Final Newsletter 2024 (5) - Flipbook - Page 4
Research News
Advancing Knowledge Through Generosity: The Importance of Support.
Generosity plays a crucial role in the advancement of science and research. As funding cuts
and budget constraints continue to plague many institutional research initiatives, the support
we receive from our donors becomes even more vital. Your contributions not only facilitate the
exploration of new ideas but also empower researchers to tackle pressing challenges head-on.
In a world that often feels divided and challenged, the power of community and generosity
shines brightly. At the Pain Relief Foundation, we believe that the pursuit of knowledge and
understanding is a collective endeavour that thrives on generosity and collaboration. Thanks to
your continued support, we have been able to fund a variety of research projects that are
paving the way for advancements in various fields of chronic pain.
Thanks to your generous support, groundbreaking new research is now thriving,
unlocking incredible discoveries that promise to change the landscape of chronic
pain forever . Take a look at what you have funded this year.
Dr Melina De Felice
Inhibition of metalloproteinases: a novel approach for the treatment of post-stroke pain
The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) highlights stroke as a
significant cause of both death and disability worldwide, ranking it as the second-leading cause
of death and the third-leading cause of death and disability combined. Following a stroke,
approximately 30% of survivors endure pain, which commonly emerges shortly after the event
but can also manifest months to years later. This pain detrimentally impacts survivors' quality of
life, often leading to depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, drastically limiting the
effectiveness of or participation to rehabilitation. Unfortunately, post stroke pain is frequently
underreported and overlooked, with limited effective treatment options available.
Recognising the urgent need for research in this area, we aim to investigate the mechanisms
underlying post stroke pain using an innovative model. By integrating cellular and behavioural
approaches, we seek to uncover how the inhibition of matrix metalloprotease MMP-9 and -12
contributes to the onset and persistence of post stroke pain. Our study will explore the
correlation between changes in nervous system function resulting from stroke and the
development of post stroke pain, focusing specifically on the MMP pathways.
This research will not only enhance our understanding of the safety and efficacy of MMP
inhibition in alleviating post stroke pain but will also lay the groundwork for the development of
novel and safe treatments in this critical area. Ultimately, our work aims to address the
significant public health challenge posed by post stroke pain, both on a national and global
scale.
