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Can neuroimaging studies identify pain endophenotypes in humans?
1Oxford Center for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK. irene@fmrib.ox.ac.uk
Nature Reviews. Neurology
|February 10, 2011
Summary
Neuroimaging reveals brain regions critical for pain. This approach helps link pain genetics to biomarkers, simplifying the study of chronic pain disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Pain Research
Background:
- Pain is a complex, multidimensional experience poorly understood for centuries.
- Noninvasive neuroimaging techniques have advanced the study of the human brain's response to nociceptive inputs.
- Understanding of acute pain generation and influencing factors has grown significantly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the utility of brain imaging phenotypes as endophenotypes for pain research.
- To explore the connection between genetics, pain sensitivity, and intermediate biomarkers.
- To simplify the relationship between genes and behavior in complex pain disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of neuroimaging studies on acute and chronic pain.
- Analysis of brain structure and neurochemistry in chronic pain states.
- Discussion of the endophenotypic approach in pain genetics.
Main Results:
- Identification of critical brain regions for acute pain experience.
- Elucidation of processes underlying the transition to and maintenance of chronic pain.
- Highlighting the impact of chronic pain on brain structure and neurochemistry.
Conclusions:
- Brain imaging phenotypes show promise as endophenotypes for pain.
- The endophenotypic approach is crucial for linking pain genetics to observable biomarkers.
- This approach is essential for understanding complex disorders like chronic pain.
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