Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Oct 26, 2024 1 month, 4 weeks, 1 day, 2 hours, 11 minutes ago
Medical News: Researchers from Western University of Health Sciences-USA, California Northstate University-USA, and Vigilant Anesthesiology-USA explore NAC’s potential in reducing chronic pain.
Chronic pain is a daily struggle for millions, often requiring strong medications that come with risks of addiction and side effects. New research suggests that a commonly available compound, N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), may offer an alternative for pain relief. Known mainly as an antidote for acetaminophen overdose and a treatment for certain lung diseases, NAC is now showing promise for managing chronic pain due to its ability to combat inflammation and reduce stress on cells.
New Research Suggests N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) May Help Manage Chronic Pain
This
Medical News report reviews a recent study that sheds light on how NAC can help reduce pain linked to long-term inflammation and damage in the body. NAC works by reducing the levels of damaging molecules that accumulate in injured cells, offering potential relief to people suffering from musculoskeletal and nerve-related pain.
What Is NAC, and How Does It Work?
NAC, a modified amino acid, supports the body’s production of an important antioxidant called glutathione. When cells experience stress from injury or illness, they release damaging molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS). In small amounts, ROS help cells fight infections and signal the body to heal. But in chronic pain conditions, ROS can build up, causing inflammation and prolonging pain.
NAC steps in by reducing these harmful ROS levels, thus potentially lessening pain. Studies also suggest that NAC affects several pain-related chemicals in the body, including certain cytokines (proteins that signal inflammation) and enzymes, especially in cases of chronic nerve pain. In lab tests, NAC was shown to lower the activity of enzymes that damage nerve cells, potentially easing the intensity and duration of pain.
The Link Between NAC and Chronic Pain
This study explored NAC’s impact on two major types of pain: musculoskeletal pain (pain in muscles, bones, and joints) and neuropathic pain (nerve pain). Chronic musculoskeletal pain, often due to conditions like arthritis, can worsen as inflammation wears down cartilage and other tissues. For neuropathic pain, such as that caused by nerve damage, NAC’s ability to lower inflammation could offer a solution for those not finding relief from conventional painkillers.
In animal models, NAC was able to prevent the worsening of damage in joint tissues by reducing enzymes that break down cartilage. The compound also helped maintain the balance of neurotransmitters in the nervous system, which play a key role in pain signaling. This effect on neurotransmitters suggests that NAC may have broader applications beyond musculoskeletal pain.
Reducing Pain, Reducing Medications?
Another notable finding is NAC’s potential to reduce reliance on opioid medications. Opioids are commonly p
rescribed for severe pain but have high risks of dependence. Researchers discovered that when NAC was used in conjunction with opioid treatments, the required dosage of opioids for effective pain relief decreased. For instance, in tests on post-surgery patients, those given NAC alongside opioids reported less need for painkillers, showing that NAC might enhance opioid effects while lowering risks.
In cases of neuropathic pain, where strong painkillers often fall short, NAC helped by inhibiting the production of proteins that lead to nerve inflammation and sensitivity. This combination of antioxidant action and anti-inflammatory properties suggests NAC could become a useful tool for those with chronic pain conditions.
Further Findings and Potential for Widespread Use
The research, however, emphasized that more studies are needed to fully understand NAC’s long-term effects on chronic pain and its interactions with other drugs. Despite promising results, certain risks are associated with prolonged NAC use. Some studies indicate that high doses of NAC might increase risks for certain joint conditions, though this needs further verification.
The Bottom Line
NAC’s potential in chronic pain management lies in its ability to reduce cellular stress and inflammation. This study highlights NAC’s role in helping balance key molecules in the body that control pain and inflammation, providing a glimpse into a future where patients may rely less on opioids and other heavy pain medications.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Life.
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/14/11/1361
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/new-insights-into-pain-issues-in-long-covid
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/study-finds-that-42-6-percent-of-those-infected-with-covid-19-exhibit-persistent-musculoskeletal-pain
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