews were conducted to identify functional brain alterations in OA pain.
• Discussion focused on advances and limitations in neuroimaging studies of OA pain.

Main Results:

• Neuroimaging findings in OA pain are heterogeneous but indicate key brain alterations.
• Studies show reduced activity, connectivity, and grey matter volume in the right anterior insula in OA patients.
• Specific brain region activity may serve as a potential biomarker, but requires further validation.

Conclusions:

• Brain functional imaging offers a way to study OA pain endophenotypes.
• Addressing limitations and gaps in current research is essential for future studies.
• A 5-year research blueprint is proposed to advance the field of OA pain neuroimaging.