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Epigenetics and the transition from acute to chronic pain.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Buchheit, T; Van de Ven, T; Shaw, A
Published in: Pain Med
November 2012

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to review the epigenetic modifications involved in the transition from acute to chronic pain and to identify potential targets for the development of novel, individualized pain therapeutics. BACKGROUND: Epigenetics is the study of heritable modifications in gene expression and phenotype that do not require a change in genetic sequence to manifest their effects. Environmental toxins, medications, diet, and psychological stresses can alter epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and RNA interference. As epigenetic modifications potentially play an important role in inflammatory cytokine metabolism, steroid responsiveness, and opioid sensitivity, they are likely key factors in the development of chronic pain. Although our knowledge of the human genetic code and disease-associated polymorphisms has grown significantly in the past decade, we have not yet been able to elucidate the mechanisms that lead to the development of persistent pain after nerve injury or surgery. DESIGN: This is a focused literature review of epigenetic science and its relationship to chronic pain. RESULTS: Significant laboratory and clinical data support the notion that epigenetic modifications are affected by the environment and lead to differential gene expression. Similar to mechanisms involved in the development of cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and inflammatory disorders, the literature endorses an important potential role for epigenetics in chronic pain. CONCLUSIONS: Epigenetic analysis may identify mechanisms critical to the development of chronic pain after injury, and may provide new pathways and target mechanisms for future drug development and individualized medicine.

Duke Scholars

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Published In

Pain Med

DOI

EISSN

1526-4637

Publication Date

November 2012

Volume

13

Issue

11

Start / End Page

1474 / 1490

Location

England

Related Subject Headings

  • Humans
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Chronic Pain
  • Anesthesiology
  • Acute Pain
  • 5203 Clinical and health psychology
  • 4203 Health services and systems
  • 3202 Clinical sciences
  • 1117 Public Health and Health Services
  • 1115 Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
 

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Buchheit, T., Van de Ven, T., & Shaw, A. (2012). Epigenetics and the transition from acute to chronic pain. Pain Med, 13(11), 1474–1490. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4637.2012.01488.x
Buchheit, Thomas, Thomas Van de Ven, and Andrew Shaw. “Epigenetics and the transition from acute to chronic pain.Pain Med 13, no. 11 (November 2012): 1474–90. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4637.2012.01488.x.
Buchheit T, Van de Ven T, Shaw A. Epigenetics and the transition from acute to chronic pain. Pain Med. 2012 Nov;13(11):1474–90.
Buchheit, Thomas, et al. “Epigenetics and the transition from acute to chronic pain.Pain Med, vol. 13, no. 11, Nov. 2012, pp. 1474–90. Pubmed, doi:10.1111/j.1526-4637.2012.01488.x.
Buchheit T, Van de Ven T, Shaw A. Epigenetics and the transition from acute to chronic pain. Pain Med. 2012 Nov;13(11):1474–1490.
Journal cover image

Published In

Pain Med

DOI

EISSN

1526-4637

Publication Date

November 2012

Volume

13

Issue

11

Start / End Page

1474 / 1490

Location

England

Related Subject Headings

  • Humans
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Chronic Pain
  • Anesthesiology
  • Acute Pain
  • 5203 Clinical and health psychology
  • 4203 Health services and systems
  • 3202 Clinical sciences
  • 1117 Public Health and Health Services
  • 1115 Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences