Chronic pain is a serious condition that occurs in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the central nervous system (CNS). It is caused by
inflammation or nerve damage that induces the release of inflammatory mediators from immune cells and/or
protein kinase activation in neuronal cells. Both nervous systems are closely linked; therefore,
inflammation or nerve damage in the PNS can affect the CNS (central sensitization). In this process, nociceptive transient receptor potential (TRP) channel activation and expression are increased. As a result, nociceptive neurons are activated, and
pain signals to the brain are amplified and prolonged. In other words, suppressing the onset of
pain signals in the PNS can suppress
pain signals to the CNS. Resolvins, endogenous
lipid mediators generated during the resolution phase of acute
inflammation, inhibit nociceptive TRP
ion channels and alleviate
chronic pain. This paper summarizes the effect of resolvins in
chronic pain control and discusses future scientific perspectives. Further study on the effect of resolvins on
neuropathic pain will expand the scope of
pain research.