Recognition of serum key molecules from postherpetic neuralgia patients
by mass spectrometry-based proteomics analysis
Abstract
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most prevalent form of chronic pain
resulting from herpes zoster. Despite its prevalence, the molecular
etiology of PHN remains poorly understood, and effective treatments are
limited. In this study, we aimed to identify key serum molecules that
exhibit significant differences between PHN patients and healthy
controls. Using mass spectrometry-based proteomics, we identified 24
upregulated and 8 downregulated differentially expressed proteins (DEPs)
in PHN patients compared to healthy controls. These dysregulated
proteins are implicated in various biological processes, molecular
functions, cellular components, and signaling pathways. Notably, the
Rap1 signaling pathway and focal adhesion pathway were among the top
pathways identified by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes
(KEGG) analysis. Key molecules including TLN1, CALM2, PFN1, and FLNA
were found to be enriched in these pathways. Validation using
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in a larger cohort confirmed
the differential expression of CALM2, FLNA, and PFN1. Our findings
suggest that CALM2, FLNA, and PFN1, along with their associated
pathways, represent potential therapeutic targets for PHN.