Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40069822›Full record

ReviewJournal of neuroinflammation2025

Beyond the itch: the complex interplay of immune, neurological, and psychological factors in chronic urticaria.

Shurui Yang, Li Chen, Haiming Zhang, Yanjuan Song, Wenyan Wang, Zhengbo Hu, Siyu Wang, Liuyang Huang, Yayuan Wang, Song Wu and 2 more

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Journal of neuroinflammation, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 17 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
17citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

17 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

12 authors.

Shurui YangCollege of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China.
Li ChenCollege of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China.
Haiming ZhangDepartment of Oncology, Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Medical College, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430014, China.
Yanjuan SongHubei Shizhen Laboratory, Wuhan, 430060, China.
Wenyan WangDepartment of acupuncture and moxibustion, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430014, China.
Zhengbo HuCollege of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China.
Siyu WangCollege of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China.
Liuyang HuangCollege of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China.
Yayuan WangCollege of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China.
Song WuCollege of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China.
Rui ChenDepartment of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China. unioncr@163.com.
Fengxia LiangCollege of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China. fxliang5@hotmail.com.

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China 82105009National Natural Science Foundation of China 82274634
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Chronic urticaria (CU) arises from a multifaceted interplay of immunological, neurological, and psychological components. Immune dysregulation, mediated through both immunoglobulin E (IgE)-dependent and IgE-independent pathways, plays a pivotal role in CU pathogenesis, involving key effector cells such as mast cells (MCs), basophils, and eosinophils. This dysregulation culminates in the release of histamine, prostaglandins, and other mediators, which precipitate pruritus. The chronicity of the disease leads to sustained pruritic symptoms, contributing to both central and peripheral sensitization. The excitation of the itch circuit is augmented, leading to the release of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, which subsequently interact with immune cells. Psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, and stress exacerbate CU symptoms and diminish quality of life. These factors disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Furthermore, the act of scratching activates the reward circuit, resulting in the manifestation of the itch-scratching cycle. Current treatments, such as antihistamines, omalizumab, and cyclosporine, demonstrate variable efficacy and are often associated with adverse effects. A holistic approach addressing both psychological and physiological aspects is advocated. This review highlights the critical importance of understanding neuroimmune interactions and the influence of psychosomatic factors in CU. It aims to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies by integrating psychological, neurological, and immunological perspectives.

Indexed as

Chronic UrticariaPruritusAnimalsHumansHypothalamo-Hypophyseal SystemStress, PsychologicalAnxietyChronic urticariaDepressionItchNeuroimmunityReward circuitStress

Identifiers

PMID40069822
PMCPMC11895394

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.