Investigating the role of TNFalpha in back pain and potential treatments
Role of TNFalpha in discogenic pain progression and as a treatment target
This study is looking into how injuries to the discs in your back can cause long-lasting pain, focusing on a specific protein and how it affects nerve inflammation, with the goal of finding better treatments for back pain that can be different for men and women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11005769 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how injuries to intervertebral discs (IVDs) lead to chronic back pain, particularly through the involvement of a protein called TNFalpha. The study aims to explore the relationship between IVD degeneration and neuroinflammation in the dorsal root ganglia, which may contribute to pain. By examining these mechanisms, the research seeks to identify targeted treatment strategies for discogenic pain, which is often difficult to diagnose and manage effectively. The project also considers sex differences in pain responses, which have been largely overlooked in previous studies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old experiencing chronic back pain related to intervertebral disc degeneration.
Not a fit: Patients with back pain not related to intervertebral disc degeneration or those with other underlying conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for chronic back pain, improving the quality of life for many patients.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically targeting TNFalpha in discogenic pain, studies on neuroinflammation and pain management have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iatridis, James C. — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Iatridis, James C.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.