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Novel In Vivo Micro-Computed Tomography Imaging Techniques for Assessing the Progression of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

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Published on: March 24, 2023

The endocannabinoid system and liver diseases.

P Caraceni¹, M Domenicali, M Bernardi

¹Department of Internal Medicine, Cardioangiology, Hepatology, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. paolo.caraceni@unibo.it

Journal of Neuroendocrinology

|May 9, 2008

Summary

The endogenous cannabinoid (EC) system, involving CB1 and CB2 receptors, is crucial in liver disease. Targeting this system offers potential therapies for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis.

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Isolation and Characterization of Mouse Primary Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells

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Published on: December 16, 2021

Area of Science:

Hepatology
Endocrinology
Pharmacology

Background:

Endogenous cannabinoids (EC) are lipid signaling molecules mediating effects via CB1 and CB2 receptors.
While CB1/CB2 receptors are minimally expressed in healthy livers, the EC system is implicated in liver disease pathophysiology.
The EC system is upregulated in chronic liver diseases and acute liver injury.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of the endogenous cannabinoid system in liver disease.
To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting CB1 and CB2 receptors for liver conditions.

Main Methods:

Review of experimental studies and clinical observations on the EC system in liver diseases.
Analysis of the EC system's involvement in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and acute liver injury.

Main Results:

The EC system is implicated in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease pathogenesis and fibrosis progression to cirrhosis.
The EC system contributes to cardiovascular abnormalities in cirrhosis, including hyperdynamic syndrome and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.
The EC system influences cell damage and inflammation in acute liver injury, such as ischemia-reperfusion.

Conclusions:

Targeting CB1 and CB2 receptors presents potential therapeutic strategies for liver diseases.
CB1 antagonists are promising for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by reducing fat accumulation.
CB1 antagonists may slow fibrosis progression and mitigate cardiovascular alterations in advanced cirrhosis.