Researchers report a subset of monocytes releases interleukin-10 (IL-10), a molecule that helps switch off pain. They found these IL-10-producing cells were more active in males. The difference was linked to higher sex hormones such as testosterone.
Women in the study experienced longer-lasting pain and slower recovery because their monocytes were less active. The pattern appeared in both mouse models and human patients. A separate study after car accidents showed similar results.
The team says immune cells could be encouraged to make more calming signals. A new treatment is likely decades away, but researchers hope this work will lead to non-opioid options and make doctors take women's pain seriously.
Difficult words
- monocyte — a type of white blood cell in the immune systemmonocytes
- interleukin-10 — a molecule made by immune cells that reduces painIL-10
- testosterone — a male sex hormone in the human body
- recovery — the process of getting better after illness or injury
- subset — a small group taken from a larger group
- immune — relating to the body's defence against disease
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you or someone you know had long-lasting pain? What happened?
- What can doctors do to take women's pain more seriously?
- Would you prefer a non-opioid treatment for pain? Why or why not?
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