Researchers have identified a compound that seems to play a role in the development of opioid tolerance, according to a study published in Anesthesiology.
Researchers found that CXCL1, a protein produced by spinal cord tissue, contributes to opioid tolerance.
"By neutralizing CXCL1 in patients, we might help solve the problem of opioid tolerance," said Chih-Peng Lin, MD, assistant professor, department of anesthesiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine. "By suppressing opioid tolerance, we can help patients achieve prolonged pain relief without the side effects of increased opioid dosages."
However, study authors note that further research must be done to determine whether blocking the protein is a safe and effective way to eliminate opioid tolerance.
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