Molecular mechanisms of trigeminal neuralgia: A systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#animals #genetic-predisposition-to-disease #humans #ion-channels #neuralgia

Molecular mechanisms of trigeminal neuralgia: A systematic review

Smith et al., 2021 | Clin Neurol Neurosurg | Systematic Review

Citation

Smith Cynthia A, Paskhover Boris, Mammis Antonios. Molecular mechanisms of trigeminal neuralgia: A systematic review. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2021-Jan;200:106397. doi:10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.106397

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review of the available literature for primary research articles identifying potential gene mutations, polymorphisms and other molecular regulatory mechanisms related to trigeminal neuralgia in order to identify the genetic and molecular models of primary trigeminal neuralgia currently being investigated. METHODS: PubMed and Web of Science were systematically searched to identify primary research articles discussing genetic predictors of trigeminal neuralgia and neuropathic pain that were published prior to July 2020. This review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Out of the 333 articles originally identified, a total of 14 papers were selected for study inclusion. These articles included 5 human studies, 6 mouse studies and 3 rat studies. Four articles investigated sodium channels, 1 investigated a sodium channel and nerve growth factor receptor, 2 investigated potassium channels, 1 investigated calcium channels, 1 investigated the downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator protein, 1 investigated the dynorphin-kappa opioid receptor system, 1 investigated TRPA1, 1 investigated the Nrg1/ErbB3/ErbB2 signaling complex, 1 investigated a serotonin transporter and 1 investigated potassium channels, sodium channels, calcium channels, chloride channels, TRP channels and gap junctions. CONCLUSION: Researchers have identified multiple genetic and molecular targets involved with potential pathophysiologies that have a relationship to the creation of trigeminal neuralgia. At this time, there does not seem to be clear causal frontrunner, demonstrating the possibility that genetic predisposition to trigeminal neuralgia may involve multiple genes and/or downstream products, such as ion channels.

Key Findings

Out of the 333 articles originally identified, a total of 14 papers were selected for study inclusion. These articles included 5 human studies, 6 mouse studies and 3 rat studies. Four articles investigated sodium channels, 1 investigated a sodium channel and nerve growth factor receptor, 2 investigated potassium channels, 1 investigated calcium channels, 1 investigated the downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator protein, 1 investigated the dynorphin-kappa opioid receptor system, 1 inv

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 5
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Ion Channels
  • Neuralgia
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: potassium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09