Resveratrol alleviates neuropathic pain by restoring mitochondrial fission–fusion balance in CCI mice | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Article Resveratrol alleviates neuropathic pain by restoring mitochondrial fission–fusion balance in CCI mice Liu Xie, Yiran Xu, Qingqing Yang, Wanting Chang, Linna Song, Yanyan Sun This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7778258/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 04 Mar, 2026 Read the published version in Scientific Reports → Version 1 posted 10 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Background Neuropathic pain (NP) is commonly associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in sensory neurons. Although resveratrol (Res), a natural polyphenolic compound, has demonstrated analgesic properties, its impact on mitochondrial dynamics in NP remains unclear. Methods We established a chronic constriction injury (CCI) model in male mice. Starting on day seven after the injury, resveratrol (1 mg/kg) or a vehicle was injected intravenously for three days in a row. We evaluated pain behaviors and analyzed dorsal root ganglia (DRG) for markers of oxidative stress, mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes, fission (DRP1) and fusion (OPA1) proteins, and mitochondrial morphology/ultrastructure. Results Resveratrol significantly reduced CCI-induced mechanical hypersensitivity and restored thermal latency. In DRG neurons, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation decreased, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased, indicating reduced oxidative stress. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I–II were restored, while DRP1 expression decreased and OPA1 increased, suggesting a normalization of fission–fusion balance. Resveratrol also increased mitochondrial volume and number. Ultrastructural deficits in mitochondrial area, perimeter, and connectivity were reversed. Conclusion Resveratrol mitigates CCI-induced NP by reducing oxidative stress, restoring respiratory chain function, rebalancing fission–fusion proteins, and repairing mitochondrial structural damage in DRG. These results provide credence to the idea that mitochondrial dynamics as a potential NP target. Biological sciences/Biochemistry Biological sciences/Cell biology Biological sciences/Neuroscience DRG neuropathic pain Resveratrol Mitochondrial fission and fusion oxidative stress Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Introduction Neuropathic pain (NP) refers to a persistent pain condition triggered by damage or pathological changes in the somatosensory system, which affects millions of individuals worldwide and significantly reduces quality of life. Common causes include postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, and peripheral nerve injury [ 1 ] . Current treatments primarily focus on symptom management, but issues such as drug resistance, side effects, and adverse reactions hinder the long-term effectiveness of these therapies. Consequently, novel mechanism-based therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Nerve injury triggers the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are crucial in pain signal generation and transmission. ROS contribute through several pathways, including the inflammatory response following peripheral nerve injury, activation of the central nervous system, modulation of signaling pathways, and alteration of ion channel function [ 2 – 4 ] . Antioxidant therapies targeting ROS have shown potential for pain relief in animal models [ 5 ] . Mitochondria serve as the main site for cellular ROS generation. Mitochondrial dysfunction leads to impaired energy metabolism, calcium imbalance, oxidative damage, and dysfunctional mitophagy—all of which promote the progression of NP [ 6 , 7 ] . Mitochondrial quality control preserves organelle integrity through biogenesis, selective degradation, and dynamic fission–fusion remodeling [ 8 ] . An imbalance favoring fission has been identified as a potential contributor to NP. Mitochondrial fusion in mammalian cells depends on the activity of mitochondrial fusion proteins 1 and 2 (MFN1 and MFN2), which are specifically localized to the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM), and optic atrophy 1 (OPA1), which is localized to the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). Mitochondrial fission is controlled by three main proteins: dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1), mitochondrial fission 1 protein (FIS1), and mitochondrial fission factor (MFF) [ 9 , 10 ] . Studies show that neurons in chronic constriction injury (CCI) models display heightened mitochondrial fragmentation along with reduced mitochondrial density [ 11 ] . Moreover, pain caused by nerve damage and inflammation resulting from diabetes or chemotherapy significantly enhance mitochondrial fission frequency [ 12 – 14 ] . Resveratrol (Res), a natural polyphenol with strong antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, has demonstrated therapeutic potential in several diseases, including Alzheimer's disease [ 15 ] , epilepsy [ 16 ] , cardiovascular disease [ 17 ] , tumors [ 18 ] , Parkinson's disease [ 19 ] , and neural injury [ 20 ] . Res also offers neuroprotection against oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction [ 21 ] . Several studies suggest that Res might help reduce neuropathic pain. In peripheral neuropathic pain, Res inhibits neuroinflammation, activates AMPK, regulates voltage-gated sodium (Nav) 1.7 and potassium channels, and interacts with the serotonergic system [ 22 ] . It can also reduce neuropathic pain from L5/L6 spinal nerve ligation by activating the nitric oxide-cyclic GMP-protein kinase G-large conductance calcium-activated potassium channel pathway [ 23 ] . However, it remains unclear whether Res exerts its antinociceptive effects by restoring mitochondrial fission-fusion balance. We examined how intrathecal Res influences pain behaviors and mitochondrial balance in a mouse model. Our results demonstrate that Res alleviates neuropathic pain by restoring the balance of mitochondrial fission and fusion in DRG of CCI mice. Additionally, Res reduces oxidative stress, mitigates mitochondrial dysfunction, and provides new insights into the preclinical mechanisms of resveratrol in CCI-induced NP. Materials and Methods Animals Adult male C57BL/6 mice (20–25 g) were obtained from Beijing SPF Biotechnology Co., Ltd. and handled following the Zhengzhou University Guidelines for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Mice were kept in regulated environments: temperature ranged from 20–26°C, humidity was maintained at 40–70%, and a 12-hour cycle of light and darkness was maintained. The air was purified and filtered, and the facility was regularly ventilated. Cages were clean, non-toxic, and maintained at appropriate densities. Bedding was replaced daily, and both drinking water and food were sterile and nutritionally balanced. All animal procedures received approval from the Animal Ethics Committee of Zhengzhou University (Ethics Number: ZZUIRB2022-48), and the study adhered strictly to laboratory animal ethics guidelines. The experimental methods followed the ARRIVE guidelines and other relevant regulations. Surgical procedures of the CCI model The chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of the sciatic nerve was established to induce sciatic NP in mice, following a previously described protocol with minor modifications [ 24 ] . Mice were anesthetized with isoflurane (5% for induction and 1.5–3.0% for maintenance), positioned in a lateral decubitus posture, and the surgical area was disinfected with an alcohol wipe. A 1.5 cm cut was made on the left thigh, and the biceps femoris muscle was carefully separated along its fibers to expose the primary trunk of the sciatic nerve. Using hemostatic forceps, we carefully isolated the nerve. The sciatic nerve was subsequently ligated at three locations, spaced 0.5–1 mm apart, using a 6 − 0 suture thread. The ligature was tightened to the point where slight twitching of the calf muscle or toes was observed when the knot was tied. After ligation, the muscle and skin were sutured, and the incision was first sterilized with povidone-iodine, followed by 70% ethanol. Age-matched control mice from the same litter were randomly selected and underwent no nerve ligation procedure. Von Frey Test We assess mechanical pain sensitivity by observing the paw withdrawal reaction to von Frey filament stimulation. Mice are positioned on a metal mesh rack, separated by a test cage. The animals are allowed to acclimate for 30–60 minutes until they are calm and motionless. The hind paws are first stimulated with a 0.07 g von Frey filament, with 10 stimulations per paw and at least a 5-minute interval between stimulations. After the 0.07 g stimulation, we use a 0.4 g von Frey filament for further testing. A positive response, such as a brisk withdrawal, licking, or flutter, is recorded. The paw withdrawal frequency (PWF) is calculated as: % = (positives/10) × 100. Hargreaves Test We measured the latency of paw withdrawal in response to radiant heat using an infrared thermal pain tester (Ugo Basile, Varese, Italy). Mice were placed in an organic plastic container on a glass surface, with the room temperature maintained at 23–25°C. They were allowed to acclimate for 30–60 minutes until they were calm and ready for testing. The heat source was placed beneath the bottom surface of the hind paw, and infrared light was used to deliver the stimulus. We set the baseline latency for normal mice at 10–12 seconds, which corresponds to the intensity of the infrared beam. The radiation cutoff time was established at 20 seconds to prevent potential tissue damage if the mouse did not respond. We recorded three measurements for each paw, with at least a ten-minute interval between each test. During each test, we observed the mouse’s injury response, such as paw licking or jumping. Finally, we calculated the average withdrawal latency for each hind paw based on the recorded values. Western-blot We lysed mouse DRG tissue using a cytoplasmic lysis buffer supplemented with protease inhibitors. Collected the supernatant and measured the protein concentration using the BCA protein quantification kit (SolaBio, China). Sample was separated by 10% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), followed by electrotransfer onto a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membrane. To block nonspecific binding, the membrane was incubated with 5% bovine serum albumin (BSA) for 2 hours at room temperature. It was then incubated overnight at 4°C with the primary antibody. The antibodies listed below were utilized: mouse anti-OPA1 (1:1000, BD Biosciences, 612606), rabbit anti-DRP1 (1:1000, Abcam, AB184247), rabbit anti-β-actin (1:1000, Servicebio, GB_11001), mouse anti-GAPDH (1:2000, Servicebio, GB11002), rabbit anti-CI-NDUFB8 (1:5000, Proteintech, 14794-1-AP), rabbit anti-CII-SDHB (1:8000, Proteintech, 10620-1-AP), rabbit anti-CIII-UQCRC2 (1:4000, Proteintech, 14742-1-AP), rabbit anti-CIV-MTCO2 (1:1000, Proteintech, 55070-1-AP), and rabbit anti-CV-ATP5A1 (1:8000, Proteintech, 14676-1-AP). Next, the membrane was incubated with a rabbit or mouse secondary antibody (1:10,000 dilution; Abbkine, China) at room temperature for 2 hours and then developed using a gel imaging and analysis system. During the analysis, we used ImageJ software to measure the gray values for each channel. GAPDH or β-actin served as the loading controls for normalization. To calculate the relative protein expression, we calculated the ratio of the target protein's grayscale value to that of the reference protein. We then averaged control group dataand standardized the results by dividing each group’s value by the control average. Electron microscopy L3-L5 DRG tissue was collected from mice following perfusion with 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA) and 4% glutaraldehyde. The tissue was then fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde. Following fixation, samples were insed with 0.1 M phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and stained with 1% osmium tetroxide (TED PELLA, catalog number 18451) for 1.5 hours. Subsequently, a gradient of ethanol concentrations (50%, 70%, 90%, 100%) was used in a sequential manner to dehydrate the samples, after which propylene oxide was applied. The tissue was subsequently embedded in epoxy resin and left to cure overnight at room temperature. Ultrathin slices measuring 70 nm were prepared using an ultramicrotome. Double staining of the sections was performed using 3% uranyl acetate and lead citrate, followed by examination with a transmission electron microscope. Image acquisition was performed by a technician blinded to the experimental conditions. Mitochondrial morphology, including perimeter and area, was analyzed using Image-Pro Plus software. Immunofluorescence For immunofluorescence staining, mice were first perfused with physiological saline, followed by injection of 4% polyformaldehyde (PFA). The L3-L5 segment DRG tissue was removed and fixed in 4% PFA overnight at 4°C. After fixation, the tissue was dehydrated with sucrose and embedded in OCT, sectioned into 12 µm slices, and mounted on glass slides. Incubated frozen sections in PBS containing 10% goat serum and 0.3% Triton X-100 at 37°C for 2 hours. Primary antibodies were then applied: mouse anti-OPA1 (1:200, BD Biosciences, 612606) and rabbit anti-DRP1 (1:200, Abcam, AB184247) and incubated at 37°C for 2–3 hours. Afterward, the sections were incubated for 2 hours at room temperature in the dark with secondary antibodies: Cy3-labeled goat anti-rabbit (1:200, Jackson ImmunoResearch) and 488-labeled goat anti-mouse (1:200, Jackson ImmunoResearch). Fluorescent signals were detected using an upright fluorescence microscope (Olympus Corporation, Japan). Image analysis was performed using ImageJ software. Intrathecal injection Mice were anesthetized with isoflurane, and once under deep anesthesia, the lumbar spine was positioned in a kyphotic posture to increase the inter-spinous space. Using a Hamilton micro syringe, we aspirated either resveratrol (1 mg/kg) or Mitotracker™ Deep Red probe (10 µl, 100 nM) and injected it into the L5-L6 intervertebral space. Successful insertion was confirmed when the mouse exhibited a distinct tail-flicking response. DHE staining To assess ROS levels in DRG tissue, we used a dihydroethidine (DHE) fluorescent probe. Frozen DRG sections were incubated with DHE solution (1.25 µg/ml) at 37°C for 30 minutes. Fluorescent signals were detected using a fluorescence microscope (Olympus Corporation, Japan), and image analysis was performed using ImageJ software. SOD activity detection SOD activity in DRG tissue was measured using the Total SOD Colorimetric Assay Kit (Elabscience, catalog No. E-BC-K020-M). The assay was conducted according to the manufacturer's instructions, and the optical density (OD) was recorded at 450 nm. SOD activity was calculated when the inhibition rate was between 25% and 65%. Statistical analysis We analyzed the data using GraphPad Prism (v8.3.0). Results are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). To compare two independent groups, we applied an unpaired two-tailed t-test, or the Mann–Whitney test if the data were not normally distributed. For univariate analyses with more than two groups, we applied a one-way ANOVA when the data were normally distributed with equal variances, followed by Tukey’s test for multiple comparisons. If the data were not normally distributed, we applied the Kruskal-Wallis test. For multivariate comparisons, we employed a two-way ANOVA when the data met the assumptions of normality and equal variances, followed by Sidak's test for multiple comparisons. p < 0.05 represents statistically significant. Results Res alleviates pain symptoms in CCI mice We first established a CCI model to investigate the effects of Res on neuropathic pain (Fig. 1 A). Res was administered intrathecally at a dose of 1 mg/kg once daily for three consecutive days, beginning on the seventh day post-CCI. To assess mechanical sensitivity (claw withdrawal frequency, PWT) and thermal sensitivity (thermal withdrawal latency), we conducted the Von Frey test and thermal pain measurements (Fig. 1 B). The results revealed the following: the mechanical paw withdrawal frequency at 0.07 g on the operated side of the sham group mice at 0 d, 7 d, and 10 d was 11.667 ± 7.177%, 8.333 ± 8.348%, and 7.500 ± 8.660%, respectively. The mechanical paw withdrawal frequency at 0.4 g was 30.833 ± 7.930%, 33.333 ± 4.924%, and 32.500 ± 4.523%, respectively. The thermal foot withdrawal latency was 11.900 ± 0.943 s, 12.650 ± 0.893 s, and 11.692 ± 0.742 s, respectively. The mechanical foot withdrawal frequency at 0.07 g on the surgical side in the CCI group was 14.167 ± 7.930%, 50.000 ± 10.445%, and 49.167 ± 7.930% on days 0, 7, and 10, respectively. At 0.4 g, the mechanical foot withdrawal frequencies were 33.333 ± 7.785%, 63.333 ± 10.731%, and 60.833 ± 6.868%, respectively. The thermal foot withdrawal latencies were 12.900 ± 0.837 s, 7.142 ± 0.817 s, and 7.950 ± 1.196 s, respectively. In the CCI + Res group, the mechanical foot withdrawal frequency at 0.07 g on the surgical side was 13.636 ± 10.269%, 55.455 ± 6.876%, and 25.455 ± 8.202% on days 0, 7, and 10, respectively. At 0.4 g, the frequencies were 31.818 ± 8.739%, 69.091 ± 8.312%, and 40.000 ± 4.472%, respectively. The thermal withdrawal latencies were 12.927 ± 0.943 s, 6.964 ± 1.374 s, and 11.127 ± 1.584 s, respectively. These results show that, compared to the Sham group, the CCI group exhibited a significant increase in mechanical withdrawal frequency and a decrease in thermal withdrawal latency on day 7 post-CCI, which indicates the emergence of mechanical and thermal pain hypersensitivity. Intrathecal injection of resveratrol significantly alleviated CCI-induced mechanical and thermal pain hypersensitivity (Fig. 1 C-E). However, no notable changes were observed in the contralateral mechanical foot withdrawal frequency or thermal foot withdrawal latency (Fig. 1 F-H), suggesting that resveratrol specifically reduces tactile allodynia associated with neuropathic pain in the CCI model. Res alleviates oxidative stress damage in CCI mice Previous studies have demonstrated that ROS levels increase in neurons following pain-induced injury [ 25 ] . In this study, we used the fluorescent probe DHE to assess ROS levels in tissue. The staining results revealed that ROS levels were significantly elevated in the DRG of CCI mice compared to the sham group. Intrathecal injection of resveratrol significantly reduced CCI-induced ROS accumulation (CCI: 1.940 ± 0.571, CCI + Resveratrol: 1.006 ± 0.298) (Fig. 2 A-B). Cellular redox status is regulated by the balancing oxidative and antioxidant systems and involving various enzymes. SOD, an essential antioxidant enzyme, plays a vital role in protecting cells against oxidative stress [ 26 ] . SOD activity was measured in DRG nerve cells from each group. The results showed a decrease in SOD activity following CCI, while resveratrol treatment increased SOD activity (Sham: 37.45 ± 5.654, CCI: 29.41 ± 4.919, CCI + Resveratrol: 47.43 ± 4.429) (Fig. 2 C). These findings suggest that resveratrol mitigates CCI-induced oxidative stress. Res promotes recovery of mitochondrial function in CCI mice The primary source of ROS is the mitochondrial respiratory chain, where ROS generation is associated with electron leakage. Complexes I–V are essential components of this chain. This study assessed the expression of these mitochondrial complexes in the DRG following CCI. Western blot analysis showed that the levels of mitochondrial complexes I (CCI: 0.526 ± 0.187, CCI + Resveratrol: 0.877 ± 0.139, p < 0.05) and II (CCI: 0.676 ± 0.276, CCI + Resveratrol: 1.008 ± 0.258, p < 0.05) were significantly lower in the CCI group compared to the Sham group. However, treatment with resveratrol upregulated the expression of these complexes (Fig. 3 A-B). There were no notable differences in the expression levels of III (CCI: 1.013 ± 0.204, CCI + Resveratrol: 1.146 ± 0.230), IV (CCI: 1.069 ± 0.622, CCI + Resveratrol: 0.813 ± 0.394), or V (CCI: 1.004 ± 0.196, CCI + Resveratrol: 1.049 ± 0.209) between the experimental groups (Fig. 3 C-E). These findings suggest that resveratrol selectively restores the expression of damaged mitochondrial complexes I and II in the CCI model, thus improving mitochondrial function. Resveratrol reduces expression of the mitochondrial fission protein DRP1 in the DRG of CCI mice and increases expression of the fusion protein OPA1 Mitochondrial function and morphology are maintained by the processes of mitochondrial fission and fusion. DRP1 promotes mitochondrial fission, while OPA1 is involved in inner membrane fusion. Compared to the Sham group, CCI mice exhibited elevated DRP1 levels and reduced OPA1 levels in the ipsilateral DRG. Resveratrol treatment significantly suppressed the CCI-induced increase in DRP1 (CCI: 1.580 ± 0.595, CCI + Resveratrol: 0.887 ± 0.183, p < 0.05) and the decrease in OPA1 (CCI: 0.464 ± 0.195, CCI + Resveratrol: 0.886 ± 0.375, p < 0.05) (Fig. 4 A). Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed that, compared to Sham, DRP1 fluorescence intensity was higher, and OPA1 intensity was lower in CCI mice. Resveratrol treatment reversed these changes (Fig. 4 B-C). These findings suggest that resveratrol can restore mitochondrial dynamic balance by correcting CCI-induced fission-fusion imbalances. Resveratrol improves mitochondrial morphological abnormalities in DRG nerve cells induced by CCI Mitochondrial fission and fusion significantly influence the number, size, and morphology of mitochondria. Altered expression of fission and fusion proteins may contribute to changes in mitochondrial characteristics following CCI. To examine this, we used the mitochondrial fluorescent probe Mitotracker™ Deep Red to label mitochondria in DRG and assess their subcellular morphology. In the sham group, mitochondria formed a well-organized, interconnected network. However, in the CCI group, mitochondria were fragmented and appeared as small, dispersed granules (Fig. 5 A). Quantitative analysis revealed that the mitochondrial volume in DRG neurons in the CCI group decreased, while the mitochondrial number increased. After resveratrol treatment, mitochondrial volume in DRG neurons significantly increased (CCI: 0.651 ± 0.126, CCI + Resveratrol: 0.971 ± 0.188, p < 0.001) (Fig. 5 B), and the number of mitochondria returned to levels similar to those in the Sham group (Sham: 16.17 ± 7.420, CCI: 25.13 ± 9.285, CCI + Resveratrol: 17.52 ± 7.480, p < 0.001) (Fig. 5 C). These results suggest that resveratrol can improve mitochondrial morphological abnormalities in DRG nerve cells induced by CCI. To further assess mitochondrial morphology following CCI, we employed transmission electron microscopy to examine the mitochondrial ultrastructure (Fig. 6 A). We focused on three key parameters: mitochondrial circumference (µm), mitochondrial area (µm²), and mitochondrial connectivity (calculated as mitochondrial area/circumference, with a lower ratio indicating fragmentation). The results revealed that, compared to the Sham group, CCI led to a reduction in mitochondrial area, a shortened perimeter, and decreased connectivity in DRG nerve cells, indicating excessive mitochondrial fragmentation. After resveratrol treatment, mitochondrial area in DRG nerve cells increased (Sham: 0.145 ± 0.092 µm², CCI: 0.061 ± 0.047 µm², CCI + Resveratrol: 0.139 ± 0.103 µm²) (Fig. 6 B). The mitochondrial perimeter also increased (Sham: 1.532 ± 0.651 µm, CCI: 0.910 ± 0.388 µm, CCI + Resveratrol: 1.471 ± 0.675 µm) (Fig. 6 C), as did mitochondrial connectivity (Sham: 0.089 ± 0.022, CCI: 0.060 ± 0.018, CCI + Resveratrol: 0.086 ± 0.023) (Fig. 6 D). These findings suggest that resveratrol can ameliorate CCI-induced mitochondrial morphological abnormalities in DRG nerve cells by restoring mitochondrial dynamic balance, inhibiting excessive fission, and promoting fusion, ultimately improving mitochondrial structure and function. Discussion This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of intrathecal resveratrol on DRG nerve cells following CCI. We first observed that CCI-induced pain behavior was linked to significant disruptions in mitochondrial dynamics within the DRG. These disruptions included increased expression of the mitochondrial fission protein DRP1, decreased levels of the fusion protein OPA1, and elevated ROS production. Ultrastructural analysis revealed a decrease in mitochondrial area, perimeter, and network connectivity, accompanied by a shift toward fragmented, rounded morphologies. Next, we found that intrathecal resveratrol injection alleviated CCI-induced pain behavior. Mitochondrial labeling with Mito-Red showed that resveratrol treatment mitigated the reduction in mitochondrial volume and the increase in mitochondrial number in DRG nerve cells following CCI. Ultrastructural analysis further demonstrated that resveratrol significantly restored mitochondrial area, perimeter, and interconnectivity in DRG neurons of CCI mice. Additionally, resveratrol alleviated CCI-induced oxidative stress and restored mitochondrial function. Although this study did not directly validate causality by modulating DRP1 or OPA1, our previously published research [ 11 ] confirmed that targeted regulation of DRP1 or OPA1 effectively modulates neuropathic pain, indicating that resveratrol may alleviate neuropathic pain by improving mitochondrial function, potentially via the regulation of mitochondrial fission and fusion balance in the CCI model. Resveratrol has been identified as a potential treatment option for various health conditions, including cancer [ 27 ] , pain [ 28 ] , inflammation [ 29 ] , tissue damage [ 30 ] , and other diseases [ 31 ] . Resveratrol has shown promise in alleviating abnormal neuropathic pain in animal models of L5/L6 spinal nerve ligation and diabetic neuropathy [ 32 , 33 ] . In rats with chronic sciatic nerve compression injury, resveratrol reduced pain in a dose-dependent way by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and enhancing the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. The analgesic effects were most pronounced when administered 7 days post-injury [ 34 ] . In our study, we further confirmed resveratrol's potential in treating neuropathic pain, demonstrating that intrathecal resveratrol administration significantly alleviated CCI-induced neuropathic pain in mice. ROS are highly reactive free radicals, primarily superoxide anions, produced when molecular oxygen accepts an electron. Oxidative stress is especially problematic for neurons due to their high oxygen demand. Excessive ROS can impair presynaptic inhibitory input to the spinal cord, inhibit the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and activate NMDA and AMPA receptors, leading to central sensitization and the progression of neuropathic pain [ 35 ] . Earlier research has shown that resveratrol, a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger, mitigates several pathological features associated with neuropathic pain [ 36 , 37 ] . In a rat model of mechanical pain induced by complete Freund's adjuvant, blocking the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathway was found to reduce prostaglandin E2 production and suppress the overactivity of neurons in the caudal nucleus of the trigeminal spinal tract, thereby alleviating trigeminal neuralgia [ 38 ] . In the current study, we confirmed resveratrol's antioxidant properties. Specifically, intrathecal administration of resveratrol significantly reduced ROS accumulation induced by CCI and enhanced SOD activity, thereby alleviating CCI-induced neuropathic pain. Mitochondria are the primary source of ROS [ 39 ] . Neurons, with their complex morphology and high energy demands, are especially vulnerable to mitochondrial dysfunction [ 40 , 41 ] . Res has been shown to reduce the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), induce T-cell apoptosis, suppress the production of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and other inflammatory molecules, and activate key regulators of mitochondrial function [ 42 ] , including SIET1 and PGC-1α. Mitochondrial complexes I–V are essential components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain [ 43 ] , which is crucial for cellular energy production. In this study, we observed that CCI reduced the expression of mitochondrial complexes I and II, whereas resveratrol treatment restored their levels. These findings suggest that resveratrol can correct mitochondrial respiratory chain abnormalities, potentially improving electron transport and ATP synthesis efficiency. The processes of mitochondrial fission and fusion are essential for maintaining mitochondrial function. Disruptions in this balance, such as excessive fragmentation, swelling, vacuolation, reduced cristae, or a fragmented network, have been linked to various neurological disorders [ 44 – 46 ] . In the paclitaxel-induced NP model, swelling and vacuole formation were observed in the mitochondria within the axons of the oculomotor nerve. The incidence of these abnormalities increased significantly in the axons of both A fibers and C fibers [ 47 ] . Similarly, in the sciatic nerve branch selective injury (SNI) model, mitochondrial number increased, but the mitochondrial circumference and area decreased, with a shift toward more circular shapes and enlarged vacuoles [ 48 ] . In this study, we evaluated both mitochondrial protein expression and ultrastructural morphology. Our results confirm that intrathecal resveratrol treatment reduced mitochondrial fragmentation and promoted mitochondrial fusion in DRG nerve cells of CCI mice, reestablishing the equilibrium between fission and fusion(Fig. 7 ). These results emphasize the important role of mitochondrial dynamics in the progression of neuropathic pain and suggest that resveratrol may act as a regulator of mitochondrial homeostasis . However, certain limitations must be acknowledged. This study used only one animal model and dosing schedule, which limits its ability to fully represent the analgesic effects of resveratrol across various causes and sexes, as well as the complexity of clinical neuropathic pain. Additionally, by evaluating only short-term effects at 10 days after surgery, it did not examine long-term outcomes or possible off-target effects, thus lacking adequate evidence for the safety and effectiveness of extended clinical use. In this study, we identified mitochondrial dynamics as a potential therapeutic target for treating neuropathic pain. Our findings suggest that resveratrol, or similar compounds, may offer a translational approach for treatment based on its mechanisms of action. Declarations Acknowledgements Not applicable. Authors’ Contributions Yanyan Sun designed the study and provided financial support. Liu Xie conducted behavioral tests, immunofluorescence experiments, Western blot analysis, and mitochondrial morphology assessments. Data analysis was carried out by Liu Xie, Wanting Chang, and Linna Song. The CCI model was developed by Liu Xie and Qingqing Yang. Liu Xie drafted the manuscript, which was revised by Yanyan Sun and Yiran Xu. All authors gave their approval for the final version of the manuscript. Funding This research was funded by the Young Scientists Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 82203969), the Young and Middle-Aged Health Science and Technology Innovation Talent Training Program of the Henan Provincial Health Commission (Grant No. YQRC2024019), and the Clinical Medical Scientist Training Program of Henan Province (Grant No. HNCMS202433). Availability of Data The data underlying the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Consent for Publication All authors agree to take responsibility for their contributions and have approved the submitted version of this manuscript. 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Targeted up-regulation of Drp1 in dorsal horn attenuates neuropathic pain hypersensitivity by increasing mitochondrial fission. Redox Biol. 49 , 102216 (2022). Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. 