To Go Where Nature Leads: Focus on Palmitoylethanolamide and Related ALIAmides as Innovative Approach to Neuroinflammatory and Pain-Related Disease States in Honor of Doctor Francesco Della Valle
1
Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
2
Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Biomolecules 2023, 13(11), 1583; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13111583
Submission received: 23 October 2023
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Accepted: 24 October 2023
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Published: 26 October 2023
(This article belongs to the Special Issue To Go Where Nature Leads: Focus on Palmitoylethanolamide and Related ALIAmides As Innovative Approach to Neuroinflammatory and Pain-Related Disease States in Honor of Doctor Francesco Della Valle)
Dr. Francesco Della Valle made a significant impact in both the business and scientific domains. Reading for a degree in chemistry, with an emphasis on organic and biological disciplines, he quickly distinguished himself in the pharmaceutical industry. This distinction was largely due to the industrial ventures he passionately and adeptly led. His fervor for science resulted in him receiving three honorary degrees and co-inventing numerous pharmaceutical patents, including more than 100 in Europe, with broad recognition in major countries, and as many active patents in the United States.
A quintessential man of science, Dr. Della Valle was simultaneously a visionary entrepreneur always in search of innovation and a thorough, meticulous manager who steered his company with determination. Recognizing the importance of open innovation, he valued the synergistic relationships between academia and industry [1].
A devoted scholar of neuroscience, Dr. Della Valle collaborated with Nobel laureate Rita Levi Montalcini for many years. He deeply grasped the significance of biological breakthroughs like the nerve growth factor (NGF), drawing him closer to Professor Montalcini [2]. “Try to understand the strategy that Nature would use to protect itself from harm”, was the counsel given to him by the Nobel laureate in 1991 [3]. Inspired by this advice, Della Valle pursued the discovery and development of substances that could emulate nature’s protective strategies through the ALIA mechanism [4]. He was profoundly invested in studying neuroinflammation as the foundation for various ailments, ranging from neuropathic pain to neurological diseases [5]. His scientific journey was marked by a relentless “quest for life”, gleaning insights and motivation from nature.
Dr. Francesco Della Valle leaves behind a legacy of pharmaceutical patents, scientific publications, pharmacological innovations, and concepts of neuroinflammation and neuropathic pain. Yet, his most invaluable legacy is his passion for science, truth, dialogue, and life itself.
The research presented in this Issue underscores the importance of continuing studies on PEA and related ALIAmides, using insights from nature to tackle new and increasingly complex challenges. We would like to express a heartfelt thank you to all the authors, reviewers, and contributors who have made the publication of this Special Issue possible. Our hope is that the information shared will inspire further research and exploration.
Here is a List of contributions contained in the Special Issue.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
List of Contributions
- Palenca, I.; Seguella, L.; Del Re, A.; Franzin, S.B.; Corpetti, C.; Pesce, M.; Rurgo, S.; Steardo, L.; Sarnelli, G.; Esposito, G. N-Palmitoyl-D-Glucosamine Inhibits TLR-4/NLRP3 and Improves DNBS-Induced Colon Inflammation through a PPAR-α-Dependent Mechanism. Biomolecules 2022, 12, 1163. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12081163.
- Cristiano, C.; Avagliano, C.; Cuozzo, M.; Liguori, F.M.; Calignano, A.; Russo, R. The Beneficial Effects of Ultramicronized Palmitoylethanolamide in the Management of Neuropathic Pain and Associated Mood Disorders Induced by Paclitaxel in Mice. Biomolecules 2022, 12, 1155. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12081155.
- Guida, F.; Rocco, M.; Luongo, L.; Persiani, P.; Vulpiani, M.C.; Nusca, S.M.; Maione, S.; Coluzzi, F. Targeting Neuroinflammation in Osteoarthritis with Intra-Articular Adelmidrol. Biomolecules 2022, 12, 1453. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12101453.
- Valenza, M.; Facchinetti, R.; Steardo, L.; Scuderi, C. Palmitoylethanolamide and White Matter Lesions: Evidence for Therapeutic Implications. Biomolecules 2022, 12, 1191. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12091191.
- della Rocca, G.; Re, G. Palmitoylethanolamide and Related ALIAmides for Small Animal Health: State of the Art. Biomolecules 2022, 12, 1186. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12091186.
- Assogna, M.; Di Lorenzo, F.; Martorana, A.; Koch, G. Synaptic Effects of Palmitoylethanolamide in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Biomolecules 2022, 12, 1161. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12081161.
