The endocannabinoid system: Overview of an emerging multi-faceted therapeutic target

Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2019 Jan:140:51-56. doi: 10.1016/j.plefa.2018.11.016. Epub 2018 Nov 29.

Abstract

The endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglyerol (2-AG) are endogenous lipid mediators that exert protective roles in pathophysiological conditions, including cardiovascular diseases. In this brief review, we provide a conceptual framework linking endocannabinoid signaling to the control of the cellular and molecular hallmarks, and categorize the key components of endocannabinoid signaling that may serve as targets for novel therapeutics. The emerging picture not only reinforces endocannabinoids as potent regulators of cellular metabolism but also reveals that endocannabinoid signaling is mechanistically more complex and diverse than originally thought.

Keywords: 2-arachidonoylglyerol; Anandamide; Ccardiovascular disease; Insulin resistance.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Amidohydrolases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Animals
  • Arachidonic Acids / metabolism*
  • Autocrine Communication
  • Cells / metabolism
  • Dronabinol / pharmacology
  • Endocannabinoids / metabolism*
  • Glycerides / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy*
  • Paracrine Communication
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides / metabolism*
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / agonists
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / metabolism*
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / agonists
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / metabolism*
  • Swine

Substances

  • Arachidonic Acids
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Glycerides
  • Polyunsaturated Alkamides
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2
  • Dronabinol
  • glyceryl 2-arachidonate
  • Amidohydrolases
  • fatty-acid amide hydrolase
  • anandamide