We explored how eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) affects fibromyalgia, a complex pain condition characterized by widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and various psychological issues. To study this, we created a mouse model of fibromyalgia using intermittent cold stress and measured pain responses through a von Frey test. Our results showed a significant reduction in mechanical pain after administering EPA.
We observed that the administration of EPA not only alleviated mechanical pain but also helped in reducing thermal hyperalgesia, indicating a broader impact on pain sensitivity. Additionally, we discovered overexpression of proteins in the TRPV1 pain signaling pathway in different brain regions associated with pain perception, including areas like the thalamus and prefrontal cortex. Importantly, administering EPA significantly decreased this overactivity, suggesting a potential therapeutic effect.
Using a novel chemogenetics method, we inhibited certain brain regions to further understand the mechanism. The findings demonstrated an analgesic effect through the TRPV1 pathway, reinforcing the relevance of targeting this pathway for treating fibromyalgia. Overall, our study provides important insights about EPA as a possible treatment avenue for managing this challenging condition.
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