Eicosapentaenoic acid intake modulates programmed cell death protein 1 receptors to prevent chronic pain and comorbid depression in mice

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia is a frequently treatment-refractory chronic musculoskeletal pain disorder that often results in clinical depression; however, the role of neuroinflammatory signaling in comorbid depression remains unclear, including the contributions of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). METHODS: This study examined the efficacy of EPA ingestion for reducing chronic pain and depression comorbidity (CPDC) in a mouse model established using intermittent cold stress. RESULTS: gene knockout mice. CONCLUSION: This demonstration that oral EPA can prevent CPDC by inhibiting neuroinflammatory pathways could facilitate improved treatment strategies for CPDC.