Palmitoylethanolamide and White Matter Lesions: Evidence for Therapeutic Implications
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), the naturally occurring amide of ethanolamine and palmitic acid, is an endogenous lipid compound endowed with a plethora of pharmacological functions, including analgesic, neuroprotective, immune-modulating, and anti-inflammatory effects. Although the properties of PEA w...
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MDPI AG
2022-08-01
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Series: | Biomolecules |
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Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/12/9/1191 |
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author | Marta Valenza Roberta Facchinetti Luca Steardo Caterina Scuderi |
author_facet | Marta Valenza Roberta Facchinetti Luca Steardo Caterina Scuderi |
author_sort | Marta Valenza |
collection | DOAJ |
description | Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), the naturally occurring amide of ethanolamine and palmitic acid, is an endogenous lipid compound endowed with a plethora of pharmacological functions, including analgesic, neuroprotective, immune-modulating, and anti-inflammatory effects. Although the properties of PEA were first characterized nearly 65 years ago, the identity of the receptor mediating these actions has long remained elusive, causing a period of research stasis. In the last two decades, a renewal of interest in PEA occurred, and a series of interesting studies have demonstrated the pharmacological properties of PEA and clarified its mechanisms of action. Recent findings showed the ability of formulations containing PEA in promoting oligodendrocyte differentiation, which represents the first step for the proper formation of myelin. This evidence opens new and promising research opportunities. White matter defects have been detected in a vast and heterogeneous group of diseases, including age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we summarize the history and pharmacology of PEA and discuss its therapeutic potential in restoring white matter defects. |
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format | Article |
id | doaj.art-846afa6606dc422e88fd4db3e17257cc |
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issn | 2218-273X |
language | English |
last_indexed | 2024-03-10T00:37:24Z |
publishDate | 2022-08-01 |
publisher | MDPI AG |
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series | Biomolecules |
spelling | doaj.art-846afa6606dc422e88fd4db3e17257cc2023-11-23T15:14:24ZengMDPI AGBiomolecules2218-273X2022-08-01129119110.3390/biom12091191Palmitoylethanolamide and White Matter Lesions: Evidence for Therapeutic ImplicationsMarta Valenza0Roberta Facchinetti1Luca Steardo2Caterina Scuderi3Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, SAPIENZA University of Rome—P.le A. Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, ItalyDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, SAPIENZA University of Rome—P.le A. Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, ItalyDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, SAPIENZA University of Rome—P.le A. Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, ItalyDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, SAPIENZA University of Rome—P.le A. Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, ItalyPalmitoylethanolamide (PEA), the naturally occurring amide of ethanolamine and palmitic acid, is an endogenous lipid compound endowed with a plethora of pharmacological functions, including analgesic, neuroprotective, immune-modulating, and anti-inflammatory effects. Although the properties of PEA were first characterized nearly 65 years ago, the identity of the receptor mediating these actions has long remained elusive, causing a period of research stasis. In the last two decades, a renewal of interest in PEA occurred, and a series of interesting studies have demonstrated the pharmacological properties of PEA and clarified its mechanisms of action. Recent findings showed the ability of formulations containing PEA in promoting oligodendrocyte differentiation, which represents the first step for the proper formation of myelin. This evidence opens new and promising research opportunities. White matter defects have been detected in a vast and heterogeneous group of diseases, including age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we summarize the history and pharmacology of PEA and discuss its therapeutic potential in restoring white matter defects.https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/12/9/1191palmitoylethanolamideluteolinoligodendrocyteastrocytemyelindemyelinating diseases |
spellingShingle | Marta Valenza Roberta Facchinetti Luca Steardo Caterina Scuderi Palmitoylethanolamide and White Matter Lesions: Evidence for Therapeutic Implications Biomolecules palmitoylethanolamide luteolin oligodendrocyte astrocyte myelin demyelinating diseases |
title | Palmitoylethanolamide and White Matter Lesions: Evidence for Therapeutic Implications |
title_full | Palmitoylethanolamide and White Matter Lesions: Evidence for Therapeutic Implications |
title_fullStr | Palmitoylethanolamide and White Matter Lesions: Evidence for Therapeutic Implications |
title_full_unstemmed | Palmitoylethanolamide and White Matter Lesions: Evidence for Therapeutic Implications |
title_short | Palmitoylethanolamide and White Matter Lesions: Evidence for Therapeutic Implications |
title_sort | palmitoylethanolamide and white matter lesions evidence for therapeutic implications |
topic | palmitoylethanolamide luteolin oligodendrocyte astrocyte myelin demyelinating diseases |
url | https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/12/9/1191 |
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