Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potential of Substance P/ NK1R Receptor in Primary Dysmenorrhea
brief summary
Dysmenorrhea is characterized as excruciating menstrual cramps of uterine origin and is one of the most prevalent gynecological illnesses. Substance P (SP) and NK1R mediate the symptoms of various pain disorders with chronic and/or neuropathic pain. Objective: To evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic potential of Substance P/ NK1R receptor in primary dysmenorrhea. Study Design: This was a randomized controlled trial which took place at Lahore Medical Research Center from March 2024 to October 2024. Non-probability convenient sampling techniques was used for sampling. A total of 40 female participants was included in the study who met specific criteria for inclusion. The study comprised of three phases, Phase 1 (Before medication), Phase 2 (NSAIDs) and Phase 3(Dexamethasone + Aprepitant). 10 females with no dysmenorrhea participated as controls. The study duration spanned three menstrual cycles. 20 dysmenhorric and 6 controls were analyzed for NK1R levels. Several assessment tools were also used in the study,
detailed description
This was a randomized controlled trial which took place at Lahore Medical Research Center from March 2024 to October 2024. Non-probability convenient sampling techniques was used for sampling. A total of 40 female participants was included in the study who met specific criteria for inclusion. 10 females with no dysmenorrhea participated as controls. The study duration spanned three menstrual cycles, during which participants were divided into three Phases. Phase 1: Blood samples of all 30 patients were collected prior to any medication. Phase 2: All 30 participants in this phase used NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), during their dysmenorrhea period. Phase 3: All the patients from phase 2 (n=30) received NK1R antagonist "Dexamethasone (6mg) + Aprepitant (80mg)" for 2 days. Out of these patients, 20 dysmenhorric and 6 controls were analyzed for NK1R levels.
Data Collection
A 5cc blood sample was collected from each participant on the 2nd day of their menstrual cycle before any intervention. Another 5cc blood sample was collected on the 2nd day of the menstrual cycle after the first intervention. Another 5cc blood sample was collected on the 2nd day of the menstrual cycle after the 2nd intervention. Prior to and following the intervention, a complete blood count (CBC) was conducted to assess any changes in blood parameters. Serum was extracted from the collected blood samples for further analysis.
Human SP and Neurokinin-1 Receptor (NK1R) levels measurement Human SP and its antagonist NK1R levels were analyzed using ELISA technique. This analysis was performed thrice to investigate the role of Substance P and NK1R in menstrual pain before and after the intervention. BT Lab Human Substance P and NK1R ELISA kit was used to measure levels of SP and NK1R in serum samples of participants (Catalogue Numbers: E1528Hu, E6938Hu).
Assessment tools
The study's participants filled out a basic questionnaire meant to collect sociodemographic information and analyze a variety of parameters. Body Mass Index (BMI), Family History of Pain, Age at Menarche, Length of Menstrual Cycle, Age of Onset of Dysmenorrhea, and Sleep Duration were all included in these surveys. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart were among the other questionnaires used.
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
official title
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potential of Substance P/ NK1R Receptor in Primary Dysmenorrhea: a Randomized Controlled Trial