Genetic Marker Predicts Gabapentin Response in Chronic Pelvic Pain

According to studies, women who have a certain type of the pain gene are more likely to react favorably to a standard treatment for chronic pain. According to a study, women with persistent pelvic discomfort who possessed a naturally occurring variant of the gene Neuregulin 3 in their DNA were more likely to feel better after taking gabapentin, a painkiller.

According to specialists, limiting the use of gabapentin to individuals who possess this genetic signature could prevent treatment failure and unintended side effects in people who are unlikely to benefit.

The results may enhance the way gabapentin is used to treat chronic pelvic pain, which affects one in four women globally and is a chronic, incapacitating discomfort.

Often recommended for chronic pain, gabapentin reduces heightened pain sensitivity in patients with long-term diseases by acting on the central nervous system, which transmits messages from the brain to all of the body’s nerves.

The University of Edinburgh researchers’ findings corroborate those of a prior study in which they found that gabapentin medication was helpful for certain women, with 40% of participants reporting moderate improvements in their worst or average pelvic discomfort.

In a recent study conducted in conjunction with the University of Oxford, the genetic makeup of 71 women who were prescribed gabapentin for persistent pelvic pain was examined; 29 of them showed improvement after taking the drug, while 42 did not.

The gene Neuregulin 3, which dictated a person’s response to gabapentin, was discovered to exist naturally. The same-named protein, which is produced by the gene and is located in the brain and spinal cord, is involved in the perception and transmission of pain.

According to specialists, the findings may have ramifications for ailments other than pelvic pain and provide new insight into the fundamental mechanisms behind chronic pain.

The group claims that additional studies are required to validate the results in a more extensive female population. Edinburgh Innovations (EI), the University’s commercialization arm, is funding their work. They have a patent on the discovery and are looking for a business partner to expand the research.

The study’s lead author, Dr Scott Mackenzie from the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Reproductive Health said: “A genetic factor that can predict how well gabapentin will work in patients offers the prospect of tailored treatment, and provides invaluable insights into understanding chronic pain. We hope eventually to use this genetic marker to optimise personalised treatment decisions and minimise adverse effects for women with chronic pelvic pain.”

“Isolating this single genetic marker is an important discovery that could ultimately help refine treatments for millions of women worldwide who suffer from chronic pelvic pain, as well as increasing our understanding of its role in other pain conditions. We believe this is an exciting opportunity for collaboration with a commercial partner who can help translate the research into a clinical setting.”- Dr. Susan Bodie, EI’s Head of Business Development for the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine

For more information: Genome-wide association reveals a locus in neuregulin 3 associated with gabapentin efficacy in women with chronic pelvic pain,  Science, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2024.110370