September 2023 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” This study found that in participants with notalgia paresthetica, 8 weeks of treatment with difelikefalin significantly improved itch intensity and increased the rate of strict complete response compared to placebo, starting as early as week 3.
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February 2014 in “Neuron” This study found that the opioid system, particularly via the delta opioid receptor, broadly regulates cutaneous mechanosensation, including touch, and suggests targeting this receptor could alleviate injury-induced mechanical hypersensitivity.
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June 2021 in “Biomolecules & Therapeutics” In this study, researchers found that activating the delta opioid receptor with a specific agonist significantly promoted hair growth in mice, suggesting potential for developing new hair-loss treatments.
October 2024 in “Internal Medicine” In this case report, a 47-year-old man experienced systemic hair loss after starting hemodialysis, which resolved after discontinuing the antipruritic drug nalfurafine, suggesting its role in causing hair follicle capillary regression.
October 2020 in “Authorea (Authorea)” This review discusses the influence of androgens on opioid-mediated effects and calls for further research into their role in sex differences and potential therapeutic options for chronic pain and substance use disorders.