Lentinula edodes mycelia extract abrogates chemotherapy-evoked cold and mechanical allodynia in mice

Abstract

Background

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a detrimental outcome of various antineoplastic drugs, such as paclitaxel (PTX), vincristine (VCR), oxaliplatin (L-OHP), and bortezomib (BOR). CIPN results in pain and disability, thereby reducing quality of life and discontinuation of chemotherapy. Currently, the only effective treatment for CIPN is using duloxetine. Therefore, development of new treatments is necessary. Extract of Lentinula edodes mycelia (LEM) improves the quality of life for individuals undergoing chemotherapy treatment. As treatment with LEM may attenuate CIPN after chemotherapy, this study was conducted to determine whether treatment with LEM abrogates L-OHP-, PTX-, VCR-, and BOR-evoked cold and mechanical allodynia in mice.

Results

We found that LEM exhibits protective effects against cold and mechanical allodynia in mice treated with L-OHP, PTX, VCR, or BOR. We also found that the administration of L-OHP, PTX, VCR, and BOR elevated mRNA expression of Cav3.2, Cav3.3, and NR2A in the DRG of mice, whereas treatment with LEM abrogated L-OHP-, PTX-, VCR-, and BOR-induced Cav3.2 and NR2A mRNA expression. In addition, LEM treatment abrogated L-OHP-, PTX-, VCR-, and BOR-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the DRG and spinal cord of mice. Furthermore, treatment with LEM reversed symptoms in mice that developed cold and mechanical allodynia after receiving L-OHP, PTX, VCR, or BOR.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the attenuation of expression of phosphorylated ERK1/2, Cav3.2, and NR2A upon LEM treatment may be an effective prophylactic and therapeutic strategy against L-OHP-, PTX-, VCR-, and BOR-induced cold and mechanical allodynia.