Oxidative Stress and Opioids

In recent years, research has shown the involvement of free radicals in the development of the pain that accompanies many pathological conditions. In the treatment of acute and chronic pain, the most effective therapies are natural and synthetic opioid alkaloids. Their metabolism in itself may contribute to the formation of free radicals and thus affect body system load and the perception of pain. Long-term treatment with opioids is a tool of choice for the treatment of medium and severe pain. Opioids stimulate the effect of endogenous opioids, endorphins, by binding to multiple subtypes of opioid receptors (μ,κ,σ) in spinal, supraspinal and peripheral tissues. Morphine is a typical, natural opioid analgesic utilised in practice in the treatment of severe chronic pain. In addition, similar effects can be expected from semisynthetic opioids such as oxycodone and hydromorphone. However, during treatment with opioids some adverse effects can appear regardless of whether treatment is short-term or long-term. One potentially serious side effect is the induction of oxidative stress. The purpose of this present work is to determine the main sources of reactive oxygen and nitrogen in the development of infl ammatory and neuropathic pain, and the manner in which metabolism of morphine contributes to oxidative stress alone.</p

Glutathione-Related Enzymes and Proteins: A Review

The tripeptide glutathione is found in all eukaryotic cells, and due to the compartmentalization of biochemical processes, its synthesis takes place exclusively in the cytosol. At the same time, its functions depend on its transport to/from organelles and interorgan transport, in which the liver plays a central role. Glutathione is determined as a marker of the redox state in many diseases, aging processes, and cell death resulting from its properties and reactivity. It also uses other enzymes and proteins, which enables it to engage and regulate various cell functions. This paper approximates the role of these systems in redox and detoxification reactions such as conjugation reactions of glutathione-S-transferases, glyoxylases, reduction of peroxides through thiol peroxidases (glutathione peroxidases, peroxiredoxins) and thiol–disulfide exchange reactions catalyzed by glutaredoxins

Glutathione-Related Enzymes and Proteins: A Review

The tripeptide glutathione is found in all eukaryotic cells, and due to the compartmentalization of biochemical processes, its synthesis takes place exclusively in the cytosol. At the same time, its functions depend on its transport to/from organelles and interorgan transport, in which the liver plays a central role. Glutathione is determined as a marker of the redox state in many diseases, aging processes, and cell death resulting from its properties and reactivity. It also uses other enzymes and proteins, which enables it to engage and regulate various cell functions. This paper approximates the role of these systems in redox and detoxification reactions such as conjugation reactions of glutathione-S-transferases, glyoxylases, reduction of peroxides through thiol peroxidases (glutathione peroxidases, peroxiredoxins) and thiol&ndash;disulfide exchange reactions catalyzed by glutaredoxins

The influence of various sport activities on the degeneration of intervertebral discs

Excessive physical activity is one of the main risk factors in the formation of degenerative changes of the intervertebral discs. Recreational and elite sport also represents a repeated increased physical load, and based on the type of sport, a more intense and sometimes less intense action of direct forces on the intervertebral discs. On the other hand, sport and training is in general regarded as beneficial for our health. Many doctors also regards sport as a form of prevention against back injuries. The authors analyze numerous sporting activities with different types of direct forces acting on the spine, with the goal to inform on realistic scientific facts regarding the impact of these activities on the degeneration of the intervertebral disc. They inform about the available facts, which confirm the positive effects of a certain type of sport load on the degeneration of the intervertebral disc, and its correlation with the clinically manifested back pain

Deciphering the enigmatic symptoms of Pancoast tumors: Navigating the complex landscape of pain management—A case report

Pancoast tumors, also known as superior sulcus tumors, encompass a diverse spectrum of neoplasms that infiltrate the apex of the chest wall, yielding distinctive clinical presentations. One of the earliest signs of tumor growth is pain radiating to the upper limb, stemming from peripheral nerve involvement, which can mimic joint pain or spinal radicular irritation. In this case report, we present the clinical history of a 64-year-old female smoker who had previously been recommended for orthopedic elbow surgery due to epicondylitis. Subsequent to the development of additional symptoms and rigorous investigation, a Pancoast tumor was diagnosed. Furthermore, we discuss the characteristic treatment modalities available for Pancoast tumors, including pharmacological pain management and interventional strategies such as spinal cordotomy and spinal alcoholysis. This case underscores the significance of recognizing atypical presentations and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive evaluation in the diagnosis and management of Pancoast tumors