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Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common, severe, and hard-to-treat chronic pain condition in clinics. Although PHN is developed from herpes zoster (HZ), the developing mechanism is unknown. A previous study investigated blood metabolomic and proteomic profiling in patients with PHN and HZ. The current study aims to explore the blood transcriptomic signature of PHN compared to HZ patients. Whole blood from eight PHN and 15 HZ patients was used for RNA-Seq analysis. There were 82 and 1,788 genes detected specifically in the PHN and HZ groups, respectively. PHN-specific genes are involved in viral infection, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and immune response. For genes coexpressed in PHN and HZ patients, there were 407 differential expression genes (DEGs), including 205 upregulated (UP DEGs) and 202 downregulated (DOWN DEGs) in PHN compared to HZ groups. DEGs are involved in viral infection, type I interferon (IFN), and hemoglobin and oxygen carrier activity. UP DEGs are associated with regulatory T cells (Tregs), activated NK cells, and neutrophils, while DOWN DEGs are associated with Tregs, resting NK cells, and monocytes. The results suggest that the metabolism of lipid, glycan, and nucleotides, type I IFN signaling, and altered neutrophil activation are associated with and might contribute to the development of PHN in HZ. It is also suggested that persistent or altered activation of nonspecific immunity may contribute to the development of PHN from HZ.

BACKGROUND: Shingles can cause long-term pain and negative emotions, along with changes in brain function. In this study, Granger Causality Analysis (GCA) was used to compare herpes zoster (HZ) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) differences in effective connections within the \"pain matrix\" between patients and healthy controls to further understand patterns of interaction between brain regions and explore the relationship between changes in effective connections and clinical features.
METHODS: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans were performed on 55 HZ; 55 PHN; and 50 age-, sex- matched healthy controls (HCs). The brain regions associated with the pain matrix are used as the seeds of effective connectivity. GCA was used to analyze effective connections in brain regions that differed significantly between groups. Then the correlation between GCA values and clinical indicators was studied.
RESULTS: Compared with HC, GCA values between the thalamus and the amygdala, between the thalamus and the precentral gyrus, from the thalamus to the postcentral gyrus, and from the parahippocampal gyrus to the amygdala, anterior cingulate gyrus were significantly reduced in HZ patients. Compared with HC, GCA values between the insular and the postcentral gyrus, from the insular to the inferior parietal lobe, and from the postcentral gyrus to the amygdala were significantly reduced in PHN patients. Compared with HZ, GCA values between the inferior parietal lobe and the parahippocampal gyrus, between the inferior parietal lobe and the anterior cingulate gyrus, and from the anterior cingulate gyrus to the amygdala were significantly increased in PHN patients. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score of PHN patients was positively correlated with the GCA value from the central posterior lobe to the insula.
CONCLUSIONS: PHN and HZ patients showed a broad reduction in effective connections, mainly reflected in abnormal pain pathway regulation, pain perception, negative emotion and memory production, providing new perspectives to understand the neuroimaging mechanisms of shingles.

Background: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and postherpetic pruritus (PHP) are common complications of shingles that affect patients\' quality of life. PHN and PHP can be managed using various medications and interventional procedures; however, complications persisting for at least six months may hamper recovery. Subcutaneous injections of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) can control persistent PHN and PHP. Case presentation: A 71-year-old man presented at our hospital with itching and pain. He had been diagnosed with shingles in the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve one year previously. As the pain and itching persisted despite medication, a supraorbital nerve block, Gasserian ganglion block, epidural nerve block, and radiofrequency thermocoagulation were performed. A subcutaneous injection of BTX-A was administered into the ophthalmic area of the trigeminal nerve three years after the initial presentation. A decrease of >80% in pain and itching was reported after the injection; however, the left eyelid drooped and the eyeball shifted downward and outward immediately after the injection. No deterioration in vision or pupil dilation was observed, and almost complete resolution of these symptoms occurred spontaneously three months after the injection. Pain and itching continued to improve without further side-effects until six months after the injection. Conclusions: The subcutaneous injection of BTX-A may be an alternative treatment option for chronic and refractory neurological diseases such as PHN and PHP, which persist for four years and are resistant to conventional treatments. Nevertheless, care must be taken to minimize the risk of ptosis.

