Amelioration of Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis in Mice through Oral Administration of Palmitoylethanolamide

TL;DR

This study shows that oral administration of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) reduces symptoms and inflammation in mice with experimental colitis, suggesting it could be a promising treatment for ulcerative colitis.

Contribution

The study demonstrates the efficacy of orally administered PEA in ameliorating DSS-induced colitis in mice.

Findings

PEA reduced clinical signs of colitis in mice.

PEA suppressed leukocyte recruitment at inflamed venules.

PEA decreased gross mucosal injury in experimental colitis.

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic disorders characterized by pain, ulceration, and the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and categorized into two major subtypes: ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease. The inflammation in UC is typically restricted to the mucosal surface, beginning in the rectum and extending through the entire colon. UC patients typically show increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to intestinal epithelial apoptosis and mucosal inflammation, which impair barrier integrity. Chronic inflammation is associated with the rapid recruitment and inappropriate retention of leukocytes at the site of inflammation, further amplifying the inflammation. While UC can be managed using a number of treatments, these drugs are expensive and cause unwanted side effects. Therefore, a safe and effective treatment for UC patients is needed. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous fatty acid amide and an analog of the endocannabinoid anandamine. PEA administration has been found to normalize intestinal GIT motility and reduce injury in rodents and humans. In the current study, we examined the efficacy of PEA encapsulated in phytosomes following oral administration in experimental ulcerative colitis. Here, we showed that PEA at a human-equivalent dose of 123 mg/kg (OD or BID) attenuated DSS-induced experimental colitis as represented by the reduction in clinical signs of colitis, reduction in gross mucosal injury, and suppression of leukocyte recruitment at inflamed venules. These findings add to the growing body of data demonstrating the beneficial effects of PEA to control the acute phase of intestinal inflammation occurring during UC.

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