Endocannabinoids, metabolic regulation, and the role of diet.
Understanding the endocannabinoid system as it relates to health and disease is a relatively new area of study. The discovery and cloning of cannabinoid receptors have prompted an increase in research aimed at identifying endogenous ligands ("endocannabinoids") and how these receptors and ligands regulate a variety of physiologic and pathologic events that include bone formation, the cardiovascular system, appetite control, and energy metabolism. With regard to nutrition, researchers have begun to ask whether the known effects of diet on metabolic processes are mediated through endocannabinoids and their receptors. Although only a few studies have been conducted that directly address the role of diet, results indicate that endocannabinoids can be regulated by eating frequency and by specific dietary components, particularly fatty acids. This review provides an overview of the endocannabinoid system and its control of metabolism, with emphasis on the impact of diet.
Carr
Timothy P
TP
Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0806, USA. tcarr2@unl.edu
Jesch
Elliot D
ED
Brown
Andrew W
AW
D000818:Animals; D001069:Appetite Regulation; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / Q000502:physiology*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / Q000502:physiology*
D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D004041:Dietary Fats; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1