The endocannabinoid system: role in glucose and energy metabolism.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has emerged as one of the most relevant regulators of energy balance. The ECS acts through two cannabinoid receptors: types 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2). CB1 receptors are widely expressed in the brain, but are also expressed in adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, the liver, the gut, and the pancreas. Blockade of CB1 receptors causes a reduction in food intake and a sustained weight loss. This system contributes also to the control of lipid and glucose metabolism, and it is well established that blockade of CB1 receptors enhances insulin sensitivity in both humans and rodents. In obese states, endocannabinoid levels are increased and might exert unfavorable effects on insulin-sensitive tissues. This review summarizes the effects of the endocannabinoid system on glucose metabolism in humans and rodents.
Nogueiras
Ruben
R
Department of Physiology, University of Santiago de Compostela - Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IDIS), Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain. ruben.nogueiras@usc.es
Diaz-Arteaga
Adenis
A
Lockie
Sarah H
SH
Velásquez
Douglas A
DA
Tschop
Johannes
J
López
Miguel
M
Cadwell
Charles C
CC
Diéguez
Carlos
C
Tschöp
Matthias H
MH
D000818:Animals; D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / Q000378:metabolism*; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans
D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D005947:Glucose