Abstract
Chronic pain is a multi-faceted and complex condition. Broadly classified into somatic, visceral or neuropathic pain, it is poorly managed despite its prevalence. Current drugs used for the treatment of chronic pain are limited by tolerance with long-term use, abuse potential, and multiple adverse side effects. The persistent nature of pain suggests that epigenetic machinery may be a critical factor driving chronic pain. In this review we discuss the latest insights into epigenetic processes, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and miRNAs, and describe their involvement in the pathophysiology of chronic pain and whether epigenetic modifications could be applied as future therapeutic targets for chronic pain. We provide evidence from experimental models and translational research in human tissue that have enhanced our understanding of epigenetic processes mediating nociception and then speculate on the potential future use of more specific and selective agents that target epigenetic mechanisms to attenuate pain.
- The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics