Endocannabinoids, related compounds and their metabolic routes

Molecules. 2014 Oct 24;19(11):17078-106. doi: 10.3390/molecules191117078.

Abstract

Endocannabinoids are lipid mediators able to bind to and activate cannabinoid receptors, the primary molecular targets responsible for the pharmacological effects of the Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. These bioactive lipids belong mainly to two classes of compounds: N-acylethanolamines and acylesters, being N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), respectively, their main representatives. During the last twenty years, an ever growing number of fatty acid derivatives (endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-like compounds) have been discovered and their activities biological is the subject of intense investigations. Here, the most recent advances, from a therapeutic point of view, on endocannabinoids, related compounds, and their metabolic routes will be reviewed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arachidonic Acids / metabolism
  • Dronabinol / metabolism
  • Endocannabinoids / metabolism*
  • Ethanolamines / metabolism
  • Fatty Acids / metabolism
  • Glycerides / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides

Substances

  • Arachidonic Acids
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Ethanolamines
  • Fatty Acids
  • Glycerides
  • N-acylethanolamines
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides
  • Dronabinol
  • glyceryl 2-arachidonate
  • anandamide