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This repulsive parasite capable of transmitting more than 50 different diseases to humans, including the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic virus, may also hold the key to ending two symptoms that cause discomfort and disability in those who suffer from them chronically. A protein found in the saliva of ticks could become a drug that relieves
chronic painand the itching in people suffering from pathologies such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, arthritis, diabetes, sciatica, or back injuries. So far, new research has shown that the protein, called Votucalis, alleviates these symptoms in mice.
The findings from the universities of Durham and Newcastle, published in the journal “Frontiers in Pharmacology”, could lead to a replacement for traditional pain relievers, such as opioidswhich can be ineffective, have serious side effects, and be addictive.
is the brown ear tick (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus) which secretes this protein in its host when it feeds so that it does not realize that it has been stung.
Votucalis is a biological drug that capture histamine and prevents it from activating its four cell-surface receptors, reducing chronic pain or itch responses.
“The persistent or chronic pain it’s a huge global health challenge, affecting more than 20 percent of the population,” says study co-author Dr Paul Chazot, from the Department of Biosciences at Durham University, UK.
The researcher recalls that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended that current opioid and gabapentinoid analgesics not be prescribed to newly diagnosed patients with chronic pain, except those with cancer, for Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new long-acting drug that is effective and safe to use.
“Our study is the first to show evidence of the pain and itch-relieving potential of Votucalis, which is very exciting. We could be about to discover a viable alternative to opioid drugs and gabapentinoids”, he assures.
For her part, the co-author of the study, Dr. Ilona Obara, considers it “amazing” that a protein found in the saliva of this small creature can prevent chronic pain and itching in people. “These two conditions bring a great deal of suffering, and current medication shows limited efficacy and can often be harmful to patients as well. Votucalis has already been tested in humans with other conditions, including conjunctivitis, without any major side effects, so there is definitely potential for this to become a drug to combat chronic pain and itching,” she adds.
The researchers say the next step toward clinical testing is to develop a system to effectively deliver the drug to the site of itching and pain.
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