miRNA 146A-5P-Loaded Poly( <scp>D</scp> , <scp>L</scp> -Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) Nanoparticles Impair Pain Behaviors by Inhibiting Multiple Inflammatory Pathways in Microglia

Abstract

<b>Aims:</b> We investigated whether miRNA (miR) 146a-5p-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) can attenuate neuropathic pain behaviors in the rat spinal nerve ligation-induced neuropathic pain model by inhibiting activation of the NF-κB and p38 MAPK pathways in spinal microglia. <b>Materials & methods:</b> After NP preparation, miR NPs were assessed for their physical characteristics and then injected intrathecally into the spinal cords of rat spinal nerve ligation rats to test their analgesic effects. <b>Results:</b> miR NPs reduced pain behaviors for 11 days by negatively regulating the inflammatory response in spinal microglia. <b>Conclusion:</b> The anti-inflammatory effects of miR 146a-5p along with nanoparticle-based materials make miR NPs promising tools for treating neuropathic pain.