Efeito da crotalfina associada à eletroacupuntura na dor neuropática induzida por paclitaxel em ratos wistar

Abstract

Pain represents one of the main challenges in the healthcare system, whether in an acute or chronic form, requiring ongoing investigations to understand its mechanisms and control strategies. Chronic pain, often multifactorial, encompasses various origins such as nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic. A common example of neuropathic pain is induced by chemotherapy with paclitaxel (PAC), a widely used medication in oncological treatments. Pain models induced by paclitaxel reflect neuropathic pain reported by patients after chemotherapy treatments. In this context, crotalphine (CRO), a synthetic peptide derived from the venom of the snake Crotalus durissus terrificus, has demonstrated a potent and prolonged antinociceptive effect in various pain models. Pharmacological studies have detailed its properties and dosage protocols, indicating a mechanism of action mediated by opioid receptors. Furthermore, electroacupuncture (EA) at frequencies of 2 Hz and 2/15 Hz also exhibits effects dependent on opioid mediators. Given this, this study aims to investigate the potential interaction between low-frequency electroacupuncture and different doses of crotalphine in animals with paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain. The objective is to explore how this therapeutic combination may influence the analgesic response, aiming to contribute to a better understanding of the potential of these combined treatments in managing post-chemotherapy neuropathic pain.