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The Endocannabinoid System
Author(s) -
Boyd Steven T.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
pharmacotherapy: the journal of human pharmacology and drug therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.227
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1875-9114
pISSN - 0277-0008
DOI - 10.1592/phco.26.12part2.218s
Subject(s) - endocannabinoid system , adipose tissue , adipokine , medicine , cannabinoid receptor , endocrine system , obesity , cannabinoid , endocrinology , leptin , receptor , hormone , agonist
The endocannabinoid system is a complex physiologic system. One of the most important discoveries related to the endocannabinoid system is that cannabinoid‐1 receptors are present throughout the body and that they are linked to obesity and cardiometabolic risk. Adipose tissue was historically thought to be an inert, passive storage vehicle. However, recent findings prove that adipose tissue is a complex endocrine organ that releases adipokines, which influence cardiometabolic risk factors. Elevated endocannabinoid system activity is associated with obesity and coupled with excessive food intake and fat accumulation. Strong evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid system affects the surrogate cardiometabolic end points that greatly influence morbidity and mortality.