Targeted Pain relief: Blocking a Prostaglandin receptor Without Suppressing Inflammation

Blocking a receptor involved in prostaglandins reduces pain while allowing inflammation to proceed normally, according to findings from animal and cell studies.

Researchers at the NYU Pain Research Center have pinpointed the specific receptor within prostaglandins,the hormone-like compounds targeted by many pain medications,that triggers pain but not inflammation.Their findings, published in Nature communications, could pave the way for developing more precise pain treatments that minimize unwanted side effects.

“Inflammation and pain are usually thought to go hand in hand. But being able to block pain and allow inflammation-which promotes healing-to proceed is an vital step in improved treatment of pain,” said study author Nigel Bunnett, professor and chair of the Department of molecular Pathobiology at NYU College of Dentistry and a faculty member in the NYU Pain Research Center.

Why NSAIDs are a double-edged sword

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most widely used medications in the world, with an estimated 30 billion doses taken annually in the United States. These drugs, available both over the counter (such as ibuprofen and aspirin) and by prescription, are effective but not without risk. Prolonged use can damage the stomach lining and increase the likelihood of bleeding, and also cause complications involving the heart, kidneys, and liver.

nsaids relieve pain by blocking enzymes that generate prostaglandins, which in turn lowers inflammation and discomfort.However, inflammation-the body’s natural defense against injury or infection-also supports healing, meaning that fully suppressing it can be counterproductive.

“Inflammation can be good for you-it repairs and restores normal function,” said study author Pierangelo Geppetti, an adjunct professor at the NYU Pain Research Center, professor emeritus at the University of Florence, and former director of t