miRNAs being Key Contributors to Chronic Pain Development and Maintenance

miRNAs, due to their regulatory role in protein expression have a key role in a number of physiological and pathophysiological processes associated with peripheral and central sensitization mechanisms in the nervous system after nociceptive insults. Maladaptive changes in the levels of these proteins may contribute to abnormal synaptic transmission and neuronal intracellular signalling underlying the onset and development of neuropathic pain. The potential of miRNA profiles to serve as biomarkers of pain is emphasized considering the involvement of inflammatory mediators in inflammation-induced changes in miRNA expression. Such changes are considered to contribute to chronic pain development and maintenance. Therefore, miRNAs may be potential targets for the prevention and/or treatment of chronic inflammatory pain. Understanding of these mechanisms may enable the development of novel therapeutic strategies for preventing and/or treating chronic pain.