E Alfonso Romero-Sandoval
Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy, USA
Title: Activating the endocannabinoid system to prevent the development of chronic pain
Biography
Biography: E Alfonso Romero-Sandoval
Abstract
Up to 50% of patients develop persistent or chronic pain following major surgical procedures, but the mechanisms underlying the transition from acute to chronic pain states are not fully understood. Th e endocannabinoid (ECBs) act through cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2). CB2 receptor activation in the spinal cordresult in a reduction of pain related behaviorsin a model of postoperative pain through the modulation of neuroimmune interactions via microglia and astrocytites. We then uncovered that the integrity of the endocannabinoid system is pivotal to restore a homeostatic interaction between glial cells and neurons, which results in a normal resolution of acute postoperative pain. We have demonstrated that a disruption of the endocannabinoid system results in an altered neuroimmune interaction mediated by the MAP kinase p-p38 in glial cells. Th is lecture will discuss the clinical translation value of potential therapeutics to modulate glial responses in the central nervous system as a novel strategy to prevent or treat chronic pain or other neurological conditions. A review of currentclinical scientific evidence on glial modulator drugs will close the lecture.