Topic: Research News

Researchers at Duke University found that restoring healthy mitochondria in damaged nerves can significantly reduce chronic pain. This approach may address one of the underlying causes of chronic nerve pain.

Millions of people suffer from chronic nerve pain, which can make even light touches feel unbearable. Scientists have long believed that this kind of pain starts when mitochondria inside cells stop working properly in damaged nerves. Now, researchers at Duke University School of Medicine say restoring healthy mitochondria could offer a new way to treat chronic pain. In a study published in Nature, the team tested whether replenishing mitochondria could help damaged nerve cells recover. The treatment significantly reduced pain linked to diabetic neuropathy and chemotherapy-related nerve damage. In some cases, the relief lasted for up to 48 hours.

The researchers believe this approach may address one of the underlying causes of chronic nerve pain by restoring the energy supply that nerve cells need to function properly. According to senior author Ru-Rong Ji, PhD, director of the Center for Translational Pain Medicine in the Department of Anesthesiology at Duke School of Medicine,

Implications

Researchers at Duke University found that restoring healthy mitochondria in damaged nerves can significantly reduce chronic pain. This approach may address one of the underlying causes of chronic nerve pain.