- Cifelli, P.; Ruffolo, G.; Ceccanti, M.; Cambieri, C.; Libonati, L.; Palma, E.; Inghilleri, M. Classical and Unexpected Effects of Ultra-Micronized PEA in Neuromuscular Function. Biomolecules 2022, 12, 758. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12060758.
- Landolfo, E.; Cutuli, D.; Petrosini, L.; Caltagirone, C. Effects of Palmitoylethanolamide on Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Review from Rodents to Humans. Biomolecules 2022, 12, 667. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12050667.
- Crupi, R.; Cuzzocrea, S. Role of EPA in Inflammation: Mechanisms, Effects, and Clinical Relevance. Biomolecules 2022, 12, 242. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12020242.
- Toti, A.; Micheli, L.; Lucarini, E.; Ferrara, V.; Ciampi, C.; Margiotta, F.; Failli, P.; Gomiero, C.; Pallecchi, M.; Bartolucci, G.; et al. Ultramicronized N-Palmitoylethanolamine Regulates Mast Cell-Astrocyte Crosstalk: A New Potential Mechanism Underlying the Inhibition of Morphine Tolerance. Biomolecules 2023, 13, 233. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13020233.
- Schiano Moriello, A.; Roviezzo, F.; Iannotti, F.A.; Rea, G.; Allarà, M.; Camerlingo, R.; Verde, R.; Di Marzo, V.; Petrosino, S. First Evidence of the Protective Effects of 2-Pentadecyl-2-Oxazoline (PEA-OXA) in In Vitro Models of Acute Lung Injury. Biomolecules 2023, 13, 33. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13010033.
- Elfarnawany, A.; Dehghani, F. Palmitoylethanolamide Mitigates Paclitaxel Toxicity in Primary Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons. Biomolecules 2022, 12, 1873. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12121873.
- Interdonato, L.; D’amico, R.; Cordaro, M.; Siracusa, R.; Fusco, R.; Peritore, A.F.; Gugliandolo, E.; Crupi, R.; Coaccioli, S.; Genovese, T.; et al. Aerosol-Administered Adelmidrol Attenuates Lung Inflammation in a Murine Model of Acute Lung Injury. Biomolecules 2022, 12, 1308. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12091308.
References
- Della Valle, F.; Gambardella, A. ‘Biological’ Revolution and Strategies for Innovation in Pharmaceutical Companies. R&D Manag. 1993, 23, 287–302. [Google Scholar]
- Aloe, L. Rita Levi-Montalcini: The Discovery of Nerve Growth Factor and Modern Neurobiology. Trends Cell Biol. 2004, 14, 395–399. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Aloe, L.; Leon, A.; Levi-Montalcini, R. A Proposed Autacoid Mechanism Controlling Mastocyte Behaviour. Agents Actions 1993, 39, C145–C147. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Levi-Montalcini, R.; Skaper, S.D.; Dal Toso, R.; Petrelli, L.; Leon, A. Nerve Growth Factor: From Neurotrophin to Neurokine. Trends Neurosci. 1996, 19, 514–520. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Petrosino, S.; Schiano Moriello, A. Palmitoylethanolamide: A Nutritional Approach to Keep Neuroinflammation within Physiological Boundaries—A Systematic Review. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21, 9526. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
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MDPI and ACS Style
Cuzzocrea, S.; Crupi, R. To Go Where Nature Leads: Focus on Palmitoylethanolamide and Related ALIAmides as Innovative Approach to Neuroinflammatory and Pain-Related Disease States in Honor of Doctor Francesco Della Valle. Biomolecules 2023, 13, 1583. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13111583
AMA Style
Cuzzocrea S, Crupi R. To Go Where Nature Leads: Focus on Palmitoylethanolamide and Related ALIAmides as Innovative Approach to Neuroinflammatory and Pain-Related Disease States in Honor of Doctor Francesco Della Valle. Biomolecules. 2023; 13(11):1583. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13111583
Chicago/Turabian StyleCuzzocrea, Salvatore, and Rosalia Crupi. 2023. "To Go Where Nature Leads: Focus on Palmitoylethanolamide and Related ALIAmides as Innovative Approach to Neuroinflammatory and Pain-Related Disease States in Honor of Doctor Francesco Della Valle" Biomolecules 13, no. 11: 1583. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13111583
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