Decreased expression of hyaluronan synthase and loss of hyaluronan-rich cells in the anterior tibial fascia of the rat model of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Introduction: Previous studies on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) have focused on neuronal damage. Although some studies have revealed that the fascia is an important sensory organ, currently, we do not know about chemotherapy drug-induced fascial dysfunction.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the fascia as a nonneural cause of mechanical hypersensitivity in CIPN by investigating the expression of hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS) and histology of the fascia in an animal model of CIPN.

Methods: Rats were intraperitoneally administered with vincristine (VCR). Mechanical hypersensitivities of the hind paw and the anterior tibial muscle were assessed. The expression of HAS mRNA in the fascia of the anterior tibial muscles was quantitated using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry was also performed for HAS2, hyaluronic acid-binding protein, and S100A4 in the fascia.

Results: Vincristine administration significantly decreased mechanical withdrawal thresholds in the hind paw and the anterior tibial muscle after day 3. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed significant downregulation of HAS mRNAs in the fascia of VCR-treated rats. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the number of cells with strong HAS2 immunoreactivity, classified as fasciacytes by morphology and colocalized marker S100A4, decreased significantly in the VCR group.

Conclusion: Hyaluronic acid plays a critical role in somatic pain sensation. Damaged fascia could be a possible cause of musculoskeletal pain in patients with CIPN. This study suggests that fascia is a nonneural cause and novel therapeutic target for chemotherapy-induced "peripheral neuropathy."