First meta-analysis finds altered endocannabinoid levels in fibromyalgia patients
The first meta-analysis of endocannabinoid levels in fibromyalgia found increased levels of certain lipid mediators in patients compared to controls, supporting the theory of endocannabinoid system involvement in chronic widespread pain.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Plasma levels of oleoylethanolamide and stearoylethanolamide were significantly increased in fibromyalgia patients compared to controls. Interstitial levels of palmitoylethanolamide and stearoylethanolamide were also altered. No significant differences were found in anandamide or 2-AG, the classical endocannabinoids.
Key Numbers
8 studies reviewed, 7 meta-analyzed. Increased plasma OEA (p=0.005) and SEA in fibromyalgia. Altered interstitial PEA (p=0.05) and SEA (p=0.001). No significant differences in classical endocannabinoids (anandamide, 2-AG).
How They Did This
First systematic review and meta-analysis of endocannabinoid and N-acylethanolamine levels in chronic widespread pain and fibromyalgia. Eight studies included for qualitative review, seven for meta-analysis. Compared plasma and interstitial levels between patients and healthy controls.
Why This Research Matters
If endocannabinoid system dysfunction underlies fibromyalgia, it could explain why some patients report benefit from cannabis and provide targets for more specific treatments.
The Bigger Picture
The finding that non-classical endocannabinoid-like molecules (N-acylethanolamines) are altered while classical endocannabinoids are not suggests a more nuanced role for the broader endocannabinoidome in fibromyalgia than previously appreciated.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Small number of studies (7-8). Most studies did not account for variables that influence endocannabinoid function (cannabis use, medications, physical activity, sleep, diet). Heterogeneous measurement methods.
Questions This Raises
- ?Could N-acylethanolamine levels serve as fibromyalgia biomarkers?
- ?Would therapies targeting specific endocannabinoid-like molecules be more effective than broad-spectrum cannabis?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- First meta-analysis of endocannabinoid levels in fibromyalgia
- Evidence Grade:
- First systematic review and meta-analysis in this area, but limited by small number of included studies and heterogeneous methods.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2022.
- Original Title:
- Plasma and interstitial levels of endocannabinoids and N-acylethanolamines in patients with chronic widespread pain and fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Published In:
- Pain reports, 7(6), e1045 (2022)
- Authors:
- Kurlyandchik, Inna(2), Lauche, Romy, Tiralongo, Evelin(2), Warne, Leon N, Schloss, Janet
- Database ID:
- RTHC-03985
Evidence Hierarchy
Analyzes all available research on a topic using a structured method.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the endocannabinoid system involved in fibromyalgia?
This first meta-analysis found that certain endocannabinoid-like molecules are significantly altered in fibromyalgia patients compared to controls, supporting the theory of endocannabinoid system involvement.
Does cannabis help fibromyalgia because of endocannabinoid problems?
The finding that endocannabinoid-related molecules are altered in fibromyalgia provides a biological rationale for why some patients report cannabis benefit, but the classical endocannabinoids (anandamide, 2-AG) were not significantly different.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-03985APA
Kurlyandchik, Inna; Lauche, Romy; Tiralongo, Evelin; Warne, Leon N; Schloss, Janet. (2022). Plasma and interstitial levels of endocannabinoids and N-acylethanolamines in patients with chronic widespread pain and fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. Pain reports, 7(6), e1045. https://doi.org/10.1097/PR9.0000000000001045
MLA
Kurlyandchik, Inna, et al. "Plasma and interstitial levels of endocannabinoids and N-acylethanolamines in patients with chronic widespread pain and fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.." Pain reports, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1097/PR9.0000000000001045
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Plasma and interstitial levels of endocannabinoids and N-acy..." RTHC-03985. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/kurlyandchik-2022-plasma-and-interstitial-levels
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.