Role of PUFAs, the precursors of endocannabinoids, in human obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) serve as precursors of the endocannabinoids (ECs) that are bioactive lipids molecules. Recent studies revealed that ECs participate in several physiological and pathological processes including obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Here we review the experimental and clinical aspects of the role of endocannabinoids in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus and the modification of the endocannabinoids by exogenously administered PUFAs. Based on these evidences, we propose that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) can be modulated by exogenous manipulation of PUFAs that could help in the prevention and management of human diseases such as obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, Instituto de Biologia Celular, Universidad Nacional de Cordoba, Ciudad Universitaria, Barros esquina Gordillo, Cordoba 5000, Argentina.
Alejandro
A
Dain
Gaston
G
Repossi
Undurti N
UN
Das
Aldo Renato
AR
Eynard
D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators / Q000502:physiology*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000503:physiopathology*; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000503:physiopathology; D009765:Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology*
D063385:Cannabinoid Receptor Modulators; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated