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Peripheral endocannabinoid system activity in patients treated with sibutramine
Stefan Engeli1, Karsten Heusser, Jürgen Janke
1Franz Volhard Clinical Research Center, Medical Faculty of the Charité and HELIOS Klinikum, Berlin, Germany. stefan.engeli@charite.de
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)
|March 22, 2008
Summary
Sibutramine treatment led to weight loss in obese patients, but did not alter the peripheral endocannabinoid system (ECS). These findings suggest obesity may cause ECS dysregulation, not the other way around.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is implicated in weight gain and obesity.
- Weight loss interventions may impact obesity-related risks by modulating the peripheral ECS.
- Investigating sibutramine's effects on the peripheral ECS is crucial for understanding obesity mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of acute and chronic sibutramine treatment on the peripheral endocannabinoid system in obese patients.
- To determine if sibutramine-induced weight loss influences circulating endocannabinoids and adipose tissue ECS gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Randomized, double-blind, crossover study with 20 obese patients.
- Participants received sibutramine (15 mg/day) or placebo for 5 days, followed by 12 weeks of open-label sibutramine.
- Circulating endocannabinoids and adipose tissue ECS gene expression were measured.
Main Results:
- Sibutramine treatment resulted in significant weight loss (6.0+/-0.8 kg) after 3 months (P<0.05).
- No significant changes were observed in circulating anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol levels.
- Expression levels of endocannabinoid genes in adipose tissue remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- The ECS appears activated in obesity.
- Sibutramine-induced weight loss did not affect circulating endocannabinoids or adipose tissue ECS gene expression in obese subjects.
- Obesity may cause ECS dysregulation, rather than being a consequence of it.
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