Pain: persistence and disease
Article Abstract:
Pain may sometimes be a chronic disease rather than just a symptom of disease. Different research studies have examined different aspects of pain as a disease. Different pathways in the central nervous system (CNS) send sensory messages to control levels of acute and chronic pain. Pain-control substances travel along different pathways through the spinal cord to centers in the brain. Tissue damage, inflammation and nerve injury can increase sensitivity to pain and cause persistent longer-lasting pain. An increase in the levels of the opioid substance dynorphin may contribute to the cause of more intense pain after an injury. Levels of amino acids that affect nerve excitability may also increase after an injury. This may adversely affect different mechanisms that inhibit pain. New types of anesthesia may be developed that interfere with the activity of these substances.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1993
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Large scale association analysis for identification of genes underlying premature coronary heart disease: cumulative perspective from analysis of 111 candidate genes
Article Abstract:
A report stated that coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the Western world among white Americans. It is reported that the risk of developing coronary heart disease is 2-12 times higher for individuals with a first degree family history compared with those without a family history of coronary heart disease.
Publication Name: Journal of Medical Genetics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0022-2593
Year: 2004
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