The Endocannabinoid System, Obesity, and Insulin Resistance

摘要

Prompted by findings in the Rimonabant in Obesity trials, metabolic endocannabinoid research was started about 3 years ago. Although research is still in its infancy, the first findings have already helped us begin to understand the metabolic improvements engendered by cannabinoid-1 (CB1) blockade. Lipogenic effects of CB1 receptor (CB1-R) signaling in liver and adipose tissue may contribute to regional adipose tissue expansion and insulin resistance in the fatty liver. The association of circulating 2-arachidonoylglycerol levels with decreased insulin sensitivity strongly suggests a need to explore the role of CB1-R signaling for insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue. Clinical and experimental studies have suggested a specific role for the regulation of adiponectin secretion from adipocytes by endocannabinoids. Together, these findings open a new perspective on endocannabinoids as regulators of metabolism.