Assessing Blood-Brain Barrier Function in the Context of Pain Management

Farshad Hassanzadeh Kiabi; Saeed Gharooee Ahangar; Siavash Beiranvand

doi:10.2174/0118715249283159240316091312

Assessing Blood-Brain Barrier Function in the Context of Pain Management

Cent Nerv Syst Agents Med Chem. 2024 Mar 20. doi: 10.2174/0118715249283159240316091312. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Farshad Hassanzadeh Kiabi¹, Saeed Gharooee Ahangar², Siavash Beiranvand³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
² Clinical Research Development Centre, Taleghani and Imam Ali Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
³ Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.

PMID: 38509681
DOI: 10.2174/0118715249283159240316091312

Abstract

One essential component of the neurovascular system is known as the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This highly effective biological barrier plays a pivotal role in regulating the brain's internal microenvironment and carefully controlling the passage of various chemicals into and out of the brain. Notably, it serves as a safeguard for the brain, particularly when it comes to the selective transportation of drugs like opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), which are commonly used in the management of chronic pain. It's important to note that during the development of chronic pain, the activation of microglia and astrocytes can potentially disrupt or damage the integrity of the BBB. In this comprehensive review, we aim to delve into the intricate interplay between the blood-brain barrier and the transportation of pain-relieving drugs, shedding light on the challenges and mechanisms involved in this process.

Keywords: Blood brain barrier; Brain; Chronic pain; NSAIDs.; Neuropathic pain; Non-steroidal inflammatory drugs.