Neurogenic inflammation as a novel treatment target for chronic pain syndromes

Chronic pain syndromes lead to a reduced quality of life, socioeconomic burden, and increased mortality.* Chronic pain differentially activates the peripheral and central nervous system.* Neurogenic inflammation is a combination of activated neuron-derived mediators and inflammatory cytokines.* Molecules mediating chronic pain are potential novel treatment targets.* Key molecules of chronic pain include nerve growth factor, substance P, calcitonin-gene related peptide or glutamate.* The scope of this review is to describe some important principles of chronic pain and point the way to novel targets for treatment.