Saint Louis University (SLU)
Chronic pain, including pain caused by chemotherapeutics for cancer, is a devastating global health problem, a major unresolved healthcare issue, with tremendous socio-economic implications, particularly for long-term sufferersChronic pain is poorly managed and novel therapeutic agents are unquestionably needed. Using a multidisciplinary approach that includes genetic, molecular, bio-analytical, biochemical and pharmacological tools, my lab is interested in understanding how neuro-inflammatory processes are engaged in the periphery and CNS during the development of chronic neuropathic pain with particular focus on lipids and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. We are also interested in exploring the contribution of these pathways in the development of opioid-induced hyperalgesia and antinociceptive tolerance known to hamper the effective use of opioids for pain management. Our efforts in these areas have opened a new field of pain research directed toward modulating critical mediators of pain rather than masking symptoms through traditional approaches. Novel chemical entities that specifically target these pathways are also evaluated with the ultimate goal of initiating proof of concept clinical trials.