Emerging roles of miRNAs in neuropathic pain: From new findings to novel mechanisms

Neuropathic pain, which results from damage to the somatosensory nervous system, is a global clinical condition that affects many people. Neuropathic pain imposes significant economic and public health burdens and is often difficult to manage because the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. However, mounting evidence indicates a role for neurogenic inflammation and neuroinflammation in pain pattern development. There is increasing evidence that the activation of neurogenic inflammation and neuroinflammation in the nervous system contribute to neuropathic pain. Altered miRNA expression profiles might be involved in the pathogenesis of both inflammatory and neuropathic pain by regulating neuroinflammation, nerve regeneration, and abnormal ion channel expression. However, the lack of knowledge about miRNA target genes prevents a full understanding of the biological functions of miRNAs. At the same time, an extensive study on exosomal miRNA, a newly discovered role, has advanced our understanding of the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain in recent years. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of miRNA research and discusses the potential mechanisms of miRNAs in neuropathic pain.

Automated summary

Neuropathic pain, resulting from damage to the somatosensory nervous system, is a worldwide clinical condition with significant economic and public health burdens. Neurogenic inflammation and neuroinflammation have been found to play a role in the development of neuropathic pain. Altered miRNA expression profiles are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and neuropathic pain by regulating neuroinflammation, nerve regeneration, and abnormal ion channel expression. The study of exosomal miRNA has contributed to our understanding of the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain.