Journal article
Sex differences in the transition to chronic pain
The Journal of clinical investigation, Vol.135(11), e191931
06/02/2025
DOI: 10.1172/JCI191931
PMCID: PMC12126234
PMID: 40454485
Abstract
Chronic pain affects more than 50 million Americans, with women disproportionately affected by severe pain, pain interference, and overall disability. The development of chronic pain is multifactorial and often begins with an incident of acute pain associated with an injury or a surgical procedure that transitions to persistent pain lasting for months or years. Despite this, there are limited clinical studies investigating sex differences in predictors and biomarkers for the transition to chronic pain. Several preclinical animal models have been developed to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms for the transition to chronic pain, and several sex-specific mechanisms have been identified across multiple systems. These preclinical models generally involve a multiple-insult approach, in which a priming insult enhances sensitivity to a subsequent induction stimulus. There is emerging evidence from preclinical research for several male-specific and female-specific mechanisms, as well as several studies showing shared mechanisms. Here, we review the clinical and preclinical literature covering sex differences in the periphery and immune system, the central nervous system, and the endocrine system related to the transition to chronic pain. We further highlight gaps in the literature and provide recommendations for future research to understand sex-specific differences in the transition to chronic pain.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Sex differences in the transition to chronic pain
- Creators
- Angela F. Smith - University of IowaAshley N. Plumb - The University of Texas at DallasGiovanni Berardi - University of IowaKathleen A. Sluka - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- The Journal of clinical investigation, Vol.135(11), e191931
- DOI
- 10.1172/JCI191931
- PMID
- 40454485
- PMCID
- PMC12126234
- NLM abbreviation
- J Clin Invest
- ISSN
- 0021-9738
- eISSN
- 1558-8238
- Publisher
- American Society for Clinical Investigation; ANN ARBOR
- Grant note
- NIH: U24NS112873, R01AR077418, R01AR073187, U24NS112873-03S2, T32NS045549
The authors have received research support through the NIH including: U24NS112873 (KAS) , R01AR077418 (KAS) , R01AR073187 (KAS) , U24NS112873-03S2 (GB) , T32NS045549 (AFS) .
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 06/02/2025
- Academic Unit
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Nursing; Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science; Neuroscience and Pharmacology
- Record Identifier
- 9984826347602771
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