Anti-inflammatory effects of physical stimuli: the central role of networks in shaping the future of pharmacological research

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 antiinflammatory 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.