Scientists have found a way to stop nerve cells in diseased joints sensing pain – without any side effects.
They say their discovery could drastically cut the number of knee and hip replacements performed in Britain each year – currently around 160,000, and costing the NHS almost £200million.
Scientists from the Arthritis Research UK Pain Centre at Nottingham University targeted a nerve cell pain receptor called TRPV1.
Previous trials on osteoarthritis patients showed their pain could be cut by blocking the receptor using drugs called TRPV1 antagonists. But the patients experienced the side effect of hyperthermia – overheating of the body – apparently in their digestive organs.
Neuroscience lecturer Dr Sara Kelly explained that the Nottingham team used a model of osteoarthritis pain to see if using the drugs within the joint itself would work better.
Dr Kelly said: “The answer is yes. By targeting the joint directly we did not see the side effect of hyperthermia.”
Dr Kelly added: “A lot of patients who suffer with osteoarthritis are elderly and it would be better if we could treat their pain by giving them a drug, rather than putting them through a major surgical procedure like a joint replacement.”
The scientists said their work needs to be tested in patient trials.
Professor Alan Silman, medical director of Arthritis Research UK which funded the research, said: “We desperately need new approaches to treating the pain of osteoarthritis.
“For some years this pathway has shown potential as a means by which osteoarthritic pain may be transmitted, but attempts at blocking this pathway caused unacceptable side effects.
“This research seems to suggest it might be possible to provide a novel and effective approach to targeting osteoarthritis.”
The study was published by the journal Annals Of The Rheumatic Diseases.
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