Involvement of AMPK/SIRT1 pathway in anti-allodynic effect of troxerutin in CCI-induced neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain was regarded as a main form of chronic pain condition that remains difficult to treat. Conventional pharmacotherapy for neuropathic pain responsed vary and side effects limited their compliance. These prompted us to find new alternatives. In this study, we investigated the effect of troxerutin on treatment of CCI-induced neuropathic pain. Results showed that troxerutin significantly reversed mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. In L4–6 spinal cord, troxerutin reduced the expression of INF-γ, IL-1β, TNF-α, and activation of NF-κB(p65). Immunofluorescence results showed that troxerutin significantly inhibited microglia activation induced by CCI surgery. Further, troxerutin treatment significantly induced AMPK activation and inhibited CCI-induced SIRT1 decrease. However, AMPK inhibitor compound C and SIRT1 inhibitor EX527 inhibited analgesic effect of troxerutin in CCI mice. This demonstrated the involvement of AMPK/SIRT1 pathway in anti-allodynic effect of troxerutin in CCI mice. Troxerutin could be developed as a potential therapeutic agent for neuropathic pain.

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