A solid lipid particle formulation of long pepper extract reduces pain and astrocyte activation in a rat model of neuropathic pain

Sri-arun Iamjan; Siriluk Veerasakul; Samur Thanoi; Waree Tiyaboonchai; Sutisa Nudmamud-Thanoi

doi:10.1515/jcim-2023-0043

Article

A solid lipid particle formulation of long pepper extract reduces pain and astrocyte activation in a rat model of neuropathic pain

Sri-arun Iamjan , Siriluk Veerasakul , Samur Thanoi , Waree Tiyaboonchai and Sutisa Nudmamud-Thanoi

Published/Copyright: September 18, 2023

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From the journal Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine Volume 20 Issue 4

Abstract

Objectives

To investigate the effects of solid lipid microparticle (SLM) creams containing a long pepper extract (LPE) or piperine on neuropathy-related pain and the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as a measure of astrogliosis.

Methods

Neuropathic pain in male Spraque Dawley rats was induced by sciatic nerve ligation (SNL) and followed by treatment with LPE-SLM, piperine-SLM, capsaicin or vehicle creams. The pain score was assessed by thermal hyperalgesia test. The GFAP expression in the spinal cord was determined by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Pain scores were significantly increased after SNL and decreased when treated by LPE-SLM. The number of GFAP immunopositive cells was significantly increased in the SNL rats. Treated by LPE-SLM and capsaicin creams resulted in a significant reduction of the number of GFAP immunopositive cells. The LPE-SLM treated rats showed greater effects than the piperine and capsaicin preparations.

Conclusions

The LPE-SLM cream has a potential effect on pain attenuation via a decrease of spinal astrocyte activation-related mechanism. The LPE in SLM preparation could provide an alternative therapeutic strategy for treating neuropathic pain.

Keywords: astrocyte; glial fibrillary acidic protein; neuropathic pain; piper retrofractum vahl; solid lipid microparticle; spinal cord

Corresponding author: Sutisa Nudmamud-Thanoi, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, 99 Moo 9, Tahpoh, Muang, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand; and Centre of Excellence in Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand, Phone: +055 964672, E-mail: sutisat@nu.ac.th

Funding source: Naresuan University

Award Identifier / Grant number: R2557B007

Acknowledgments

We thank Prof Gavin Reynolds for valuable advice and assistance in preparing the manuscript.

Research funding: This study was supported by Naresuan University Research fund (R2557B007).
Author contributions: Sri-arun Iamjan performed the experiments, analyzed the results and wrote the manuscript. Siriluk Veerasakul performed the experiments and analyzed the results. Waree Tiyaboonchai prepared and provided the 2 % LPE-SLM creams, cream vehicle and PS cream. Samur Thanoi provided chemicals/reagents and supervision. Sutisa Nudmamud Thanoi designed the experiment, supported the chemicals and reagents, edited the manuscript and supervision. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript. The authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
Competing interests: The authors state no conflict of interest.
Informed consent: Not applicable.
Ethical approval: The experimental protocol for the animal study was approved by the Naresuan University Animal Care and Use Committee, Thailand (NU-AE 550725).

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Received: 2023-02-21

Accepted: 2023-06-20

Published Online: 2023-09-18

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Articles in the same Issue

https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2023-0043

Keywords for this article

astrocyte; glial fibrillary acidic protein; neuropathic pain; piper retrofractum vahl; solid lipid microparticle; spinal cord