Neurobiological Processes Induced by Aerobic Exercise through the Endocannabinoidome

Abstract

Evidence suggesting the triangulation of the endocannabinoid system, exercise, and neurological health is emerging. In addition to the endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide; AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), the expanded endocannabinoid system, known as the endocannabinoidome (eCBome), appears to be an important player in this relationship. The eCBome includes several endocannabinoid-like mediators such as N-acylethanolamines and 2-monoacylglycerols, the enzymes involved in their biosynthesis and degradation, and the receptors they affect. This review aims to relate the functional interactions between aerobic exercise, and the molecular and cellular pathways related to endocannabinoids, in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and the periphery, with special attention given to associations with emotional state, cognition, and mental health. Given the well-documented roles of many eCBome members in regulating stress and neurological processes, we posit that the eCBome is an important effector of exercise-induced central and peripheral adaptive mechanisms that benefit mental health. Gut microbiota imbalance, affecting the gut-brain axis and metabolism, also influences certain eCBome-modulated inflammation pathways. The integrity of the gut microbiota could thus be crucial in the onset of neuroinflammation and mental conditions. Further studies on how the modulation by exercise of the peripheral eCBome affects brain functions could reveal to be key elements in the prevention and treatment of neuropsychological disorders.

Endocannabinoid System as a Promising Therapeutic Target in Inflammatory Bowel Disease – A Systematic Review

“…This complex signaling system, the so-called endocannabinoidome, is mainly concerned with the symptoms of commonly occurring neuropsychiatric disorders. As a key factor in the control of affective and cognitive functions and their pathological alterations, it also has a significant role in the microbiota-gut-brain axis ( 18 , 19 ).…”

Influence of diet on acute endocannabinoidome mediator levels post exercise in active women, a crossover randomized study

“…The alterations by either the diet or exercise, or both, of the plasma concentrations of eCBome mediators are likely to have functional consequences 1 , 8 , 57 . These molecules have several molecular targets among G protein-coupled receptors, ligand-activated ion channels and nuclear receptors, which have been implicated to different degrees in the metabolic and mood effects of food intake and exercise.…”

“…the endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG), their congeners and their analogues, the receptors they bind to, and their biosynthetic and catabolic enzymes 3 – 5 . This system influences daily biological processes such as appetite/feeding, inflammation, stress, neurogenesis, motor activity/coordination, addiction, brain reward system 4 , 6 , 7 , depression/mood 1 , 5 , 8 – 10 and circadian cycle 11 . The ECS is also a central contributor to exercise-related analgesia, sedation (post-exercise calm), anxiolysis and sense of well-being during running exertion 6 , 8 , 12 .…”

(Wh)olistic (E)ndocannabinoidome-Microbiome-Axis Modulation through (N)utrition (WHEN) to Curb Obesity and Related Disorders

“…Moreover, precision nutrition would also help understand the nature of inter-individual postprandial eCBome and microbiome responses. Additionally, a plethora of evidence [ 238 – 245 ] suggests that physical activity/exercise acts as a strong influencer of both these 'omes,' thereby modifying their baseline signalling tone and determining whether a given diet augments too little or too much the output of one rather than the other given mediator derived from fatty acids or commensal microorganisms.…”