The present study reported higher levels of OEA and PEA
in plasma, which signifies the presence of systemic inflammation in CWP.
CWP is one of the most common pain with musculoskeletal
problems such as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). These CWP and FMS chronic pain
can alter both peripheral and central pain mechanisms. However, no supporting
evidence for such alterations was present. Although, some components of the immune
system such as pro- and anti-inflammatory components (cytokines and endogenous
lipid mediators), may serve as systemic markers of chronic pain alterations.
The lipid mediators such as palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), tearoylethanolamide
(SEA) - belong to N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), and oleoylethanolamide (OEA) are
known to associated with anti-inflammatory properties. Some previous studies
enlightened the lipid mediators’ role in pain and inflammation modulation via
peroxisome proliferator activating receptors (PPARs) activation. The activation
of PPARs regulates the transcriptional gene factors which are responsible for
chronic pain.
Scientists conducted a study to evaluate pro- and anti-inflammatory components
efficacy among 17 women with CWP. During the investigation, the immune system
components effects were also evaluated among 21 healthy controls. The
components were taken for evaluation were anti-inflammatory lipids OEA, PEA,
and SEA, anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α,
IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8. During the assessment, the T-test of independent samples
was used to evaluate comparisons among groups. Further the association between
lipids, cytokines, and pain intensity evaluated by bivariate correlation
analyses, and multivariate regression analysis.
The CWP patients were found with higher levels of OEA and PEA in plasma. No
alterations were seen in cytokines levels. Also, no association was seen
between lipid levels and cytokines.
Therefore, it is evaluated from studies that only OEA and PEA altered levels indicate the
existence of systemic inflammation in CWP. These studies also help to explain
the biochemical mechanisms involved in chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Lipids Health Dis. 2017 Jun 12;16(1):112
Alterations of anti-inflammatory lipids in plasma from women with chronic widespread pain - a case control study
Stensson N et al.
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