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The endocannabinoid system in the adipose organ
Kwang-Mook Jung1, Lin Lin1, Daniele Piomelli2,3,4
1Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, 3101 Gillespie NRF, Irvine, CA, 92697-1275, USA.
Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
|January 2, 2021
Summary
The endocannabinoid system regulates fat tissue functions, but its overactivity links to obesity. Blocking cannabinoid receptors (CB1) shows mixed results for obesity treatment due to brain side effects.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- The endocannabinoid system, comprising cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2), endogenous ligands (anandamide, 2-AG), and associated enzymes/transporters, influences numerous physiological processes.
- This system is present in adipose tissue, regulating key metabolic functions like adipogenesis, lipogenesis, and thermogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of the endocannabinoid system in adipose tissue homeostasis.
- To investigate the association between endocannabinoid activity and obesity.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting the endocannabinoid system for obesity treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and clinical research on the endocannabinoid system in obesity.
- Analysis of the molecular components and signaling pathways within adipose tissue.
- Examination of the effects of CB1 receptor antagonism in obesity models.
Main Results:
- Obesity is linked to heightened endocannabinoid activity in visceral fat.
- Therapeutic strategies targeting CB1 receptors have yielded mixed outcomes.
- Psychiatric side effects arise from blocking CB1 receptors due to their role in brain mood regulation.
Conclusions:
- The endocannabinoid system plays a significant role in adipose tissue function and obesity pathogenesis.
- Targeting the endocannabinoid system for obesity requires careful consideration of central nervous system effects.
- Further research into the adipose endocannabinoid system may reveal novel therapeutic avenues for obesity.
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