Propofol Alleviates Pain Sensation and Anxiety Symptoms in Patients with Trigeminal Neuralgia via the miR-146b-5p/OXR1 Signaling Axis
Qiang Shao, Yu QinAbstract
Objective
This study investigates the molecular mechanisms by which propofol regulates pain and anxiety-like behaviors in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) through the miR-146b-5p/OXR1 axis.
Subjects and Methods
A TN model was established using chronic compression injury of the infraorbital nerve (CCI-ION), with experimental subjects divided into five groups. Relevant parameters were evaluated through behavioral studies, molecular experiments, and dual-fluorescein detection.
Results
In the final model group, patients exhibited reduced pain threshold, increased anxiety, elevated miR-146b-5p levels, and decreased OXR1 expression (P<0.05). Propofol reversed these changes; its effects could be antagonized by miR-146b-5p analogs; whereas OXR1 overexpression enhanced therapeutic efficacy, indicating that OXR1 is a direct target gene of miR-146b-5p.
Conclusion
The CCI-ION method successfully established a model of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) patients exhibiting hyperalgesia and anxiety-like behaviors, with negative correlations between miR-146b-5p and OXR1. Propofol alleviates pain and anxiety by modulating gene expression along this axis; OXR1, as a direct target gene of miR-146b-5p, participates in the regulation of pain and anxiety. Overexpression of miR-146b-5p antagonizes the effects of propofol, while overexpression of OXR1 enhances its therapeutic efficacy. In summary, the miR-146b-5p/OXR1 axis represents a potential therapeutic target for TN accompanied by anxiety symptoms, and propofol may serve as a candidate drug, providing both theoretical and practical foundations for clinical application.
Corresponding Author
Yu Qin, Liyang Branch Hospital of Jiangsu Province Hospital, Liyang 213376, Jiangsu, China.