Role of Cannabinoids in Obesity

Abstract

Obesity is an increasing health problem worldwide. Its related comorbidities imply a high cost for the National Health System and diminish a patient’s life quality. Adipose tissue is composed of three types of cells. White adipocytes are involved in fat storage and secretion of hormones. Brown adipocytes are involved in thermogenesis and caloric expenditure. Beige adipocytes are transitional adipocytes that in response to various stimuli can turn from white to brown and could be protective against the obesity, enhancing energy expenditure. The conversion of white in beige adipose tissue is a potential new therapeutic target for obesity. Cannabinoid receptors (CB) regulate thermogenesis, food intake and inflammation. CB1 ablation or inhibition helps reducing body weight and food intake. Stimulation of CB2 limits inflammation and promotes anti-obesity effects by reducing food intake and weight gain. Its genetic ablation results in adiposity development. CB receptors are also responsible for transforming white adipose tissue towards beige or brown adipocytes, therefore their modulation can be considered potential anti-obesity target. CB1 principal localization in central nervous system represents an important limit. Stimulation of CB2, principally localized on peripheral cells instead, should facilitate the anti-obesity effects without exerting remarkable psychotropic activity.

Visceral Fat Is a Negative Determinant of Bone Health in Obese Postmenopausal Women

“…Visceral adiposity may also influence bone turnover via the opioid system [34] or the endocanniboid system [35] and their receptors. Both opioid [36] and endocannabinoid systems [37] are known to play a role in the regulation of food intake and thermogenesis and the metabolic alterations associated with obesity. Lower 25(OH)D levels observed in postmenopausal women with higher VAT levels are consistent with findings in numerous studies [25,[38][39][40][41].…”

A Guide to Targeting the Endocannabinoid System in Drug Design

“…One of the main functions of ECS is the control of energy homeostasis. Endocannabinoid signaling favors energy intake and storage, as well as affects metabolism and thus it can contribute to the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome [214].…”

“…First of all, CBRs regulate the conversion of white adipose tissue (WAT) into thermogenic, positively influencing energy balance beige adipose tissue in process called browning. This transformation is enhanced either by CB1 inhibition or CB2 activation [214]. Moreover, the CB1 activation promotes adipogenesis, liver lipogenesis, and may exert a pro-inflammatory effect [215] while CB2 mediates inhibition of obese-related inflammation and thus decreases the risk of adverse outcomes in obesity [214].…”

Neutrophil Chemotaxis and NETosis in Murine Chronic Liver Injury via Cannabinoid Receptor 1/Gαi/o/ROS/p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway

“…CB1 is highly expressed in central nervous system and is also found in the periphery, including immune system and liver at a lower level, while CB2 is mainly expressed in immune cells [18]. ECS has been proven to be involved in the regulation of multiple physiological processes, such as appetite control, energy balance, pain perception, and immune response [19][20][21]. Notably CBs have been identified as pivotal regulators of acute and chronic liver injury, especially in inflammation-related liver injury [22].…”