Therapeutic potential, pharmacological role and molecular mechanisms of adelmidrol, an analogue of palmitoylethanolamide

Adelmidrol is a bioactive semi-synthetic compound with significant therapeutic potential, particularly in resolving inflammation since inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of several diseases. The mechanisms of action of adelmidrol are multifaceted, involving interactions with specific receptors like the PPAR-γ and modulation of signaling pathways associated with inflammation. Adelmidrol demonstrates efficacy in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, colon inflammation, and urothelial inflammation by regulating the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In dermatological conditions like atopic and allergic dermatitis, adelmidrol plays a key role in modulating immune responses and enhancing skin barrier function by reducing inflammation while offering an alternative to conventional therapies. Additionally, adelmidrol plays a critical role in wound healing and diabetic foot ulcers by facilitating cell migration and proliferation, thus accelerating wound closure and reducing infection risk. Adelmidrol has been shown to reduce joint inflammation and improve functionality, making it a candidate for adjunct therapy in musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis. The compound also addresses pulmonary conditions, such as pulmonary fibrosis, by mitigating inflammatory responses and improving respiratory function. Furthermore, applications of adelmidrol in liver diseases, including liver ischemia and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), highlight its potential in resolving hepatic inflammation. This review emphasizes the therapeutic promise of adelmidrol across various inflammatory diseases, advocating for further clinical studies to establish its full potential and optimize its clinical use all the while providing an overview of the properties, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic applications of adelmidrol.