The role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in infection-induced oral burning sensation: Evidenced from mouse and zebrafish models.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Burning sensation in the oral cavity impairs quality of life, with infection identified as a potential cause due to its inflammatory effects. This study examines the role of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) ion channel in mediating -induced burning sensations using clinical data, mouse models, and zebrafish embryos.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Tongue pain intensity in 173 patients was assessed using the Numerical rating scale (NRS, 0-10) before and after nystatin treatment. Mice were infected with under immunosuppression, and TRPV1 expression in trigeminal ganglia was analyzed via immunohistochemistry and Quantitative real-time PCR. Zebrafish embryos were microinjected with to evaluate expression using in situ hybridization.

RESULTS

Patients with elevated CFU levels showed higher NRS scores, which improved following nystatin treatment. Infected mice displayed nerve damage and increased TRPV1 expression in trigeminal ganglia. Zebrafish embryos also showed upregulation, confirming infection-induced neuroinflammation.

CONCLUSION

infection induces oral burning sensations by increasing TRPV1 expression. Targeting TRPV1 may offer a new therapeutic approach for managing infection-related oral pain.