So I searched the internet for the connection between ME/CFS, TRPA1 and neuropathy. This is some of the informations I found:
Research presented at the 2010 annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology meeting (poster P05.231) showed a connection between fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and neuropathy. Reference
Andersson Kings College London informs that they have identified reactive oxygen species and methylglyoxal as key mediators responsible for the development of diabetic neuropathy. These mediators act by stimulating the ion channel TRPA1 in pain-sensing neurons, thereby producing pain and neuropathy. Methylglyoxal is a glucose metabolite that occurs at higher concentrations during hyperglycemia in diabetes.
Further reading here:
Inhibiting TRPA1 ion channel reduces loss of cutaneous nerve fiber function in diabetic animals: sustained activation of the TRPA1 channel contributes to the pathogenesis of peripheral diabetic neuropathy
Methylglyoxal activates nociceptors through transient receptor potential channel A1 (TRPA1): a possible mechanism of metabolic neuropathies
And from this article I found: “TRPA1 is also involved in persistent to chronic painful states such as inflammation, neuropathic pain, diabetes, fibromyalgia, bronchitis and emphysema.”
The researchers from this study present evidence for functional expression of excitatory TRPV1, TRPA1, and inhibitory CB1 receptors along the sensory fibers of the vagus nerve which lend pathophysiological relevance to the axonal membrane and the control of neuropeptide release that may become important in cases of inflammation or neuropathy. Sensitization and possible ectopic discharge may contribute to the development of autonomic dysregulation in visceral tissues that are innervated by the vagus nerve.
MAYO CLINIC mentions that you can discuss the use of alpha-lipoic acid with your doctor as a treatment for peripheral neuropathy.
This is interesting. I am one of those patients with neuropathic pain, and I know I am not alone. It's a shame when I meet and hear about doctors who does not recognize that pain (and sometimes extreme pain) is not a part of our illness. I know many who suffer greatly because the doctors will not prescribe painkillers or other medications to help the patients. (Because, you know, it's all in their head anyway, so let's not encourage their ideas that they are sick!)
SvarSlet