CB1 receptors: emerging evidence for central and peripheral mechanisms that regulate energy balance, metabolism, and cardiovascular health.

1. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2007 Oct;23(7):507-17.

CB1 receptors: emerging evidence for central and peripheral mechanisms that
regulate energy balance, metabolism, and cardiovascular health.

Cota D(1).

Author information:
(1)Department of Psychiatry, Obesity Research Center, Genome Research Institute,
University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45237, USA.

Insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and obesity are the major cardiometabolic risk
factors contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular
disease (CVD). Owing to the increasing prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes,
and CVD, new and effective pharmacologic therapies are urgently needed. In this
regard, the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS), a neuromodulatory system
involved in the regulation of various aspects of energy balance and eating
behaviour through central and peripheral mechanisms, may present the potential to
meet this need. In the central nervous system (CNS), cannabinoid type 1 (CB1)
receptors and their respective ligands, the endocannabinoids, have a significant
role in the modulation of food intake and motivation to consume palatable food.
CB1 receptors have also been found in organs involved in the regulation of
metabolic homeostasis, such as liver, white adipose tissue, muscle and pancreas.
Dysregulation of the ECS has been associated with the development of
dyslipidaemia, glucose intolerance, and obesity, and CB1 receptor blockade may
have a role in ameliorating these metabolic abnormalities. Thus, pharmacologic
options targeting the ECS may provide a novel, effective approach to the
prevention and management of CVD, type 2 diabetes and obesity.

(c) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.764
PMID: 17683024 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

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