[Cannabinoid system and feeding regulation].
There is increasing evidence to suggest that the cannabinoid system is a crucial mechanism in the regulation of feeding and metabolism. It is against this background that a cannabinoid antagonist, rimonabant, is about to come onto the market for the treatment of obesity. Moreover, in addition to weight-loss effect, this drug has a beneficial effect on the so-called metabolic syndrome, with changes in the lipid and glucidic metabolism not observed for other anti-obesity drugs currently available. We present a review of current knowledge in this field and data from our own studies: genetic studies of this system in eating disorders and in obesity and studies of localization of cannabinoid receptors at sites related to feeding. These studies support a state of cannabinoid hyperactivity in obesity; furthermore, such hyperactivity can constitute a prognostic factor.
Unidad de Psiquiatría. Fundación Hospital Alcorcón. 28922 Alcorcón (Madrid). farias@fhalcorcon.es
Francisco
F
Arias Horcajadas
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology*; D004435:Eating / Q000502:physiology*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology
D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators