Endocannabinoids and the control of energy homeostasis.
Endocannabinoids (ECBs) are ubiquitous lipid mediators that act through the same G protein-coupled receptors (CB1 and CB2) that recognize plant-derived cannabinoids. As regulators of metabolism, ECBs are anabolic: they increase the intake, promote the storage, and decrease the expenditure of energy. Recent work indicates that activation of peripheral CB1 receptors by ECBs plays a key role in the hormonal/metabolic changes associated with obesity/metabolic syndrome and may be targeted for its pharmacotherapy.
Kunos
George
G
Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-9413, USA. gkunos@mail.nih.gov
Osei-Hyiaman
Douglas
D
Liu
Jie
J
Godlewski
Gregorz
G
Bátkai
Sándor
S
D000818:Animals; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / Q000819:agonists / Q000378:metabolism*; D043885:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / Q000819:agonists / Q000378:metabolism*
D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; D043885:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2