Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors and Their Role in Neuropathic Pain

Abstract

Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people. There exists a need to develop effective pain therapeutics that replace current addictive or non-effective treatments. The purpose of this research was to explore the potential therapeutic value of xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors for persistent chronic pain. XO inhibitors are the standard treatment for gout, an inflammatory disease characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints. Evidence of heightened XDH levels in mice post injury hinted towards a potential therapeutic role for XO inhibitors. Febuxostat, an XO inhibitor, was administered orally to assess the role in neuropathic pain using a standard mouse model of neuropathic pain, the spared nerve injury (SNI) model, and Von Frey filaments to measure mechanical pain. Results showed no change in mechanical pain thresholds in mice treated with febuxostat compared with vehicle. RT-PCR was also used to assess the levels of XDH in mice after injury to confirm elevation. Results showed no significant elevation in injured versus naïve animals. XO inhibitors administered orally did not have a significant effect on pain thresholds. Further research is needed to ensure febuxostat delivery and mechanism of action at the pain site.