The endocannabinoid system: association with metabolic disorders and tobacco dependence.
RACKGROUND: Obesity and smoking are major health problems globally as they are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. There appears to be a link between obesity and smoking which is manifested in the endocannabiniod system. This review aims to highlight the physiologic role of the endocannabinoid system and its possible therapeutic applications.


METHODS
Literature on the endocannabiniod system was reviewed using MEDLINE/PUBMED and bibliographic searches for English language studies.


RESULTS
The endocannabiniod system is a physiological system that plays a significant role in the regulation of body metabolism, especially glucose and fat metabolism in addition to nicotine dependence with promising therapeutic application.


CONCLUSIONS
The discovery and insights into the functioning of the endocannabiniod system have made a way for new and effective therapeutic approaches. These therapies may provide an effective treatment for obesity and related risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease as well as help people to stop smoking.
Unachuku
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Department of Medicine, university of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt.
D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism*; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000378:metabolism*
D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; D005947:Glucose