Нейродегенеративные свойства хронической боли и депрессии

This review explores the relationship between chronic pain, depression, cognitive decline and underlying cerebral plasticity impairment. Experimental animal models, modern neuroimaging, molecular and cellular studies have demonstrated that depression as well as pain are associated with cognitive impairment and result in chemical and structural changes in brain. The most negative changes are observed in hippocampus which is identified to be the key structure in memory and mood processes. Stress decreases the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in brain, and decreased levels of BDNF, as well as other neurotrophic factors, could contribute to the atrophy of certain limbic structures, including the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. The changes of neurotrophic factors synthesis may be related to the increase cortisol secretion and induced neurohumoral reactions. Pain and depression are comorbide conditions and potentiate each other. Both have influence on neurogenesis and can be considered a neurodegenerative disorder.