Study points to immune cells as a possible explanation for longer-lasting pain in women.
Pain caused by injuries or surgeries tends to go away as the body recovers.
However, several studies show that women are more likely to develop chronic pain and to feel symptoms longer than men.
A new one now suggests that the explanation may lie in the functioning of the immune system.
For decades, these differences were often attributed to psychological, social or cultural factors. However, new evidence indicates that there are relevant biological mechanisms behind the phenomenon. Researchers analyzed how the immune system reacts after an injury and discovered that certain cells can play a decisive role in the disappearance of pain.
The study focused on a type of immune cells called monocytes, which circulate in the blood and travel to injured tissues. These cells produce a molecule called interleukin-10 (IL-10), Known to reduce inflammation. Research has revealed, however, that IL-10 does more than that: it also communicates directly with the neurons responsible for pain perception, helping to “turn off” the pain signal.
When comparing results in laboratory rats and people involved in road accidents, scientists observed that men tend to recover more quickly from pain. The main reason seems to be the production of IL-10 by monocytes, which is higher in men than in women.
According to researchers, this difference is associated with sexual hormones, highlights . Higher testosterone levels stimulate monocytes to produce more IL-10, increasing the body’s ability to naturally end the painful process after an injury. In women, this response is less intense, which may contribute to a slower recovery.
The results suggest a new way of looking at the role of the immune system in pain. Instead of just being a factor that causes inflammation and discomfort, it can also be instrumental in resolving pain. Understanding these mechanisms could pave the way for new treatments that strengthen the body’s natural ability to “turn off” pain and prevent the development of chronic pain.
