A large number of studies have focused on the role of substance P (SP) and the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) in the pathogenesis of a variety of medical conditions. This review provides an overview of the role of the SP-NK1R pathway in the pathogenesis of musculoskeletal disorders and the evidence for its role as a therapeutic target for these disorders, which are major public health problems in most countries. To summarize, the brief involvement of SP may affect tendon healing in an acute injury setting. SP combined with an adequate conjugate can be a regenerative therapeutic option in osteoarthritis. The NK1R antagonist is a promising agent for tendinopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Research on the SP-NK1R pathway will be helpful for developing novel drugs for osteoporosis.
Keywords: NK-1 receptor; musculoskeletal disorders; osteoarthritis; osteoporosis; rheumatoid arthritis; substance P; tendinopathy.