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13:40:15","extension":"xml","order_by":39,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":108216,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"028d169f033a416b9f6ca720ffdc03041structuring.xml","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7778258/v1/bbc67897e74848230e7bb323.xml"},{"id":94647660,"identity":"abd54d64-7077-472e-a946-26d909b3f6a8","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-29 09:06:29","extension":"html","order_by":40,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":120384,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"earlyproof.html","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7778258/v1/7d6da9eb7d1a66419cef9aae.html"},{"id":94647618,"identity":"b37a1e85-b49f-4026-904e-4e94728f41dc","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-29 09:06:29","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":591610,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntrathecal injection of resveratrol alleviates pain symptoms in CCI mice.\u003c/strong\u003e A. Schematic of the CCI model. B. Experimental workflow of the intrathecal injection of resveratrol. C-D. Mechanical paw withdrawal frequency on the operated side of mice at 0.07 g and 0.4 g. E. Latency of thermal foot withdrawal on the operated side of the mice. F-G. Mechanical paw withdrawal frequency on the contralateral side of mice at 0.07 g and 0.4 g. H. Latency to thermal foot withdrawal on the contralateral side of the mice. Two-way ANOVA, \u003csup\u003e***\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.001 \u003cem\u003evs\u003c/em\u003e. Sham, \u003csup\u003e###\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.001 \u003cem\u003evs\u003c/em\u003e. CCI, \u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e = 11 or 12 per group.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7778258/v1/2492b522fb7941b9639d110e.png"},{"id":94647617,"identity":"4d13cb4f-38e8-4024-a48e-aa876555e20d","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-29 09:06:28","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":348904,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntrathecal injection of resveratrol alleviates oxidative stress damage in CCI mice\u003c/strong\u003e. A. DHE assay showing ROS levels in the DRG of each group. B. Average fluorescence intensity of DHE-positive cells in the DRG. One-way ANOVA, \u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.01 \u003cem\u003evs\u003c/em\u003e. Sham, \u003csup\u003e##\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.01 \u003cem\u003evs\u003c/em\u003e. CCI, \u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e = 6 per group, Scale bars = 100 μm. C. SOD activity. One-way ANOVA, \u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003e p\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.05 \u003cem\u003evs\u003c/em\u003e. Sham, \u003csup\u003e###\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003e p\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.001 \u003cem\u003ev\u003c/em\u003es. CCI, \u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e = 6/group.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7778258/v1/9cd5dc5b7a238ef2f19a3cbd.png"},{"id":94647619,"identity":"d0a807f4-e70e-4a39-a089-4913abc24525","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-29 09:06:29","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":246858,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResveratrol promotes recovery of mitochondrial function in CCI mice.\u003c/strong\u003e A-E. Changes to CI-DNUFB8、CII-SDHB、CIII-UQCRC2、CIV-MTCO2、 CV-ATP5A1 protein expression in each group. One-way ANOVA, \u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003e p\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.05, \u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003e p\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.01 \u003cem\u003evs\u003c/em\u003e. Sham, \u003csup\u003e#\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003e p\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.05 \u003cem\u003evs\u003c/em\u003e. CCI, \u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e = 6/7/8 per group.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7778258/v1/55c1e3521da3c6dd58af5034.png"},{"id":94672476,"identity":"90b31dba-4e6c-4d40-83cb-729f079e20df","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-29 13:40:36","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":538911,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResveratrol reduces expression of the mitochondrial division protein DRP1 and increases expression of the fusion protein OPA1 in the DRG of CCI mice. \u003c/strong\u003eA. Changes to DRP1 and OPA1 protein levels. B. Average fluorescence intensity of DRP1. C. Average fluorescence intensity of OPA1. One-way ANOVA, \u003csup\u003e*\u003c/sup\u003e \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.05, \u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt;0.01, \u003csup\u003e***\u003c/sup\u003e \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.001 \u003cem\u003evs\u003c/em\u003e. Sham,\u003csup\u003e #\u003c/sup\u003e \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.05, \u003csup\u003e###\u003c/sup\u003e \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.001 \u003cem\u003evs\u003c/em\u003e. CCI, n = 6/7 per group. Scale bars, 100 μm.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7778258/v1/0900e6802e923da7809f8779.png"},{"id":94647623,"identity":"060f6b02-e03e-4507-89d6-923a75207280","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-29 09:06:29","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":311882,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResveratrol improves mitochondrial morphological abnormalities in CCI-induced DRG nerve cells.\u003c/strong\u003e A. Sample confocal microscopy images showing mitochondrial morphology staining. Scale bars, 20 µm. B. Average mitochondrial volume in DRG nerve cells across groups. One-way ANOVA, \u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003e p\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.01 \u003cem\u003evs\u003c/em\u003e. Sham, \u003csup\u003e##\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003e p\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.01 \u003cem\u003evs\u003c/em\u003e. CCI, \u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e = 6 per group. C. Number of mitochondria per cell in DRG neurons across groups. Kruskal-Wallis test, \u003csup\u003e***\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003e p\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.001 \u003cem\u003evs\u003c/em\u003e. Sham, \u003csup\u003e###\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003e p\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.001 \u003cem\u003evs\u003c/em\u003e. CCI, Sham (\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e = 23 cells), CCI (\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e = 39 cells), CCI + Res (\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e = 27 cells).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7778258/v1/7b6dc0372aeafd6b2459f9ed.png"},{"id":94647624,"identity":"1879e096-563e-4015-811c-c04b85154a16","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-29 09:06:29","extension":"png","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":644966,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResveratrol improves mitochondrial morphological abnormalities in CCI-induced DRG nerve cells.\u003c/strong\u003e A. Electron micrographs of mitochondria in DRG nerve cells from each group. Scale bars, 3 µm. B. Mitochondrial areas in DRG nerve cells from each group. C. Mitochondrial perimeters in DRG nerve cells from each group. D. Mitochondrial connectivity of DRG nerve cells from each group. Kruskal-Wallis test, \u003csup\u003e***\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003e p\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.001 \u003cem\u003evs\u003c/em\u003e. Sham, \u003csup\u003e###\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003e p\u003c/em\u003e \u0026lt; 0.001 \u003cem\u003evs\u003c/em\u003e. CCI, M represents mitochondria, Sham (\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e = 1064 mitochondria), CCI (\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e =1,146 mitochondria), CCI + Res (\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e = 1,035 mitochondria).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image6.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7778258/v1/cc825392ce9d6205115bffe3.png"},{"id":94647627,"identity":"cf5ecf25-954e-494d-8230-7d2e28f3a432","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-29 09:06:29","extension":"png","order_by":7,"title":"Figure 7","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":141941,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSchematic of resveratrol regulation of neuropathic pain. \u003c/strong\u003eRes alleviates neuropathic pain by maintaining a balance of mitochondrial fission and fusion in CCI mice, reducing oxidative stress damage, and improving mitochondrial dysfunction.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image7.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7778258/v1/f8132c20879cd73a553f6a94.png"},{"id":104250689,"identity":"f9b0bb32-1300-42c8-9162-0b04cc4b7140","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2026-03-09 16:05:41","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":3935866,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7778258/v1/e3695b70-bff7-4ca3-b8b3-fbf0f0658127.pdf"},{"id":94647622,"identity":"14b53117-f4c1-4cc6-aadb-9996ffe8b3b1","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-29 09:06:29","extension":"pdf","order_by":1,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":395954,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"WBRawData.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7778258/v1/771a40bd6c73340dd1bf5060.pdf"},{"id":94672878,"identity":"d12b44c7-97fa-46bf-acb9-5053bd6b4da4","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-10-29 13:41:03","extension":"tif","order_by":2,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":231799,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Graphicalabstract.tif","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7778258/v1/5b48014aa0b6ea4a9053390d.tif"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Resveratrol alleviates neuropathic pain by restoring mitochondrial fission–fusion balance in CCI mice","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eNeuropathic pain (NP) refers to a persistent pain condition triggered by damage or pathological changes in the somatosensory system, which affects millions of individuals worldwide and significantly reduces quality of life. Common causes include postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, and peripheral nerve injury\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Current treatments primarily focus on symptom management, but issues such as drug resistance, side effects, and adverse reactions hinder the long-term effectiveness of these therapies. Consequently, novel mechanism-based therapeutic strategies are urgently needed.