In vivo and systems biology studies implicate IL-18 as a central mediator in chronic pain

DOI

10.1016/j.jneuroim.2015.04.012

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

6-15-2015

Publication Title

Journal of Neuroimmunology

Volume

283

First Page

43

Last Page

49

ISSN

1655728

Keywords

Chronic constriction injury, Dynamic bayesian network, IL-18, Neuroinflammation, Neuropathic pain

Abstract

Inflammation is associated with peripheral neuropathy, however the interplay among cytokines, chemokines, and neurons is still unclear. We hypothesized that this neuroinflammatory interaction can be defined by computational modeling based on the dynamics of protein expression in the sciatic nerve of rats subjected to chronic constriction injury. Using Dynamic Bayesian Network inference, we identified interleukin (IL)-18 as a central node associated with neuropathic pain in this animal model. Immunofluorescence supported a role for inflammasome activation and induction of IL-18 at the site of injury. Combined in vivo and in silico approaches may thus highlight novel targets in peripheral neuropathy.

Open Access

Green Accepted

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