Links Between Cellular Energy Metabolism and Pain Sensation.

Abstract

One of the functions of organism cells is to maintain energy homeostasis to promote metabolism and adapt to the environment. The 3 major pathways of cellular energy metabolism are glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Neurons, astrocytes, and microglia are crucial in allodynia, hyperalgesia, and sensitization in nociceptive pathways. This review focused on these 3 major cellular energy metabolism pathways, aiming to elucidate the relationship between neurocyte and pain sensation and present the reprogramming of energy metabolism on pain, as well as the cellular and molecular mechanism underlying various forms of pain. The clinical and preclinical drugs involved in pain treatment and molecular mechanisms via cellular energy metabolism were also discussed.