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNerve injury triggers the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are crucial in pain signal generation and transmission. ROS contribute through several pathways, including the inflammatory response following peripheral nerve injury, activation of the central nervous system, modulation of signaling pathways, and alteration of ion channel function\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR3\" citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Antioxidant therapies targeting ROS have shown potential for pain relief in animal models\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Mitochondria serve as the main site for cellular ROS generation. Mitochondrial dysfunction leads to impaired energy metabolism, calcium imbalance, oxidative damage, and dysfunctional mitophagy\u0026mdash;all of which promote the progression of NP\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMitochondrial quality control preserves organelle integrity through biogenesis, selective degradation, and dynamic fission\u0026ndash;fusion remodeling\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. An imbalance favoring fission has been identified as a potential contributor to NP. Mitochondrial fusion in mammalian cells depends on the activity of mitochondrial fusion proteins 1 and 2 (MFN1 and MFN2), which are specifically localized to the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM), and optic atrophy 1 (OPA1), which is localized to the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). Mitochondrial fission is controlled by three main proteins: dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1), mitochondrial fission 1 protein (FIS1), and mitochondrial fission factor (MFF)\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Studies show that neurons in chronic constriction injury (CCI) models display heightened mitochondrial fragmentation along with reduced mitochondrial density\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Moreover, pain caused by nerve damage and inflammation resulting from diabetes or chemotherapy significantly enhance mitochondrial fission frequency\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR13\" citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eResveratrol (Res), a natural polyphenol with strong antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, has demonstrated therapeutic potential in several diseases, including Alzheimer's disease\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e, epilepsy\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e, cardiovascular disease\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e, tumors\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e, Parkinson's disease\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e, and neural injury\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Res also offers neuroprotection against oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Several studies suggest that Res might help reduce neuropathic pain. In peripheral neuropathic pain, Res inhibits neuroinflammation, activates AMPK, regulates voltage-gated sodium (Nav) 1.7 and potassium channels, and interacts with the serotonergic system\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. It can also reduce neuropathic pain from L5/L6 spinal nerve ligation by activating the nitric oxide-cyclic GMP-protein kinase G-large conductance calcium-activated potassium channel pathway\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. However, it remains unclear whether Res exerts its antinociceptive effects by restoring mitochondrial fission-fusion balance.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe examined how intrathecal Res influences pain behaviors and mitochondrial balance in a mouse model. Our results demonstrate that Res alleviates neuropathic pain by restoring the balance of mitochondrial fission and fusion in DRG of CCI mice. Additionally, Res reduces oxidative stress, mitigates mitochondrial dysfunction, and provides new insights into the preclinical mechanisms of resveratrol in CCI-induced NP.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Materials and Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAnimals\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e Adult male C57BL/6 mice (20\u0026ndash;25 g) were obtained from Beijing SPF Biotechnology Co., Ltd. and handled following the Zhengzhou University Guidelines for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Mice were kept in regulated environments: temperature ranged from 20\u0026ndash;26\u0026deg;C, humidity was maintained at 40\u0026ndash;70%, and a 12-hour cycle of light and darkness was maintained. The air was purified and filtered, and the facility was regularly ventilated. Cages were clean, non-toxic, and maintained at appropriate densities. Bedding was replaced daily, and both drinking water and food were sterile and nutritionally balanced. All animal procedures received approval from the Animal Ethics Committee of Zhengzhou University (Ethics Number: ZZUIRB2022-48), and the study adhered strictly to laboratory animal ethics guidelines. The experimental methods followed the ARRIVE guidelines and other relevant regulations.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSurgical procedures of the CCI model\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of the sciatic nerve was established to induce sciatic NP in mice, following a previously described protocol with minor modifications\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Mice were anesthetized with isoflurane (5% for induction and 1.5\u0026ndash;3.0% for maintenance), positioned in a lateral decubitus posture, and the surgical area was disinfected with an alcohol wipe. A 1.5 cm cut was made on the left thigh, and the biceps femoris muscle was carefully separated along its fibers to expose the primary trunk of the sciatic nerve. Using hemostatic forceps, we carefully isolated the nerve. The sciatic nerve was subsequently ligated at three locations, spaced 0.5\u0026ndash;1 mm apart, using a 6\u0026thinsp;\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;0 suture thread. The ligature was tightened to the point where slight twitching of the calf muscle or toes was observed when the knot was tied. After ligation, the muscle and skin were sutured, and the incision was first sterilized with povidone-iodine, followed by 70% ethanol. Age-matched control mice from the same litter were randomly selected and underwent no nerve ligation procedure.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVon Frey Test\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe assess mechanical pain sensitivity by observing the paw withdrawal reaction to von Frey filament stimulation. Mice are positioned on a metal mesh rack, separated by a test cage. The animals are allowed to acclimate for 30\u0026ndash;60 minutes until they are calm and motionless. The hind paws are first stimulated with a 0.07 g von Frey filament, with 10 stimulations per paw and at least a 5-minute interval between stimulations. After the 0.07 g stimulation, we use a 0.4 g von Frey filament for further testing. A positive response, such as a brisk withdrawal, licking, or flutter, is recorded. The paw withdrawal frequency (PWF) is calculated as: % = (positives/10) \u0026times; 100.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHargreaves Test\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe measured the latency of paw withdrawal in response to radiant heat using an infrared thermal pain tester (Ugo Basile, Varese, Italy). Mice were placed in an organic plastic container on a glass surface, with the room temperature maintained at 23\u0026ndash;25\u0026deg;C. They were allowed to acclimate for 30\u0026ndash;60 minutes until they were calm and ready for testing. The heat source was placed beneath the bottom surface of the hind paw, and infrared light was used to deliver the stimulus. We set the baseline latency for normal mice at 10\u0026ndash;12 seconds, which corresponds to the intensity of the infrared beam. The radiation cutoff time was established at 20 seconds to prevent potential tissue damage if the mouse did not respond. We recorded three measurements for each paw, with at least a ten-minute interval between each test. During each test, we observed the mouse\u0026rsquo;s injury response, such as paw licking or jumping. Finally, we calculated the average withdrawal latency for each hind paw based on the recorded values.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWestern-blot\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe lysed mouse DRG tissue using a cytoplasmic lysis buffer supplemented with protease inhibitors. Collected the supernatant and measured the protein concentration using the BCA protein quantification kit (SolaBio, China). Sample was separated by 10% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), followed by electrotransfer onto a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membrane. To block nonspecific binding, the membrane was incubated with 5% bovine serum albumin (BSA) for 2 hours at room temperature. It was then incubated overnight at 4\u0026deg;C with the primary antibody. The antibodies listed below were utilized: mouse anti-OPA1 (1:1000, BD Biosciences, 612606), rabbit anti-DRP1 (1:1000, Abcam, AB184247), rabbit anti-β-actin (1:1000, Servicebio, GB_11001), mouse anti-GAPDH (1:2000, Servicebio, GB11002), rabbit anti-CI-NDUFB8 (1:5000, Proteintech, 14794-1-AP), rabbit anti-CII-SDHB (1:8000, Proteintech, 10620-1-AP), rabbit anti-CIII-UQCRC2 (1:4000, Proteintech, 14742-1-AP), rabbit anti-CIV-MTCO2 (1:1000, Proteintech, 55070-1-AP), and rabbit anti-CV-ATP5A1 (1:8000, Proteintech, 14676-1-AP). Next, the membrane was incubated with a rabbit or mouse secondary antibody (1:10,000 dilution; Abbkine, China) at room temperature for 2 hours and then developed using a gel imaging and analysis system. During the analysis, we used ImageJ software to measure the gray values for each channel. GAPDH or β-actin served as the loading controls for normalization. To calculate the relative protein expression, we calculated the ratio of the target protein's grayscale value to that of the reference protein. We then averaged control group dataand standardized the results by dividing each group\u0026rsquo;s value by the control average.