Thursday, November 13, 2014

Cold-Induced Pain Linked to the Garlic, Mustard Receptor


Depicted Above: Researchers Edward Högestätt, Lavanya Moparthi, Urban Johanson and Peter Zygmunt.

A group of researchers from Lund University in Sweden identified what causes the connection between cold and pain. Ten years ago they discovered the receptor that reacts to the substances in mustard and garlic. The purpose of this experiment was to see if this receptor also responds to cold, which seems to be the case. 

The research group's findings "increase our knowledge of the human body's temperature senses, [and can] also help all those who suffer from cold allodynia [: people] who are over-sensitive to cold and experience pain when exposed to cold." Edward Högestätt explained how these issues occur in patients containing chronic pain or diseases that affect the nervous system, like diabetic neropathy. "Patients undergoing chemotherapy can also become over-sensitive to cold as a side-effect of their medication. The discomfort and pain experienced by patients can start at relatively mild temperatures, within the temperature span to which the mustard and garlic receptor reacts." Peter Zygmunt states that we now know the mustard and garlic receptor reacts to temperatures under 20°C, thanks to this experiment. Additionally, the chilli receptor reacts to temperatures over 42°C (burning your hand), while the menthol receptor reacts to temperatures under 28°C (pleasantly cooling).

The research group believes that if the receptors that cause pain from cold temperatures are blocked, than pain will be relieved for individuals undergoing this issue. Because of this, drugs designed to block the receptors that cause itching, incontinence and pain are in the midst of being created. Potential new drugs for people who are affected by perfume, solvents, cigarette smoke, car exhausts can also benefit those who are over-sensitive to cold in the airways, since the mustard and garlic receptors are sensitive to this. I think this is very convenient for individuals who suffer from these conditions. New drugs that help people sensitive to these conditions can relieve a lot of stress and other issues that arise from these sensitivities. However, the expense for these drugs may not be worthy for individuals who cannot afford them, or even feel they are necessary. Pharmaceutical companies should definitely take this concept into consideration.

Article:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141113085154.htm

Related Article: 
http://www.news-medical.net/news/2006/03/28/16936.aspx

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