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a sequela of the reactivation of a latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection of the sensory dorsal root ganglia and cranial nerves due to a decrease in specific T cell-mediated immunity as a result of immunosenescence, immunodeficiency diseases, e.g., human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or immunosuppressive therapy. The disease burden of HZ greatly increases with age; however, younger patients with, e.g., inflammatory rheumatic diseases, also have an increased risk of HZ, which is higher under certain immunosuppressive drugs, e.g., Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors or glucocorticoids. The risk of complications, e.g., postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is also increased in this patient group. Of the two vaccines licensed in Germany, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) at the Robert Koch Institute recommends the recombinant adjuvanted HZ subunit vaccine for the standard vaccination of all persons ≥ 60 years and for persons ≥ 50 years with an increased HZ risk for prevention of HZ and PNH due to its better efficacy and longer duration of effectiveness. Clinical trials have demonstrated a 90-97% efficacy in preventing HZ in immune healthy adults aged ≥ 50 years, with a much higher reactogenicity in the vaccine group compared to placebo. Adequate efficacy, immunogenicity and safety have also been demonstrated in clinical trials in immunocompromised and immunosuppressed patients. An extension of the STIKO vaccination recommendation to all adults with an increased HZ risk in line with the approval would be welcome.
UNASSIGNED: Herpes zoster (HZ) ist eine Folge der Reaktivierung einer latenten Infektion der sensorischen Hinterstrangganglien und Hirnnerven mit dem Varizella-Zoster-Virus (VZV) bei nachlassender spezifischer T‑Zell-Immunität aufgrund von Immunseneszenz, Immunschwäche (beispielsweise infolge einer Infektion mit dem „human immunodeficiency virus“ [HIV]) oder immunsuppressiver Therapie. Die Krankheitslast steigt mit zunehmendem Alter deutlich an. Doch auch jüngere Patienten, etwa mit einer entzündlich-rheumatischen Erkrankung, haben ein erhöhtes HZ-Risiko, das unter einer Therapie mit bestimmten immunsuppressiven Medikamenten weiter ansteigt, beispielsweise unter Januskinase(JAK)-Inhibitoren oder Glukokortikoiden. Auch das Risiko für einen komplikativen Verlauf, unter anderem mit postherpetischer Neuralgie (PHN), ist in dieser Patientengruppe erhöht. Von den beiden in Deutschland zugelassenen Impfstoffen empfiehlt die Ständige Impfkommission beim Robert Koch-Institut (STIKO) zur Verhinderung von HZ und PHN aufgrund einer besseren Wirksamkeit und längeren Wirkdauer den adjuvantierten HZ-subunit-Totimpfstoff für die Standardimpfung aller Personen ab 60 Jahren und für die Indikationsimpfung aller Personen mit einem erhöhten HZ-Risiko ab 50 Jahren. In Studien betrug die Wirksamkeit dieses Impfstoffs hinsichtlich der Verhinderung eines HZ bei Immungesunden in einem Alter von ≥ 50 Jahren 90–97 %, bei deutlich erhöhter Reaktogenität in der Verumgruppe im Vergleich zu Placebo. Auch in Untersuchungen zu immungeschwächten und immunsupprimierten Patienten zeigte der Impfstoff eine ausreichende Effektivität, Immunogenität und Sicherheit. Eine Erweiterung der STIKO-Impfempfehlung auf alle erwachsenen Personen mit einem erhöhten HZ-Risiko analog zur Zulassung ist wünschenswert.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) often exhibit depressive-like symptoms, significantly impacting their quality of life. Esketamine, known for its analgesic properties, has also been recognized for its rapid antidepressant effects. However, its efficacy in the treatment of PHN requires further exploration. This study aims to evaluate the impact of intravenous patient-controlled analgesia(PICA) with esketamine on depressive mood in PHN patients.
METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed PHN patients hospitalized and treated at the affiliated hospital of Southwest Medical University from June 2021 to March 2023. Patients were divided into the esketamine group (E group) and the sufentanil group (S group) based on their treatment regimens. Primary outcomes included pain numerical rating scale(NRS), depression patient health questionaire-9(PHQ-9), and anxiety generalized anxiety disorder-7(GAD-7) scores measured before treatment, and at 3 days, 7 days, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months post-treatment.
RESULTS: A total of 83 patients were included in the analysis. Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in pain NRS, depression PHQ-9, and anxiety GAD-7 scores between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared to before treatment, significant reductions in pain NRS scores were observed at all post-treatment time points in both groups (P < 0.05), with no differences between groups (P > 0.05). The E group exhibited significantly lower depression PHQ-9 scores than the S group at 3 days and 7 days post-treatment (P < 0.05), but no significant differences were observed at 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months (P > 0.05). Anxiety GAD-7 scores were significantly lower in the E group compared to the S group at 3 days, 7 days post-treatment (P < 0.05), with no statistical differences at 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months post-treatment (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Both PICA with esketamine and sufentanil alleviated pain equally in PHN patients. However, PICA with esketamine specifically improved early symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Herpes zoster (HZ), resulting from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, is a significant disease. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing sensory neuron involvement in HZ at different locations and its association with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). A total of 3143 cases were retrieved from an electronic medical record system, including 2676 cases of HZ and 467 cases of PHN. Gender, age, site of onset, past surgical history, and comorbidities were analyzed using a multifactorial logistic regression model. The results revealed correlations between age, gender, comorbidities (diabetes, coronary heart disease, percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]), and sensory neuron involvement in HZ. Specifically, older age, female gender, and comorbid conditions such as diabetes/coronary heart disease were associated with sacral dorsal root ganglion (DRG) involvement, while PCI history was associated with lumbar DRG involvement. Additionally, sensory neuron involvement at different locations by HZ was linked to PHN. Furthermore, independent risk factors for PHN included thoracic DRG involvement, older age, and comorbidities (diabetes, surgical history, malignancy). It is crucial to prevent damage to the DRG, especially in individuals with comorbidities, through activities avoidance and active treatment, to minimize the occurrence of PHN.

As the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues, there is a growing concern regarding the relationship between viral infections and neuropathic pain. Chronic neuropathic pain resulting from virus-induced neural dysfunction has emerged as a significant issue currently faced. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unclear, and clinical treatment outcomes are often suboptimal. Therefore, delving into the relationship between viral infections and neuropathic pain, exploring the pathophysiological characteristics and molecular mechanisms of different viral pain models, can contribute to the discovery of potential therapeutic targets and methods, thereby enhancing pain relief and improving the quality of life for patients. This review focuses on HIV-related neuropathic pain (HNP), postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), and neuropathic pain caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections, examining rodent models and relevant cellular molecular pathways. Through elucidating the connection between viral infections and neuropathic pain, it aims to delineate the current limitations and challenges faced by treatments, thereby providing insights and directions for future clinical practice and research.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of pricking-cupping combined with auricular thumbtack needle for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) of qi stagnation and blood stasis on chest and waist.
METHODS: A total of 98 patients with PHN of qi stagnation and blood stasis on chest and waist were randomized into an observation group (49 cases, 1 case was eliminated, 1 case dropped out) and a control group (49 cases, 1 case dropped out). In the observation group, treatment of pricking-cupping combined with auricular thumbtack needle was delivered, pricking and cupping were applied at Jiaji points (EX-B 2) at the related spinal segments corresponding to the pain sites and regional ashi points, once every other day, auricular thumbtack needle was applied at Xin (CO15), Shenmen (TF4), Neifenmi (CO18), Pizhixia (AT4), etc., once every 3 days. In the control group, pregabalin capsule was taken orally, 75 mg a time, twice a day. The treatment of 4 weeks was required in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the scores of TCM symptom, visual analogue scale (VAS), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), self-rating depression scale (SDS) and self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) were observed, the serum levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP) were detected, and the clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated in the two groups.