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eElectron microscopy\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eL3-L5 DRG tissue was collected from mice following perfusion with 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA) and 4% glutaraldehyde. The tissue was then fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde. Following fixation, samples were insed with 0.1 M phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and stained with 1% osmium tetroxide (TED PELLA, catalog number 18451) for 1.5 hours. Subsequently, a gradient of ethanol concentrations (50%, 70%, 90%, 100%) was used in a sequential manner to dehydrate the samples, after which propylene oxide was applied. The tissue was subsequently embedded in epoxy resin and left to cure overnight at room temperature. Ultrathin slices measuring 70 nm were prepared using an ultramicrotome. Double staining of the sections was performed using 3% uranyl acetate and lead citrate, followed by examination with a transmission electron microscope. Image acquisition was performed by a technician blinded to the experimental conditions. Mitochondrial morphology, including perimeter and area, was analyzed using Image-Pro Plus software.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImmunofluorescence\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor immunofluorescence staining, mice were first perfused with physiological saline, followed by injection of 4% polyformaldehyde (PFA). The L3-L5 segment DRG tissue was removed and fixed in 4% PFA overnight at 4\u0026deg;C. After fixation, the tissue was dehydrated with sucrose and embedded in OCT, sectioned into 12 \u0026micro;m slices, and mounted on glass slides. Incubated frozen sections in PBS containing 10% goat serum and 0.3% Triton X-100 at 37\u0026deg;C for 2 hours. Primary antibodies were then applied: mouse anti-OPA1 (1:200, BD Biosciences, 612606) and rabbit anti-DRP1 (1:200, Abcam, AB184247) and incubated at 37\u0026deg;C for 2\u0026ndash;3 hours. Afterward, the sections were incubated for 2 hours at room temperature in the dark with secondary antibodies: Cy3-labeled goat anti-rabbit (1:200, Jackson ImmunoResearch) and 488-labeled goat anti-mouse (1:200, Jackson ImmunoResearch). Fluorescent signals were detected using an upright fluorescence microscope (Olympus Corporation, Japan). Image analysis was performed using ImageJ software.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIntrathecal injection\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMice were anesthetized with isoflurane, and once under deep anesthesia, the lumbar spine was positioned in a kyphotic posture to increase the inter-spinous space. Using a Hamilton micro syringe, we aspirated either resveratrol (1 mg/kg) or Mitotracker\u0026trade; Deep Red probe (10 \u0026micro;l, 100 nM) and injected it into the L5-L6 intervertebral space. Successful insertion was confirmed when the mouse exhibited a distinct tail-flicking response.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDHE staining\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo assess ROS levels in DRG tissue, we used a dihydroethidine (DHE) fluorescent probe. Frozen DRG sections were incubated with DHE solution (1.25 \u0026micro;g/ml) at 37\u0026deg;C for 30 minutes. Fluorescent signals were detected using a fluorescence microscope (Olympus Corporation, Japan), and image analysis was performed using ImageJ software.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSOD activity detection\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSOD activity in DRG tissue was measured using the Total SOD Colorimetric Assay Kit (Elabscience, catalog No. E-BC-K020-M). The assay was conducted according to the manufacturer's instructions, and the optical density (OD) was recorded at 450 nm. SOD activity was calculated when the inhibition rate was between 25% and 65%.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStatistical analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe analyzed the data using GraphPad Prism (v8.3.0). Results are presented as mean\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;standard deviation (SD). To compare two independent groups, we applied an unpaired two-tailed t-test, or the Mann\u0026ndash;Whitney test if the data were not normally distributed. For univariate analyses with more than two groups, we applied a one-way ANOVA when the data were normally distributed with equal variances, followed by Tukey\u0026rsquo;s test for multiple comparisons. If the data were not normally distributed, we applied the Kruskal-Wallis test. For multivariate comparisons, we employed a two-way ANOVA when the data met the assumptions of normality and equal variances, followed by Sidak's test for multiple comparisons. \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 represents statistically significant.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eRes alleviates pain symptoms in CCI mice\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe first established a CCI model to investigate the effects of Res on neuropathic pain (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003eA). Res was administered intrathecally at a dose of 1 mg/kg once daily for three consecutive days, beginning on the seventh day post-CCI. To assess mechanical sensitivity (claw withdrawal frequency, PWT) and thermal sensitivity (thermal withdrawal latency), we conducted the Von Frey test and thermal pain measurements (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003eB). The results revealed the following: the mechanical paw withdrawal frequency at 0.07 g on the operated side of the sham group mice at 0 d, 7 d, and 10 d was 11.667\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.177%, 8.333\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8.348%, and 7.500\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8.660%, respectively. The mechanical paw withdrawal frequency at 0.4 g was 30.833\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.930%, 33.333\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.924%, and 32.500\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.523%, respectively. The thermal foot withdrawal latency was 11.900\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.943 s, 12.650\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.893 s, and 11.692\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.742 s, respectively. The mechanical foot withdrawal frequency at 0.07 g on the surgical side in the CCI group was 14.167\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.930%, 50.000\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;10.445%, and 49.167\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.930% on days 0, 7, and 10, respectively. At 0.4 g, the mechanical foot withdrawal frequencies were 33.333\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.785%, 63.333\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;10.731%, and 60.833\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.868%, respectively. The thermal foot withdrawal latencies were 12.900\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.837 s, 7.142\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.817 s, and 7.950\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.196 s, respectively. In the CCI\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Res group, the mechanical foot withdrawal frequency at 0.07 g on the surgical side was 13.636\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;10.269%, 55.455\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;6.876%, and 25.455\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8.202% on days 0, 7, and 10, respectively. At 0.4 g, the frequencies were 31.818\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8.739%, 69.091\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;8.312%, and 40.000\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.472%, respectively. The thermal withdrawal latencies were 12.927\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.943 s, 6.964\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.374 s, and 11.127\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;1.584 s, respectively. These results show that, compared to the Sham group, the CCI group exhibited a significant increase in mechanical withdrawal frequency and a decrease in thermal withdrawal latency on day 7 post-CCI, which indicates the emergence of mechanical and thermal pain hypersensitivity. Intrathecal injection of resveratrol significantly alleviated CCI-induced mechanical and thermal pain hypersensitivity (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003eC-E). However, no notable changes were observed in the contralateral mechanical foot withdrawal frequency or thermal foot withdrawal latency (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003eF-H), suggesting that resveratrol specifically reduces tactile allodynia associated with neuropathic pain in the CCI model.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eRes alleviates oxidative stress damage in CCI mice\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrevious studies have demonstrated that ROS levels increase in neurons following\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003epain-induced injury\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. In this study, we used the fluorescent probe DHE to assess ROS levels in tissue. The staining results revealed that ROS levels were significantly elevated in the DRG of CCI mice compared to the sham group. Intrathecal injection of resveratrol significantly reduced CCI-induced ROS accumulation (CCI: 1.940\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.571, CCI\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Resveratrol: 1.006\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.298) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003eA-B). Cellular redox status is regulated by the balancing oxidative and antioxidant systems and involving various enzymes. SOD, an essential antioxidant enzyme, plays a vital role in protecting cells against oxidative stress\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. SOD activity was measured in DRG nerve cells from each group. The results showed a decrease in SOD activity following CCI, while resveratrol treatment increased SOD activity (Sham: 37.45\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;5.654, CCI: 29.41\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.919, CCI\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Resveratrol: 47.43\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;4.429) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003eC). These findings suggest that resveratrol mitigates CCI-induced oxidative stress.