Food for thought: endocannabinoid modulation of lipogenesis.
An emerging body of evidence implicates peripheral and central endocannabinoid pathways in the regulation of feeding behavior and body weight. A report in this issue of the JCI demonstrates the presence of a common endocannabinoid-regulated molecular pathway for peripheral lipogenic and central appetitive regulation. This pathway involves the activation of the transcription factor SREBP-1c and its associated enzymes, acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1 and fatty acid synthase, in the liver and hypothalamus. Activation of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB(1)) in liver plays a key role in increased serum lipid production, fatty liver, and possibly diet-induced obesity. Conversely, stimulation of these receptors in the hypothalamus may lead to an increase in food consumption. Thus, targeting both of these pathways with CB(1) antagonists could promote sustained weight loss and favorable serum lipid profiles in obese patients.
Lichtman
Aron H
AH
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, 23298, USA. alichtma@hsc.vcu.edu
Cravatt
Benjamin F
BF
D000818:Animals; D022762:CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / Q000378:metabolism*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D006801:Humans; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000378:metabolism; D008055:Lipids / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / Q000378:metabolism; D051780:Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000378:metabolism
D022762:CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D008055:Lipids; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; C497387:SREBF1 protein, human; D051780:Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1; D014157:Transcription Factors