E. Shyam P. Reddy: Female Hormones Trigger Pain Relief via Immune Cells
E. Shyam P. Reddy, Professor and Director of the Cancer Biology Program, Department of OB/GYN at Morehouse School of Medicine, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Summary: Scientists have discovered that female hormones like estrogen and progesterone can trigger immune cells near the spinal cord to release natural opioids, easing pain before it reaches the brain.
These immune cells, known as T regulatory cells (T-regs), are located in the meninges and produce the painkilling molecule enkephalin in response to hormonal signals.
The effect appears specific to females, offering insight into why some pain treatments work better for women and why postmenopausal women may experience more chronic pain. This newly uncovered mechanism could lead to sex-specific therapies and innovative treatments for the millions affected by chronic pain.
Key Facts:
- Hormone-Driven Relief: Estrogen and progesterone prompt T-regs to release natural opioids.
- Sex-Specific Response: Female mice without T-regs became more pain-sensitive; males did not.
- Therapeutic Potential: Engineered T-regs may offer a new approach for chronic pain relief.”
-
Challenging the Status Quo in Colorectal Cancer 2024
December 6-8, 2024
-
ESMO 2024 Congress
September 13-17, 2024
-
ASCO Annual Meeting
May 30 - June 4, 2024
-
Yvonne Award 2024
May 31, 2024
-
OncoThon 2024, Online
Feb. 15, 2024
-
Global Summit on War & Cancer 2023, Online
Dec. 14-16, 2023