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eRes promotes recovery of mitochondrial function in CCI mice\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe primary source of ROS is the mitochondrial respiratory chain, where ROS generation is associated with electron leakage. Complexes I\u0026ndash;V are essential components of this chain. This study assessed the expression of these mitochondrial complexes in the DRG following CCI. Western blot analysis showed that the levels of mitochondrial complexes I (CCI: 0.526\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.187, CCI\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Resveratrol: 0.877\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.139, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) and II (CCI: 0.676\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.276, CCI\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Resveratrol: 1.008\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.258, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) were significantly lower in the CCI group compared to the Sham group. However, treatment with resveratrol upregulated the expression of these complexes (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003eA-B). There were no notable differences in the expression levels of III (CCI: 1.013\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.204, CCI\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Resveratrol: 1.146\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.230), IV (CCI: 1.069\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.622, CCI\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Resveratrol: 0.813\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.394), or V (CCI: 1.004\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.196, CCI\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Resveratrol: 1.049\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.209) between the experimental groups (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003eC-E). These findings suggest that resveratrol selectively restores the expression of damaged mitochondrial complexes I and II in the CCI model, thus improving mitochondrial function.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eResveratrol reduces expression of the mitochondrial fission protein DRP1 in the DRG of CCI mice and increases expression of the fusion protein OPA1\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMitochondrial function and morphology are maintained by the processes of mitochondrial fission and fusion. DRP1 promotes mitochondrial fission, while OPA1 is involved in inner membrane fusion. Compared to the Sham group, CCI mice exhibited elevated DRP1 levels and reduced OPA1 levels in the ipsilateral DRG. Resveratrol treatment significantly suppressed the CCI-induced increase in DRP1 (CCI: 1.580\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.595, CCI\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Resveratrol: 0.887\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.183, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) and the decrease in OPA1 (CCI: 0.464\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.195, CCI\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Resveratrol: 0.886\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.375, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003eA). Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed that, compared to Sham, DRP1 fluorescence intensity was higher, and OPA1 intensity was lower in CCI mice. Resveratrol treatment reversed these changes (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003eB-C). These findings suggest that resveratrol can restore mitochondrial dynamic balance by correcting CCI-induced fission-fusion imbalances.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eResveratrol improves mitochondrial morphological abnormalities in DRG nerve cells induced by CCI\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMitochondrial fission and fusion significantly influence the number, size, and morphology of mitochondria. Altered expression of fission and fusion proteins may contribute to changes in mitochondrial characteristics following CCI. To examine this, we used the mitochondrial fluorescent probe Mitotracker\u0026trade; Deep Red to label mitochondria in DRG and assess their subcellular morphology. In the sham group, mitochondria formed a well-organized, interconnected network. However, in the CCI group, mitochondria were fragmented and appeared as small, dispersed granules (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003eA). Quantitative analysis revealed that the mitochondrial volume in DRG neurons in the CCI group decreased, while the mitochondrial number increased. After resveratrol treatment, mitochondrial volume in DRG neurons significantly increased (CCI: 0.651\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.126, CCI\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Resveratrol: 0.971\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.188, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003eB), and the number of mitochondria returned to levels similar to those in the Sham group (Sham: 16.17\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.420, CCI: 25.13\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;9.285, CCI\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Resveratrol: 17.52\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;7.480, \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003eC). These results suggest that resveratrol can improve mitochondrial morphological abnormalities in DRG nerve cells induced by CCI.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo further assess mitochondrial morphology following CCI, we employed transmission electron microscopy to examine the mitochondrial ultrastructure (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003eA). We focused on three key parameters: mitochondrial circumference (\u0026micro;m), mitochondrial area (\u0026micro;m\u0026sup2;), and mitochondrial connectivity (calculated as mitochondrial area/circumference, with a lower ratio indicating fragmentation). The results revealed that, compared to the Sham group, CCI led to a reduction in mitochondrial area, a shortened perimeter, and decreased connectivity in DRG nerve cells, indicating excessive mitochondrial fragmentation. After resveratrol treatment, mitochondrial area in DRG nerve cells increased (Sham: 0.145\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.092 \u0026micro;m\u0026sup2;, CCI: 0.061\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.047 \u0026micro;m\u0026sup2;, CCI\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Resveratrol: 0.139\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.103 \u0026micro;m\u0026sup2;) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003eB). The mitochondrial perimeter also increased (Sham: 1.532\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.651 \u0026micro;m, CCI: 0.910\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.388 \u0026micro;m, CCI\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Resveratrol: 1.471\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.675 \u0026micro;m) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003eC), as did mitochondrial connectivity (Sham: 0.089\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.022, CCI: 0.060\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.018, CCI\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;Resveratrol: 0.086\u0026thinsp;\u0026plusmn;\u0026thinsp;0.023) (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003eD). These findings suggest that resveratrol can ameliorate CCI-induced mitochondrial morphological abnormalities in DRG nerve cells by restoring mitochondrial dynamic balance, inhibiting excessive fission, and promoting fusion, ultimately improving mitochondrial structure and function.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study investigated the neuroprotective effects of intrathecal resveratrol on DRG nerve cells following CCI. We first observed that CCI-induced pain behavior was linked to significant disruptions in mitochondrial dynamics within the DRG. These disruptions included increased expression of the mitochondrial fission protein DRP1, decreased levels of the fusion protein OPA1, and elevated ROS production. Ultrastructural analysis revealed a decrease in mitochondrial area, perimeter, and network connectivity, accompanied by a shift toward fragmented, rounded morphologies. Next, we found that intrathecal resveratrol injection alleviated CCI-induced pain behavior. Mitochondrial labeling with Mito-Red showed that resveratrol treatment mitigated the reduction in mitochondrial volume and the increase in mitochondrial number in DRG nerve cells following CCI. Ultrastructural analysis further demonstrated that resveratrol significantly restored mitochondrial area, perimeter, and interconnectivity in DRG neurons of CCI mice. Additionally, resveratrol alleviated CCI-induced oxidative stress and restored mitochondrial function. Although this study did not directly validate causality by modulating DRP1 or OPA1, our previously published research\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e confirmed that targeted regulation of DRP1 or OPA1 effectively modulates neuropathic pain, indicating that resveratrol may alleviate neuropathic pain by improving mitochondrial function, potentially via the regulation of mitochondrial fission and fusion balance in the CCI model.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eResveratrol has been identified as a potential treatment option for various health conditions, including cancer\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e, pain\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e, inflammation\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e, tissue damage\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e, and other diseases\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Resveratrol has shown promise in alleviating abnormal neuropathic pain in animal models of L5/L6 spinal nerve ligation and diabetic neuropathy\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. In rats with chronic sciatic nerve compression injury, resveratrol reduced pain in a dose-dependent way by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and enhancing the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. The analgesic effects were most pronounced when administered 7 days post-injury\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. In our study, we further confirmed resveratrol's potential in treating neuropathic pain, demonstrating that intrathecal resveratrol administration significantly alleviated CCI-induced neuropathic pain in mice.