Studies on a novel regimen for management of orofacial pain and morphine tolerance

TRPV1-target drugs for the treatment of orofacial pain

Orofacial pain, encompassing sensory and emotional discomfort in the facial and oral regions, is a multifaceted condition that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. This review focuses on the role of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels in modulating orofacial pain and new ligands targeting this receptor. TRPV1 channels act as key mediators of nociception, responding to stimuli such as temperature, pH changes, and capsaicin molecules. Recent advancements in TRPV1-targeted therapeutics, including natural, synthetic, and protein-based molecules, offer promising strategies for pain management. This review analyzed studies related to TRPV1-mediated pain inhibition, including seven clinical trials and preclinical investigations. The compounds studied in these works demonstrated pain relief, although adverse effects were reported. TRPV1-targeted molecules represent a novel avenue for developing innovative pharmacological interventions, addressing the limitations of current therapies, and improving patient outcomes in managing orofacial pain.

Effects of the psychoactive compounds in green tea on risky decision-making

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and caffeine are the two primary compounds found in green tea. While EGCG has anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory effects, its acute effects on cognition are not well understood. Furthermore, despite widespread green tea consumption, little is known about how EGCG and caffeine co-administration impacts behavior. Here, we investigated the effects of multiple doses of either EGCG or caffeine on a rat model of risk-taking. This was assessed using the risky decision-making task (RDT), in which rats choose between a small, well-tolerated reward and a large reward with escalating risk of mild footshock. Rats were tested in RDT after acute systemic administration of EGCG, caffeine or joint EGCG and caffeine. EGCG caused a dose-dependent reduction in risk-taking without affecting reward discrimination or task engagement. Caffeine did not impact risk-taking, but elevated locomotor activity and reduced task engagement at high doses. Finally, exposure to both EGCG and caffeine had no effect on risk-taking, suggesting that low-dose caffeine is sufficient to mask the risk-aversion caused by EGCG. These data suggest EGCG as a potential therapeutic treatment for psychological disorders that induce compulsive risky decision-making.