Chronic pelvic pain is a disorder that affects approximately one in four women worldwide.
A study by the University of Edinburgh in collaboration with the University of Oxford has found that women with chronic pelvic pain carry a pain gene that makes them more likely to respond well to the Pfizer painkiller Neurontin (gabapentin).
Published in a journal iScienceThe study found that women who have a naturally occurring mutation in their DNA in a gene called neuregulin 3 were more likely to experience symptom relief after taking Neurontin.
Chronic pelvic pain is a persistent and disabling pain condition that affects approximately one in four women worldwide.
Often prescribed to treat chronic pain, Neurontin is designed to target the central nervous system to reduce heightened pain sensitivity in people suffering from long-term conditions.
Researchers studied the genetic makeup of 71 women suffering from chronic pelvic pain who were given Neurontin and found that 29 women responded to the drug, while 42 saw no improvement.
The research team discovered that naturally occurring mutations in neuregulin 3, a gene found in the brain and spinal cord that is involved in the sensation and transmission of pain, determine how people respond to painkillers.
Lead author of the study, Dr Scott MacKenzie, from the Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh, commented: “We ultimately hope to use this genetic marker to optimise personalised treatment decisions for women with chronic pelvic pain and minimise side effects.”
The findings provide new insight into the underlying mechanisms behind chronic pain and may help improve the use of Neurontin in treating chronic pelvic pain, and may also be useful in treating other conditions.
With support from Edinburgh Innovations and the University of Edinburgh’s Commercialisation Service, the research team plans to carry out further studies to confirm their findings in a larger number of women.
Dr Susan Boddy, business development manager at Edinburgh Innovations’ School of Medical and Veterinary Medicine, said: “This important discovery has the potential to help improve treatment for millions of women around the world who suffer from chronic pelvic pain, and will also lead to a better understanding of the role of pelvic pain in other pain disorders.”
