POTENTIAL OF DEXMEDETOMIDINE IN ALLEVIATING CHRONIC VISCERAL PAIN: IMPLICATIONS FOR ENHANCED RECOVERY AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE THROUGH PVT1/CXCR5

Abstract

Chronic visceral pain (CVP), characterized by prolonged internal organ pain, significantly impairs quality of life and limits physical activity, posing challenges for rehabilitation and sports performance. Dexmedetomidine, a selective α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, is known for its analgesic properties, yet its underlying mechanisms in alleviating CVP remain unclear. This study investigates the effects of dexmedetomidine on CVP, focusing on the PVT1/CXCR5 pathway, to understand its potential role in enhancing recovery and supporting physical function. Methods: Rats were divided into two groups for CVP modeling and dexmedetomidine treatment. The CVP models included blank, CVP, CVP + shNC, and CVP + shPVT1 groups, while dexmedetomidine-treated groups included W1 (control), W2 (DMSO), W3 (CVP only), and W4–W6 (CVP with low, medium, and high dexmedetomidine doses, respectively). Dexmedetomidine was administered intraperitoneally, and pain thresholds were measured using the von Frey filament test and abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores. Additional assessments included visceral motor response, mean arterial pressure, and PVT1/CXCR5 mRNA and protein expression levels analyzed via qRT-PCR and ELISA. Results: Dexmedetomidine alleviated CVP in a dose-dependent manner, significantly increasing pain thresholds and reducing AWR scores compared to untreated CVP groups. It also modulated the PVT1/CXCR5 pathway, with reduced mRNA and protein expression levels of PVT1 and CXCR5 in treated groups. Lower expression of CXCR5 correlated with decreased inflammatory markers and improved recovery indicators. These findings suggest that dexmedetomidine’s regulation of the PVT1/CXCR5 pathway underpins its analgesic effects, potentially facilitating better physical recovery and readiness for activity. Conclusion: This preclinical study highlights dexmedetomidine’s ability to alleviate chronic visceral pain via modulation of the PVT1/CXCR5 pathway. By improving pain management and reducing inflammation, dexmedetomidine may contribute to enhanced physical recovery and rehabilitation outcomes, offering potential applications for athletes and individuals requiring optimal functional performance. Further research is warranted to explore its clinical implications in sports and physical activity contexts.