MicroRNA Expression Analysis of the Rat Brain During Neuropathic Pain Development

Approximately 40% of Service Members deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and an astounding 80% of Veterans overall report experiencing pain. Currently, drugs that adequately treat pain may result in addiction and substance abuse or negative side effects such as nausea, vomiting, renal and cardiovascular issues, among other physiological and cognitive problems. Inadequate acute pain management can lead to the development of chronic pain. Combat and non-combat injuries, acute and chronic pain all have the potential to impact return-to-duty rates/decisions, thereby negatively affecting the Fighting Force. To develop more effective pain therapeutics, the molecular mechanisms contributing to the development of neuropathic pain are under intense investigation and further research is needed to fully understand neuropathic pain induction and maintenance. The overarching objective of this study is to identify microRNA (miRNA) changes in key brain regions during the onset and progression of neuropathic pain in a rodent model.