Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 16, 2025

Assessing Mitochondrial Function in Sciatic Nerve by High-Resolution Respirometry
08:19

Assessing Mitochondrial Function in Sciatic Nerve by High-Resolution Respirometry

Published on: May 5, 2022

2.5K

Mitochondrial dysfunction/hyperfunction inducing excessive mtROS in inflammatory and neuropathic pain

Xiaoye Zhu1,2, Saige Chen1,2, Mengqi Li1

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.

Molecular Pain
|July 5, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Mitochondria dysfunction contributes to pain by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Targeting mitochondrial protection and ROS scavenging offers new pain management strategies for conditions like chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Neuroscience
  • Pain Research

Background:

  • Mitochondria are central to cellular energy production and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.
  • Both mitochondrial dysfunction and hyperfunction can lead to excessive mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) production.
  • Aberrant mtROS signaling is implicated in the development and persistence of pain hyperalgesia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the link between mitochondrial function and pain conditions, focusing on inflammatory pain and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
  • To explore therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial protection and mtROS scavenging for pain management.
  • To elucidate the role of mitochondria in pain modulation for future research.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating mitochondria and pain.
  • Analysis of the role of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) in pain pathways.
  • Exploration of therapeutic interventions targeting mitochondrial function.

Main Results:

  • Mitochondrial dysfunction and hyperfunction are linked to pain hyperalgesia through aberrant mtROS production.
  • Specific emphasis on the role of mtROS in inflammatory pain and CIPN.
  • Mitochondrial protection and mtROS scavenging show therapeutic potential for pain management.

Conclusions:

  • Mitochondria play a critical role in pain modulation.
  • Targeting mitochondrial redox homeostasis is a promising strategy for novel pain therapies.
  • Further research into mitochondria's role in pain can lead to innovative analgesic approaches.
Keywords:
CIPNMitochondriaReactive oxygen speciesinflammatory painneuropathic pain

More Related Videos

Three-dimensional Imaging and Analysis of Mitochondria within Human Intraepidermal Nerve Fibers10:31

Three-dimensional Imaging and Analysis of Mitochondria within Human Intraepidermal Nerve Fibers

Published on: September 29, 2017

10.4K
Author Spotlight: Establishing a New Fluorescence-Based Protocol for In Vivo Mitochondrial Morphology Analysis in Parkinson's Disease06:07

Author Spotlight: Establishing a New Fluorescence-Based Protocol for In Vivo Mitochondrial Morphology Analysis in Parkinson's Disease

Published on: June 23, 2023

1.7K

Related Concept Videos

Analgesia and Pain Management01:25

Analgesia and Pain Management

Pain is critical to various clinical pathologies, provoking an urgent need for effective management. Pain, whether acute or chronic, is a complex neurochemical process. Its alleviation depends on the type, with nonopioid analgesics effective for mild to moderate pain, such as musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain, while neuropathic pain responds best to anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For severe acute or chronic pain, opioids may be...
816
Nociception01:44

Nociception

Nociception—the ability to feel pain—is essential for an organism’s survival and overall well-being. Noxious stimuli such as piercing pain from a sharp object, heat from an open flame, or contact with corrosive chemicals are first detected by sensory receptors, called nociceptors, located on nerve endings. Nociceptors express ion channels that convert noxious stimuli into electrical signals. When these signals reach the brain via sensory neurons, they are perceived as pain.
29.5K
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II01:46

Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II

The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
15.1K
Translocation of Proteins into the Mitochondria01:19

Translocation of Proteins into the Mitochondria

Mitochondrial precursors are translocated to the internal subcompartments via independent mechanisms involving distinct protein machineries called translocases.
Sorting of outer membrane proteins:
Mitochondrial outer membrane proteins are of two types: the transmembrane, beta-barrel porins, and the membrane-anchored, alpha-helical proteins. Beta-barrel porin precursors are translocated by the TOM complex and inserted into the outer mitochondrial membrane by the SAM complex. In contrast,...
3.6K
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis01:29

Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis

Drugs affecting neurotransmitter synthesis can impact the adrenergic neuron and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. For example, α-methyltyrosine and carbidopa target specific enzymes involved in catecholamine synthesis. α-methyltyrosine inhibits the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, which converts tyrosine into dopamine. By blocking this enzyme, α-methyltyrosine reduces dopamine production and other catecholamines. Carbidopa, on the other hand, inhibits the enzyme dopa decarboxylase,...
1.6K
Mitochondria01:37

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
15.1K