Erythromelalgia
Erythromelalgia is a rare peripheral vascular pain disorder. With our groundbreaking advancements in erythromelalgia research, we lead the way in developing state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and therapeutics to enhance the efficient management of erythromelalgia. As your dependable collaborator in erythromelalgia research, we provide unparalleled assistance to meet your scientific research requirements.
Overview of Erythromelalgia
Erythromelalgia, a rare condition characterized by intense burning pain, redness, and warmth in the extremities, has attracted increasing attention in recent years. According to pertinent research, the estimated prevalence of erythromelalgia is approximately 4.7 cases per 100,000 individuals.
Fig. 1 Schematic of voltage-gated sodium channel alpha subunit and localization of reported PE mutations. (Tang, Zhaoli, et al., 2015)Pathogenesis of Erythromelalgia
Erythromelalgia predominantly arises from neuropathological and microvascular alterations. Furthermore, environmental factors and the use of certain drugs also play significant roles in the development of erythromelalgia.
- Neuronal dysfunction is one of the key factors in the pathogenesis of erythromelalgia. Mutations in genes encoding voltage-gated sodium channels, such as SCN9A, lead to hyperexcitability of sensory neurons, causing abnormal pain signaling and vasodilation.
- Inflammatory and vascular factors also play an important role in the pathogenesis of erythromelalgia. Individuals with erythromelalgia have elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines, which lead to sensitization of peripheral nociceptors and amplification of pain signals.
- Environmental factors can also exacerbate symptoms or accelerate the onset of disease. It is reported that factors such as high temperature, alcohol consumption, viral infection, and mushroom poisoning can trigger erythromelalgia.
- Side effects of drugs are also an important factor in erythromelalgia. Several drugs, including verapamil and nifedipine, as well as ergot derivatives such as bromocriptine and pergolide, have been associated with drug-induced erythromelalgia.
Therapeutics of Erythromelalgia
The therapeutics of erythromelalgia primarily involve pharmacological intervention to relieve symptoms and effectively control the condition.
Sodium Channel Modulators
Sodium channels, specifically Nav1.7, play a crucial role in the hyperexcitability of sensory neurons in erythromelalgia. Some preclinically investigated compounds, such as PF-05089771 and CNV1014802, selectively target Nav1.7 channels to reduce their activity and inhibit aberrant pain signaling.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Given the involvement of inflammatory mediators in erythromelalgia pathogenesis, drugs with anti-inflammatory properties are being explored as potential therapeutic options. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, may provide symptomatic relief by reducing inflammation and alleviating pain.
Vasodilators
Vasodilators, such as nifedipine, have shown some benefit in controlling symptoms by promoting vasodilation and improving blood flow. Additionally, statins, or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, may play a role in restoring endothelial function and resolving vascular abnormalities associated with erythromelalgia.
Our Services
Our company leads the way in rare disease research and therapeutic development. Our experienced team of scientists and researchers is committed to unraveling the intricacies of erythromelalgia and other rare diseases by creating advanced research platforms.
Research Platforms of Erythromelalgia
Utilizing cutting-edge technology, we aim to strategize and develop diagnostics for erythromelalgia to promote early identification and accurate disease diagnosis. With the establishment of erythromelalgia animal models and comprehensive investigations into disease mechanisms and targets, we possess the capacity to develop therapeutic drugs for erythromelalgia, thereby facilitating safety evaluation and pharmacokinetic studies of drug candidates.
Animal Models of Erythromelalgia
| Induced Models | ||
| Symptoms similar to erythromelalgia in humans can be induced in animals by the administration of chemicals. Our scientists have used capsaicin, a compound found in chili peppers, to activate and sensitize sensory neurons to cause pain, redness, and heat in animal models. | ||
| Genetically Engineered Models | ||
| Through genetic engineering techniques, such as transgenic or knockout technologies, we can introduce mutations in the SCN9A gene encoding the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7 into animals to replicate the characteristics of human erythromelalgia. | ||
| Optional Models |
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| Surgery Models | ||
| Nerve injury models can be created using various surgical techniques such as nerve ligation or axotomy. Nerve injury triggers abnormal signaling and sensitization of pain pathways, providing insight into the underlying mechanisms of erythromelalgia. | ||
| Optional Species | Mice, Rats, Dogs, Pigs, Non-Human Primates (Monkeys), Others | |
Regardless of your current research stage, we offer comprehensive research services tailored to your needs. If you are interested in our services, please don't hesitate to contact us for more information and a detailed quotation regarding the specific services you require.
References
- Tang, Zhaoli, et al. "Primary erythromelalgia: a review." Orphanet journal of rare diseases 10 (2015): 1-11.
- Ma, Janice E., et al. "Erythromelalgia: A Review of Medical Management Options and Our Approach to Management." Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Vol. 98. No. 1. Elsevier, 2023.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.