Neuroinflammatory Mechanism of Neuropathic Pain in Breast Cancer and Diabetes

The understanding of the complex relationship between the immune and nervous systems has significantly evolved in recent years. It is now recognized that the inflammatory response and interactions between these two systems play crucial roles in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases and injuries. The immune and nervous systems are intricately connected, with bidirectional communication pathways that allow them to influence each other's functions. This cross-talk is mediated by various signaling molecules including cytokines, chemokines, and neurotransmitters. Neuropathic pain is a debilitating condition that arises as a result of damage or dysfunction in the central nervous system (CNS) or peripheral nervous system (PNS). Neuropathic pain is a common pathological symptom of cancer and diabetes. Neuropathic pain can be generated by resulting injury to peripheral or central neurons through various neural pathways, ion channels, receptors, and neurotransmitters. In this article, we elaborate on the recent progress in the understanding of mechanism of the neuroinflammation. First, we provide current knowledge of neuroinflammatory molecules and their association with neuroinflammation. Subsequently, we describe recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain in PNS and CNS, emphasizing breast cancer and diabetes. Finally, we highlighted the current challenges of molecular understanding and diagnosis regarding targeted therapies for the treatment of neuropathic pain. 

Keywords: Metabolic disorder, Neuroinflammation, Neuropathic pain, Neurodegenerative disease, Tumor microenvironment.