title: Targeting the endocannabinoid system: future therapeutic strategies.
abstract: The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in many physiological regulation pathways in the human body, which makes this system the target of many drugs and therapies. In this review, we highlight the latest studies regarding the role of the ECS and the drugs that target it, with a particular focus on the basis for the discovery of new cannabinoid-based drugs. In addition, we propose some key steps, such as the creation of a cannabinoid-receptor interaction matrix (CRIM) and the use of metabolomics, toward the development of improved and more specific drugs for each relevant disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain. Electronic address: oier.aizpurua@ehu.eus.
authors.forename: Oier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Aizpurua-Olaizola
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain.
authors.forename: Izaskun
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Elezgarai
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain.
authors.forename: Irantzu
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Rico-Barrio
authors.affiliation: Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain.
authors.forename: Iratxe
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Zarandona
authors.affiliation: Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain.
authors.forename: Nestor
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Etxebarria
authors.affiliation: Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Spain.
authors.forename: Aresatz
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Usobiaga
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D063386:Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D063387:Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055808:Drug Discovery / Q000379:methods*; D063388:Endocannabinoids / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D063386:Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists; D063387:Cannabinoid Receptor Antagonists; D002186:Cannabinoids; D063388:Endocannabinoids; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid