Abstract

Epigenetics, the study of heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations in the DNA sequence, has emerged as a significant area of research in understanding the mechanisms underlying pain and its treatment. This article explores the role of epigenetic modifications in pain pathways and the development of analgesic responses. We discuss various epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, and their implications for pain perception and the efficacy of analgesic drugs. Our findings highlight the potential of targeting epigenetic modifications as a novel therapeutic strategy for managing chronic pain and improving analgesic outcomes.