RESULTS: After treatment, the item scores and total scores of TCM symptom, as well as the scores of VAS, PSQI, SDS and SAS were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05); the item scores of pruritus degree, tactile sensitivity, skin numbness and total score of TCM symptom, as well as the scores of VAS, PSQI, SDS and SAS in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of IgG were increased (P<0.05), while the serum levels of IL-6 and CRP were decreased (P<0.05) compared with those before treatment in the two groups; in the observation group, the serum level of IgG was higher (P<0.05), while the serum levels of IL-6 and CRP were lower (P<0.05) than those in the control group. The total effective rate was 95.7% (45/47) in the observation group, which was superior to 77.1% (37/48) in the control group (P<0.05). The incidence rate of adverse reaction was 6.4% (3/47) in the observation group, which was lower than 12.5% (6/48) in the control group (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Pricking-cupping combined with auricular thumbtack needle can effectively relieve the clinical symptoms in patients with PHN of qi stagnation and blood stasis on chest and waist, reduce the pigmentation of herpes and improve itch or burning, numb sensations in the skin lesions, improve the sleep quality and relieve anxiety and depression.
目的：观察刺络拔罐联合耳穴揿针治疗气滞血瘀型胸腰部带状疱疹后遗神经痛（PHN）的临床疗效。方法：将98例气滞血瘀型胸腰部PHN患者随机分为观察组（49例，剔除1例，脱落1例）和对照组（49例，脱落1例）。观察组采用刺络拔罐联合耳穴揿针治疗，于疼痛部位相应脊髓节段的夹脊穴、局部阿是穴行刺络拔罐，隔日1次，于心、神门、内分泌、皮质下等耳穴行揿针治疗，隔2日1次；对照组予口服普瑞巴林胶囊治疗，每次75 mg，每日2次。两组均治疗4周，分别于治疗前后观察两组患者中医症状、疼痛视觉模拟量表（VAS）、匹兹堡睡眠质量指数（PSQI）、抑郁自评量表（SDS）、焦虑自评量表（SAS）评分，检测两组患者血清免疫球蛋白G（IgG）、白细胞介素6（IL-6）、C反应蛋白（CRP）水平，并评定两组临床疗效及安全性。结果：治疗后，两组患者中医症状各项评分与总分，以及VAS、PSQI、SDS、SAS评分均较治疗前降低（P<0.05）；观察组患者瘙痒程度、触觉敏感程度和皮肤麻木感3项评分与中医症状总分，以及VAS、PSQI、SDS、SAS评分均低于对照组（P<0.05）。治疗后，两组患者血清IgG含量较治疗前升高（P<0.05），血清IL-6、CRP含量较治疗前降低（P<0.05）；观察组血清IgG含量高于对照组（P<0.05），血清IL-6、CRP含量低于对照组（P<0.05）。观察组总有效率为95.7％（45/47），高于对照组的77.1％（37/48，P<0.05）。观察组不良反应发生率为6.4%（3/47），低于对照组的12.5%（6/48，P<0.05）。结论：刺络拔罐联合耳穴揿针治疗可有效缓解气滞血瘀型胸腰部PHN患者的临床症状，减轻皮损区疱疹的色素沉着，改善皮损区的瘙痒感或烧灼感、麻木感，提高患者睡眠质量，缓解焦虑、抑郁情绪。.

BACKGROUND: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a classic chronic condition with multiple signs of peripheral and central neuropathy. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis of PHN is not well defined, limiting clinical treatment and disease management.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the peripheral and central pathological axes of PHN, including peripheral nerve injury, inflammation induction, central nervous system sensitization, and brain functional and structural network activity.
METHODS: A bibliographic survey was carried out, selecting relevant articles that evaluated the characterization of the pathogenesis of PHN, including peripheral and central pathological axes.
RESULTS: Currently, due to the complexity of the pathophysiological mechanisms of PHN and the incomplete understanding of the exact mechanism of neuralgia.
CONCLUSIONS: It is essential to conduct in-depth research to clarify the origins of PHN pathogenesis and explore effective and comprehensive therapies for PHN.