ReviewIs there any therapeutic value for the use of histone deacetylase inhibitors for chronic pain?

- Histone deacetylases (HDAC) are dynamically changed in pain development.
- HDAC inhibitors have been demonstrated to have therapeutic effects in pain.
- HDAC inhibitors have limitations including non-specificity on targeted genes.

Chronic pain is a complex clinical condition that reduces the quality of life for billions of people. In recent years, the role of epigenetic modulation in the control of long-term neuronal plasticity has attracted the attention of pain researchers. The epigenetic mechanisms include covalent modifications of DNA and/or histone proteins. Mounting evidence suggests that the activity of histone deacetylases (HDACs) and levels of histone acetylation are dynamic and that these enzymes modulate pain-related synaptic plasticity. Therefore, HDACs play essential roles in chronic pain development and maintenance. In this mini review, we will discuss the role of HDACs in the pathogenesis of chronic pain and will consider the therapeutic value of HDAC inhibitors in treating chronic pain.