Epigenetics and Postsurgical Pain: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Pain research
• Epigenetics
• Translational medicine

Background:

• Postsurgical pain is influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
• Epigenetics describes how environmental factors alter gene expression.
• Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for pain management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence on epigenetic mechanisms regulating postsurgical and chronic postsurgical pain.
• To examine studies in both animal models and human clinical research.
• To identify gaps in current research on epigenetic pain regulation.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• Searches were performed on PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.
• Articles were selected based on relevance to epigenetic mechanisms in postsurgical pain.

Main Results:

• The review included 95 articles, predominantly from animal models.
• Epigenetics plays a role in regulating gene expression related to postsurgical pain pathways.
• Evidence suggests epigenetic involvement in the persistence of long-term pain.

Conclusions:

• Current research on human epigenetic mechanisms for postsurgical pain is limited.
• Animal model findings indicate a significant role for epigenetics in pain.
• Further clinical research is essential to validate epigenetic pain mechanisms in humans.