Epigenetics and Pain Management

Abstract

The research paper discusses the concept of epigenetic in pain management. Recently, much research has been conducted on the utility of the epigenetic drugs to treat the chronic pain. This research highlights the major scholarly work in support of this concept and analyzes how the epigenetic is facilitating the modern clinical treatment. The focus has been on understanding the concept of epigenetic, the pain pathway theoretical framework and benefit of epigenetic to the society.

Table of Contents

Introduction4

Literature: Epigenetic and Pain4

What is Epigenetics?4

The Pain Pathways6

Epigenetics and Pain7

Known Scholarly Work8

Theoretical Framework10

Significance of Studying Epigenetic of Pain11

Gaps in Epigenetic and Pain13

Studying Epigenetic and Pain Contributes to Society14

Conclusion14

References15

Epigenetics of Pain

Introduction

This paper intends to explore the term Epigenetic. Mainly the focus of this paper is on the Epigenetic of Pain. Further, the theoretical framework is also analyzed that supports Epigenetic in pain management. This piece enhances the understanding of significance of studying Epigenetic of Pain and how it contributes to the society as a whole. The gaps between Epigenetic and Pain are also discussed to have a deep rooted understanding of the topic.

In United States alone more than 50 million people are suffering from constant pain due to various diseases and it is costing them over 200 billion US dollars each year mainly for lost productivity and direct care (Allis et.al 2007). However, recent research has made significant advancement in pain management. This will also improve the productivity and cut down the cost of direct care. To achieve this, it is important to understand the potential application of epigenetic and genomic strategies in clinical practice.

Literature: Epigenetic and Pain

What is Epigenetics?

Epigenetic has become a fast growing research in cellular biology. It refers to the study of changes in gene expression that are inherited (Stewart & Stillman, 2004). These changes are not found in DNA sequence. Depending on the biological discipline, the term epigenetic has several meanings. In developmental genetics, epigenetic refers to the mechanisms of gene regulation that do not involve changes in the sequences of DNA (AllisJenuwein, Reinberg, 2007, 56-72). In developmental biology, the term epigenetic refers to the context dependence of embryological processes. The context includes both internal epigenetic factors (maternal materials, self-organizing physical and generic properties of cells and tissues, gene regulation processes, cell dynamics and tissue) and external (temperature, humidity, light, radiation) (Riddihough, G. and Zahn, 2010). In evolutionary biology, the term encompasses epigenetic inheritance mechanisms of inheritance is not genetic. In population genetics the term used to describe epigenetic variation to phenotypic variation resulting from different environmental conditions (reaction norm). Epigenetic changes are reversible changes in DNA that causes genes to be expressed or not depending on external conditions, which is also known as polyphenism (Stewart, Stillman, 2004, 6-18).

Epigenetic is the study of the control mechanisms which are layered onto the primary nucleotide sequence to produce signals that turn gene expression on and off. It is now understood that certain genes are expressed only when inherited by a particular parent. The addition of methyl groups to the ...