Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
08:55
The Colon-26 Carcinoma Tumor-bearing Mouse as a Model for the Study of Cancer Cachexia
Published on: November 30, 2016
Endocannabinoid system in cancer cachexia.
1Section on NeuroEndocrinology, Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-9413, USA. dhyiaman@gmail.com
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
|June 15, 2007
Summary
The endocannabinoid system, through cannabinoid type 1 receptor activation, can stimulate appetite and energy storage. Further research may lead to non-psychotropic cannabinoids to combat cancer cachexia and improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Advanced cancer frequently causes anorexia and cachexia in over 60% of patients.
- The endocannabinoid system's role in these debilitating conditions is an area of active investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms by which the endocannabinoid system counteracts cancer-associated anorexia and cachexia.
- To explore therapeutic applications of the endocannabinoid system for cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on endocannabinoid system function in cancer cachexia.
- Analysis of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) signaling pathways.
- Examination of the effects of cannabinoids on appetite, lipogenesis, and inflammation.
Main Results:
- Cannabinoids activate cannabinoid type 1 receptors, stimulating appetite and food intake.
- CB1 receptor activation in hepatocytes and the hypothalamus promotes lipogenesis and energy storage.
- Cannabinoids and ghrelin modulate AMP-activated protein kinase activity in a tissue-specific manner.
- Anandamide and synthetic agonists inhibit tumor necrosis factor-alpha, an inflammatory cytokine.
Conclusions:
- Cannabinoid type 1 receptor activation promotes appetite, lipogenesis, and energy storage, offering a potential strategy against cancer cachexia.
- Developing cannabinoids with reduced psychotropic effects is crucial for effective therapeutic application in cancer patients.
- Further understanding of cancer cachexia and endocannabinoid roles can improve clinical antitumor therapy outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a phytocannabinoid that primarily interacts with the CB1 receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly in and around the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and emetic center. THC also blocks the serotonin receptor activity in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) by inhibiting serotonin release. THC exerts its anti-emetic effects through these interactions, which are beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
01:28Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
Neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors are distributed across the GI tract, vagal afferents, and key CNS regions including the central vomiting center and chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) Chemotherapy agents stimulate enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to release large amounts of substance P (SP). SP is a neuropeptide released by specific sensory nerves in response to many different stressors, including those in the GI mucosa affected by chemotherapy. SP binds and activates these...
01:30Regulation of Food Intake
Short-term regulation of food intake primarily involves neural signals from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, blood nutrient levels, and GI tract hormones. Communication between the gut and brain via vagal nerve fibers plays a significant role in evaluating the contents of the gut. Clinical studies have shown that protein ingestion produces a more prolonged response in these nerve fibers compared to an equivalent amount of glucose. Additionally, the activation of stretch receptors caused by GI...
01:19Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...
01:29Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists
Dopamine receptor antagonists, also known as antipsychotic agents, are critical in managing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. These antiemetic agents block dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), inhibiting signal transmission to the vomiting center. Antipsychotic agents encompass phenothiazines (PTZ), butyrophenones, benzamides, and thienobenzodiazepines (Zyprexa), which are utilized for their antiemetic and sedative properties.
Phenothiazines, such as prochlorperazine...
Phenothiazines, such as prochlorperazine...
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...