Together, the above results reveal that upregulated MMP-9 via p38/IL-1β and MMP-2 via Erk/IL-1β signaling in the wounded tissue, ipsilateral DRG, and dorsal horn contribute to the development of postoperative pain.
Among the 9 known inflammasomes, the NLRP3 inflammasome is ideally positioned to drive postoperative pain through IL-1β production because NLRP3 can be activated by factors that are released by incision.