The Role of the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore in Chronic Pain
Curr Neuropharmacol. 2026 Jul 10. doi: 10.2174/011570159X487795260629095134. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
The mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore (mPTP) has been implicated in cell death, energy failure, and oxidative stress. Emerging evidence suggests that mPTP may also contribute to the development and maintenance of chronic pain, although evidence remains limited and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This narrative review summarizes current findings from experimental and clinical chronic pain models and discusses how mPTP-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction may promote central sensitization and pain persistence through reactive oxygen species accumulation, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, and metabolic failure. Pharmacological strategies targeting mPTP and their therapeutic implications are further discussed. Finally, future perspectives are proposed, including mechanistic investigations, drug discovery, and clinical translation. This review highlights mPTP as a promising therapeutic target and provides a focused framework for future studies exploring mitochondrial mechanisms in chronic pain.
PMID:42460526 | DOI:10.2174/011570159X487795260629095134