Reduced lipids associated with endocannabinoids found in patients with respiratory disease examined with NSAID

NSAID respiratory disease, N-ERD, is associated with measurable changes in the concentrations of lipid mediators involved in inflammation and pain shaping, shows a new study. The plasma concentrations of two basic lipids associated with endocannabinoids, arachidonomhanolamide (AEA) and olivellelethhanolamide (OAEs) were significantly reduced in patients with N-ERD compared to healthy witnesses.

In addition, even a very low dose of aspirin increased AEA and OEA levels in witnesses, but not in N-ERD patients. The study, conducted in collaboration between the University of East Finland, the University of Helsinki and the University Hospital of Helsinki, was published in the Clinical and experimental allergy.

N-ERD is a chronic syndrome in which non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), such as aspirin, cause asthma attacks and other respiratory symptoms. Patients usually suffer from severe asthma and chronic rhinosinus with nasal polyps and the condition significantly prevents quality of life. Currently, there is no clinical laboratory test for N-ERD and the diagnosis requires a expensive and dangerous aspirin causing in a hospital environment. The mechanisms of the disease remain little understandable and the optimal treatment strategies are still missing.

This present study is the first to report changes in endocannabinoid signaling in patients with N-ERD, which may help explain chronic inflammation and increased perception of pain associated with the condition. In addition to the reduced concentrations of AEA and the OOA, there were also increased concentrations of leukotriene E4 and other lipid mediators, possibly reflecting the inflammation associated with N-EU.

“These changes in lipid metabolism, which affect the endocannabinoid system, can in the future open new avenues for the diagnosis of N-ERD and the development of targeted therapies,” doctoral researcher Viljami Salmi from the University of Helsinki.

Further research is required that include larger patient groups. The present study included eight people diagnosed with N-ERD and seven healthy tests.