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Review
. 2024 Jul 31;17(8):1010.
doi: 10.3390/ph17081010.

Navigating Preclinical Models and Medications for Peripheral Neuropathy: A Review

Abdulmajeed M Jali  1 , David Banji  1 , Otilia J F Banji  2 , Khalid Y Hurubi  1 , Faisal Y Tawhari  1 , Atheer A Alameer  1 , Atyaf S Dohal  1 , Raha A Zanqoti  1
Affiliations
Review

Navigating Preclinical Models and Medications for Peripheral Neuropathy: A Review

Abdulmajeed M Jali et al. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). .

Abstract

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a multifaceted disorder characterised by peripheral nerve damage, manifesting in symptoms like pain, weakness, and autonomic dysfunction. This review assesses preclinical models in PN research, evaluating their relevance to human disease and their role in therapeutic development. The Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model is widely used to simulate diabetic neuropathy but has limitations in faithfully replicating disease onset and progression. Cisplatin-induced PN models are suitable for studying chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and closely resemble human pathology. However, they may not fully replicate the spectrum of sensory and motor deficits. Paclitaxel-induced models also contribute to understanding CIPN mechanisms and testing neuroprotective agents. Surgical or trauma-induced models offer insights into nerve regeneration and repair strategies. Medications such as gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, and fluoxetine have demonstrated promise in these models, enhancing our understanding of their therapeutic efficacy. Despite progress, developing models that accurately mirror human PN remains imperative due to its complex nature. Continuous refinement and innovative approaches are critical for effective drug discovery. This review underscores the strengths and limitations of current models and advocates for an integrated approach to address the complexities of PN better and optimise treatment outcomes.

Keywords: advantages; disadvantages; drug induced; genetic; non-genetic; peripheral neuropathy; preclinical models.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The causes and risk factors of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients. It starts with the central node titled “Peripheral Neuropathy in Diabetics”. It branches into several categories. Type of Diabetes: Outlines Diabetes Type 1 and Type 2, highlighting issues related to blood sugar management, including poor control and frequent spikes. Duration of Diabetes: Indicates that a longer duration of diabetes increases the risk of developing neuropathy. Lifestyle Factors: Lists smoking and high alcohol intake as contributory lifestyle risks. Metabolic Factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. Genetic Factors: Mentions a family history of neuropathy as a genetic risk. Neurovascular Damage: Covers damage to blood vessels that supply nerves. Medications: Side effects from specific drugs that can lead to neuropathy. Physical and Mechanical Injury: Includes nerve trauma due to injury or surgery.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Peripheral neuropathy manifestations.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Diagram illustrating the process and significance of behavioural tests for pain perception in STZ-treated rats.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Diagram illustrating the process of using the Hargreaves Apparatus, also known as the Paw-Flick Test, to assess heat hyperalgesia in rodents. The flowchart begins with placing the rodent in the apparatus and proceeds through the steps of the test, including focusing the radiant heat on the rodent’s paw, triggering the withdrawal reflex, measuring the latency period, and recording the withdrawal latency. The results are then interpreted, with shorter withdrawal latencies indicating increased sensitivity to heat, which is a sign of hyperalgesia. The process ends after the interpretation of results, determining the presence and extent of hyperalgesia in the test subject.
Figure 5
Figure 5
This mind map provides a structured overview of the critical components of studying diabetic neuropathy induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in rats. The model focuses on the assessment of mechanical allodynia. The central idea revolves around the advantages of using an electronic von Frey algometer over traditional methods, emphasizing its precision, accuracy, and ability to provide quantifiable measurements. The mind map breaks down the importance of assessing mechanical allodynia, the benefits of the electronic method, the experimental setup involving a pressure transducer and computerized data collection, and the implications for research, such as standardized testing conditions and valuable insights into potential therapeutic interventions.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Diagram illustrating the various outcome measures used to evaluate neuropathy in rodent models of PIPN.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Diagram illustrating the testing procedures for cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy models.
Figure 8
Figure 8
A diagram demonstrating the procedures and methodologies associated with the utilization of surgery-induced and trauma-induced models of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic animals.
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