Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy can be classified based on the type of chemotherapy drug into: taxane-induced, platinum-based, and vinca alkaloid-induced peripheral neuropathies. Taxanes, such as paclitaxel, primarily cause damage to ion channels and activation of astrocytes. 

1. Experimental Design

2. Behavioral Test: Von Frey & Hot Plate

n=10-14 mice/group, all data represent as MEAN ± SEM, *P<0.05, **P<0.01, ***P<0.001, ****P<0.0001, Two-way ANOVA

n=8 mice/group, all data represent as MEAN ± SEM, *P<0.05, **P<0.01, ***P<0.001, ****P<0.0001, T-test

The mechanical pain threshold measured by Von Frey stimuli significantly decreases in mice after paclitaxel injection

3. Diagnostic blood biomarkers: Neurofilament light (NFL)

n=5-6 mice/group, all data represent as MEAN ± SEM, *P<0.05, **P<0.01, ***P<0.001, ****P<0.0001,T-Test

There is no significant change in the levels of neurofilament light chain (NFL) in the blood of both male and female mice after paclitaxel injection.

4. Skin Biopsy: IENF (intraepidermal nerve fiber)

n=4 mice/group, all data represent as MEAN ± SEM, *P<0.05, **P<0.01, ***P<0.001, ****P<0.0001, T-Test

The density of intraepidermal nerve fibers (IENF) in the skin decreases in paclitaxel-induced neuropathic mice.

5. Molecular: IBA1 & CGRP 

n=5 mice/group, all data represent as MEAN ± SEM, *P<0.05, **P<0.01, ***P<0.001, ****P<0.0001, T-Test

n=4 mice/group, all data represent as MEAN ± SEM, *P<0.05, **P<0.01, ***P<0.001, ****P<0.0001, T-Test

CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide)

The expression of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord increases in paclitaxel-induced neuropathic mice.