Anti-inflammatory effects of physical stimuli: the central role of
networks in shaping the future of pharmacological research
Abstract
Building on the successful synergy between biology and systems &
network theories, Systems Biology and Systems Medicine have been
instrumental to address complexity in the study of life sciences. Along
this line, Systems Pharmacology is the obvious next step. In this review
we focus on physical stimuli, whose analysis in pharmacology is
generally neglected, despite their ability, once transduced, to show
medicinal properties. To cope with this missed opportunity, our ambition
is threefold: (i) highlight how different (mechanic, optic, magnetic,
electric) physical stimuli impinge on inflammation; (ii) disseminate
knowledge on cutting-edge network approaches as effective tools to
exploit the intricacy and develop the potential of anti-inflammatory
physical therapies within the systems pharmacology framework, to
ultimately (iii) adding physical stimuli to the routine mindset of
pharmacologists. We expect this review to raise more questions than it
gives answers, thus igniting research in an area whose application gap
urgently needs fulfillment.