1: Curr Med Chem  2002 Mar;9(6):663-74 

The palmitoylethanolamide family: a new class of anti-inflammatory agents?

Lambert DM, Vandevoorde S, Jonsson KO, Fowler CJ.

Unite de Chimie pharmaceutique et de Radiopharmacie, Ecole de Pharmacie, Facult
de M decine, Universit catholique de Louvain, UCL-CMFA 73.40, 73, avenue
Emmanuel Mounier, Brussels, B-1200, Belgium. lambert@cmfa.ucl.ac.be

The discovery of anandamide as an endogenous ligand for the cannabinoid
receptors has led to a resurgence of interest in the fatty acid amides. However,
N-palmitoylethanolamine (PEA), a shorter and fully saturated analogue of
anandamide, has been known since the fifties. This endogenous compound is a
member of the N-acylethanolamines, found in most mammalian tissues. PEA is
accumulated during inflammation and has been demonstrated to have a number of
anti-inflammatory effects, including beneficial effects in clinically relevant
animal models of inflammatory pain. It is now engaged in phase II clinical
development, and two studies regarding the treatment of chronic lumbosciatalgia
and multiple sclerosis are in progress. However, its precise mechanism of action
remains debated. In the present review, the biochemical and pharmacological
properties of PEA are discussed, in particular with respect to its analgesic and
anti-inflammatory properties.

Publication Types:
Review
Review, Tutorial

PMID: 11945130 [PubMed - in process]