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eROS are highly reactive free radicals, primarily superoxide anions, produced when molecular oxygen accepts an electron. Oxidative stress is especially problematic for neurons due to their high oxygen demand. Excessive ROS can impair presynaptic inhibitory input to the spinal cord, inhibit the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and activate NMDA and AMPA receptors, leading to central sensitization and the progression of neuropathic pain\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Earlier research has shown that resveratrol, a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger, mitigates several pathological features associated with neuropathic pain\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. In a rat model of mechanical pain induced by complete Freund's adjuvant, blocking the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathway was found to reduce prostaglandin E2 production and suppress the overactivity of neurons in the caudal nucleus of the trigeminal spinal tract, thereby alleviating trigeminal neuralgia\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. In the current study, we confirmed resveratrol's antioxidant properties. Specifically, intrathecal administration of resveratrol significantly reduced ROS accumulation induced by CCI and enhanced SOD activity, thereby alleviating CCI-induced neuropathic pain.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMitochondria are the primary source of ROS\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e39\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Neurons, with their complex morphology and high energy demands, are especially vulnerable to mitochondrial dysfunction\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e41\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Res has been shown to reduce the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), induce T-cell apoptosis, suppress the production of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and other inflammatory molecules, and activate key regulators of mitochondrial function\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e, including SIET1 and PGC-1α. Mitochondrial complexes I\u0026ndash;V are essential components of the mitochondrial respiratory chain\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e43\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e, which is crucial for cellular energy production. In this study, we observed that CCI reduced the expression of mitochondrial complexes I and II, whereas resveratrol treatment restored their levels. These findings suggest that resveratrol can correct mitochondrial respiratory chain abnormalities, potentially improving electron transport and ATP synthesis efficiency.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe processes of mitochondrial fission and fusion are essential for maintaining mitochondrial function. Disruptions in this balance, such as excessive fragmentation, swelling, vacuolation, reduced cristae, or a fragmented network, have been linked to various neurological disorders\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR45\" citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR46\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e46\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. In the paclitaxel-induced NP model, swelling and vacuole formation were observed in the mitochondria within the axons of the oculomotor nerve. The incidence of these abnormalities increased significantly in the axons of both A fibers and C fibers\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e47\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. Similarly, in the sciatic nerve branch selective injury (SNI) model, mitochondrial number increased, but the mitochondrial circumference and area decreased, with a shift toward more circular shapes and enlarged vacuoles\u003csup\u003e[\u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e48\u003c/span\u003e]\u003c/sup\u003e. In this study, we evaluated both mitochondrial protein expression and ultrastructural morphology. Our results confirm that intrathecal resveratrol treatment reduced mitochondrial fragmentation and promoted mitochondrial fusion in DRG nerve cells of CCI mice, reestablishing the equilibrium between fission and fusion(Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e). These results emphasize the important role of mitochondrial dynamics in the progression of neuropathic pain and suggest that resveratrol may act as a regulator of mitochondrial homeostasis .\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHowever, certain limitations must be acknowledged. This study used only one animal model and dosing schedule, which limits its ability to fully represent the analgesic effects of resveratrol across various causes and sexes, as well as the complexity of clinical neuropathic pain. Additionally, by evaluating only short-term effects at 10 days after surgery, it did not examine long-term outcomes or possible off-target effects, thus lacking adequate evidence for the safety and effectiveness of extended clinical use.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn this study, we identified mitochondrial dynamics as a potential therapeutic target for treating neuropathic pain. Our findings suggest that resveratrol, or similar compounds, may offer a translational approach for treatment based on its mechanisms of action.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors\u0026rsquo; Contributions\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYanyan Sun designed the study and provided financial support. Liu Xie conducted behavioral tests, immunofluorescence experiments, Western blot analysis, and mitochondrial morphology assessments. Data analysis was carried out by Liu Xie, Wanting Chang, and Linna Song. The CCI model was developed by Liu Xie and Qingqing Yang. Liu Xie drafted the manuscript, which was revised by Yanyan Sun and Yiran Xu. All authors gave their approval for the final version of the manuscript.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research was funded by the Young Scientists Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 82203969), the Young and Middle-Aged Health Science and Technology Innovation Talent Training Program of the Henan Provincial Health Commission (Grant No. YQRC2024019), and the Clinical Medical Scientist Training Program of Henan Province (Grant No. HNCMS202433).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of Data \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe data underlying the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for Publication\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll authors agree to take responsibility for their contributions and have approved the submitted version of this manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting Interests\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinnerup, N. 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Neurol.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e210\u003c/b\u003e (1), 229\u0026ndash;237 (2008).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZhang, K. L. et al. Targeted up-regulation of Drp1 in dorsal horn attenuates neuropathic pain hypersensitivity by increasing mitochondrial fission. \u003cem\u003eRedox Biol.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e49\u003c/b\u003e, 102216 (2022).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"
[email protected]","identity":"scientific-reports","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"scirep","sideBox":"Learn more about [Scientific Reports](http://www.nature.com/srep/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"Scientific Reports","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Scientific Reports","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"DRG, neuropathic pain, Resveratrol, Mitochondrial, fission and fusion, oxidative stress","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7778258/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7778258/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eBackground\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eNeuropathic pain (NP) is commonly associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in sensory neurons. Although resveratrol (Res), a natural polyphenolic compound, has demonstrated analgesic properties, its impact on mitochondrial dynamics in NP remains unclear.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe established a chronic constriction injury (CCI) model in male mice. Starting on day seven after the injury, resveratrol (1 mg/kg) or a vehicle was injected intravenously for three days in a row. We evaluated pain behaviors and analyzed dorsal root ganglia (DRG) for markers of oxidative stress, mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes, fission (DRP1) and fusion (OPA1) proteins, and mitochondrial morphology/ultrastructure.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eResveratrol significantly reduced CCI-induced mechanical hypersensitivity and restored thermal latency. In DRG neurons, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation decreased, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased, indicating reduced oxidative stress. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I\u0026ndash;II were restored, while DRP1 expression decreased and OPA1 increased, suggesting a normalization of fission\u0026ndash;fusion balance. Resveratrol also increased mitochondrial volume and number. Ultrastructural deficits in mitochondrial area, perimeter, and connectivity were reversed.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusion\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eResveratrol mitigates CCI-induced NP by reducing oxidative stress, restoring respiratory chain function, rebalancing fission\u0026ndash;fusion proteins, and repairing mitochondrial structural damage in DRG. These results provide credence to the idea that mitochondrial dynamics as a potential NP target.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Resveratrol alleviates neuropathic pain by restoring mitochondrial fission–fusion balance in CCI mice","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-10-29 09:06:24","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7778258/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2025-12-18T09:31:52+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-12-17T08:51:33+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"60052688495194544377392993006768720561","date":"2025-11-20T03:38:52+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-11-12T23:55:56+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"147641910460669711240441553313995994752","date":"2025-10-15T14:45:08+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-10-15T14:04:32+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-10-15T13:56:33+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2025-10-10T11:16:29+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-10-09T16:08:52+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Scientific Reports","date":"2025-10-09T14:50:11+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"
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