Pain

The lipid sensor LXRs protect small sensory neurons... 29 September 2018

Chaitanya Gavini, Raiza Bonomo, Laurent Gautron, Angie Bookout, Syann Lee and Virginie Mansuy-Aubert

Our findings suggest that lipid-binding nuclear receptors expressed in the sensory neurons of the DRG play a role in the onset of obesity-induced hypersensitivity. The LXR and lipid-sensor pathways represent a research avenue to identify targets to prevent debilitating complications affecting the peripheral nerve system in obesity.

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Obesity-Associated Neuropathy: Recent Preclinical Studies and Proposed Mechanisms 26 February 2022

In this review, we focus on interventions and their mechanisms that are shown to ameliorate neuropathy in MetS obese models including: (i) inhibition of a sensory neuron population, (ii), modification of dietary components, (iii) activation of nuclear and mitochondrial lipid pathways, (iv) exercise, (v) modulation of gut microbiome composition and their metabolites.

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Fecal Transplantation and Butyrate Improve Neuropathic Pain, Modify... 15 October 2020

Raiza R. Bonomo, Tyler M. Cook, Chaitanya K. Gavini, Chelsea R. White, Jacob R. Jones, Elisa Bovo, Chelsea White,Raiza R. Bonomo, Tyler M. Cook, aiza R. Bonomo, Tyler M. Cook, Chaitanya K. Gavini, Chelsea R. White, Jacob R. Jones, Elisa Bovo, Chelsea White,Raiza R. Bonomo, Tyler M. Cook

Circulating butyrate, a metabolite secreted by gut microbiome and absorbed in the blood stream, may be involved by acting directly on peripheral nerve system immune cells and gene expression or pain channels.

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A gut-adipose-nerve axis mediates inulin protection against Western... 20 May 2026

Western diets—high in fat and sugar but low in fiber—often cause chronic nerve pain and hypersensitivity. Researchers discovered that adding a type of dietary fiber called inulin to the diet can reverse this damage. Inulin feeds beneficial gut bacteria, which then produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These SCFAs travel to fatty tissues, reduce inflammation, and help the nervous system recover. 
The study highlights how targeted fiber intake can act as an effective alternative to fecal transplants to protect nerve health. 
Key takeaways from the research:
  • The Problem: Western diets lack fermentable fibers, which leads to nerve-related pain and hypersensitivity.
  • The Solution: Adding inulin (a complex carbohydrate fiber) to the diet remodels gut bacteria and produces beneficial short-chain fatty acids.
  • How It Works: The SCFAs improve overall metabolic health and reduce inflammation around nerves

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