Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA): A Versatile Regulator of Inflammation and Immunity

Inflammation serves as the body's initial biological reaction and immune response to external assaults, whether they be physical injuries, toxic substances, chemicals, or biological entities like viruses and bacteria. The length of the inflammatory process is contingent upon the time needed to remove these detrimental agents and mend the resultant damage. Consequently, the pain associated with this natural mechanism typically does not disrupt daily life quality. However, inflammation can turn pathological when there's a disruption in the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory agents, often as a result of continuous exposure to stressors, leading to chronic inflammation. This prolonged state of inflammation can impact not only the affected organs but may also lead to various comorbidities and disabilities. While synthetic anti-inflammatory medications can be beneficial, their regular use carries risks such as addiction and potential deterioration of the body's overall condition. In this context, endogenous substances and natural food or dietary supplements present a viable alternative to conventional medications. They can help prevent inflammation from becoming chronic by enhancing the body's overall immunity.

Enter Palmitoylethanolamide

Introduced to the western market as a dietary supplement in 2008, Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a naturally occurring fatty acid amide. It has been shown to effectively combat various inflammatory processes that contribute to the persistence of chronic pain by modulating the activity of mast cells and spinal glial cells in the neurons of both the peripheral and central nervous systems. PEA is widely present in nearly all body tissues and is synthesized as needed from the lipid bilayer of cell membranes, where it operates locally. Owing to its anti-inflammatory properties, PEA has gained significant recognition, with more than 350 research papers documenting its broad therapeutic benefits, including anti-allergic, analgesic, neuroprotective, anti-influenza effects, and immune response modulation in both animal and human studies. The diverse immune responses elicited by PEA can be attributed to its unique action mechanisms that target multiple pathways across various sites, synergistically contributing to its therapeutic outcomes. Among the most critical action mechanisms of PEA related to immunopathology are its interactions with orphan cannabinoid receptors (GPR55 and GPR11), the vanilloid receptor TRPV1, and the nuclear receptor Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α).

The activation of macrophages and the subsequent reduction in inflammation and pain signals are initiated when Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) binds to the PPAR-α receptor on immune cells. This interaction is particularly significant during influenza infections, which are known to cause an overproduction of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-10, leading to a dangerous condition known as a "cytokine storm". This excessive inflammatory response is responsible for the severe symptoms and high mortality rates associated with influenza and other serious infections. Initial research on PEA highlighted its role in inhibiting the migration and activation of mast cells, which are key players in the onset of inflammation. Further studies have elucidated that PEA's binding to PPAR-α triggers a cascade of reactions that result in the suppression of inflammatory and pain signals. Over 60 studies have documented PEA's anti-inflammatory properties, particularly its ability to decrease TNF-α levels. Moreover, PEA has been shown to significantly mitigate intestinal damage and inflammation by reducing the production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β), the expression of adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, P-selectin), and NF-κB expression. Through these mechanisms, PEA not only dampens the inflammatory response but also potentially alleviates symptoms of influenza and the common cold in affected individuals.

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), due to its anti-inflammatory properties and presence throughout the body, is recognized as a promising treatment for various inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Chronic inflammation, particularly in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, can disrupt organ function and alter the gut microbiome, leading to increased gut permeability and potentially opportunistic infections. PEA's ability to act on the PPAR-α receptor in the colon can alleviate these inflammatory symptoms, prevent further changes in the gut microbiota, and avoid behavioral changes linked to these alterations. By influencing the gut microbiota, PEA plays a crucial role in both the development of the innate immune system and the shaping of adaptive immunity, making it a valuable mediator for correcting dysbiosis and modulating the immune response. Consequently, PEA's role in probiotic research and its potential to boost overall immunity are garnering significant attention.

PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide) plays a dual role in health by mediating gut microbiota and offering protection against external bacterial invasions. Chronic inflammation is linked to an increased risk of neurological or neurodegenerative diseases due to cytokines released into the bloodstream. Research has shown PEA's prophylactic benefits in reducing inflammation and enhancing survival rates in mice with bacterial meningitis, without the need for antibiotics. PEA pre-treatment also resulted in lower bacterial levels in the spleen, liver, and blood during the early stages of infection and improved survival and bacterial clearance in young mice exposed to E. coli. Further studies have demonstrated PEA's ability to boost resistance to systemic bacterial infections.

PEA's impact on bacterial resistance is attributed to its regulation of microglia and macrophages, crucial for resolving Central Nervous System (CNS) infections and eliminating pathogens. In vitro studies have shown that PEA stimulates the phagocytosis of pathogens by these cells. Short-term exposure to PEA enhances the uptake of E. coli by macrophages and microglia. Additionally, PEA interacts with the Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) to induce changes in microglia that increase their migration and phagocytic activities through PPAR-α activation. PEA's mechanism involves the 'Entourage effect,' where increased PEA levels enhance the effects of endocannabinoids like Anandamide (AEA) by preventing their breakdown. This leads to the activation of immune cells such as macrophages and neutrophils. Therefore, PEA may help prevent certain brain infections and modulate the immune response in inflammatory neurodegeneration by promoting microglial phagocytosis.

Summary

Overall, the diverse impacts of Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) through various targets, coupled with its natural origin, position it as an ideal candidate for regulating inflammatory conditions and facilitating interactions between the nervous and immune systems to enhance overall immunity. Nevertheless, the initiation of inflammation leads to a reduction in PEA production. Therefore, supplementing with external PEA can replenish depleted levels, reinstating its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating capabilities.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.