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Neurobiological Correlates of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis: Remodelling and Plasticity of Nociceptive and Autonomic Innervations in Synovial Joints

Mathew, Sharon, Ashraf, Sadaf, Shorter, Susan, Tozzi, Gianluca, Koutsikou, Stella, Ovsepian, Saak V. (2024) Neurobiological Correlates of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis: Remodelling and Plasticity of Nociceptive and Autonomic Innervations in Synovial Joints. The Neuroscientist, . ISSN 1073-8584. (doi:10.1177/10738584241293049) (KAR id:109965)

Abstract

Swelling, stiffness, and pain in synovial joints are primary hallmarks of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Hyperactivity of nociceptors and excessive release of inflammatory factors and pain mediators play a crucial role, with emerging data suggesting extensive remodelling and plasticity of joint innervations. Herein, we review structural, functional, and molecular alterations in sensory and autonomic axons wiring arthritic joints and revisit mechanisms implicated in the sensitization of nociceptors, leading to chronic pain. Sprouting and reorganization of sensory and autonomic fibers with the invasion of ectopic branches into surrounding inflamed tissues are associated with the upregulation of pain markers. These changes are frequently complemented by a phenotypic switch of sensory and autonomic profiles and activation of silent axons, inferring homeostatic adjustments and reprogramming of innervations. Identifying critical molecular players and neurobiological mechanisms underpinning the rewiring and sensitization of joints is likely to elucidate causatives of neuroinflammation and chronic pain, assisting in finding new therapeutic targets and opportunities for interventions.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1177/10738584241293049
Subjects: R Medicine
Institutional Unit: Schools > Medway School of Pharmacy
Former Institutional Unit:
There are no former institutional units.
Funders: University of Greenwich (https://ror.org/00bmj0a71)
University of Kent (https://ror.org/00xkeyj56)
Medway School of Pharmacy (https://ror.org/00fa9v295)
Depositing User: Sadaf Ashraf
Date Deposited: 23 May 2025 09:16 UTC
Last Modified: 28 May 2025 02:41 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/109965 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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