I'm just starting this thread as a place to post things related to the ongoing research showing an association between gene mutations in the Nav1.7, 1.8, and 1.9 sodium channels and neuropathy. The second article below is less technical and quite interesting.


16 May 2014

Third Sodium Channel Implicated in Painful Small-Fiber Neuropathy
Mutations in Nav1.9 render pain neurons hyperexcitable

http://www.painresearchforum.org/new...ber-neuropathy


October 29, 2014

The Role of Sodium Channels in Painful Neuropathies

http://www.neurologyadvisor.com/targ...rticle/380020/

"This emphasizes the importance of the research on Nav1.7, Nav1.8, and most recently Nav1.9. These channels seem to be the ones that are specific to nerve pain. Pharmaceutical companies are actively working on drugs for Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 and will probably begin to include Nav1.9, now that it has also been linked to human pain. Finding drugs that selectively block just these channels could be the holy grail of neuropathic pain treatment."



September 20, 2012

Gain-of-function Nav1.8 mutations in painful neuropathy - Faber

http://www.pnas.org/content/109/47/19444.full



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I have read a bit about this too, the nav 1.9 sounds interesting as how I understand it , it can benefit not just people with the mutation but all sfn sufferers, also suggests it can be disease modifying , I'm still waiting for results of 1.7 and 1.8 genetic testing.

Loulou

I am currently waiting for testing on these sodium channels (appointment scheduled for june 18th). LouLou you have had the test? Is it just a blood draw? And any idea how long the results take?

Interesting article. I have always been curious about the ionic channels, but none of my Dr' s have seemed that interested when I bring it up.
I have an anti body (VGKC) related to the potassium channel----and my main symptom was cramping. This article talks about the burning----which so many people on here have.
Are we getting these neuropathys due to something happening in these channels?? or are we getting these neuropathys anyway and these channels are determining the pain pathway?? sorry if it's confusing----I'm just thinking out loud here

Hi there,

I have had the test, it is just blood drawn, it takes ages to come back, months and months. Had mine done in November - still waiting, I have had the potassium channel one too, still haven't had that back either.

My neurologist said they are finding more and more of these genetic mutations related to SFN which will then bring the idiopathic percentage down.

LouLou

I'm happy to hear some people are doing testing for this, and will be anxious to hear results. Were the tests ordered by PCPs or neuros?

In looking into what, if any, supplements might support sodium channel function, I came across a reference to vinpocetine. It's been mentioned on this forum only three times I think, but am wondering if anyone still here has tried it.

HI there,

here in the UK it would have to be ordered by the consultant neurologist, I am surprised there is not a lot of mention about it on this site. as from how I understand it from my nuero that the number of idiopathic cases are going down and will continue to go down now they are discovering these mutations.

What is the test called? I may have missed that.

It's a genetic test. I don't know how specific the tests are that people are getting, but the associated genes are SCN9A, SCN10A, SCN11A. Maybe the full genes are being sequenced.

There is some information about vinpocetine here:

http://www.drugs.com/npp/vinpocetine.html