Dysfunction in endocannabinoids, palmitoylethanolamide, and degradation of tryptophan into kynurenine in individuals with depressive symptoms
Observational studyHumans
- Design
- Observational study
- Subjects
- 82 people: 51 with a depressive disorder and 31 healthy volunteers
- Dose used in the study
- Not applicable; palmitoylethanolamide was measured in serum, not given
- Duration
- Not stated in the abstract
- What was measured
- Depression scales (MADRS, Beck, CGI) and serum levels of AEA, 2-AG, 2-OG, OEA, PEA, tryptophan, kynurenine, the kynurenine to tryptophan ratio and serotonin.
What the authors reported
Kynurenine and the kynurenine to tryptophan ratio were associated with 2-AG, AEA and PEA, and these markers separated people with depressive symptoms from those without. Those with symptoms had higher 2-AG, kynurenine and ratio, and lower tryptophan and serotonin. In asymptomatic people PEA correlated with tryptophan; in symptomatic people this was lost and PEA correlated with AEA, 2-AG and OEA instead.
Limits of this study
A cross-sectional biomarker study of 82 people; it cannot show cause or any effect of taking PEA. The authors declare no competing interests.
Source
PubMed 38273283 · doi:10.1186/s12916-024-03248-8
Entry checked against the abstract on PubMed on 2026-09-22. The dose shown is the dose the researchers used. It is not a recommendation. How to read this page.