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Palmitoylethanolamide Restores Myelinated-Fibre Function in Patients with Chemotherapy-Induced Painful Neuropathy
- Source :
- CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets; December 2011, Vol. 10 Issue: 8 p916-920, 5p
- Publication Year :
- 2011
-
Abstract
- We assessed the effect of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) on pain and nerve function in patients with chemotherapy-induced painful neuropathy, in 20 patients undergoing thalidomide and bortezomib treatment for multiple myeloma. All patients were evaluated before and after a two-month treatment with PEA 300 mg BID using pain and warmth thresholds; blinded examiners measured motor and sensory nerve fibre function and laser-evoked potentials. Although no variables returned to normal values, pain and all neurophysiological measures - assessing Aα, Aβ, and Aδ fibres - significantly improved (P < 0.05). In contrast, warmth thresholds, assessing unmyelinated afferents, remained unchanged (P 0.50). Although a placebo effect might play a role in the reported pain relief, the changes in neurophysiological measures indicate that PEA exerted a positive action on myelinated fibre groups. PEA, possibly by moderating mast cell hyperactivity, relieved conduction blocks secondary to endoneural edema. In a severe condition such as painful neuropathy associated with multiple myeloma and chemotherapy, a safe substance such as PEA provides significant restoration of nerve function.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 18715273
- Volume :
- 10
- Issue :
- 8
- Database :
- Supplemental Index
- Journal :
- CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets
- Publication Type :
- Periodical
- Accession number :
- ejs27022038