LAUSR

ABSTRACT Introduction Pain is a multidimensional experience involving the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of each individual. Particularly, the biological aspects of pain conditions are a response of the neuroimmunology system and the control of painful conditions is a worldwide challenge for researchers. Although years of investigation on pain experience and treatment exist, the high prevalence of chronic pain is still a fact. Areas covered Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) is a ligand-activated transcription factor belonging to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. It regulates several metabolic pathways, including lipid biosynthesis and glucose metabolism, when activated. However, PPARγ activation also has a critical immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effect. Expert opinion This review summarizes the evidence of synthetic or natural PPARγ ligands such as 15d-PGJ2, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, thiazolidinediones, and specialized pro-resolving mediators, representing an interesting therapeutic tool for pain control.