The role of endocannabinoids in gonadal function and fertility along the evolutionary axis

Abstract

Endocannabinoids are natural lipids able to bind to cannabinoid and vanilloid receptors. Their biological actions at the central and peripheral level are under the tight control of the proteins responsible for their synthesis, transport and degradation. In the last few years, several reports have pointed out these lipid mediators as critical signals, together with sex hormones and cytokines, in various aspects of animal and human reproduction. The identification of anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in reproductive cells and tissues of invertebrates, vertebrates and mammals highlights the key role played by these endogenous compounds along the evolutionary axis. Here, we review the main actions of endocannabinoids on female and male reproductive events, and discuss the interplay between them, steroid hormones and cytokines in regulating fertility. In addition, we discuss the involvement of endocannabinoid signalling in ensuring a correct chromatin remodeling, and hence a good DNA quality, in sperm cells.

Peripheral Endocannabinoid System Dysregulation in First-Episode Psychosis

“…It was expected to find differences in FAAH expression between genders, as its activity is regulated by sexual hormones (mainly progesterone and estrogens; Battista et al, 2012;Lazzarin et al, 2004). Knowing that males have a higher lifetime risk of developing schizophrenia (with a male-female relative risk of about 1.4 (Aleman et al, 2003;McGrath et al, 2004)), the different FAAH expression found in this study could be one of the factors involved in these risk differences between genders.…”

“…Given that the expression of the ECS can be modified by aging (Bilkei-Gorzo, 2012), can be different between genders (Battista et al, 2012) and it is related to sustained food intake (Di Marzo et al, 2001), analyses were controlled for age, gender, and BMI. Model 1 included the expression of every ECS marker.…”

Endocannabinoids and Kisspeptins: Two Modulators in Fight for the Regulation of GnRH Activity

“…In females, ECBs represent fertility signals in folliculogenesis, follicle maturation, oocyte maturation and ovulation (El-Talatini et al, 2009). Then, ECBs and CBs drive embryo transport, survival, implantation, development and growth, placentation and labour (Battista et al, 2012). Consistently, marijuana smokers exhibit several reproductive dysfunctions such as decreased LH levels in both sexes, decreased testosterone level, decreased sperm quality (oligospermia), sperm abnormality and block of acrosome reaction in males, whereas menstrual cycle disorders, reduced birth rates, preterm birth, low foetal birth weight have been described in women (Bari et al, 2011;Wang et al, 2006).…”

“…Nowadays, ECS elements have been identified in the central and peripheral nervous system as well as in gonads and gametes, demonstrating a deep involvement of the system in the control of reproductive functions, both at central and local level (Battista et al, 2012).…”

“…In males, ECS modulates the progression of spermatogenesis, spermatozoa functions and the activity of testicular somatic cells in mammalian, non-mammalian vertebrates as well as in invertebrates. (Battista et al, 2012;Cacciola et al 2008;Cobellis et al, 2006;Cottone et al, 2008;Grimaldi et al, 2009;Maccarrone et al, 2003Maccarrone et al, , 2005Pierantoni et al, 2009, Schuel et al, 1991Wang et al, 2006). In females, ECBs represent fertility signals in folliculogenesis, follicle maturation, oocyte maturation and ovulation (El-Talatini et al, 2009).…”