Looking for a Beam of Light to Heal Chronic Pain

Abstract

Chronic pain (CP) is a leading cause of disability and a potential factor that affects biological processes, family relationships, and self-esteem of patients. However, the need for treatment of CP is presently unmet. Current methods of pain management involve the use of drugs, but there are different degrees of concerning side effects. At present, the potential mechanisms underlying CP are not completely clear. As research progresses and novel therapeutic approaches are developed, the shortcomings of current pain treatment methods may be overcome. In this review, we discuss the retinal photoreceptors and brain regions associated with photoanalgesia, as well as the targets involved in photoanalgesia, shedding light on its potential underlying mechanisms. Our aim is to provide a foundation to understand the mechanisms underlying CP and develop light as a novel analgesic treatment has its biological regulation principle for CP. This approach may provide an opportunity to drive the field towards future translational, clinical studies and support pain drug development.

Keywords:

• chronic pain
• light therapy
• photoanalgesia
• brain regions
• molecular targets

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (no. 82274383, 81974553 and 82004078), the Special Funding for Taishan Scholars Project (no. tsqn202211137), the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (nos. ZR2020ZD17 and ZR2021LZY018), the Chinese Medicine and Brain Science Youth Scientific Research Innovation Team, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (no. 22202101), High Level Key Disciplines of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Basic Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.